Respect comes first. We’re here to compete, but there’s a fine line between being competitive and being aggressive. That said, I do consider myself a flow judge. At the end of the day, my vote is going to boil down to consistent and clear refutation across the flow. Clear signposting is also HIGHLY appreciated.

Speed is alright, so long as you’re able to annunciate. It doesn’t matter how many points you’re able to fit into a minute if I can’t tell what you’re saying.

Tl;dr: Refute, be respectful of your opponent, and annunciate.

"I am a communications judge and will base my decision on who can be more persuasive in their arguments and communicate effectively. I know that there is a lot of information that you need to fit in a short amount of time, but please do not talk so fast that I can not follow your case. It is more important to me that you present information that has substance verses spouting out lots of facts just to fill your time. PLEASE do not spread! Imagine that you are talking to someone that knows nothing about your argument and you are trying to explain why I should agree with your side. I need to be able to hear and understand your key points each time you speak and please stick to the topic. I also appreciate being given a heads up on trigger warnings. If you are not sure if it counts as a trigger warning, just keep in mind that anything involving suicide, rape, abuse, miscarriage, abortion, etc. is a trigger for me. For Debate events, keep it civil before, during, and even after your debate. A few things that I am not a fan of hearing about- nuclear annihilation, cannibalism, and mass extinction. Good luck!"

As background on who your judge today is: I am a student at The College of Idaho. I am on the Howling Yotes debate team and often compete in British Parliamentary. Through all four years of high school I competed in various speech events and did every debate event on the Idaho high school circuit. I do not try to judge based on the knowledge I have from higher education, but instead on a variety of factors.

Technique: This is the most important thing in debate. I am not a techy debater and don't focus on the major agnostics of it, but at the end of the day the tools you utilize in debate are vital to winning. Part of what this means for me is that structure to your speeches is important. I want to see clear pieces to each argument and for you to spell things out for me; I will not make connections for you or do any of the work for you when judging. Clear link work and impacts are major judging factors for me. Building a case and refutation should involve clear and strong offense. Offense is more important to me than defense; defense is important and should be included but that should just illustrate how important strong offense is.

Persuasiveness: This is less of an important factor, but it still matters because debate is not purely about the agnostics of it all. This can mean clear and confident speaking. This can go a long way towards selling an argument, but honestly I would give low point wins if I could because the eloquence of a speech does not determine if you had a winning argument.

Question periods: This looks different depending on the type of debate, but I highly recommend all debaters utilize questioning periods to their full extent. I want to see that you are using question period to build either direct offense or defense. Filler questions or ending questioning period early makes it look like you have nothing to say about your opponents speech.

Evidence: I want to see reliable and credible sources. This is a huge point of backing up your claims. However, this does not stand on its own; there needs to be a warrant. The link work you use to explain the impacts of this evidence is just as important.

If you have any questions about feedback or other things I saw in the debate, you can email me at jayden.bodey@yotes.collegeofidaho.edu !

Hello! My paradigm will be broken down into a general overview of how I judge and specifics for each main event is listed below. If you have any questions feel free to ask before the round starts.

I don't typically judge on this point, but remember to respect everyone in the round. This means not insulting people, respecting people's pronouns and prefered names. Generally, don't be rude and disrespectful. If there is a major issue in this regard I will take it to tab and contact the coaches and individuals who need to know. I don't expect this to be an issue, but I do want to set the expectation.

I did debate in high school so I am very familiar with all of the events. I primarily competed in Policy and LD. I'm primarily an impact and flow judge. Show me clear links to the impacts and how they are relevent to the round. Make sure that arguments aren't dropped, and if they are I know why and that it's intentional. I don't mind if people speak quickly, as long as all the judges (if there are multiple) and competitors agree before the round begins. I'm not a huge fan of spreading, mostly because I have often seen it used as a way to overwhelm the other team and win because of dropped arguments instead of debating in any real depth. I think it is important to have multiple different arguments to present, but I do prefer quality over quantity. If you set up a SpeechDrop or email chain please include me in it. Overall, be nice, have fun and try your best!

Policy:

Policy was the event I did the most in high school, so while I may not be familiar with the topic, I am well aware of the rules. I like impact debates with a solid focus on the flow. However, don't sacrifice comms for flow or impacts. I don't mind Counter Plans or Topicality arguments, but I'm not a huge fan of Kritiks. If you decide to run a K, make sure you understand it very well and have a solid link and alt. I don't usually vote on Ks and I often find them to be more trouble than they're worth. Many times people don't understand what they're saying and missinterpret the authors they're citing. I will know if you don't understand what you're saying, it will affect the quality of the debate, and impact your chances of winning. I like seeing a lot of clash on both sides of the flow. Make the round interesting, show me exactly why the plan is either a great or a terrible idea.

LD:

I love the value and criterion debates in LD. I like a lot of clash on both sides of the flow, but don't forget the value and criterion. I am a more traditional person when it comes to LD because I don't like counter plans or counter advocacies and I like seeing the moral side of the debate. Impacts are important, but in LD morality is the primary focus. Please don't try to turn the round into policy or PF. Those events have their places, LD is not one of them. I have yet to see a Kritik in an LD round that needed to be there. Often the arguments in the K could just be run as part of the case, so I'm not a huge fan.

PF:

I didn't really do PF in high school, so I am less familiar with the rules and standards. Regardless, I like seeing a solid framework that is upheld in the round and a solid flow. I do like impacts and clear link chains. I do prefer when frameworks are more than Cost Benefit Analysis, but it's not a requirement to win.

I am a 'tab' judge. Teams/speakers must show me why their arguments should be voted on as opposed to assuming I will vote on them based on my own beliefs. I am a former TOC circuit policy debater and current head coach of a high school debate program. I am fine with all types of arguments, and very familiar with debate jargon and procedures.

I am typically fine with speed as well.

Please give clear voting issues a the end of the round.

Please signpost clearly.

Please give a brief off time road map prior to all speeches with the acceptation of the first affirmative.

My background/history: I studied speech/communications and have spent the last two decades first as a broadcast journalist and now as an executive in charge of strategic communication and change management for a large government agency. I have been judging since 2019.

Persuasion and influence depend on the strength and clarity of an argument. That's what I look for in every round.

I make my decision based on thoughtful, well-organized arguments where impacts are clearly defined. Convince me your argument is best. Tell me why. Be creative, but keep your arguments relevant.

I have to be able to understand your words — including the text of evidence - in order to judge most fairly and appropriately.

Quality of arguments is always more important than quantity. I love clash! Be respectful and kind.

Your primary focus should be on presenting sound arguments and countering your opponents' arguments, not just looking for opportunities to attack an opponent's style or method flaws.

I am generous on speaker points for those who speak in a natural way and command attention through eye contact and body language.

Some of my other favorite things? Passion about your position, anticipating an opponent's arguments, smart and spirited cross-examination (pay attention to your opponent's answers and work them into your counter!)

Bring your best self to the round...and have fun! I promise to do the same.

Email: andreadearden@gmail.com

Hello Competitors!

While I'm a lay judge, I come from a background in education/training with learners of all ages. So, while I'm still learning about the technical side of competitive speech and debate - I do know what it takes to be a strong and convincing communicator. I'm looking for:

Logic in your arguments and the presentation of your ideas.

Strong evidence.

A convincing communication style.

A clear and even pace in your speaking style - don't forget to breathe.

A healthy respect for your competitor and the school you represent.

An opportunity to be dazzled by your amazing skills!

Please present your arguments using a professional and conversational style. A speaking pace a bit faster than normal conversation is fine. However, spreading has been used to manipulate the rules and turn policy debate into something it was never meant to be. That has taken over policy, so I accept it, but don't try to do the same in other forms of debate.

Except for in Public Forum, I am a “flow” judge. Be sure to roadmap and signpost. Don't drop points unless you have decided they don't matter to the issue. I will weigh who won each point and then determine which points are most critical to the issue in determining who won the debate.

Since Public Forum is intended to be judged by lay people and end with a summary and focus that are about the most important issues from the debate, public forum is not intended to require that students continue debating every point until the end of the debate. Thus, claims that someone dropped your point during one of the last 3 speeches don't matter unless that point seems more important than whatever the other side did say. I will still flow because that's how I'm used to taking notes, but the vote will be based on who made the most convincing arguments overall rather than on a careful consideration of who won each point.

Better evidence is more important than more evidence. Sources matter. Evidence isn’t an argument; it should support arguments and be backed up by solid reasoning.

You should have evidence beyond what is in your cases. Please use it.

When refuting, please be specific about how your arguments apply to each contention and subpoint.

Topics reflect concerns in our society. Case approaches should always consider the framers' intent.

Tabula Rasa - As much as is possible, my vote is based on the arguments you and your opponent present rather than on what I know or believe.

Be polite and take it seriously. Debate is about communication, and manners are a very important part of communication.

I am Ridgevue's speech and debate coach.

Prefer conversational pace, weigh decision in debate holistically, minimize debate jargon (particularly in PF), swayed by competent philosophical arguments in LD, support is important but does not outweigh sound logical arguments and reasonable impacts/harms.

This is your round to have and enjoy, so most importantly, make sure that you are being kind to your opponent and having fun!

I am comfortable with speed, but do not be excessive or spread, and I am comfortable with all forms of arguments. If you run a K, or a CounterPlan, or something progressive in LD - it needs to be done in a way that is accessible to your opponent.

If you need to transfer evidence, I won't count it as prep time, but please don't be excessive or abuse that time. (I.E. have your evidence pulled up and organized)

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me before the round! Have fun!

My email is hampton.allie@gmail.com if you have any further questions.

Simple, clear, and direct. Go slow. Relate your topic back to real life to tell me how it matters. I love relatable and evidence based debates.

Remember that in order to win a round, respect toward you opponent is paramount. It is hard to find in favor of debaters that belittle or berate their opponent/s in and out of rounds. Graceful winners are as important as graceful losers. Lets make this a respectful debate.

do not waste time waiting or asking to see evidence, though I understand sometimes it’s necessary.

Enjoy your debates... You made it to state!!

Please do not talk excessively fast. Your rate of speaking should be about the same as in a normal conversation. I prefer speakers and debaters who speak at a conversational rate. A fast rate of delivery has made it difficult for me to
understand arguments in the past. If you talk so fast that I cannot follow what you are saying it will be difficult for me to give you a high score and/or ranking.

Know and follow the rules for the speech or debate event in which you are participating.

I value both arguments and style, with a slightly higher emphasis on style.

Try to utilize the majority of your available time.

Be respectful of each other.

Have fun!

Speech and debate are not merely extracurricular activities; they are powerful tools for honing communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and fostering intellectual growth. This paradigm delves into the multifaceted world of speech and debate, highlighting their significance in personal and academic development.

1. Effective Communication: Speech and debate provide platforms for mastering the art of effective communication. Participants learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, persuasively, and concisely, essential skills for success in both personal and professional realms.
2. Critical Thinking: Engaging in speech and debate fosters critical thinking skills by challenging participants to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives. Through research, analysis, and argumentation, individuals learn to construct logical and compelling arguments.
3. Confidence Building: Public speaking can be daunting, but speech and debate offer a supportive environment for individuals to overcome their fears and build confidence. The ability to confidently express ideas in front of an audience is invaluable in all aspects of life.
4. Civic Engagement: Speech and debate empower individuals to become active participants in civic discourse. By discussing pressing societal issues, participants develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and are motivated to effect positive change.
5. Intellectual Growth: Engaging in speech and debate cultivates intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Participants are exposed to a wide range of topics and viewpoints, challenging them to expand their knowledge and broaden their perspectives.

I have quite a bit of experience with forensics, so no need to worry about that! I competed in Policy and PF in high school for 3 years, and I am currently competing in collegiate forensics.

I am comfortable with just about any kind of argument as long as you can demonstrate you know what you're talking about. I am also comfortable with speed, but signposting needs to be clear otherwise I won't get your argument down on my flow, I do appreciate quality over quantity of arguments. Essentially, I am generally a communications judge, meaning that good communication, clear signposting, and also being respectful of each other and the rules of debate is very important to me.

For PF, I am a policy maker judge, meaning I like to view the round as if it is a policy proposal and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the resolution. For LD, I am a tabula rasa judge, so I will focus on and whatever argument is key in the round. For Policy, I am a stock issues judge, so I do value harms, the plan, solvency, advantages, disadvantages, counterplans, and the like. I am also comfortable with Kritiks and will take them into consideration, but I do not prefer them.

I'm a flow judge. You should signpost well, but speed is fine. Tell me beyond just evidence why you've won the debate. Give clear voters.

And don't be rude(:

Hi! I'm Lexi. I did Speech and Debate in highschool for three years. I went to nationals in LD my senior year and placed top 45 in the nation. I love great flow work and respectful banter. For speech, I mainly did DUO, HI, and ADS. Regardless of what I'm judging though, I expect everyone to be kind and caring. Speech and Debate is fun.

I am a parent, lay judge

I consider myself a conversational judge - clear delivery is important

Structure, decorum and content are important.

Intro and clear position on the resolution

The quality of evidence is important

Treat each other with respect

I am a communications judge and will base my decision on who can be more persuasive in their arguements and communicate effectivly. I know that there is a lot of information that you need to fit in a short amount of time, but please do not talk so fast that I can not follow your case. It is more important to me that you present information that has substance verses spouting out lots of facts just to fill your time. PLEASE do not spread! Imagine that you are talking to someone that knows nothing about your arguement and you are trying to explain why I should agree with your side. I need to be able to hear and understand your key points each time you speak and please stick to the topic. Keep it civil before, during, and even after your debate. A few things that I am not a fan of hearing about- nuclear annihilation, cannibalism, and mass extinction. Good luck!

Good communication, with arguments based on evidence, logic, and persuasion. Reasonable arguments and impacts. Extreme harms such as mass extinction, nuclear annihilation, cannibalism, zombies, etc. require extreme real-world evidence. Not recommended.

Logical fallacies make for weak debate. I watch for logical fallacies, but also expect the opposing team to point out if their opponent is relying on a logical fallacy as part of their case.

I expect the following during debate rounds:

1. Debaters should provide their own timekeeping. Judges should be observers and not controlling the round.
2. Tag-teaming protects a weak debater by hiding in the shadow of a strong debater and consequently slows their growth. I do not allow tag-teaming in rounds.
3. Debate should be focus on discussion of the topic. No ad hominem attacks.

I've been judging for more than 12 years now. I've been helping to coach for more than 3 years. I competed in speech and debate in high school. I know how to do all of the events.

Policy: I very much dislike when the debate goes off into theory arguments for policy. Most of the time they aren't even actual arguments that have been fully formed with all the necessary attributes. Those arguments will be crossed out on my flow. If you can't fully form the argument and have all the parts to it then why should I care to have it as a voting issue? I don't mind reasonable speed. If you breathe anywhere where there isn't punctuation then I will completely cross that card/argument from my flow. That is my biggest annoyance with speed. I lean very strongly towards Policy maker but I'm a stock coms judge. I will always weigh the arguments with stock issues more heavily than I will the other issues. Topicality will be weighed over it when it's actually reasonable. I want a clear shift of policy with the Aff case. IF YOU SAY THEY DIDN'T ADDRESS AN ISSUE THAT THEY DEFINITELY HAVE I WILL VOTE YOU DOWN FOR WHINING, INCOMPETENT FLOWING, AND BEING ANNOYING!

LD: I very much love the Value and Criterion debate. I love traditional debate. I HATE progressive debate you lose a lot of the skills you would normally learn and gain weak skills instead. Give me clear reasons why we should weight the round off of your Value. Both logic and evidence based arguments have their place in this debate. Make sure you use them accordingly. I will drop the entire argument you're making if you breathe where there isn't any punctuation. I'm fine with reasonable speed. IF YOU SAY THEY DIDN'T ADDRESS AN ISSUE THAT THEY DEFINITELY HAVE I WILL VOTE YOU DOWN FOR WHINING, INCOMPETENT FLOWING, AND BEING ANNOYING!

SPEECH:

So, I WILL NOT, emphasis on the NOT, judge a piece that has, or should have, a trigger warning in it. I will leave the round immediately if someone tries to run one in my round. Pieces can be very good without getting to the point where there needs to be a trigger warning. I will not judge those garbage pieces. Increase your quality of speeches by getting rid of those.

I am a newbie to the Debate judging scene.

I know that it takes a lot of courage to stand up in front of a group and speak. Be confident, and be proud that you're making the effort.

I am a retired Police officer with 25 years of experience. In that regard, I have many years of impromptu speaking.

I have a B.A. in Criminal Justice.

Hello! My name is Madison Pritchard. I debated for 3 years in high school with experience in LD, Congress, and mainly Public Forum. I have also debated in college at Idaho State University, so safe to say I am very experienced. I have organized my paradigm by events that I am familiar with, as well as some general preferences. Happy debating and good luck!

General:

Be kind! This is high school debate and at its core needs to be about respect and understanding. I love clash but you need to make sure it is respectful, clash makes the debate interesting, without clash a debate ends up being bland. Make sure you are not interrupting your opponent a lot during cross examinations. Be sure that you have all of your evidence on hand and that it is properly cited, if I catch you falsely representing evidence then you will probably get a loss, unless your opponent does something somehow worse. If you choose to run a definition argument, be completely sure you can make it work, I don't love these but sometimes they are needed, make sure it is necessary if you do run one. I am fine with spectators as long as your opponents are fine with it, and as long as they are respectful (NO BEING ON THEIR PHONES). If you have any further questions, feel free to ask in round! Good luck debaters!

Public Forum:

This was my event in high school so you will not be able to get a lot past me here. A good balance of evidence and ethics are the core of this debate. I flow, so make sure your attacks stand and not to drop any main arguments, that will lose you the debate. Do not make the whole debate about evidence, evidence validity debates are not fun for anyone. If I feel a piece of evidence needs addressed, I will take a look once the debate has concluded. Speed reading is not loved but I can follow to a degree, just remember this is not policy.

Lincoln Douglas Debate:

I have a decent amount of experience with this event, so I can follow a lot of the jargon and ideas. My main problem sometimes with this debate is when people make it solely about the value/criterion, don't forget to attack the actual case and not just the value it is based on. Remember this debate is about morality, you need to convince me that yours is the morally correct argument, I will carry these over on the flow more than solely logic arguments.

Policy:

I don't have a lot of experience participating in this one, but I have ended up judging it a lot, so I have experience in that sense. A lot of the jargon I can understand but still be sure to explain some of your terms if you think there is a chance they could not be understood. Make sure your links are very clear. When your links get muddy, especially on a counterplan, you can lose me. Topicality arguments can be great, but again, just make sure they are completely clear. I do not love speed reading; I can usually follow but tread carefully.

Congress:

I just thought I would put some things in here I like to see in congress just in case someone looks for it. Make sure your speeches have substance, I really hate throw away speeches. If you are getting up just to get a speech in, it will not get you any points with me. Everyone needs to be respectful, do not be rude or personally attack other representatives. Please do not use questioning periods to debate, use your speeches, if you do this it will not reflect greatly in your ranking.

I watch to see audience engagement, is the speaker making eye contact with others in the room or staring at their computer/paper, are they at least doing engagement checks.

When addressing questions I watch to see if the speaker makes any movement toward the questioner to show they are engaging with them.

I am ok with analytical and anecdotal evidence, however that does not replace empirical evidence. I want to know why you are correct, not just that you have an opinion on something.

If you are going to utilize a specific word please make sure you know the pronunciation, often times if someone doesn't take the time to learn how to say a word it could show a lack of understanding of their own information...make sure you know what you're talking about, including the pronunciation.

The last two things I do pay attention to is voice projection and speed while talking. I understand there could be several reasons that a speaker is quiet but it needs to be audible enough to hear in the back of the room without having to put in effort. I also understand there is a lot of information that has a short time to get out, powerful arguments may not necessarily require a lot of words, either way pick a solid pace.

I expect professionalism at all times from all involved - competitors, judges, and observers are expected to be respectful of themselves and one another, and of the judge.  Please speak slowly and clearly, I need to be able to hear and understand everything you say. I am happy to keep time for you, or you can keep your own, just tell me what you prefer.  I will keep time for my own awareness either way.  If someone goes over time, it is my job to call it, not the opponent.  Make sure your contentions are clear.  Thank you!

Bailey (They/She)

YES, please add me to the Email chain :) baileyrspaulding@gmail.com

Hey! A little background information about me. I just graduated last year and now I'm Coaching, I did Policy all 4 years but I have experience in all forms of debate. Across the board I like to think I'm kind of a blank slate Judge (tabs). I will follow whatever kind of round y'all want to have. However, make sure that you are keeping the round competitive and educational. (I really don't like reading an advanced critical argument when your opponent is new to debate). Be kind and helpful!!

I will never pick up something that advocates for dehumanization, or marginalization.

DISCLAIMER- i will try really hard to flow but im horrible at it

If everyone competing is okay with it I'm okay with tag teaming.

PF-

Take your time to explain the links and Impacts and extend them through your speeches. I like good clash and analytical arguments. Cited evidence is great in rebuttals but make sure you explain why the card effectively rebuttals the argument.

Impact Calc is SUPER IMPORTANT! I prefer crystallization in voters, give me a few strong voters and write my RFD for me.

LD-

Progressive arguments- I love progressive arguments so if you want to try some out I'm your gal! That being said, keep it fun competitive and educational, especially if you opponent isn't as comfortable with progressive arguments If you are going take a progressive approach make sure your still focusing on impacting out the link chain and linking it back to your V+C.

Take your time to explain the links and Impacts and extend them through your speeches. I like good clash and analytical arguments. Cited evidence is great in rebuttals but make sure you explain why the card effectively rebuttals the argument.

V+C should be the most important part of the debate, please don't forget about it till your voters, it should run through the entire debate.

Clear crystallized voters are my preference, try to write my RFD for me when you give me your voters.

Policy-

I have a feeling that policy is going to be non-existent this year so if on the odd chance there is a policy round, I'm okay with pretty much every argument you want to run, if you have any questions regarding specific arguments just ask me before the round starts :)

Overall have fun! If I missed anything feel free to ask.

If you have any Questions about my RFD find me after round or Email me!

I am an assistant coach with ten years of experience judging debate.

I will judge on the flow and am open to most kinds of arguments. Make sure you connect the dots (tell me how it connects to your case). I am fine with speed, although sometimes speakers are not as clear as they think they are.

Although I like lots of clash, please clash politely with your opponents. I want to hear you address your opponent’s arguments meaningfully. Tell me why winning dropped arguments wins the debate for you. Give me the impact of those dropped arguments.

For LD, know and understand your arguments. Then explain and link them to your value and criterion for me.

I want you to give me clear, impactful voters. Why did you win?

Have fun!

Competitors should hold themselves to a high standard of etiquette.

Reasonable arguments are the best kind of arguments.

Social justice is favored.

Your judge does not shake hands.

(You can control F to find specific paradigm for your events. I only have event specific paradigm for PF, Policy, LD, BQ, OO, and Panel. If I'm judging an event that I don't have listed above, just read the general for speech and/or debate paradigm. Even I have specific paradigm, it's still good to read the general stuff). Always feel free to ask clarifying questions or if I have a preference about something I don't have listed here. If it's important for you to know my experience in debate I can give you an overview before the round.

General:

• Be kind to your opponents, you can be polite and win.
• Don't talk too fast, you don't need to go a snail's pace just make sure I catch the important points.
• No one likes framework debates, if they are basically the same just say it works under both frame works and move on. If not, make sure you have a good justification as to why I should prefer yours.

PF:

• Like I said be kind to your opponents. If your argumentation is equal and you were rude that will be taken into consideration for the RDF, and win or lose it will lower your speaker points.
• A little tag teaming is fine in cross through the occasional sticky note, but relying too heavily on your partner makes your team seem unbalanced.
• Make sure you have a strong warrant, your evidence is only good if I understand why it links to the argument and it's impacts.
• Even if you think something the other side said is wrong, don't drop any arguments. Address it (even just briefly) in your speech. That being said, if you use a dropped argument as a voter but it's not important to your case or the round overall I won't vote for you just because they dropped an argument. Tell me why it's important they dropped it and how the argument proves your side.
• Let your opponents ask you questions in cross, don't completely steamroll them.

BQ/LD/Policy

(I haven't judged or debated many of these rounds yet so I'll leave more thorough paradigm as necessary)

• Pretty much the same thing honestly. I know framework is big for these but I'm not going to vote for you just because someone accepts your framework, if they can prove their case under either I don't care, as long as they uphold the burdens/criteria/value. If having different values or criteria is crucial to the round then just prove yours is preferable and how you uphold it.
• POLICY NEGATION: Don't run a counter plan that is aff slightly to the left. You need to prove why the aff doesn't work, and if you run a counter plan there needs to be a reason that you can't have both plans and see benefits.

Speech General

• Let your authentic personality shine through! Lots of good speakers with great topics will be there so this helps set you apart.
• Don't panic if you stumble, it happens to the best of us.
• Varsity, please be memorized (if your event requires it), little slip ups are okay but you shouldn't be reading off a piece of paper, I also shouldn't feel like you memorized on the bus on the way to tournament. Novices, if you forget part of your speech don't panic and do your best to wing it.

Panel

• Don't interrupt, I don't judge on quantity I judge on quality. If it's on accident that's okay, just apologize and move on.
• Don't force yourself to be table leader or speak for long stretches of time. I know people judge on that but if it is forced and comes at the expense of others at the table I won't vote in your favor just because you "led" the conversation
• Be respectful when disagreeing with your opponents and be mindful of how you speak to them, as well as who hasn't spoken in a while. I appreciate it when panelists encourage participation, especially when novice and varsity divisions are collapsed.
• I value originality, creativity, and depth when you make a point. You won't get points for repeating what some one else said or circular arguments.
• If everyone comes to a consensus, you can move on to a related branch of the topic. I know some judges are sticklers for staying to exactly what the topic is, but it's fun for no one to hear you all agree for forty minutes and go over the exact same talking points. Only do this if everyone has reached a consensus or you've all reached a point where there's nothing else to say on this topic.
• I also won't give you points just for being the devil's advocate.

OO:

• I'm not a huge fan of topics clearly chosen just to play to the judges. Pick something you are passionate about! It really shines through in your performance.
• It's okay to pick a topic that's talked about often, but make sure you are speaking on it in a fresh and engaging way and bring a unique perspective.
• Use platform movements to help break up your points.

Richard Wolff - Debate Paradigm

Preferred Debate Styles: Policy, Lincoln Douglas, Big Questions (6 years Judging Experience)

I consider myself a communication (comms) judge but I flow everything. If the flow is not backing you up you will not do well.

Well-developed arguments are much appreciated. Please speak clearly with an emphasis on communication delivery! Speed is not beneficial to your cause if it is too fast to be understood. (Info dumps are not beneficial to your cause) Arguments should each be addressed individually. Have credible evidence to back up your arguments.

Please follow the state/national rules and guidelines for evidence. You may tag team, but keep it minimal and be quiet. I prefer that you write things down or pass the evidence to your partner on a device.

I put a lot of emphasis on a well-developed case. Use criteria and arguments to support a value position. Reference evidence/support throughout the debate and use arguments throughout to support it.

Please use empirical and philosophical arguments that make sense! Please explain your views on critical arguments. Make sure all claims are supported with specific, defined examples. I enjoy hearing a well-structured plan and how it will solve the issue being debated.

Unless it is part of the resolution, Do not link it to nuclear war or extinction. You will lose my vote. Do not go off-topic.

The focus should be on winning the debate and supporting your position on the resolution. Do not attack a person’s style, flaws, or methods. Please respect your opponent and show professionalism from the moment you enter the room to the time you leave. I am less likely to vote in your favor if you are rude or disrespectful.

I participated in speech and debate in high school and in college. I am very familiar with all forms of debate and have judged it for a few years now. During the round, I will be flowing your arguments. I am looking for the ability for you to provide solid arguments, strengthen them throughout the round, and to be able to refute and debate your opponent’s arguments. I am good with speed, just if I can still understand you well. You can also run time yourself during the round, but I will be doing so as well. Let me know if you have any questions!