I competed in various Speech events throughout high school and have been judging Speech & Debate for 5 years now, but this is only my second tournament judging PF. I come from a Congress and Speech background, so I prioritize annunciation and clarity over speed. I'm not familiar with the resolution.

I really value well-structured and organized arguments--be thoughtful in the order you present your evidence. I appreciate addressing your opponent's arguments head-on and engaging with their complexity/nuance. Bonus points if you're able to rebut an opponent's response to your crossfire questions.

I also favor when debaters do a good job narrowing down the debate to a few voting points and making a compelling case for why those are the most important voting points.

Finally, if you plan on reading arguments about sensitive topics, please provide a trigger/content warning before the round.

Head Speech & Debate Coach

Atlee High School

Hanover County Public School

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Adjunct Instructor of Communication Studies

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, Virginia

Virginia High School League

Student Congress Parliamentarian

Lincoln-Douglas

Public Forum

Policy

All Speech events

VHSL Clerk of Congress

Qualified student congress parliamentarian and author of the VHSL Handbook on serving as a parliamentarian.

Can judge all Speech events and Student Congress in any capacity.

Can run tab room, extemp prep, and prepare tournament schematics.

LD: Convince me that your value is the better choice presented for the current debate topic. I value clear, persuasive delivery of organized and logical arguments presented in a respectful, professional manner.

PF: Convince me that your arguments on the current topic are stronger/more desirable than the opposing arguments. Present and support your arguments in a clear and organized manner and explain why/how they outweigh those of your opponents through direct clash. I value clear, persuasive delivery above speed and expect all debaters to be respectful and professional at all times.