Hello!

I competed for three years on the ACTAA & NSDA circuit in multiple IEs & Congress. While I didn’t compete in debate much beyond IPDA, I have gained quite a bit of experience this past year as a judge.

General Etiquette

- I don't mind if you time yourself, just keep in mind my times are going to be what goes on the ballot

- Stand when you speak

- Both the competitors asking questions and the ones answering should be standing during cross exams/questioning blocks

- If you have extenuating circumstances around your physical mobility & can't be standing up and down like that, just let me know, it's no biggie

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Congressional:

The two things I'm looking for in congress are

a) stage presence-- How dependent are you on your legal pad/laptop? How much are you looking up and addressing the chamber as opposed to just reading from a script? How well are you using your space?

and b) clash-- Past the first aff and neg speeches, you should be debating previous points at least a little bit. Bringing up new information is all well and good, but you also need to be refuting points from the delegates on the opposite side. I'm personally a fan of calling someone out by name to refute and combat their point. The more clash the better.

I generally don’t flow arguments in congress unless there is something peculiar about the debate or the comment I have to you specifically pertains to the argument. I’ll really just give feedback on how you handled yourself during the speech

As a closing note to keep in mind: I understand that congressional legislation can get political and you're going to be inclined to argue with what you personally agree with, but you should understand that debate is not about what you believe, it's about your ability to argue. There are going to be times when you have to argue for something you don't agree with and refusing to do so is going to harm the flow of debate.

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Case Debate & IPDA

A.Don't Spread. I can't flow what I can't understand.

B. My Flow:

1. Weighing Mech/Value/Criterion

- You should also give a brief description/explanation on whatever you propose. Some people use different definitions of the same thing & we all need to be on the same page

2. Definitions

- I have auditory processing issues. Make sure you say your definitions clearly & don’t rush through them. Help me make sure I have a crystal clear understanding about the basis of your argument.

3. Any Identified Burdens

4. Contention titles

5. Claims & paired cards

- Take care not to spread/rush through your sources. I value evidence highly and want to know your cards

6. Rebuttal

- when it comes to rebuttal speeches, the way I flow gets less structured– I will write down pretty much anything I hear that obviously pertains to a previous argument so that I can go back & analyze if any points were dropped/missed & to determine what point flows to who

C. Speaker Points

- While I appreciate a bit of engaging words and style, it’s not necessary. As long as you can get through your speeches with minimal stumbles and with relative smoothness you’ll get good numbers

- It is poor sportsmanship to bring up new points late into the argument when your opponent doesn’t have time to properly refute. This will result in low speaker points.

- It is even worse sportsmanship to make comments about your opponent’s debate style or competency during off-the-clock roadmaps. I have seen this happen too many times & I’m completely sick of it. This will result in low speaker points.

- I will be 'grading' speaks points based off of the following: Delivery; Courtesy; Appropriate Tone; Organization; Logic; Support (if needed based on the weighing mech); Cross Exam; and Refutation. Some things, like organization and delivery, are more important than the others, like cross.

bonus if you got this far: i'll give you an extra speaker point if you reference jujutsu kaisen or hunter x hunter

I am a varsity forensics captain that is a two time qualifier to the NSDA Nationals, 2024 State Champion, and a two time UKTOC finalist. However, I am knowledgeable on how Debate is supposed to be judged.

Please include me on the email chain - durhaemma25@cps.k12.ar.us AND emmagracedurham13@gmail.com

Due to my speech background, speaking style is very important to me. If I can't understand what you're saying, I will not add it to my flow. Please refrain from spreading, I can handle speed, but if I miss your point, I won't find it relevant enough to be on flow.I will only flow questioning period if mentioned multiple times.

I value truth over tech and focus on impacts when it comes to making my decision.

Progressive or traditional - I am familiar with both debate styles, although I am more knowledgeable with traditional debates.

Any argument that is discriminatory to any group of people (racist, sexist, homophobic, etc) will not be accepted. Please be respectful to all people involved in the debate.

Thank you and I wish you the best of luck.

1. Be Professional ALWAYS
2. NO SPREADING UNLESS YOU SHARE YOUR CASE WITH ME. If I can't understand you, I will stop flowing the debate. This means if I can't understand you, there will be points automatically flowing to the other side. Unless you share your case with me, you should be speaking at a conversational or slightly quicker rate.
3. Clash is key!!! Go line-by-line and pick apart every bit of your opponents case while you build your own case back up.
4. Good debaters are good communicators and good speakers. Make sure you look up at me. You shouldn't have to read your case word for word the entire time.

PF- The word PUBLIC is in the title of this event for a reason. If you are trying to run prog PF, I will stop flowing your speech.

Congress- Do not rehash ideas other representatives have already brought up. Unique points are key here.

I have coached several styles of Debate for two years now (mostly Congressional, LD, and PF). During a debate round, I will favor a debater(s) who is courteous/respectful, who presents organized and easy-to-follow arguments, and who gives clear/reliable/robust evidence to support those arguments. I don't mind spreading, but I prefer when debater(s) speak at a speed in which you can still fully understand every word they are saying. To win my ballot, please bring fully prepared arguments to the table and treat your opponents as you would like to be treated.

Isabella Parker

parkeisabe24@cps.k12.ar.us

Cabot High School

Formally a LD debater but I have competed in other forms

TLDR: You can put me on the email chain for your speech, email is above. Please have a clear voice and a direct rebuttal, it will be easier on both of us to flow, I also like clashes that are backed up with evidence and facts. And please respect your opponent, any type of racist, sexist, or problematic comments can result in points dropped. I am okay with speed as long as you have a clear voice and not mumbling. I am keeping time, but I think you should too.

LD: I believe framework, definition, and impact debates are important to winning a debate, I advise you to have a direct rebuttal or argument that clashes with your opponent's argument as well; do not make me assume what your rebuttal to that argument is. I view dropped arguments as a judge and a debater, so try to answer as many points as you can even if you don't have evidence to back it up, although I prefer evidence. Make sure not stray off topic of your debate. I do listen to cross-examination, so be respectful.

PF and IPDA: I have done PF a couple times last year but the same rules with LD to me applies with PF when it comes to the rebuttal, dropped arguments, framework, definitions, and impacts, and cross-fire. I have not debated nor judged many IPDA rounds, but I do know rules and framework for how the debate should go.

Congress: I have not done Congress virtually, however I have done Congress before. I believe that quality is better than quantity, meaning clear speaking in Congress is more important than the number of speeches you give. I think questions asked are good in Congress, I am still learning Virtual questioning, yet questions to me are viewed. If you are the one answering questions, answer with confidence and the same thing applies with asking questions.

freshman at uchicago!

used to be Collegiate (NYC) Captain

add me to email chain: nikhilmshah06@gmail.com

please time yourself and be honest with time

to win: weigh turns. don't drop turns. warrant. frontline in second rebuttal. weigh as early as u can. extend everything through the round well. give organized speeches. signpost. cut cards. i wouldn't trust me w theory/ks but do what your heart desires

I believe that high school debate and forensics should be a learning and growing activity for students. Winning is fun but competitor growth is more important.

I appreciate that there are different styles of debate and that many competitors try several different debate styles. We have different forms a debate for a reason. As competitors, it is your responsibility to know what makes those different forms similar and what makes them different. Make sure you are debating in a manner that respects and highlights the unique aspects of your debate form. Don't try to mash styles together by using techniques associated with one debate style into one where it isn't practiced.

With that being said here are some items that will give you more insight into how I judge:

*I am a flow judge.

*Signpost PLEASE - if you don't tell me where to apply your argument I will NOT be inferring.

*I would like a quick off the clock roadmap prior to your speech (not necessary for first speakers). This should be a brief overview of what you plan to cover. Example: I will be covering my opponents case and then my case. This is all the detail I need so I can be on the right flow.

**Theory debate - I don't like it. We are here to debate a topic not a theory - many of you are preparing for careers that will demand you provide argumentation and rebuttal and that can't happen if we aren't dealing with the topic.

*DO NOT SPREAD - it is not in your best interest for me not to be able to flow you - if I can't flow you can't win. You will know I can't flow your speech because I will put my writing utensil down.

*Be Courteous - the round needs to be about the clash of claims not the clash of attitudes.

*If you provide a weighing mechanism/framework/value and value criterion PLEASE use it during the debate. Don't bring it up in your first speech and not talk about it again until your last speech.

*If you are using a prepared speech PLEASE make sure you have practiced it before the round to ensure it is as fluid as possible. Also make sure you are pronouncing all names and words correctly.

*I am not a fan of Ks although I am learning more about them and why they can help a debate round. My preference is topic debate. If you can link your K to why your opponent can't access their impacts then I am all ears.

*I am a traditional judge/coach.

*In Public Forum:

**If your case is one or two lengthy contentions with no subpoints and lots of evidence PLEASE make sure that you are tying these to the resolution. I prefer clearly labeled contentions and subpoints. It is just easier to flow.

**Please make sure you are using the summary and final focus speeches for what they are intended. I place a lot more weight on what happens in these four speeches than the first four. You are the one debating. You tell me what the major arguments are. Don't make me figure this out. Listen to each other during this time. I LOVE when Final Focus has clash!!!

**Crossfire is an important part of the debate. I don't flow it but I do listen. If you want something that occured during crossfire to be weighed in the round you MUST bring it up during the next speech.

*In Congressional Debate

**Please remember this is a speaking and debate activity. I want to see rebuttal arguments as well as new arguments for the side you are supporting. Prepared speeches are nice but if you are any speaker after the first aff/neg, please provide some argumentation with sound evidence. Make sure you have a good balance between old and new arguments.

*In Big Question

**Make sure that you are debating the topic!!

*In Lincoln/Douglas

**Please see note above about value/value criterion. This is 100% how I am going to evaluate the round. If each sides presents different V/VC our round centers on these and not your contentions unless you are also tying your V/VC to your contentions which would be AWESOME!! I would prefer to hear a debate on the topic but if the round goes here let's make sure we are really showing the importance of the V/VC.

I am a junior high speech and debate coach. While I do tolerate some speed please do not spread. Please make sure to signpost. Impacts are important please make sure you connect them back to your value/criterion. Have fun and be kind to each other.

General:

The key to a debate is to listen, never leave something out. When you listen to your opponent, so much can come to mind. ALWAYS weigh the arguments. I dont believe a debate should be seen as why the problem in the world is bad or good, however a debate should be about how we should either fix or not intervene on something.

Behavior:

We as a society should mantain a large amount of respect for everyone, I hope to not witness any behavior that is racist, transphobic, ableist, or violent-

-Be prepared.

-DO NOT confront agruments and rehash them.

-I value credible evidence. Statistics quotes, sources.

-On one sided debates be prepared to speak on the other side. Be different and provide a different side of things.

IDPA:

-include sources. this helps me understand that you used your thirty minutes to truly understand the your topic.

- Try and have a rebuttal.

-During the second speeches remember to always try and state your oponents points. DONT ARGUE but hash out and make me understand why youre right.

-During questioning period try and make it great

(USE ALL YOUR TIME)

Extemp:

-I truly enjoy good introductions.

-Always try and grab my attention with interesting facts and a backstory.

-Again, I value evidence and sources. Always having credible sources can backup your argument.

- Have a great structure. This is basically impromptu, remember what you are doing.

Hey guys!

I am a Public Forum Debater at Jonesboro and I've competed in Congress as well.

Debate:

Please please signpost and try not to speak too fast (not a fan of spreading).

Make sure to incorporate strong evidence and ANALYSIS in your case.

For congress, please be kind and respectful to your PO, Judges and other people in your chamber. This means anything offensive or harmful that is said will cause you an immediate loss and low speaks.

I love to see personality in your speeches, have fun!:)

Forensics:

Be passionate! I want to see you ACT and not just read a script. Really get into your event... look like your having fun! Convince me of your character.