Hey y'all

I'm a fourth-year debater from Vestavia Hills High School.

Case: Make sure your case has impacts. It is hard for me to vote on an argument that doesn't tell me how or which population is affected by their impacts. However, make sure you also have warrants. Even if your case has big numbers, I will not evaluate any of your impacts if you don't give me any explanations as to how you get there. Don't worry if your case does not get to 4 minutes; I still evaluate all arguments presented in that timeframe.

Speaking: Speak clearly. For me, you can go a little bit fast and I will still be able to understand your argument. However, I will indicate for you to slow down if you are going too fast. Most importantly, mumbling is gonna negatively affect your speaker points and make it a lot harder to understand. Send speech docs if you plan on spreading. Email is aaryaaluri143@gmail.com

Prog: By all means go ahead and do it. Just beware that my experience with progressive args is pretty limited to theory. I'll evaluate it to the best of my abilities.

Rebuttal: Prioritize offense over defense. In 1st rebuttal, do not go back onto your case unless it is an absolute necessity and you believe you have no other way to fill the 4 minutes. Weighing is not a necessity in 1st rebuttal but it would be good if you started weighing early in round. Weighing should be in 2nd rebuttal. No talking between teammates in rebuttal or any speech for that matter. 2nd rebuttal must respond to all offense that 1st rebuttal brings. 2nd rebuttal would be good to collapse but it is not required for me. Defense is not sticky.

Weighing: WEIGHING IS NECESSARY. I must know why your argument is more important than theirs to be able to vote for you. Additionally, weighing can't be one-sided. You must weigh COMPARING your impact to theirs as opposed to just restating their impact. It can start in rebuttal but IT MUST START IN SUMMARY.

Summary: 1st summary MUST COLLAPSE ON ONE ARGUMENT. Summary must also respond to all offense presented on ALL of their contentions. Summary must also have clean extensions of their case and turns in order for them to stay on my flow. 2nd summary is largely a reactive speech that must respond to the points brought up by 1st summary.

Final Focus: Largely resembles summary. NO NEW INFORMATION IN FINAL FOCUSES. Weighing, case extensions and turn extensions must be present.

Have fun with this activity. It gives back what you give it. You make connections the more you stay in the activity. I will do my best to ease your nerves and help y'all grow in this adventure.

YOU'RE GONNA KILL IT!!!!

Hello! I’m Sydney An, and I’m a junior at LAMP High school. I’ve been debating in PF for around two years now.

I can deal with pretty fast talking speeds, but I recommend you to not spread, especially since this is a novice tournament. I'd rather you be slow and articulate than fast and incomprehensible.

Please be respectful; I will not tolerate any unsportsmanlike behavior or rude comments.

Maintain decorum in cross. I won't stop you if you ask more than one question in a row, but please keep in mind that each team is technically limited to one question before the opposing team can ask.

Make sure to bring up all of your important arguments in summary and continue to frontline in FF. If you drop something in FF/add a whole new argument, I won't take it into account.

Signposting is very convenient, so make sure to let me know where in your opponent's case you are rebutting. (Eg. In response to their Contention 1, Subpoint A, etc.)

I don't really care for offtime roadmaps, so it isn't necessary (for me, at least). Bonus points if you do, though.

Collapse onto your most significant arguments! It's not required, but I definitely encourage you to drop any weak arguments.

Impact weighing is crucial so please don't forget! It makes my life a lot easier.

Have fun! While debate is super stressful (and the first tournament is always the most rough), it does get better as you gain more experience. Let's make this a great tourney! :]

Thomas Bazemore art mine name

Judging debate art my game

Speak like this the entire round

The speaker points shalt be profound

Should thou waver from the rhyme

Thy speaker points shalt drop by nine

A pencil shalt not enter my sight

If it does, I shall leave in spite

Though thy first time it shall be

An amazing debate I hope to see

For novices, while thou art new

Still must abide by NSDA Rule

You shall respect the other side

Lest you lose arguments that coincide

You shall not use profane words

Lest your disqualification be heard

Thou shalt always bring thy case

Improvising is quite the waste

Lastly I shall state MY rules

Lest you argue like a fool

Make sure thou art speaking clearly

flows and impacts I love dearly

Frameworks shalt not be necessary

But they truly help against thine adversary

Make sure thine time is within bounds

Lest I cut you off with a frown

'Tis art mine own Paradigm

Good luck Debaters! 'Tis nearly time!

If you're going to spread send your case before the round. I want clear link chains and you should win my vote through good impacts and rebuttals. At the end of the round your focus should to be have more quality evidence standing than your opponent. I will consider each speech when writing my ballot and it's not over until it's over. I want clear and easy to follow speeches so signposting will go a long way. I will not consider arguments made in cross ex unless you bring it up in another speech. Keep track of your own preptime and inform me every time that you used it how much you used. I want a respectful debate at all times. Any racist, sexist, homophobic, etc comments will be taken note of and reported and will cost you the round. Debate is hard so I applaud everyone that is competing. Good luck and do your best.

Because you are novices, any feedback I give will be to make you better debaters. It might come off as harsh sometimes, but I promise that is not my intention. I do not care whether you stand or sit for whatever speech, just do what makes you comfortable (although I’d definitely advise to stand).

From my personal experience , I’ve been doing PF for 6 years. I know the ins and outs of debate, so don't be afraid about anything.

Constructive: Speed is fine, but make sure you emphasize your impacts, as they are the most integral part to the round in my opinion. I should also add that I personally feel that the US should not expand military presence in the arctic, but don’t let that discourage you at all from choosing to affirm. For each speech, I will let you go 15 seconds over. Overall, I’ll be judging on how well your case links to your impacts.

PS. This shouldn't need to be said, but no bigotry, please.

If you’re here, reading my lovely paradigm, you’re smart and are already ahead of the game! #proud

To preface before you read anything else: if you are homophobic, racist, transphobic, or anything discriminatory, you have automatically lost because I will not tolerate it. Please give a trigger warning before you start reading your constructive if there if something in your case that could trigger an opponent. (You never know what someone has been through.) Be nice to each other. 

I am a Varsity Public Forum Debater at Auburn High School. I am extremely familiar with how a good, normal PF round should go. If you start running a K in PF, I will most likely vote for the other team. My pronouns are she/her :)

I flow everything I can understand. I will most likely be judging off of my flow unless if you were rude to your opponents. However, you still need to convince me in your speech.

In a novice round, please do not spread. It’s hard for both myself and your opponents to understand, and therefore it won’t be a fair round. A little speed is fine though. Signpost please <3

Crossfire: I love a fun cross! However, I will not be flowing cross so if you don’t bring up something you said in cross in one of your speeches it won’t be counted. 

Speaker points: I will most likely give good speaker points unless you are hateful or do not speak for the entire given amount of time for your speech/cross. If you stutter or slip up a bit, I promise I won’t use it against you! I do it too. IF YOU MAKE ME LAUGH, YOU GET AN EXTRA SPEAKER POINT

Please please please weigh your impacts in summary and final focus. It helps me decide who had the more impactful case therefore it will help you win.

I’m looking forward to a great round! :) 

Hi, I’m Sophia! My pronouns are she/her.

• I appreciate clear speech. The easier you are to understand the easier it is to judge.
• Sign posting is extremely helpful.
• I’m a sucker for some good weighing. 
• NO racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, etc. will be tolerated. Please be respectful.

If you have any questions feel free to ask!

I have done Public Forum for three years in Highschool with no experience/exposure with Lincoln Douglas, so please keep that in mind.

I'm not comfortable judging theory/K's, and would prefer the debate to remain topic based, with util framing

here are my preferences for Public Forum below.

I won't evaluate the cross, however, if you do want me to pay attention to something said during crossfire, you must bring it up during your next speech (referring to what was said in crossfire). Try to keep track of your own timing during crossfire.

In general, I can handle a little bit of speed, but make sure to clearly articulate what you are saying, otherwise, I will not evaluate it. Please try to not spread, and speak at a normal pace preferably.

As for timings, keep track of your own prep time, and during specific speeches, if you run out of time, I'll let you finish your sentence, but not much more.

If you want me to evaluate anything, you must extend through Summary and FF for me to evaluate it. Make sure to weigh, and explain why I should vote for you clearly throughout the summary and Final Focus.

Please, no insulting/rude behavior/disrespect. Debate is an educational activity, and we want to create an open environment for learning and growth. I will lower the speaker's points for rude behavior.

For theory, I will not evaluate it if you decide to run it.

For speaker points, I will start with a basis of 28 points, and depending on how good or bad you perform, speaker points will be adjusted accordingly.

Feel free to ask me any questions at the beginning of the round for preferences and clarifications.

Have debated for a long time, mostly PF

Things which will lose you speaker points AND the debate itself:

1. 2nd summary speech introducing new information and any Final Focus introducing information

2. Rudeness towards the judge or other debaters which is uncalled for

3. Any hint of intolerance towards any group based on inherent characteristics

4. Going over time, I will be timing you, but I WILL NOT stop you if you go over, do so at your own risk

Things which will win you speaker points and the debate itself:

1. Cordiality/decency towards me or your other debaters (likely won't win you the debate but speaker points fs)

2. Well laid out arguments which are carried through the debate

3. Restatement of arguments in general

4. Weighing impacts an giving voting issues in your Final Focus and Summary speech

Hello, I’m Cal Floyd, first off, thanks for reading the paradigm, I’m just going to lay down some basic expectations/preferences for the debates

-I consider myself an experienced debater/judge, do with that what you will

-I can flow at any speed, so speak at what is comfortable, although please do not spread unless you are confident in your dictation

-Please signpost

-In PF, I will attempt to primarily judge off of the last 2 sets of speeches, so bring up any points you really want me to know

-I will most likely know of any contentions you dropped, dropped contentions will not be considered

-No personal attacks and/or mudslinging, please be polite

-There is room for humor in debate, I wouldn’t mind a joke or two (might even help speaks)

-Do not be Racist, Sexist, Homophobic, etc

If you have any more questions feel free to ask

Hi all! I am a varsity Public Forum debater at Hoover High School and am on my 3rd year of debate. I have participated in both the Deep South District Tournament and the National Speech and Debate Tournament.

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General

1) SPREADING - I can handle speed but don't spread. I will flow everything except what I don't hear. Also SPEAK UP

2) Cards are great but I'm not going to buy an argument without links just because someone credible said it

3) I am a tabula rasa ("blank slate") judge-- I only judge what is said in the round, regardless of my own knowledge/opinions. If something that your opponents say is obviously false, it is your job to call it out.

4) EXTEND! The arguments that count are the arguments defended every speech

5) Email Chains - I do not require to be added email chains; they aren't necessary unless there is a contested card.

6) Be respectful

7) No counterplans in public forum

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Cross-x

1) I will not flow cross-x so if you want to argue something said in cross-x, bring it up in a later speech

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Summary

1) If you don't third line a major rebuttal, you will lose that argument

2) WEIGH WEIGH WEIGH!!!

3) SIGNPOST and give an offtime road map.

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Final Focus

1) WEIGH!!!!!!! This is the most important speech for weighing

2) Collapse. only talk about the main arguments

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-

Lastly, have relax and have fun!!!!!! I look forward to hearing your round!

My email is 1966041640@hcs-students.net. Don't automatically put me on an email chain, but email me your case if you're going to spread.

upenn 27

hs vpf for 4 years

Don’t be rude, converse, don’t condescend, mostly tech, be prepared to debate the terms of the resolution, be prepared to explain why your evidence wins in a challenge, don’t spread, give clear card names and taglines, ????.

I’m a high schooler who’s done debate since middle school :)
Respect others; any discriminatory comments will result in an auto drop and I'll contact tab

Please be nice. Debates are not fun at all to judge when people are being rude/condescending in cross and I will give you the L if you're too mean.

I'll disclose only if everyone in the round is comfortable with it. I really hate how competitive debate is, so if you don't want to hear the results, power to you and just say so!

Try to speak for the whole speech time and weigh (tell me why to prefer your impacts over your opponents') and I'll be happy

Please extend arguments!! Tell me the reasons why something happens not just that it happens, and I’m so so much more likely to vote for you. Basically, just warrant what you’re saying and extend arguments properly

Give an off-time roadmap, like "neg, aff"

I think it's my job to adapt to how y'all are debating and that's what I'll try to be doing. As long as you're erring on the side of over-explaining things which aren't problematic in any way, I'd love to vote for you! Please just debate the way you debate best in front of me

My email is Wphahn05@gmail.com if you have any questions after/before round or want to add me to the email chain

Please ask me any questions before round if you have any, and don't aggressively post-round me!

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!

Hey, I'm Maggie. I debated all four years of high school (public forum), and now I am in college debating policy. I am well-versed in debate rhetoric and research, both of which are important in each round. Add me to the email chain if there is one available, maggiej2004@gmail.com .

For public forum debates, I a generally okay with every argument as long as you have adequate sources to back it up. I try to keep any biases outside of the round I am judging, however, you still must tell me where to vote. The only time I'm going to "judge-intervene" is if both teams give me no weighing mechs. I am more inclined to vote for a team, even if they are behind on the flow, if they give me weighing mechs.

Other than that, I am very flexible. I would prefer no spreading in public forum rounds just because other debaters might not be used to the speed. However, I can keep up with any speed you may like. If you are trying to speak fast/spread, please please please make sure you are still understandable. Anything I cannot understand will not go on the flow.

I will give an RFD at the end of the round, as long as time permits. Feel free to ask any questions at that time about the decision or suggestions.

You may also ask me any questions before the round starts.

Good luck everyone. :)

Please don't do annoying things like spreading or being rude to other people.

Remember to weigh in round and tell me why you’ve won.

The most important thing is just to have fun and enjoy your debates :)

Hello!!

General Stuff:

1. Respect others; any discriminatory comments will result in an auto drop

2. Time yourself. I will also do it too, but it makes it way easier for me if you do it yourself

3. Do NOT sacrifice clarity for speed. If I can't understand what you are saying I won't flow

4. Tell me where you are on your flow when you give your speech

5. Use up all of your speech time if you can!! You know more than you think, and if all else fails just explain your case

Rebuttals

1. Quality > Quantity; I prefer responses that are explained, especially with how it interacts with the case

Summary

1. COLLAPSE COLLAPSE COLLAPSE down on one or two arguments. Do not give me a summary of everything

3. No new arguments or evidence should be read AFTER the first summary unless you are responding to a new response in the first summary.

4. A full extension extends the warrants and impacts. My least favorite thing to do is vote for a team that doesn't have warrants, so make sure to point it out if they don't

Final Focus

1. If it's not in summary, it can't be in the final focus.

2. Paint a narrative by the final focus speeches. EXTEND the full link chain and warrants and impact.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN

My email is sophiali00112@gmail.com. Email me any questions or add me to the email chain ☺️

Make sure case is organized and well formatted 

Have clear tags and contentions 

make sure you are going line by line 

talking fast is fine as long as things are pronounced properly and I can hear you 

absolutely no spreading

I’m looking for how well you can defend your argument 

I am an experienced PF debater, and I went to Nationals last year for Worlds School but also qualified for policy. 

Please be respectful to your opponents at all times. 

You can spread or not, but either way make sure to slow down for taglines . 

Bring up all points of argument prior to summary and final focus. 

Make sure to weigh your arguments clearly. 

Good luck!

I Don’t prefer spreading, but as long as you’re clear and understandable then it’s perfect.
Don’t be rude, it’s not great. Although, aggression during cross is fun, given it is not rude.

I care about format so organize your cases.

If a point is not responded to then I will consider it dropped. Impacts. Those are important. Make or break kinda stuff.

No matter how bad your case is, make me believe it’s worth voting for.

I am the debate sponsor at JCIB in Birmingham, AL. I do not have personal experience as a debater and have learned what I know about debate from my students. My main request is that you do not speak at such a quick speed that it is impossible to understand what you are saying. If I can't understand you or follow your speeches, I can't vote on it! I will keep track of time on tabroom but I also encourage you to keep time yourself.

I am Aubrey. I have done PF most consistently but did try LD. I prefer traditional debates but as long as I can follow the argument I don’t mind. I ask that you share your document with me if you plan on spreading.

Please be courteous and polite to each other in and out of round — hatred or rudeness is unprofessional and will give me a poor impression of you. NO racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, etc. will be tolerated. 

I will time speeches but I do expect each party to time themselves as well. Providing an off-time road map for responses aren’t required but they make it easier for me and your opponent to follow along.

Feel free to ask me any questions about my paradigm or clarify anything with me before round. 

Laurel Pack (she/her) Varsity public form debater 2020-2023. Current JV policy debater at Samford University.

Email: laurel.a.pack@gmail.com (use this email for any questions before round and for the email chain)

Policy Paradigm

T:

Line-by-line/reasons to prefer are super important to me when extending T into the block. However, I ask that you slow down and annunciate clearly on the T arguments that aren't carded. I also generally lean aff on T, so long as they prove being neg isn't impossible and there is a substantial literature base.

Condo:

Contradictory condo is your strongest story if you run condo. Otherwise, unless condo is not responded to at all (or not responded to sufficiently) I will probably have a pretty difficult time voting on condo over substance of the round.

CP Theory

CPs need to be competitive with the aff and the neg has to make that clear. If I think the CP can happen in the same world as the aff, I probably won't vote neg on the CP. I also don't belive in judge kick, the debater should have to do the strategic work in the round and decide if the CP is worth going for. I also think there should be more focus on CP framing, should the CP solve all of the aff to be sufficient? Not sure. Don't ignore the top-level stuff.

Kritiks:

I am not a judge who is comfortable judging a kritikal or performance aff. I am also probably not a good judge for a k v k round. I am most comfortable evaluating the K on the neg. I also prefer alts to be specific. My ideal alt would be to advocate for a specific movement or mindset that can proveably resolve the impacts of the aff. Please don't make the alt "reject the aff." The alt should do something. Finally, please don't assume I'm an expert on the literature base you're reading from, you will probably have to walk me through the links clearly and make sure you spell out how we get from point a to point b.

Final Thoughts:

Don't be unethical. No arguments like climate change good. If you read authors who are morally questionable I will absolutely drop the card and will be willing to listen to a procedural about it. I also won't read cards after round unless there is a dispute about what the card says/what it means.

PF Paradigm

TLDR:

• The team speaking first should start an email chain with everyone so exchanging cards is easier. If you're disclosing cases, the case should be a PDF or a WordDoc.
• If your team is doing the second rebuttal, you MUST frontline (spend about a minute on it). No new frontlines should be read in the second summary.
• Your final focus should only be going for 1 of the arguments presented in constructive. Pick a scenario and stay with it, this should be done in summary.
• When you are going for an argument in final focus, every part of it should be extended (uniqueness, link, and impact). An argument without any of those components is not very useful.
• If someone reads a turn, even if you are not going for that argument, you HAVE to respond to the turn before you drop the contention. I consider it offense if the other team decides to point it out.
• SUPER IMPORTANT: Don't look at me in cross exe when you're answering a question, the feeling is reminiscent of when people sing happy birthday to you but you don't know what to do.
• Be nice :)
• I tend to make a lot of facial expressions, please consider them ALL neutral. I have really bad eyesight, most of the time if I look like I'm confused or angry, I'm probably squinting to look at something on my computer. I also worry that I tend to look angry but please don't let this discourage you (I'm most definitely not angry).
• Ask me any questions about my paradigm before the round if you have any, I'm always happy to explain things

More info:

• Constructive: Not much to note, go as fast as you feel comfortable. Warning: I find it really difficult to vote for cases with just one contention (unless it has multiple subpoints) I also very rarely see good cases with three contentions. In 99.9% of cases, the third contention is just one card which wastes time (this time could be better spent reading another card on either of the first contentions).
• Rebuttals: A strong line-by-line is key to the ballot. You should have one or two responses to every point of their argument (uniqueness, link impact) (Signposting is also really important here, please tell me exactly what argument you're addressing). When you give an off-time roadmap, stick to it. Don't say you're starting on their case then start time and go to your own case. This was mentioned above but if you're going second, frontline pretty please.
• Summary: Having a good summary is key to not losing a round. My ideal order of a summary would be collapsing (identifying which scenario your side is focusing on for the rest of the round + responding to any turns read), then immediately weighing the scenario you are going for, and then REALLY in-depth frontlining on everything they read against it in rebuttal. Then, move to their case, talk about why you outweigh any of their scenarios (pre-requisite or turns case arguments are really useful here), and then extend your rebuttals. Note: Summary is a super difficult speech, don't feel like the round is over if you miss one of these things, all will be well. Also, I'm really suspicious of new arguments in the first summary (unless they're frontlines) and I do not accept new arguments in the second summary. If the other team points out you made a new argument in second summary, it won't be evaluated. I will also probably evaluate that argument last, even if they don't point it out.
• Final focus: Extend all the parts of the argument/scenario you're going for and then WEIGH. Literally, be so dramatic during this speech. Ideally should be split half and half between your case and their case, covering their case should focus on what you think are the MOST devastating arguments (arguments they didn't respond to or the ones you find most compelling)
• Cross exe: Please please please be nice. There is nothing I hate more than a super-aggressive cross exe. You can be witty, and sassy, and funny, but there is a very big distinction between that and angrily dominating the conversation. Also, cross exe is binding if the other team points it out (i.e. don't concede the entire case in cross because you think it won't matter).
• Misc. Thoughts: I am constantly saddened by the state of PF. Debates become really repetitive and very surface-level. Clash and creativity are the easiest way to win my ballot. I will 9/10 prefer the smarter, well-thought-out, and compelling argument to one that's super polished but really insufficient in warranting or links.

Hi! My name is Prachi Patel, and I am a junior at LAMP High School. I have competed in PF debate for about a year now.

My email is prachipatel3170@gmail.comif you want to share your speech docs with me.

As this is a novice tournament, I expect traditional rounds with substantive arguments. Please speak at an understandable pace and NO SPREADING!

Do not assume I know everything about this topic and fully flesh out your arguments.

I will not flow cross so anything important should be extended into your speeches.

I will most likely make my decision based on impact weighing and expect it to be in every speech summary-onwards (if not second rebuttal).

Try to give an off-time map and signpost as this will help make my life easier and help me stay organized. IF I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING, I CAN'T VOTE FOR YOU!

While I will time you, please keep time for yourselves as well and try to talk for the entirety of the length of the speech.

Most importantly, be respectful to everyone in the round. No homophobia, sexism, racism, etc., or personal criticism of your opponent--that will be an automatic drop.

I will give speaks based on speaking quality (tone, intonation, and clarity) and your overall presence in the round.

Remember that this is a learning experience for everyone, so do your best and have fun!!

Background: Hi y'all. I'm Shreya Ramamurthy, I'm a senior at Hoover High. I've been doing PF debate for 4 years now and I have qualified for and attended the National Speech and Debate Tournament at Kentucky.

Some key things:

- Presentation matters. Don't be monotone and try to know your facts well enough that you can make eye contact

- I don't mind speed as long as it is clear. If it is not clear or I can't hear you, I won't flow it.

- Professionalism is key. Don't be rude, it can cost you many points and maybe even the round.

Speech Preferences:

- Signpost + give off time road maps. Tell me what you're responding to. If I don't know what argument you are refuting or talking about, I can't flow it.

- Weighing is super important. Weighing needs to be comparative (don’t just tell me why your impacts are important, tell me why your impacts are more important than your opponent’s impacts). Weighing in summary is a must.

- I don't flow crossfire, so if you think that I should flow the things mentioned in crossfire, make sure you include it during your speeches. Ex. "During crossfire, my opponents failed to..." or something like to that.

- I'm not too strict on time but don't exceed your time by like 30 seconds. You can just finish up what you were saying. Same thing for cross.

- State the cite for every piece of evidence. For example: "Smith 20 states that ........"

- Make sure to tell me what to flow in your speeches. For example: "extend this argument because blah blah" or "disregard their arguments because ...." or "drop this evidence because ....."

Feel free to ask me any questions at 1964923220@hcs-students.net

pls don't add me to any email chains.

tech>truth: debate is a game

the best way to my ballot is to weigh. weighing is inherently comparative, warrant your weighing and compare impacts/links to each other

run whatever you want; but the more progressive your debate becomes, the more you will have to explain it to me

any speed is good, just be clear

don't give me a soliloquy for your off-time roadmap

for the love of god, give me warrants

please signpost; if I look lost, I probably am

i don’t pay attention to cross; if something important happens, then bring it up in your following speech

do not extend the entire flow

frontline responses

defense is sticky

i vote neg on presumption

if you want it in the final focus, it needs to be in the summary

if we are on a virtual platform, please don’t spread. some speed is okay, but i really value clarity when online

add me to the email chain: crhoades2002@gmail.com

I am the debate coach at Paul W. Bryant High School. I have been coaching and judging Public Forum for 4 years.

Don't go too fast. While I am pretty good at note-taking, I cannot judge you on things if I miss them while you are speaking.

I don't care for off-time roadmaps and usually disregard them.

Decorum is very important in debate. Do not be rude to your opponents or your judge. Do not argue with the judge's decision after the round has concluded. I want to give you feedback and it is usually best received with an open mind and not while you are defensive.

Don't reveal your personal political affiliation. While I do my best to stay objective, it can put you at a disadvantage with some judges if they disagree with your political stance.

I am currently in my sixth year debating at Mountain Brook High School

Top Level Stuff

-Add me to the email chain and email me with any questions after the round: jacksonrshort@gmail.com

-Debate is a game; win the game

-Debate needs to be a fun activity; if you make me laugh you'll get an extra speaker point

PF

-I am comfortable with speed, but don't spread, it's PF, if you want to spread do a different event

-I'm ok with pretty much all kinds of progressive argumentation, but if I don't understand it, I can't vote off of it, so make sure you explain it well

-I generally think theory is a good thing (especially paraphrasing), but it really bothers me when teams read it simply as a cop-out. Only read theory if your opponent is doing something that merits it. That said, if your opponent is reading theory just to try to win the round and not address an actual issue, then call it out; I am very open to voting on a friv theory arg. Also, if you're not comfortable with it, don't read it; there are plenty of other ways to win the round.

LD

-I'm comfortable with speed, but if you spread send a speech doc

-Please please please implicate the round through your value and criterion; if you don't, I don't know what to vote on

-Generally comfortable with progressive debate

-If you read tricks or super philosophical arguments, explain them well. If I don't understand it I won't vote on it.

Hey everyone! I'm a competitive debater that can handle speed and complexity.

My judging style; I give speaks for delivery and I vote off the flow. I vote based solely on your analysis in final focus. You can build a 10/10 point, but if you don't extend it in final speech I haven't been told why it matters.

Its good to have arguments. It's great to tell my why your impacts matter more.

I don't judge cross- but if you expose flaws in cross and bring it up in the following speech It becomes part of the round and part of my judgement.

I buy ALL arguments unless the opponent disproves them.

If you say pufferfish death leads to the sun exploding and the opponent doesn't respond... I'm flowing sun explosion impacts through.

Don't be abusive, but I'll boost your speaks for competitive edge.

"Believe in your flyness... conquer your shyness" -Kanye West.

Freshman at UPenn, did PF for four years for Altamont School in Birmingham, AL and qualled to Nats and GTOC 2x. I consider myself a tech judge and I pretty much adapt to the style of the debaters but I have a few notes/preferences (Public Forum specific).

_________________________

GENERAL

- Add me to the email chain, email at bottom.

- Assume I have little to no topic knowledge.

- Tech > truth. Dropped arguments are true arguments and evidence is a necessity.

- Just don't be offensive/abusive it's not that hard. Debate should be about inclusivity. If you are offensive/abusive I will dock you speaks and maybe drop you depending on how bad you are.

- Novice Debaters: Please just use your whole speech time, it will always help you more than hurt you and I'll give you higher speaks.

- Talk however fast you want, I can understand speed but if you are going to spread, email me and your opponents a speech doc.

- Warning: I am not really familiar with theory/really progressive arguments but if you explain/warrant it well with evidence I'm open to it.

- If you want me to call for a card because you think your opponents are misrepresenting it, tell me to do so and I will.

SPECIFIC SPEECH STUFF

- Second rebuttal should at least respond to turns put on their case.

- Weigh from summary on, if not rebuttal.

- I will not vote on an argument if it is not in final focus and summary.

- No new unresponsive arguments from 2nd summary onward.

- I don't flow cross but it is binding. If something important is mentioned, bring it up in a speech.

_________________________

If you have any questions ask me before or after round or email me at wvsdebate@gmail.com Also I'm pretty much always gonna disclose, if you don't agree with my decision, ask me I'll be happy to explain.

hey guys!! im elizabeth (she/her) and im a varsity debater at auburn. i think debate should be dictated by the debaters, not me, so i try and keep things pretty chill.

tech>truth, tabula rasa and all that stuff

some things i like and don't like:

• fill your speech time! i know it can be scary when you run out of things to say, but the more you say, the more reasons you are giving me to vote for you
• extend- bring up your best arguments in your last few speeches
• i loveeeee off time road maps.
• no spreading or prog in novice
• weigh so I know why to prefer your case over your opponent’s
• being homophobic, sexist, racist, etc. will lose you the round, debate should always be inclusive
• jokes are appreciated :)

dm me at @elizabeth_thurow or email me at elthurow4@gmail.com if you have any questions

(or just follow my insta for funsies)

For most of my judging/coaching tenure, I have not included a paradigm, and that is because I do not believe my personal opinions are particularly relevant to the way you argue your case or present your program. You do you. But kids seem to want paradigms, so here it is:

1) Be logical. Impacts that don't link up are illogical. I probably won't believe it. Not every action leads to nuclear war, kids. Thankfully.

2) Speak clearly. If you love to spread, ok. But if I can't understand you, I can't evaluate you. It's like you didn't say it.

3) Be professional. Aggressive tactics are fine; rudeness is not.

4 yrs competing

Speed fine but speak clearly. Add me to email chain: aryuga2023@gmail.com

Signpost pls tell me order of speech

I don't flow cross but you can bring up something that happened (although even then ppl exxagerate what happens in cross). Don't go way over cross time.

Weighing has to be in summary for it to be in final.

Defense is not sticky, u have to extend all pieces of defense through summary if u want me to evaluate it.

If you run out of time for a speech, I'll let you finish your sentence, won't flow anything after that.

don't steal prep

27.5 speaks means you did mid, I'll plus/minus depending on each person

Don't be rude.

On theory and k's: I barely understand either so run at your own risk. I don't think either should be a part of PF. Ik not disclosing/paraphrasing evidence is unfair but I will adjust accordingly for evidence ethics violations (not evaluating it + low speaks). Also i just don't buy disclo.

Ask for more prefs in round but this is basically all.

Have fun y'all db8 is stressful AF don't beat yourself up on a loss ON JA

Hello I'm Rati Venkatesan. I am a part of the Hoover Speech and Debate team and I am a part of PF. I am really excited to see and listen to new debaters in person :)

Time yourself

Cases: speed ok, don't spread. Clearly state the contention names and impacts

Rebuttal: Signpost (tell me where in the speech you are)

Summary: do an offtime roadmap; weigh impacts; stay organized and concise so I know what to vote off of

FF: weigh impacts!!!

If you don't say something in summary, don't mention it in final focus; I won't flow it. I don't like any new info in second summary.

I won't flow crossfire so if you want me to flow something said there then say it during one of your speech

If you are mean I am giving the other team the win automatically.

Hey! 

I have competed in Public Forum for four years (this being my fourth).  Here are my preferences

I can handle speed, but articulation is necessary.  If I can't understand what you are saying, I won't flow it/evaluate it. 

On Crossfire: I don't evaluate it.  If something happened that you want me to evaluate, bring it up in the next speech.  Additionally, if time runs out while someone has just asked a question, I will allow a brief amount of time to respond, but that's it.

Weighing must be done in summary and extended in final focus for me to evaluate it.  I will not evaluate weighing done only in Final Focus.

Defense is not sticky, u have to extend all pieces of defense through summary if u want me to evaluate it.

If you run out of time for a speech, I'll let you finish your sentence, but I will cut you off then/not flow anything after that.  Please refrain from continuing to speak if your time runs out. 

I will be keeping track of speech times and prep times, but I expect you to do the same.

Speaker points are really subjective; usually 28 means you did good/average.  I'll reduce or increase speaks if you spoke well or if you perhaps could have done a better job.

Please, no insulting/rude behavior/disrespect. Debate is an educational activity, and we want to create an open environment for learning and growth.  I will lower speaker points for rude behavior.

On theory:  I do not think that theory should be a part of public forum.  For this reason, I will not evaluate it, do not run it if you have traditional arguments you can run in its place.

Feel free to ask me about other preferences and clarification before the round starts.  Also, please try to get to the round on time.  Our tournament can not progress if even one round of debate goes later than others.

Good luck and have fun!  This is your first step into the world of competitive debate!

I am currently a varsity PF debater at Altamont and have been doing PF for 5 years.

-pls give an off time roadmap, it makes it easier on me

- PLEASE SIGNPOST im begging you

-make sure all your speeches (except for constructive) actually interact with the other team and what they’re saying

-no new args second summary onward bc thats mean to the other team

-second rebuttal should answer first rebuttal

-everything in final focus should have been said in summary

-dont be rude to your opponents during cross please

-i dont listen during cross but if you want me to weigh something from it, bring it up in a speech

-i'm okay with speed (speed isn't necessarily good) but if you spread pls send me and your opponents a speech doc

-add me to evidence link chains (imanzuberi04@gmail.com)

-i am not good with progressive args at all and wont vote on them

-start collapsing as soon as second rebuttal if you can

-weigh. weigh. weigh. weigh. tell me why you are winning the round

-i'll disclose unless im told i am not allowed to and try to give advice if yall want it

harry styles reference will give you +1 speaker pt 

credit to wesley sudarshan for like half this paradigm

if you have any other questions dont hesitate to ask and pls have fun this is prob your first tournament ever