I will be looking for which team can best identify the key points of clash in the round and demonstrate why they have won those points. Consequently, I would prefer to see quality of argument and depth of evidence and analysis on the key points rather than trying to drag all points through the round. (That doesn't mean drop things like crazy! It just means get clear on what's actually important to the debate and related to the resolution). I particularly dislike spreading; again, quality over quantity will win the round for me. I will also closely examine the wording of the resolution, so arguments that are not adequately linked to the resolution will not be considered.

LD is Value Debate. Propositions of Value

CX is Policy Debate. Propositions of Policy

I am open to most any type of argumentation. I love kritiks, theory shells, topicalities, and all things squirrelly. That said, I believe spreading is an unethical practice and if I can't understand you enough to flow, you didn't say it. I have voted on probably 80% of speed Ks I have heard.

LD: I'm pretty traditional. I like values and criteria and evidence and clash. If you read a K or a bedtime narrative, I will stop flowing the round and take a nap. I have a speed threshold of "don't" and if you could please keep the jargon to a minimum, that would be great. Theory is cool, in theory, but it shouldn't be an entire framework. I like long walks on the beach, and a good tennis match. Also, don't shake my hand at the end of the round.

PF: Um....win more arguments than the other team. Go. Fight. Win.

I'm a parent judge...you know what to do...

"I may not be smart enough to debate you point-for-point on this, but I have a feeling that about 60% of what you say is crap" - David Letterman

I am the definition of the "citizen judge" in regards to adjudicating PF. I did not do debate while in high school (I focused on DEX as my primary event, but did on occasion do an interpretative event as well). I come to NSDA mainly as an amazingly proud parent who was blessed to watch his daughter shine in PF and DEX for four years. And for those of you that have taken the time to review these paradigms, thank you for your participation in NSDA. You are a rock star and my sincere congratulations for your achievements at any level - whether just starting out to participation in Nationals.

YOU - just as you are - are a rock star. Every one of you is worthy - just exactly the way you are and how you perform. If you take nothing else out of this paradigm, know that you are seen and I admire you for who you are and what you do - exactly as you are right at this moment.

Debate - My judging style for rounds is very simple - make your argument to the best you can. Convince me. Refute your opponents. Present your evidence. Don't drop anything that is truly important in a debate case. I know you know the arguments (and - you know the positions and the arguments better than the judges. We all know. We don't say it - but we know.) Part of what we all need to learn to live in this world is that each side comes at things from a different perspective. We don't need theatrics, drama, all of that - we just need to be able to clearly communicate where we are coming from and convince people. That is the paradigm of how I base my decision.

Extemp - Relax and take a breath. Have a solid introduction, restate the question and then tell us what you know. Cite references. Be clear. Restate the points at the end and have a conclusion that ties it together. The best extemp speeches are ones where I learn something I didn't know about before - whatever you know about the topic is enough, just share it with us.

Interpretative - I'm sorry - I wish I was better at these. Whatever your discipline - be you. If it is HI, show me your joyful side. If it is DI, show me the dramatic version of yourself. I will judge on the requirements of the event as a primary basis of decision - after that, it is how much you put into the performance. The best performances have left me laughing and in tears (both for the right reasons) - that kind of emotion is in each of you. Share it with us during the performance.

Congratulations for being a member of the speech and debate family and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Brian Welborn