I operate from the perspective that the role of the debaters is not to demonstrate how much they know about the subject, but to make their arguments clear and understandable to the judge and their competitors. If you talk too fast, to try and cram in too much information, it's likely I won't understand what you are trying to tell me. Focus on a few key points and support them with only as many facts as are needed.

When rebutting, restate your key points and target the weakest points of your opponent. Convince me you deserve to win by making sure I understand what your position is and how you will defend.

I promise I will give a lot of feedback.

Hello - I have been judging for a couple years now. Please speak clearly - Speaking quickly is okay, but please do not spread. In summary and final focus my preference is that you make a logical argument based off the evidence, but no need to repeat the cards. Etiquette is important to me. You will receive higher speaker points if you are polite to opponents. I know how much prep work this takes and I am impressed you are here! Good luck today.

Former Policy debator

Frequently judge in both speech and debate events (judging as of 2017).

In events involving cross-x, fine with rapid fire style of questioning so long as it's civil and not rude.

For Debate events, particularly PoFo and Policy, tend to vote based on Topicality. Flow judge, ok with spreading (though can be problematic with virtual tournaments if bandwidth/audio gets choppy).

For I.E. Speech events, determine rankings based on overall cohesiveness of supporting arguments, clear layout and roadmap, body language, facial expressions, pacing of speech, vocal tonal variation, and delivery. For OO/Duo Interp, clear transitions and being able to follow performer(s) interpretation of piece, along with all other criteria listed above for I.E.

I'm a lay judge that believes the winning team should have clear arguments they extend and defend well with impacts. If you talk too fast I may miss what you are trying to communicate so spread at your own risk. I don't have experience with theory or ks but I will understand framework if it is explained well. I want your evidence to back up what you are saying and prove why your evidence is more true than your opponents. Please be polite and respectful of your opponents. Good luck!

I am a second year judge. I will judge off the flow, your delivery, logic, refutation merit, and overall cohesiveness. I appreciate unique and creative arguments. Please do not be aggressive and try to speak slowly. Good luck!

LAY JUDGE

Just a few things to keep in mind:

* Please talk at a conversational/lecture speed (if you spread I will not understand you).

* Explain abbreviations.

* Be respectful to your opponents.

Good luck!

I am a dad of 3 and one of them is in public forum so I judge in public forum. I like proper understandable speaking with proper formal language. I can follow fast speech as long as you speak clearly. If you bring up complicated topics make sure you explain them to me. I weigh mainly based off skill and impact and award based off that. I don't time in rounds so you will have to do that for yourself.

I am a judge for Dougherty Valley High School for Public Forum debate events. I will award speaker points based on how easy the speeches are to understand and the clarity of thought/presentation of the speakers. I encourage debaters to limit the use of filler words, such as "um," or "like." At the end of a debate, I listen to the emphasized words in speeches to help me understand which words are important to the arguments presented. This is also another outlet for awarding speaker points!

During cross ex I would appreciate if the students didn't scream at each other. Good luck to all the debaters!!!

Hi, I am Jeff Ward. I am a parent judge, so I am relatively new to all of this. Please speak slowly and clearly so I can understand you. If you say anything offensive you are at risk of being dropped. This will be at my discretion. Please ask your opponents about there pronouns and do not misgender them in the round. I go by he/him.

I'm a second year judge. I prefer the participants to talk at normal speed.