Be respectful to each other.

Please don't speak overly fast.

Make your impacts, framework, and important clash clear.

Be clear on what each side's burden is.

I do not favor spreading; keep a reasonable pace to your arguments.

Background

I debated Lincoln Douglas for four years at Durham Academy in North Carolina, where I placed 9th at NSDAs and attended TOC.

Paradigm (LD)

The most important thing to winning my ballot is weighing. I try to evaluate the round as objectively as possible, so in your 2AR/NR you need to explain the layers of the debate and why I should prefer your arguments. If you don't adequately extend or impact an argument, I will have a tough time voting for it. Besides that, I evaluate all arguments on the flow. Below are some considerations:

Substance
I read all types of arguments in high school (philosophy, plans, disads, meta standards, etc), so feel free to read what you feel most comfortable with. That said, I especially enjoy nuanced and non-traditional positions (post-modernism, obscure-yet-topical authors, etc) , and will reward them with higher speaks. I award speaker points primarily based on organization and strategy. Please don't ask me to disclose speaks.

Speed
I am more than comfortable with speed, so long as you are clear (and I will shout "clear" or "slow" if you aren't). Please slow down for tags, plan texts, interps, etc.

Theory / Topicality
I see theory as a response to legitimate abuse, and have a very low tolerance for abusive arguments (multiple a prioris, PICs, abusive definitions, etc). I default to reasonability on clear-cut abuse, but can be persuaded to evaluate competing interpretations, assuming the abuse is not clear. That said, I do not enjoy watching theory debates, and would much prefer you point out the abuse to me as the judge, and get back to substance.

Kritiks
Kritiks, like theory or topicality, are a way of questioning the pre-fiat implications of your opponents' position. As a result, Kritiks must link to a practice your opponent performed, and there must exist a relatively predictable/reasonable way your opponent could have anticipated or predicted that this practice was bad. For example, I will not vote on an argument saying "the aff doesn't address black feminism", because it is unreasonable to expect the aff to read black feminism every round. For that reason, I am most willing to vote on stock, topical kritiks (like neoliberalism, colonialism, biopower, etc).

TL;DR

Talk Fast. Weigh. Don't be Abusive.

Short Version:

I debated in high school (very traditional policy) and college (parli, just one year). I teach English. While I coach LD, l prefer a good traditional-style Lincoln-Douglas debate. This is not Policy. I look for solid clash of values throughout, and would prefer that you avoid jargon as much as possible. A thoughtful and well-supported value structure is more important to me than individual cards, and everything you discuss should be related to your framework.

Full Version:

Judging Style:

I really like to see good clash. I find it easiest to vote for you if you have a thoughtful, solid framework which is well supported by all of your contentions and evidence. Impacts are extremely important to me. While I think the best debate is traditional in style, I'm open to seeing creative approaches, but only to a limited extent. I have a B.A. in Philosophy, so I'm very comfortable with any philosophical arguments you might want to run. Feel free to be complex, but I will be able to tell if you misrepresent or misunderstand the philosophy.

Speaks:

I generally stick to a range of 26-29, with 26 being average or slightly below, 27 being decent, 28 being good, and 29 being excellent. I typically reserve 30 for persuasive, perfect speech. If you are being truly unnecessarily rude, or use racist/sexist/homophobic/etc. language, then I will rank you lower than this range.

Speed:

For me, this is related to speaker points. I'm fine with speaking quickly, but believe that spreading has no place in debate and is, at its core, abusive. If you spread, I will drop you.

Flashing:

I'm fine if you want to flash your case, cards, whatever to your opponent, so long as there is mutual agreement. I'm not interested in reading your case, though. I will only evaluate you on what is spoken during the round. This is not an essay contest. The only material I will ask to see during or after the round might be specific cards, if questions about them become relevant to the debate.

Regarding time, just don't waste it. I don't typically count the time taken to flash toward prep, unless you're clearly taking advantage.

Ks

I don't generally love these, but I'm happy to entertain a really well constructed K. You'll have an uphill battle, you really need warrant, and I won't typically default away from the resolution, but you could still convince me that you deserve my vote with a good K.

DAs

I'm OK with these, but they need to be impacted. I tend to treat these as just another argument.

Theory:

I have a pretty low tolerance for these, but will accept a thoughtful theory shell, especially if there is a potentially clear instance of abuse. You need warrant, and should carefully explain interps.

Flex Prep/CX:

I will not allow the use of flex prep.

General Comments:

I've probably left out my thoughts on some aspects of debate, so please ask questions if you have them. I'll do my best to answer. What I'm really hoping to see is a sportsmanlike debate that is thoughtful. While there are some strategies that I believe are inherently abusive, I will at least hear you out if you make an earnest effort to have a good academic debate.

Background

I did LD in Colorado for four years and befriended several policy debaters along the way, so I'm willing to listen to any argument regardless of how you package it. That being said, remember that at the end of the day, LD is a value-based debate.

Substance

You're most likely to convince me by linking arguments to framework - be explicit about your claims and how they relate to the value debate. I enjoy hearing unique arguments if you make a convincing link to the resolution, so feel free to run critical theory and the like, just tell me how it's relevant and why I should care. I'm really not a fan of anything gimmicky and have little patience for debates about debate unless I think there's legitimate abuse going on. Overall, as with many things in life, quality > quantity.

Style

I'm fine with speed and any type of argument as long as your opponent understands you on both counts. I appreciate clear roadmaps & signposting, and the cleaner you are on the flow, the better. Be respectful and enjoy each round - debate is best, in my opinion, when we don't take ourselves too seriously :)

I am a Parent judge with limited experience. Please go Traditional. Keep things simple.

If I can't understand what you're saying, I will assume you didn't say it, so please speak clearly and don't spread. No K's, Please no full theory shells, and definitely no tricks.

Would like to see signposting. If you are extending an argument, please mention it. If I can't understand your framework, I can't weigh it. Please present and weigh voters against your framework.

Please remain courteous and respectful of your opponent.

Thank you and good luck!

I am a head coach and have been coaching for thirteen years. I thoroughly enjoy all of the events that our organization sponsors and deeply appreciate the critical thinking and communication skills they promote. For debate, I can appreciate a range of styles and approaches. While I don't mind a brisk speed when it is necessary to incorporate a variety of legitimate arguments in case or rebuttal, when it is used primarily as a weapon to overwhelm an opponent with accusations of dropped cards (in particular), I admit my patience can grow thin. You also don't have to win every bit of the flow (or pretend to) to win a round for me. You may even honestly concede minor points and cards/warrants. The important thing is to win the main arguments, wherever they happen to occur in the flow. Therefore, your job is to help me weigh what the most essential arguments are towards the end of the round. That is not to say that I don't value line-by-line coverage of the flow in rebuttal, and that dropped points are of no concern. And it is possible that accidentally dropping major points (usually by poor time distribution) could result in a fairly automatic loss. It's just that all things being equal, I value winning the major points of the debate over thoroughness of coverage.

Pre-Round Overview for competitors - Updated September 2022

Overview: I have not judged much in the past few years so you may need to take extra care with clarity and speed. I recently got settled into a new home and married ect so i have some time to judge debates. I see debate as a competitive educational activity. I am probably the best judge for more policy centric debates, but I have familiarity with some critical literature and critical debates. From a theoretical standpoint preserving competitive equity is more important than education to me, but without either of these aspects debate would cease to be what it is.

Preference for Specificity: I prefer specificity to generic argumentation in all things: theory, affirmative case structure, DA/CPs/Ks/Diversity. I prefer a few good well warranted cards over a few short cards that lack warrants.

Communication/Flowing: Debate is first and foremost an activity based on communicating ideas. Line-by-Line debating and signposting are crucial if you want to make sure my flow looks like yours. I read evidence, but primarily decide based off of my flow. 

Be respectful of your opponents and teammates.

Note: Remember this is simply a list of my predispositions with the exception that No Value to Life arguments will not get you anywhere. We all bring parts of ourselves into debates and this is one pre-disposition that I have more strongly than others. 

Longer Version - Read if you want to know my predispositions on a specific topic or my background.

Background: I debated in HS and college. I have not judged much over the past few years, but wanted to try and give back a bit now that my life has settled down.

Topicality: Specificity is key. On both sides provide a clear interpretation of what cases and other arguments are allowed and not allowed and then impact why this is better for debate than the other team’s interpretation. Topicality is always a voting issue and never a reverse voting issue.

Affirmative case structure: I prefer well developed advantages to three card wonders.

Counterplans: Conditionality is generally good. Some types of conditionality and advocacies when combined can easily be seen as not good. Multiple conditional advocacies can be problematic. Specific solvency literature can help a lot to justify otherwise problematic arguments. Object fiat is never cool.

Kritiks: I am well versed in some critical literature (mainly related to the ways power relations impact interpersonal and group dynamics or in relation to mental health), but do not assume that I know your argument. These arguments are often debated in a way that can miss the largest points authors make, but I try to leave my bias at the door. I view myself as a policymaker unless explicitly asked to view myself in another role (informed citizen ect.). Framing is crucial when teams are debating in different styles to encourage clash and make the round clearer to judge. I prefer to intervene the least amount possible in deciding rounds.

C-X: I flow cross-examination and feel that it is the most underutilized portion of the debate. Good debaters use it to set up arguments.

I have a fairly straightforward perspective on my judging preferences. I am very much a traditional flow judge. I do not prefer progressive styles. I don't prefer spreading, and if a debater speaks so quickly that I have trouble understanding them, I will not be able to prefer their arguments.

Backing up your arguments with convincing evidence and telling me specifically why I should prefer your evidence over your opponent's will help you win the round. Extending your arguments throughout the flow and pointing out to me any concessions your opponent made in cross-ex or any arguments dropped by your opponent will greatly strengthen your case. Voter issues are helpful. Explain to me the reasons for why you believe you won the round. Clarity of thought and logic for me will trump fast speech every time.

Past Experience: I debated in North Carolina from 2012-2016. I’m currently a PhD student in robotics and AI ethics at UT Austin and previously attended MIT, and did a concentration in Latin American politics and political philosophy. I was the district champion in the Tarheel East District and went to nationals my senior year, qualified for CFLs my junior and senior year, and placed 3rd at States my senior year. I made it to out rounds at Wake Forest. I've been judging/coaching off and on since 2016. I debated in both traditional and progressive styles, and have no implicit preference between the two. Both paradigms are below:

Traditional Paradigm: I’ll evaluate any argument you make in the context you make it. That being said, don’t take advantage of my paradigm to be abusive. If you use speed to overwhelm your opponent or employ other tricky or gimmicky strategies, I will probably be annoyed (as will your opponent) – I like to see actual clash of arguments, not a race to give the most arguments. The faster you talk, the higher burden you have to make thoughtful, powerful arguments, not just a multitude of weak ones. I can understand spread fine, but given the virtual format, spreading is probably a suboptimal strategy.

I give higher weight to framework consistency over contention level/statistical disputes – if you are clearly winning the framework debate, link your framework to the resolution, and can impact off it effectively, you’ll almost certainly get the win. I don’t expect either debater to be an expert on the literature, so focus more on winning the core of the value criterion debate than specific pieces of evidence. I won’t drop you for dropping a card if you use that time to extend meaningful impacts directly linked to the resolution. Tell me what I should care about and why.

For speaker points: everyone starts out with a 28 in my book. If you do good things (clear argument structure, signposting, well organized rebuttals [I LOVE when debaters number/label their arguments for me, it makes the flow much neater], etc.) I’ll reward you. If you do bad things (e.g. poor organization in your rebuttal) I’ll dock points. I’ll clearly explain my reasoning on the ballot and am happy to give additional feedback if requested. Given the virtual format, I’ll pay more attention to argument structure than how you actually sound and in general am lenient with speaker points.

Acknowledgement: Historically, women and minorities have been docked points in debate* for coming off "too aggressive," etc. I won't do that. Be as aggressive as you want.

* http://vbriefly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Tartakovsky_Tabroom_Analysis.pdf

Quote Kanye, get a 30**. That's the rule.

**unless you're losing and the tournament doesn't allow low point wins. Regardless, I'll give you the max speaks I can.

Note: you can convincingly win cross-examination without being condescending. Make strong arguments and ask difficult questions/put your opponent on the spot, but there's a difference between aggression and condescension.

I’m excited to hear your cases, just be respectful to your opponent and let’s have some fun!

for file exchange/comments/questions/concerns/additional feedback: kyle.morgenstein@gmail.com

Progressive Stuff, if that's your thing:

TLDR: do whatever you want, but I'm a hard ass about links. Otherwise, you can probably convince me to vote on almost anything. Tech > truth, usually. Ask me to clarify if this matters to you.

In general: Reading a card is not a warrant. Reading a card AND PROVIDING ANALYSIS is a warrant. Explain to me the mechanism for how you justify your claims. Why should I prefer your study over theirs? Why should I prefer this analytic over emperics? I care more about your link tree than about whether or not you get to existential impacts.

Kritiks: I love 'em, K affs are fine, and I can generally follow the literature, just make sure you slow down for the links. I have a very high standard for links (in general, but especially with Ks) so make sure those are clear. Explicitly tell me what the roll of the ballot is. Why does voting for the K matter, and why is that more important than arguing the resolution at face value? My only pet peeve with K debaters is if your opponent clearly can't/doesn't understand the argument. If that happens just slow down a little, make it clear; you'll do better in front of me if your opponent understands why they're losing to the K than if you just spread DnG while your opponent fights back tears. Otherwise, I'll evaluate any argument you make in front of me if you can justify it/it isn't literally racist/sexist/etc.

Theory: Please don't make me evaluate theory that isn't in standard shell form. Give me the violation, link, impact, role of the ballot, etc., and I'm happy enough. I'm kind of bored of the same education and fairness arguments. If an actual violation happened and you're using theory defensively, fine, but if you're going for theory as a strategy at least make it interesting.

Topicality: yeah fine, do what you want.

LARP/Policy Stuff (Plans, CPs, Disads, Multiple Advocacies, etc.): Same as before, I'm happy to evaluate it, just make the links clear and if your opponent is struggling to keep up, slow down on the tags/flash case.

Tricks: I'd rather you didn't. But if you do, justify it. I'll let you run your spike if it's clear why you deserve it. I'm not going to give you the win because you fit in the 8 words it takes to say "aff gets RVIs cuz time skew is unfair" but debate is a game and I'll evaluate any strategy you want to try to use to win it.

Performance Stuff: Honestly I think these type of debates are super interesting and I'm happy to vote for it if your link is good (I'm a broken record about links, I know). If you have a trad opponent I expect you to take the time to explain it to them: if you're going to argue that debate space is best filled by this performance and lead to XYZ real world impacts, then making sure we're all along for the ride is key. This is maybe the only type of argument for which I expect you to persuade me is authentic.

Role of the Ballot: lol you tell me. To me it's just pressing a button but if it means something more significant than that, tell me about it.

This is my first year judging in Speech and Debate Competitions, so I am a Lay Judge.

What I am looking for in a debate:

-Clear arguments supported by proper and reliable evidence and analysis

-Speaker should respect the opponent at all times

-The speaker should notify the judge when they will start their arguments

-DO NOT SPREAD

-Both sides should tell me how to weigh the round

-Quality over Quantity

I have judged debate since 2001. From 2014-2021 I coached Public Forum and Speech events. I retired after 8 years as the Co-Director of Speech and Debate at Cary Academy in North Carolina in 2021.

DEBATE: In debate (LD/PF) I look for clear claims, evidence and links to logical, clear impacts showing contextual analysis. I flow each round and look for you to bring your arguments through the round, tell me the clash and how I should weigh.

I judge as if this activity is preparing you for the real world. I won't flow what I have to work too hard to follow or translate (read speed). Asking for evidence for common sense issues won't count either. You can use flow jargon, but tell me why. You want me to flow across the round? cross apply? for instance, tell me why. Don't exaggerate your evidence. Finally - I'm not here to show you how smart or clever I am by pretending to understand some sesquipedalian or sophomoric arguments (see what I did there?)- that means. 1.) do a kritik and you are going to lose because you failed to acknowledge that ideas can conflict and are worthy of discussion; 2.) "the tech over truthers" and other silly judging paradigms don't make you a more articulate conveyor of ideas once you have to "adult". I will know the topic, but judge like a lay judge. Convince me. Have fun and enjoy the activity!

CONGRESS: Well researched unique takes on a resolution are important. Simple stock arguments and analysis is easy. I look for you to look deeper into the consequences/outcome of passage. Don't rehash, not only is it boring but it suggests you needed to listen more closely. Refutation of previous speeches shows careful analysis in the moment and it shows you have more than the case you wrote the night before (even if you did :)). Presentation is also important. I don't like BS for the sake of being a good presenter but a balance of solid research, thoughtful analysis, ambitious and relevant refutation from a persuasive speaker will get high marks!

This is my third year judging - I judge Congressional Debate and Lincoln-Douglas, and occasionally have the pleasure of being entertained with speech performances. I have been a practicing attorney for 26 years, both in the trial, transactional, and appellate worlds. While in public practice I spent significant time drafting model legislation for use by the multiple states and testifying on its behalf in the Maine Legislature. I love policy. I love the art of persuasion. I value the ability to argue both sides of any issue. I enjoy pointed and concise argument. Be professional, be kind, and, most importantly, have fun.

I am a parent judge who has been judging LD in eastern North Carolina for the past two years. I appreciate the challenges and pressure that competitive debating brings, and as such insist that a cordial and respectful environment be maintained at all times. This will ensure space for the highest level of thought and expression.

The most important points that I respond to in a successful debate are:

1) Clear logic and articulated support. Preferably argued under an overarching structure where evidence can be understood through tangential relationships, and not a series of unrelated statements.

2) Composed and effective communication, including body language as well as verbal skills.

3) Intellectual agility- the ability to quickly craft and articulate thoughtful positions in a short time frame.

If these points are present I am confident that you will be a very strong debater, and gain as much as possible from these exceptional educational opportunities.

There are however a few things that hinder my ability to evaluate information and arguments as fairly as possible. Primarily speed is a detriment to my ability to synthesize the arguments being offered. Please no spreading. Also, as a lay judge I prefer traditional debate styles. Stay on topic and debate the merits of the given topic. It will allow for my fullest engagement and fairest evaluation.

I would expect the contestants to have thoughtful cases, speak clearly at a speed that can be understood by a person who may not be familiar with the topic. Be respectable, smile and have fun!

I am a Lay Judge, and look for consistency in your arguments. Please make sure you do not spread (speed read), or else i will not be able to understand your arguments and evaluate. Please make voter issues clear, so that I can make my decision easier. i would also prefer if your arguments were not too out-landish.

I am a first generation Cuban-American who grew up in rural NC (so my Spanish is weak at best). I competed in speech (poetry and prose interpretation mostly) in both middle and high school. I have had two children compete in debate so I am aware for both formal rules and conventions.

I am a veterinary pathologist with extensive diagnostic and research experience (including covid studies); I also am a huge history buff. So I will probably know if your science or history is wrong / out of context / or misleading. That said, I do not penalize the speaker unless the error is egregious, meaning that a reasonable person would know the speaker is in factual error off the top of their head. Otherwise, I expected the opposing side to point out the error themselves. I do penalize if the opposition misquotes the other sides argument.

Please do not speak so quickly I cannot understand what you are saying.

And good luck!

I competed in Lincoln Douglas for 3 years in New Mexico, which is a fairly traditional circuit. I've had experience with more progressive debate both through my participation with SWSDI and generally being up to date with CX strategy.

Debate Paradigms
I believe LD is, at its core, a value-driven debate, so I hold the framework debate quite highly in my consideration. This doesn't mean I want you to spend half of the 1AR/NC on the framework debate. I really don't care whether you have a debate or drop your framework and choose to run with your opponents -- I do, however, need your arguments to uphold your value. When I make my ultimate decision on the round, I will weigh each of the major arguments on the winning value. Make this easy for me by making the link from your impacts to the value clear. If I don't think it's important on the value, I don't really care who wins that argument.

Progressive/Traditional Debate
You're free to talk as fast as you want. I'll yell "clear" if you need to slow down and/or annunciate better. You should also pay attention to my facial expressions -- you'll know if you're talking too quickly.
I've run Ks, Ts, and theory shells before, but it's been four years. You're free to run them, just make sure 1) they're relevant and necessary to the round (aka explicitly state your impacts), and 2) you explain everything quite clearly.
I've been steeped in a lot of critical theory throughout my education, so there's a pretty high chance I'll know what you're talking about if you run some critical theory.

General Paradigms
Don't be rude.
Please, for the love of God, signpost. Clean flow = happy judge
Again, pay attention to my facial expressions. I'm pretty good about emoting whether or not I buy your argument -- and if I don't, it's probably in your best interest to slow down/explain your logic and evidence more clearly.
I'm fine with flex prep as long as you also have an actual substantial 3 minutes of CX. Put it this way -- CX can bleed into prep, prep cannot bleed into CX.
I drop my pen once time ends. You're free to keep talking, but nothing's making it onto the flow. Actually, strike that. Stop talking once time ends.
I care deeply about evidence in rounds -- please engage the actual statistics and articles your opponent's using, even if it's just "prefer my card because _____." I will ask for any cards I might need to look at for clarification, but if you don't argue it, I can't vote on it. I'll just end up writing my notes about the evidence and not vote on that card -- but don't make me do that.