Midtown HS Carter King Speech and Debate Tournament
2021 — NSDA Campus, GA/US
Public Forum Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HidePF: I only think an email chain is necessary if audio is not the best or you plan on spreading. Email me if there is any way I can make the round more accessible.
email: noorabdallah101@gmail.com
I am a third-year student at the University of Georgia. I did four years of PF at Columbus High School, and one year of policy at UGA.
Policy: I am still learning policy myself, so please take that into account if I am your judge. I will always try my best to make the best decision and I am way more comfortable with DA's and CP's than K's. Just do not expect the same out of me as you would a regular policy judge :)
Speaks:
1. In terms of speed, I can comfortably handle around 250-270 wpm. Online debate might not allow that speed, keep that in mind. I don’t really see the need for spreading, but if you do, ask your opponents and send a speech doc. If you do this to confuse them and win, I will drop you.
2. No judge will get everything you say, so warrant.
3. I am a huge lover of puns. Wit and puns are appreciated in round. However, if you intentionally make any racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise discriminatory comments, I will give you extremely low speaks and notify your coach immediately. Assertive and funny debaters are different from rude ones.
Argumentation:
In short, you do not want me to interfere as a judge. Do the work for me and that means to make clean extensions, frontline, and weigh. In detail, here are things that win my ballot:
1. I vote off the flow. I try to interfere as little as possible, which means you NEED TO WEIGH. If you don't, I will have to interfere and use my own weighing mechanism. In that case, you probably won't like my decision. I will do everything I can to ensure a fair round from my part but don't get mad at me if I don't flow a one-second extension that isn't flushed out.
2. Frontline!! You can't just extend your arguments through their responses without telling me why they don't matter and/or why your argument still stands. If they extend their warranted response(s) throughout round and you do not respond to it, you are in a bad position.
3. Signposting is extremely helpful and should be done :) I RARELY flow author names so do not just extend "Smith 19" and think that is you extending something. I should hear what Smith 19 said over and over.
4. I will vote tech over truth. If your opponents make an unwarranted assertion, refute it. Don’t rely on me to do the analysis for you.
5. Summaries - Line-by-line, voter, etc. I have no preference on format (though line-by-line is better to me). Create the narrative, defend, extend, weigh. New weighing in both summaries is fine.
6. NO new arguments in final focus (with the exception of extended weighing analysis in 1st FF). There really shouldn't be any new arguments in 2nd summary.
7. I am not your judge for theory, K's, topicality, etc. I have voted for these things before, and am understanding them as a policy debater. BUT reading theory against a team who doesn't know how to deal with it is abusive.
8. I use cross to write feedback, so anything said is not binding, just bring it up in a speech because I probably didn’t listen. Use cross strategically and for your own benefit.
First-Speaking Team:
1. I do not require defensive extensions in first summary if they have not been responded to. However, you must extend overviews/turns if you expect me to be voting off of them.
2. By final focus, you should know what your opponents are going for. Defensive extensions must be in final focus if you want them to factor into my decision. Defense not responded to by the second-speaking team by second-summary is dropped defense - bring it up!
Second-Speaking Team:
1. The rebuttal should respond to any overviews/turns/disads. The only other time second- speaking team has time to respond is second summary, and that is extremely abusive. You do not have to respond to terminal defense until summary, although it may be strategic to do so on the arguments you’re going for later in the round. To clarify - if the rebuttal does not have to answer all terminal defense, the summary obviously must, or I will consider it dropped.
2. No new weighing in second final focus. It’s unfair and gives your opponents no chance to respond. Also, this is not your chance just to extend through ink because no one will be able to call you out on it.
Evidence:
1. Every card you read within a debate should be cited and available almost immediately (30 seconds is reasonable time) within context for your opponent to read. I will drop your speaks if you are unable to find or provide your evidence to your opponents or me.
2. Any evidence misrepresentations will factor into my decision. If you are blatantly lying about your cards, I will most likely drop you and your speaks. I am very very okay with cards that are paraphrased as long as they are not misused (feel free to have this argument with me)
3. I like logical responses just as much as I like carded responses. But just like a carded response, logic should make sense and be warranted. The card does half the work, do the other half and apply it in round.
Otherwise, if you have any questions, please ask me or email me at noorabdallah101@gmail.com ! Debating is supposed to be an educational, motivational, and fun experience so make the most of it! I will always disclose and give feedback if the tournament allows me.
Good Luck :)
I strongly believe in narrowing the debate in the summary speeches. I really want you to determine where you are winning the debate and explain that firmly to me. In short: I want you to go for something. I really like big impacts, but its's important to me that you flush out your impacts with strong internal links. Don't just tell me A leads to C without giving me the process of how you got there. Also don't assume i know every minute detail in your case. Explain and extend and make sure that you EMPHASIZE what you really want me to hear. Slow down and be clear. Give me voters (in summary and final focus).
Speed is fine as long as you are clear. I work very hard to flow the debate in as much detail as possible. However, if I can't understand you I can't flow you.
Hi! Im a Varsity Public Forum speaker, I have been debating for 6 years and really enjoy debate! I applaud those who can speak fast but what I cannot hear I cannot flow, so have clarity. I do not flow cross, so if something you belive something has flowed to your side, bring it up in speech. Keep track of your own time. I enjoy good back and forth so have clash but don't get side tracked on one point. Don't be overly aggressive to your opponents, everyone is here to have fun :)
Concision and clarity go a long way. Effective debating necessarily implies that the audience can understand what you say. I'll flow everything.
Persuasion is best achieved when you engage with the audience—look them in the eyes, seek reaffirmation from them.
Humor works. Irony and/or sarcasm, so long as it is used against the argument, are good. No ad hominems. Needless to say, other logical fallacies are just as bad.
Communicate as clearly and efficiently as possible about prep time.
You'll find out who won the round when you find out. No need to ask.
I appreciate it when teams keep time themselves. Honor system.
Spread: Please do not use this technique unless you are able to clearly articulate your arguments while speaking at speed.
I value a well organized and clearly presented arguments. I believe that delivery goes a long way to the power of persuasion. Eye contact, passion in your voice, and a modulated delivery will be factors in my scoring.
Civility and politeness is of course expected.
I value a well constructed and logical argument.
Hey guys! This is my fourth year competing in Public Forum Debate
In round:
-Please keep your own time and try not to go over
-I can handle speed as long as you are clear but I prefer if you are efficient and collapse. If I can't understand you I can't flow
-Going line by line helps me flow
-Extend your arguments/ Impacts!!!!!!!! (I vote off of impacts)
- Warrant all of your evidence instead of just card dumping
- Explain how you win and explain to me (not your opponents) using ballot-directing language
-Weighing is one of the most important things in a round to me, shows me exactly where I need to vote
Crossfire:
-I won't flow cross so if something important is said make sure to bring it up again or else I can't use it
-Don't be rude (rudeness= lower speaks)
Speaker Points and RFD:
-If you can warrant your arguments and speak clearly, you should be fine.
- I will try to disclose and give an RFD at the end of each round
Have fun and good luck guys!! :)
If you have any questions please feel free to ask me in round or email me at tcook123791@gmail.com
Please treat me like a lay judge.
I will vote on arguments I find more persuasive
Ld paradigm-
email: avery.eddy54@gmail.com add me to the email chain yo
Style: I debate LD at Houston County and have qualified for both state and nationals in the activity. I'm comfortable with any style of debate you want to run. On one hand- I do understand the necessity to uphold the "integrity" of the activity through holding it to its roots in traditional debate. On the other- I am a progressive debater by coaching and personally enjoy a good progressive round. I have debated on both the national and lay circuits.
Kritik: I love k's- but I expect them to be run well (except anthro bc duh I'm human anf idc ab animals lol) . I wil ask for your lit at the end of the round if it sounds "fishy" or like you don't know what you're talking about. The advantage of the K is the engagement of dominating ideas and structures. It is not a way to cheat the round.
Theory: I will vote on theory- once again, if run well
RVI's are weird but I buy them occasionally. Be cautious.
Plans and CPs: plans and counterplans need a clear advocacy. Ambiguity is bad but if the other team doesn't say that I'll still vote for you. Moral of the story- ask the status of the cp if it seems nebulous and run a t shell OR if you are the one with the nebulous plan/cp... don't do that. I'll be v sad.
Standing: No standing prefs. Tbh I sit for speeches if the judge will let me so I really couldn't care less where or if you stand, sit, lay etc as long as you aren't standing, sitting, or laying on my laptop or flow.
Tech>truth but I will buy reasonability in most cases where it is reasonable as long as you or the other team brings it up
speed: I spread. That can either hurt or help you b/c I know how it should sound. Slow down for tags and authors. Always ask the other team if they can handle speed, if they say no, slow down. I will say clead exactly 3 times, after that I doc speaker points and stop flowing. If you spread- you should flash. If you email chain, add me. If you share a speech doc make sure you state what is not read and what is- anything else is cheating plain and simple.
Speaker points: Because female and minority debaters have been emprically proven to lose points at for aggressive debate- I will add speaker points for your aggression. Don't attack each other. Don't be rude. Attack your arguments. Scream, yell, Alex Jones your way through it. Show me the side of your speaking that prejudice takes away from you. Reclaim your aggression in this round.
I was a policy debater in West Texas in the late 90's. Competing and doing well in both UIL and TFA. Afterwards, I spent four years competing in two forms of limited prep debate at the collegiate level (IPDA and Parliamentary)
TWO DIAMOND COACH:
In 16 years of coaching, we have competed and won in Policy, Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, World Schools and Big Question. We are the only small-school ,from Arkansas, that has been consistent at qualifying for Nationals.
In the past 16 years, we have attended TOC 4 times and NSDA Nats 7 times. We have made it to nationals in everything from Oratory, Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Big Questions and World Schools debate.
I have judged; 2020 NSDA PF FINALS, NSDA finals rounds of Individual events, NSDA Nats World Schools Debate, Big Questions Nationals Semi-Finals Round, Lincoln-Douglas.
TOC PF and everything that you can think of on our local circuit.
This activity and its associated community give me life. It has led me from a life of poverty into a prosperous one that allows for a completely different world than I was raised in. I am honored to be judging debaters of your caliber and degree.
My View on debate:
It is my hope that my view on debate is nuanced and takes into account as many viewpoints as possible. Debate is a 'game'. However, this game has the ability to examine, indict and change the status quo. The words we say, the thoughts we use, and the policy that we propose is not only a reflection of real life but often has real-world implications outside of the round. My responsibility as an adjudicator extends past the time we share together. My ballot will carry the ramification of perpetuating or helping to stop the things that are espoused in that round.
I ,therefore, take my job extremely seriously when it comes to the type of argumentation , words used and attitude presented in the rounds that I will sit in front of. It is also a game in the sense that the competitors are present in order to compete. The fact that we are engaged in an intellectual battle doesn't change the fact that every person in the round is trying to win. I have never seen a debater forfeit a round in order to further their social or political commentary.
If the topics calls for an in-depth discussion of any type of argument that might be considered a "K" that is entirely fine. I caution that these types of arguments should be realistic and genuine. It is a travesty and a mockery of the platform to shoehorn serious social commentary with the sole intent of winning a game.
In terms of the words you choose and the arguments that you make. Please follow this advice that I found on another judge's Paradigm "A non-threatening atmosphere of mutual respect for all participants is a prerequisite to any debating."
Debate should be a free marketplace of ideas but it should also be a marketplace that is open to all humans on this earth. That can't happen with aggressive language that dehumanizes others. Make your point without tearing people down. Getting a W isn't worth losing your moral compass.
This activity is a game of persuasion that is rooted in evidenced based argumentation. I prefer a well warranted argument instead of a squabble over dates/qualification of evidence. [this is not to say qualification don't matter. But you have to prove that the evidence is biased] Don't waste your time arguing specifics when it doesn't matter.
Paradigms:
- Speed is fine. "Spreading" is not. Your breathing shouldn't become markedly different and noticeable because of your rate increase. The pitch of your voice shouldn't also change dramatically because of your delivery. If you are clean, clear and articulate then you are free to go as fast as you wish.
- Don't just extend cards with Author name. "Extend Samson '09". You need to explain why that argument is a good answer to whatever you are extending. For me, debate is more than just lines on a page. Your words matter. Your arguments matter.
- I feel that the first two speeches are solely for setting up the case in favor or opposition to the resolution. If an answer happens to cross-apply as a good answer to their case that is fine. But, I don't expect PF teams to divide their time in the first speeches to offer counter-arguments.
- No new in the 2. Core arguments should be flowing out of the first two constructive speeches. If it isn't covered by your partner in the second constructive or by you in the summary speech then it is dropped. Too little, too late. This isn't football and a Hail Mary will not occur.
- While I view debate as a game....it is more like Quidditch and less like muggle games. (*just because you win the most points doesn't make you the winner. If you catch that golden snitch....you can pull out the win! Don't be afraid to argue impacts as opposed to number of points)
- The affirmative has the burden of proof. It is their job to prove the resolution true. If the debate is a wash this means the default win will go to the negative. (low speak wins included)
- Framework: I will assume CBA unless otherwise stated. You can win framework and then lose the debate under that framework. That should be obvious. Make sure that you explain how and why you win under the framework of the debate.
- PF Plans/ CPs: Simply put. These are against the rule. You are allowed to give a general recommendation but this often delves right into plan territory.
- ATTITUDE: Humor is welcome. Sarcasm and rudeness are not.
- Evidence: Don't miscut evidence. I will call for evidence if (A) a team tells me to do so or (B) I suspect it is miscut.
- Round Evaluation: I am a flow judge. I will judge based on what happens in-round. It is your job to impact out your arguments. Don't just say 'this leads to racism'...TELL ME WHY RACISM IS BAD and what the actual impact is. Don't make me do the work for you. Make sure to weigh the arguments out under the frameworks.
- Shoo fly, you bug me:
- Don't tell me that something is dropped when it isn't. If they simply repeat their assertion in response, that is a different story. But if they have a clear answer and you tell me that they dropped that isn't going to end well for you. Don't extend through ink.
- Rudeness: This isn't a street fight. This is an intellectual exchange and thus should not be a showcase of rude behavior such as: Ad Hominem attacks on your competition, derision of your opponents argument or strategy, Domination of Cross by shouting/ cutting off / talking over your opponents.
- Arguing with me after disclosure. It wont change the ballot.
- Packing your things while I am giving you a critique.
Overall, do your best and have a fantastic time. That is why we are all here. If you have any questions about a ballot feel free to e-mail me at mrgambledhs@gmail.com
Hey, I did PF for four years back in high school. I'm now a sophomore at Georgia Tech studying Computer Science you can ask about that if you want. I am perfectly fine with speed. Don't give off-time road maps, they just aren't helpful in my opinion. I will call for evidence if certain cards are heavily debated in round. I try to disclose if I can do it in a timely manner, but if the round is super messy I might not disclose. If you have any questions, please ask. Be respectful and have fun.
Treat me as a lay judge. Spreading in a debate is strongly discouraged. DO NOT Spread! If you try to do a "speed talking data dump" I will assume it is to cover a lack of deeper understanding of your subject. I prefer a slow, clear delivery that demonstrates a logical analysis and speaks directly to/rebuts points made by the opposing team. It is the burden of the debater to make sure the arguments are flowable.
Special Section, NSDA Nationals
Welcome! If you’re reading this, then we are definitely going to be meeting each other. I wish you all the best: congratulations on being at Nationals. Below are the Public Forum paradigm, and an expansion of my normal National paradigm (building on the NSDA document you already have).
Public Forum
A lot of what I have in my Policy paradigm (below) applies here. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Audience. Unlike the more technical Policy, I understand Public Forum as Outward Facing whose intended audience is someone reasonably informed. Terms and ideas are expected to be accessible. Rhetoric (diction, vocal presentation) are important factors.
Spread. Keep it rapid and conversational (roughly 150 w.p.m.). Excessive speed violates Outward Facing. Further, with spread, clarity about tags and structure is critical, as is enunciation.
Comparative Advantage. I will compare the two sides relative to advantages and how they meet their Framework (below). I expect both sides to make affirmative cases as to why I should prefer their reasoning. You will not win by solely attacking the other side; your case matters. Be clear about your impacts.
Framework. Show how your case fulfills or meets your framework (this is the core of Comparative Advantage for me). If given time you should explain why your framework is to be preferred.
Policy
In formal terms I follow an open policy paradigm. I'm a realist; I come from politics and extemp. For me, debate deals with the questions and discussions we (community/society) deal with in the public, decision-making space. Of course, all discussions have social locations and thus can be profitably interrogated by critical theory or explored through CPs; just show me why it matters or how it connects to our decision-making.
Leave academic or debate theory arguments outside. I will find them interesting, even entertaining, but not decisive.
Some practical details:
• Impacts do not have to go to catastrophe to be persuasive (especially the N-war move). Plausibility counts.
• I pay attention to how links are made, how the internal logic works. If you call attention to a dropped argument, show me why it matters, otherwise, I will defer to the points of clash.
• Where the argument turns on a key piece of evidence, I may examine to determine how much weight to give it (i.e. reliable, authoritative etc.) I am open to voting on T.
• And last, as a practical matter, I have old ears, so make tags clear. Preferred delivery rate tops out at 180 wpm.
Now for some additional Nationals Specifics/extensions
Off-case: Kritiks
As noted above I am open to arguments that illumine where an argument is (culturally) situated. I tend to treat Ks as a relative of the DA or perhaps a CP
Ks that I am comfortable with:
structural racism, Afro-pessimism
Neo-liberalism , colonialisms
the Foucaldian suite of approaches, including biopower
Other critical theory approaches: be cautious. I will not be able to track you as fast. Practically this means I will lean into the card re: authority.
Meta theory, debate theory — no. I find these involve a host of tacit assumptions that I may or may not be willing to accede to.
Off-Case: CPs
On a continuum of the very focused or limited to the very broad, I lean to the focused side.
as CPs expand, I tend to defer to the Aff
Extensive CPs carry similar burden as the 1AC.
Conditionality — there are strategic reasons to drop a CP, I will accept this within reason. (NOTE on the NSDA paradigm I’m a bit more conservative)
PICs — Use with caution. I hear these as a stepping stone, a way to interrogate the AFF case. The idea of testing the case with a “what about” that isolates an issue… good. When it is a broader form, I want to know how you avoid the DAs of the AFF case
Bright Lines or what’s out of bounds
Abusive behavior in the round (language; overly aggressive CX).
Refuse polarization. Extending abusive behavior to culture. I realize this is a challenge in our polarized culture; stay clear of the easy ad hom attack on “them”.
Cases that advocate violence in order to work.
Arguments that advocate non-democratic solutions. This can crop up in Ks: how does Power not end up in oppressing the many?
At Carrollton High School, I am a Varsity PF debater.
In general, I favor "tech over truth." If you tell me anything, I want proof and an explanation, but it ultimately boils down to your opponent's ability to reply. Please provide a signpost to keep me on track with your arguments.
Debate can become intense, but strive to maintain civility. My decision will suffer as a result.
Please provide trigger warnings for graphic material.
I don't flow CX, so if you think it's significant, bring that up in your rebuttal/summary.
To help you earn my vote, please make sure I flow the way you want me to: signpost, mirror summary/ff, and tell me how to weigh. If the affects aren't measured and a weighing system isn't provided, I'll have to rely on my personal prediction.
Howdy! My background speaking and debating experience boils down to Novice and Varsity Public Forum, Impromptu and Extemporaneous, and literary Extemporaneous.
My preference for speakers is that they be relaxed when they read their speeches. I will have a problem flowing if you start spreading, and will not flow if I can't understand understand what you're saying, so please take your time to get your points across and to develop your claims. I will do my best to flow cross.
For me, Tech and Truth are very similar. If you have sufficient evidence against a truth, tech wins. If your truth isn't countered by sufficient tech, truth wins.
For those sweet sweet speaker points, the following is true
1. Use of History. This can be in humor or in-bedded in the actual argument. I like it when people make connections between the past and the present, and how that will affect the future. I also like a good laugh, so some historical humor is very welcome.
2. Band jokes. I'm a section leader in the marching band, and I play Baritone/Euphonium. Make some jokes about band and music theory to lighten the mood.
3. Lastly, talk clearly and relaxed. This experience may fill you with anxiety and fear, but remember to relax a little. This isn't the end all be all, and no one is flawless. The cooler mind thinks better than the heated one. (Plus, it helps against stuttering and messing up).
I wish y'all the best of luck and Happy Debating!
Hi! I'm happy to see all of you debate today!
I've been debating PF for two years and LD for two now:)
PREFRENCES:
I'm perfectly okay with speed as long as you don't spread. (If you go to fast though, I will raise my hand once but if it doesn't stop I will stop flowing)
I do not flow cross but I listen to it for your speaks as well as if info pops up later in the debate. I personally appreciate aggression but NO personal attacks! Stand for individual crosses, sit for grand. (Not necessary anymore but camera's on is appreciated)
It's obvious but don't mention knew info in final focus. Not only is that unfair but it'll count against your speaks.
I really appreciate an off time road map, it helps me keep track of how I'll be flowing the speech. If your speech in unorganized, don't be mad if I miss something :,(
DON'T ASK ABOUT STUFF IN MY PARADIGM!!! I expect you to have already read it and it's frustrating.
MY BIGGEST RULE! I'm here for a good debate, don't waste my time. Your voice, aggression, and speeches affect EVERYTHING, even how you hold yourself during the round.
I will remain mostly silent unless I ask for clarification on something. Don't act like you're "arguing" with the other team. You're debating, not fighting. You're trying to convince me, not them.
Most importantly, have fun! I'm not too picky for the most part. Whether this is your first debate or last, I'll give everyone a fair chance and can't wait to see what happens.
This topic:
I have done no research whatsoever on this topic so what you say is fact. That being said, if something sounds weird I will ask for a card check and that can sway my opinion. I have no opinion on it so like... get it I guess :>
Who am I?
aww you’re reading this! How sweet! This is my last year debating in high school. I’m Houston County’s debate Captain and live for LD and marching band where I play bass 1 and am section leader. If you meet one of my fellow judges or team mates, say hi for me!
Since you read all the way down here, I’ll tell you the easiest way to get a perfect 30 for me! Be the first team in the round to creatively mention a fact about me! Anything from The Who I am section!
I am a debate team coach. Please keep your own time. You may speak at whatever speed you are comfortable with but keep in mind that if you speak too quickly your points may be missed. I will be looking at which team was best able to promote their position while negating the opposing position.
I was a 4-year debater at Carrollton High School and I have only judged and competed in Public Forum.
my email is javierlm030503@gmail.com if you have any questions after the round.
Expectations
1) tech > truth
2) Do not bring up any new arguments from the second summary onwards
3) No racist or sexist remarks
4) I am not your person for theory at all
If you have any questions let me know
I am a parent judge - 2020-2021 was my twins' final year as high school debaters, and I usually judged at almost every tournament, so I have been lucky enough to see a bunch of really great rounds. I typically judged PF, but have also judged a fair amount of LD.
I am looking for a DEBATE - not just the best speeches. I will give the win to the team that makes the most compelling case as to why their side is right and/or the opponent is wrong. I tend not to flow every specific point, but rely more on which team's overall argument is stronger. I probably put more weight on cross-ex and final summary arguments than most judges.
I usually am more convinced by a smaller number of really great points that are well defended than a whole bunch of pretty good points (quality of argument versus quantity). I am also looking for the debaters to pay attention to what their opponent says and specifically give a good counter argument to those points.
Hey, I'm Alec. I debated Public Forum for Carrollton High School and now I attend UGA
Email: alecsiek1@gmail.com (please add me to the email chain)
I never really know how to structure my preferences, so here's a basic rundown of what I like to see:
1) Tech > Truth. Everything you want me to vote on needs to be really well warranted in every speech though.
2) Spend time engaging in arguments constructively. Good logic beats bad evidence every time.
3)Please collapse as the round progresses.I am a huge believer that one or two really well warranted arguments are better than a bunch of unwarranted ones.
4) Weigh consistently, direct comparison of links will take you far. As a judge, I want to intervene as little as possible. The earlier you start weighing, the better.
5)Meta-weighing is important! If you are using different weighing mechanisms than your opponents, you should be weighing those too.
6) I can handle speed, just make sure you're not sacrificing clarity.
7) I have really low threshold for theory, but that doesn't mean I won't vote for it. If you are keeping an abusive practice in check, go for it. However, if you are running theory against a team that has no threshold for it, that can be equally abusive in my eyes.
Other than that, you do you. There is not one right style of debate, and I don't want to make you fit into one.
I hope this goes without saying, but please be respectful to your opponents. Debate is such a cool educational tool, and I hate it when people are discouraged from using it. If you are being blatantly disrespectful, I'll drop you.
I am the PF captain at Midtown/Grady High School this year and am not competing.
In general, I prefer "tech over truth". If you tell me something I would like evidence presented and explained, but it ultimately comes down to your opponent's capacity to respond. Please signpost to keep me clear on your arguments.
Debate can get heated, but try to remain civil. It will affect your speaker points. Speaks will generally be 25-30 unless you are blatantly prejudiced.
Please give trigger warnings for graphic subjects.
I don't flow CX, bring up what happened in your rebuttal/summary if you believe it's relevant.
To help me earn my vote, ensure I flow the way you want me to: Signpost, mirror summary/ff, and tell me how I should weigh. If impacts aren't quantified and a weighing mechanism isn't given, I have to go off of my best assumption, which you don't want.
The most important thing to me in a round is that I want to see a genuine clash.
I won't vote off of nontopical arguments (abusive theory, Ks, CPs, etc.)
Educational Background:
Georgia State University (2004-2007) - English Major in Literary Studies; Speech Minor
Augusta University (2010-2011) - Masters in Arts in Teaching
Georgia State University (2015-2016) - Postbaccalaureate work in Philosophy
Revelant Career Experience:
English Teacher/Debate Coach (2011-2015) Grovetown High School
LD Debate Coach (2015-2018) Marist School
English Teacher/Debate Coach (2018-2022) Northview High School
English Teacher/Debate Coach (2022-present) Lassiter High School
Public Forum
Argue well. Don’t be rude. I’ll flow your debate, so make the arguments you need to make.
Policy
I haven't judged a lot of policy debates. I'm more comfortable with a little slower speed since I don't hear a lot of debates on the topic. I'm ok with most any time of argumentation, but I'm less likely to vote on theory arguments than K or Case arguments. Add me to your email chains.
Lincoln Douglas
I appreciate well warranted and strong arguments. Keep those fallacies out of my rounds.
If the negative fails to give me a warranted reason to weigh her value/value criterion above the one offered by the affirmative in the first negative speech, I will adopt the affirmative's FW. Likewise, if the negative offers a warranted reason that goes unaddressed in the AR1, I will adopt the negative FW.
I appreciate when debaters provide voters during the final speeches.
Debaters would probably describe me as leaning "traditional", but I am working to be more comfortable with progressive arguments. However, I'll vote, and have voted, on many types of arguments (Plans, Counterplans, Ks, Aff Ks, and theory if there is legitimate abuse). However, the more progressive the argument and the further away from the topic, the more in depth and slower your explanation needs to be. Don't make any assumptions about what I'm supposed to know.
Debates that don't do any weighing are hard to judge. Be clear about what you think should be on my ballot if you're winning the round.
Speed
If you feel it absolutely necessary to spread, I will do my best to keep up with the caveat that you are responsible for what I miss. I appreciate folks that value delivery. Take that as you will. If you're going to go fast, you can email me your case.
Disclosure
I try to disclose and answer questions if at all possible.
Cross Examination/Crossfire
I'm not a fan of "gotcha" debate. The goal in crossfire shouldn't get your opponent to agree to some tricky idea and then make that the reason that you are winning debates. Crossfire isn't binding. Debaters have the right to clean-up a misstatement made in crossfire/cross ex in their speeches.
Virtual Debate
The expectation is that your cameras remain on for the entirety of the time you are speaking in the debate round. My camera will be on as well. Please add me to the chain.
Axioms
“That which is asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.” — Christopher Hitchens
”There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way to be kind.” — Mr. Rogers
Contact: jonwaters7@gmail.com