Hello! I am a high school debate student. I did Debate my Freshman year, skipped a couple of years and now I am doing it as a Senior. I am open-minded to arguments. When you speak, please speak with articulation and conviction. You can talk faster than a conversational rate just dont spread. If your opponent slips up in cross-examination please talk about it in your speech.

Hey! Add me to the email chain at alexismchilds@gmail.com

Congress - updated for Last Chance :)

I believe that Congress focuses on speaking clearly and well more than any other type of debate. Because of this, the better you speak, the better I will rank you. In addition, we all know that Congress is long and, yes, sometimes boring. Don't be afraid to spice things up (in a polite, respectful, appropriate manner). Make a joke, be sassy, slip a Taylor Swift reference in there - have fun!!

Have sources in your speech! You saying something does not make it credible/true. Please be polite during questioning but that doesn't mean you have to be timid.

LD

I was traditional/mid-level progressive debater. That being said, I'm not the judge to run your super progressive case in front of.

1. Speed - I'm not a huge fan of spreading so please take your speed down a few levels in front of me. If you must spread, do so at your own risk and read the room before you do - if it's late at night, don't yell/spread at me. Send me the speech doc

2. Ks - I don't understand/I'm not a fan of most of these. I run cap K and that's about it. If you have a question about an argument, feel free to ask before the round!

3. Theory - I don't understand most theory and think the majority of the time people read unnecessary/frivolous theory. Unless there is clear abuse happening in the round, don't read theory. Topicality is good and if argued well and when necessary, I'll vote on it. I'll vote for disclosure but probably not disclosure by itself.

4. CPs/Disads - I enjoy these and think they're a good strategy. If you're going to run them, defend them.

5. Framework - this is what makes LD different from other types of debate and I expect you to use it. In your last speech, give me voters/weighing/framework and make it clear why I should vote for you.

6. CX - I really enjoy cross and definitely pay attention. That being said, I don't flow it so bring it up in your speeches if you want me to flow. I will hold you to what you said in cross. Please be courteous to your opponent but as long as you're not being offensive, I'm pretty lenient on cross. Don't be afraid to push them to explain their case/get the answer your looking for.

Read my facial expression - I'm a pretty expressive person. If I look confused, please clear up your point. Nodding/smiling means I like/am following your point.

PF

Evidence is important, don't make baseless claims. I appreciate organized, line by line rebuttals with signposting. If nothing else, this will get you good speaks. Weighing is super important, particularly in your last speeches. I should know exactly why I'm voting for you in order to get my ballot.

Final Focus should have impact weighing! Please be respectful of your opponents during cross. Cross is for asking questions, not personally attacking opponents or making statements.

Overall, I enjoy good clash, speaking, and cross. Please be kind to your opponents!

IPDA

I evaluate this like LD, have good offense and defense, speak well, and you'll be fine :)

Hello, My name is Ariel Couch, and I am currently a Debate & Forensics Alumni from Don Tyson School of Innovation. Just a little bit about me, I have been debating for 5 years, since I was in 8th grade. I use She/Her pronouns. My main debate events are Lincoln Douglas, Big Questions, and Congressional Debate. My main speech/forensics styles have been Prose and Poetry, but I do have experience in some way around most events.

Debate

My paradigm for a debate event is pretty universal for all events and is more based on how I want the round ran. I ask that everyone stays very respectful, just because you are more aggressive and loud then another person does not mean you are better or are gonna win. Just like I give my pronouns here I ask that you respect each other as well. Anything you say in your round you should be able to back up with evidence and/or analysis and stand with what you say in dignity and pride. The final thing that I ask is that you respect the rules of your style of debate and run it the way it is supposed to be run. Keeping every debate far and equal, to reflect your skills and the spirit of debate. I am told I am more of a traditional judge/debater.

Speech/Forensics

In speech and forensics type events, I really am just looking at performances that follow the generalized standards for that event. I look for good pitch and tone, full memorization, and acting elements such as bookwork. You should do your best, and that is the best for me. Remember everyone will always have something to improve on therefore everyone I will give some sort of constructive criticism.

I wish the best of luck to all competitors!

I am a recent graduate of high school. I was competitor in Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, and Congress. I have judged before and of course competed in debate, so I am very well versed in debate and debate slogan. If you are spreading make sure everyone in the room is comfortable/aware.

For LD:

Be polite; I do know though that this isn't a specifically polite debate, I also am more of an aggressive debater. If you have aggression, or passion as I like to say, that is by all means great! Just make sure to not use offensive terms in your case, and especially not against your opponent. It is pretty valuable to me that you flow your value and value criterion throughout your case and speeches. I take that into great consideration when choosing a winner. I also want to hear clash on every argument; if you drop something I will be flowing the entire round, so I will know. I love debate, so I will know timings as well. I do prefer you time yourself though, just to ensure you get your speech in time. Focus on impacts. Impacts and how they fit into your criterions are how you win.

PF:

Same applies from above, however I do think PF is a style you don't spread in a lot. Typically there are lay judges, so I would recommend not spreading (however I am fine with a small amount of it). Make sure you weigh your rounds. Weighing the round is what I judge upon when it comes to my final decision, and who had the biggest impact with their weighing mechanism.

Speaking:

Focus on your stance, and just clear concise speaking. I love everything debate, and am so so excited to judge you!

Always make sure to have fun, I love when I can see passion in debaters!

3 Year Debater for Bentonville High School, have competed in every style of debate. That being said, If you are reading this you are most likely in Junior High or Middle School, so don't get too stressed out about what I believe in the round. Reading my paradigm in an of itself is an awesome thing.

BIAS

That being said, I will vote on anything, any speed, any topic. I will notice if you do not understand your argument and are simply reading off a paper, and while I will not vote you down for it, just be careful because your opponents could notice as well, and it's just not a good look. Also if you are a more progressive debater in JH (if there even are any) while I love to see a K debate, your opponents probably wont and try to recognize the circuit you are operating probably does not either, so I discourage it.

Humor can also be great in these debates often filled with depressing statistics and clash. Making me laugh in round is great if possible, and can always bump speaks :D.

Especially for LD, I heavily weigh rounds on value/framework- do not drop this. If your opponent has a different framework than you do, I expect to see clash on this.

Impact calculus is critical. I expect to hear this throughout the round- not just last speeches.

If you make a point in your first speech but you and your opponent drop it, I will not flow it to anyone. Make sure to call out when your opponent has dropped your points and then you should extent your point.

CX/ETHICS

As long as you are not racist/xenophobic/homophobic etc, we should have no problems with aggressiveness, I believe that a little bit of aggro can really increase clash and deepen a debate's value. Do not conflate this with just being mean to your opponents, or trying to parade around/patronize them. I will notice, and your speaks will reflect it.

Hello, I am Patrick Gunter. I am a current student at Cabot High School. I like PF, LD, and BQ, as this is what I have done.

TL;DR- spreading bad, truth>tech, progressive good, flow CX, be nice and stuff

LD-

don't spread, i like actually being able to flow

Be nice

I personally am tipped towards truth>tech because like idc how many arguments you make, if your opponent still has the better argument, they have the better argument and that's how it rolls

I LOVE progressive arguments. I also love very distinct arguments, like "violence>civil disobedience" provided that you can defend these arguments in a reasonable manner.

NEVER put the value of human life lower than it actually is...

CX- I lowkey flow cross ex but it's really just to keep track of any discrepancies... don't say "My opponent said in CX that.." if you know its not true, I'll already have it written down. ALSO I believe that CX should be somewhat heated... however heated does not mean you should be disrespectful

If you state/are aware that an argument is inherently prejudiced imma have to flow that argument to your opponents side

Not to sound mean but like if you start every speech with something like "Hello my name is Chris Hansen and I am debating for the affirmative side of this resolution..." do NOT expect your speaker points to be very high... it is extremely irritating as a judge to hear this because rarely will I address any debater by their name.. its general "Aff/Neg" and that will be your name to me

When it comes to weighing, theory can definitely come into your favor if you know how to use it. It is the debaters job to tell me how to weigh a debate... i.e. if morality is proven to be the framework, then I am a moral judge. If justice is the framework, I am now a just judge

IPDA- same as LD tbh

PF- I am by no means a lay judge with PF, I get that PF is supposed to be debated in a way that an inexperienced judge could easily comprehend but I have no problem with big words tbh. Don't introduce plans in PF, I automatically cannot flow this to your side. Theory also can be used in PF in my honest opinion but I didn't tell you that LOL. I just like progressive debate because it is way more interesting

Any form of misogyny, racism, and prejudiced behavior is a good way to lose....

Email me at guntepatri24@cps.k12.ar.us if you have questions, want advice, etc

ALSO--- "Bonus points" if you can correctly guess my favorite Hobbit movie

I am a volunteer judge and have read information and watched training videos but this is the first time that I have judged this event. I prefer clean, well laid out arguments that include philosophy. I am not yet very comfortable with speed. Please clarify arguments at the end and make evidence very clear on the flow. Other than that, I like clash and logically sound arguments. Be respectful to your opponent and use professional language.

Have fun, best of luck!

I am both a speech and debate coach, who primarily works with speech events and IPDA style debate.

Speech Events:

In interp, I focus on technical ability but also your understanding of the emotions in the piece. I want to see sincere displays of emotional depth that appropriately connect with the overall theme.

In public address and platform speaking events, I value organization and clarity in your speech. I am a fan of visual paragraphing provided it is done well--your movement should look natural and enhance the presentation not distract. INFO should be well rehearsed with their visual integration, but I understand that accidents may happen due to travel/stands.

ALL Debate Events:

Above all, I value good sportspersonship! I will not tolerate rude behavior towards opponents because we are here to clash ideas, not clash each other. I am opposed to the practice of spreading, as it does not give judges enough time to process information and flow. I typically evaluate rounds based on the following criteria (in order): validity and logic of argument, organization of points, round decorum, and speaking presence.

Quick facts about me:

- I specialize in PF

- I have judged Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas

TLDR

- Not a fan of spreading; try to go a moderate speed

- I will keep the time of speeches, but competitors can as well.

Be respectful; I understand debates can get heated, but keep a calm and cordial attitude.

• Camera's on is preferable (virtual only)

- Do not use progressive cases! 

PF

- Keep a clear, logical case

- Use prep wisely, you only have three minutes!

- Use reliable sources; it won't cost you a round, but it is preferable.

- Be careful when you come across a divisive case; things can become very messy very quickly.

- Use framework

LD

- Tech over Truth

- Be passionate when you speak; I don't want monotonous speakers, it is quite dull.

I do not encourage derogatory remarks of any kind. If any comment is made, you will automatically lose the round.

Overall, I enjoy a clean, fair fight. You don't win a debate based on how loud you are, but how well your argument is constructed.

Email: mordenannabelle@gmail.com

Personal attacks on your opponent will result in an immediate loss. Any discriminatory language, racism, sexism, ableism or other forms of hate will not be tolerated.

Do not misgender your opponent…it is just like, rude?

LD-

Theory is meh but I'm willing to hear it out

Almost always tech>truth

K affs can be good

Disclosure good

LD-

CX: Just don’t be a jerk, it’s unprofessional and unflattering. I respect debaters who utilize CX rather than just asking shallow questions. Sarcasm is good (just don't over do it)

Speaking-

I'm cool with spreading, just don't spread unless you are experienced in that field. I will drop points for incoherent, jumbled speaking.
-Speak with intent, if you don’t understand or mean the words being read, then you have the disadvantage in the debate. Keep me intrigued, you have a better chance of winning if you are passionate about your case.

Styles-

I respect that there are many styles of debate, however I prefer progressive. I am persuaded by logical and warranted arguments, I love Ks, especially Ts if done right. If you’re going traditional, it is imperative that you provide voting issues or at least a clear reasoning behind why I should vote for you, I think it just spices up the round. Going progressive, make sure your k’s have links. Lack of link takes away from your case drastically.

No topicality arguments unless you truly and utterly believe it is essential to the debate. Otherwise, I believe topicality is abusive of your rights as neg/aff

Fw- I’ll hear anything out; even TVAs as long as it has a solid relation to the topic. Fw is about LBL and explaining why your topic mode is good. The fw debate is very important to me, drop it and I will struggle to vote on your side.

Link turns are good, impact turns to education are great when explained right

If you aren’t going to at least try and maintain clash in 1nr/2ar, don’t bother speaking at all. Clash is essential to the structure of LD, please do not disregard this

IPDA-

Speaker points-

I understand it's not easy to formulate an entire case in 30 minutes, however please try and keep things organized. A messy case will result in lower speaks. Make sure you aren't just speaking to speak, if you aren't sure what to talk about, reiterate previously made points and tell me why they matter. Speak with intent, convince me that I should vote for you; don't simply read off of a script, I could do that myself, it's your job to give meaning to those words.

Clash. If you do not respond to your opponents arguments with either logical or warranted claims, then don't expect me to flow what you said. Clash is very important, if you can provide adequate defense/offense then I'll be sure to weigh that when making my decision

Affirmative- please do not abuse your right to define, debate requires a certain extent of fairness.

Contact me if you have any further concerns, I will gladly answer any questions you may have

I have not judged debate before, so definitely treat me as a lay judge and try not to use debate jargon. (I am a lawyer and have tried 30 cases for the United States government.)

I will judge the round based on who is the more persuasive debater. I will evaluate the strength of argumentation, speaking style, and organization.

Good luck!

A little bit about me :)

- I am a public forum (PF) debater, I have done Lincoln Douglas on occasion but PF is my cup of tea.

- I have judged PF, LD, and IPDA in the past and I absolutely love judging

- I am a public forum captain so if you have any questions or need any help, feel free to email me ~ robbihaley24@cps.k12.ar.us

Now into what I do and don't like in a round. All of these go for IPDA, LD, PF, Congress...you name it

PROGRESSIVE CASES

I absolutely despise progressive cases. Don't try to run them unless you don't have another case prepared. I'm a pf debater, meaning that I like more traditional, slower, and "general audience" arguments

SPREADING

When virtual: If you are anything like me then you love to speak quickly. I feel like with the nature of debate we want to talk as fast as possible to allow us to have as much information as possible. With that being said, when debating virtually I do not like when you spread. When you speak quickly over the chromebook, your words get mushed together because the computer can't keep up. I am not afraid to stop you mid-speech and tell you to slow down. When you spread, that not only affects your opponents but it also makes it harder for me to hear what you're saying.

When in person: Feel free to speak as fast as you like but fair warning, I value content over presentation. I am not impressed if you can speak 400 words per minute. BUT if I can't get all your information written down because you are talking faster than Edward Cullen can run, then that might affect the outcome of the debate because like I said content>presentation

CROSS EXAMINATION

I do not flow CX, the only thing that I will write down is your behavior. Debate is not supposed to be a hostile activity, show your opponent respect and don't talk down to them or treat them like dirt. Standing your ground and a bit of sass is permitted and also encouraged. I love clash but if you start to be mean to each other, it can affect who the winner of the round is.

FLOWING/REBUTTALS

I expect everyone to flow the opponent's case because when you move into your rebuttal speech I strongly encourage doing line-by-line. I will always flow EVERYTHING when judging but I don't want to have to go on a wild goose chase to try and figure out what you are refuting. If something is not addressed in your rebuttal speech I WILL COUNT IT AS A DROPPED ARGUMENT, so do your absolute best to refute all aspects of the opponent's case. If your opponent doesn't respond to one of your arguments BRING IT UP IN THE NEXT SPEECH. If you don't bring it up then I don't know. I will write down what you say and to preserve the fairness of the round, if you don't say it..it didn't happen.

RDF

I don't care who spoke better or who had the better questions in cross, whoever has the most of their case still standing is the winner. If you bring up arguments in your final speech it might change my decision against you because your opponent cannot respond. If you bring up any contradictions or you use faulty evidence you will not be the winner. If your plan is to reform the resolution then the other team automatically wins because you have brought up arguments that the other team is not prepared for. When giving a verbal RDF, I will tell you how it is. If you cannot handle the harsh truth then let me know beforehand and I will only put it on the ballot.

BEHAVIOR

Any offensive, discriminatory, sexist, hateful, harmful words or profanity will lose you the round. If you chose to belittle or as I call it "mansplain" words, events, or actions to your opponent you will lose. I do not tolerate people putting down their opponents based on their sex, race, sexuality, religion, culture, or appearance. Debate is meant to be a safe space so if you disrupt the peace, you will lose the round, and Selah or your coach will be hearing about it directly from me. (Which you do not want because I am very blunt.)

Best of luck to you in your rounds and I can't wait to judge for you!

This is my first time judging a Forensics and Debate competition so please be patient with me.

I value an organized and clear speaking style. Please do not recite your speech. Articulation and delivery skills are important to me.

Have a clear and consistent argument backed with evidence rather than just your opinion. I do not have a preference in argument style and will vote towards the argument that responds to the resolution most clearly with the best evidence to support it. Your resolution should reflect your case argument as a whole. Be professional.

Avoid arguments that are homophobic, sexist, racist, or offensive in any way. Be respectful to your opponent. Use professional language at all times.

All the best! This is your time to shine!

Bentonville West High School Speech and Debate Volunteer Judge

Hello, my name is Gabriel and I have some experience with debate

Speed

I find it hard to flow at about 170-180 wpm. I prefer a more comfortable 160 (The key point here is please don't spread). Remember, the point here is to get your arguments across and if I can't understand you then it's harder to judge correctly.

Speech

Speak clearly and concisely. I'd also prefer if you spoke as if I knew absolutely nothing about debate (so cut out the jargon, if you will).

Evidence

You can use your evidence however you like, be it cards or paraphrasing, but referencing from sketchy sources is a hard pass from me. I'd also really appreciate it if you have everything ready beforehand.

Behavior

Be courteous and be kind. It's fine if you accidentally let out some foul language but please don't be intentionally rude or explode at another person.

Prep

You're gonna have to tell me when you're ready.

Other

I won't judge you for dressing casual (take that as you wish)

Don't be afraid to ask me any questions before the round but be warned that I may not know as much as you do on some topics.

Have fun and good luck!

Hey Guys! My name is Sean Watkins and I'm a former Debater from Bentonville High School. Here's some things you can know about me: I've done debate for 3 years and have competed across the nation in both Congressional and Public Forum. I attended the 2023 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Congressional debate and have a growing love for the style but I dig the casual styles of debate as well.

Email: watkisean@gmail.com

Here's a brief summary of what I'm looking for in Debate rounds:

- Most importantly, stay respectful and make sure to stay engaged throughout the round. If you're disrespectful or creating disturbances within the round you'll most likely lose both speaker points and the round. Along with that, don't be sexist, racist, homophobic, or transphobic - if this happens I can promise you'll lose the round.

- Direct me through your speeches. Don't expect me to infer what you're trying to say or impact. Address everything and tell me why it matters. At the end of the round, I will most definitely be looking at who has the bigger and better impacts and that is what will win you the round. I do flow everything, however, don't expect me to rely on my flows the entire round; it is your job to convince me why you won the round.

- If something is said in cross that is important to the round, please please please point it out. Although I will most likely hear it, I do not flow cross and I expect you to bring up big points that were made in cross.

- If a card is called for, I expect that it already be cut and ready to be sent. Given the chance of technical difficulties, it shouldn't be taking 10 minutes to send a cut card. Come to round prepared, I don't want to see cards being cut in round.

Specific to Congressional:

Speeches should not just be read. Ideal is performed without reading except for statistics. Each speech should add to the conversation, not just rehashing. Perspective should be of a representative not a speech and debate participant. Try to give specific examples of people or events when possible. Stats should add credibility and value to the speech. Use the space you are provided, don't just stand in one place. Voice should be clear, audible and most importantly, confident. Questions should be direct and relevant. Approach to questions should be assertive but professional. Participation is key.

Specific to IPDA:

- Speaks: As IPDA is out of 40, it is basically impossible for me to score you below a 30. Unless you and rude and disruptive you will most likely always receive a 34+. I'll start each opponent off at 36 and go from there.

- I enjoy a serious yet still enjoyable debate. If you can make me enjoy being there and have fun the whole time I will be a much happier judge. Yes, serious and realistic debates should be the norm, however if you create a unique and enjoyable case, you will receive my extra respect and gratitude.

PLEASE - just have fun, enjoy the debate, and don't be upset if you lose. Loses are there for us to get better and leads us to victory in the future. I'll almost always give feedback and disclose in round if I can, as I like it being person to person rather than having opponents just read my RFD.

PF: I vote mainly on the voters you give me, if you dont have clear voters then I will vote on what i think is important and it may not be what you think it is (if one side has voters and the other side doesn't then im going to lean more toward the side with voters). Go down the flow it makes it much easier for me to flow all of your agruments in the right spot. Don't spread if I dont know exactly what you said I wont write it down.

LD: Make your Framework very clear so I understand exactly what it is but dont make it a framework debate. Dont spread if I dont know what you said I wont write it down. I vote mainly on voters, if you dont have clear voters then I will vote on what i think is important and it may not be what you think it is (if one side has voters and the other side doesn't then im going to lean more toward the side with voters).

Congress: I've done alot of PF so I like reliable sources. Be ready to speak on either side of the bill. Try and fill all of your time in your speach but if you have nothing new to add then just leave it at what you have and ask questions. questions are important to me it shows you are still engaged in the round and will give you extra points.

IPDA: jsut try to fill all your time have a good ofense and defense, and be sure to speak well. good luck