Dempsey Cronin Memorial Invitational
2023 — NSDA Campus, US
Debate Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HideHello,
As a judge, I am very particular about teams engaging each other fairly and thoroughly without being rude to each other. Fair and thorough engagements include making concessions when the arguments have been properly analysed and are logical and engaging in fair and broad-minded comparisons. This is to ensure that everyone has an equal chance in the room and that everyone is respectful towards the other.
Secondly, I am fully aware of the fact that speakers usually have a lot of material to cover in a very small time, but please make sure you do not excessively speed through your arguments. It is okay to speak fast but don't run through your speeches. To make it easy for your opponents and me to hear you clearly and understand you, I advise you to speak calmly and distinctly
Lastly, be conscious of what is expected of you in the debate round and try to fulfill them. If you make claims or assertions while speaking, justify them.
Best of luck!
I am judging debate from last few years. Please be sure to speak slowly and clearly so that I am able to take appropriate notes. Clarity over speed. If you use debate jargon, you will need to explain it to me.
I hope to see good use of evidence and delivery. Evidence should be timely, relevant, and trustworthy. Debaters should call for evidence and refute it when possible. Delivery is critical. Debaters should be clear and
concise. I want to see that you are defending your arguments well, not just negating your opponents points.
If you can keep track of speech times, that would be helpful.
It's important that debaters be courteous to each other during the round.
Have a great debate!
Email Jororynyc@gmail.com
Perry Hs
ASU Finance
Assistant LD coach at Peninsula, 2023-Present
Cleared at the Toc.
Alot of the way I think comes from Amber Kelsie, Jared Burke, Tay Brough and Raunak Dua - LD thoughts from Elmer Yang and Gordon Krauss.
Condense the debate to as few arguments as possible and have good topical knowledge.
Mostly read K arguments - Some policy arguments on the neg. Some Affs had plans.
I am bad for Phil or Trix.
FW: Fairness is an impact,
I also have an increasingly higher threshold for K debate because most of it done in LD is bad.
I wont flow until 1NC case so I can read evidence. I also have no problem telling you I did not understand what you said if its not explicit by the last speech.
Judged WSDC, PF, and Congress multiple times. I speak competitively in the BP style
General:
- you can sit or stand. Do whatever works for you.
- You can speak fast but be clear
- Time yourself. When you run out of time, finish your sentence gracefully, then stop speaking.
- I will also time you. When you run out of time, I will silently stop taking notes on my flow and wait for you to finish. I will cut you off if you are egregiously overtime. If I cut you off, it means I didn't listen to anything you said for the last 30-60 seconds.
PF:
I vote on terminal impacts. Use your constructive to state and quantify impacts that I as a human can care about. In descending order of importance, I care exclusively about saving lives, reducing suffering, and increasing happiness. Provide warrants and evidence for your claims, then extend your claims and impacts through to the final focus. In final focus, weigh: tell me *how* you won in terms of the impacts I care about.
Be nice to each other on the cross; let the other person finish. Cut them off if they are monopolizing time. If you want me to consider an argument when I vote, extend it all the way through the final focus.
I judge according to the entirety of the round, the team better able to convince me why they should win. I also prioritize all judging rules while judging.
I prioritize well proven cases and realistic impacts.
I also encourage the use of good speech rhetoric in delivery.
Brett Boelkens
Background
LD/Parliamentary Debate Coach - Cogito Debate — (2021-Present)
LD Brief Publisher - Kankee Briefs — (2019-Present)
Varsity Policy Debater — UNLV (2019-2021)
Varsity Policy/LD Debater — NWCTA (2017-2019)
TLDR
-Put me (brettboelkens@gmail.com) on the email chain (yes, even if its LD)
-Not a good K hack judge - I don’t know as much lit and think framework args are true. I won't not vote for a K, BUT don't be mad if I miss something or think aff centric rejoinder is cool
-Line by line muy importante. Keep speeches organized if at all possible and try to clean it up if you can.
-Tech > truth - I try to not intervene unless someone is intentionally excluding someone from the debate space
-Signpost please
-I will yell “CLEAR” on Zoom if you’re unclear. If I can’t understand you, I won’t be blamed for less the suburb flows.
-Theory on any issue is okay, BUT slow down and give extra pen time theory. This includes more policy oriented arguments like ptx theory, but not LD trix like permissibility or NIBS.
-None of my preferences are hard rules and are just what I am biased towards. I will vote on any issue if need be
-Inserting rehighlighted ev is cool
-Write prep down on Zoom chat
-Tell me if I need extra paper for say an long K overview
-Creativity in quality arguments is rewarded
-Quote I stole from Gomez:
I will not give up my ballot to someone else. I will not evaluate arguments about actions taken when I was not in the room or from previous rounds. I will not vote for arguments about debaters as people. I will always evaluate the debate based on the arguments made during the round and which team did the better debating. Teams asking me not to flow or wanting to play video games, or any other thing that is not debate are advised to strike me. If it is unclear what "is not debate" means, strike me.
-I'm chill and don't care if you need a second for tech issues or to take care of something
-Quote I stole from Danban that is somehow now relevant, “ [I] won't vote for any argument that promotes sedition.”
-If you have any questions about my paradigm / RFD, please email me or just ask in person.
Disadvantages
-I’m pro ptx DA gang though to be honest 99% of them are made up and don’t make sense
-Recency for ev helps. For example, please update your July econ UQ answers you cut at camp
-Utilize DA turns case and link turns case arguments more
Counterplans
-I usually err neg on CP theory since borderline abusive fiat debates can be fun
-Its probably best to functional and textual competition
-I think CP's with internal net benefits are neato
-Intrinsic and severance perms are more acceptable if the CP isn't as theoretically legitimate
-I’m cool if you tell me to judge kick the CP, but the 2AR can object if they want to
Kritiks
-Wouldn't suggest running them in front of me
-Ks should have specific links to the aff
-Links of omission aren’t a thing
-I like more consequence centric K debate (i.e. cap good/bad) as opposed to high theory Baudy quackery
Theory / T
-Hot take - most T args are rubbish except T-FMWK.
- Current thoughts on common theory issues
-Competing interpretations good and most affs T should be read against aren’t reasonable
-Functional limits args aren’t convincing if the plan is able to spike out of common DA's
-Condo good
-PICS good
-International fiat good
-Consult Process CP bad
-Perfcon not necessarily bad, but does likely justify severing representations
-PIKS bad
-Word PIKS bad
-RVIs bad
-Disclosure good, but probably not good enough to be something worthwhile voting on
-Caselists and specific explanations of what can / cannot be read under a certain interp are helpful
CX Specific Notes
-I think T-Substantial gets a bad rap - its likely necessary against most fringe affs unless you’re going for the topic K or disad, or very contrived CPs (not that there’s anything wrong with that
-I default to util = trutil and think teams running structural violence affs still need to answer disads regardless of the framework debate
LD Specific Notes
-I don't care if it's a lay debate or not, set up an email chain.
-Separate theory under/overview jazz from solvency and/or framework arguments
-Nailbomb affs are bad - theoretical spikes aren’t super justified
-Same with chunks analytical paragraphs that suck to flow - separate args please
-Since LD is weird, I’m cool with new theory args at any point in the debate if it is justified (e.g. judge kick the CP or the 2NR reexplaining the K as a PIK). Otherwise, try to introduce almost all theory arguments to the 1AC, 1NC, and 1AR
-I know a lot about whatever the current topic may be even though I do CX - you don't need to over explain stuff and can be somewhat fast and loose when explaining certain topic specific knowledge
-If you're second flight, I'm down if you come in and watch first flight. Otherwise, please be there when first flight ends, and know who your opponent is in case I don't know where they are.
-quote from Alderete I liked “LAWs Specific* References to The Terminator will be considered empirical evidence. References to The Matrix will not, because that is fiction.”
I enjoy well-explained cases with realistic evidence and a generally convenient speaking speed, nothing too fast.
I am also not convenient with outrightly shaming other teams during rounds, although this is not a criterion for ranking, it makes me uncomfortable.
Hi! I'm a high school speech & debate competitor who primarily does speech, but I've judged a fair amount of debate.
In general, as for pace, I'm not big on spreading, I won't dock you off for it or anything, but if I don't hear a point you say, that's on you.
When deciding my ballot, I'll look back at the whole debate flow and compare what arguments each teams win/lose on, weigh, and give my final opinion. Your speaking skills are much appreciated, but I won't count that into my decision much, unless it comes down to it.
One thing I'm not too fond of is when some debaters claim that some tech will exist in the future "because innovation", so if you want to say that innovation will cause technological development and thus helps solve for an issue, make sure to explain why/how that innovation will occur.
On another note, if you want to run any progressive debate arguments, like kritiks, go for it, just make sure to explain how it connects back to the debate at hand, weigh it, and don't base it off of one weak link chain.
My background: I am a former CEDA debater (1987-89) and CEDA coach (1990-93) from East Tennessee State University. Upon my retirement in August 2021 I've judged numerous at numerous debate tournaments for PF, LD, IDPA, Parli, and Big Questions (mostly PF and LD). (FYI, when I participated in CEDA it was quasi-policy, not true policy like it is today.)
Speed: I can keep up with a quick-ish speed - enunciation is very important! Pre round I can do a "speed test" and let you know what I think of a participant's speech speed if anyone wants to. I was never a super speed debater and didn’t encourage my students to speed.
Theory: I am familiar with topicality and if other theory is introduced, I could probably understand it. (I also used to run hasty generalization but not sure if that’s still a thing or not.) Theory is best used when it’s pertinent to a round, not added for filler and needs to be well developed if I am expected to vote on it. If you are debating topicality on the neg you need to provide a counter definition and why I should prefer it to the aff.
The rounds: Racism/sexism etc. will not be tolerated. Rudeness isn’t appreciated either. I do not interject my own thoughts/opinions/judgements to make a decision, I only look at what is provided in the round itself. Re: criteria, I want to hear what the debaters bring forward and not have to come up with my own criteria to judge the round. My default criteria is cost/benefit analysis. I reserve the right to call in evidence. (Once I won a round that came down to a call for evidence, so, it can be important!) As far as overall judging, I always liked what my coach used to say – “write the ballot for me”. Debaters need to point out impacts and make solid, logical arguments. I appreciate good weighing but I will weigh the arguments that carried through to the end of the round more heavily than arguments that are not. Let me know what is important to vote on in your round and why. Sign posting/numbering arguments is appreciated and is VERY important to me; let me know where you plan to go at the top of your speech and also refer back to your roadmap as you go along.
Cross Examination: a good CX that advances the round is always valued. If someone asks a question, please don’t interrupt the debater answering the question. I don’t like to see a cross ex dominated by one side.
In most rounds I will keep back up speaking time and prep time.
I hope to see enjoyable and educational rounds. You will learn so many valuable skills being a debater! Good luck to all participants!
Email: josephcharlesdan@gmail.com
You can call me Joseph (he/him) in rounds.
I was a CX debater in high school for 4 years and now debate for UTD.
My preference is the k, but I ran a lot of policy. The only arguments you shouldn't run in front of me are tricks and preferably not phil (I never ran it or debated against it, so there's a good chance I can't evaluate a phil round the way you would want me to). Debate however you want; I try not to interject my own biases into the round. This also means I'm tech over truth and will vote for arguments that I personally don't agree with. Cross is binding and I'll be paying attention. If you make the round easy for me to judge through judge instruction, you will be more likely to win and there's a much lower chance of judge intervention.
FW is fine; I don't have any specific feelings towards it. I think teams need to do more impact framing/comparison, especially if you are going for a procedural impact. I think the we meet is a yes/no question, while the TVA and SSD are more flexible. I enjoy KvK rounds as long as there is an actual link. Contextual link analysis and argument comparison are important and the easiest ways to get ahead in a round. Policy teams also let the neg get away with way too much on the alt. The perm is generally a persuasive argument against non-ontology Ks, so I do expect neg teams to have a robust answer to it.
Dropped arguments are not necessarily true, but I do give them some credence. Not that it will change the way I evaluate rounds, but I generally think debaters are better off going for arguments that are better and they are more familiar with than chasing ink unless an argument was mishandled. Spread however fast you want as long as it's not unclear.
Critical literature I read in debate:
- Afropess (Wilderson, Warren, Gillespie, Barber, etc.)
- Baudrillard
- Berardi
- University
- Cap
- Fanon
- Security
But I'm down with anything.
Email me if you have any questions!
I have some judging experience, however, consider me a lay judge while making arguments. Speak at a reasonable speed in order to make your speech more comprehensible.
General
- I don't care if you sit or stand/wear formal clothes etc, all that doesn’t matter to me
- give trigger warnings- if another team does not feel comfortable with an argument, change it. you can argue whether trigger warnings are good/bad for debate/society, but don't proactively cause harm to someone else.
- The defense isn't sticky
- Flex prep is cool and tag team speeches/CX is fine with me
- absent any offense in the round, I'm presuming to neg on policy topics and first on "on balance" topics
Case
- Have fun. Do whatever you want to do.
- I prefer framing arguments to be read in case, i.e extinction/structural violence authors.
Rebuttal
- Offensive overviews in the second rebuttal are BS and as such, my threshold for responses will be lower
- I think you need to be the frontline in the second rebuttal but do whatever you want to do, however,
- Anything not responded to in the second rebuttal is regarded as conceded
- Turns that are conceded will have a 100% probability
Summary
- for an argument to be voteable, I want uniqueness/ link/ impact to be extended
- please extend warrants, I don't want to have a flood of blippy and unwarranted claims on my flow at the end of your summary
- this also goes for arguments that are conceded
- First summary
- The defense should be extended but I’ll give slightly more lenience to your side if extended in the final especially since the second-speaking team already had a chance to frontline it twice. However at this point, it’s probably not a terminal defense if it was originally, but it’ll at least mitigate their impact
- Second summary
- This is your side’s last chance to weigh, so if the weighing is not here then I will not evaluate any more weighing from your side
- The defense must also be extended
Final focus
- Just mirror summary, extend uniqueness, link, and impact.
- Don't make new implications on something that was never heard before, it’s annoying for me to go look back and see if you really said that, plus it’s just abusive
Cross
- Cross is binding, just bring it up in a speech though
I have some judging experience, however, consider me a lay judge while making arguments. Speak at a resonable speed in order to make your speech more comprehensible.
General
- I don't care if you sit or stand/wear formal clothes etc., all that doesn’t matter to me.
- give trigger warnings- if another team does not feel comfortable with an argument, change it. you can argue whether trigger warnings are good/bad for debate/society, but don't proactively cause harm on someone else.
- defense isn't sticky.
- Flex prep is cool and tag team speeches/CX is fine with me.
- absent any offense in the round, I'm presuming neg on policy topics and first on "on balance" topics.
Case
- Have fun. Do whatever you want to do.
- I prefer framing arguments to be read in case, i.e., extinction/structural violence authors.
Rebuttal
- Offensive overviews in second rebuttal are BS and as such, my threshold for responses will be lower.
- I think you need to frontline in second rebuttal but do whatever you want to do, however,
- Anything not responded to in second rebuttal is regarded conceded.
- Turns that are conceded will have 100% probability.
Summary
- for an argument to be voteable I want uniqueness/ link/ impact to be extended
- please extend warrants, I don't want to have a flood of blimpy and unwarranted claims on my flow at the end of your summary.
- this also goes for arguments that are conceded.
- First summary
- Defense should be extended but I’ll give slightly more lenience to your side if extended in final especially since the second speaking team already had a chance to frontline it twice. However, at this point, it’s probably not terminal defense if it was originally, but it’ll at least mitigate their impact.
- Second summary
- This is your side’s last chance to weigh, so if the weighing is not here then I will not evaluate any more weighing from your side.
- Defense must also be extended.
Final focus
- Just mirror summary, extend uniqueness, link and impact.
- Don't make new implications on something that was never heard before, it’s annoying for me to go look back and see if you really said that, plus it’s just abusive.
Cross
- Cross is binding, just bring it up in a speech though.
Experience
I have been judging debate in multiple formats for last 1 year. I have judged tournaments around the globe and have been judging Multiple WSDC, PF and LD and Policy tournaments at the school level.
Let me lay down a few general guidelines, which also broadly applicable to other debate formats as well
General
- Debate is a game so tech>truth (Your tech should be solid though, merely asserting something does not mean it's tech.)
- Speed: Try to speak at a reasonable speed, I do not need a lot of background and information, emphasize on important reasonings in your argument and that should be enough. Also, the faster you go the more likely I am to miss something, so do that at your own risk
- If you want to concede should be conceded in the speech immediately after it was originally read
- a concession requires an implication of how the defense interacts with your argument not just "we concede to the delinks"
- I don't care if you sit or stand/wear formal clothes etc, all that doesn’t matter to me
- give trigger warnings- if another team does not feel comfortable with an argument, change it. you can argue whether trigger warnings are good/bad for debate/society, but don't proactively cause harm on someone else.
- defense isnt sticky
Case
- Have fun. Do whatever you want to do
- I prefer framing arguments to be read in case, i.e extinction/structural violence authors.
Rebuttal
- I think you need to frontline in second rebuttal but do whatever you want to do, however,
- Anything not responded to in second rebuttal is regarded conceded
- Turns that are conceded will have 100% probability
Summary
- Caveat on turns. I believe that If you extend a link turn on their case, you must also make the delineation of what the impact of that turn is otherwise I don't really know what the point of the turn is.
- case offense/ turns should be extended by author name, you'll probably get higher speaks if you do, it's a lot clearer for me
- do- “Extend our jones evidence which says that extensions like these are good because they're easier to follow"
- Dont do "extend our link"
- for an argument to be voteable I want uniqueness/ link/ impact to be extended
- please extend warrants, I don't want to have a flood of blippy and unwarranted claims on my flow at the end of your summary
- this also goes for arguments that are conceded
- First summary
- Defense should be extended but I’ll give slightly more lenience to your side if extended in final especially since the second speaking team already had a chance to frontline it twice. However at this point, it’s probably not terminal defense if it was originally, but it’ll at least mitigate their impact
- Second summary
- This is your side’s last chance to weigh, so if the weighing is not here then I will not evaluate any more weighing from your side
- Defense must also be extended
Final focus
- Just mirror summary, extend uniqueness, link and impact.
- Don't make new implications on something that was never heard before, it’s annoying for me to go look back and see if you really said that, plus it’s just abusive
Cross
- Cross is binding, just bring it up in a speech though
Evidence
- I know how bad evidence ethics are, however, I will only call for evidence if the other team tells me to call for it
- If your opponents are just blatantly lying about a piece of evidence, call it out in speech and implicate what it means for their argument
- I’ve always been a firm believer that a good analytic with a good warrant beats a great empiric with no warrant. Use that to your advantage
- You’ll have a minute to pull the evidence your opponents called for before your speaks start getting docked
- Exception- the wifi is bad/something is paywalled and you have to go around it
I've been in debate for a little over a decade now as a high school policy debater, coach for numerous teams across multiple events, as well as professionally at the Bay Area Urban Debate League. Essentially, do what you want. Debate is a unique educational and competitive space, please make the most of it. I will vote on most things if you give me a good enough reason. I do not lean towards traditional or K/performative debate. Both are good and valuable. Again, do what you want. Have fun. Be nice to each other.
Go ahead and add me to whatever email chain: gabriel.gangoso@gmail.com
Flex prep is fine. In's and Out's are fine. Any other practices like this are probably fine. If you don't recognize these terms don't worry about them.
My name is Opeyemi Faith Gideon (she/they). I am a student at the University of Ilorin. I have much speaking and judging experience and am an accomplished debater. I have a lot of experience presiding over many debate competitions such as British Parliamentary (BP), Asian Parliamentary (AP), World Schools Debate Championship (WSDC), Canadian National Debate Format (CNDF), Public Forum (PF) and World scholastic championship (WSC).
As a judge, I value positive, fair, equitable, and appropriate interactions with others during discussions and cross-engagements. I value debaters who fulfill their roles, deal with debate burdens, disputes, and conflicts in an efficient manner, as well as deal with contentions in an equitable and effective manner. It is crucial that you understand that even if you disagree with the contexts and frames offered by the opposing team, I advise that you still discuss their argument while offering your counterfactual if needed. Your summary speeches should concentrate on emphasizing the arguments, justifications, and logical implications that help you win the dispute. The only points that should be included in your final emphasis are those that have already been discussed in the debate.
To make sure you're keeping track of the time spent on various parts of your speech, I ask all debaters to monitor time as I do as well. It would be lovely to hear you finish your speech naturally and on time.
I also advise debating participants to always have their cameras on. However, I am open to making exceptions, so if there is ever a time when you are unable to turn on your video camera, please let us know and we'll be sure to excuse you and make an exception.
My name is obiora Goodluck, am a judge and have judged in many debates,
My rounds will always be a respectful and inclusive space for everyone. Disrespectful or offensive language and misgendering will not be tolerated in my rounds. I didn't think I'd have to remind people of this but I would like people to check for racial bias in their cases and language. You can affirm or negate any resolution without biased arguments.
In debate events, I am looking for a few things: confidence in both your argument and your delivery, quality arguments, and rebuttals, and a fair and respectful debate.
Clarity is of utmost importance to me. you must speak clearly and at a normal pace. It is an accessibility concern for me, as well as other debaters and judges with disabilities. Your presentation of your speeches is important to me as well as the content. Deliver your speeches with confidence and clarity.
I'm not very particular about how you debate, all I ask is that it is logical and easy to follow. With that being said I am ok with spreading because it focuses on systems under which society operates.
I'm okay with debate theory, make sure it's educational and fair.
I'm okay with spreading, I understand that you have to talk fast and at the same time sustain your arguments.
Just be clear and loud
memorial '25
im a flex debater for memorial. id like to consider myself laid back so do whatever you want.
1 - k
2 - theory, phil
3 - larp, trix
I have some judging experience, however, consider me a lay judge while making arguments. Speak at a reasonable speed in order to make your speech more comprehensible.
General
- I don't care if you sit or stand/wear formal clothes etc, all that doesn’t matter to me
- give trigger warnings- if another team does not feel comfortable with an argument, change it. you can argue whether trigger warnings are good/bad for debate/society, but don't proactively cause harm on someone else.
- defence isn't sticky
- Flex prep is cool and tag team speeches/CX is fine with me
- absent any offence in the round, I'm presuming to neg on policy topics and first on "on balance" topics
Case
- Have fun. Do whatever you want to do
- I prefer framing arguments to be read in case, i.e extinction/structural violence authors.
Rebuttal
- Offensive overviews in the second rebuttal are BS and as such, my threshold for responses will be lower
- I think you need to be the frontline in the second rebuttal but do whatever you want to do, however,
- Anything not responded to in the second rebuttal is regarded as conceded
- Turns that are conceded will have a 100% probability
Summary
- for an argument to be voteable, I want uniqueness/ link/ impact to be extended
- please extend warrants, I don't want to have a flood of blippy and unwarranted claims on my flow at the end of your summary
- this also goes for arguments that are conceded
- First summary
- The defence should be extended but I’ll give slightly more lenience to your side if developed in the final especially since the second-speaking team already had a chance to frontline it twice. However at this point, it’s probably not a terminal defence if it was originally, but it’ll at least mitigate their impact
- Second summary
- This is your side’s last chance to weigh, so if the weighing is not here then I will not evaluate any more weighing from your side
- The defence must also be extended
Final focus
- Just mirror summary, extend uniqueness, link and impact.
- Don't make new implications on something that was never heard before, it’s annoying for me to look back and see if you really said that, plus it’s just abusive
Cross
- Cross is binding, just bring it up in a speech though
email: colter.heirigs@gmail.com
POLICY PARADIGM:
I have been coaching Policy Debate full time since 2014. Arms sales is my 7th year of coaching.
I view my primary objective in evaluating the round to be coming to a decision that requires the least “judge intervention.”
If debaters do not give me instructions on how to evaluate the debate, and/or leave portions of the debate unresolved, they should not expect to get my ballot. My decision will end up being arbitrary, and (while I will likely still try to make my arbitrary decision less arbitrary than not) I will not feel bad.
In the final rebuttals, debaters should be giving me a “big picture” assessment of what’s going on in the debate to give them the best chance to get my ballot. Extending 25 arguments in the rebuttals doesn’t do much for me if you’re not explaining how they interact with the other team’s arguments and/or why they mean you win the round. In my ideal debate round, both 2NR and 2AR have given me at least a 45 second overview explaining why they’ve won the debate where they dictate the first paragraph of my ballot for me.
Important things to note:
-I don’t ever think Topicality is an RVI (*this is distinct from kritiks of the neg’s interp/use of topicality*)
-If you don’t signpost AND slow down for tags, assume that I am missing at least 50% of your tags. This means saying a number or a letter or “AND” or “NEXT” prior to the tag of your card, and preferably telling me which of your opponents arguments I should flow it next to. Speech docs are not substitutes for clarity and signposting.
-I'm probably a 7 on speed, but please see above ^^^^
-High-theory will be an uphill battle.
-I would prefer not to call for cards, I believe it’s the debaters job to clearly communicate their arguments; if you tell me they’re misrepresenting their cards – I will probably call for them. But if I call for it and they’re not misrepresenting their evidence you’ll lose a lot of credibility with me and my cognitive biases will likely run amuck. Don’t let this deter you from calling out bad evidence.
-You can win the line-by-line debate in the 2AR but still lose the debate if you fail to explain what any of it means and especially how it interacts with the 2NR's args.
-Don’t assume I have any familiarity with your Acronyms, Aff, or K literature
-Swearing is probably word inefficient
-You’re in a bad spot if you’re reading new cards in the final rebuttals, very low propensity for me to evaluate them
-CPs that result in the aff are typically going to be a very hard sell, so are most other artificially competitive CPs. Perms are cool, so are time tradeoffs for the aff when this happens. If you really think you've got a sick techy CP make sure to go out of your way to win questions of competition/superior solvency / a specific link to the aff plan alone for your NB
-I think debate is a competition.
-the best “framework” arguments are probably “Topicality” arguments and almost probably don’t rely on cards from debate coaches and definitely don’t rely on me reading them after the round
-Impact everything out... Offense and Defense... I want to hear you telling me why your argument is more pressing and important than the other team's. I hate having to intervene... "Magnitude," "Probability," and "Timeframe" are not obscenities, please use them.
Arguments you shouldn’t waste your time on with me:
-Topicality = RVI (*this is distinct from kritiks of the neg’s interp/use of topicality*)
-Consult CPs
I am going to have the easiest time evaluating rounds where:
-warrant and evidence comparison is made
-weighing mechanisms and impact calculus guiding how I evaluate micro & macro level args are utilized
-the aff advocates a topical plan
-the DA turns and Outweighs the Case, or the CP solves most of the case and there's a clear net benefit that the perm doesn't solve for
-the negative has a well-researched neg strategy
-I am not expected to sort through high-theory
-the 2NR/2AR doesn't go for everything and makes strategic argument selection
Presumptions I bring into the round that probably cannot be changed:
-I’m voting Neg on presumption until the aff reads the 1AC
-Topicality is never an RVI (*this is distinct from kritiks of the neg’s interp/use of topicality*)
-There is no 3NR
-Oppression of humans = bad (note: I do not know how this compares to the end of the planet/human race, debaters are going to have to provide weighing mechanisms for me.)
-Earth existing = good (note: I do not know how this compares to other impacts like oppression of humans, debaters are going to have to provide some weighing mechanisms for me.)
-I will have a very difficult time bringing myself to vote for any sort of Consult CP if the aff even mumbles some type of “PERM”
-Once the 2AC perms, presumption goes to the neg to prove the perm unworkable or undesirable if the CP/Alt is not textually/functionally competitive
Unimportant things to note:
-Plz read your plan before you read solvency – I will be annoyed and lost if you don’t
-I really enjoy author indicts if/when they’re specific – it shows a team has worked hard and done their research
-I really enjoy case specific strategies – I enjoy it when a team can demonstrate that they've worked hard to prepare a case specific strategy
-I enjoy GOOD topicality debates
-I’ve been involved in policy debate in some capacity for 11 years now – Education is my 5th topic coaching.
-I put my heart and soul into policy debate for four years on high school. I worked tirelessly to put out specific strategies for specific affirmatives and I like to see debaters who I can tell have done the same and are having fun. So, show me you know your case better than anyone else if you're affirmative, or on the neg, show me specific links and answers to the affirmative... I tend to reward this in speaker points. ...That being said, generics are fun, fine, and essential for the negative team. Feel free to run them, you will not be penalized in any way.
Specific Arguments
I'm good for just about anything that is well debated: T, Theory, DAs, CPs, Ks... I can even be persuaded to vote solely on inherency if it is well debated - if the plan has literally already happened, for the love of god please punish the aff.
That being said, I enjoy seeing a strategy in argument selection, and appreciate when arguments don't blatantly contradict each other (i.e. the DA linking to the CP, or Cap Bad and an Econ Impact on politics). Especially in the 2NR.
********************************************************
LD Paradigm
I am pretty tab when it comes to LD. My goal is to reach a decision that requires the least amount of judge intervention.
Signpost and slow down on tags. Slow down even more for theory args. Spreading through tags and theory interps is absolutely not the move if you want me to be flowing your speech. I will not be flowing from the doc.
Slow down. No, you don’t have to be slow and you should certainly feel free to read the body of your cards at whatever max speed you are comprehensible at. If you’ve used signposting, slowed down on tags and pre-written analytics, you’re golden. It's inexcusable and unforgivable to not have signposting in the 1ac.
I come into the round presuming:
-the aff should be defending the resolution
-the aff is defending the entirety of the resolution
-my ballot answers the resolutional question
-debate is a game
These presumptions can likely be changed.
Stylistically agnostic, but probably not your best judge for:
-dense phil that you’re spreading through
-undisclosed affs that don’t defend the entirety of the resolution
-process CPs that result in the aff
-more than 2 condo
-friv theory - I ❤️ substance
-Probably not interested in hearing condo if it’s just 2 condo positions
-theory interps that require me to ignore other speeches
I think that I have a low propensity to vote for most arguments regarding things that happen outside of the round or prior to the 1ac. I am not interested in adjudicating arguments that rely on screenshots of chats, wikis, or discord servers.
Questions, or interested in my thoughts on particular subjects not covered in my LD paradigm? Check out my POLICY PARADIGM above!
Public Forum Paradigm:
First speakers get to ask the first question in crossfire. If you ask about the status of this in round, expect to get one less speakerpoint than you would have otherwise.
File Share > e-mail chain.
Depth > Breadth. You only have four minutes to construct your position, would far prefer to hear 2 well-developed contentions rather than 3-4 blippy ones unless they are incredibly straight-forward. Much less interested in adjudicating “argument checkers” than most.
Basically, I judge by the overall evaluation. I will weigh both style and arguments. I would like you to ask relevant and effective questions during the crossfire and don't waste time by repeating the same question. I weigh both evidence and analytics. I also would like to see you extend your arguments in either your rebuttal or summary speeches. I will flow the round so I can tell if you drop any arguments.
From my perspective, here is the key to winning a round of debate: smooth flow, confident and clear speech, and well-organized arguments supported by both evidence and analytics.
I am a parent Judge.
Hi - my paradigm is a work in progress.
Speech clarity is very important, use signposting, some/medium speed is okay. Please state your claims clearly, provide evidence and highlight the impact(s). Don't use too much technical stuff - if you do, please explain it in short otherwise the argument will be lost on me. I will be looking for cohesive reasoning. I prefer expanding on a few ideas over many ideas delivered quickly.
Lastly please be respectful to your competitors and everyone else in the room.
Good luck !
Hello, My name is Peace John-Kalio, I am a seasoned debater, experienced judge and a great coach.
I have gathered experience and exploits in different forms of Debating such as British Parliamentary, Asian Parliamentary, World Schools Debating format, Public Forum debates, Lincoln Douglas, Speech formats, and Canadian National Debate format etc.
As a judge i pirotiize logic and contents within debates and how speakers are able to logically defend their side and also logically rebutt their opponeths side.
I also pioritze equity within tournaments therefore I deem it important for speakers and all participants in general to have read tournaments briefings and manuals as I also do so myself in other for each participants to know what is expected from them.
The above also makes knowing different procedures like role fulfillment easier and how to tackle different types of motions and the burdens these different types impose on speakers therefore making rounds more engaging. I deem it as valuable for speakers to be aware of this.
Going further I appreciate when speakers are able to apply special skills and techniques within rounds such as counterfactual and fiats etc.
I also appreciate when speakers are time conscious and employ techniques like Pioritizing more important arguments so when time is up they are not at a loss.
In conclusion I like when speakers in whip and summary speeches are able to emphasize and compare why they win with the arguments brought up by their previous partners and how those arguments beat the opponents by drawing comparisons and not necessarily trying to add extentions. Speakers are also advised and encouraged to keep cameras on during rounds in an online tournament unless in situations that they absolutely cannot afford to.
I have also participated in cultural diversity training as a judge, several judging workshops and of course several tournaments both as a speaker and a judge.
Please use content warnings for content related to SA or self-harm.
Hi! I'm Neel (they/them). I debated at Plano East (TX), starting out in circuit PF and debating circuit LD during my senior year. I now attend Michigan (I don't debate for the school) and would say that I'm somewhat removed from debate.
Yes, put me on the chain - gimmeurcards@gmail.com
Be mindful of how rusty I may be - go slower, explain topic jargon, and all that jazz - it'll be tremendously helpful for how confident I am in my decision and your speaks.
Tech > truth, but a combination is ideal. Don't be rude, because I can also decide that not being mean > tech.
I primarily find/found myself in debates that center around policy or kritikal positions both as a debater and a judge. I'm not very confident in my ability to adjudicate very fast and blippy theory/T, phil, or tricks debates. I'd say I'm a 1 for policy, a 1/2 for the kritik (aff or neg), a 3 for theory/T, and a 4/strike for phil or tricks.
For policy -
Impact turns are fine, but I refuse to listen to death good.
Evidence quality is your best friend in front of me.
I'm probably more open to letting CP theory debates unfold than other judges.
Read more than 1 argument on case please.
For the kritik -
I have a soft spot for cool K-affs, but I'm neutral on framework and all of the iterations you can go for.
Your overviews should have a purpose - apply stuff you say to the LBL and contextualize the things you are saying.
I've been in more debates about identity and the "stock" kritiks than pomo stuff - do with that what you will.
Cool case args are my jam (even presumption is cool).
For T/theory -
CIs, no RVIs, DTA for theory. DTD for T.
Huge fan of disclosure but I feel uncomfortable evaluating other violations sourced outside of round.
I'm very mid for frivolous shells.
Be organized and clear please.
For tricks and phil -
Not a great idea - I probably would barely be able to follow along a Philosophy 101 course.
If you want to read these, SLOW DOWN and number stuff.
Evil demons don't force me to vote aff and I only evaluate debates after the 2AR.
I honestly am just uninterested in 95% of this literature base - sorry.
For PF -
Good for all the progressive stuff and PF speed. I will hold you to a higher standard than most progressive PF judges.
Sticky defense is silly. Extend your arguments.
Turns case arguments are the truth. Probability weighing is fake.
Underutilized arguments and strategies are fun - if you can win the presumption debate or the impact turn, go for it.
Just don't speak too fast.
TLDR: flow judge, please collapse and weigh, quality > quantity, ok with some speed
NOVICE: Relax and try your best! I won't be super technical, so don't worry about strictly following and understanding everything in my paradigm. Focus on presenting your arguments clearly and try to respond to all of your opponent's attacks during your speech!
Add me to the email chain: mkirylau@gmail.com
Background
Competed in PF for Adlai E. Stevenson (2020 - 2023). Judged mostly PF for around a year (everything from locals to natcirc finals). I've also judged trad LD, speech, and congress.
Style/Strategy Preference
I can judge speed assuming you send docs, but I’d rather not unless you’re very very confident in your clarity. You should SLOW DOWN in summary and final focus.
Summary + Final Focus: Follow an “our case, weighing, their case” structure. I’m not a fan of structuring the debate in terms of “voters issues.”
COLLAPSE ON MAX ONE CONTENTION AND/OR ONE TURN. The less offense I have to evaluate, the more confident I will be in my decision.
QUALITY > QUANTITY. I’m not a fan of spamming lots of one-line blips in rebuttal and calling it a day. I will not implicate/warrant out arguments for you.
I think unique arguments and impact turns are great! I usually give high speaks (29+) to teams that innovate and go outside the meta.
How to Win My Ballot
Step 1: Don’t be a bad person (_ist, _phobic, etc.)
Step 2: Win some offense (under the given framework)
Step 3: Outweigh OR win terminal defense against your opponent’s offense
How to Win Offense
Extend the link, internal link(s), and impact of the argument you’re going for. To extend the link/IL/impact, you need to briefly explain what the link/IL/impact is and successfully respond to all terminal defense against it. This applies to turns as well!
If nobody wins ANY offense, I presume for the 1st speaking team. If your strategy involves winning off presumption, I will only evaluate presumption warrants that were introduced BEFORE final focus.
The default framework is util. If you want to introduce a different one, do so BEFORE summary. Frameworks should have warrants and, ideally, reasons why your opponents don't link in.
How to Outweigh
Tell me why your impact (or the link to the impact) is more important than your opponent’s via comparative analysis.
If there’s multiple competing weighing mechanisms, you should metaweigh. I default prereq > mag > prob if there's none.
Probability weighing is NOT an excuse to read new defense. I evaluate probability in terms of strength of link (i.e. the less mitigated the link, the more probable it is).
If there are multiple pieces of offense but no weighing, I'll intervene for what I feel is the highest magnitude.
No new weighing in 2nd Final Focus.
How to Win Terminal Defense
Briefly explain the defense, explain why your opponents failed to respond to it, AND implicate why that defense is actually terminal.
Even if your defense isn't terminal, you should still extend it if you're going for probability weighing!
Progressive Debate
I evaluate progressive debate in largely the same way I evaluate traditional debate: I look for who’s winning what offense and then who outweighs in the end. However, I am still MUCH more confident in evaluating traditional substance debate.
Theory MUST be in shell format and introduced immediately after the violation for me to evaluate it. Defaults are spirit > text, reasonability > CIs, DTA > DTD, education > fairness.
I think everything besides disclosure and paraphrasing theory is frivolous. If there's a safety issue, you don't need to run theory; I will stop the round immediately and contact tab.
I will NOT give RVIs.
I will NOT evaluate tricks.
I have very elementary experience with kritiks. I will try my best to evaluate one if you read it, but slow down and explain it to me like it’s my first time hearing the literature.
If you're looking for free, high-quality debate content, subscribe to Proteus Debate Academy
Hello everyone!
My judging philosophy is simple; come up with a good structure, logical arguments, short summary speech and I shall consider you.
Debating is, according to me, more of what you present and less of what you know. I do not prefer long extensive arguments. Just come on the stage, give me handful strong arguments, do impact assessment of your points, make a few rebuttals and you are good to go.
Refer to these specific points-
1. Topic knowledge- You need not be scared from an unknown topic, I won’t judge your past knowledge on the topic, and rather I will give weightage to how you interpret it in the round and explain it initially. But, at the same, you may get some brownie points if you insert a fact and impress me!
2. Jargons & Speed- Do not go too fast in order to keep forth all your points and disturb your flow. Either select a sensible number of points or shorten all of them in order to present them wisely. If I am unable to match the speed, you have the chances to lose.
3. Rebuttals- I would love to hear logical rebuttals from you, but even the wacky ones won’t harm. Make sure you tell me where you are on the flow, and I’ll really like numbering your responses to things, it makes flowing easier for everyone.
4. Summary- A good summary is what I’ll appreciate. Just be very specific in it; you can also add a couple of new points in it but prefer reiterating the previous ones.
I am not going to judge you on each and every word you speak but make sure, most of them make sense. Be honest, don’t pretend on the know-how and do well.
Feel free to ask me any questions you may have before the round starts.
All the best!
I’ll prefer good speaks, not speakers!
I am a parent judge. Please avoid speaking at your topmost speed. I value understanding your argument, so less is sometimes more
hi im andrew (he/him). i debated pf at adlai stevenson for 3 years. typical flow judge, assume im lay on the topic.
add me to the email chain: andrewsli2436@gmail.com
ms/novice: frontline, extend, collapse, weigh. be nice. dont run progressive stuff (pf). the rest of my paradigm is a *suggestion*; my priority is ur comfort :)
round stuff:
-- dont be exclusionary
-- for sensitive args: anonymous opt out forms >>>>> trigger warnings
-- do email chain or speechdrop. send cases and docs
-- ~250 wpm max (w docs!!) but pls slow down in back half or i will 100% miss smth. 5 sec grace period. i encourage opponents to call clear or speed!
-- blippy extensions make me sad. no sticky defense
-- i dont flow cross but also dont filibuster or concede random stuff. flex prep is ok
-- SHORT roadmaps pls
-- metaweighing is kind of a cheat code ngl (do it)
-- i generally believe prob weighing is fake or abusive when used for different terminal impacts
everything else:
-- run prog at ur own risk. i havent judged prog much and what i have judged has (generally) been very mid. more receptive to "we cant engage" answers in jv. pls slow down and tell me before starting so i can get a third sheet.
-- i despise how incredibly exclusionary speaks often are. speaks start at 30 and decrease for only for mistakes in strat/signposting
-- i presume squo. warrants can change this
-- if u have questions about rfd or anything else after the round please feel free to reach out and email me!!
glhf :D
aditya stole my old paradigm + bless hebron daniel + scott elliott + renee li (approved on 4/21/23) + gavin serr + mac hays + watch this pre-round entertainment + i judge most like this guy and this guy
About me: I'm a varsity member of Downtown Magnet High School. I go by the pronouns for she/her. This is my second year in debate, and I have only debated policy so far. I'm not very familiar with LD and parliamentary debating though I am super open to learning new ways of debating!
Concerning my preferences: I'm open to any arguments as long as you explain them well. Please clearly state how the argument stands and why I should vote for it. Any argument could win the ballot as long as it is run properly.
- I'm not familiar with theory but if it makes sense then I would vote for it.
- I like it when people explain their arguments, how it links, and how it works. I think explaining it makes it easier for me to grasp the argument to take into account while voting. Explain what I should weigh more concerning your arguments and why I should vote for you.
- I prefer it if you could send the documents that you are reading so I can properly follow along. I don't want to miss any arguments you say.
- Try your best! The point is to have fun; debate can be a bit nerve-wracking at times but the point of it is to try new things. The way you debate does not matter to me, I'll try my best to keep up with the arguments. Respect your opponents and HAVE FUN.
Again I'm quite new to these new forms of debate, but I will try my best to judge to the utmost of my ability.
I debated parli in HS for DVHS and was mostly a caseish debater but i enjoy a well-run and explained flow debate
I would prefer if you didn't spread
If you want to run k or t, explain thoroughly what it is and what it means
I weigh on the weighing mechanism unless told otherwise
I will only protect the flow in JV/Novice, I expect open to be able to catch new args in 3rd and POO
I also really like terminalized impx
Debated for Downtown Magnets High School 2019-2023
Currently debate for Cal State Fullerton
LAMDL 2022-23 National Qualifier
NAUDL Quarters
LAMDL 2022-23 City Champion
Add to email chain: Davidm57358@gmail.com
Coached by: Jared Burke, DSRB, Toya, Anthony Joseph, Travis, Yardley Rosas, Elvis Pineda, Chris Enriquez, Vontrez White
Tech > Truth
For the larger part of high school I strictly ran big stick affs and strict policy strategies basically the usual things you would see in a policy debate.
Read whatever you feel most comfortable with
Specifics:
Case:
Case debates are truly a treasure when done right. rehighlights/recutting evidence WILL get you extra speaks.
T:
Really a hit or miss. Reasonability O/W. Wouldn't really go for these types of debates unless it's clear the aff is very untopical. I also just dont enjoy these type of debates. That being said, feel free to run T if that's your strategy.
CP:
Love a good CP. That being said I greatly dislike teams that will read 3 CP in the 1nc with just the plan text or a vague card. I'm all for a good clash debate and really reading CPs in that way just kills a majority of the clash the 2ac can have. I'll be more sympathetic to condo arguments in that case. Plank CPs are fine, explain the progression of the CP and you should be good. Have a good NB or internal NB I think this is where most debates are lost especially when teams just cannot explain what the NB is.
DA:
Pretty ok with these types of debates. Be creative with your DA's will definitely give great speaker points for a unique DA.
K:
go for it. I can understand and flow it. I think a lot of K debates become washed from either the alt debate or the fw debate.
K affs: To be honest I find myself voting a lot more on T FW/USFG and I dont think its necessarily because K affs are bad or anything but because I think teams need to really push on the idea that debate changes subjectivities a lot of y'all are letting these policy teams push you around. Theres some good cards out there and I fundamentally do think debate changes subjectivities but it doesnt mean i'll buy it if you do minimal work on it. Also a link to the topic gives you a higher chance at winning in front of me.
Speaker Points begin at 28.5 I do not disclose speaker points.
additionally will give extra speaker points if you can add some humor to your speeches!
overall, justhave fun. Debate is a space that we all engage in to learn and enjoy. That being said be respectful of the other team and be mindful of the language that you use. Any inappropriate language or behavior will not be tolerated and will be reported instantly to Tabroom and Coaches.
I have judged elimination rounds at more than 50 debate championships on five continents (Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and North America), served on 14 Chief Adjudication Panels, 2 Equity Panels, and more than 15 Grand Finals, and chaired more than 10 elimination rounds. I am experienced with the WSDC, CNDF, BP, CP, PF, LD, Policy, Asians, Australs, and Easters formats.
General Notes for speakers:
- I really admire teams that are well-structured and can clearly express the implications of the evidence.
- While you’re going to use evidence, it's preferable that you also explain the underlying trend/core issue associated withit.
- If you argue a comparative advantage, be prepared to justify it with proof that explicitly links to that piece of proof that your opposition used.
- If you’re presenting counter-plans, be prepared to analyze why your counter-plan is a better approach, for example, you reach the resolution faster/easier and take fewer resources.
- Please don’t present any point that will not be understandable to an average intelligentvoter. If you do so, that piece of material will be discounted.
- Please don't use any offensive language that leadsto equity violations.
- Roadmapsare appreciated.
- Speaking fast is fine, but please use clarity.
- Any kind of style is fine with me as long as you're fairly understandable. I acknowledge that different debaters come from different backgrounds, and thus have different styles.
- I am reasonably low during speech. During the crossfire, I take notes for the most important questions raised and how they're answered.
Conflicts (ghill, memorial, Marlborough, )
Memorial '19 SMU '23 (don’t know why you’d care but some people do)
Yeah, I want the docs --Misrap354@gmail.com I’ll say clear once.
TLDR: Twice as good as your average local judge, half as good as your favorite circuit judge (prove me other wise and you get a cookie)
Judged wayyy to much in college 1year post college now. Take that as u will; no I haven’t kept up with the topic lit or what this years new fad is in debate.
If you have any questions about what’ I like to see: look at my past judging, but please don’t read dense phil. I do not care for it and will not make an effort to understand it.
Any memorial debater, Acadmey of classical Christian Studies JM, or any debater that larps or pretends to larp with hidden tricks describe the style of debate im okay w judging w/ zero topic knowledge
Pretty hard to get below a 28.9 infront of me, esp if u ask for high speaks.
________________________________________________________________________
Paradigm from 2017 through February 2024.
Yes, I want to be on the email chain, please put both emails on the chain.
Speaker Points
I attempted to resist the point inflation that seems to happen everywhere these days, but I decided that was not fair to the teams/debaters that performed impressively in front of me.
27.7 to 28.2 - Average
28.3 to 28.6 - Good job
28.7 to 29.2 - Well above average
29.3 to 29.7 - Great job/ impressive job
29.8 to 29.9 - Outstanding performance, better than I have seen in a long time. Zero mistakes and you excelled in every facet of the debate.
30 - I have not given a 30 in years and years, true perfection.
I am willing to listen to most arguments. There are very few debates where one team wins all of the arguments so each of you must identify what you are winning and make the necessary comparisons between your arguments and the other team's arguments/positions. Speed is not a problem although clarity is essential. If I think that you are unclear I will say clearer and if you don't clear up I will assign speaker points accordingly. Try to be nice to each other and enjoy yourself. Good cross-examinations are enjoyable and typically illuminates particular arguments that are relevant throughout the debate. Please, don't steal prep time. I do not consider e-mailing evidence as part of your prep time nonetheless use e-mailing time efficiently.
I enjoy substantive debates as well as debates of a critical tint. If you run a critical affirmative you should still be able to demonstrate that you are Topical/predictable. I hold Topicality debates to a high standard so please be aware that you need to isolate well-developed reasons as to why you should win the debate (ground, education, predictability, fairness, etc.). If you are engaged in a substantive debate, then well-developed impact comparisons are essential (things like magnitude, time frame, probability, etc.). Also, identifying solvency deficits on counter-plans is typically very important.
Theory debates need to be well developed including numerous reasons a particular argument/position is illegitimate. I have judged many debates where the 2NR or 2AR are filled with new reasons an argument is illegitimate. I will do my best to protect teams from new arguments, however, you can further insulate yourself from this risk by identifying the arguments extended/dropped in the 1AR or Negative Bloc.
GOOD LUCK! HAVE FUN!
LD June 13, 2022
A few clarifications... As long as you are clear you can debate at any pace you choose. Any style is fine, although if you are both advancing different approaches then it is incumbent upon each of you to compare and contrast the two approaches and demonstrate why I should prioritize/default to your approach. If you only read cards without some explanation and application, do not expect me to read your evidence and apply the arguments in the evidence for you. Be nice to each other. I pay attention during cx. I will not say clearer so that I don't influence or bother the other judge. If you are unclear, you can look at me and you will be able to see that there is an issue. I might not have my pen in my hand or look annoyed. I keep a comprehensive flow and my flow will play a key role in my decision. With that being said, being the fastest in the round in no way means that you will win my ballot. Concise well explained arguments will surely impact the way I resolve who wins, an argument advanced in one place on the flow can surely apply to other arguments, however the debater should at least reference where those arguments are relevant. CONGRATULATIONS & GOOD LUCK!!!
LD Paradigm from May 1, 2022
I will update this more by May 22, 2022
I am not going to dictate the way in which you debate. I hope this will serve as a guide for the type of arguments and presentation related issues that I tend to hear and vote on. I competed in LD in the early 1990's and was somewhat successful. From 1995 until present I have primarily coached policy debate and judged CX rounds, but please don't assume that I prefer policy based arguments or prefer/accept CX presentation styles. I expect to hear clearly every single word you say during speeches. This does not mean that you have to go slow but it does mean incomprehensibility is unacceptable. If you are unclear I will reduce your speaker points accordingly. Going faster is fine, but remember this is LD Debate.
Despite coaching and judging policy debate the majority of time every year I still judge 50+ LD rounds and 30+ extemp. rounds. I have judged 35+ LD rounds on the 2022 spring UIL LD Topic so I am very familiar with the arguments and positions related to the topic.
I am very comfortable judging and evaluating value/criteria focused debates. I have also judged many LD rounds that are more focused on evidence and impacts in the round including arguments such as DA's/CP's/K's. I am not here to dictate how you choose to debate, but it is very important that each of you compare and contrast the arguments you are advancing and the related arguments that your opponent is advancing. It is important that each of you respond to your opponents arguments as well as extend your own positions. If someone drops an argument it does not mean you have won debate. If an argument is dropped then you still need to extend the conceded argument and elucidate why that argument/position means you should win the round. In most debates both sides will be ahead on different arguments and it is your responsibility to explain why the arguments you are ahead on come first/turns/disproves/outweighs the argument(s) your opponent is ahead on or extending. Please be nice to each other. Flowing is very important so that you ensure you understand your opponents arguments and organizationally see where and in what order arguments occur or are presented. Flowing will ensure that you don't drop arguments or forget where you have made your own arguments. I do for the most part evaluate arguments from the perspective that tech comes before truth (dropped arguments are true arguments), however in LD that is not always true. It is possible that your arguments might outweigh or come before the dropped argument or that you can articulate why arguments on other parts of the flow answer the conceded argument. I pay attention to cross-examinations so please take them seriously. CONGRATULATIONS for making it to state!!! Each of you should be proud of yourselves! Please, be nice in debates and treat everyone with respect just as I promise to be nice to each of you and do my absolute best to be predictable and fair in my decision making. GOOD LUCK!
I am an enthusiastic and open minded individual who has been judging the past two years and I love debating. I studied Urban and Regional Planning for my undergraduate and currently pursuing my masters in HES Health Promotion. These two disciplines involve a lot of problem solving and critical thinking. I spend most of my free time reading books, articles, analyzing studies, debating, writing and travelling. The metrics I mostly use when judging are:
Truth Assertion:
The claim a team provides must contain strong evidence and should explain what the debate is about. The second proof of claim is responding to the rebuttals provided b your opponents. This is important since hey can argue a link of truth that might discredit the points given. In the end, it can cost your impacts to be disregarded and reduces your chances of winning the debate.
Classification:
It is important for you to give a good reasoning on why your claim is true and important in the debate. The more well-proofed the evidence is, the higher chances you have winning the argument. The claim should also be within reasoning and proven.
Weighing:
Take your opponent's best case and make a comparison to the case provided from your bench. You'll have earned a solid win if you can show me that even if your side's best case fails, your average or worst case scenario is still much better than your opponents case. This is also done through providing strong reasons supported by clear pieces of evidence. Prove to us why you believe the arguments provided by your opponents is unlikely the case and why its also false.
Framework:
It is important to lay out a structure in a simple and direct format that is easy for me to understand. You can also do this by showing me your breakdown before you begin your speech. Having a simple structure with in-depth analysis makes it easy for me to judge and helps your opponents understand your arguments. Having a coherent speech with logical flow makes it easy for me to understand your speech word for word.
Team Chemistry:
How you and your partner present yourself is also quite important. I will need strong well-structured points to strengthen cases presented. Having your teammate support your arguments or defend the points initially made is very important and it will be an add-on during weigh-in.
Lastly, it is very important to respect your opponents during debates. Avoid using obscene or rude remarks during the debate. I encourage you to have fun and be as creative as you can when interacting with different people in the debate forums.
AddjpotooleDB@gmail.comfor docs/chains
Did 4 years of PF at Newsome (‘23)
If you don’t know some of the terms I use in the paradigm, don’t be afraid to ask
If both teams agree, you can change anything in my paradigm for the round (This includes lay vs flow, tech vs truth, weighing preferences, speaker points, how I evaluate prog, and any other nuances in debate). Just let me know before round starts
PF
I’m going to default to being flow because thats the type of round I would want to judge. Refer to the section above if you want me to be lay or tech.
Flow Paradigm
As a flow judge I’m going to be voting off of the line by line, but won’t give technical losses like not extending all Defense is sticky. Collapse please. Bring up your voters in both summary and final.
Weigh & Meta Weigh. I firmly believe that meta weighing is the easiest way to the ballot, and quite often the team that gives the best meta-weighing will win. Emphasize this heavily in FF. I default to Probability > Cyclicality > Scope > Magnitude > Severity
Mavericks get 6 mins prep
Speaker Points: I'll make the round 29-28 in most cases. If I feel the round is messy it will be 28-27, super close will be 30-29, and a mismatch 30-28. Say “Time will start on my second word” to let me know you’ve read all of this so far (You’ll get a boost in speaks). Also + speaks if you disclose on the wiki.
I won’t flow cross but I’ll pay attention to what is said. If the round is an absolute toss up to me I will vote based on who I thought looked stronger in cross. Treat cross more for the performance aspect of debate rather than the argumentation. If you feel you won a point in cross, tell me in a speech.
Time: I will keep track of time, debaters may keep a personal timer as well. I will not flow anything said over time, so keep this in mind
Everything under this is specifically if teams decide they want me as a tech judge
Speeches
2nd Rebuttal should always frontline & I won’t accept new frontlines in 2nd summary. This threshold is low, though- as long as you can briefly mention your response you can expand upon it in
Summary Stuff: Its ok with me if you don’t want to read out all if the cards word for word you use in case that you want to extend. Just say “Extend our C2, specifically Depetries 21 and Velasco 13.” I only prefer this for the sake of spending more time on the clash of responses rather than just restating them. I personally don’t require weighing in summary, but it wouldn’t hurt you to do so. Weighing in 1st summary should be responded to in 2nd summary. Any arg not extended in summary can’t be used in FF.
FF I expect the same from both teams, simply tell me why you won and they lost. Heavily lean into weighing. If no meta weighing happens, I'll default to Probability > Cyclicality > Scope > Magnitude > Severity. As long as you give even a little meta weighing I’ll buy into it until the other team responds.
Ask your opponents before you spread. I can personally handle 300ish wpm but if you are going 250+ send a doc.
Prog Stuff
Kritiks: You might need to explain them to me like I am 5 depending on the complexity. I’ll be able to follow the more common stuff like cap and neocol, but anything beyond that I likely won’t know much about. As long as you explain the literature clearly you should be ok with me.
Theory: I'm familiar with how to evaluate it. If there is a legitimate violation, read it the speech after the violation has occured. I default to competing interps but can be told otherwise. Also, don’t read anything on round reports.
LARP/Trix: Don't know anything about it, try it if you want but I have 0 experience
MOST IMPORTANT PART: If you run some funny case/theory, you will likely lose the round, but will receive 30 speaks, I will ask you to sign my flow, and you will be entered in the paradigm Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame
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Hello!
I am Esther Olamide Olayinka, a graduate of University of Ilorin Nigeria. I am an advanced level judge and debater with over 2 years involvement in debating. In these years, I have experienced/ participated in over 200 rounds of debating in BP, LD, WSDC, AP, PF and Policy Debates.
I have no conflicts and you can always contact me through olamideakanbi2000@gmail.com
Simply, I value and take note of arguments that are well analysed and impacted. I don't really have a preference for speaking styles or speed as long as you're comfortable with it and your arguments doesn't violate equity policies. Please within rounds, ensure you keep to time, abide by the tournament's policies and respect both I and other speakers in your room.
Finally, I find comparative arguments to be very persuasive. Good luck in your rounds. Thank you!
I'm Gerson Oviedo Soto, a 20-year-old college student from Lima University and I've been interested/involved in judging Speech and Debate since I started my career as a debater (2 years and a half ago) and specially focused on BP and WSDC tournaments to provide all the feedback I can to school students in strategy, style and to remain motivated to continue participating in these wonderful sports that give us a unique opportunity to raise our voices around all the world, to all the circuits, even the LatAm circuit which I come from.
What I'm looking for in a debate:
Under any condition I'll let students attack or discriminate others and I'll reach to an equity officer as soon as possible, it's truly important to maintain the order and respect all the time, we all can win a debate and continue the discussion free of anger, with no reason to attack the person instead of the argument. Equity is important to learn, not to punish, no one should ever fear to talk to the Equity team, so in case someone has to approach to Equity or talk to them, is not to penalize your behavior, but instead to improve it and avoid it as well.
I am very unwilling to accept or believe in an argument that contains misogynistic, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic, or any other kind of premises that threaten the integrity of people's protected identity or attributes. For me, such arguments tend to be very unpersuasive.
Speaking fast is okay, but please ensure that it does not reach to the point of being completely unintelligible, not because I'm going to give you an automatic loss, but instead I'm going to be uncapable of taking notes and that means nuances or some explanations might be missed.
Style is considered important, although I do believe that the most valuable part of an speech is the argument and its content, so for me the style is not a criteria to define a winning team/speaker, I take style as an implicit benefit to demonstrate an argument.
Speech Judging: I can judge any speech event across all levels!
I would sincerely appreciate if students could self time, so I can prioritize taking notes.
TLDR:
1) Signpost
2) Have good evidence.
3) Give me voters.
4) Don't forget your framework.
5) Don't be boring; have fun.
Have fun!
Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA), c/o 2023
If you need to contact me or create an email chain, use dpatel4@imsa.edu
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Hi! My name is Dhruv, and I co-captain the LD team at IMSA. I'll keep things short:
1) Be nice.
2) Debate well. This includes:
a)Signposting.I cannot stress this enough -- you must tell me where to look on the flow. Point me towards specific subpoints, contentions, and evidence. Go down the flow systematically, because if I can't tell where you're at, it'll be tough for me hand you a W.
b) Evidence.Include a whole host of evidence -- quanitative, qualitive, philosophical, and more. And remember, you must contextualize your evidence; I like one solid piece over 45 different cards that are very tangentially related to your arguments. And on that note, I care more about how strong your arguments are, over the quantity that you present.
c) Voters. Voters. Voters. Voters. Voters.Five times should be enough. Please give me reasons to vote for you at the end of your speech. Both sides should spend about 1-2 minutes doing so, and I don't care how you give your voters (completly seperate or dispersed throughout your speech) -- just do it.
d) And the most important thing: framework. This isn't PF, this isn't Policy, this isn't Congress. The whole premise of LD is a value and a value criterion, and you must remember this. Don't give me your value at the beginning of your constructive, and then throw it on the back burner for the rest of your speech. Forget your value, forgot getting good speaks.
3) Have fun. Don't be monotone, don't be boring.
I prefer the quality of arguments that are paced well over the quantity.
I love logical conversations backed by data and evidence.
A well-rounded argument with insightfulness is highly appreciated and encouraged.
Respect for time and other participants is highly appreciated.
background: debated for eden prairie high school in minnesota and glenn high school in texas as a PF competitor on the local and national circuits.
tldr: tech over truth. pls pls pls collapse + weigh. idk much theory, so don't run it. ask questions before round. HAVE FUN. it's the reason we do debate.
general
akhil.perla18@gmail.com for the email chain
i will be timing speeches, but i'd encourage y'all to be timing yourselves. i stop flowing after 10 seconds over.
creative arguments are great! i will evaluate pretty much any well-warranted argument.
i REALLY dislike argument dumps in case. constructives with 4+ unwarranted contentions honestly gets away from the spirit of debate. fewer arguments that are well-warranted and have cleanly explained links will be rewarded far more than contention dumps that force opponents to pick and choose what to respond to.
i am not opposed to speed up to the point that it starts outpacing how fast i can write. if you're going too fast for me to flow, i just won't be able to get the warranting down as well.
i don't flow cross, so if you want something from cross to matter when i'm making my decision, make sure to bring it up in an actual speech.
if there's no offense on either side of the flow, i tend to default to the con team.
this hopefully goes without saying, but at the very least frontline turns in second summary.
evidence
don't paraphrase. if you get called out for it, that piece of evidence gets wiped off the flow for me.
especially egregious evidence/misrepresentation will result in an auto-drop.
weighing
weighing guides my ballot -- win the weighing and I look to evaluate that argument first
the earlier that weighing mechanisms are introduced, the more value i give to them when i make a decision.
extensions
i have a relatively high threshold for extensions. if you want warrants to be flowed through, make sure the argument is well frontlined and fleshed out.
speaks
average is a 28. anything above 29 means that the debater combined exceptional delivery with creative and high-quality argumentation. evidence issues drops you to 25 and anything offensive is an auto-20.
misc
well intentioned feedback from my technical judges was the most helpful advice i got as a debater. also, i think debaters are entitled to know why they won or lost a round. i welcome post-rounding and will stay as long (as reasonably possible) after the round as you'd like to answer questions.
I am a parent judge
Hello, I'm Aditya. If you are doing an email chain (optional) add me — ramesh18@illinois.edu
Background: Started in Congress for one year, moved to PF for the rest of high school.
Main things to take away from this paradigm: Tabula rasa, keep debate respectful, signpost and warrant your arguments well, and give me the exact reasons why you should win.
CONDUCT:
You will lose + auto 0 speaks if you are bigoted (racist, sexist, homophobic, etc.). The other team does not have to point it out.
Any blatant rudeness (eye rolling, consistent interruptions, loud offhand remarks, loud snickering, etc.) that I catch is auto 25 speaks or less (the bar for this is pretty high). I do however appreciate aggressive cross and rhetoric in speeches as long as you aren't being demeaning.
Moderate Spreading is OK (200 wpm) as long as you enunciate and signpost well. Lazy spreading will give you bad speaks.
Try your best to be persuasive. Have some inflection in your voice when you go over important points, and feel free to use some rhetoric so I don't get bored.
Practice good evidence ethics — if your cards are horribly cut, extremely paraphrased, or taken way out of context, I won't evaluate arguments with them. You will also lose speaks.
I will be timing, so don't try to argue with me about prep or speech times unless your opponent can corroborate you.
Don't prep after prep ends.
Don't take forever taking out evidence (you SHOULD have a doc on hand).
Unless both teams agree not to, evidence sharing won't be on prep.
SPEECHES (PF):
Roadmap everything past Constructive, and signpost EVERYTHING. Give me clear warrants, clear impacts, highlight clash, and WEIGH WEIGH WEIGH (make sure it's comparative!).
Constructive: Signpost everything, have quality warrants for everything you say. If you Spread and I don’t understand, I will not flow it at all, and it cannot be extended throughout the round — be careful.
Rebuttal: Implicate everything, second rebuttal MUST have frontlining. Go down their flow and give me a clear off time roadmap.
Summary: Collapse, extend, respond, and weigh. No new arguments in second Summary.
Final Focus: Write the RFD for me. All arguments in this speech must be in Summary. Focus on the weighing, and use actual impact calculus.
All arguments need to be warranted or else I can't evaluate them. You also should extend your arguments through each speech, and I will only be evaluating what I hear in Final Focus.
I don't flow cross. Anything mentioned in cross needs to be brought into a speech for me to evaluate it.
I do value truth over tech to a degree; dishonest or misleading arguments will be weighed at a heavy disadvantage. However, don't abuse this. You still need to refute every argument well or else I will consider it conceded and it will get full weight.
"The author is politically biased", "the study is from a different country", and "the evidence is old" aren't valid evidence indicts. You need to provide an actual warrant as to why those things would impact the results of the study.
Remember that PF stands for PUBLIC FORUM. This type of debate is meant to be accessible, so don't be super technical, and warrant everything. And again, act in a manner where everyone stands to gain something from the round.
GENERAL THINGS:
Remember that I as a judge am still human. It is in your best interest to make sure I catch onto everything. The better you signpost, the better you articulate arguments, and the more you emphasize conceded point, the more likely I am to follow along — please extend and do not state things once and expect me to remember it throughout the entire round.
Debate is stressful and competitive. Remember to go out there and put your 100%, but while doing so enjoy yourself and have fun!
Good luck!
Howdy,
I have countless years of experience as a judge/coach for HS debate, and I was a collegiate competitor back in the day ... Not to mention I have been judging on the local, state and national level around the country.
- PLZ treat your opponent the way you would want to be treated, there is no room for rudeness or hate in debate
- if you treat us judges terribly I will spread your name among the community and encourage everyone to blacklist you
- tournaments that use .5 speaks are VERY bad, .1 all THE way
- My philosophy is Teachers teach, Coaches coach and Judges judge ... it is what it is
- Talking fast is ok, spreading is a big NO for me ... also if its not a bid tournament I DONT want to be on the chain / will not look at the doc
IE's: MS and HS level - you do you, be you and give it your all!!
Collegiate (AFA) - you know what to do
(MS , HS , College) - I'm a stickler for binder etiquette
Congress:
if you treat this event like its a form of entertainment or reality TV I WILL DOWN you , you are wasting your time, your competitors time and my time
POs: I'm not gonna lie, I will be judging you the harshest - you run the chamber not me and I expect nothing but the best. Please be fair with everyone , but if I feel the PO is turning a blind eye or giving preferential treatment I will document it
Competitors: Creativity, impacts, structure and fluency are a must for me.
don't just bounce off of a fellow representatives speech, be you and create your own speech - its ok to agree tho
don't lie about sources/evidence... I will fact check
best way to get high ranks is to stay active thru the round
clash can GO a long way in this event
For direct questioning please keep it civil and no steam rolling or anything harsh, much thanks.
gestures are neato, but don't go bananas
witty banter is a plus
I only judge congress in person not online
NEVER wants to Parli a round
PF:
if y'all competitors are early to the round go ahead and do the coin flip and pre flow ... this wastes too much time both online and in person
tech or truth? Most of the time tech, but once in a while truth
I better see clash
if the resolution has loose wording, take advantage of it!!
When did y'all forget that by using definitions you can set the boundaries for the round?? With that being said, I do love me some terms and definitions
I'm all about framework and sometimes turns ... occasionally links
I don't flow during cross x , but if you feel there's something important that the judge should know.. make it clear to the judge in your following speech
I LOVE evidence... but if your doc or chain is a mess I'M going no where near it!!!
Signposting - how do I feel about this? Do it, if not I will get lost and you won't like my flow/decision
FRONTLINE in second rebuttal!! (cough, cough)
Best of luck going for a Technical Knock Out ... these are as rare as unicorns
Extend and weigh your arguments, if not.. then you're gonna get a L with your name on it
I'm ok with flex prep/time but if your opponent isn't then its a no in round - if yes don't abuse it ... same goes for open cross
When it comes to PF ... I will evaluate anything (if there's proper warranting and relevance) but if its the epitome of progressive PLZZ give a little more analysis
^ Disclosure Theory: if you have a history of disclosure then do it, if not then you will get a L from me, why? Great question, if you don't have a history of promoting fairness and being active in the debate community you have no right to use this kind of T
I'll be honest I am not a fan of paraphrasing, to me it takes away the fundamentals from impacts/evidence/arguments/debate as a whole - it lowers the value of the round overall
Speaker points - I consider myself to be very generous unless you did something very off putting or disrespectful
Easiest way to get my ballot is by using the Michael Scott rule: K.I.S "Keep It Simple"
LD:
take it easy on speed , maybe send a doc
Tech > Truth (most of the time)
links can make or break you
value/criterion - cool
P/CP - cool
stock issues - cool
K - cool
LARP - can go either way tbh
Trix/Phil/Theory - PLZ noo, automatic strike
never assume I know the literature you're referencing
CX:
I don't judge a lot of CX but I prefer more traditional arguments, but I will evaluate anything
look at LD above
PLZ send a doc
Worlds:
I expect to see clash
no speed, this needs to be conversational
don't paraphrase evidence/sources
STYLE - a simple Claim , Warrant , Impact will do just fine
its ok to have a model/c.m , but don't get policy debate crazy with them - you don't have enough time in round
not taking any POI's makes you look silly , at least take 1
^ don't take on too many - it kills time
don't forget to extend, if you don't it a'int being evaluated
the framework debate can be very abusive or very fair ... abuse it and you will get downed
as a judge I value decorum, take that into consideration
Overall:
Should any debate round be too difficult to evaluate as is.... I will vote off stock issues
I like to consider myself a calm, cool and collected judge. I'm here doing something I'm passionate about and so are y'all - my personal opinions will never affect my judgement in any round and I will always uphold that.
If anyone has any questions feel free to contact me or ask before round - whether online or in person.
May all competitors have a great 2023-2024 season!!
General
- Technicality over Truth.
- Speak as fast as you want. However, if you’re going faster than I can process, I’ll text you to go slower once and then it’s on you.
- Defense you want to concede should be conceded in the speech immediately after it was originally read.
- I don't care if you sit or stand or wear formal clothes etc.
- Give trigger warnings.
- Absent any offense in the round, I'm presuming neg on policy topics and first on "on balance" topics.
Case
- Do whatever you want to do.
- I prefer framing arguments to be read in case, i.e extinction/structural violence authors.
Rebuttal
- Offensive overviews in second rebuttal should be discouraged and as such, my threshold for responses will be lower.
- I think you need to frontline in second rebuttal but do whatever you want to do, however,
- Anything not responded to in second rebuttal is regarded conceded.
- Turns that are conceded will have 100% probability.
Summary
- Caveat on turns. I believe that if you extend a link turn on their case, you must also make the delineation of what the impact of that turn is, otherwise, I don't really know what the point of the turn is.
- Case offense/ turns should be extended by author name.
- Do - “Extend our jones evidence which says that extensions like these are good because they're easier to follow"
- Don't - "extend our link"
- For an argument to be voteable I want uniqueness/ link/ impact to be extended.
- First summary
- Defense should be extended but I’ll give slightly more lenience to your side if extended in final especially since the second speaking team already had a chance to frontline it twice.
- Second summary
- This is your side’s last chance to weigh, so if the weighing is not here then I will not evaluate any more weighing from your side
- Defense must also be extended
Final focus
- Just mirror summary, extend uniqueness, link and impact.
- Don't make new implications on something that was never heard before.
Cross
- Cross is binding, just bring it up in a speech though
Evidence
- I know how bad evidence ethics are, however, I will only call for evidence if if the other team tells me to call for it
- If your opponents are just blatantly lying about a piece of evidence, call it out in speech and implicate what it means for their argument
- I’ve always been a firm believer that a good analytic with a good warrant beats a great empiric with no warrant. Use that to your advantage
- You’ll have a minute to pull the evidence your opponents called for before your speaks start getting docked
Listen to arguments and decide based on merits of argument.
Debate (mostly applicable to Parli.)
ONLINE TOURNAMENTS: PLEASE PUT ALL PLAN TEXTS (COUNTERPLANS AND ALTS ALSO) IN CHAT.
What I like:
- Clear structure & organization; If I don't know where you are on the flow, I won't flow.
- Arguments should be thoroughly impacted out. For example, improving the economy is not an impact. Why should I care if the economy is improved? Make the impacts relatable to your judge/audience.
- Meticulous refutations/rebuttal speeches - Don't drop arguments but DO flow across your arguments that your opponent drops. Have voters/reasons why I should vote for you.
- Framework - I was a Parliamentary Debater in college, so I really like clear framework (definitions, type of round, criteria on how I should view/judge the round) and I am 100% willing to entertain any and all procedurals as long as they are well-reasoned. You don't need articulated abuse. HOWEVER, I have a higher threshold for Aff Theory than Neg Theory (especially Condo).
- Plans and counterplans are amazing, please use plan text! Also, if you do delay counterplans, Plan Inclusive Counterplans, or consult counterplans, you better have an amazing Disad. and unique solvency to justify the CP.
- Round Etiquette: I don't care too much about rudeness, except when it's excessively disruptive or utilizes ad hominem attacks toward another debater in the round. For example, don't respond negatively to a POI or Point of Order 7x in a row just to throw off your opponent; I'll entertain the first few and then will shut down the rest if you do that. I won't tolerate discriminatory behavior either. Be aware that debate is a speaking AND listening sport.
-Style: I like clear-speaking but overly emotional arguments won't get to me. You are more likely to win if you use good reasoning and logic. In addition, don't yell during the debate; It doesn't make your arguments more convincing or impactful.
What I don't like:
- As I've said, I do like procedurals, but don't run multiple procedurals in a round just because you want to and didn't want to use your prep time to research the topic. I am not a fan of spec arguments.
- Let's talk about Kritiks: Rule 1, make sure your K somehow links to SOMETHING in the round; No links, no ballot. Rule 2, I am cool with jargon, but accessibility is more important to me; If the other team cannot comprehend your case just because you are overusing buzzwords and high-level jargon, I won't be pleased. Rule 3, As much as I appreciate hearing people's personal stories and experiences, I don't think they have a place in competitive debate. I have seen on many occasions how quickly this gets out of control and how hurt/triggered people can get when they feel like their narrative is commodified for the sake of a W on a ballot.
- Speed: I can flow as fast as you can speak, however I AM all about ACCESSIBILITY. If your opponents ask you to slow down, you should. You don't win a debate by being the fastest.
- New Arguments in Rebuttals: I don't like them, but will entertain them if your opponent doesn't call you out.
- Don't lie to me: I'm a tabula rasa (blank slate) up until you actively gaslight the other team with claims/"facts" that are verifiably false. For example, don't tell me that Electromagnetic Pulse Bombs (EMPs) are going to kill 90% of people on the Earth. Obviously it is on your opponent to call you out, but if you continuously insist on something ridiculous, it will hurt you.
- Don't drop arguments: If you want to kick something, first ask yourself if it's something you've committed to heavily in prior speeches. Also, let me know verbatim that you are kicking it, otherwise I'll flow it as a drop.
Speech
I competed in Lim. Prep. events when I was a competitor, so that's where my expertise lies. However, I have coached students in all types of events.
Extemp: Do your best to answer the question exactly as it is asked, don't just talk about the general subject matter. Make sure your evidence is up to date and credible.
Impromptu: Once again, do your best to respond to the quotation to the best of your ability, don't just talk about your favorite "canned" examples. I score higher for better interpretations than interesting examples.
Platform Speeches: These types of speeches are long and are tough to listen to unless the presenter makes them interesting. Make it interesting; use humor, emotion, etc. Have a full understanding of your topic and use quality evidence.
Oral Interp. Events: I don't have very much experience in this event, but what I care most about is the theme the piece is linked to and the purpose it serves. I don't view OI's as purely entertainment, they should have a goal in mind for what they want to communicate. In addition, graphic portrayals of violence are disturbing to me; Please don't choose pieces directly related to domestic/sexual violence, I can't handle them and I won't be able to judge you fairly.
NON-PARLI SPECIFICS (PF, LD, CX, etc.):
Do:
-Include a value/criteria
-Share all cards BEFORE your individual speech (share as a google doc link or using the online file share function)
-Communicate when you are using prep time
DO NOT:
-Get overly aggressive during Cross-Fire (please allow both sides to ask questions)
-Present a 100% read/memorized rebuttal, summary or final focus speech (please interact with the other team’s case substantively)
I will vote for the team that best upholds their side’s burden and their value/criteria. In the absence of a weighing mechanism, I will default to util./net benefits.
EMAIL: kristinar@cogitodebate.com
I’m currently in high school, and I have experience in PF and Congress.
For LD:
I have judged a few rounds of LD, but I still have very little experience in LD. Please speak clearly and audibly, and refrain from spreading. Please don't run Ks or theory. I offer a 15 second grace period, and will not consider points brought up after the fact. I don't flow cross-ex, but I will listen and I expect cordiality throughout; any argument brought up in crossfire must be mentioned during a speech to be considered. Lastly, please don't overuse debate and LD jargon, as I will not understand your arguments.
For PF:
Please speak clearly and audibly, and refrain from spreading. Although I know debate jargon, I do expect you to explain your arguments thoroughly and clearly. Please don’t run Ks or theory. I will offer a 15 second grace period, and will not consider points brought up after the fact. Lastly, while I won’t flow crossfire, I will listen and I expect cordiality throughout; any argument brought up in crossfire must be mentioned during a speech to be considered.
For Congress:
Please speak clearly and audibly, taking presentation into account. For me, it is incredibly important to respond to previous debaters’ arguments. As the round progresses, I expect fewer and fewer new points.
For Speech:
I have never judged Speech before, so please speak slowly and clearly. Treat me as a lay judge. I offer a 15 second grace period. Please ask for time signals if you want them.
I do not tolerate -isms and -phobias and they will result in an immediate loss.
Hello , I have judged several rounds and have a good understanding of debate theory and strategy.
When it comes to judging, I prioritize clarity, organization, and persuasion. I believe that a debater's job is to present a clear and convincing argument, and it's my job as a judge to evaluate how well they accomplish that goal. In my view, the most persuasive arguments are those that are backed up by evidence and logical reasoning, and that address the core issues of the debate.
I value fairness and respect in the debate community, and I expect all debaters to adhere to those principles as well. I also believe that the debaters should be civil and professional, both in their speeches and in their interactions with one another. Any instances of disrespectful behavior will be taken into account in my decision.
In terms of argumentation, I am open to all kinds of arguments, including policy, value, and fact-based arguments. However, I am not interested in hearing arguments that are discriminatory or disrespectful. I will not tolerate any form of hate speech or discriminatory remarks.
When it comes to evidence, I prefer quality over quantity. I value well-researched and relevant evidence that directly supports a debater's argument. Evidence that is taken out of context, misused, or irrelevant will not carry weight in my decision.
In terms of style, I appreciate debaters who are confident, articulate, and poised. However, style alone will not win the round for a debater. Substance and sound argumentation are key.
Finally, I believe that every round is a learning experience, and I encourage debaters to ask questions and seek feedback after the round. I will do my best to provide constructive criticism and offer suggestions for improvement.
I look forward to a fair and respectful debate. Good luck to all debaters!
Email: annesmith@lclark.edu.
Experience: Currently, I'm a third year competitor in NFA-LD at Lewis & Clark College. In high school, I did congress, parli and extemp in Southern California.
TL/DR: I like disads, case arguments, probable impacts, and smart analytics. I tend to be less willing to vote on frivolous theory or T and have a higher threshold for K solvency than most judges. I don't like progressive arguments in PF, extemp debate, and big questions. I'm okay with spreading in policy and prog LD.
General: I tend to lean in the direction of tech over truth, but if an argument is super blippy and blatantly factually untrue (eg a one sentence analytic about the sky being green) or I feel that at the end of the round I don't understand it well enough to explain it to another person, I'm not voting for it even if it was conceded. I vote for the winner of key arguments in the round and lean in the direction of preferring the quality of arguments over quantity of arguments.
Speed: I do a fast format. I'm okay with spreading in formats where it is standard practice (Policy and prog LD). I'll call "clear" or "slow" if you are being unclear or I can't keep up, which doesn't happen too often. If you spread, I appreciate it if you make it clear when one card ends and a new one begins (eg saying NEXT or AND between each card, going slower on tags, etc). I'm very willing to vote on speed theory if there is a genuine accessibility need (a novice in a collapsed division, disability impacting ability to understand fast speech, etc) or it's a format like PF; otherwise I tend to find "get good" to be a valid response.
In formats were spreading isn't standard practice, I don't have a problem people who talk faster than they would in a normal conversation, as long as a lay person could understand your rate of delivery.
Impact stuff: Like most judges, I love it when the debaters in all formats do impact calculus and explain why their impacts matter more under their framework. When this doesn't happen, I default to weighing probability over magnitude and scoop and using reversibility and timeframe as tiebreakers. I’m open to voting on impact turns (eg. democracy bad, CO2 emissions good), as long as you aren't say, impact turing racism.
Evidence: I care about the quality and relevance of evidence over the quantity. I'm more willing to vote on analytics in evidentiary debate than most judges and I honestly would prefer a good analytic link to a DA or K over a bad generic carded one. I'm willing to vote your opponets down if you call them on egregious powertagging.
Plans and case debate: In formats with plans, I love a good case debate. I will vote on presumption, but like all judges I prefer having some offense to vote on. I'm more willing to buy aff durable fiat arguments (for example, SCOTUS not overturning is part of durable fiat) than most judges. Unless a debater argues otherwise, presumption flips to whoever's advocacy changes the squo the least.
CPs: If you want to read multiple CPs, I prefer quality over quantity. I consider the perm to be a test of competition, rather than an advocacy. I’m more willing than most judges to vote on CP theory (for example, multi-plank CPs bad, PICs bad, no non-topical CPs, etc).
Kritiks: I'm willing to vote on Ks in policy, prog LD, and parli, but I think I'm less inclined to than most. I like it when kritiks have specific links and strong, at least somewhat feasible alternatives. I'm not super familiar with K lit outside of cap, neolib, and SetCol; hence, I appreciate clear and thorough explanations. I'm more willing to vote on no solves, perms, and no links than most judges. I think I’m more likely to vote for anti-K theory (utopian fiat bad, alt vagueness, etc) and perms more than most judges.
I'm not dogmatically opposed to voting on K affs, but I tend to find the standard theory arguments read against them persuasive. If you do read a K aff, I like specific links to the topic and a clear, at least somewhat specific advocacy.
Theory and T: Unless one of the debaters argues otherwise, I default to reasonability, rejecting the team, and voting on potential or proven abuse when evaluating theory and T. I do tend find arguments in favor of only voting on proven abuse convincing. I don’t like voting on most spec, and topicality based on wording technicalities, but sometimes it happens. Trying to win a frivolous theory sheet (for example, if we win our coach will let us go to the beach, e-spec when your opponent specified in cross, etc) in front of me is an uphill battle. I’ll vote on RVIs in very rare circumstances, as long as you explain why the sheet’s unfairness was particularly egregious. I'm less willing to vote on disclosure theory than most, but I'm very willing to consider "this case wasn't disclosed, therefore you should give analytics extra weight" type arguments.
Format specific stuff:
High school LD: I'm okay with plans, CP, spreading, theory, and Ks in LD if both participants in the round are or if you're in a specific prog LD division. In prog LD, I tend to error aff on 1AR theory because of the time trade off. One condo CP is probably fine, anything more than that and I'll find condo bad pretty persuasive.
Talking about philosophy in trad LD is great; just make sure you explain the basics behind the theories you are using (I’m not a philosophy major for a reason). In trad LD, I think it's fine (and strategic) to agree with your opponent's framework if it was basically what you were going to use as framework anyway.
Policy: I’m mostly a policymaker judge. On condo, I'm more likely to side with the neg if they read 1 or 2 condo counter advocacies and more likely to side with the aff if they read a bunch or are super contradictory.
PF: I tend not to like Ks in PF; the speech times are too short. PF was designed to be accessible to lay audiences, so I dislike it when debaters use jargon or speed to exclude opponents, but if you both want to debate that way, I won't penalise you.
Parli:I believe that parli is primarily a debate event about making logical arguments and mostly writing your case in prep. As such, I'm very willing to consider analytics and dislike hyper-generic arguments (generic impact statistics and positions that link to multiple things in the topic area are fine, just don't run a case that would apply to most resolutions). I almost never vote for generic Ks in Parli, especially if they are read by the aff. Topic specific Ks that clearly link are okay. While I get a little annoyed by people abuse Point of Order in the rebuttals, please call POO if it is warranted (I don’t protect the flow unless you call them out). Unless there is a rule against it, tag teaming is totally fine, but I only consider arguments given by the person giving that speech.
Hi!
My name is Sodiq Farhan (he/him). I am a graduate of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria and I have experience in speaking and adjudicating at national, regional, and international levels in British Parliamentary, World Schools, Public Forum, Policy, LD, Asian Parliamentary, NSDA speech and debates, amongst other formats. I also have solid experience as a trainer and coach. So I very much understand the need to create a very empowering learning experience for participants and provide them with useful feedback. I am confident that I will be a good and impactful addition to your team of judges and educators.
Email address: farhansodiq360@gmail.com
Conflicts: I do not have any.
PERSONAL NOTE:
One of the things to note if you would meeting me as a judge in a room will be that I hold in high regard, positive, fair, equitable and proper engagements during discussions and cross engagements. Do not be rude, disrespectful or discriminatory.
Even in instances when you do not agree to contexts and frames provided by the other team, I advice that you still engage the team’s case alongside presenting your counterfactual where necessary.
I also really appreciate that speakers ensure to always keep track of time and adhere to the timing as much as possible.
Lastly, I do understand that speakers often times have a lot of ideas to share during their speeches in a short stipulated time but please, don't speak excessively fast. Just as much as I would pay very close attention to speakers, I am most comfortable with audible and medium paced speeches.
Special Considerations for Virtual Debates:
Please ensure to confirm that your microphone works well and doesn't have any breaking noise. Be sure to be close enough to it as well, so that you can be as clear and audible as possible.
All the best!
Hello!
I am Dominic Stanley-Marcus. I am a debater, a judge, a debate coach, and a classroom teacher. I have a bachelor degree in Educational Psychology from Rivers State University, Nigeria.
As a judge, I make it a mandatory objective to ensure a safe space for everyone to debate. This comes with establishing the rules of the house with clarity and candor and reporting any sort of violation of the set rules and regulations to the respective equity team. This isn't included in my metrics for assessing the winners because I also understand that my position as a judge is to be a non-interventionist average intelligent voter. I have been trained to be unbiased and objective as a judge, yet, being disciplined enough to call out wrongs at any time seen within a debate round.
The criteria for winning my ballot as a judge include but are not limited to the following: the persuasiveness of argument, style and delivery, clarity of purpose and logical engagement with the contending themes in the debate and confidence in both speech elements and burden of proof. On a basic level, I want debaters just show to me why their argument (s) is true and why I should care about whatever the arguments seek to achieve. Being an ordinary intelligent voter, I believe this metric is such that is fair for all, an advanced debater or a novice debater.
In terms of my personality traits and how they come into this paradigm. As a certified educational psychologist, one crucial personality of mine that can be exploited in a debate session is my listening skills. I am a very good listener. This also means that I pay close attention to speaker's speeches and not just judge accents, speech impediments or whatever could be their speech disabilities. This is an important quality for me as a judge because it makes me create room for everyone in a debate space such that speakers aren't marked down on my ballot because of problems beyond their capacity to control. By being a good listener, I ensure that fairness is upheld and metrics for winning a debate round ensure that individual differences are factored in.
Another quality I can boast of is being a mentor. I believe that part of my job as a judge is 'pointing people right'. By this, I ensure that my oral adjudication and feedbacks are as educating as necessary and possible. I thoroughly show the teams why they win or lose, yet, commend them on areas that they did great and where they also have to improve on. In the same vein, I show them why they should care since the debate is about growth and intellectual development. This makes debaters learn both in their victory and their defeats.
Lastly, I am open to challenges as a judge because that also presents an opportunity for me to grow and evolve. This is why flexibility remains my watchword to enable me to learn new things as quickly as possible and still deliver equally as expected.
Thank you.
All the best to all the contestants. Having been a judge for more than a year I look for good eye contact, clear and concise arguments, respectful behavior and clear speaking. Confidence is the key, not aggression.
Email : subrantap@yahoo.com
my name is jun kwon. i am 5'4 and i live in overland park, kansas. i play soccer and i am on student council. i do some volunteering work around my community. i occasionally walk my dog. i am at chipotle at least a couple times a week to support my local small business.
"I will not flow more than the first 13 pages of your speech doc. If you are going any faster, you are actively harming clash." - Sahil Jain
if you ask for a 30, i will give you a 30. debaters must feel safe. me saying no makes the space unsafe, which i would prefer not happen on my watch.
i strongly dislike debating. i suck at debate and you shouldn't pref me if you want a fairly adjudicated round with flow-by-flow technical evaluation. i will vote on whichever speech sounds better between the 2nr and the 2ar. if the 2ar answers every argument with negative ethos whereas the 2nr drops everything but sounds like they know what they're saying, then i'll happily vote negative.
i will not be flowing. why would i. make your speeches sound so good and convincing that i'll have a transcript engraved into my head without cheating and taking notes on lengthy paper. i err on the side of environmental sustainability. using up paper to flow boring rounds angers me and i would prefer that more judges actively add this to their paradigm.
off cases are largely problematic. i would prefer no off cases in the 1nc and 8 minutes of case debating. by the 2nr and the 2ar, case debating becomes washed and there is often little impact comparison. not that these things matter, since i'll vote on how good you sound, not whatever you say in these speeches.
i am not good for the k. i am not good for counterplans. i am not good for disadvantages. i am not good for topicality. i am not good for impact turns. i am not good for theory.
i am good for asking for draws. that's about it.
CP: if you read counterplans, i would prefer to end the round when the 1nc reads the cp text. i will reluctantly follow the debate if you kick out of it by the 2nr. but that wouldn't work either because i belive that all advocacies must be unconditional. but that also makes me really disappointed because i would prefer heavier case debating over advocacies of any sort.
K: if you read kritiks, i would prefer that you give 6 minute overviews and spread through buzzwords. if i hear any words like ontology, hauntology, assumptions, interrogation, heuristics, and state-engagement-bad, i would be very comfortable voting for you even if any of your link arguments make little sense. however, make sure you sound good doing it. do not try to out-tech your opponents, it is a waste of your time.
T: if you read topicality, i would prefer that you simply do not. i prefer that interpretations are older, since it means that the source has survived the test of time. think of it like this. a recent interp had less time to have indicts written against it, while interpretations from the 70s have had 50+ years to be disproven. i find limits, ground, and predictability to be largely confusing. i prefer 2nr's that devolve into reasonability and interp precision. i will vote not vote for an interp unless the author has received a phd from a T20 school according to us news rankings. but of course, if you don't sound good, none of this matters.
theory: conditionality is an existential threat to this activity. i largely think advocacies themselves are existential threats to this activity. if you choose to add an advocacy to the 1nc, think. why would you do this? if the answer is anything other than "you're right, jun, let me take this out," then i won't be amused and your speaks will be capped at 14.5.
i find lazy debates to be the best. taking a long time to send out docs, stealing prep, and taking 4 minutes to start cx makes me really happy. it gives me time to use my cellular device during rounds and listen to a song by Taylor Swift's new 1989 album, which actively gives me more serotonin than judging a round ever could.
if you do LD or PF, i simply will not pay attention, no matter how good you sound. the only other event I'm willing to pay attention to is big questions. either policy/big questions or nothing.
if you spread, expect a 20.7. the slower you speak, the higher your speaks will be.
let me know if you have any questions.
Please speak clearly and make sure Summary and final focus are consistent.
I do have some speech and debate experience.I'm not lay but also not super technical
Don't use too much technical stuff - if you do, please explain it in short otherwise the argument will be lost on me.
Here are my some preferences -
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. If you typically speak quickly, then adjust your speed to match my judging style. If I am unable to follow your arguments and comprehend what you are saying, then you will not be successful in the round.
I prefer arguments that are backed by empirical evidence, rather than those that rely solely on emotional appeals. You will not win the round by trying to persuade me through an emotional argument.
I appreciate a well-planned and logically sound case. I prefer to see a clear connection between your points and ideas.
While I am capable of taking notes during the debate, I may not be as skilled at doing so as someone who judges Public Forum Debate (PFD) regularly.
It is important to remain respectful during the debate. While assertiveness is acceptable, actions such as screaming, belittling opponents, eye-rolling, head-shaking, and showing contempt are not appropriate. Even if you win the round, you may receive a low score if you display such behavior.
Good luck.
I am a parent judge, please speak clearly and slowly
2024- 2/4/2024
I'm not just any judge; I'm a ”cool” judge with a journey dating back to 2000. So, when you step into this arena, know that you're dealing with someone who's witnessed the ebb and flow of the debate currents over the last 2 decades. I am old.
General:
Yes you can go fast if you want to, just be clear, and loud enough for me to hear. I will be flowing along and won’t look at doc’s or cards unless warranted by y’all. I will do my best to time with you.
World Crafting:
Your task is to construct a compelling narrative, competing worlds, both sides have a world to offer, you sell it.
Argument Framing:
Frame your arguments as pillars that support the world you've built. Your job is to make me see the strategic significance of your narrative. Don't just present; show me why your world outweighs the others.
The K:
I have a soft spot, but only if done well. Critical acumen is your secret weapon. Integrate it seamlessly into your world, making it a key component of your narrative. I also am not a fan of non black POC running afropress, or similar k's, so please don’t. Other than that, no issues with K’s.
Theory:
Preemptive theory is unnecessary imo unless the topic warrants it, but most debates do not need a theory most of the time, but it is your round, so do you.
Tech vs. Truth:
Truth sometimes trumps tech, and in other rounds, tech might take the lead. But what matters most is how well your crafted world stands.
Rudeness is a No-Go:
Discourteous vibes won't elevate your speaks. For real
Impact Calculus and Critical Thinking:
Impact calculus is the key to your world's strategic significance. Dive into critical thinking, showing why your crafted universe is not just valid but important.
Authentic Knowledge Over Blocks:
Don't just parrot blocks; show genuine understanding. Bring knowledge to the forefront, not just rehearsed lines.
Voting Issues:
Present me with clean voting issues – make it glaringly apparent why your world is the one I should endorse. THERE IS NO 3NR. So please make it definitive in the last rebuttal
TL;DR
Be clear
Weigh
Impact calculus
>If you want to add me to the chain or send hate mail.<
2023
i will flow to the best of my ability i have the carpal tunnel but can still keep up
spreading is only chill if you are clear
I don't need to be on the email chain but here it is if you feel like adding me anyway
liberal.cynic.yo@gmail.com
I am indifferent to the kind of argument you are choosing to use, i care if you understand it
ask questions
My paradigm was lost to the void, who knows what it said...
for long beach 2018
i'll make this, and fix it later
1. yes, i flow
2. yes, speed is fine
3. flashing isn't prep (unless it takes wayy to long )
4. i look at the round as competing narratives, i do not care what you run as long as you know what it is you are running
5. ask questions
she/her
interlake '23, umich '27
background: I did policy debate for all of high school & am not debating in college, 2A/1N.
add me to the chain: anniemz111@gmail.com & interlakescouting@googlegroups.com
top level:
gonzaga: don't have any topic knowledge so please over-explain topic concepts or community consensus arguments and break down acronyms
speed is fine, just be clear.
tech > truth (if you drop something, it's true), but you need to fully extend the argument & explain why whatever they dropped matters.
judge instruction in the rebuttals will be rewarded -- you should frame my ballot and make clear a win condition for the aff/neg. I really enjoy "even if" statements.
read whatever you are best at, just don't be offensive but I highly prefer smart, well-researched arguments over spamming silly off (looking @ con con & nga).
read rehighlightings if it's a new argument, you can insert if it's an evidence indict/for a k link
love when people number args!!
pet peeves:
- not responding to opponent's arguments/warrants
- word salad highlighting
- talking over other people excessively in cx
- non-word docs (pdf, gdocs, etc.) & speech drop
- "3..2..1.."
- calling me judge
- not timing yourselves
theory:
very neg leaning on condo, am not the best judge for condo debates but i could still evaluate it. however, i won't vote for any other theory unless it's dropped (still need to extend fully though). slow down when reading theory blocks.
aspec = -1 speaks
t:
i dislike plan text in a vacuum but still answer it.
give case lists to your interpretations
do impact calculus
affs:
dislike generic framing pages, enjoy cohesive internal link chains
cp:
loveeee
affs send out perm texts!
cp's need solvency advocates in the 1NC, dislike stupid adv cp planks
highly enjoy well-executed and strategic competition debates, i think it is much more effective than theory
impact out solvency deficits
will not default judge kick
LOVE cps specific to AFF
da:
good, 0 risk is a thing
love good evidence here
k:
do not read death good. not good for k v k debates or high-theory/pomo debates.
ins:
extinction outweighs (can be convinced otherwise with good debating):
alts
links highly contextualized to the AFF.
impact comparison
neg impacts on fwk about research/epistemology (not good for in-round psychic violence impacts)
outs:
"you link you lose"
copy pasting blocks especially 2NR
random backfiles
k affs:
not the best for this
love innovative/k aff-specific neg strategies, SSD, & TVA
prefer education impacts on t