DEBATE ROUNDS

My role as the judge is to listen with openness and mindfulness and evaluate arguments given the evidence presented. To win my ballot: listen to your opponent, always provide warrants and impacts, and know your position well, and always state a voter or standard for decision.

Positives: politeness, confidence, and well executed strategies/arguments.

Negatives: rudeness and unnecessary condescending comments, pointless cross examination, skirting the issues or avoidance

I do not mind speed, but I prefer that you don't spread. If you decide to spread make sure you slow down on tag-lines. If at all possible please avoid spreading. I'll do my best to flow all arguments so consider that when your giving your speech.

Voters/ Standards are extremely important to me so make sure you use the time in your last speech wisely.

Be sure you are taking note of your opponent's points, so that you might refute them line-by-line in your rebuttal speech. Hold strong in your final focus / closing argument.

Make sure to signpost well, and please give me a roadmap of your speeches. For the benefit of the all, I do not disclose, so I will make sure to put all comments in the ballots.

If you decide to do an email chain please, add me. lindseyrendon1@gmail.com

SPEECH ROUNDS

Staying true to the competition rubrics.

If I can't hear you, then I can't score you. Please, speak loud and clear and towards the camera.

I am a communications judge. No Kritiks please. I’m cool with some theory, not all of them (not a fan of disclosure theory).

I focus on enunciation; speak clear taglines, regardless of flashing the judge your case, it is still a speaking event.

Note: there’s a difference between fast speaking and spreading. Just make sure to enunciate your tags, signpost, etc., and you’ll be fine. if I hear heavy breathing because you’re reading too fast, it’s a problem.

Having said that, I like analytics. You can use evidence/cards and cross apply them, just ensure you provide a clear explanation as to why you’re able to cross apply them. You can’t just say “cross apply my C1 to his DA” and move on; tell me why it applies. Make sure to emphasize how it cross applies.

I like to follow the flow. I expect a good, yet understandable rebuttal. Please include me (the judge) in the email chain, if any. (antonio.valdez@psjaisd.us)

please do not be rude. If you become aggressive within the round, expect to see low speaks. It’s one thing to attack an argument, it’s another thing to attack your opponent.

Last, I do not disclose. Tournaments typically run late and I don't wanna add to the problem.