Hello! My name is Jessica Apodaca-Burks (she/her) but feel free to call me Jess!

I went to Grapevine High School and graduated back in 2020 and I am so excited to be judging and stay connected with that activity :)

When I'm judging, I look for a few key things-

• Cleanliness
• Understanding of the material
• Do you know the intent behind what you're saying/doing?
• Are you hitting your events/ operatives?

Keep calm and have fun when you're performing, the number one thing that will win you the round is being comfortable and confident with your piece and performance :)

I'm not a debate person so if I'm judging debate please treat me as a lay judge because it is Not my strong suit.

Hi!

- Leander HS ‘22, UT Speech ‘26

- Mostly extemp, with some experience in CX, LD, congress, and impromptu

Some basic stuff:

• Racism/sexism/homophobia/etc. is an automatic drop (last place in speech, loss with minimum speaks in debate)

• Send speech docs (or questions after the round, etc) to ibhsdocs@gmail.com

• Use a tw/cw if needed

Extemp/IEs

This is the event I have the most experience with (it’s also my favorite :)

I want to learn! Tell me something interesting! Most importantly: have fun! If you seem excited about the topic, I'll get excited about the topic and about your speech!

Debate

Spreading is fine if I have the doc. If I don't then slow down on anything you want me to flow.

I don't know any specific K literature very well so please explain your advocacy.

Tech > truth except for the obvious like bigotry.

I listen to cross but I don't flow it unless you bring it up in a speech.

Unless the tournament says otherwise, open cross/flex prep is fine with me as long as it's fine with both debaters/teams.

Specific arg types:

• Theory: my favorite off case. Make sure you extend your interp, violation, standard, and impact all the way through if you want me to vote on your theory. I default to granting RVIs but my threshold for a successful no RVI argument is low.

• Kritiks: explain them well. Make sure your links are specific and clear.

• Counterplans and disads: nothing specific. They're fine.

I like meme cases and I'll vote them up if they technically win the flow.

Speaks are awarded on strategy, word economy, and demeanor (ex: use of humor, not being overly aggressive during cross, etc.).

Congress

Follow parliamentary procedure. PO starts in the last rank that breaks (ex: in a chamber where the top 3 break to the next round, the PO will start at 3rd place) and moves up or down from there. Please clash.

As a bonus for reading the paradigm, before the round starts, tell me your favorite type of tea and I'll give you +0.5 speaks.

∨∨∨ If PF skip to the bottom of the page ∨∨∨

UIL: I know UIL is supposed to be more "traditional," but you're welcome to be as techy as you want as long as you're sharing cases!

Shortcuts

1 - Policy/K

2 - Trad

3 - Phil

4 - Theory/T

Strike - Tricks

Tech > Truth

Fairness = Education

Spreading = Bad, Speed = Good

I prefer Speech Drop or NSDA File Share, but my email is larsoncrank@gmail.com

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Background

Klein Collins '22

Texas '26 (History & Government)

I competed on the Houston circuit for 7 years in total (2015-2022). Although I competed in nearly every event, LD was always my favorite and the event that I participated in most frequently. I'm self-taught and because of this I mainly ran trad arguments throughout my career. However, later into high school I focused heavily on LARP and the K. I was a 3x qual for TFA State and NSDA Academic All-American for anyone who cares about my "qualifications."

Considering my background as being self-taught, I sympathize greatly with novice debaters and those that don't have the same resources as other power house schools. If you at any time are unsure of terminology or general proceedings involved in debate, please reach out! I would be more than happy to help anyone who may be struggling or is confused. Asking questions is so important to growing as a debater, and it is something I personally never did enough of.

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Logistics

In regards to the shortcuts listed above, this is simply a measurement of how comfortable/familiar I am with specific styles of debate. I think as a judge I'm obligated to not allow my own biases related to debating techniques impact the RFD. I encourage all competitors to debate how they want and I will adapt as I see accordingly.

I flow by ear, but I still want access to your case. Not only does this prevent confusion if there's discrepancy during the round, but I think it's ultimately a good practice to share your case with everyone in the room.

Please give a roadmap before your speech AND signpost during your speech! This makes it so much easier for me to flow, and ensures I don't miss any figures you put out. The clearer you are with the tags, the better!

When it comes to spreading, I think the practice as a whole is entirely destructive for debate. With that being said, there is a perfectly clear line between spreading and speed needed to construct a case. I'm a proponent of speed, but if you are intentionally spreading (you know who you are) I will stop flowing and dock your speaker points. I've started flowing again on paper more frequently as opposed to using my computer, so this may be another reason to slow down at least for tags and line-by-line.

I expect to see clash over framing! You need to reference throughout the round which FW I ought to be evaluating under. I'm so tired of cases (mainly policy-based) that lack any sort of FW. PF exists for a reason! If I don't have a FW then I don't have any standard to compare evidence with which in turn makes producing a good RFD difficult. Not to mention, I will also just err to your opponent's framing if you don't present one or it has a lame offensive position.

I'm going to default tech before truth-testing for the simple reason that it has more objective grounds for me to vote off of. I do my very best to not allow my personal opinions/beliefs impact the RFD and evaluate only what is said during round. I need to see the warrant for every argument though. I won't vote for an unwarranted argument even if it wins in a tech debate!

I don't have a preference for fairness or education as shocking as that might sound. I know most judges tend to prefer fairness, but I think both are beneficial to debate. It is your job as a competitor to prove to me what I should think in this situation. Nonetheless, my threshold to vote on a theory shell is pretty high to begin with. There needs to be a clear story of abuse that overrides whichever standard you choose to defend (or both).

I think speaker points are stupid. Moreover, don't take what I give you to heart because I really don't put much thought into it. I use them more as a gauge to the level of preparedness and passion I see from competitors.

I don't keep time. Time yourselves!

I don't flow CX. However, when it comes to flex prep I don't really have any opinions. As long as both competitors are cool with it, do whatever you want.

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Trad

As mentioned above, I was an extremely traditional debater for the majority of my career. Although it is a simple strategy, I think it can be just as effective as any of the more "progressive" styles. Case debate is something I’m fully capable of evaluating. This is a random thought, but as I've become more experienced with the other forms of debate, I've developed somewhat of an awkwardness to the word "contention."

Tell me when something is non-unique! I found that in my time as a debater there were so many occasions, some I even missed in round, when identifying when something was non-unique could have easily just ended the debate. With that being said, make unique arguments that can’t just be manipulated to support any position!

I love impact turns. Even though trad stuff is considered simplistic, an amazing strategy to shoot for is when you can prove to me that your case/world/whatever solves better.

Trad args can fairly beat the other debate styles on this paradigm no matter how scary they may seem!

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Policy

If you read above regarding my thoughts on trad debate, you would've seen that I don't particularly like the word "contention." Moreover, I'm much more receptive (and think that it sounds better overall) when policy phrases are used such as "ADV" or "DA."

I love DAs. Make sure you have a clear link chain for whatever conclusive impact you are trying to get me to see! Too often debaters write useless tags that claim the card they are reading says one thing (when in reality it is not as impactful/strong as they make it out to seem). Call your opponent out if you see them doing this! It's not always a bad idea to read beyond what is highlighted/underlined/bolded. I want to see line-by-line how X leads to Y and Y leads to Z in a realistic manner. ADVs are cool too, but I figured that was implied from my stance on DAs.

CPs are extremely intuitive and strategic for a Neg that can easily circumvent most Aff cases. However, I will accept (and strongly encourage) Aff arguments of abuse based on Neg interps that are too abstract/broad with little to no in-text plan. I don’t have a ton to say about PICs though because honestly I don’t see them ran that much.

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K

I'm familiar with the basic ones, but it is in your best interest to assume that I know nothing about what you are talking about. Explain your theory and model of debate thoroughly! This is especially true if you’re an Aff wanting to run a K simply because I have much more experience with the Neg K.

Clear Link -> Clear Impact -> Clear Alternative

K needs to be fairly specific when you link it to your opponent’s model of debate, but I think there is leg room for certain positions.

While judging I have found that I actually enjoy K debate much more than I originally thought. Although, if you’re going to run a K but structure it like a trad/policy case to avoid the nuances of the debate, just save us all some time and run the K how it’s supposed to be ran.

Familiar: Cap, Set Colonial, Fem, Heg, Nietz, & Afro-Pess

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T

I will vote for a topical argument if there is genuinely warrant for needing to discuss ambiguities in the resolution/definitions/Aff interps. I think this is especially strategic against things like Ks or frivolous Theory that is extremely far-fetched and/or has very little (if anything) to do with the resolution at hand.

Moreover, I expect to see debate related to the resolution. If your opponent has neglected their obligation to perform this task, call them out! The extent to what constitutes “debate related to the resolution” I leave up to the competitors.

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Phil

Phil args are good when debaters actually know what they are talking about and not just rambling on about complex theory they can’t even explain themselves. You need to be able to easily contextualize your debate world. This isn’t for my understanding, but simply for the fact that if you can’t explain it in simple terms you probably don’t understand it that well.

I'm familiar with popular writings, but as mentioned in my opinion on Ks, assume I know nothing about what you are talking about. Explain everything there is to know about your model of debate in a timely manner! Somewhat related, but I would advise you to be extremely careful reading Marxism in front of me.

Empirics > Analytics (in most cases)

Familiar: Kant, Locke, Util, Marx, Rawls, Hobbes, Skepticism, & Determinism

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Theory

I have very mixed feelings on theory. Part of me finds it very stupid and just an attempt to talk oneself out of debating against good strategies. The other part of me sees its complexity and admires it as a unique form of debate. If this is your choice of debate, ensure that you have given me a proper rundown on what it is you are trying to get me to vote on. Whether it be an issue regarding fairness, education, or technicality, I need more than just a short excerpt read at the speed of lightning during one of your rebuttals.

I can firmly say that there is an extremely low chance that I will actually "drop the debater" unless something egregious has occurred. "Drop the argument" makes so much more sense than dropping the debater entirely. "Preventing future abuse" and handing them a singular L isn't going to stop them from just running the same case in another round.

STOP SAYING DTD!

I will NOT vote off Disclosure Theory. Not only will I not flow the argument, but I find it very classist and distasteful. I won’t auto-down you, but your speaker points will certainly take a hit. As someone who debated for a small program with few resources dedicated to this activity I sympathize with those that are not adequately included in the loop and/or involved with collective wikis.

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Tricks

I probably won't vote off this, but you can try it if you really want to.

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PF

All of my preferences for logistics and the ROB are the same for PF as they are for LD, so it wouldn't hurt for your team to read through them (obviously some things don't matter as much like FW).

My biggest issue with PF debates is oftentimes they don't discuss the individual impact(s) of their plan enough. Since I don't have a FW to compare the evidence presented, I need for teams to clearly outline why their plan is ultimately better than your opponent's.

Because I am so used to LD, I like to think of these rounds in the terms of cost-benefit analysis or a loose construction of util calc. The team that proves to me the plan with the most pros and the least amount of cons is most likely going to get the W.

I am a parent judge for Westwood High School in Austin, TX.

This is my third-year judging and here are my preferences for Speech events...

INFO – Educate not advocate; visual aids are encouraged, not required; I value Relevance – clearly stated thesis with external research. I evaluate relatability – the delivery should be personable and engaging. I examine originality – address the topic in unique inventive way with examples.

OO – I value Persuasion – establish credibility by use of evidence, appeal to the emotions of the listener, and use reason and logic. I evaluate relatability and originality. Speech should be easy to follow, and I should feel motivated to care about the topic.

Extemporaneous – I value Argumentation and Analysis – organized approach that convinces me that you have a clear understanding of the topic; I evaluate Source Considerations – use of variety of credible source material and speech citations; and I examine Delivery – voice, movement, expressions, emotions, pitch, tone, pacing, and volume.

POI – I value Programming – your ability to interface multiple types of literature into a single and cohesive performance. I evaluate Blocking – it should enhance your performance and not distract from the story; I examine Characterization – vocal and facial expressions with varying level of intensity to move the audience.

Interpretation (HI, DI, and DUO) - I value Entertainment and Humor; I evaluate Confidence and Delivery; and I examine you bringing characters to life.

Most of all, Have Fun!

Extemp -

Please make sure you answer the question while being engaging and conversational - I want to see your personality shine through your speech. Analyze your points thoroughly. Tie your conclusion back to your AGD or intro. Use solid, clear, logical structure and depth in your speech.

I look for students to show the hard work put into an IE selection.

I like to see polished pieces (not rough drafts). Students should show they have an understanding of the selection they are presenting. It's appreciated if the selection is entertaining and has merit.

I don't look down on speeches past 7:00, but 7:20 is a little risky.

Link back to the question always. Tell me why you are answering questions.

Your speed should feel like a conversation (read: easily understandable), not like you are trying to fit in as many words as possible in the time limit. Fluency matters insomuch that I can understand you.

I like it when I learn something I didn't already know. Teach me! I love coming out of rounds and telling people, "I was in this OO/Informative/Extemp round and I just learned that..." A decent amount of evidence with full citations is expected.

Purposeful and refrained movement is much better than constant movement. I know when you're moving on to a new point - you've stopped talking about it and are transitioning with your words. Some movement is key and good - constant movement is tiring and distracting.

Please don't try and pass off an OO as an Info or Info as OO, if cross entered, make sure you follow the different requirements of each event.

Hello everyone! My name is KJ (he/him), I competed all 4 years of high school and now go to Texas State University.

I am primarily an IE person. I competed in every IE event including OO, Info, and Extemp. I as well competed in World Schools a bit too. I was a 4x state qualifier, state finalist, 5x state semi finalist, 2x NIETOC semifinalist, and a 3x NSDA qualifier. I was as well an All-State and All-American competitor with over 2200 NSDA points. What I am looking for is understanding of the piece. How well thought out it is and how much effort you have noticeably put into it goes a LONG way.

IE's

- Needs to be clean, concise, and have a deeper meaning as to why you're telling the story, interp is acting with a purpose

- Be proud of what you're performing! and have fun with it!

- Characterization is key, I want to see real peoples stories that I am actually able to connect to

- I want to know what's going on! Don't just throw us into the middle of everything, give us some exposition, who are you? Where are you? What is going on?

OO, Info, Extemp, WS

- Are you just telling me the facts? Or are you engaging with the information and the topic you've chosen and presenting it in an effective way?

- Charisma is KEY, you wrote this speech, be proud of it!

- How well thought out is your argument or topic?

- Are you speaking fluidly and confidently or are you using filler words and swaying nervously?

- Make sure that you're applying the facts that you give to the grand scheme of things, what are the implications?

Like I said earlier, I was always more of an interp person. However, I do know all of the rules and the ins and outs of debate! I may not be as adept as I am with speech but I know my way around. Essentially just treat me as a lay judge who knows a lot about the subject.

Debate

• Well thought out arguments will go a long way, the more you put into a speech the more you will get out of it, and trust me when I say that we as judges notice how much effort you put into it
• How well do you structure your speech? How well does it flow?
• How do you respond to questions and how do you interact in the round?
• Don't just tell me what you are going to do but also HOW you are going to accomplish it and WHY
• Add me to the email chain plz - kjamarino@gmail.com
• As far as flowing goes, I'm not a stickler for it during cross so don't worry about it
• I can follow spreading but if you'd like to have mercy on my soul and not that would be awesome
• I'm not a huge theory argument person, so if I feel you're twisting the resolution in a way that it most likely wasn't intended as may not work if its too far out there

All of these are just my personal opinions regarding judging, please do not change your speech or performance based on trying to get my 1. So long as you have fun, enjoy what you're doing, and you are proud of the work you've presented, that is all I ask.

Email: kjamarino@gmail.com

My competition background is in both foreign and domestic extemp on a national level. I prioritize content and presentation equally, you can't have a solid extemp speech without both.

Extemp:

- The most important thing is that you answer the question as clearly as possible. This includes previewing your points, signposting throughout, and reviewing your points at the end that links into the conclusion. Adding a clear structure adds to the impact and value of your overall speech.

- Impacts should be diverse and clearly articulated

- Timing should be around 7 minutes; 7:30 only if necessary

- An ideal amount of sources for each point is 2-3. I would like to see more logical appeals rather than emotional. However, if your use of an emotional story precisely conveys your point and adds to the speech then no problem, just don’t make the whole speech based on narrative.

- I don't mind canned intros in Extemp, but at least make them connected to the prompt.

-On trigger/content warnings, I personally don't need one, but fellow competitors may (a TW/CW might be needed for graphic depictions of SA, DV, abuse, etc.). Just use proper caution and be mindful of your audience.

**bonus points if you have a funny or interesting ADG and/or on-tops :)

Public Forum:

yes, email chain vaishnavi.marreddy@gmail.com

- Treat me like a parent judge that has experience with the event

- No spreading! Spreading is just hard to understand and I know PF as an event is straying from its traditional form of speaking and argumentation but the bottom line is, I will not flow your argument if you spread it.

- I'll flow whatever argument you tell me to during round--> implicate your offense and tell me why you are winning

- Winning my vote is pretty simple: I will vote for whoever is the most persuasive --> I suggest you focus on persuasion and the quality of your arguments which means weighing your arguments against the opposing team. I would like if you create a lens to view the round by weighing turns, evidence, uniqueness etc.

Overall debate is supposed to be fun so I am always open to any crazy, out of the way argument you want to run (warning: make sure its understandable thats all!).

Good luck and have fun!