Hi! My name is Shannon Babu, and I'm a parent judge from Concord, MA. This school year (2023-24), I am primarily judging speech events, but I also judge public forum. I am a math and science teacher, so I love to see your clear thesis, your logical process, and a nice tight summary in your speech. My primary concerns in public forum are your logical process: linkages, evidence, weighing, etc.

For speech:

Extemp
Here's some ways to get a high ranking from me:
-Answer the question
-Content > delivery, but doing both is always better. Maintain a slower pace so I can actually flow
-Clever/unique substructure and diversified arguments.
-Answering NO (or whatever is not the obvious answer)
-I’ll generally reward creativity.

In general forpublic forum:

I expect you to keep your own time, but I'm happy to keep time for you - just ask.

It's ok to be nervous, and it's ok if your voice shakes - that means you care about what you're doing! We're all here to learn and help each other, even through a competitive environment.

You may sit or stand, whatever makes you the most comfortable.

You may speak relatively quickly with me, but please don't spread. My ears are only human.

I will allow a few extra seconds for a debater to finish a sentence, finish a question, or finish an answer.

If you have any questions for me during the debate, please ask! It's ok to ask questions between process steps, and asking is ALWAYS better than not asking.

I have the following non-negotiable expectation:

*treat your teammate and opponents with respect and dignity (polite body language, mindful utterances/whispering, professional language, etc).

I'm excited to hear your arguments - I know how much work goes into your preparation, and I'm here to support your process!

My name is Alex Brevde (she/her), and I am a senior at the Waring School in Beverly. I am in Varsity PF. So I come into the round with a guarantee I've done research on the topic and an understanding of the in and outs of Public Forum Debate.

> If you are offensive in any way, even if it's a "joke." I will report you to tabroom and you will lose the round.

> Respect Public Forum in its essence. What I mean by this is that PF is supposed to be accessible and should be understood by any person from off the street. Therefore if you spread (talking so fast that your words blend together), I will try my best to evaluate your arguments but just know you've lost some of my respect (and speaker points). Additionally, don't overuse debate jargon, because you are actively making debate less accessible.

> Please signpost, I'm begging you. What I mean is that tell me what you are saying. If you are responding to a contention please tell me that so I can flow it.

> Refrain from running Theory of Kritiks. I will listen to them but just know I very much dislike them. I think they are a cop-out for actually debating the resolved and I will think less of you. If you love Theory or K you should join Policy or Big Questions, because that's not what PF is about (PF actually emerged as a response to this!).

> Evidence ethics are important. Don't make up information, you should always have evidence.

>Don't mansplain, and let your opponent answer in cross please. This is one of my biggest pet peeves. When someone asks a question in cross and then proceeds to answer it themselves rather than letting the opponent actually answer. Just be respectful and kind, it's not too much to ask.

Hey everyone! I'm Sai, and I'm a senior at WA.

Basic stuff:

Any racism/homophobia/sexism will not be tolerated. I will stop the round if this does happen.

Remember to have fun! Don't stress and do your best!

Hi! I debate PF at Newton South High School!

If u have any questions feel free to msg me on facebook messenger or email me @drormia@gmail.com

creds to janani ganesh <33

general stuff

a. i think weighing is like THE MOST IMPORTANT THING in a round pls weigh and give a strong narrative

b. tech ----------------x-------------------------------------- truth

speed/speech:

- u can speak fast but not like extremely fast, try to go like conversational speed

- if u have a speaking disability (ex. stuttering) lemme know before round or msg me but if you dont feel comfortable telling me im not gonna tank anyone speaks for stuttering [the same applies for any other like disablity, i want to make debate as inclusive as possible]

- if ur opponents tell u to slow down, pls slow down there are many factors why ur opponents may ask u that

however if u r spreading send me and ur opponents a speech doc

content

- WRITE MY BALLOT FOR ME. DO VOTERS (ex. "there are 3 places ur voting for us in this round") i want to spend as little time after the round deciding who won (unless if theres clash ofc which is rly good) and i rly dont want to intervene

- weighing is so crucial. if there is not weighing i will default whoever's narrative is stronger.

- i hate theory so pls try not to run it. try to treat me like a lay with theory. if ur rly pressed about running theory/k's ask ur opponents first if they are comfortable cus not everyone has the resources to learn about these kinds of things

- make sure to point out which arguments are conceded/dropped but don't lie or i will be sad

cross x

- i dont vote off cross but i will be listening

- make sure ur not just asking clarifying questions but attacking their stance as well

- if both of yall run out of things to say just ask ur opponents how their day was

- dont be rude but be assertive pls i wanna see confidence!!

Debate should be a safe and inclusive environment, if you ever feel unsafe/uncomfortable before or during round pls feel free to reach out to me at my email: drormia@gmail.com

I'm excited to judge all of you! Let’s make every round a fun round!

I'm Kassra, a senior from Newton South

Pretty regular flow judge nothing out of the ordinary

Tech>Truth don't lose the flow

Feel free to ask me questions before the round!

Speed is fine, but if you do send a speech doc/ask opponents if they're ok with it

I will stop flowing if you're 30+ seconds overtime

Don't just use only buzzwords, warrant as well

I won't vote off of cross but I will pay attention and take into account things from cross that are mentioned in speeches

Be sure to Signpost, warrant, and implicate EVERYTHING. Don't just assert evidence, explain it otherwise its hard to vote on if your opponents point it out

Actually compare evidence, don't just respond to evidence with more evidence

WEIGH Good pre-reqs is the easiest way to get me to vote for you. Start weighing in second rebuttal tho

Extend offense through every speech otherwise i can't vote off of it

DEFENSE ISNT STICKY, bring up defense in every speech otherwise its dropped

Pls don't bring up new stuff in Final Focus, its very annoying

Theory/K's I have a basic understanding and will do my best to evaluate it but I don't really like it

Don't be racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, etc. no.

Most importantly HAVE FUN!!

--------Bonus Points--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

+.5 if you make a good reference to Star Wars in speech

+.5 if you do a who..... asked? joke in grand cross

Hi! I am currently a junior at Lexington High School and have been competing for the past three years in Public Forum debate. I will be a flow judge. Here are a few things I would like to see:

1) Do not read cases too fast, if I miss something in case it will only hurt you!

2) Please extend contentions and links throughout all speeches

3) Interact with your opponents' responses-- too much card reading is often unnecessary.

4) provide a speech timeline before speeches

5) In final focus, tell me why I would be voting for your side of the debate.

6) If you see that your opponent is bringing up new evidence or new responses in summary speeches, or something was left unresponded to: BRING IT UP!

I am lay judge with some experience in competition. I will base decisions off of which team is able to produce the most logical argument and effective weighing in terms of real world application

I was a varsity public forum debater and have since graduated. It's been a while since I debated though, so speaking fast probably isn't in your best interest if you want me to understand your arguments. I also tend to lean more toward truth over tech. Here's what I expect during rounds:

First and foremost, please be respectful to your opponents and partners. Not showing respect is the easiest way to lose speaker points.

The first rebuttal doesn't need to extend contentions from their own case. In fact, they shouldn't, but the second rebuttal does need to respond to their opponent's case while also frontlining (answering responses made by your opponent on your own case). Neither side needs to start weighing in rebuttal, but if you have time left in your speech, try to use all of it.

Summary speeches should begin weighing (comparative analysis of each side's arguments that tells the judge how they should evaluate an argument over the other). Condense the round: DO NOT go for all the arguments in your case. Choose the most important ones on both sides. I want to see clash between aff and neg. Of course, summaries should extend all of their contention's uniqueness, link chain, and impact. If you do not extend your offense, I can't vote for you.

Final focus speeches should condense the round further and extend the arguments made through summary. There shouldn't be any new analysis being made at this point. Weighing is going to be super important. Don't forget to give a brief extension of your case! I can't emphasize this enough: if you don't extend your offense, I have no reason to vote for you.

Additional Notes: I can handle slightly faster speeds, but spread at your own risk. (Novices should not be spreading.) Also, if you're reading this and going, "What the heck is she talking about," you're still in a good place. Ask questions before the round, and just do your best! At the end of the day, we're here to learn and have fun.

Hopefully, you found this info helpful. Reach out by email (tinal6110@gmail.com) if you have any questions.

Hi! My name is Lotem Loeb and I am a first-year college student. I am traditionally a Public Forum debater with four years of experience. During a round, I primarily focus on the flow and your speech (how you articulate arguments, volume, and a strong speaking voice). The most beneficial and important things to do during your speech are:

• Provide brightlines for all major arguments. This clarifies the round and reminds me of your important points.

• Weighing in all speeches (including comparative weighing)! If you do this, I can more easily assess your impacts.

• Extending links throughout the round.

• Cross should not be a continuation of debating, make sure to ask relevant questions and not explicitly further your arguments.

• Please be sure to frontline starting in Second Rebuttal or First Summary.

• Do not under any circumstances make any offensive arguments. I do not tolerate any arguments that come at the expense of any groups or specific individuals and I will dock speaker points. Also, make sure to be respectful of your opponents during round.

• If you use a theory/K I will only vote for you if it is presented well (I would prefer you do not since your opponent may not have experience with such).

If you spread during speeches that is okay, just make sure to emphasize clarity in arguments and enunciate.

You will do great and make sure to have fun!

Email: lotem.loeb@gmail.com

My name is Eliza Loring (she/her), and I am a senior at the Waring School in Beverly. I am in Varsity PF. So I come into the round with a guarantee I've done research on the topic and an understanding of the in and outs of Public Forum Debate.

> If you are offensive in any way, even if it's a "joke." I will report you to tabroom and you will lose the round.

> Respect Public Forum in it's essence. What I mean by this is that PF is supposed to be accessible and should be understood by any person from off the street. Therefore if you spread (talking so fast that your words blend together), I will try my best to evaluate your arguments but just know you've lost some of my respect (and speaker points). Additionally, don't overuse debate jargon, because you are actively making debate less accessible.

> Please signpost, I'm begging you. What I mean is that tell me what you are saying. If you are responding to a contention please tell me that so I can flow it.

> In terms of tech over truth. I've begun to evaluate tech more. However I think debate should be a balance of both evidence and rhetoric not one or the other.

> Refrain from running Theory of Kritiks. I will listen to them but just know I very much dislike them. I think they are a cop-out for actually debating the resolved and I will think less of you. If you love Theory or K you should join Policy or Big Questions, because that's not what PF is about (PF actually emerged as a response to this!).

> Evidence ethics are important. Don't make up information, you should always have evidence.

>Don't mansplain and let your opponent answer in cross please. This is one of my biggest pet peeves. When someone asks a question in cross and then proceeds to answer it themselves rather than letting the opponent actually answer. Just be respectful and kind, it's not too much to ask.

If you have any questions about my paradigm or about the results of the round please ask me.

Add me to evidence exchanges: elizal@waringschool.org

Have fun!

Dear Debaters,

Although I have used English professionally for decades, English is not my first language.

Because of this, I respectfully ask you to:

• Slow down your speaking speed and please do your best to enunciate each word clearly
• Mark clearly your arguments and rebuttals by:

1). Pausing before you make your argument

2). Stating clearly and slowly that you are making an argument

I will be taking notes on my computer.

Good luck to all, and let's have fun.

Thank you for your attention,

Rafael Mier

Thanks for reviewing my Paradigm. I'm a parent judge, who enjoys hearing public speeches and debates to learn the logic, rationales and strategies of your contentions and rebuttals. It is not always easy to express ourselves concisely, articulately, respectfully with strong persuasibility. Therefore, it takes courage, effort, and enthusiasms to debate. I'm excited to be here with you, as a judge but more as a learner to hear your arguments, and to witness your growth on your increased publish speech capability.

I do not have any additional requirement or preference other than the official rules set for the debate. Please make yourself comfortable, and I focus on the content of your debate rather than anything else. If you have any question, please feel free to ask.
Thanks again,
David

At this point, I have heard a fair number of debates, but I am a parent judge. Like all parent judges, I really appreciate it when debaters speak slowly.

To repeat: please speak slowly. I cannot emphasize this enough.

Also, please do not use debater jargon. I might understand you, or I might not. Either way, you are much more likely to convince me if you explain your points clearly and fully from start to finish. You may be tempted to try to save time by saying something like: “Judge, you should delink this argument from 3.C on the flow because there’s no XYZ warranting here.” But I probably won’t understand you, and even if I do, the point will have less force to me buried in jargon without further explanation.

Whether or not argument is explicitly labeled as “weighing”, I am most likely to be swayed by a few thoroughly argued key issues, accompanied by analysis convincing me that those issues decisively cover the key territory. A team may have the better argument on every point except the critical argument that logically controls the overall outcome, but in my ballot I’ll try my best to follow that critical, controlling argument.

I find that evidence is more often an issue in public forum, but in any form of debate, there are limits to what sort of evidence is credible, or how much I will trust it. For example, evidence claiming to predict the future is always uncertain. Opinion evidence is only as convincing as the reasoning and facts that support it. Solid empirical evidence, ideally paired with deep analysis, often carries the day in a public forum debate, though logical analysis can beat empirical evidence if the analysis explains away the observation.

And evidence in any form of debate that the other side convinces me is unreliable will undercut the credibility of an argument. If you tell me that something is a fact, I expect it to be true.

Most of all, be nice to each other, and have fun! In my experience, the most skilled debaters are often the most gracious.

Hi, I'm Joshua, a freshman at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who has debated in pf for 4 years.

Speed if fine as long as you are clear, don't spread. Don't be mean, weigh plz; tell me why you win the round. Signpost.

In-depth preferences:

- Just like, don't be mean in cross. I understand the distinction between assertiveness and aggressiveness, but aggressiveness will greatly lower your speaks. Don't go over the time limit as I will not flow it. A few more seconds is fine to finish your sentence or point. Also if you're going to steal prep, don't be obvious about it.

- Make sure to Signpost, tell me where you are on the flow so I can follow and write down your arguments!

- I do not flow cross, if something important comes up, mention it in your speeches.

- I do not flow author names, rather, I flow card content. If you want to extend something, tell me what the card says too, don't just "Extend McDonald '18"

- First rebuttal: don't go back to your own case and re-read what's in it. Feel free to weigh their case against yours, or make new analyses and even sub-arguments, but do not simply reread what's already in the case that I heard the first time again. If you're really done, end early.

- Please do some analysis and impact your cards, don't just throw cards/numbers/stats around. Impact calculus is important. I don't care if you tell me that this program will cost the U.S. $50,000 if you don't tell me what that means in the wider context of things. Will healthcare funding also go down? Will taxpayers have to pay extra? Will we have to cut other government programs? Tell me what is going to happen as a result of the numbers you tell me.

- I give really good speaks, perhaps to good, you basically will always get above a 28 as long as you aren't like mean in cross.

-Let me know if you have any questions