I believe that every student has the potential to excel in speech and debate.

I look for Students that show hard work and understanding of their IE selections.

I like to see them polished/ no rough drafts

Students should show they have an understanding of the selection they are presenting.

Selection should be entertaining and also have merit.

I have no pref for oratory and info. I want a solid selection with evidence to support it.

virtual should be the same as in person style wise other wise I feel it isn't fair.

teasers should hook us and make us want to listen. intros are for information only and shouldn't be acted out. that is where you get to be you.

blocking and movement is as important a the verbal parts for the performance. they should augment each other

show me interesting characters. subtext and such.

I am not here to judge the author or the choice of selection. I am here to judge the performance.

For extemp and public address, I prefer that students use a conversational style. I prefer that they use evidence as needed. I prefer they not try and name numerous sources, but be honest in what they are using. I like a roadmap they refer to for each point.

For interp, I like a meaningful teaser that sets the world they are creating and tries to introduce as many characters as possible. I think introductions should be short and sweet and be more personal. I think blocking and movement should be used to enhance the story, but is not necessary. I really look for fully developed characters that really listen and react to each other. For author's intent, I think it is okay to re-interpret a piece. I don't have a real issue with a curse word if it is used purposefully.

In round what makes a great performer or speaker to me is someone that can effectively control the room as well as truly understands the meaning behind there words and the power they have. Please reach out to me if you have questions about ballots or are interested in competing on the college level of forensics. Below is are a few of my competitive accomplishments just for reference if curious.

If you get me in LD/CX I am very traditional I understand allot of the arguments but I will not have the background you are wanting for very meta things. So if you do run theory, a K or anything else you will have to do extra work in justifying it to me in round.

My ballots tend to have more critiques and or suggestions than glowing responses. I do apologize if my ballot comes off rude I do my best to not come off rude, but I like to give an in-depth ballot that you can walk away with that can be used to help develop your cases and or performance that isn't just "Great performance, tough round!".

Currently I coach the IE portion of the University of North Texas’s team. I compted at UNT for 2 years. Prior I competed at San Antonio Community college. Email: Aarondelgado@my.unt.edu

I am, at heart, a traditional judge, though I welcome innovative choices that make for effective storytelling in all events.

In extemp, I will be looking for a focus on the given question, clear points that support the speaker's answer, credible supporting sources, relaxed gestures that help emphasize important ideas, and a clear and smooth speaking style.

In Oratory and Informative, I will be looking for a speech that fulfills the purpose of the events - I should feel persuaded to some sort of action in oratory and I should learn something new and unexpected in Informative. The speeches should be supported with multiple, credible sources of different types. The speaker should be conversational in their delivery - formal enough to honor the topic, but casual enough to relate to the audience. Gestures should feel natural and flow from the requirements of the speech.

In the Interp events, I will be looking for an honest performance at heart. In dramatic, I should believe the emotional journey of the character(s), and should not feel overwhelmed by an overly intense interpretation. In Humorous, even when the source material is silly, the audience should feel the truth underneath the comedy. Introductions should be meaningful. If I am ever made to feel that I should not be seeing a high school student performing something (whether it is related to content or language), it takes me out of the moment and will have a negative impact on my ranking. Mature choices are fine, but it is important to maintain lines of appropriateness.

About me: My name is Alejandra C. Garza, pronouns she/her. I have a PhD in history from the University of Texas-Austin. I have been judging and consulting speech events for over 10 years.

I believe debate is about communication first and foremost. If your opponent cannot understand your speech/debate, neither can I. Therefore, no one can adequately flow the round. Rapid fire delivery is not appreciated and often times conflicts with clear communication.

CX

Overall, I am a policy maker judge.

Counterplans can be effective if executed correctly.

I don’t particularly like T or K arguments, however if you lay out the voters, I may be more keen to vote that way. Still, a debate spent arguing nothing but a T-violation is a waste of a debate.

Quality and quantity of evidence are of equal importance.

As a judge, I look for clash from both sides. Can you adequately argue against your opponent while upholding your plan? The Aff’s job is to show that their plan goes against the status quo and is a better option. The Neg argues for the status quo or CP and shows that it should be upheld.

Present voters and tell me why your side should win the debate.

I do not flow CX time, those 3 mins are for you to clarify, not argue. If you want me to flow something from that time, bring it up in constructives.

Excited to continue to judge in speech and debate. I am impressed with the hard work and dedication that goes into the process.

DEBATE ROUNDS

To win my ballot: Logical links and clear connections are important whether you're running a traditional or progressive case. Your argumentation skills and strategies is what your opponent is challenging, therefore; a clear, cut, concise connection is what wins the round. Listen to your opponent, (FLOW), provide impacts and know what your talking about. If you've got a few tricks up your sleeve, be sure you know how to use them.

I do not mind speed, but if you decide to spread make sure you slow down on tag-lines. Consider speaker points when spreading. I look to vote for a strong link and one's ability to prove why your case wins the round. Voters are extremely important to me so make sure you use the time in your last speech wisely.

I do my best to flow all arguments presented in the debate and rely heavily on my flow to determine the round winner. Make sure to signpost well, and please give me a roadmap of your speeches.

If you decide to do an email chain please, add me. mhix@neisd.net

Speaker Points

Positives: politeness, confidence, well-placed humor, preparation and well executed strategies/arguments.

Negatives: rudeness and unnecessary condescending comments, pointless cross examination, skirting the issues or avoidance

SPEECH ROUNDS

Staying true to the competition rubrics.

If I can't hear you, then I can't score you. Please, speak loud and clear.

Interp - The most important thing to me in an Interp performance is to portray genuine emotion. If you really feel it, the audience will too. Be a good audience member by avoiding distractions and providing your complete attention to the competitor performing at the moment. Being a good audience member also means staying the entire time unless you are cross entered as well as providing appropriate nonverbal feedback to the performance. Please don't "mean mug" or attempt to nonverbally intimidate another competitor. I appreciate a good binder trick and a creative approach while maintaining author's intent. In the Intro, I would ideally like a conversational tone that allows me to meet you, displays your understanding and connection to the subject matter, and sets up the performance well. Literature that contains profanity does not bother me as long as the profanity adds something to the message and is not superfluous.

Extemp - Depth of analysis is most important to me although I expect a solid speech structure with an introduction, 2-3 main points, and a conclusion. I encourage 7-10 scholarly source citations throughout and would like to see that the sources add substance to the speech. Using a variety of types of sources such as state, national, and international as well as think tanks, periodicals, and books adds to the overall credibility of the presentation. As far as delivery, I want to feel that you are talking TO me not AT me. As such, be conversational yet informative or persuasive.

I believe that every student has the potential to excel in speech and debate. I believe that constructive criticism is how we get better, and after reflecting it, it helps to push us to our next best performance.

IE:

I look for Students to show the hard work into their selection. (are you memorized, is the character fleshed out?)

I like to see polished pieces (not rough drafts)

Students should show they have an understanding of the selection they are presenting, by delivering a thoughtful introduction for their piece.

Selection should be entertaining and also have merit.

I want to be able to sit back and watch you tell your story.

Author's intent is important, we should use our selections to tell the story the author has intended.

Exempt:

Please provide an roadmap that organizes your speech in your intro, tell us where we are going and then support it in the subparagraphs, be sure to use scholarly sources to support your assertions.

IEs - I look for honest storytelling, connection to the character, a clear and compelling journey, a fully connected voice and body while adhering to the parameters of any particular event, and honoring the intent of the playwright/author.

Oratory - In addition to the above, I look for building a compelling argument, and finding methods to make me consider the topic in ways I had not before.

Extemp - It is vital that students are talking TO the audience/judges, not AT them. Extemp is a conversation, and students should combine facts and figures with a truthful connection to their audience; they should engage and invite the audience to learn something new. Segues should happen naturally, both with regards to building your case, and also with regards to your physicality. Let the changes dictate movement, not vice versa.

More Information About Me - I am an Assistant Professor in Theatre & Musical Theatre at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, a freelance director, and the former Director of Artistic Programming at Ford's Theatre in Washington DC.

I prefer pragmatic analysis over evidence, but more recent/strong evidence is important.

I am impartial to conservative and liberal debating.

Outstanding speaking skills and presentation are always a plus.

Articulation is key for me to understand your argument better.

I am a coach and teach my kids the traditional formats of speech and debate for all events.

Congress: I am looking for an AGD and proper sign posting in the introduction. I want to see evidence for each point and clash unless you are the first speaker. I don't want to see you bring up a laptop. You should use a paper tablet. Make sure you leave time for a short conclusion. Make sure your pacing and verbiage are in a conversational manner. Answering questions are just as important, make sure you know the topic thoroughly. Activity in the chamber is also important, especially when I'm trying to break ties in my mind. Make sure your questions are well thought out before asking.

Lincoln-Douglas: As stated above, I teach the traditional format for LD Debate. I expect value, value criterion, contentions, warrants, and impacts. If you were taught policy jargon, make sure and convert it to LD Debate format. I do not want spreading. Make good sound arguments. The person who upholds their framework will win the round.

Speaking Events: I am much better at judging Extemp, Original Oratory, and Informative speaking events over the interp events. However, I have judged all interp events at local, state, and national levels.

Speech/Extemp
My biggest preference is enunciation. If your diction needs work, the further down in the ranking you go. If I can understand everything you are saying, the higher the ranking.

A lot of my feedback consists of the former and to slow down. Don't be afraid to take a pause (just not too long).

Grab my attention!

Tell me an honest story like I'm an actual human being.

Your characters should all be different and they shouldn't be stereotyped or offensive. Go against the typical way of playing a character you're not used to. Be creative. Above all, they should be believable.

Gestures should have a purpose and not be repetitive.

Answer the question.

Have fun and don't try too hard.

UPDATE FOR WSD @ TFA:

WSD didn't exist when I was in high school, but I judge it almost exclusively now including into deep elims of TFA State, UT, and Berkeley so my experience is not null.

Big things for me: I like clash, I want yall to answer the question, and I reward good on the spot analysis of your opponents argument, don't get so caught up in your case that your forget to answer your opponent's argument. Also I am fine with speed, but I don't think its necessary in worlds and honestly I prefer speech's that are stylistic and given like a PA. Please let me know if you have any questions and congrats on making it to state!

IE: I am pretty open to any stylistic choices or preparations of a speech/script, it is an Interpretation after all, so creative choices are welcome!

Extemp- You should have ample amount of evidence for the three main claims you decide to make. Please have your speech as structured as possible as it makes it easier for me to follow along and judge. It’s better for your speech to run 5 minutes, but be clear and conscie than for you to stay up there for seven minutes rambling on.

OO/INFO- There should be at least three sources in your speech. I don’t mind when you try and break the very formulaic structure of OO or info, but I should be able to easily follow along. I.E. you dont have to go “But first, then, finally” but hey whatver works for you, works for me, speak clear, be confident, and have fun up there.

HI- Use your space, HI is about physical humor as much as its about the jokes you are telling! Racist/misogynistic/Xenophobia etc humor is not funny. It’s not.

DI- Be careful with your content, DI’s are serious and I understand that, but be careful with how graphic you get. I am not a squimish judge so curse words dont bother me and mature material is fine, just try and be as tasteful as possible. And DONT mis-represent a character I.E. if you are playing a forty year old mom who just suffered the loss of her son, thats fine, but if you are speaking for an identity you cannot identify with, maybe not. DONT USE SLURS. Even for effect. It’s not needed. Use the space and be comfortable with silence. There is a lot of pauses and silence in DI and when its intentional l it works really well, so dont be afraid of it!

PR/PO- Don’t let your binder fall flat. I don’t think there is one right way to hold the binder, but there are a million wrong ways. It’s awesome when you find a way to incorporate the binder for techy stuff, but its def not necessary.

Lingering thoughts..

Your teaser should give me a clue about what your piece is about, (AND IT SHOULD BE MEMORIZED) it doesnt have to be a summary, but a couple of lines to let me know where the piece ie headed is great!

TIME. Be concious of it. Don’t run 10:29 or 10:30, once the fist is up WRAP IT UP.

If you forget your piece, take a moment to pause and collect your thoughts, try not to show it in your face and dont worry about it too much.

Be respectful to other performers, if you are on your phone, eating loudly, sleeping, or being distracting in anyway. I might factor it into your rank. It’s not cool, respect eachothers work.