La Reina Invitational
2022 — NSDA Campus, CA/US
Debate Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HideBackground: Judging online from Indonesia GMT+7 (12 hours ahead of EST/CDT). I judged several varsity level British/Asian/Australs parliamentary debating tournaments around Southeast Asia from 2016 till 2021. As of Nov 2023, I judged a total of 13 Public Forum, 1 Lincoln-Douglas, and 1 WSDC competitions in the U.S. circuit.
Technicalities: Some people may put a heavy emphasis on the presence of evidence and the presentation of examples, but for me, warrant: coherent logical explanation and step-by-step analysis of your argument is more valuable. Spewing out too many facts and trivia before you explain your assertions confuses me. Use those data to back up your arguments, not to lengthen your speech. Also, don't forget to connect the extensions. Do put elaborations on why any impact you give is significant and unique to your side.
Strategy: Don't ever forget to weigh in your arguments against your opponent's. I also expect the two-worlds scenario when you're painting your case. Rather than saying "To give you an off-time roadmap..." in the beginning, better if you do signpost as you go because it will surely help me do the flow during the speech. I love the "even ifs" and the clear-cut comparison between your model and your rival's model.
Manner: No spreading. Please speak clearly and don't rap out your speech. You may turn off cameras if you (or I happen to) experience lags or internet problems. Please time your own speech and when you start, just speak. There's no need to say "time starts now/on my first word" because some scientists argued that time began shortly after The Big Bang.
Correspondence: albert-yang@mail.com. Yes, without the G.
In a debate round, I prefer to see a good amount of evidence followed by logic as to why this evidence is important. Make sure your speech is at a good pace so I can understand the arguments you are making.
My experience: I've done 6 years of PF, 4 years of Worlds, some parli and LD. I won NSDA Nationals in Worlds with West LA Violet.
TLDR:Make it easy for me to vote for you: collapse to your best arguments, tell me exactly why you won the round, and weigh your arguments. I am a traditional debater, K's and unnecessary theory will fly over my head. Don't be a jerk.
Tiktok: @babbacious
Email: babbkati@grinnell.edu
I am so sorry but I will forget your off time road map immediately after you say it. You can still say it but please sign post, even in the beginning. ex: "starting off on their case..."
I do not take any knowledge or opinions with me into the round (I reserve the right to drop you if you blatantly lie to me). So you MUST tell me why I should prefer your rebuttal over your opponent's argument or vise versa. You must tell me why I should be more convinced otherwise it is a wash.
LD:
To sum it up, I am a traditional debater. What this means is that I don't have experience with Ks and generally do not enjoy theory, especially when the theory isn't helpful to the round. I leave my opinions at the door, so you have the benefit of me believing everything you tell me (don't lie), but the burden of telling me why/how your opponents are wrong. I vote off of weighing: you need to tell why your arguments/impacts are stronger than your opponents (are they more probable? do they affect more people? do they happen longer?) -- think impact calc. Additionally, this is not policy, link your arguments back to your value/value criterion. Please see the bottom of my paradigm for my general debate preferences.
PF:
I believe public forum is a debate event that anyone should be able to judge: debate how you would in front of your classic soccer dad (meaning don't spread, explain things thoroughly, treat me like a lay judge). That being said, I debated for over 6 years, so I will flow and evaluate arguments as such. Note theory and Ks do not belong in public forum, do not put them there. Please weigh. FF is the most important speech, tell me the key reasons you win, do not rebuttal. Please see the bottom of my paradigm for my general debate preferences.
For Parli/Worlds:
I don't care about your studies or examples or statistics if you don't tell me WHY they are true and the LOGIC behind them. TERMINALIZE YOUR IMPACTS, ASK POIs, and WEIGH. I vote off of weighing, it doesn't matter if you win your argument if you don't tell me why it is the most important to me.
If you don't offer at least 2 POIs you won't get higher than a 27.4 for speaker points.
Parli Specific
No friv theory. If you are running a K, I am not familiar with any K literature other than a spreading K. Make it easy and accessible or do not run it. I very much dislike Ks other than ones about spreading/accessibility of debate, or any if your opponents are racist, sexist, antisemitic... Do not spread. Accept at least 1 POI in your speech if given the opportunity. I will protect the flow but feel free to POO anyways.
Worlds Specific
I will not be excited if you speak very fast, if you use cards (don't mistake cards for examples), if you use debate jaron (ex: perm, squo), or if you don't collapse the debate in the 3rd speeches. Note: the reply speech is not the fourth rebuttal-if you do not weigh, I will not be doing it for you and will tank your points. Remember the protected time and ask POIs. I find POIs integral to the event and will be evaluating your strategy using them. I also value traditional worlds debate, please do not bring policy and ld into this event.
Key issues for all debate:
*Collapse and Weigh. Don't go for every argument you make-pick 1 or 2 and let me know why they've won you the round. That being said, if there's no clash or attacks on your case and you feel like you can fully explain 3 arguments go for it-but make sure to weigh or I'll just pick the argument I like the most (and we both won't be happy).
*I don't flow crossfire, bring up any important issues in speeches.
*Cards don't cancel out cards without reasoning, let me know why their evidence is flawed/why I should prefer yours. Examples don't cancel out examples too.
*I won't call cards unless you ask me to or unless it seems obviously false/made up. Don't make up evidence, cut evidence so that the meaning of the card is different, or lie to me, you will get the lowest speaker points available, the loss, and reported to the tournament. Debater: call out evidence you need me to check. I will call the card after the round to read it myself.
*I don't like tricky frameworks, keep it simple or have great warranting. Debates should not be entirely framework or definition debates-I dislike those.
*I have a basic understanding of theory/kritiks, but I have a PF&Worlds background so if you do run it, have warrants, but I won't be overjoyed and most likely won't understand. I am a traditional debater, if you do run these against another traditional debater and try to win on sheer tech, it will not go well for you.
*You have to explain warranting otherwise I will not buy your argument.
*Don't "card bomb" I prefer a couple of key responses with logic/evidence to support it. if you read several cards, take the time after to explain the importance and why I should care.
* I like empirics on top of logic, but if something just makes sense I will most likely buy it.
*Don't be tricky. Don't be condescending or rude, don't be a douche. If you are going against a novice be accessible in your words: don't use jardon or push tricky arguments on them. Debate is about accessibility and having fun and if you do any of these things, you don't deserve to win the round.
*Do not call your opponents or their case names. No personal attacks. I will give you a 24 for speaker points. Calling your opponents names is not an adequate refutation.
*I do not take any knowledge or opinions with me into the round. So you MUST tell me why I should prefer your rebuttal over your opponent's argument or vise versa. You must tell me why I should be more convinced otherwise it is a wash.
I go by normal speaker point standards where 27.5 is the average. 30 is I think you could win finals at the tournament and below a 24 is you stabbed your opponent with a pencil.
I have been judging LD debates for over four years, with occasional experience in Parli and PF formats. I prioritize clarity, substance, and respect in rounds. If any technical terms are used, please provide clear definitions. I value substantive contentions and points over intimidation or mockery. I flow during the round to track the arguments.
While I remain open-minded and impartial, I expect debaters to uphold the principles of sportsmanship and respect throughout the round. Mockery and intimidation have no place in constructive debate.
Impact calculus is highly appreciated as it helps in evaluating the significance of arguments.
Please include me (karthikakrishnna@gmail.com) in any email chains for reference. Best of luck to all debaters!"
If you need any further adjustments or clarifications, feel free to let me know!
Hello, I was a former policy, extemp, and lincoln douglas debater during my high school days. It's been a while though.
Extemp: please provide as many sources as you can. I prioritize evidence over eloquence.
Policy:
I don't particularly care for kritiks and theory; I prefer the standard counterplan/disad/ style of debate. Solvency is a dealbreaker for me, and I judge by the traditional policy-making paradigm.
Lincoln Douglas: Value criterions are number one for me and qualify as the standard through which I will judge the round.
Last note: I will take points off if you're a jerk or unnecessarily mean. It degrades the round and yourself, and I speak from experience. Have fun and don't stress.
I am a parent, please speak clearly and slowly and avoid technical jargon.
Wish you all the BEST !!
I've been coaching and judging for 15+ years. So there isn't much I haven't seen or heard. I'm most persuaded by good debating. Please do not be rude or condescending. Please be clear enough to understand. Use your evidence wisely and whereas big impacts are good, realistic impacts are better. The point of debate, for me, is education and communication. Show me you learned something and that you can communicate in an intelligent, well thought out, cohesive manner. People can write out a hundred paragraphs about what they want but at the end of the day I've coached enough champions to tell you that's what it all boils down to. Most importantly, have fun! Love to see students progress and become the natural born leaders we know you all are! And to give some unsolicited advice from a seasoned coach, don't give up. It's may be cliche but somethings are said over and over for a reason. Keep trying, be consistent and you'll be successful! Good luck everyone!
I am a writer, activist, and proud mom of a high school debater in Berkeley, California. I used to be a policy debater back in the 1990s at Londonderry High School in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Thanks to my experiences as a high school debater, I've enjoyed fruitful careers in journalism and now political strategy and community organizing.
My judging preferences:
• No spreading or speed-reading.
• Use all time allotted to carefully build on your arguments and counter all of your opposition's arguments.
• Start all speeches with a roadmap: Definitions, contentions, rebuttals, and framework or weighing mechanisms for the debate.
• All POIs should be verbal and judge encourages debaters to take them at some point during their speech.
• Be cognizant of introducing new arguments at the end of the debate. I'm pretty good at picking up on these and will award extra points to debaters who successfully point them out as well!
• This judge enjoys taking detailed notes--"flowing"--the rounds, and is happy to give oral feedback at the end of the debate. I will not disclose in earlier rounds so as not to demoralize anyone. I want y'all to finish strong.
• High school debaters ROCK--Good luck!
As a judge, I value clear and organized argumentation that demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic. I prefer debaters who are well-researched and able to support their arguments with evidence and examples according to their given framework. In Parliamentary, I appreciate teams who focus on clash and weigh the competing arguments and their impacts. In Lincoln-Douglas, I expect debaters to engage with the philosophical implications of the topic and provide a clear value framework that is consistently applied throughout the round. I expect all participants to adhere to the principles of fair play and respectful discourse. It should be a given that rude, disrespectful, and aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and will result in low scores or disqualification.
Tech judge
Put me on the email chain pls: tbhatnagar@thecollegepreparatoryschool.org and collegeprepdocs@gmail.com
Quick summary,
Impact weighing is good, link weighing is better
Defense is sticky.
Theory and prog args: I think paraphrasing is good, disclosure is bad, etc, but I will evaluate all shells fairly whether or not they fit with my personal beliefs.
K's are fine, I'm not super experienced with it, but know what you are doing, and please have solvency
If you say Among Us or make a Jojo Reference in any speech I will give you 30 speaks(real)
If you want a long version, look below(totally not stolen from William Pirone)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
* * * * *
If you have any questions about my paradigm, please feel free to ask me before the round! My paradigm has recently become egregiously long so just skim through the underlined text if you want the TL;DR.
General:
Tech >>> Truth. You can read any type of argument you want in front of me, as long as it contains warrants. I’ve read everything from politics DAs, tricks, round reports theory, riders, and consult Japan to “warming opens the Northwest Passage which prevents Hormuz miscalc”—do what you’re comfortable with.
Also,go as fast as you want as long as you're clear. I won’t flow strictly off a doc but will take one in case I miss something/want to check for new arguments/implications. Please don’t confuse words per minute with arguments per minute – clear spreading is orders of magnitude easier to flow than a slightly less speedy blip-storm of arguments.
~ ~ ~ ~ Substance ~ ~ ~ ~
This is by far the most fun to judge. Below are some of my preferences/rules when it comes to tech substance debate, listed from the debate norms most specific to me to the least.
Part I - General Substance:
If parts of your argument are uncontested,you do not have to extend warrants for conceded internal linksin summary and final focus. Definitely extend uniqueness, links, and impacts though.
I like impact turns. A lot. Read them.
You also don't have to extend your opponent's link if you're going for impact turns, but you can if you want to.
Stolen from Nathaniel Yoon’s paradigm:I will disregard and penalize "no warrant/context" responses on their own. Pair this with any positive content (your own reasoning, weighing, example, connection to another point, etc), and you're fine, just don't point out the lack of something and move on.
I really value word efficiency– do this well, and you will be rewarded.
"Who what when where why" is not a responseand if your opponents point it out they get auto 30s.
Part II - Evidence:
Smart analytics are great—but please add empirics/warrants to them. Do not dump blippy analytics, ever.
Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseread taglines if you are going fast. I beg of you. In case, rebuttal, everything. No, “thus” and “specifically” don’t count.
Also, please don’t put analytical warrants in tags unless your evidence backs it up. If you pull up with something along the lines of “because a revoked Article 9 would cause a Chinese state collapse and the re-emergence of the bubonic plague, Shale-13 of Brookings concludes: revising the constitution would be unwise,” I will laugh but also be very sad.
Please label email chains adequately. Ex. “TOC R1 – College Prep HP (Aff 1st) vs. LC Anderson BC (Neg 2nd)”
Whether or not the tournament is onlineI will require an email chain for every round, evidence exchange is faster and more efficient. If you are spreading or reading any progressive argument you must send a doc before you begin; otherwise, sending a doc will not be required. Don’t send Google Docs and then delete them after the round, send either a word doc or paste the text into the body of the email.
Part III - Weighing
Weighing = great. Do it.
You still need to win sufficient offense on your weighed argument though—please don’t try to kick out of terminal defense through things like try-or-die weighing, I’m more than happy just voting on one team’s argument having the higher risk than the other team’s argument, especially if both terminalize to extinction.
—Weighing §1—
Impact weighing is good, link weighing is best.
Don't use "probability weighing" as a chance to read new defense. Probability = strength of link in my view, if you win an argument and warrant it then it is probable. General reasons why your argument is a better link, i.e. actor analysis and historical precedent are fantastic, just don’t use this to insert 27 new responses.
Clarity/contextualization/strength of link are not weighing mechanisms – just explain why your argument is more important than your opponents’ assuming that both sides have won their offense.
—Weighing §2—
In almost all circumstances, link weighing is way more important than impact weighing. Don’t just say extinction outweighs and move on—do comparative analysis on why your link is better(larger, faster, more probable, etc).
On a similar note, make sure to resolve clashing link-ins/prereqs—otherwise, I will be very confused and probably have to intervene. This also means that 1FF can read new link weighing mechanisms to resolve clashing prerequisite arguments, as long as they weren’t conceded in first summary.
Part IV - Defense:
Frontline in second rebuttal—everything you want to go for needs to be in this speech. 4 minutes is 4 minutes, read whatever offense you want in both constructives/rebuttals.
Defense isn't sticky. That said, I am very lenient towards blippy defense extensions in first summary if second rebuttal doesn't frontline something at all, just make sure it's there.
Pleasemake frontlining substantive. What I mean by that is actually reading warrants/evidence when frontlining instead of saying “no internal link/warrant/context” and arguments along those lines. Technical responses are fine when paired with substantive responses, but don't read 2 minutes of "1.) no warrant 2.) no impact 3.) no context 4.) the evidence is miscut 5.) we postdate…"
~ ~ ~ ~ Progressive ~ ~ ~ ~
All arguments in this section are fair game, I’ve read basically everything you can think of at some point.
Theory:
Theory is ok, I read it a lot my junior year. We usually read disclosure/paraphrase/round reports, but I'm good with anything as long as it's warranted. I also won’t be biased when judging theory, so feel free to respond in any way you wish—meta-theory, interp flaws, impact turns, etc, are all fine with me.
I prefer techy substance rounds thoughso speaks might take a slight dip if you do this in prelims.
—Theory §1—
Yes, I think paraphrasing is bad and disclosure is good.(Tanishq here: This is objectively wrong). No, I will not hack for either of these shells.
If you've never run theory before, and feel inclined to do so, I’m happy to give comments and help as much as I can.
Unless I am evaluating the theory debate on reasonability you must read a counter interp... if you do not all of your responses are inherently defensive because your opponents are the only team providing me with a 'good' model of debate.
Theory should be read immediately after the violation. Eg. if you’re speaking first disclosure must be in your constructive for me to evaluate it. However, I am willing to vote off of paraphrasing theory read after rebuttal if your interpretation is that people shouldn't paraphrase in rebuttal. You MUST extend your own shell in rebuttal if it was read in 1st constructive; you must frontline your opponent's shell in the speech after it was read (unless there is a theoretical justification for not doing this).
Substance crowd-out is most definitely an impact, andreasonability can be very persuasive– just read this off of your CI or as a turn on their interpretation. Please still read a counterinterp.
—Theory §2—
I default to spirit > text,CI > R,No RVIs,Yes OCIs*,DTA.
If there are multiple shells introduced, make sure todo weighing between them.
If you read disclosure theory, you must have good disclosure norms—I will probably check.
I will never vote on an out-of-round violation other than disclosure/round reports and the like.
Don’t read blippy IVI sand then blow up on them — make it into a shell format.
Theory unaccessible is not a fantastic argument—there are tons of resources out there and if you need more help/advice feel free to email me. It is just like responding to anything else.
Theory cards, in most cases, are overrated and are often just written by former debaters and will be evaluated on the same level as any other standard/argument. This is different from topicality interpretations and impact weighing/cards against Ks.
*OCIs good is the one thing in my paradigm that you cannot alter with warrants. If you win that your shell is better under a model of competing interpretations, or win turns to your opponents’ interp, you win.
K:
I will evaluate kritiks but no promises I'm good at doing so. I'm most familiar with security/cap/Baudrillard. For anything else please slow down and warrant things out.
No paraphrased Ks—this is non-negotiable.
If you read the mythical Bayesianism kritik, I will give you 30 speaks, especially if you can point to specific links from their case.
If you are reading substance + pre-fiat framing (or a topical link to a kritik in any way)you must still win your topical links to access the pre-fiat layer. I am never going to vote for a “we started the discourse” link or arguments about how your opponents cannot link in.
Rejection alts/ROTBs are sus, read an actual one.
Also, theory almost always uplayers the K.You should be reading off of cut cards and open-source disclosing when reading these arguments.
Perms are OP if you use them effectively. I like when people shotgun them.
CPs:
I will begrudgingly evaluate a plan/counterplan debate. This obviously differs based on the resolution (“on balance” phrasing is weird), but for fiated topics i.e., “Japan should revise Article 9 of its constitution,” they’re probably fair game.
Also, totally open to theory against these– just make the arguments.
FW:
Read whatever you want here, I won't be biased one way or another. Extinction reps, Kant,anything goes.
Util is most likely truetil, but I can be convinced otherwise.
Tricks:
If you must, just make sure the other team is cool with them first. Theory against these is smart too.
Make tricks fun, arguments like a prioris or “eval after the 1ac” are meh butparadoxes, skep, etc are great.
Head to the presumption sectionsince it’ll probably be necessary for these rounds.
~ ~ ~ ~ Extra ~ ~ ~ ~
Presumption:
Absent warrants otherwise,I default to the first speaking team. Independent of presumption, I understand that going first in tech rounds puts you at a significant disadvantage, so I will defend 1FF with my life.
Make sure you read actual presumption warrants.I won't evaluate anything in FF, so make sure to make these warrants in summary, or else I will just default to whoever spoke first.
Preferences:
LARP - 1
Theory/T - 2
Kritik - 3
Tricks - 4
Phil - 4
Non-T Kritik - 5
Performance - 5
Postrounding:
Postround as hard as you want, I think it's educational.
Speaks:
I usually give pretty good speaks, and assign them based on clarity and in-round strategy, with bonus points forword efficiency and humor. In general, I’m also a speedy person and like to do things quickly, so the sooner the round ends and the less prep you steal, the higher your speaks will be!
If you want a boost:
+0.2 speaks if you're disclosed and you tell me and it’s OS
+0.2 speaks if you don’t paraphrase (+0.2 for rebuttal too)
+0.2 speaks if you read the Keck/Dowd combo
+0.1 speaks if your cards are Times New Roman with green highlighting
+0.1 speaks if you have round reports
I will give you a 30 if you readALL defense/turns in second constructive(first rebuttal must frontline if this happens).
If it’s a prelim and both teams agree before the round, we can switch the resolution to a different one– it can be a previous topic or something new entirely.
I am a parent judge new to speech and debate, expecting students to speak slowly and clearly. Please just assume that I would sometimes know about the topic beforehand. In addition, I might need students to explain their voting issues clearly.
General
Speech times are set
Signpost or I will not flow
Overviews are appreciated
IMPACT CALC PLEASE or you will not like the consequences
Policy:
tech>truth
Generally Tabula Rasa
Run your thing but you better explain and justify why it's good idea.
If you run dense philosophy keep in mind that my head is empty, explain what you are talking about and contextualize all of it to the ballot, otherwise don't complain about the decision
Speed is fine but Slow Down on voters and analytics
Little to no topic familiarity
LD:
I think this event exists somewhere in between pofo and policy
So I will still flow without pre-conceptions but I really don't appreciate how it has basically become 1-person policy at the national level.
Please have a well explained value and criteria and contextualize that throughout the debate.
POFO:
truth>tech
Make the debate accessible, that's the point of the event. If you want to run wacky stuff go to policy
Parli:
NPDA background
Speaks:
30: No
29: Top speaker of the day
28: I got you
27: I didn't get you
26: Words were spoken?
25: No, but different
Hi. I am Anna Cederstav, a parent who has been judging for three years. I am a scientist by training but mentor and work with attorneys.
Eloquent, logical, well-supported arguments will impress me. Speaking at a sprint and using techy debate tricks will not.
I appreciate debates that address the entire topic, approached from a global perspective. I prefer evidence-based arguments with solid analysis over emotional appeals or exaggerated hypotheses.
Please make debate accessible to me, other judges and your opponents by speaking clearly and concisely. I am unlikely to vote in favor of kritiks.
I hope you will have fun and approach debate as if you are in a real-life situation where something important is at stake, and you are doing your best to convince others to join you.
I competed in LD four years and qualified to the CHSSA state in Policy. Therefore I will always be flowing the rounds I Judge!
In LD I look for these things:
-cross examination- I like a good cross examination because I find it clarifies what both the AFF and NEG really are arguing. I take note of the questions being asked and if theres any contradictions they tend to come out in cross examination 95% of the time.
-Definitions:if you define something, do not have 4 definitions for 1 word. Select one that is strong. Having multiple definitions is confusing.
- Theory:if you run theory, argue it well. I have judged rounds with theory in them and do not have an issue with it.
- Make your voter issues known in the last speech
-K affs--> I am okay with, however if you are argue with a K aff, use evidence that STRONGLY supports your case and the resolution.
-Make sure what you are arguing is topical to the resolution.
If you spread make it known prior to speaking.
I'm Andrew Chen and my son does LD debate. Although I don't require you to do these, it will make judging much easier and it will give you a bigger chance of winning. :-)
1. ABSOLUTELY NO SPREADING. If I cannot understand you, then I simply stop flowing and you'll probably lose.
2. Don't be too aggressive, or I'll have a bad impression of you.
3. Make sure to keep eye contact with me, especially during cross examination.
4. During cross examination, do not argue. If you want my ballot, you just need to prove your side is better than the other. There is no need to yell.
5. Make sure to cite your sources, or I'll think that you made them up.
6. I allow a 10-15 second grace period for the constructive and rebuttals. For cross examination, finish your question and I will allow the other person to answer that question.
7. At the end, you need to CLEARLY tell me why your side has won.
Make sure to shake hands with each other and me at the end of each debate.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT COME LATER THAN THE STARTING TIME UNLESS THERE IS A DELAY!!!
Having a well prepared case, being organized, and following these preferences will give you the biggest chance of winning!
I WILL NOT DISCLOSE!!!
GOOD LUCK! :)
I am a first-year parent judge. Please speak clearly at good pace. Be respectful. Good luck!
I am a parent judge. I judged over 100 competitions.
I will rate the competitors based on two main parts:
-Composition:
If the content is effective writing or not.
Does the competitor's speech organize clearly and easy to follow?
Does the speech contain ample solid reasoning and logic
Is the speech too general or does it focus on specifics?
Does the speech make too many generalizations or assumptions about the audience?
Does the speech contain evidence and examples?
Does the speech have good rhetorical choices?
-Delivery:
I would like competitors to use effective oral presentation skills. I will check if the competitor is comfortable with delivery such as having a clear voice, good intonation, or a nice tone.
I will also check if the speaker uses effective body language or not such as hand gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.
I am a lay judge, so PLEASE DON'T SPREAD. I won't flow/vote off of what I can't understand.
I prefer unique arguments over stock arguments.
Extend all arguments in summary and final focus and make it clear why you win the debate.
Three things I look for in 2nd half debate:
1. Frontlining: This is extremely important.
2. Weighing: Be sure to use comparative weighing instead of just saying you outweigh. Also explain why (i.e. We outweigh based on magnitude vs. we outweigh on magnitude because saving lives is more important than saving the economy.)
3. Extend your responses to your opponents case.
4. Do not be rude in cross.
Once again, do not spread.
Have fun!
This paradigm is a little outdated in that I haven't gotten around to adding my prefs for other events so you can ask me in round. It hasn't changed much as far as LD or PF though.
Hi there, I've been judging debate (LD, PF, Congress, Parli, WSD) for about 6 years. I am tabula rasa when it comes to judging a round; don't expect me to know the topic. It is up to the debater to provide a framework that best upholds their arguments. I flow but if you spread, send me (and your opponent) your speech doc. That said, I don't want to look through pages and pages of your speech doc with a couple of words highlighted on each one. If you couldn't tell, I'm more familiar with traditional LD and have little experience in circuit debating. I weigh on framework and impact analysis. I like evidence and logical link chains with clear warrants. I like clash. I don't like falsified evidence, misleading evidence, disclosure theory or bad theory. I'm less familiar with K's, so make sure I can thoroughly understand them if you decide to run them. I'm pretty flay, so make your preferences accordingly. Please be respectful to one another. Being rude, disrespectful, racist, homophobic, and aggressive is not cool and will result in low speaks and/or loss.
Good luck everyone!
Hi! I am a lay judge.
I dislike spreading and value interacting with your opponent's arguments well.
Hey everyone!
I am a parent judge who has "been in office" for around two years. This paradigm reflects the skills and attributes that I have seen in stellar debators/speakers, that I believe my ballot should represent. I have subdivided my paradigm into sections specific to each event, but keep in mind that I will also hope to see these skills represented across the board.
Congress: I primarily judge congress, as this is the event my daughter participates in. Here are some key traits I score my ballot by:
- Introduction/rhetoric/conclusion: I find that these areas are the places to really distinguish yourself as a debator. The reason I love judging congress so much is because of the blend between speech and debate. If your intros and rhetoric don't pull me in to your speech, your rank might be lower just because I am not hooked. On the other hand, if your speech has no real "substance" don't expect good ranks either. I want BALANCE!
- Points: I'm going to keep this section short. Please keep your claims relevant to your speaking spot in the round. If you are giving a sponsor, keep your cards limited to status quo and solvency. After a cycle, we can move on to the net benefit or net harms. ALSO NO REHASH :)try to update your points to match the round.
- Evidence: I prefer cold statistics over opinions. If you list a bunch of your opinions, with no statistics to back it up, I have no incentive to believe what you are saying. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it is very probable that you are indeed correct, but having statistics is always more believable than hear-say.
- Impact: This is where I really rank my top 5. If your impacts are only a sentence, that is not enough. I want to really realize how this legislation impacts real life people. Don't just say "this policy hurts our economy". Tell me how our economy getting impacted hurts realistically.
- Presentation: I am not a real stickler on presentation, but I do know where to cross the line. If I see you reading from your pad or not looking at the audience, I know that you are not as prepared as you should be. Voice modulation and emotions are key. Hand gestures should not be overused, and they should match what you are saying.
PF, LD:I don't have a specific breakdown for these events, but i'll try to summarize key points.
- In terms of speed, I don't care how fast you speak. If you talk really fast, but you keep tripping over your words, I would rather you talk slower. As long as your substance is good, expect a good ballot from me.
- Evidence is also key. Just like congress, I want cold stats. If you list a bunch of your opinions, with no statistics to back it up, I have no incentive to believe what you are saying. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it is very probable that you are indeed correct, but having statistics is always more believable than hear-say.
- In terms of cross ex, I want to be able to hear what both groups are saying. If you all talk over each other, I am going to stop listening. Please be courteous!
Speech events: I mostly judge speech of presentation. If you look confident and if what your saying pretty much matches your topic, expect good ranks from me!
- Presentation is key! If you are constantly moving and detracting from what you are saying, I have no incentive to actually listen. If you speak in a monotone voice, I WILL get bored. Even if you are saying the most interesting thing in the world, I literally cannot concentrate. PLEASE have good presentation.
- In terms of actual "substance" I just want you to keep your speech in line with your topic. If the topic is, for example, about the crisis in Ukraine, I don't expect you to start talking about woman empowerment. Both are equally important topics, but I want you to stay on track
I hope everyone has a great round! If you have any questions for me, please ask me BEFORE the round actually starts.
Hello Debaters,
I am Veena Devarakonda, a parent judge and am happy to meet you all. I truly care about what you have to say. My job is to give you all the points you deserve! So, please help me do that.
Please speak slowly and have clearly outlined arguments. I will attempt to flow but if you speak too fast, I may not be able to keep up. It's your job to make sure my flow is organized through your speeches. Winning arguments are the ones that are enforced, brought up, and defended throughout the round. Any arguments brought up last minute will not win you the round. I value presentation as well, but as long as your speech is understandable, that is good.
Please be courteous to your teammates and opponents. If I see any condescending behavior you will automatically be downed. If you lose one round, you always have room to grow in the future and improve. Most importantly, have fun and all the best!
I am a parent judge (read Lay Judge :-)
My paradigm is
- Clear and Slow in both Speech and Debate, so that it is easy for me to understand
- Structured presentation, demonstrating clarity of thought, so that I can follow your contentions and speech
- Robust roadmap, so that I know what you are going to tell me
- Logical flow of thoughts that tie back to your thesis and roadmap ensuring I am not lost
- I am analytical and critical, so not easily swayed by tangential statistics and overload of references that don't support your contention. I am looking for examples that support your argument and thesis.
- I am a parent judge, so my feedback is geared completely at making you better.
- Most importantly, all contestants are typically so good, it is extremely difficult to pick the top 3-5 places, there are usually very minor nits that differentiate. A contestant ranked fifth is almost as good, if not the same, as contestant ranked first. While this is not fair to the contestants, the reality is that I am forced to pick 1st to 5th place and sometimes very minor nits force my hand. So please don't be discouraged.
Good luck. Remember, you are all amazing. I applaud you on choosing to spend your fun childhood years on rigorous and tough extra curricular activities, like Speech and Debate competitions, instead of random texting. You are all winners in my book, just for making this difficult choice.
I have been a coach and consultant for the past 28 years and done every debate format available stateside and internationally. I also have taught at Stanford, ISD, Summit, UTD, UT, and Mean Green camps as a Curriculum Director and Senior Instructor. I think no matter what form of debate that you do, you must have a narrative that answers critical questions of who, what, when, where, why, how, and then what, and so what. Debaters do not need to be shy and need to be able to weigh and prioritize the issues of the day for me in what I ought to be evaluating. Tell me as a judge where I should flow things and how I ought to evaluate things. That's your job.
If you would like for me to look at a round through a policy lens, please justify to me why I ought to weigh that interpretation versus other alternatives. Conversely, if you want me to evaluate standards, those need to be clear in their reasoning why I ought to prioritize evaluation in that way.
In public forum, I need the summary to be a line by line comparison between both worlds where the stark differences exist and what issues need to be prioritized. Remember in the collapse, you cannot go for everything. Final focus needs to be a big pic concept for me. Feel free to use policy terms such as magnitude, scope, probability. I do evaluate evidence and expect you all to do the research accordingly but also understand how to analyze and synthesize it. Countering back with a card is not debating. The more complicated the link chain, the more probability you may lose your judge. Keep it tight and simple and very direct.
In LD, I still love my traditional Value and VC debate. I do really like a solid old school LD round. I am not big on K debate only because I think the K debate has changed so much that it becomes trendy and not a methodology that is truly educational and unique as it should be. Uniqueness is not the same as obscurity. Now, if you can provide a good solid link chain and evaluation method of the K, go for it. Don't assume my knowledge of the literature though because I don't have that amount of time in my life but I'm not above understanding a solidly good argument that is properly formatted. I think the quickest way to always get my vote is to write the ballot for me and also keep it simple. Trickery can make things messy. Messy debaters usually get Ls. So keep it simple, clean, solid debate with the basics of claim, warrant, impact, with some great cards and I'll be happy.
I don't think speed is ever necessary in any format so speak concisely, know how to master rhetoric, and be the master of persuasion that way. Please do not be rude to your opponent. Fight well and fight fair. First reason for me to down anyone is on burdens. Aff has burden of proof, neg has burden to clash unless it is WSD format where burdens exist on both sides to clash. If you have further questions, feel free to ask specifics.
In plat events, structure as well as uniqueness (not obscurity) is key to placing. Organization to a speech as well as a clear call to order is required in OO, Info, Persuasive. In LPs, answer the question if you want to place. Formatting and structure well an avoid giving me generic arguments and transitional phrases. Canned intros are not welcome in my world usually and will be frowned upon. Smart humor is always welcome however.
I want you all to learn, grow, have fun, and fight fair. Best of luck and love one another through this activity!!
Experience: In high school, I competed primarily in PF, LD, BQ, Value, World Schools, Congress, and Extemp debate. I was a 2x national qualifier and a 2x state qualifier. I am now an undergrad at GWU.
All Events:
- If you have a specific part of the round you want feedback on, just let me know before or after the round.
- If you have any questions about my paradigm, please ask.
Debate:
- I'll be timing you, but please time yourselves and your opponents.
- Speed is fine, but please don't spread.
- Signpost!
- WEIGH!! (Why does your argument matter?? Why is your argument better??)
- I'm not a huge fan of trigger theory, K's, etc.
Speech:
- I competed mainly in debate events, so I don't have as much experience with speech, but I'll still do my best to provide meaningful feedback.
Hey ya'll, I was a 3-year debater at LAMDL and captained my high school team and graduated UCLA 2021 with background in political science and a concentration in IR. I debated up to varsity so I'm very familiar with all the tricks, strategies, lingo when it comes to debate. I also debated in parli at UCLA for around 2 years.
Email chain: myprofessionalemail47@yahoo.com, ejumico@gmail.com
Small things that will earn you some favorable opinions or extra speaks
-Be politically tactful on language use. Although I won't ding you if you curse or any of that sort, I do find it more entertaining and fun if you can piss off your opponent while remaining calm and kind to strategically manipulate them rather than yell and get mad. This also means that you should be very careful about using certain words that might trigger the opponent or allow them to utilize that as an offensive tool.
-Use as much tech lingo as you can. Point out when the opponent drops something or why the disad outweighs and turns the case or when there is a double bind, etc etc.
-Analogical arguments with outside references will earn you huge huge points. References through classical literature, strategic board games, video games, anime, historical examples, current events or even just bare and basic academics. It shows me how well versed and cultured you are and that's a part of showmanship.
-Scientific theories, mathematical references, experiments, philosophical thoughts, high academia examples will get you close to a 30 on your speaks and definitely make your argument stronger.
Big things that will lean the debate towards your favor and win you rounds
-I like a good framework debate. Really impact out why I should be voting for your side.
-If you're running high theory Kritik, you need to be prepared to be able to explain and convince me how the evidence supports your argument. A lot of the time when high theory Kritik is run, people fail to explain how the evidence can be interpreted in a certain way.
-Fairness and debate theory arguments are legitimate arguments and voters, please don't drop them.
-I was a solid K debater so it will be favorable for Neg to run K and T BUT I am first and foremost a strategist debater. Which means I will treat debate as a game and you SHOULD pick and choose arguments that are more favorable to you and what the Aff has debated very very weakly one or if there is a possibility that the Disad can outweigh the case better than your link story on the K, I would much prefer if you went for DA and CP than K and T.
-K Affs must be prepared to debate theory and fw more heavily than their impact.
-I LOVE offensive strategies and arguments whether you're Aff or Neg. If you can make it seem like what the opponent advocates for causes more harms than it claims to solve for or causes the exact harms it claims to solve for + more (not just more harms than your advocacy) then it won't be as hard for me to decide on a winner.
-Would love to hear arguments that are radical, revolutionary, yet still realistic. They should be unique and interesting. Be creative! High speaks + wins if you're creative. Try to make me frame the round more differently than usual and think outside the box.
-Answer theory please.
Disclosed biases, beliefs, educational background
West coast bred, progressive arguments are more palatable but some personal beliefs are more centrist or right swinging (depending on what). Well versed with foreign policy and especially issues dealing with Middle East and China, have some economics background. With that being said, I do not vote based on beliefs but arguments, I also don't vote based on what I know so you need to tell me what I need to vote on verbatim. Will vote against a racial bias impact if not clearly articulated. You should never make the assumption that I will automatically already have the background to something, please answer an argument even if you think I already should have prior knowledge on it.
Round specificities
CX:I do not flow but I pay attention.
T-team:Ok.
Flashing:I do not count it as prep unless it feels like you're taking advantage of it.
Time:Take your own time and opponents time, I do not time. If you don't know what your time is during prep or during the speech, I will be taking off points.
DEBATE: My preference for debate is that you make your case based on clear, cogent arguments. Elaborate whenever possible, explaining how your sources support your arguments (don't just say you "have a card" and thus assume your case is proved).
When making a technical argument, such as a dropped point, a failure to refute/counter a point, or when asking me to cross-apply a contention, always explain your reasoning. Do not just say "my points all flow through judge" or "their entire argument is discounted judge"; I will decide that based on the merits of your case.
SPEECH: For limited prep events, or any other event featuring student writing, I judge mainly on content. Speaking style does come into play when breaking ties or in very tough rounds.
For more performative speech events, I lean a bit more toward performance/style, but I still consider the cutting of your piece to be an essential part of the competition. Pieces with cuts that are illogical or confusing often will be ranked lower for me. I also consider the narrative shape of a performance; I look for a traditional dramatic arc with a clear situation, an emotional climax, and falling action (if not clear resolution).
LD:
I find value based arguments based on how things ought to be over policy to be most persuasive in LD debates, although policy as support can certainly be useful and demonstrative. Progressive argumentation is fine, and spreading is fine as long as it can still be understood. I expect the winning argument to be persuasive and effectively communicated, I should feel that I have been made to believe in what is being said and why you should win. If I need your case in writing to follow it, it won't be as persuasive and will be judged accordingly. I expect the debaters to set the terms, rules and ultimately the outcome of the debate based on what is said, not left unsaid. I won't connect the dots for your arguments, explain it me. I'm a huge fan of philosophical arguments setting up for clash. I'm familiar with a variety of K's and KvK's are great. I enjoy a debate that both an expert and a lay-judge can identify a winner. As far as speakers, I am looking for well paced delivery, sign posts, strong framing and weighing being presented effectively to tell me why you will win.
General prefs
1 Value Framework/Phil
2 Policy/ K's
3 Theory
4 Tricks
PF: I'd really prefer to see pf done the way it was intended. In other words pure policy and impact weighing without utilizing more progressive methods of debate. That being said, I'll judge it the way the debaters wind up debating the topics. So if you go tech rather than substance I'll still be able to judge properly. Generally I don't expect a value framework and the default is util calculus. Creative and unique arguments will be
Congress: I'm looking for congressional debaters to display appropriate round vision and understanding of the argumentation and how it is interacting on the chamber floor. A great constructive speech given in the middle of a session without clash won't be judged as well as if it were given earlier. I like to see good utilization of questions to impact the debate in chambers, as well as good clash during speeches with direct refutation of other congressional reps. Speeches at the end of a debate on a bill should be more crystallization speeches, and preferably give me weighing mechanisms for how to vote on each bill. Delivery matters, but proper understanding of the interaction of argumentation and directing that debate appropriately impacts my ballot the most heavily. Good funny AGD's are always appreciated as well as some LARP in congress is always nice to see. Proper framing of the issues is something lacking in most congress sessions and doing so will help you stand out on my ballot.
I have been judging Speech and Debate for 4 years. I have judged almost every event. For congressional debate, I let the presiding officer and Parliamentarian do everything and just judge the speeches. I weigh speech and questioning section equally when considering your rankings. You need to be able to question, defend, or attack your's or other's points effectively.
I don't particularly mind jargon, such as um-ms or aah, but I prefer a slower speech compared to speeches that are padded by nothing. I keep a running note on what is said and who said it. I try to get the most important points down on the flow. I value argument over style, but will consider style if needed.
Hi Everyone!
I'm David, I'm a former Parli debater and I'll be your judge today. If you have any questions about my paradigm just ask me before the round starts:
Things I like:
->Warrants, warrants, warrants. I will not vote on arguments that you made if I don't believe them. I am not "tabula rasa".
->Debaters having fun! Debate is supposed to be a game. Please don't ruin the fun for anyone else.
->Accessibility. Debate is (in)famously exclusive. My favorite debates are ones generally free of a lot of jargon, highly technical debate, and where teams make an active effort to be clearly understood by the other. My recommendation is try not to talk to fast, take a few POI's, and generally avoid Kritiks and frivolous theory arguments (I can evaluate these arguments I just don't like to, usually)!
Things that give me the ick:
->Arguments with no impacts. Please, please, please tell me why I should care about your arguments more than your opponents.
->Asking if "everyone is ok with an off-time road map" and then not waiting for me to say "no" and starting to present your roadmap that I didn't ask for.
->When debaters say nasty things. We often debate sensitive topics but in my experience there hasn't been a single valid time a debater has said something severely problematic and it was justified in the round, if you think something you're about to say could be in any way possibly seen as yucky, don't say it.
->When debaters are condescending. Don't call your opponents' arguments dumb and don't smirk while your opponent speaks (I'm watching you). This tends to specifically be a problem from boy only teams being rude to their female opponents, but it's a common problem in debate. Everyone is here to learn, just don't assume your better than others because when you lose to the people you thought you were better than, the only person smirking will be me >:)
Things you can read if you have time (but totally don't have to):
->I'm generally towards the left end of the political spectrum (shocker). That being said, I won't believe your "socialism/communism is utopia" argument unless you give me as good as a warranting as Marx himself.
->I love answering questions about the debate or my decision so please ask if you feel like it!
->I love to yap. I usually deliver my RFD verbally but I can write it down for you if you really want me to. I think rounds are recorded though so please don't make me write anything.
->I go to UCSD! If you think you might wanna go, feel free to ask me questions about it.
->My email is: davidgol3p@gmail.com feel free to email me with any questions you might have!
I am a current college student and debated throughout high school (three years in PF, one year in LD).
I'm looking for good clash in rounds. Cases are important, but rebuttals, offense, and weighing are where rounds are won. As the round progresses, arguments should be consolidated where possible and weighed (think timeframe, magnitude, probability, irreversibility, etc). This will set you up well for final speeches—which will likely be chaotic and shallow if you try to tackle all the issues from the round.
PLEASE don't be overly aggressive. I have experience debating and will certainly flow arguments, rebuttals, etc., but overly aggressive debaters will struggle to win my ballot. There is a distinction between assertive and aggressive (be assertive!), but if your opponent is consistently interrupting you in cross and being domineering—don't worry, I see it—it's better to be assertive and maintain your composure than to start reciprocating the same aggressive behavior.
Speed: I am okay with speed so long as it does not detract from the rhetoric and persuasiveness of your arguments. In other words, don't spread with the intention of dumping tons of arguments on your opponent—thus substituting quantity for quality. That being said, slightly faster than conversational speed should be no problem.
Off-time roadmaps: If the debate is progressive or highly technical, I appreciate off-time roadmaps for organizational purposes. Otherwise, telling me "I'm going to go down the Aff flow and then the Neg" is more than sufficient and shouldn't take more than a few seconds.
Lastly, look like you want to be here and be debating. I can't stress how much of a turn-off it is if it looks like someone is forcing you to be here.
I'm happy to follow up with further feedback, and good luck to all!
everettbostwickgordon@gmail.com
Personal Background
As of Feb. 2023, I have competed/judged speech for 5 years and judged debate for around 3.5 years. I also participated in theatre/musical theatre and MUN in high school.
Speech
I can always give time signals and will usually ask if you would like any if I forget to, please feel free to ask for them
Generally anything goes, I never really expect you to make any significant change in speech based on a judge’s preferences.
That being said for interp my ballots often end up being highly technical(Pantomime inconsistencies, vocal inflection at key moments, etc.) as I want to give you as much actionable feedback in my comments as possible, however the ranks may not seem to match as often the more non actionable reasons of the RFD supersedes in importance for my decision.
For platform/limited prep I generally want to see some physical organization that mirrors your speech organization(walks to separate points, etc.).
Debate
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I keep time and I expect you to keep time for both yourselves and your opponents, keep everyone honest
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for speeches I generally give ~2-3 seconds of grace to finish a sentence unless in a panel, do not abuse this privilege
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Spreading is fine as long as articulation is good, although scale back some for PF such that a lay judge can fully comprehend your arguments(whatever that looks like for you)
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If a format has Cross, I generally want to see you do something more than just clarifying questions, ex. Like probing for weaknesses that will be expanded on in your next speech
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Fully realizing your impacts is very important especially in the final 1-2 speeches even if some repetition is required
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Unless instructed otherwise, feel free to run almost anything at your discretion Ks, Aff-Ks, Plans, Theory, etc.
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That being said your links need to be strong for me to vote for it
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Specifically for Ks, I often want to see a R.O.B argument to give me a reason to vote for you in the round even if I do buy the K
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Specifically for Theory, the communication of what the theory argues/shows needs to be clear
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Unless you can explain one of the above to a Lay judge with ease I would advise against running the above in PF
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At the end of the debate I will often give verbal feedback (exceptions being if a tournament runs on a tight schedule with flights, I have been double booked in the speech and debate pool and need to make it to a round, the tournament is running far behind, or I am instructed not to do so), after this verbal feedback I may if I have a clear winner(unless instructed otherwise), otherwise I will not
I am a volunteer judge for Wilcox HS (Santa Clara, CA) and this is my third year of judging. I have judged multiple formats (LD, PF, Parli) at both the novice and varsity levels.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Speak slowly and clearly. Spreading won't help if I cannot understand what you are saying.
- Keep your own time.
- Off time road maps are preferred. Deliver organized speeches, based on your off time roadmap. It's easier for me to keep track that way.
- I do take notes throughout the round so make sure you emphasize your important contentions/points. Clearly state voting issues in your final speech to tell me what to base my decision on.
- Overall, remember to remain respectful during the round (to your opponents, and to the judge). It is important to be assertive in your arguments but no yelling, interrupting, etc. I will take away speaker points if I have to.
- Please try to stay away from overly technical, high-leveled debate jargon. If you are going to use a technical term, it is imperative that you explain it to me (as the judge) as well as in the debate space.
- Lastly, remember that the goal of debate is education and productive discourse. I prioritize inclusiveness over overtechnical strategies. This means that if your opponent is a relatively new varsity debater, and cannot engage with theory, K, etc, do NOT run them. If you do run those strategies, simply to gain an easy win rather that engaging and arguing the topic with your opponent, I will NOT vote for you because you are making the debate space exclusive. I would much rather see a strict case debate (value, framework, counter plan) rather than judge high level arguments (theory, K), because at the end of the day, we want to become more educated and better informed in our society.
Otherwise, good luck and have fun!
Hi everyone!
I am judging for Dougherty Valley.
Here is how I judge:
Number 1: Don't talk fast and do not spread. Be loud and clear so I can make proper notes.
Number 2: Please be polite, don't scream at your opponent.
Number 3: Please provide a definition and make sure to explain everything you say clearly.
Number 4: Make sure to give an off time road map.
Number 5: Quality over quantity
Number 6: Offense over defense
Number 7: Weigh properly, impact is critical
Number 8: Probability of your argument is also key for my ballot
Number 9: Look professional
Number 10: Have fun
Hi y'all! My name is Hana-Lei (she/her) and I'm a former high school policy debater. I debated for four years in a very traditional circuit, but I've competed in progressive circuits a couple of times throughout the years! I'm currently a second-year at Northwestern University.
Please add me to the email chain: hjimaui@gmail.com
This is my first time judging these resolutions so please don't assume I know topic-specific information. I've judged some practice rounds for LD and PF; however, to be honest, I probably have policy tendencies and lean towards viewing the round as "AFF world" vs. "NEG world." This is typically how I will weigh the round and it would help your team if you can do that comparison in your speeches/rebuttals. This does not mean you have to have policy-type arguments though!
I put some basic notes here, but feel free to ask me questions before the round!
General Notes:
- If you win the flow, you win the debate
- Line-by-Line is good
- impact calc <3
- Speed is fine, sign-posting always helps. Go as fast as you can while staying clear (especially over online platforms)
- Rebuttals should be more comparing and analysis / I will not flow new evidence in the rebuttals
LD - specific:
- I like creative value criterions. I'm not too familiar with them, but I believe if you have one, most of your args should relate back to your V/C. Ensure your V/C are upheld and provide reasons why your V/C is better than your opponent's or how your case meets both V/Cs.
- Counterplans, Kritiks, and Theory are all fine as long as you understand the argument you are running, don't just spread through some blocks/briefs. Keep in mind that I'm used to these styles of arguments, but I'm not as familiar with a lot of the K literature.
Rebuttals:
- I will not flow new evidence in the rebuttals
- Should be more analysis / impact calc / comparing evidence / etc.
- Use this time to tell me what to vote on / what was the most important arg / how to evaluate the round
Just don't speak too fast.
- This is my paradigm; I will explain how I approach judging in a FAQ format. Hopefully, it's clear. If you have any questions, email me: khumalothulani.r@gmail.com
- What is my experience level?
Here are my judging qualifications:
2022: Implicit Bias - Project Implicit, USA
2022: Cultural Competency course - National Speech and Debate Association, USA
2022: Adjudicating Speech and Debate – National Speech and Debate Association, USA
2022: Protecting Students from Abuse - US Centre for Safesport, USA
You can find my certificates here (Google Drive):
I have been judging for two years now, since 2022, and have judged about 22 tournaments (I have no idea how many flights but probably hundreds lol). I have experience in most formats: LD, PF, WSD, BP, AP, Congress, SPAR, Impromptu, Policy, and even the rare ones like Big Questions and Extemporaneous. I have some experience in oratory speeches like DUO. Yes and many rare debates (for example, one time I did a radio debate where the speakers were performing as radio announcers, giving local news, sports, etc, with 1950-type voices-- it was a pretty cool experience :)).
2 2. What are my preferences as they relate to your rate of delivery and use of jargon or technical language?
I pretty much understand complex English words. Having studied engineering in college, it's pretty much a given that I understand most of the stuff and words that may be deemed complicated. However, debate is an Art of Convincing and Converting, so don't try to use too much jargon like a lawyer (or a surgeon lol), as it might end up confusing your opponents and me.
Rate of Delivery: Any delivery pacing is welcome. Generally, I prefer a medium pace; a slow pace is okay, too, if you can explain your contentions adequately in the given time. Medium or conversational pacing gets the point across really well. When it comes to fast pace, don't speak in a monotonous way like you are reading..(approach your speech as if you are trying to convince me to follow your case), and don't rush too much: take your time; it's your moment, be free. I don't have any difficulties understanding fast-paced deliveries; however, during the speech, you must factor in the time for me to process the information you say. But remember, it is not only me; your opponents must also understand what you are saying. This means, you really don't need to have too many contentions to be convincing (Quality over quantity).
33. How do I take notes during the round?
I am a writer, and there is no stopping my pen. First, you have to know that during your contentions, I basically write down all your points, examples, and details. I keep my notes detailed so that it's easy to recall and give a balanced assessment. However, I highlight your major contentions so that I get an appreciation of your overall message. This is important in that, usually during questioning, there usually are nuanced questions coming from the other side relating to minor arguments, such as an example that was not stressed upon. Picking all that up is important so that I don’t forget or get surprised when someone asks a question on a minor point.
4. Do I value argument over style? Style over argument? Argument and style equally? Are there certain delivery styles that are more persuasive to me?
Arguments and style are both important to me. Generally, I give Arguments 70% and style 30%. When I rate every debate, there is an argumentative section and a performative section that is essentially style and delivery. For me to give you the round, you have to provide me with convincing and logical arguments supported by examples/exhibitions (argument). Then there is style: After every debate, I always emphasise how important a structured speech is. There must be a flow to your case. Start by saying something out of the box to raise my interest (Give an exciting hook, show me how smart you are); after you introduce the topic, state your major contentions, then explain them, giving evidence. Don’t give too much proof because you need time to explain to me, as if I am a layman, what it all means and the impacts of an action. Then, as you conclude, give a summary (remind me of the journey of the speech). This delivery style is tried and tested, However, if you think you have your own style that will convince me, go for it. You can trust me when I say to you that I pay a lot of attention to detail.
45. What are the specific criteria I consider when assessing a debate?
1. Clarity: outline your key contentions early on in the debate, and use these to link your argumentation for consistency and clear logical flow.
2. Rebuttal: be genuine with engaging matters from the other side. Make strategic concessions while showing me how your side solves the problems you illuminate from the other side. Avoid making claims without justifying why they are valid or essential to the debate and at what point they engage with the other teams' arguments.
3. Conclusions: When deciding on a winner, I use the key clashes that came out in the debate regarding the strength of weighing and justification. This means, as debaters, you need to prove to me why you win certain clashes and why those clashes are the most important in the debate. That is to say, mechanise each of your claims (give multiple reasons to support them) as you make them make it easier to weigh clashes at the end of the debate.
4. Coherency. Make sure your delivery is coherent. The perk of writing stuff down is you can catch a lot of mistakes, so make sure everything tallies up.
56. If you have judged before, how would I describe the arguments I found most persuasive in previous debate rounds?
Essentially, the most compelling arguments are the most well-explained, and the impacts of those arguments are well-explained and logical. Try not to brush things off, manage your time wisely, and don’t come with a lot of contentions…3 or 4 are usually enough (depending on the debate format); explain well, give proofs, and give impacts.
67. What expectations do you have for debaters’ in-round conduct?
In the round, everyone is EQUAL, and everyone is free to express themselves. It’s a safe space for everyone. Be kind to one another, and that means no bullying or targeting of any sort.
78. Feedback. I will give verbal feedback if the tournament allows, disclosing who has won and why. I will also write feedback on Tabroom for every individual. My job is to make sure that you learn from the debate experience and take something positive.
89. Time: I prefer that the speakers have time clocks with them (this won't lose you marks, lol). I prefer the round to flow naturally without my continual interruption, interjecting here and there (for example, you: “Judge Ready?”— Me: “Ready”) if there is something to be said.
Cheers!
*If you make any morally reprehensible claims in the round, I reserve the right to drop you. If you are spreading hateful rhetoric, you should be removed from the tournament.*
I've been coaching speech, debate, and interp for seven years and I'm currently the head speech and debate coach at Southlake Carroll in North Texas.
Public Forum: Speed is fine, but don't spread. If you're unclear in PF because of speed, I probably won't tell you because you shouldn't reach that point in PF. Don't be overly aggressive, rude, or shout. Lack of clarity or respect will lead to a serious drop in your speaks.
You should provide me with a clear weighing mechanism and justification for using it. If I have to do this work for you, you don't get to complain about my decisions. Remember that public forum is meant to be understood by anyone off the street so don't expect me to be impressed by sloppy attempts at policy tactics.
Second speaking teams don't have to defend their case in rebuttal, though it doesn't hurt to. Just because something was said in cross doesn't mean that I'm going to flow it, though I will be paying attention to it. Please don't waste cross. This is my biggest pet peeve. Give clear voters in the final focus and do your best to go straight down the flow. If you jump around the flow and I miss something, that's on you.
I judge on how well you are organized, how well you support your points, how well you refute your opponent's points, and your speaking skills.
Email: minnalkunnan@gmail.com
I debated for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Rutgers University under Policy Debate, APDA and BP formats. I have judged BAUDL tournaments in the past and currently judge/coach for Gabrielino High School.
1. I generally don't prefer any one style of debate over another so please feel free to debate however you like. Just make it clear what my role as the judge is in the round and what my vote means.
2. Please attempt to be "normal". Debate seems to encourage anti-social and fringe behaviors that I am increasingly intolerant of. Technical analysis and argumentation is fine, but I often find some rhetorical framing and "truth" or at least belief in one's own arguments are important.
3. Please do not assume that I am familiar with the literature you are reading. I have a general sensibility of the evidence we have chosen to use in debate but I am unlikely to be well versed in your specific authors.
4. If you are going to go for theory in the round please be very specific and clear about what abuse occurred and why it creates a bad debate. I generally do not enjoy debates where either side is attempting to win using a frivolous theory argument.
5. If there are a variety of impacts in a round please provide me some way to compare them. Provide me a metric or framework for weighing different impact claims and prove to me that yours is more important.
Hi! My name is Jenna, and I'm a sophomore at Cornell University. I did Parli for a year and Public Forum for three years back in high school. Now, I've been doing college policy for two years :) I typically run trad policy stuff, but I'm used to hearing (and sometimes running) K's and T - so you can probably get away with running most things. Contact me for email chains at:
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For LD: I'm pretty new to coaching LD, but I do have my policy experience to supplement my understanding.
Good with evaluating traditional arguments all around, and I can definitely handle spreading. However, for online tournaments, I'd suggest speaking at a slightly slower speed so I can hear you and your mic doesn't cut out. My wifi is kinda spotty, so I may ask for speech docs. I understand what a value/value criterion are, but I've never actually competed with them; I'm still in the process of learning about them. I am used to progressive framing, though.
I'm fine with evaluating some of the wackier progressive arguments, like high theory or tricky T stuff, but keep in mind that I might not know what you're talking about!! I know the more basic stuff like Foucault's biopower and Baudrillard's simulation theory, but I will not know what you're saying if you start talking about Deleuze. There is a limit to these sorts of things!!!
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For PF: I think paraphrasing cards is alright, but I will call for cards if necessary (or if you ask me to).
I'll understand spreading, but it's somewhat unadvisable because your mic might cut out. Please signpost in your speeches or else I won't be able to flow!!
No impacts, no dub >:) Trigger warnings are great! Please read them when you find them necessary. Please go hard and roast each other in cross (I won't flow it though lol).
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I'll evaluate theory in PF, I'm alright with RVI's, and you should feel free to run trix (but keep in mind that I might get lost).
Please be respectful towards your opponents. I am fine with some aggression, but I will not tolerate any discriminatory, offensive, or disrespectful behavior/remarks.
Remember to collapse, extend, and weigh! When weighing, please explain why your argument matters more than your opponent's. For example, say "We outweigh on magnitude because..." and give me a valid reasoning to your weighing.
Try to respond to all of your opponent’s arguments if you can. It is critical that you respond to a turn. If your opponents do not respond to a turn, call them out for it so that I can take note.
I will not be flowing crossfire. If you want me to take note of something said during crossfire, bring it up in one of your speeches. I will also not count anything that is said during Final Focus if it is not said in Summary (remember to collapse).
I would rather not see any Ks nor spreading.
Email Chain: leesyemi@gmail.com
hey competitors!
I am a parent judge with some experience judging a debate round.
please keep in mind the following:
1. please please do NOT spread or rush thru your evidence. If I stare at the camera and stop flowing, you are speaking too quickly.
2. explain what you're saying clearly. pretend as though I have no topic knowledge whatsoever. do this well and i'm more likely to vote for your side.
3. please refrain from complex philosophical arguments, they're a little hard to understand.
4. be respectful to your opponent. Any xenophobic/misogynist etc comments will tank speaks and will probably lose you the round too, so just no.
LASTLY HAVE FUN :) debate is an educational experience - the ballot isn't the end of the world. if I vote for u, keep it up! if I vote against you, improve from ur mistakes and keep going!!!
Hi! I'm Alex Martin, a former La Reina High School LD debater based in Denver, CO. I'm currently in my junior year of University.
I competed for 5 years and attended local and national tournaments. I also did some college debate in my freshman year of college.
I'm experienced in flowing both slow and fast rounds. Progressive debate is okay as long as both competitors are comfortable with fast speeches and are willing to share cases.
I prefer evidence/case sharing to occur in the NSDA campus file share but email is okay too as long as you ask. My email is Alex.Martin@du.edu
Please be respectful. Bigoted behavior will not be tolerated. I'm pretty fair with speaker points as long as you put in your best effort.
Feel free to ask about more specifics during the round.
Tournaments: I usually reserve my weekends for debate related gigs/activities. If you are looking for hires, definitely consider me.
I will be expecting clear articulation and logical presentation. While I do not take points off for speed, I do take points off for a lack of fluency or clarity, which speed often creates. As for rate of spread, unless your diction is crisp, keep rate to a 3 on the spread scale.
If there are any aspects of the debate I look to before all others, they would be framework and impact analysis. Not doing one or the other or both makes it much harder for me to vote for you, either because I don't know how to evaluate the impacts in the round or because I don't know how to compare them. Clear signposts within your presentation are also helpful. I will be expecting clear and precise sponsorship speeches and logical class refutation.
My background: I'm primarily a Speech Coach and have been since 2003. I coached Public Forum a long time ago and judged Public Forum and Lincoln/Douglas at the high school level since our school was heavily invested in those forms of debate.
I am "old school" and prefer debaters speak to me as if I were a lay judge. Please don't make the mistake of thinking I know nothing about debate. It's just that I really don't like to hear a lot of debate slang. If you speak too fast for me to understand you, I will stop typing or writing. I don't like abusive arguments, but if you are on the receiving end, you should mention your opponents’ argument is abusive and why it's abusive. And if anyone runs an "everybody dies" or "nuclear war and the world ends" kind of argument, it better tie VERY logically to the topic or I will drop you.
I like rounds where there’s clear framework set in place. Give me a way to weigh the impacts in a round.
Please respect your opponents and all people in the room. I will dock speaker points if debaters are rude or don't let opponents get a word in during crossfires or cross-examinations. On the other hand, I will hand higher speaker points to those who use soaring rhetoric and appropriate humor - did I mention I'm a Speech coach?
Hello! I spent three years competing for Point Loma Nazarene University in NPDA, and have about seven years of total experience debating.
TL;DR: I was a K and theory debater while competing, so I am the perfect judge for you to run your projects and experiment with unique positions, but ultimately, my most important value in debate is tech>truth. I will vote on the flow and observe our round in a vacuum.
Speed: go as fast as you can maintain your clarity. I generally dislike spreading aggressively online especially if your internet or software/hardware isn't great.
Kritik: I strongly believe in the educational benefits of K debate. I won't get into what I prefer, what arguments I tend to vote on, because the only thing I will value in a K debate is the flow. If you can outframe your opponent, win the perm, or are granted your link story, these are places I am likely to vote, but my vote is completely dependent on the flow of the round rather than my opinion about which K I buy or not.
T/Framework: My appreciation for the K does not mean that I won't vote on framework principally, I think framework equipped with critical standards is convincing offense. I also think it's a worthy time suck, and at the end of the day, everything in debate is about a balance between strategy and education.
Conditionality: I go either way really, run as many CPs as you want and can. To me, condo is just a strategy in overwhelming your opponents, and if your opponent has decent time allocation it's just not a worthwhile strategy. I will go by the flow.
CPs: not enough decent DA-CP debate for me these days. I think not enough competitors know how to write a solid disad which has impacts resolved through the counterplan, which then is the mutual exclusivity against the perm. I love PICS, I think PICS bad is pretty weak, but like I said I will judge completely off the flow.
I am former parliamentary debater and I competed in GGSA for three years.
I value presentation and speaking style, so a clear, concise, and logical case is always appreciated! Please sign post your contentions, as I will be flowing. I am not a huge fan of overly technical debates, especially in Parli, so please try to avoid kritiks unless you find it necessary. That said, if you are going to run one, make it good!
I don't have a strong preference on POIs. It is nice if you take one, but I won't look poorly on a team that doesn't (I have seen some team try to abuse them to waste other teams time, so I totally understand if you don't take them). Also, please try to refrain from asking your parter POIs. I want everyone to have a chance to speak.
Once your time is done, please finish your thought/sentence, but do not start a new argument after time, as I will ignore it. I am fine with phones being used as timers. I will be timing with my phone.
I do know the rules of debate quite well, so please don't make up imaginary rules.
I love Parli! Between 2020-2022 I was the 2nd and 3rd highest ranked APDA debater, I've also done some BP. I'm not tab rasa and I generally prioritize strongly warranted + low impact analysis over weakly warranted + high impact analysis.
Conduct in Rounds. Be a good person. Rudeness isn’t persuasive so you’ll be penalized for belittling opponents. Also, discriminatory behavior means you’ll be voted down. Disclose your pronouns if you are comfortable. If a debater doesn't disclose their pronouns, refer to them by speaker position.
Frameworks. Please crystallize and weigh arguments, and frame the round. I will intervene in weighing if neither team weighs. I rely heavily on weighing to vote.
Speed. I can follow very fast speeches. However:
(1) I prefer a slow pace.
(2) You must be clear because I won’t evaluate incoherent arguments.
(3) If opponents clearly cannot follow I will penalize you.
Points of Order. I don't protect the flow, please POO.
Theory. I prefer case debate over theory debates, purely for pedagogy. But I can evaluate theory (especially if you can demonstrate that something your opponent is doing is clearly unfair or abusive).
Kritiks. I am generally unreceptive. I strongly default to judging the round based on arguments for and against the resolution, which you will have to persuade me to abandon.
Counterplans. I'm supportive of counterplans and I'm okay with kicking them. The counterplan must be mutually exclusive with the gov plan.
Topicality. Should not unnecessarily replace substantive debate. If you're challenging their plan/arguments as non-topical, just explain what the Gov team is supposed to prove ("the interpretation") and why they do or don't prove it ("violation/no violation"). If you're challenging their definition, tell me their definition, the "real" definition, why yours is better, and why it matters.
Hi my name is Harinadh. I’m a flay judge and I’ve been judging public forum debate for three years. I’m pretty comfortable with speed but if I can’t understand you, I can’t flow your argument. Please warrant out all your responses in rebuttal and number them if possible. I don’t evaluate crossfire so if there is anything important you want me to consider, bring it up in one of your speeches. Make sure to summarize the round in your summary speech. I will be looking for weighing throughout your speeches. Don’t make new rebuttals in summary or final, just clearly explain to me why I should be voting for you. Overall, be respectful and have fun!
Hi I'm Sanath (he/him) and I’m a freshman in college. I have 4 years of experience in PF.
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All:
Read content warnings for anything that might need it and have an extra case if someone opts out.
However you decide to share evidence, make it fast. If it's e-mail, I'll drop mine when you the round starts (remind me if I forget)
Time yourselves please I'm lazy. If it's novice I'll try and time too but you should still try and time yourselves in case I forget and so you don't have to solely rely on me. For varsity, I'm not timing anything y'all are grown.
Keep each other accountable but don't be the prep police or the speech sheriff.
Speed is fine but don't full on spread (esp first round)
If you disclose cases with your opponents let me know everyone will get extra speaks.
PF:
For PF, I'm good with paraphrasing cards and whatnot but you better have a cut card version if someone calls for it.
If you send a link and tell someone to "control f" I will cry and that may or may not affect your speaker points.
SIGNPOST!!!! or I will have no clue what is going on.
If it is not extended into summary, I'm not evaluating it in ff.
Terminalized impacts please, I don't care that the GDP was raised by 1% what does that even mean. Make sure to weigh those impacts as well, tell me why I should care about yours over theirs.
I'm cool with a heated cross those are fun just don't get too carried away and make sure to be respectful of your opponents.
I don't flow cross so if something super important happened in cross bring it up in the next speech.
If you do theory make sure you explain it really well because I am not the best with it. If i have a confused face you've lost me.
LD:
Consider me a lay judge for LD, with a little bit of background (i.e. idk LD specific jargon but if its general debate jargon like weighing or something I'll get it)
Other:
I'm a lay judge
If you have any other questions feel free to ask me before the round :)
Hello everyone! I am a university student studying Criminology at Simon Fraser University.
I am currently a PF coach, but my main focus of teaching is younger students in PRO-CON debate.
Tips on receiving higher points and winning the round:
1. I personally like off-time road map for easier flow.
2. Please have your camera on AND time yourself. It is important for you to get in the habit of timing yourself and being able to adjust to the timer.
3. I am HEAVY on frontlining (reconstruction) during second rebuttal AND summary. If I don't hear a frontlining in the second rebuttal, I will be disappointed.
4. I like clear weighing mechanism and USE the weighing mechanism terms in your speech. (ex. we outweigh on ____).
5. If your case is a sole contention, make sure to emphasize the subtopics AND impact and terminal impact.
6. Make sure your contention title is related to your argument and what you are talking about.
7. I highly favour quantifiable evidence over ANYTHING ELSE. So, use numbers!
Not Do's :
Any type of racism, sexism, discrimination, rude comments and negative behaviour will give you very low speaker points. So please be polite to one another :)
Do not talk over people OR cut people off during crossfire. I care a lot about mannerism and etiquette during the rounds. It is important to get your idea addressed, but please let others talk.
Lastly, Have Fun:)
Hello Competitors!
I am a parent judge with limited experience judging a debate round.
Please keep in mind the following:
1. Please please do NOT spread or rush . I like to write down points, if iam not then you are speaking too quickly.
2. Explain what you are saying clearly. Pretend as though I have no topic knowledge whatsoever.
3. Be respectful- don't say anything racist, homophobic, sexist, ableist, etc.
4. If possible please add me to your email chain- narrapradeep@gmail.com
LASTLY GOOD LUCK & LETS ALL HAVE FUN
(He/Him)
Former college policy debater and speech competitor. Been coaching speech and debate for the last 12 years.
A fan of clean, structured, easy to follow debates. I'm big on pre-speech road maps and internal signposting. Staying on track and explaining to me where you're going indicates to me that you are in control of the round and your performance within it. Debates that get muddled aren't fun for anyone, so keep it clear where you are cross applying and clashing.
I won't time anything in round. Keep tabs on each other.
I do prefer you extend thru summary if you have time so I know what you're going for.
Definitions only help us stay on the same page so when they are helpful, they are appreciated. Totally down with an overview.
Also fine with jargon. Competed in policy so speed shouldn't be an issue. I prefer it to be a little slower as this is PF, but if I can't understand you it's almost certainly an issue with articulation, not speed.
Impact weighing should be a primary part of your final focus. If I don't know what you impact out to then what are we even doing here and why does it matter? I do my best to leave my biases at the door, but that also means I will not intervene for you. Don't sprinkle a trail of bread crumbs and lead me down a path without actually ending up somewhere. Don't imply impacts or warrants, state them directly. You shouldn't make me work to follow you, it should be easy.
Speaker points for me are a function of your ability to logically break down and explain your points in a clear and concise manner. In my opinion it's not about how pretty you speak, that's what IE's are for (a stumble here or there means nothing to me in debate). Be clear, articulate, logical, and explain where you are going and you'll get high speaks from me. Be warned though: in 12 years of judging debate I have given out less than 10 perfect 30's. To me, 30 means perfection, as in you could not have done anything better whatsoever.
Framework is cool with me. Makes it easier to weigh the round.
Truth over tech.
Any other questions feel free to ask me before the round starts.
Hi there! I've been performing since I was very young, and I am a 2007 graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City. I direct both adult and youth productions at my local theatre and have been an active judge in both this year's, as well as last year's, tournament seasons.
I have completed the NFHS Cultural Competency course, and I identify as diversity enhancing!
POI/PR/PO: Show me a strong commitment to your material, with bold but organic choices. Use your binder --this is a reading event-- but don't hide behind it!
HI/DI: Make sure your piece tells a decisive story and that your character transitions are smooth enough that I know who's talking at at all times! Also important: sure, bold choices are good, but I still want to see the nuances behind your characters and what you're saying. Rather than just doing stock characters, approach them from a place of truth. That almost always yields funnier and/or more powerful results!
EXTEMP: Research, research, research! I'm looking for a well-organized speech that answers the question clearly and provides a lot of cited sources.
OO/INFO: I love how much I learn when judging both of these categories. Remember your top priority is to teach us something, and that good lessons are organized, compelling, and easy to understand.
CONGRESS: Ask great questions of your fellow debaters and be researched enough to be able to provide convincing answers to the questions that are asked of you! Looking for strong points and organization in your speeches!
Remember that no one can offer exactly what YOU offer, and embrace that! Most of all, have fun!
***Last updated 01/22/24*
4 years of Open Parli Experience, competed in NorCal/SoCal regularly. Champed a few big tourneys and octo’d toc 19.
Structuring case in the order of Uniqueness —> Links —> Internal Links —> MPX ensures it gets flowed most accurately.
My hierarchy of evaluation is Theory>Kritik>Case; convince me in-round if it should be otherwise.
Tabula Rasa
Tech>Truth
I'll accept any argument you choose to run. I flow carefully, signpost clearly and tell me what to flow and where. I won't extend drops automatically.
I have a high threshold for try or die arguments from aff, especially if there's a lot of neg offense.
Rebuttals: I don’t consider it in RFD unless it’s said in rebuttal. Extend everything you're going for. I really need terminalized and at least somewhat quantified impacts to buy impact calc.
(In rebuttals I don’t protect the flow, I don’t like shadow extensions or sandbagging but I’ll flow them unless they get POO’D). Defense from the MO is sticky in the LOR, you only need to extend offense.
The PMR has more room to respond to arguments from the block, but needs to establish offense too. Don't go for everything, it makes it harder to weigh as a judge and you're more likely to yield an unfavorable result if you make me do the work for you.
When kicking/collapsing, do it the right way, extend defense after relieving yourself of any turns or just acknowledge you're dropping it.
If you can’t Delink, Non-unique, or Turn it, outweigh it.
I default prob>reversibility>mag>TF; but idk \_['-']_/
I default neg if there's no impact to clearly vote on an aff hasn't met its burden.
Speed: Don't go above 270 wpm, I don't want to have to clear or slow you. I'm fine with anything under that!
Theory: If you're reading theory make sure to articulate violations clearly and make Apriori arguments, I can't do that work for you. I default to competing interps and I'll pull the trigger on T if you win the flow on it. I tend to give more weight to ground and predictability, but won't make the arguments for it if you don't.
Kritik: If you’re running a critical affirmative, you didn't disclose, and they run disclosure theory, that's not a position you want to be in. For Aff and Neg, when running Ks give specific links and show exactly where/how they bite. Alt solvency needs to be strong, and I'm unfamiliar with most philosopher-based Ks so I'll need a clear thesis to buy it.
Speaks: Better strategic choices = better speaks
Remember: Debate is a game, and the better you play it, the more likely you are to get my ballot. : )
I'll give you flex if you want it
Hello speakers, my name is Dimple. My experience with speech/debate began in 2020. I have remained active in the community as a speech and debate judge since then.
I'd like to share my judging style. I make my decision based on the speaker who best: formulated logical arguments, extended their arguments, and responded to their opponent's arguments. The language used in the round should be comprehensible, if not please define the terms. I prefer clarity over speed, if I don't understand what you are saying because of how fast you are spreading, that means I am not writing it down.
I do not like speaker's talking over each other during cross-examination. Please be respectful to your opponent. The winner of the round will be the speaker who made the best arguments, not the most aggressive or loudest. Also, please time yourselves. I will be taking time and notify you when time is up, but timing yourself is a great skill as you can determine how much time you have left.
Be mindful of the time, if your time is up. I will allow you to finish your last sentence but do not continue. All in all, I am excited to meet you all. I study delivery, as critical thinking is necessary throughout the round. Remember to be clear and state uniqueness, solvency, and impact of the policy/resolution. Take a deep breathe and show me all the hard work you have put in.
My name is Satish Ponnaluri and I am a parent judge
Congress -
I value speeches that are rightly timed in the progression of the debate. This means I will equally weigh an author who explains the status quo as the same as a speaker who gave a crystal with minimal refutation rehash. I value speaking a lot as well. You need to convince me why I should believe you. That being said, I will drop senators who give rhetoric in lieu of evidence and logic chains.
PO will usually get the top 5 on my ballot if you are adequate with few mistakes. Overall round presence is extremely important, this includes effective cross-ex, round leadership, and familiarity of motions. Other than that, be kind to everyone else in the round and have fun!
Speech Events:
I give weightage to quality of arguments and the evidence provided.
Dear Debaters,
I like debaters to be polite/civil to one another. I will take speaker points off for rude and mean comments and behavior. So please keep the rounds civil.
Explain all abbreviations/jargon so that I know what you are talking about.
Please do not be too fast, unclear, and/or inconsistent.
Do not read the whole speech. Lively body posture and eye contact are a must.
Background
I am a content writer and like well though out, clear and concise arguments.
Ultimately, have fun, perform the way you practice, and nothing will stop you!
Good luck!
Shalini
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!!
Pronouns: he/him or they/them
Affiliations: La Reina (Thousand Oaks)
School strikes: Polytechnic School
Guidance for all debate activities:
Please be nice to each other. Be aware that disrespectful and discourteous behavior will result in me lowering your speaker points. I see speaker points as a way to discourage that kind of behavior.
I won't vote for you and will attempt to give you the lowest speaker points/ranking possible if you use hate speech *1 or advocate for nazism. So I guess you could say that I'm not a "tabula rasa" judge in the strict sense of the term.
Present a clear, convincing case for why you should win the debate in your rebuttal speeches. Don't expect me to do the work connecting the dots for you. Generally speaking, overviews before the line-by-line are a good place to do this work. Basically, if I have to do a lot of work to unravel who won the debate, I'm gonna be a bit displeased.
Please don't be cringe and try to steal prep time. Please keep track of each other's speech times as well as your own, as well as your own prep time.
Please don't hesitate to speak up and ask, if you have any specific questions before the debate begins! I usually like to wait until all the competitors are present before answering questions about my paradigm, so everyone has the benefit of hearing my answer at the same time, and can ask any follow-up questions.
Thank you and good luck!
Policy:
I consider myself a competent flow judge who is fine with speed as long as I can understand you. *2
When I flow, I'll typically write a summarized interpretation of your tag line, the author's name and the date of the publication, and any key warrants or words I hear you say. And when you make analytical arguments, I'll write a summarized version of it. If I think you're saying something impactful, and you're saying it slowly enough, I'll flow every word you say. Basically, I'm going to try my hardest to rely on the debaters' analyses of their own, and each others', evidence and warrants, to resolve the debate. If you force me to read the speech doc and compare evidence after the debate has ended, you did something wrong, and there's a good chance you're not going to like my decision.
If neither team presents framework arguments, I default to evaluating which team did a better job debating their side of the resolution.
I have a pretty high threshold for T arguments in the sense that I think the negative needs to present a convincing case of why they win the interp vs. counter-interp, violation, standards, and voters debates on T.
I typically evaluate most arguments in the debate using an offense-defense paradigm. I'm usually going to default to giving the aff a risk of solvency and the neg a risk of their DA if there are not any turns on the flow. It's gonna be up to you, the debaters, to do the impact calc. Basically, I want you to write my ballot for me. Let me take the easy way out!
LD:
Fine with speed. See the first paragraph above for more detail. Generally speaking, I'll evaluate the topic in the context of whichever side wins the value/value-criterion debate.
Endnotes:
*1 Not going to attempt to propose an all-encompassing definition of what constitutes hate speech. I will be relying on a "I know it when I see it" approach.
*2 If I can't understand you, I will say, "clear," once during your speech. If I can't understand you, I will not be recording any of your arguments onto my flow for the duration that you cannot be understood. If it isn't too much to ask, could you please start your first speech relatively slowly and gradually pick up speed? That allows me to get used to your voice and manner of speaking. Thank you!
You can view a prior version of my paradigm here: https://web.archive.org/web/20180503224814/https://judgephilosophies.wikispaces.com/Sander%2C+Steven
Much of that is still at least somewhat relevant and applicable.
Hi! My name is Genevieve. I'm pretty experienced in Lincoln Douglas debate, but I'm also relatively familiar with Public Forum.
Things I love: Good framework analysis, impressive cross examination (whether you're asking questions or answering them,) extending your best args and evidence, voters, and signposting. Tell me EXACTLY where you are on the flow. I want to be with you through your whole speech. If you can work the word "slay" into your speech, I will give you a very high, happy number for speaker points. Serious.
Please keep track of your own times, introduce yourself at least in the first speech, and share your prep time usage. Ks and PICs are okay, and when your opponent runs something illegal/abusive, it is your responsibility to the point that out.
Another thing... I hope you look a little like you're having fun. Be passionate. Be dramatic. That's what makes it entertaining. But please, for the love of god, do not be obnoxious or act like you (at the ripe age of 14, 15, 16, etc,) understand the pain and suffering of everybody in the world and use it as leverage. :)
Thank you so much! I'm very excited to watch your round.
Lots of love <3
Jai Sehgal
Updated for 2023-24 Szn
*Online Rounds*
Please go at ~60% of what your normal speed would be. I am not going to flow off of the doc, so if what you are saying is not coherent, I will not flow it. I have seen far too often debaters compromise articulation in their speech because they assume judges will just blindly flow from the doc. I understand that virtual rounds are a greater hassle due to the sudden drops in audio quality, connection and sound, so err on the side of slower speed to make sure all your arguments are heard.
Be sure to record your speeches locally some way (phone, tablet, etc.) so that if you cut out, you can still send them.
LD
Prefs Shortcut
LARP/Generic Circuit - 1
Theory - 2
Phil/High Theory Ks - 3/4
Tricks - Strike
General:
I default to evaluating the round through a competing worlds paradigm.
Impact calculus is the easiest way to clarify my ballot, so please do this to make things easier for you and I both.
Assume I don't know much about the topic, so please explain stuff before throwing around jargon.
Give me a sufficient explanation of dropped arguments; simply claims are not enough. I will still gut check arguments, because if something blatantly false is conceded, I will still not consider it true.
I love good analytic arguments. Of course evidence is cool, but I love it when smart arguments are made.
I like it when a side can collapse effectively, read overviews, and weigh copiously.
There's no yes/no to an argument - there's always a risk of it, ex. risk of a theory violation, or a DA.
Evidence ethics are a serious issue, and should only be brought up if you are sure there is a violation. This stops the round, and whoever's wrong loses the round with the lowest speaks possible.
Disclosure is a good thing. I like first 3 last 3, contact info, and a summary of analytics the best. I think that as long as you can provide whatever is needed, you're good. Regardless, I'll still listen to any variation of disclosure shells.
Please write your ballot for me in the 2NR/2AR. Crystallization wins debates!
I debated mostly policy style, so I'm most comfortable judging those debates. I dabbled into philosophy and high theory as well, but have only a basic understanding of most common frameworks.
LARP:
My favorite kind of round to judge is a util debate. Unique scenarios/advantages are great.
I love impact calculus. The more specific your scenario is, the more likely I am to be persuaded by it, and a solid analysis of the impact debate will do good things for you.
A lack of offense means that there's always a moderate risk of the DA or the advantage. Winning zero risk is probably a tougher argument to win - that being said, if there's a colossal amount of defense on the flow, I'm willing to grant zero risk. However, simply relying on the risk of the DA will not be too compelling for me, and I'll have a lower threshold for arguments against it.
Theory:
If you're going to read theory, prove some actual abuse. My threshold for responses to frivolous theory has certainly gone down as I've judged more debates, so be wary before reading something like "cannot read extinction first."
I default competing interps, DTD, and no RVI's, but have realized there is some degree of judge intervention in every theory debate. Therefore, the onus is on you to win your standards clearly and do weighing between different standards.
Please go at like 50% speed or flash me analytics when you go for this because I’ve realized theory debates are sometimes hard to flow.
Kritiks:
I'm fine with generic K debates, but I'm probably not the best judge for high theory pomo debates.
The K must interact specifically with the aff because generic links a) make the debate boring, and b) are easy to beat. The more specific your link is to the aff, the more likely I will like listening to it.
I'd rather see a detailed analysis on the line-by-line debate rather than a super long overview. In the instance where you read an egregiously long overview and make 3 blippy arguments on the line-by-line, I'll have a very low threshold for 1AR extensions for the concessions.
I'll vote on K tricks and dropped framing arguments, but only if these are sufficiently explained. An alt solves the aff, floating PIK, conceded root cause, etc. are all much more persuasive if there's a clear explanation.
PF
I don't have many reservations in terms of what I want/don't want to see while judging PF, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- If it's not in FF, I will not vote on it.
- Weighing should ideally begin as early as possible, and it will only help you if you do so.
- If you would like to read theory, don't hesitate, go ahead.
- Second rebuttal needs to respond to everything + frontline.
Hello, I am a Sophomore at Carleton College. I competed in PF on both the local (4 years) and national circuit (2 years).
Things to know about me:
I am a flow judge.
Make my life easy and do extensions starting in summary.
Make my life even easier and weigh.
If you run an argument that is "progressive" i.e. off case you must go for it and it must be the main thing in the round for your teams. This includes but not limited to Ks, theories, and anything resembling either version. To be clear, I am okay with these types of arguments.
Cross ex can do a lot for you if you use it correctly. That being said, anything you say in cross that you care about bring up in the next speech.
I will call for cards if they are bad or sound to good to be true. I.e. have good evidence ethics.
The more absurd the argument the more absurd the response to it can be.
I start my speaker points at 28 and move up and down from there.
Watch my reactions I have no poker face.
Email: gabewseidman@gmail.com
Hi I'm Sam (she/her) and I’m a sophomore in college. I have 3 years of experience in PF, 1 in Parli, and now I coach PF (mainly middle school and novice).
Add me to the email chain: samsemcheshen@gmail.com
------------------------------------------
All:
Read content warnings for anything that might need it and have an extra case if someone opts out.
Speed is fine but don't full on spread, especially if we are online.
Be respectful, I'm fine with rounds being casual but everyone in the round should be respected. Be nice, be polite. If I look annoyed, that's probably just because I'm tired, but if I make it very obvious that I have stopped flowing and I am just staring at you, you're probably doing something wrong. Fix it, I'll be happy. Don't, well it will reflect in your speaks and possibly in my decision.
Time yourselves please I'm lazy. If it's novice I'll time, but you should still try and time yourselves in case I forget and so you don't have to solely rely on me.
Keep each other accountable but don't be the prep police or the speech sheriff. For speeches, I'd say give each other like a 10 second grace period.
HOWEVER, I don't know why I keep seeing this but online people are just starting to take prep without saying anything. Please don't do this or else I am going to have to nag to make sure you're not stealing prep. If you're gonna take prep please just say so before you start.
SIGNPOST!!!! or I will have no clue what is going on.
Terminalized impacts please, I don't care that the GDP was raised by 1% what does that even mean. I should also not be hearing your impact once in constructive then never again or you just referring to it as "our impact" without restating what it is. EXTEND IMPACTS.
Weighing is cool, you should probably do it. I enjoy a good prereq, linking into your opponents' contentions is one of the best things you can do.
I'm cool with a rowdy cross those are fun just don't get too carried away and make sure everyone is able to speak.
Also, reading whole cards in cross is my pet peeve. Try not to do that.
Some evidence things!!!!:
- To save time, set up ev exchange before the round starts. (I think email chains are best but its your call)
- On that note, I don't have a set time limit for how long it should take to exchange evidence, but it shouldn't take long. I've seen teams struggle to find a "card" they just read in their speech and like ???? You either got the card or you don't.
- If you just send a link and tell someone to "control f" I am gonna cry. Send cards, its not hard.
- To help enforce better norms, if I see that when your team's evidence is called for, it is properly cut and shared in an appropriate way (AKA not pasted into zoom/NSDA campus chat or handing each other your laptops), I will give your team a speaks boost. All evidence shared must abide in order to get the boost.
PF:
PF has the worst evidence ethics so go ahead and reread the evidence points I put earlier just in case.
I'm cool with paraphrasing cards but you better have a cut card version if someone calls for it.
Frontlining is very important and should be done as soon as possible. I am more comfortable evaluating frontlines done in 2nd rebuttal than if you skip that and only frontline in 2nd summary. Frankly, if the other team comes up and says that only frontlining in summary is unfair, I'll probably agree with them and you'll be out of luck.
If it is not extended into summary, I'm not evaluating it in ff. Don't just spam your impact numbers, remind me how you get there. If you don't think you have time for that, then maybe you should have been collapsing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Basically, if you end up not extending your case properly, oh well your loss. Literally your loss.
Other:
For LD, Policy, Parli, etc. just treat me more trad.
I can evaluate theory but I am not super experienced with it. If you want to do it anyway, make sure you slow down and REALLY explain it well to me.
If I'm allowed to, I typically disclose and give feedback. If you have questions about my decision or want specific feedback, I'm happy to explain as long as you are going about it in a respectful way.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask me before the round :)
I am a parent judge so I am new to doing LD and Debate.
In rounds just make sure to tell me where you are going in your speech. Off time road maps are helpful as well as signposting.
I don't prefer speed at all, always quality over quantity..
As for different types of debates such as traditional, theory, K debate etc. Just make sure to explain what I should be looking for as I am not familiar with most types of progressive arguments. Also, I don't have any preferences for arguments but I will require more tech for arguments such as nuclear war compared to arguments such as recession.
Finally, during Cross X you as the competitor should be clear in your thought while asking questions or answering them.
Am a lay judge. Please make sure to speak clearly and give an off-time road map
- Time yourselves
- You can speak fast, just not too fast
- Weigh if you don't weigh, and do it properly
- Try not to talk over each other/argue during cross
Yes, I want to be on the email chain. jmsimsrox@gmail.com
UT '21 update (since I'm judging policy): I judge probably around a dozen policy rounds on the DFW local circuit a year (since about 2011), so I'm not a policy debate expert but I shouldn't be confused by your round. That means that I will probably understand the arguments you're making in a vacuum, but that you should probably err on the side of over-explaining how you think those arguments should interact with each other; don't just expect me to be operating off the exact same policy norms that you/the national circuit do. I am fairly willing to evaluate arguments however you tell me to. I have read a decent bit of identity, setcol, and cap lit. I am less good on pomo lit but I am not unwilling to vote on anything I can understand. Totally down for just a plan v counterplan/disad debate too.
Tl;dr I'm fine with really any argument you want to read as long as it links to and is weighed in relation to some evaluative mechanism. I am pretty convinced that T/theory should always be an issue of reasonability (I obviously think that some debates are better when there is a clear counter-interp that offense is linked back to); if you trust me to compare and weigh offense on substantive issues in the debate, I can't figure out why you wouldn't also trust me to make the same judgments on T/theory debates (unless you're just making frivolous/bad T/theory args). I enjoy any debate that you think you can execute well (yeah this applies to your K/counter-plan/non-T aff; I'll listen to it). I base speaker points on whether or not I think that you are making strategic choices that might lead to me voting for you (extending unnecessary args instead of prioritizing things that contribute to your ballot story, dropping critical arguments that either are necessary for your position or that majorly help your opponent, failing to weigh arguments in relation to each other/the standard would be some general examples of things that would cause you to lose speaker points if I am judging). Beyond those issues, I think that debate should function as a safe space for anyone involved; any effort to undermine the safety (or perceived safety) of others in the activity will upset me greatly and result in anything from a pretty severe loss of speaker points to losing the round depending on the severity of the harm done. So, be nice (or at least respectful) and do you!
Hi! I am a first time judge but a seasoned business negotiator.
Please speak clearly.
Please construct your arguments that make logical sense and can pass the test of real-life scenarios.
Use examples as much as you can.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Hello All,
Background
I am a business consultant. I judge for San Luis Obispo, and have judged in the past at a few tournaments in Lincoln Douglas and Public Forum. As a heads-up, I do take notes during debate, but not in the usual "flowing" format. I am mostly knowledgeable on the topics provided for these events.
Speaker Points
I will most likely give you 27-29 if you:
a) Speak loudly and clearly. Please no "spreading". I will not be able to understand what you are saying so speaking slower will allow me to process your arguments as you go.
b) Are polite and fair to your opponent. If you are outright rude/unfair (ie. yelling, mocking, laughing, cutting opponents off) you will not get good speaks. Please remember that team work is key and I find that the best debaters can work together efficiently.
c) Explain arguments thoroughly. Remember I do have some background in topics but not in debate so terms such as "uniqueness" should be more well elaborated upon. Another important aspect is organization so try to state clearly what you will be talking about. (ie. Next, lets talk about the first contention.)
Decisions
I will try to be as fair as possible and explain my decision in the best way I can using the above criterion as well as the debate itself. I will vote for the team that explains their warrants and why their impacts matter to me. I do not care as much about evidence but more about which team is able to persuade me more effectively. Additionally, presentation will probably also influence my decision. Be confident, if you make it seem like you are losing then I will think that.
Other
Clothing/Appearance; this will not influence my decision, however, please do respect the tournament dress code. Use of evidence; this will be weighted heavily in the debate, I want to know that your arguments have evidence to back up your claims. If you think that I should look at your/your opponent's evidence, please let me know. Real world impacts; this will also be weighted heavily. If your impacts do not show me why a normal person like me should care, then I will probably be less likely to vote on it. Cross-examination; this does not matter as much to me, although I will be listening.Try not to be disrespectful during this time and remember to look at me, your judge when answering or asking questions. Debate skill over truthful arguments; I value both skill and arguments highly. I do believe that truthful arguments should be prioritized, however, if you lack the presentation skill or argumentation skills to sell your argument, then truthful arguments may not matter as much if your opponent is able to convince me better of their argument.
Remember to have fun, good luck!
I am excited to serve as a judge. I have a strong background in critical thinking and logical analysis and very little experience as a debate judge. So I will follow nuanced arguments while also needing you to define all terms and clarify any debate terminology.
If any rules of engagement aren't followed, please call it out if it matters to you; it wouldn't be wise to assume I would catch it. This is true in general and specifically with respect to POOs.
I highly value clear enunciation, confidence, and professionalism in all interactions during the debate.
TLDR: Be nice and weigh
Hi! I’m Rebecca (she/her/hers).
I have two years of experience in policy and two years of experience in PF on both the national circuit and in my local league. I am currently studying political science at Columbia University. You can add me to the email chain: rebecca.k.tang@gmail.com
Feel free to ask me any questions you have before the round starts!
Disclaimer: This is my first time judging this resolution so please don't assume I know topic-specific information or acronyms.
Overall:
-
Be respectful and kind to everyone. I will drop you for being racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, etc.
-
If you win the flow, you win the debate.
-
Signpost! If I don’t know where you are, I can’t flow it.
-
line-by-line is good
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I love impact calc <3
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Some speed is fine but I should be able to flow your speech without a speech doc.
-
Don’t steal prep.
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Rebuttals should write my ballot. Explain why you win the round and what I should be evaluating the debate on.
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If there's no offense or weighing on either side at the end of the debate, I vote neg on presumption.
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I love theory when it's debated well. I won't evaluate a one-line throwaway interpretation but if you have a well-developed shell and impacts, I will happily vote on it.
- Please come preflowed
PF specific notes:
-
Don’t read new contentions in rebuttals. I won’t evaluate them, so you’re wasting everyone’s time.
-
weigh
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I don't flow cross
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I'm down to listen to progressive PF args (Ks, CPs, etc.), but if that's your strategy, make sure your ideas are fully developed and clearly explained.
Speaks:
1. I'll be a big fan if you make a cool strategic decision (ie. weighing out of turns etc.)
2. Make me laugh... judging is boring
3. Having a narrative throughout your case goes a long way
4. Off-time roadmaps: Just tell me where you're starting and signpost idc about every little thing you're doing. If you do an elaborate roadmap and then don't follow it I'll be sad :(
Right off the bat — I competed in speech and debate in Colorado for 4 years in high school. My main events were Congress, LD and poetry; but, I have competed in almost every event at one point or another. I was also a two-time state and national qualifier.
First thing, and I think the most important thing people look for in paradigms: I am a flow judge so do with that information as you will
General:
- Speech and debate is meant to show off your abilities as well as having fun. That being said, be kind and respectful to one another. Ethics violations will be taken seriously and nobody wants to deal with those
- If you have any questions regarding my paradigms please don't hesitate to reach out - especially if I leave something out here
Speech:
- Because there are so many different events, my paradigms will all be found in the comments and RFD for the round
Debate (PF and LD):
- Speed: Don't spread, if you do you're not only making things more difficult for your opponent(s) but for your judge as well and I don't like that
- Timing: Please keep track of your own time; however, I will also be keeping time and mine is the official time. Additionally, don't have your timer go off on your opponent(s), I find this rude and unnecessary
- Off-time roadmaps: These are fine, but keep them short and simple. If you go on forever I will be starting your time
- Signposting, weighing, and voters: These are your friends! Please use them in your speeches!
- Counter plans and kritiks: Don't even think about using these in PF or LD. These are not the events to do so, and if you really want to then go debate in policy
- PF specific notes: Do not use CX as a rebuttal speech, if you do I reserve the right to stop it. The same goes for GCX. If it turns into a hot mess, I will also be stopping it. I want to watch a debate and not an attempt at a UFC fight
- LD-specific notes: LD revolves around the framework. For this reason, there is less evidence weighing and more emphasis on the VVC. If you do not attack the VVC or link it to your impacts the odds are you will not win
Congress:
- Congress speeches are centered around execution and persuasion. I want to see ethos, pathos, and logos, as well as good public speaking skills. Do not read straight from your paper or computer screen the whole time - especially during impacts!
- The best Congress rounds are those similar to the ones at nationals in terms of how speeches progress through the debate. There should be speakers at the beginning who introduce the legislation, additional arguments and the furthering of arguments on both sides, and then crystallization speeches at the very end. Rounds in which speakers continue to give the same arguments with no clash get really boring really quickly
- Questions should be thoughtful and answers should be more than one word. At the same time, don't ramble forever just so there is less time for other questions. The more people who can ask questions is better for everyone
- I understand that Congress can get boring sometimes, especially when rounds go on for hours, but try to maintain your composure as much as possible. Try to limit silly and unnecessary motions and stay on track
- Rankings will be decided on several different factors. I expect the speaker to be engaged as well as show good decorum. Examples of this include: giving speeches and asking questions, making motions, understanding the rules, and not sitting on your phone/being distracted the whole time
I'm a high school varsity PF debater.
Treat me like I'm a lay judge - please explain things thoroughly, speak clearly, don't spread, and avoid prog args. I will vote off of what I flow, and I can only flow what I understand. Signposting is a must or I likely won't be able to flow your speech. Note that I will not flow crossfire, so if there is something you would like me to pay attention to, please address it in your speech.
Things I like: good clash, comparative weighing, collapsing in the second half of the round. Respond to all turns!
Make sure you extend your argument through all speeches in the round. I will not vote for arguments brought up in Final Focus that were not in Summary.
Regarding evidence: I take evidence ethics seriously. Add me to the email chain and I'll check the ev myself if you call your opponents out in speech.
Please time yourself.
Lastly, please be respectful! No hate or discrimination of any kind will be tolerated. Have fun and enjoy the round!
GENERAL
1. Clarity > Loudness > Speed.
2. Framing > Impact > Solvency. Framing is a prior question. Don’t let me interpret the debate, interpret the debate for me.
3. Truth IS Tech. Warranting, comparative analysis, and clash structure the debate.
4. Offense vs Defense: Defense supports offense, though it's possible to win on pure defense.
5. Try or Die vs Neg on Presumption: I vote on case turns & solvency takeouts. AFF needs sufficient offense and defense for me to vote on Try or Die.
6. Theory: Inround abuse > potential abuse.
7. Debate is a simulation inside a bigger simulation.
NEGATIVE
TOPICALITY: As far as I am concerned, there is no resolution until the negative teams reads Topicality. The negative must win that their interpretation resolves their voters, while also proving abuse. The affirmative either has to win a no link we meet, a counterinterp followed up with a we meet, or just straight offense against the negative interpretation. I am more likely to vote on inround abuse over potential abuse. If you go for inround abuse, list out the lost potential for neg ground and why that resolves the voters. If you go for potential abuse, explain what precedents they set.
FRAMEWORK: When the negative runs framework, specify how you orient Fairness & Education. If your FW is about education, then explain why the affirmative is unable to access their own pedagogy, and why your framework resolves their pedagogy better and/or presents a better alternative pedagogy. If your FW is about fairness, explain why the affirmative method is unable to solve their own impacts absent a fair debate, and why your framework precedes Aff impacts and/or is an external impact.
DISADVANTAGES: Start with impact calculation by either outweighing and/or turning the case. Uniqueness sets up the timeframe, links set up probability, and the impact sets up the magnitude.
COUNTERPLANS: Specify how the CP solves the case, a DA, an independent net benefit, or just plain theory. Any net benefit to the CP can constitute as offense against the Permutation.
CASE: Case debate works best when there is comparative analysis of the evidence and a thorough dissection of the aff evidence. Sign post whether you are making terminal defense arguments or case turns.
KRITIKS: Framing is key since a Kritik is basically a Linear Disad with an Alt. When creating links, specify whether they are links to the Aff form and/or content. Links to the form should argue why inround discourse matters more than fiat education, and how the alternative provides a competing pedagogy. Links to the content should argue how the alternative provides the necessary material solutions to resolving the neg and aff impacts. If you’re a nihilist and Neg on Presumption is your game, then like, sure.
AFFIRMATIVES
TRADITIONAL AFFIRMATIVES
PLANS WITH EXTINCTION IMPACTS: If you successfully win your internal link story for your impact, then prioritize solvency so that you can weigh your impacts against any external impacts. Against other extinction level impacts, make sure to either win your probability and timeframe, or win sufficient amount of defense against the negs extinction level offense. Against structural violence impacts, explain why proximate cause is preferable over root cause, why extinction comes before value to life, and defend the epistemological, pedagogical, and ethical foundations of your affirmative. i might be an "extinction good" hack.
PLANS WITH STRUCTURAL IMPACTS: If you are facing extinction level disadvantages, then it is key that you win your value to life framing, probability/timeframe, and no link & impact defense to help substantiate why you outweigh. If you are facing a kritik, this will likely turn into a method debate about the ethics of engaging with dominant institutions, and why your method best pedagogically and materially effectuates social change.
KRITIKAL AFFIRMATIVES
As a 2A that ran K Affs, the main focus of my research was answering T/FW, and cutting answers to Ks. I have run Intersectionality, Postmodernism, Decolonization, & Afropessimism. Having fallen down that rabbit hole, I have become generally versed in (policy debate's version of) philosophy.
K AFF WITH A PLAN TEXT: Make sure to explain why the rhetoric of the plan is necessary to solve the impacts of the aff. Either the plan is fiated, leading a consequence that is philosophically consistent with the advantage, or the plan is only rhetorical, leading to an effective use of inround discourse (such as satire). The key question is, why was saying “United States Federal Government,” necessary, because it is likely that most kritikal teams will hone their energy into getting state links.
K BEING AFFS: Everything is bad. These affs incorporate structural analysis to diagnosis how oppression manifests metaphysically, materially, ideologically, and/or discursively, "We know the problem, and we have a solution." This includes Marxism, Settler Colonialism, & Afropessimism affs. Frame how the aff impact is a root cause to the negative impacts, generate offense against the alternative, and show how the perm necessitates the aff as a prior question.
K BECOMING AFFS: Truth is bad. These affs point to complex differences that destabilize the underlying metanarratives of truth and power, "We problematize the way we think about problems." This includes Postmodern, Intersectionality, & Performance affs. Adapt to turning the negative links into offense for the aff. Short story being, if you're just here to say truth is bad, then you're relying on your opponent to make truth claims before you can start generating offense.
Debate:
- I'm not picky about arguments and love to hear what ways you go about a topic.
- I prefer off-time road maps (but I do really love road maps!)
- I judge from the flow so please sign post. (if I don't know where to flow something I can't flow it)
- Be polite and respectful especially during CX
- I am a debater but please don't spread.
IE:
- I judge on content, performance, and charm (strong speech, pronunciation, and maybe a smile)
- I'll do my best with time signals, but if I miss one please take it as a compliment :)
Congress:
- Be respectful (attack the points, not the speakers)
- Try not to waste time (don't ask pointless questions)
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My experience:
- High school and middle school Debate (Pofo, Policy, and LD)
- High school Speech (Impromptu and Extemp)
- High school Congress
- Judging (Middle School)
Things that can cost you the round/things to avoid: disrespectful behavior; condescension; non-topical arguments.
Framework: LD is a value debate. I will therefore determine whether to affirm or negate the Resolution based on how well your case upholds the value metric - value + value criterion. All else flows from here.
Case Structure: I expect a value, value criterion, and contentions. Observations are optional but if they are helpful, they are appreciated. Contentions should contain evidentiary warrants and clear impacts. I expect them to link back to your value and value criterion - I should not have to scrutinize my flow to figure out how your contentions are connected to the value metric.
Spreading: I appreciate that spreading is increasingly common in LD and I do not penalize competitors for engaging in the practice. That said, I expect everything to be well articulated and understandable. Persuasive argument stops the moment you value speed over comprehension. I expect clean and clear signposting throughout your case, particularly if you are engaging in spreading.
Flowing: I flow every case, and base my decision based on the flow. I appreciate that competitors may share their cases with each other and that this is increasingly common practice. However, my decision will be based on what happens in the round, not on the documents provided for my reading leisure.
Time: Please feel free to time yourselves. I am also happy to time y'all if you would prefer.
RFD: This will always come back to who fulfills the value metric best. I will also note that I personally put great emphasis on cross examination and rebuttal, as these extemporaneous moments often best display skill sets and thorough knowledge of case and material.
I am a parent judge. I expect you to demonstrate your knowledge and depth of the content as well as the ability to make a confident argument towards your stance.
I cannot judge what I cannot understand so clear and logical communication is key.
Also, keep track of your own and other team's speech/prep times.
Basically just be nice and enjoy your passion towards debate.
I have coached middle school speech and debate teams and have also judged high school speech and debate tournaments for at least five years. For debate, if you want me to hear you, stress your points and look at me. I know you might want to get as much information in as you can, but if speaking quickly make sure your words do not roll over each other. Speech, look at your judge and your gestures and voice and volume must bring energy to your piece.
Debate:
I do not mind assertiveness , but must remain polite towards your opponent. Cite your evidence when needed , unless you are doing a style that does not need citations, and when asking for cards, make sure you are doing so for a reason and not to buy time.
Speech:
Energy, volume, gestures must go with your speech. Do not add gestures just to do so, make them meaningful.
I’ve been Involved with Speech and Debate since 2015, although I’ve been judging almost nonstop since 2019. Available as a judge-for-hire via HiredJudge per request.
9.9/10 if you did not receive commentary on your ballot after the tournament, you (hopefully) would get my judge email on there instead.
I don’t currently operate from a laptop so my ballot speed is not ideal atm; I’m usually typing out paragraphs from a doc until the last allowable minute, but my timing is not the most perfect. You won’t always get a pageful but its my personal policy to give a minimum of 5 sentences. If you send over an email asking about your round; it might take up to 24 hours post tournament but I -will- reply back.
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Ballot Style:
Where possible I add timestamps to help students pinpoint exact moments in their speech that address the issue as noted by comment.it is a personal philosophy of mine to try never have less than 5 sentences on any ballot.
Debate Philosophy: I can comfortably judge parli, LD, PF, SPAR & Congress due to judging almost nonstop since the start of the pandemic. I don't have a lot of experience with policy debate as of this writing, I’m working on understanding spread speak as I do more tournaments. [current speed: 2 notches down from the fast verse in Rap God ]
I LOVE it when students are able to be fully themselves and have fun in a round
Debate Judging: I’m not the biggest fan of utilitarian as a value metric, but otherwise I try to approach the round as a blank slate. I like hearing both Ks & Traditional Argumentation however my rfd really depends on how you use them (or inverse thereof) in the debate.
Sportsmanship (like, dont lower your performance/ be rude on purpose, please) > Argumentative Cohesion & Organization > CX utilization & Clash > Framework Discourse > Delivery > Structural Presence, but I am a little stricter on citation~ doesn’t need to be the full date but it needs gotta be there
Congress: (also see above) but I like those who can flip arguments in their favor;You dont need to be extroverted to be PO, but POs should be attentive with overall energy in the chamber and facilitating ethical and intentional inclusion beforesilence becomes a huge issue in round, in addition to strict yet -visible- timekeeping.
RFD FLOW - I try to have at least a paragraph summary explaining my flow (sometimes it’ll be copy/pasted)
Speech Judging: I can judge any speech event across all levels!
I would sincerely appreciate if students could self time so I can focus on ballots.
(For those who have read all the way through, some free interp gems that will be erased in a month, besides the basics: storyboarding, stop animation, pixar’s “inside out,” samurai jack, sound track your pieces.)
I think that debate is the most fun and important educational activity in the world. I'm a former coach of a national circuit team which experienced a fair amount of success during my tenure. I have coached multiple teams who have appeared at the TOC in Policy Debate, including one TOC championship. I have also coached multiple teams to championships at the Middle School Nationals tournament in both PF and Policy debate.
I'm generally a "progressive" judge in the sense that I enjoy theory debates concerning what debate ought to be and how we can provide the best educational experience for competitors. I'm also happy to listen to criticisms and counterplans in those events which have not traditionally utilized those types of arguments.
I've been focusing more on my day job for the past few years and therefore haven't judged as many rounds during the last several seasons. Don't assume I know the jargon specific to this particular year or your particular case, even if it is a camp case. I'm generally good with jargon specific to debate and I can flow a fairly high degree of speed.
At the end of the day, have the debate you want to have, make it the best debate that you can show me, have fun, and I'll reward that.
P.S.: Please do your part to help keep the round running on time. I'll keep track of time just in case, but I'd rather that you not make me police speech & prep times.
I'm a traditional judge.
4yrs LD Experience 2 Years Varsity
Speak Clearly and I would prefer if you don't SPREAD (I'll tank your speaks).
Clash a lot
Make sure to say why I should prefer your value over the opponent and to really emphasize this. The framework is very important when I take into account everything to vote for. The framework tells me what I should value most. If you have identical values, just say " I agree with my opponent." At the end of the round, I'll start weighing arguments based on how well they achieve their value. Or if you were to tell me to prefer prob > magnitude then I'll give priority to prob arguments in the round and give the round to the debater who showed him impacts are more likely to happen. Of course, I want solid justifications for this - you cant tell me to prefer prob over the magnitude and not explain the reasoning. I won't do the legwork for you
Make sure to weigh your impacts and extend them throughout the round. The argument has to appear in all your speeches and I won't take into account an argument that you dropped in the 1AR but bring back in the 2AR.
I am very a traditional judge, No k's, theories, and etc.
Edit: 2021: I haven't participated in LD Debate in about 2 years — will certainly be slightly rusty.
I judge based on how skilled the participant is. I do not base my judging off of any religious or political stances as debate is meant to be a side versus the other side. At the end of the day, it only matters if one side is better than the other as this is a competition.