I think of debate as an art of argument. The arguments that are formed by sound research, are well structured and conveyed clearly. I have judged congressional debate a few times in the last few years, big questions debate once but a lot of Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas debates. I have also judged almost all speech events. I enjoy all forms of speech and debate. I look for well researched, well structured arguments delivered clearly. I understand that students might need to go a little faster than the normal conversational pace but I hope it is not too fast. I also pay special attention to cross examination. This is a great opportunity to challenge your opponents arguments respectfully. I don't appreciate when a speaker does not give the other speaker a chance to question or launches into a big speech in response to a question. This results in monopolizing the time and talking over each other. Good luck to the teams!

I’m currently a freshman at Duquesne University majoring in political science. I also coach at Central Catholic, where I did PF for 3 years.
For LD: I’ve judged LD novices before and have done some LD debate. If you guys want to spread I can follow it but I recommend you send a speech doc or whatever cards you’re reading so that I can make sure I accurately follow. Remember impact calc too. If you run anything out of the ordinary just be able to explain it. If you run a critique actually explain it don’t just say ‘Cap K’ then move on.
Finally, be respectful guys. Especially in cross, I pay attention to cross but I don’t like to be involved in it.

My preferences are pretty simple so I'll keep this fairly short.

The biggest thing for me will always be civility and respect. Always, always keep it civil, in crossfire, in POIs, in questioning, in whatever it is, there is no need for hostility or rude behavior. When that happens, you're not having fun and I'm not having fun. So just be kind and be respectful towards each other.

Aside from that, I always appreciate clarity. Use road maps and signposting and anything else to make things clear and make my flow easier. Give me voting issues, I love those. Tell me why you won.

I will also always be in favor of strong argumentation and impact weighing. Give me impacts and tell me why yours matter more than your opponent's. Evidence alone is not enough to win you rounds, surround it with solid argumentation and tell me why it matters.

I can keep up with pretty speedy speech but I never feel like there is a need for excessive speed or spreading. I can't flow what I can't hear so just keep that in mind. Do feel free to go faster than a normal conversation though, I get it. You know what's excessive speed-wise.

Overall, I want you to enjoy the round and I want to enjoy it too, so just keep things civil, make my job easier, and have fun!