First Time Parent Judge :) Please be civil and respectful when debating.

DEBATE GENERAL: I am not a fan of spreading/spewing; if I cannot understand the speakers, I cannot judge based upon the arguments. Fast is fine as long as enunciation is clear. If it gets to the point where I cannot flow, I will judge you based upon presentation alone. During cross, I want to know that you can answer the question, not only rely upon cards. I prefer a civil debate; it makes my job more difficult if I have to discern between what you're saying and how it's presented.

CON: I expect a debate. Unless it's the first aff/neg speeches, I do not expect canned speeches. I am not a fan of voting blocks to keep people low on priority because I think it's important to see how everyone is doing, not just the select few who are better at networking. That being said, if the debate is not being furthered because there are no new arguments or clash and the same speeches are given over and over again, I welcome a motion to PQ to move the session along. I expect the Chair to know the basics, like Robert's Rules, as well as the Orders of the Day, and keep everything running smoothly.

PF/LD: I am looking for evidence but I also want to know that you understand your cases. In LD, if you are going to run a CP, make sure all of the components are there. While a criterion is not required, I do prefer that you have one. In PF, if there is a framework, I expect it to be upheld.

CX: While the biggest impact is important, it should be a realistic one.

I value clear and concise communication. Please articulate your words clearly when speaking and avoid an overly fast or auctioneer-like debating style.

Thank you!

As a surgeon, scientist and educator, I value confidence, diction, organization, data and presence for speech events. Have a little fun with it.

For debate events, I will flow. I value data and speaking ability. It is in your best interest for me to be able to understand your argument. You run risk of being marked down if you are speaking so quickly I can't understand you. I will weigh your citations. I am less likely to weight impact especially if this is taken to an absurd extreme (e.g, I have lived long enough to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that not every offense leads to nuclear war)

Third year judge...I appreciate clear speech and a reasonable pace.

Take a moment to roadmap at the start and use easily-followed logic/reasoning.

I haven't been a debater or coach in the past, however my career has been in software sales and I've managed sales teams for years...therefore I enjoy being "sold" with clear evidence, reasoning and logic.

1. Wide range of emotions
2. Eye contact
3. Speaker's triangle

I debated all four years of high school splitting my time between LD and Policy pretty evenly. I debated on the National Circuit in LD, so I have a good grasp of both traditional and progressive LD so feel free to debate in the debate style you're more comfortable with. That being said I love a good progressive LD round, but won't be upset if the round ends up being traditional. I'm good with speed but only if both you and your opponent are both good with it. Please be RESPECTFUL, be KIND, and have a fun round!

email for the chain: 16annapage@gmail.com

Hi!

I'm a student at the University of Utah, studying Mechanical Engineering. This is my first time judging, but I've helped people write and edit speeches for the last 5 years. I tend to lean towards a more social-issue focused perspective than an economic viewpoint, so make sure that your speech considers all parties involved in a respectful manner.

I'm good with any speed, but please start off slow, speak up, and clearly state any taglines. Spreading is fine, but again, start slow so I can get started with the speech. If you go too fast, I'll signal for you to slow down, and it won’t affect speaks; however, if I have to ask multiple times and there's still no change, I won't be able to flow properly and it might hurt your case.

I would like for you to be confident, no matter what happens. Don't ramble or get off-topic. If you mess up, take a second and then start up again.

Have fun!

:>

My name is Jonathan Spencer. I would like to applaud you first and foremost for dedicating the time to such a useful and enriching activity. I am a proud member of generation X and don't believe in voting straight ticket in any election. I have a graduate degree from Westminster College of Utah and I work in the financial services sector. Some of the items I will be looking for when I am evaluating your round or event:

1-Preparation. Chance favors those who have spend the time to prepare and put in the hard work to have a successful round.

2-Passion. I want to be moved to feel why your point of view is relevant and valid even if I may disagree with you.

3-Decorum. Its important people are treated with respect and show validation even when a point of view is not in alignment with your own perspective.

4-Be concise. I am not counting words & I'm not overly sensitive to the time you use (however some judges may be).

5- Politics. It is not important to me what political slant you bring into your topic. As stated earlier I want to sense your passion and energy from your presentation. My assessment of you is not swayed by your political views and this does not factor into my evaluation. However I am very interested to learn & become informed from your perspective. Please do not alter your words or content by compromising yourself on the grounds of trying to pick up points by appealing to what political lenses you believe I want to hear.

I'm looking forward to hearing what you have worked so hard to prepare and eager to be a part of your adventure in your next round.

JS

This is my first tournament. I'm a lay judge. Happy to be here, I look forward to hearing your speeches!