I do not favor spreading; keep a reasonable pace to your arguments.

Parent judge here - I look for clear links between arguments and for competitors to fully explain what the legislation will accomplish. I look for good presentation and preparation from all competitors.

Hi I'm Agustin (He/Him). I did Congressional, Lincoln-Douglas, and Public-Forum Debate at Northwest Guilford High for 3 years. I did a year of Parliamentary and Social Justice Debate at Appalachian State University. I am now at UNC Chapel Hill studying Psychology and Data Science.

Speed:

Spreading is heavily discouraged. If I am not able to understand your argument then it does not matter. Make sure you clearly articulate what you are saying.

Important Things:

1. Don't be a jerk or a racist/sexist etc. In order to build an inclusive space I have zero-tolerance for arguments and rhetoric that are exclusionary, harmful, or hateful.
2. You can be passionate and aggressive in the debate without being mean, some people are going to be more passionate about topics than others, let's make sure that we have fun and get to discuss the topic civilly.
3. Signposting is important and will help not only me but everyone in the room better understand what you are saying.

Congressional Debate:

In Congress, remember what matters is not the quantity of the information that you present but rather the quality of the information and your synthesis of it. Being active in chamber is important! The competitors that give great speeches and ask great questions will stand out to me. When speaking to and referring to your opponents, treat them with the respect and decorum expected in this event.

I am a former HS debater. I competed for four years in North Carolina. I did one year in LD and then my last three years in Congressional Debate. I have attended local, state, and national tournaments.

I am looking for a clear logical progression of thought and points. I enjoy you bringing in other aspects of the opposing argument if you are not bringing in unique arguments. Make me believe in what you are saying and tell me why what you are saying is important to your side of the argument. Remember to be serious, but be respectful of other competitors during questioning. Questioning is an essential part of debate and if you are proficient in answering/asking questions then you can score well.