Hello! I am an undergraduate philosophy student at Oklahoma State University in my senior year and currently compete with the ethics club. I debated throughout high school and qualified for Nationals in Public Forum in 2021.

Debate: The #1 fastest way to lose a round that I am judging is to disrespect your opponent.

I love a clean flow, so please be conscious that your arguments are well organized.

All argumentation styles are welcome but know that I am only familiar with traditional styles and may struggle with a poorly explained progressive argument. In essence, logic > uniqueness.

LD: Ensure that there is a strong link between your value and your contentions! I also like to see a good understanding of whatever your criterion is and how it applies to the viewpoint you are defending. For LD, I primarily vote based on coverage (not dropping arguments that ought not to be dropped, thoroughly analyzing your opponent's case, and adding to your defense where needed).

PF: Speak as fast as you are comfortable with. However, I can't flow what I don't hear, so make sure you are enunciating if you choose to speak quickly. I vote on evidence (statistics, empirical impacts) and coverage (see LD for description). Please do not ask for numerous pieces of evidence if you are not going to utilize them in the round!

Skiatook '17

CX debate for 4 years, IE for 3. Qualified for state 3/4 years in both divisions.

If you make a relevant Game of Thrones, The Sims, or a Shrek reference in your speech, you will get an extra speaker point.

POLICY DEBATE/CX DEBATE

I love crazy/gag/unconventional arguments if you know how to run them seriously. I don't have a preference really. However, if you make it apparent that you don't know what you are doing/not defending yourself or not extending arguments then a mental note will be taken.

Use all of your given speech and prep time. If you take too long to flash then I will continue your prep time.

Your responsibility as a competitor is to have a backup copy of your standard aff and neg on paper if wifi issues happen. Blaming things on the "wifi" not working further perpetuates a delay in round.

I will allow open CX in the beginning of the year but about halfway through, I will not allow it. Doing closed CX will help you prep for Regionals and State.

If you try to take control of the round by assuming the role of time keeping for your opponent and not just for your personal use, I will deduct speaker points. It's not fair to your opponent or your judge.

TELL ME AS A JUDGE WHY YOU SHOULD WIN.

The 1AR will make or break a round for me in Debate.

IE:

-make sure you are performing a piece that fits you as a person.

-make sure your hair is neat by keeping it put up and away from your face so i can see your facial expressions

-add levels to your blocking when appropriate for the event

-MEMORIZE YOUR LINES

-USE MOST OF YOUR TIME. HOWEVER, I KNOW THERE IS NO DQ PENALTY FOR GOING OVER TIME, BUT IF YOU BRING A PIECE THAT IS SO LONG THAT IT STARTS TO DELAY OTHER ROUNDS, I WILL MAKE A NOTE OF IT ON MY BALLOT AND YOU NEED TO NAIL THE PIECE.

FX/DX

-No 2-3 minute speeches. 4 minutes minimum

-Know your stuff, if you don't, pretend you do.

-Be aware of the DQ rules for your note card word limit, although an experienced Extemp speaker who is adequately kept up to date will not cling to it like their life depends on it.

LD is Value Debate. Propositions of Value

CX is Policy Debate. Propositions of Policy

PF is quasi-policy......

Denslow, Keith Edit 0 3… Judging Philosophy
Keith Denslow,
Skiatook High School,
Skiatook, OK

I have taught academic debate for 32 years. I have coached both policy debate and value debate on the high school level plus NDT and CEDA for 2 years on the college level. I have coached regional, district, and state champions.

I give up. I embrace the absurdity which is post-modern debate. If you debate on a critical level, then it is your burden to understand and explain the philosophical position you are advocating and offer a rational alternative to the worldview.

Topicality is an outdated mode of thought with tries to put up fences in our brain about what we can and can not talk about. It harms education and the marketplace of ideas. As a negative, only run Topicality if the argument is 100% accurate not as a test of skill or response.

It is important that anyone arguing counterplans have an understanding of counterplan theory especially how a counterplan relates to presumption. DO NOT automatically permute a counterplan or critique without critically thinking about the impact to the theory of the debate.

Style issues: Civility is important. Open CX is okay. Clarity must accompany speed. Numbering your arguments is better than “next” signposting. Detailed roadmaps are better than “I have 5 off” and prep time doesn’t continue for 2 minutes after you say “stop prep” Flash evidence faster!

As a debate judge, my primary focus is on promoting a respectful and clear debating environment. Here are the key elements of my debate paradigm:

1. Respect and Decorum:

   • I place a high value on respect in debates. Competitors should treat each other with civility and refrain from personal attacks, derogatory language, or disrespectful behavior.
   • Maintain proper decorum throughout the debate, addressing your opponents and judges respectfully.

2. Clarity and Accessibility:

   • Clarity is essential. I must be able to understand your arguments to give you credit for them, so please enunciate clearly and avoid talking too fast.
   • If I cannot understand your argument, I cannot flow it.

3. Spreading:

   • If competitors choose to engage in spreading (rapid delivery of arguments), they must maintain clarity. Speed should not come at the expense of intelligibility.
   • Remember that spreading is not the only path to victory. Well-articulated, well-structured arguments can be more persuasive than sheer speed.

4. Use of Crossfires:

   • I do not consider crossfires as a time for rebuttals. Crossfires are meant for competitors to ask questions and clarify their opponent's arguments. I do not flow arguments made in crossfire.
   • Please use crossfires to seek clarification, challenge your opponent's arguments, and help me understand the debate better.

In summary, my judging philosophy is rooted in fostering a respectful and comprehensible debate environment. I believe that a respectful discourse is not only more constructive but also more persuasive. Clarity is essential, and I urge competitors to prioritize it, especially when spreading. Remember that crossfires are for questions, not rebuttals. Good luck, and let's have a productive and respectful debate!

A note about rule violations: I know the rules of debate. I am aware of both the OSSAA and NSDA rules and their various differences. I keep copies of the handbooks at the ready, so I can look up rules if I feel a rule was violated. That being said, I will weigh lies made in round in my judging decisions. Lies about cheating, evidence, drops, etc. are all weighed into my judging decision. Lying will not benefit you in my rounds. Debates should be about which team can make the best argument, not which team can trick the judge. If you need to lie to win, you did not win the round.

Notes for IEs:

I value genuine performance over screaming and fake crying every single time. Anyone can scream- few can act.

BIG NOTE: You NEED to implement trigger warnings if you have a selection with triggering content. You do not know what the experience of those in the rooms is- you could seriously hurt someone's performance by not giving a warning. You also do not know the lived experiences of your judges- they are a captive audience and you ought to give them a chance to prepare themselves. This is why dramatic pieces often get called Trauma Interpretations. That's not a compliment- it's a statement on how upsetting it is to see children acting out the most heinous trauma they possibly can in order to get reactions through shock value. If you are genuinely good- trigger warnings will not dull your performance- they will enhance it. If you rely on the shock of triggering people- consider if you are really a good actor. Trigger warnings DO NOT count against your speech time- there is literally no reason to give one.

I don't really have general paradigm for judging so I just created a tentative list of things I like and dislike.

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Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference...:

1. Strong value and criteria that are tied into your contentions

2. Weighing impacts between both sides (Maybe your opponent has a lot of good points, but if they mean nothing in comparison to your one good point impact-wise, I could still be convinced to vote for you.)

3. Addressing all of each sides case meaningfully

4. Sign posting what you are attacking/defending as you move down the flow of your/your opponents case.

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Harmful, dangerous, gross, disgusting, and should never be promoted...:

1. Having a consequentialist framework but having contentions with 0 impact

2. Underhanded shenanigans (i.e. trying to gaslight me into thinking your opponent said something they didn't, trying to say your opponent can only answer yes or no in CX, etc.)

3. 12,000 subpoints that are only 2 sentences long

4. Saying statistics are the ONLYYYY type of evidence that can prove anything ever and then having non-statistic evidence in your own case.

Hi! I'm Lilly. I'm a trans-femme student with Union who judges novice LD and PF when not competing in either event. I Will not stand for racism, Transphobia, etc. and you will lose speaker points if not the round for statements like those. In any case I expect you to do you best and be kind. I prefer a more conversational tone and speed, good and convincing argumentation. I'm a Tabula Rasa Judge and expect you to convince me. Open to critiques, theory, and all that fun stuff, just dumb it down a bit for me, I don't claim to be smart.

Hi, I did LD all throughout high school, but I have watched many PF and CX rounds to know what is going on. For LD, I would really really really prefer it if you debate trad rather than prog. I will flow either on paper or on laptop, but if you are spreading too much and I don't have something down on the flow, it won't appear or influence my RFD.

Framework debate is important. Don't just throw me philosophical terms; explain it and tie it in with your contentions. 2AR and 2NR speeches should give me voting issues. In cross-examination, definitely be respectful of your opponent and obviously, try not to cut someone off unless they are just ranting on and on.

Keep your own times! This paradigm is non-exhaustive. If I missed anything, feel free to ask before round. Good luck!

LD: I'm pretty traditional. I like values and criteria and evidence and clash. If you read a K or a bedtime narrative, I will stop flowing the round and take a nap. I have a speed threshold of "don't" and if you could please keep the jargon to a minimum, that would be great. Theory is cool, in theory, but it shouldn't be an entire framework. I like long walks on the beach, and a good tennis match. Also, don't shake my hand at the end of the round.

PF: Um....win more arguments than the other team. Go. Fight. Win.

Hello, my name is Samuel Meier (in round please refer to me as "judge" and my preferred pronouns are he/him if you choose to approach/contact me out of round). I was a student at Jenks High School with 4 years experience in Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD), 2 years of experience in Domestic Extemporaneous (DEX), 1 year experience in Mock Trial, 1 year experience in Public-Forum (PF), and minor experiences in other events (such as FEX, HD, and some knowledge of other events). I have competed at Nationals, State, Districts, and Regionals prior to this year in debate and went to State finals and Nationals in Mock Trial. I am perusing a double in PolSci and Busi before transferring to Law School (Criminal Prosecutor). If you would like any tips/info then I will help you if you ask. Now straight to the paradigm:

For All Debates -

I will judge based on court rules - I will not do work for either side and exclude my own personal preferences in the debate. As a judge in a debate, I will uphold integrity and independence and avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety. I will perform the duty of deciding the round based fairly, impartially, and diligently but include personal critiques outside of the decision in personal virtual commentary or oral feedback with either both opponents present or dismissal of one before commenting to the other and vice versa depending on the comfortability of the competitors and/or coaches/tournament.

In all rounds, I will judge it based on the evidence that is brought up within the round and what is said within the round. If a debater may infer an argument but not extend upon it, then it will be discarded. Also do not ask me to disclose or make public comments on the merits of a matter pending or impending on the round. If it is a novice round, then I may disclose but otherwise, I will not unless recommended by the tournament provider.

In your last speeches, you should always make a big-picture argument about why you should win the debate. If you can't tell me why you should win, you probably shouldn't. I will not vote for a side solely because an argument was dropped or unanswered. The team making an argument has a continuing responsibility to explain 1) why it is true and 2) why it matters. If your opponent drops an argument, you may note that failure to respond and extend the argument through, but you should still make an argument that you're right and that I should care. Remember that I am judging how persuasive your argument is. Cards can provide some support for your argument, but it is neither necessary nor sufficient to make a winning argument. Unless the card is providing hard data, all it proves is that someone said something that you are now saying. It may be more or less helpful, depending on its credibility. Always justify the reasons why your argument is correct. If you can't explain your argument, I won't accept it. Feel free to reference your cards in the debate by their name and date to save time if you prefer so. Note that I may occasionally miss an author or point during the debate but that will not have an impact on the round. A representation of a personal weighing standard is shown below:

For framework (LD) - personal analysis=relevant evidence - Framework > Evidence. For LD I will look into your framework to decide what arguments to consider in the round and then who wins the round.

For debate in general - personal analysis

I’m also not a fan of in-round judge intervention. If you feel like there is a NSDA violation (or whatever the associated debate association may be), then make that argument in round in which depending on the severity, the round will either be stopped, and the violation will be considered within the rulebook or considered at the end of the round.

If there is disclosure before or in round, then please add me to the email chain or whatever form you may be sharing in. My email is samuelbmeier@gmail.com. Upon the event of a debater sharing cards, I will base the “weight” of the card on what is shared. I will still consider the card but if it is low standard then I will not have high expectations for refutations. I may discard the card in the round only if the opposing side points out the flaws that may be in the evidence and not by my own observations.

I can typically keep up in a debate and flow, but I do not base my decision based on how many arguments you can compile on the opposing side. The round will be fully judged on how much you convince the judge.

I do not have any triggers associated with cases, but discriminatory language is not to be used. If you are to use trigger words that many consider, then please use a trigger warning for me and your opponent. I am comfortable at whatever speed you read at and leave the interpretation of the speed up to the debater. If you read too fast, then I may lose details in the debate and if you read too slow then you may not get your point across.

I generally pay attention in the debate so if you fib then you may have reduced speaker points, but it will not lose you the round unless brought up by your opponent.

Additionally:

Tech > Truth

Evidence quality and comparison are very important in the round. You should be constantly telling me why your cards are amazing and maybe better than your opponents or some ignorant person.

If my ballot is not the same as the 2NR/2AR, then something is wrong.

Evidence ethics is important depending on NSDA rules, I may auto-close but allow the debate to continue.

Please don’t ask me to keep time for you. I will keep the official time but do not ask me in a debate to give you time signals or the speech times (exception for novice). I expect you to be familiar with your event enough to keep your own time if you’re in a debate.

This is a pet peeve, DO NOT let your timer continuously go off after a speech. When it goes off then turn it off.

You can use debate lango with me, I've done it for a while, so I think I know almost all the terms whether progress/trad.

If I am smiling, then it doesn't always mean a good thing. Sometimes I could be thinking you're doing something dumb.

Finally, if you try to make friends with me to get the ballot/favor then it won't work. If that is your intention, then forget it. I will make friends, but it will not give you any brownie points.

Traditional Debates -

If you signpost, please extend your arguments, try not to drop anything, and give an offensive reason as to why I should vote for you as opposed to a defensive one as to why you don't lose.

Personally, I consider the finding of the most frivolous extravagant argument that “no one will think of” as misguided. Don’t be afraid to argue those points in front of me but just know I will need more links in the case for further understanding and foundation.

I generally value things sequentially. I use whose value/criterion or framework is winning to determine which arguments and impacts to weigh and subsequently who won the ballot. This means framework in and of itself is not a voter, but it has a massive impact on who wins my ballot. I will evaluate the round as follows on my ballot:

Whose framework I view from-->what arguments weigh under that framework-->which side wins under this evaluation

I would like to see links and consistency between your framework and your contentions. Read Kant and utilitarianism arguments then I will cry.

Please don’t paraphrase as most debaters may lie in round. I won’t drop you for paraphrasing, but it will hold less weight in the round to me and you will be held to the same standards as if you actually are quoting/cutting the card (NSDA rules [again if brought up by the opponent will I then consider if it is round altering])

Impact calc and evidence comparison is good, and I prefer it. On a personal level, I appeal more to numerical comparison in order to do a good true impact calc.

LD -

For the current LD resolution (SO): so far, I have not developed any preferences over the current topic aside from the following; first, define the limitations of the "right to housing" - is it universal (all throughout the US [no limitations] which is the expected def), US citizens specific, tenant specific, or income specific, etc. Second, please don't run the UDHR as a FW. Third, you can run Maslow (Hierarchy of Needs) but I'm not too familiar with the nuances if you are. Fourth, this topic sounds extremely aff bias and I'll expect "big stick" impacts from the neg in most cases. Polit disads will probably have strong links and I don't imagine negs defending the squo policies of de facto criminalization. Fifth, LD isn't policy orientated so aff don't worry too much unless the neg runs a FW against it (ought implies can [rec Kant]). From a progressive standpoint I'll most likely expect the AHA with hyperspecific polit links or IL/DV. On the neg for progress I expect a CP/Disad structure (such as living wage/UBI [just be careful of perms like the UCC topic]) and most often feasibility arguments (equality fw). Sixth, it appears we are repeating past topics more and this is word for word the 2016 topic. From a surface google search I can already find a ton of cards and I expect some of you to find the same. I won't downvote on your "borrowed" cards/cases, but I recommend doing some of your own work for self-explanatory reasons. Finally, please show what the “right to housing” means - is that equal opportunity, equal access, etc. (nationalizing the housing market or the govt actually ENSURING housing). Honestly a progress plan text wouldn’t be bad in this topic. For progress: cap, HR, humanism, complex systems, coherdian, suffering, morality, ethics, etc. wouldn’t be bad Ks for neg and I’ll probably expect them.

Obviously, since I have competed in LD for a long time then this will be the longest part of the paradigm and will cross apply to the other debates: I appeal more to the traditional style of debaters rather than progressive, and my preference is the appeal although I will not vote against you for being progressive, just remember the importance of some factors. I am comfortable with philosophical debates although I do not have complete extensive knowledge of some philosophers. The ones I am comfortable with are Kant, Aristotle, Rawls, Marx, Mills, Rousseau, Hobbes, Locke, and a couple of others. Although I am in conformity with these authors, I would prefer you to still explain your philosophical standpoint and how it is upheld within your case to follow proper judging. One thing that is a pet peeve for me in LD is when debaters are “attacking” the framework (FW) in the round and compiling inconsequential attacks on the value/criteria (an example would be saying that justice is not achieved because we hurt the economy, hurt society, hurt the environment, and the FW flips, etc.). If you are going to attack specifically on the FW, then make it specific to the FW and not attacks against the case. For criteria attacks I prefer the Pizza Test, Links attacks, Question of the Resolution, Overlimit, Prior Question, Method, Metaethics, Ought Implies Can, Link Comparison, Vagueness, Warrant, and Is/Ought Fallacies. If you don’t know what those are then it’s fine. If you are to use any refutations on the FW, then make sure they are well explained. I believe FW is the most important part of the debate. I prefer a traditional framework, with clear contentions and signposting throughout the round. Remember that LD is value-based, so I will be looking for you to carry your Value/Criterion through the entire round and link all arguments back to this value. Your argument should have a solid framework to support it and it should be topical. I am looking for big-picture arguments, so please don't get lost in the minute details. Explain, support, and defend each of your arguments. Show me how your argument applies to the topic, your position, your opponent's position, and the impacts. Don’t worry about covering the whole flow. Pick some points you want to win over and go for it. If you run counter plans remember that the neg's job is to negate the resolution. If your counterplan gives me no reason to reject the resolution, or if the aff makes a persuasive perm I probably won't vote neg on the counterplan. The counterplan must be thorough and exclusive otherwise I will probably not vote on it. When you are the affirmative, I do reside over you the burden of proof. Although this may seem unfair, it is your obligation to prove the resolution sufficient to affirm and give me no reason to automatically default the ballot to the negative even if you are evenly matched. For the negative, I don't expect you to prove the resolution true nor uphold necessarily the other side. To put this in perspective for anyone who thinks that that is vague or unfair, what I am saying is that the negative is negating the WHOLE resolution. For instance, if the resolution is, "Resolved: The United States ought to prioritize x over y." then I don't feel it is your initial obligation to uphold y in the resolution but only prove why it is immoral to prioritize x. Now if the affirmative prove that x is better than y in some way then I feel you must prove y to be better than x or why the squo is better than x. If the resolution is about the moral obligation of an institution, then note that I may accidentally take a form of a "culturally imperialistic" stance from my innate bias that may influence all of focus of actors. I am not familiar with an absorbent number of countries and their histories, policies, governments, etc. and so I fear that if the resolution debates from a moral obligation, then I may judge from my own United States perspective. On the other hand, if it is a resolution of practicality, then I will try to judge from the actor's point of view. To make debaters more comfortable, I will try to reside the personal foundation of your topic enough to understand it and what the resolution is talking about for a background but that does not diminish your clarification. If you run a Kritik (K) and you feel confident in your K, I will listen to it like any other argument. In my view, a winning K is pertinent to the affirmative case and/or the resolution in general and has a clear, feasible alternative. If you run a K with an argument that contradicts the K, then I will not consider the K. I've rarely voted neg because of a K, mostly because negative teams tend not to run them well. If you don't understand the Kritik well enough to explain it, don't run it. Normally I would prefer for the debaters to clearly and concisely state the resolution and the resolution terms but as I am in debate then it is not as much of an obligation of understanding. When defining the resolution terms, I would not recommend defining every word in the resolution as you lose the judge's attention after a while. Just get the key terms in. When hearing your case, I will be looking for you to define your values. Did the arguments present focus on the values implicit in the resolution? Is the case itself cohesive? If your value is not defined in the round and is not upheld within your case, then it will not be considered. If you just state your value is Morality without substance, then I will not like you. You can run morality (and other abstract values) just know it is completely subjective and broad so I may side with the opposing side with the interpretation of it unless you define Morality in which case you should probably change your value. When establishing a criterion for the resolution I expect the basis of the value to be proven to be important by one debater or the other. The criteria should be the lens in which you observe your value and that is how I will observe it. So, if I evaluate through the lens of mitigating structural violence, then only arguments that link to that will be observed. If you do not have linkage to your FW in the debate, then I may discard the FW of that side. The main question I am looking to be answered in weighing importance is: Are the values advocated in support of the resolution more important than the values diminished by the resolution, or are alternative values supported by the negative enhanced by the resolution? I also expect the debaters to apply their FW throughout the entire debate. If you are running observations, I am personally against using above 3 prongs and 3 observations in the round and especially if they are inconsequential. If you do state an observation in the round, then I expect it to be mentioned later on and be an important topic of the debate. If you mention a prong, then I expect it to be upheld and clearly told how it is so. When arguing I expect there to be proof of your argument. Did the evidence presented pragmatically justify the affirmative or negative stance? Did the reasoning presented philosophically justify the affirmative or negative stance? Refutations should include a claim, data, and warrant format. If any are excluded, then I will have less of a regard for the arguments. If you bring up a specific numerical impact analysis, then I will effectively view that as a higher standard than implicated impacts in the round. That being said, be considerate of what impacts you choose and don't make them inconsequential/the same as your others. When you are refuting, I don’t necessarily need hard analytics or evidence in the arguments unless needed although refer to top of the paradigm for my system of weighing. Simple logistical refutations are great. But for example: If your opponent says that the economy is boosted by said action by 30% and you say that the economy is not boosted then I expect there to be analytical evidence supporting your argument about how it is harmed by said action unless it is common sense in which you should still explain. I expect your arguments to be organized and ideas presented clearly, in logical sequence, and with proper appropriate emphasis. If your case does not include an impact, then it gives me no reason to vote for your case as it gives me no reason to care. For extending, clashing, and rebuttals I expect the sides to fulfill their obligations. Did the debaters fulfill their obligation to extend their own arguments? Did they appropriately refute the contentions of their opponents by exposing weaknesses or inconsistencies? I also consider the presentation of the debater for speaker points. Speaker points do not dictate who wins the debate but rather who was the better speaker. That being said, speaker points are determined as follows:

Expression: Were language, tone, and emphasis appropriate to persuasive communication? Please be respectful at all times.

Delivery: Were gestures, movement, and eye contact audience-oriented and contained natural persuasive communication components?

Rate: Was the rate of delivery conducive to audience understanding? (Spreading may not be feasible under virtual conditions.) If there is a virtual tournament, then I will not hold technical difficulties against your speaker points and prefer you to keep your camera on. Also, definitions should not be abusive and if they are then I may not consider them as much in the round.

Note that I am generally very liberal with how many speaks I give out just because I understand that some judges give more speaks out than others so unless I really am considering it, then I will give you full speaks.

PFD -

I'm looking for strong initial arguments that will be crystallized as the round goes on, and I expect your final speech to contain an explanation why you should win. I am looking for big picture arguments, so please don't get lost in the minute details. Explain, support, and defend each of your arguments. Show me how your argument applies to the topic, your position, your opponent's position and the impacts. I don't mind speed as long as you are clear; I hate speed if you're bad at speed. Please reference the above listings under LD for further preferences and please don't make messy rebuttals. In general, just make god arguments, give me some clash, contextualize your topic well, and you should be fine. I like some framing in PF, especially when you’re talking about foreign policy. Also be careful in CX: you should be asking each other questions not having a conversation.
And a note about generalized solutions, BE CAREFUL. I really have mixed feelings about these, and you may well have to defend the concept of a generalized solution in your speeches. To my understanding, it should go something like “we shouldn’t be doing the resolution when x is a better alternative.” Also feel free to debate on if it’s a plan or a generalized solution but just know I have a looser view so just be careful. Of course, if you use them well then you’ll be fine but don’t be abusive with them.

CX -

Fair warning: I have little experience with policy. But similar to PF, make good arguments, give me some clash, contextualize, and you should be generally okay. Every policy round is different, and I will go where you lead me. Any arguments are fair game. Feel free to run Ks, CPs, Ts, Pics, Sparks, FW, etc (as long as the tournament allows, sorry novices). I don’t think there’s much you shouldn’t do in general. Policy rounds should be very productive.
You should slow down (a little) for taglines, authors, and important quotes in your cards. If you maintain a constant speed throughout your speech, I (and any other judge) will likely miss something. Please refer to the LD listings on speaks preferences.

Although I generally will let the debaters establish their own rules for the debate, here is some information on my voting:

On-Off Negs -

I probably do not vote for negative teams who make no effort to respond to the affirmative. If you ignore the 1AC, you'll probably lose. I emphasize "probably" because I will begrudgingly vote for one-off negs when the affirmative has responded poorly.

Topicality: Topicality debates should focus on standards and voters, which should be specific to your definition. I'll probably vote negative when they've shown that the affirmative plan falls outside any definition that is fair, predictable, and flexible enough to accommodate a variety of topics. In those rounds, the negative should show 1) their interpretation is reasonable, 2) the affirmative falls outside that definition, and 3) the affirmative interpretation is unreasonable/bad for debate. I probably won’t vote neg when they use a definition that is too restrictive (e.g., only x is topical) or when both teams have reasonable definitions. In other words, if the negative's argument came down to "our definition is better" rather than "our definition is good and their definition is bad," I will not vote negatively on topicality.

Kritiks -

If you feel confident in your Kritik, I will listen to it like any other argument. In my view, a winning Kritik is pertinent to the affirmative case and/or the resolution in general and has a clear, feasible alternative. If you run a K with an argument (CP, DA, etc.) that contradicts the K, I won't like you. To be honest, I've rarely voted neg because of a K, mostly because negative teams tend not to run them well. If you don't understand the Kritik well enough to explain it, don't run it. Tip: If you've run a K to throw the other team, you've probably thrown yourself as well.

Counterplans -

I’ll probably vote negative on counterplans that are competitive with the affirmative case and are mutually exclusive from it -- that is, counterplans that prove we should not adopt the resolution. I've never voted negative on a topical counterplan. That said, you are welcome to try.

Theory -

Because debate is a game, I'll entertain theory. I'll probably vote on theory only when one team has demonstrated that their opponent's strategy/argument is so abusive or unfair that it functionally derails the debate. I'll vote aff on theory when the negative functionally ignores the 1AC and begins a new conversation. I'll probably never vote negative on theory but consider it when deciding whether to accept or reject a perm to a counterplan.

Non-Oratory Speech -

Treat me like a parent judge. Most likely have no clue what's going on except in POE and DI.

Oratory Speech (OO, INFO, SO) -

Like non-oratory speeches, I do not have extensive knowledge on these events, but I get the general idea.

For OO and INFO:

I will focus more on the quality of your speech, the message in your speech, and the delivery of it.

For SO:

All the same stuff as the other two but I won't really focus on the quality of the speech (ie. how its written) because you didn't write it (or at least I assume you didn’t)

Extemp -

I’ll most likely be critical of your speech but not towards my own bias. I will judge off timing, number of sources, background information, and the quality of your speech.

For DEX:

Quality of Speech > Timing > Sources > Background Information

For FEX:

Quality of Speech > Background Information > Timing > Sources

If you have less than a 5:30 speech (and this is dependent on the other speakers) then you will most likely not get a 1, 2, or 3. Please please please include background information in FEX. The more fluid and convincing you are, the more I’ll pay attention. If it is online, then I’d prefer you to show your hands at all times to prevent cheating and ask you to stand. Be fair. Be smart. Play by the rules.

In conclusion, most of the debates judging preferences are cross applicable although there are minor differences between each debate due to the expected styles and type of resolution. Additionally, I cannot cover everything in this paradigm or in my ballots (nor do I expect you to read all of it) and I don't expect you to completely appease me or convince me. I probably have my own set opinion but will judge from a clean POV. If you have any questions before or after, then email me at the one listed above or ask me in person. Goodluck.

Hello, My name is Josh!

About Me

I did speech and debate for four years at Jenks High School and have done every single debate so I'm super familiar with all styles of debate as well as speech events I have done almost every event. I was a national qualifier and multiple-time state qualifier. If you have any questions about my paradigm please ask me before the round starts!

General Debate Things

1. I like to hear well-warranted arguments and well-explained arguments anything that is under warranted will be less persuasive to me
2. Time your self I want to focus on the round (Unless you need me to do it for you)
3. I will not vote for any racist or homophobic arguments.
4. Don't be abusive or a jerk.
5. I flow the entire round but I don't flow Cross so if you make an argument bring it back up for me to flow it

LD: I LOVE FRAMEWORK!!!

All debate:

tech (in terms of tech/truth, i believe the term 'truth judging' is actual nonsense). this means i evaluate everything unless tab forces me not to (violent behavior or arguments that have been explicitly highlighted by tab to stop for are them 'forcing me')---anything else is NOT tech

if something tab says is bad happens, i stop the round. if you think something bad enough has happened or that i missed it, stop the round and point it out to me. tab will still decide lol. if tab refuses to decide, the team that stops loses and ill give speaks based on the number of speeches given.

some people say 'im tech because dropped arguments are true' and then say 'but an argument is ONLY a claim and a warrant.' this is nonsense. in semantics we have propositions, and both the 'claim' and the 'warrant' are propositions. the warrant is a proposition that is purported to justify the claim, but that warrant also seems to require further justification. thus if we mandate warrants we must either 'warrant down' propositions until a self-evident truth appears (something i can look at and establish as unequivocally true), or pick an arbitrary point to stop. this means there are three models of debate here. i call them: constructivism (all propositions are assumed to be true), arbitrary nonsense (requiring X amount of 'warrants down'), or destructivism (propositions must be proven absolutely true). i think destructivism is impossible for two reasons. A. self-evident truth doesn't exist; B. even if it does, there's not enough of it to establish all of the claims we need for modern debate. arbitrary nonsense is very bad for infinitely many reasons, but we should isolate a few. i think it is formally incoherent in that whatever number of "warrants down" required should also apply the bottom of the warrant chain, thus invalidating any chain of logic. i also think that it is arbitrary in that like, saying "you only need to justify the proposition one level down" (which is the most common view) is no different than saying "i need three levels down." this also doesn't solve the problem of warrantless claims, because any proposition can be purported to be a justification for another i.e. "you should vote aff because pigs are green."

^ in this model, spamming arguments like "you should vote neg because [something that does not imply the first proposition]" is answered by "group the vote neg arguments---their warrants don't logically imply that you should vote neg, but our arguments do." alternatively, i think "go to the vote neg stuff. group these---warrantless" also answers it well enough.

dropped propositions are true

^ the only exception to this model is unjustified 'new' propositions made in the 2AR---these get excluded because the negative does not have an opportunity to respond

i think a proposition is 'new' when it appears in a speech and has not appeared in any prior speech. i do not, by default, exclude new propositions in any speech except the 2AR without justification for why i should---HOWEVER, i think justifying this past the 1NR is so easy you should basically never lose.

i think new propositions are justified whenever they contradict or qualify a new proposition made by the opponent in the prior speech. that includes claims they make about your stuff.

when writing the ballot, i only evaluate propositions that are in the final rebuttals.

some people say they have 'defaults' when they judge a debate. this is not full tech judging, because it includes a certain bias (though minor and forgivable). default enjoyers might object to me and argue that in a DA vs case debate, neither side establishes util as a reason to vote either way---thus, defaultless judges should have no way to vote.

to resolve this, i believe that debaters can make 'implied propositions'---for example, the proposition 'you should vote aff because our plan prevents 500 people from dying" implies that i should vote aff if the plan prevents people from dying. the proposition "you should actually vote neg because the plan causes 1000 people to die" forwards that instead, i should vote aff if the planNET prevents people from dying. the affirmative has two responses to this: agree to this weighing and contest the death count, or contest the weighing. most affirmatives agree to the weighing, and thus my 'default' has been establishes. these things tend to work themselves out in real debates.

'dropped' propositions occur when a speech articulates them, and then by the next speech of that same side, the opponent has articulated no proposition that contradicts or qualifies those propositions.

0% risk of a proposition being true is only possible if the claim that it is untrue is dropped. 100% risk of a proposition being true is only possible if the claim that it is true is dropped. so long as there is a proposition that contradicts or qualifies a proposition (even if one of them is MUCH stronger: i.e. "nuclear war causes extinction by creating ash clouds that drop global food supply which causes a cycle of further nuclear escalation until all food is gone and everybody is dead" vs "no it doesn't because uhhh... i forgor"---the nuclear war = extinction enjoyed has about a 99.99999% risk of their proposition here, but not 100%), it will never be 100% true.

evidence hasNO special status to me as a judge unless tab forces me to give it special consideration (ev ethics) or you say i should somehow. i think that in a model where both teams send evidence without debating about it, citations are inserted, analytic arguments that increase the veracity of the paragraphs under them (your author quals, date, etc make your propositions more credible!). however, i don't think there's any reason that debaters can't just paste an author's words as an analytic--you could read a 1AC stripped of all citations and i would just eval it as if its propositions are slightly less credible. sidenote: i do not actually weigh the propositions under ev as being truer unless brought up, or unless im told to look at them as inserted stuff, ie "our ev is from two days ago," or "look at this author's quals---we're right." the other team can contest this.

a ballot is justified by claiming that i should vote aff or neg (sometimes this is implied)

X% risk i should vote AFF implies (100-X)% risk i should vote NEG

if it is 50% for both, this state is equivalent to both sides being silent (neither justifying anything), in that case i vote NEG because i expected the AFF to justify something first

if a ballot has not been justified for either side by the end of the round, i vote NEG. this is not because of a 'resolutional burden of proof,' but because the affirmative speaks first and thus i expected them to say something before i expected the negative to. rounds, where both teams sit down immediately instead of speaking and forgo cross-examination, are good examples of this, as are rounds where the affirmative gets up and gently speculates about the dearest emotions of colors without saying that this is a reason to affirm. i think this is an important distinction. ill construct some model rounds below after clarifications

Round #1

1AC: Red is an angry color.

1NC: Silence

2AC: Red is an angry color.

2NC: Silence

1NR: Silence

1AR: Red is an angry color.

2NR: Silence

2AR: Red is an angry color.

Ballot: Neg.

Round #2

1AC: Red is an angry color so you should vote AFF.

1NC: Silence

2AC: Red is an angry color so you should vote AFF.

2NC: Silence

1NR: Silence

1AR: Red is an angry color so you should vote AFF.

2NR: Silence

2AR: Red is an angry color so you should vote AFF.

Ballot: Aff.

Round #3

(You get the idea.)

AFF: Red is an angry color so you should vote AFF.

NEG: Silly! Voting AFF doesn't follow from that.

Ballot: Aff.(Why?: AFF has articulated the proposition that I should vote AFF because red is an angry color. The NEG points out that this justification doesn't imply that I should vote AFF. However, the NEG never articulates why I should vote NEG, and the AFF continues to argue that red being an angry color means I should vote AFF. This means I believe that there is a very low risk the AFF proposition is true, and a very high risk the NEG proposition is true. Because there is a very TINY reason to vote AFF, and no reason not to, I vote AFF.)

Round #4

AFF: Red is an angry color so you should vote AFF.

NEG: Blue is a sad color so you should vote NEG.

Ballot: Neg.(Why?: This debate is the type that drives me insane. Because the risk that I should vote for either side is equal, I vote NEG because nothing has been justified and I expected something from the AFF first.)

Round #5

AFF: Red is an angry color so you should vote AFF.

NEG: Silly! Voting AFF doesn't follow from that. Blue is a sad color so you should vote NEG.

Ballot: Neg.(Why?: The likelihood that I should vote AFF is mitigated by the NEG proposition that it doesn't follow from red being an angry color. The likelihood that I should vote NEG is unmitigated.}

Round #6

1AC: Red is an angry color so you should vote AFF.

NEG: Silly! Voting AFF doesn't follow from that. Blue is a sad color so you should vote NEG.

Subsequent AFF: Silly! Voting NEG doesn't follow from that. Red is an angry color so you should vote AFF.

Ballot: Neg.(Why?: This is equivalent to Round #4 risk-wise, which triggers a NEG ballot.)

debatable things

debate seems to make the most sense whenever affirmative teams justify the resolution's truth. the resolution is an ambiguous proposition and topical plans are examples of that proposition alone.

Extra-T: i do not believe that extra-T is a relevant remark personally. consider:

X = The resolution should occur.

Y = Some certain extra-topical action is occurring.

In the case where the extra-topical action is the difference between winning or losing substantively (the only case that matters), the logic can be constructed as:

If Y, then X.

However, Y is not true because the extra-topical action is not occurring. Thus, the only relevant deciding factor of the substantive debate ought to be the topical portion of the plan. if the negative doesn't make this argument, I'll eval it. i have not seen a good response to it though. i guess you could say "ignore logical implications because it's... [X procedural benefit]" but i think the neg arg that this nukes all debate forever is strong.

kaff: i am very bad in these debates because i think that (and i may just be stupid) debaters rarely set up a clear 'win condition' for me to evaluate, so i end up kind of screwed. i think if you are a kritikal affirmative you should be very explicit "we win if we prove that X is good..." etc

avg speaks is 28.5 or 3 in oklahoma

Oklahoma speaks guide:

1 - you were not only a bad debater, but your behavior in this round particularly irked me

2 - bad debating

3 - fine debating

4 - good debating

i think trufanov's ontology of debate arguments is important, but slightly incorrect in places.

the plan is a 'mandate'---something that must always occur in the world the aff weighs. the most likely occurrences surrounding the plan are 'normal means.' CPs must compete by having a net benefit predicated on the exclusion of some mandate in the plan. DAs, on the other hand, can link only to normal means functions of the AFF, but the probability of that normal means function would mitigate those DAs.

positionality is a bad model, planicality is alright, resolutionality is prob true

CPs: textual comp is incoherent, truf is probably right that functions like not doing whatever is implied in an "only if" CP are extractable for perms

CPs IMO do not rejoin the plan. this view has multiple justifications but is much too complex to articulate here. going for this arg in front of me is honestly likely to persuade me if you debate it well technically and i wont reject it. i have not yet seen a good answer to it.

Ks: non-FW Ks lose to affs that know how impacts and weighing works (there is NO WAY the rev happens fast enough to solve the 'root cause' of imminent Iranian escalation). FW Ks i THINK lose to FW when evenly debated. im not 100% sure. good K debaters are better technically than their opponent---Ks are cheating and that's not a bad thing. the block should be chock full of tricks and the 2NR should go for whichever trick the AFF mishandled.

procedurals come before substantive debate

Policy:

Run whatever argument you want in front of me

Tech over Truth

CASE

I like cases that have strong internal links to their solvency. That means I have a higher threshold for Aff solvency with loosely strung internal links. Affs with multiple impact scenarios with 1-2 advantages are preferable to Affs with 3-4 advantages with one impact scenario.

After the 2AC, you should not rely on reading cards to answer or make case args. Use your brain, analyze the warrants of each card and explain why they are wrong/ right. Doing so will give you more speaks and make you much more likely to win case.

OFFCASE

Ks

I'm familiar with Ableism, Afropess, Cap, Fem, Imperialism, Orientalism, Set Col, Trans

Feel free to run Ks I'm not familiar with, I'll work to understand them and evaluate ur args the best I can

It will look bad if you run Ks with contradicting offcase positions imo

For example, [Cap K + Econ DA], [Imperialism K + Military Readiness DA], etc. but is not a voting issue unless your opponent makes that argument.

CPs

Your counterplan means that you have the chance to solve the impacts of the aff and a net benefit.

There is a very very low chance I will vote on a counterplan that doesn't specify what it actually does or doesn't have a net benefit.

That being said, if your counterplan doesn't have a net benefit but you win on case, I will still vote aff

I hate going against PICs, but I do believe in some cases PICs are a good strategy. I am very willing to vote on perms/ CP theory, but you need to explain why your perm works and why the counterplan is harmful.

DAs

I love DAs!!!!!!!

Make sure your UQ is up to date. I am tech vs truth but your DA is weak if your uniqueness is from months ago.

Go for specific links but it's not the end of the world if your link is generic.

If you're running a DA you need to explain how the DA outweighs/ turns the case

Other Stuff

Idgaf about spreading-- make sure to signpost clearly tho

Idrgaf abt cross ex, but I like open cross more.

If you say something racist, sexist, homophobic, or bigoted I will glare at you OR look at you with a bewildered expression

I do flow, but only what I hear.

I do time, but that's addressed later in the paradigm.

I am ready before each speech so just debate like I'm not there.

I WILL VOTE ON THE FRAMEWORK MOST OF THE TIME.

My LD paradigm is super simple. I'm okay with all types of arguments as long you can prove a strong value/criterion link. I'm a traditional LD Judge, I won't knock progressive but I do ask that you are clear in your argumentation. I flow and I expect arguments to not be dropped and extended throughout the round. Besides that, I enjoy a fun round so don't be rude but don't be passive. Again I'm open to whatever just make sure that your arguments are clear, logical, and have a strong Value/Criterion Link. Please don't say your card names, say the argument. I do not flow card names if you say "refer to my john 3:16 card" I will have no clue what you're talking about, but if you say "refer to x argument" I'll be on board. As a traditional judge, I like hearing some philosophy. I am not a philosophy expert but I do know the major points of the more used arguments and I wont count it as part of the RFD unless your opponent calls it out. If they don't then run with it I guess.

PF is very similar, hit me with your creative arguments. I generally vote for winners based on which team can either give me the bigger impacts or who can give me a good amount of strong arguments. IF YOU SPREAD IN PUBLIC FORUM I WILL NOT FLOW. I AM A PF PURIST. DO NOT SPREAD I WILL TRULY LOOK AT YOU AND MAYBE WRITE ONE THING. IF YOU ARE A PFER AND SAY USE A PHILOSOPHY FRAMEWORK I WILL NOT APPRECIATE IT. PF IS FOR THE LAY JUDGE. TREAT ME LIKE A LAY JUDGE.

Also if you are reading this, just an FYI please TIME yourselves so I don't have to interrupt you. Again I'm super laid back so just make sure that arguments are very clear and logical.

CX is not my favorite so I have no real paradigm for it. Just tell me why your arguments are good. I like Ks but I hate nukes(extinction).

As you can tell by this paradigm that I'm somewhat lazy. So if you have any specific questions feel free to ask before the round AND do not be afraid to ask me what you can improve AFTER (LIKE IN THE HALLWAYS) the round or for advice.

If you try to post-round or debate me because of the results of the ballot, I will shut it down immediately but feel free to ask for critiques.

Went to nationals twice in PF, got 5th at state in FX, got 8th at state in PF.

Totally comfortable with theory/progressive debate as long as it is not sloppy.

You can spread if you like just share the case with me first, and know that I will not give you any bonus points for doing it.

Add me to any evidence sharing chain (I will look at all the evidence) I will not flow against bad cards unless the opponents indict it but I might doc speaks for it.

Make the most of CX, because I will flow it through.

If you do not extend an argument, I will not either.

I am going to vote off warrants so make sure those are pretty clear.

Try to tell me what the bigger picture is, like what a AFF v NEG world looks like. (especially in National Circuit Tournaments)

Also, I appreciate any references to Taylor Swift or the exceedingly long One Piece anime series.

Overall, be respectful and have fun!!!

I am a traditional PF judge. I don't really do kritiks or speed. Win me with strong arguments and impacts.

"I may not be smart enough to debate you point-for-point on this, but I have a feeling that about 60% of what you say is crap" - David Letterman

I am the definition of the "citizen judge" in regards to adjudicating PF. I did not do debate while in high school (I focused on DEX as my primary event, but did on occasion do an interpretative event as well). I come to NSDA mainly as an amazingly proud parent who was blessed to watch his daughter shine in PF and DEX for four years. And for those of you that have taken the time to review these paradigms, thank you for your participation in NSDA. You are a rock star and my sincere congratulations for your achievements at any level - whether just starting out to participation in Nationals.

YOU - just as you are - are a rock star. Every one of you is worthy - just exactly the way you are and how you perform. If you take nothing else out of this paradigm, know that you are seen and I admire you for who you are and what you do - exactly as you are right at this moment.

Debate - My judging style for rounds is very simple - make your argument to the best you can. Convince me. Refute your opponents. Present your evidence. Don't drop anything that is truly important in a debate case. I know you know the arguments (and - you know the positions and the arguments better than the judges. We all know. We don't say it - but we know.) Part of what we all need to learn to live in this world is that each side comes at things from a different perspective. We don't need theatrics, drama, all of that - we just need to be able to clearly communicate where we are coming from and convince people. That is the paradigm of how I base my decision.

Extemp - Relax and take a breath. Have a solid introduction, restate the question and then tell us what you know. Cite references. Be clear. Restate the points at the end and have a conclusion that ties it together. The best extemp speeches are ones where I learn something I didn't know about before - whatever you know about the topic is enough, just share it with us.

Interpretative - I'm sorry - I wish I was better at these. Whatever your discipline - be you. If it is HI, show me your joyful side. If it is DI, show me the dramatic version of yourself. I will judge on the requirements of the event as a primary basis of decision - after that, it is how much you put into the performance. The best performances have left me laughing and in tears (both for the right reasons) - that kind of emotion is in each of you. Share it with us during the performance.

Congratulations for being a member of the speech and debate family and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Brian Welborn