A Little About Me: I have never judged a speech and debate competition before, however, I enjoy a good clash of ideas (in a respectful manner). I love when I can listen to two opposing sides and see the logic behind both arguments. 

Basics: I hope to see that everyone respects each other during this event. 

Forensics Competitor in JH and 1 year of HS.

Debating should be fun! We should always seek to be respectful and friendly.

I prefer if the speaker is not too fast but not too slow. Go at your own pace but try not to talk too fast, for better understatement. 

Best of luck to all speakers! I am not too familiar with IPDA but I have a good grasp of this debate form. 

Overall ability to persuade/being the overall stronger debater will 80% of the time win the round!

Hi, I'm Rachel!

While I haven't been in speech and debate myself, I've grown familiar with styles and have had the pleasure of judging over the past couple of years. To me, what matters most is seeing your growth and learning through this experience.

I believe that every round is an opportunity for all of us, judges included, to learn something new. So, focus on constructive feedback that helps you become an even more awesome speaker and debater. After the round, I'll provide feedback. Remember, it's not personal; it's about helping you improve. I encourage you to use this feedback to grow and develop your skills. I tend to go overboard with feedback - mostly positive, so beware!

Let's keep it classy- Discrimination, hate speech, or anything that's just not cool won't fly here.

To me, the most important thing in junior high forensics is learning and growing. I believe that every round is an opportunity for students to improve their skills, gain confidence, and develop their abilities as communicators and critical thinkers. So, whether you're new to this or a pro, know that I'm here to support your journey toward becoming a better speaker and debater. As for me, here are the key things I look for:

Clarity

Clear and effective communication is crucial. I want to hear your arguments and ideas loud and clear. Slow down if you need to, and please organize your thoughts logically. Remember, it's not just about what you say but how you say it.

Adaptability

I understand that things don't always go as planned in a round. If you need to adjust your approach on the fly, go for it! Adaptability is a valuable skill that can set you apart.

Body Language and Presence

Your non-verbal communication is just as important as your words. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use gestures that complement your message. It adds an extra layer of impact to your presentation.

I'm excited to be here, watching you all! Remember, this is a learning experience, so make it a fun one. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to chat with me.

Rachel Saulsbery

rachelsaulsbery@gmail.com

Hello! I am not a bot, so no reCAPTCHA required. I did PF for a year and Policy for a year... just have fun, don't yell at each other too much and make questioning at least a bit interesting. Good luck!

Hi guys!!! I'm Emily and I am apart of Forensics and Debate at Bentonville High School. In the past, I have competed in prose, poetry, duo improv, duo interpretation, Congress, and right now I am working towards competing in oratory.