I am tabula rasa; did policy debate in HS and college. Fine with speed and K.

Hey there Debaters (and possible speech-kids)!

My name is Samarth Mannikeri, and I'm mainly a "speech person". Currently, as a captain of my speech and debate team at Pennsbury High School in Fairless Hills, PA, I majoritively participate in Extemp (nationally qualified) and, sometimes, Declamation. However, I have participated in World Schools Debate at NSDA Nationals and Big Questions, so I am very familiar with the debate-side-of-the-world. My email is mannikerisamarth@gmail.com, so please, feel free to contact me if you want further elaboration on your ballot. Here are a few things to keep in mind while I am judging for you.

TL;DR -- Do your thing. Just keep your flow going and do your best; anything works! Depict good communication skills and try to elaborate as much as you can on your arguments! and be nice! :) Any rudeness, discrimination, or any negative comments will NOT be dismissed and will be used AGAINST you during your rounds. (Keep in mind, this may be an automatic WIN for the opponent).

Key Points:

- Keep it structured like an argumentative paper! (Intro, three points, conclusion [with several sub-points in your main points])

- Bring the VOLUME, not the PACE! In other words, try to SPEAK CLEARLY and LOUDLY, but not FAST!

- Repetitive contentions are allowed any time!

- I will use arguments, preparation, and speaking skills made to make my decision. Please make sure to participate at your best effort.

- I am a tabula rasa judge, which basically means I'll buy any argument as long as you are able to convince me of its purpose in the round and create a really nuanced argument and case.

- If you're going to run theory do it well. The same thing applies to Kritiks. Don't just read a block of text at me.

- I am a big fan of the philosophy aspect of LD so you'll definitely get lots of points if you can successfully incorporate your values throughout your case.

- Speed: NO SPREADING especially if your opponent is not okay with it.

- Flowing: Please sign post but I'm a pretty flay judge.

- Cross X: Everything in CX counts for me but only if you bring it back up in your constructive so if your opponent makes a concession and you don't bring it up it doesn't matter anymore but if you do I'll use it going forward. I like aggressive CX but don't be rude. You will get dropped.

- Prep Time: I allow flex prep.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask! AND, ALWAYS REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN! :)

I am tabula rasa when it comes to judging. I expect competitors to tell me the judging criterion for the round in their constructive speeches and then explain how they have won the round using the judging criterion for the round.

I like a clean flow, so make sure you are signposting as you go along. In other words, tell me where on my flow pad to put the argument you are making/evidence you are using. Be sure to tell me where to cross apply your arguments and evidence. Don't assume I will automatically know where to put it and do it for you.

I debated and competed in individual events in high school and college (NSDA was the NFL back then!). I enjoy everything from topicality to counterplans to kritiques. I was that kid, who ran a space case when the topic as on the earth's oceans way back in the day.

I am open to taking the round wherever competitors want to take it. With that said when it comes to K, I do have a bias towards the resolution as it is written. The presumption is that competitors should be debating it unless they provide compelling arguments and evidence to the contrary. If you are going to think outside the resolution, make sure you are providing sound arguments to compel me to go there with you as your judge.

Debate is fun. It is more than okay to be passionate about your case and your position. It is not okay to be rude to another competitor.

I value organization and clarity--in speaking and in debating. Numbering your theses or points you are making helps me and the rest of the teams to understand your point. I know you have a lot to say, but make sure you are speaking at a conversational pace. If you speak very quickly, you might stumble over your words and thoughts, so be thoughtful about what you want to say and don't jam in every single possible argument.