Hello! This is Ameesha and I will be the judge for the Debate!

I have never judged before, and hence I would appreciate it if you could go a little slow. Make sure your words are clear even if you go faster because I would not be able to give you points if I do not understand your claim. I do have some experience with debate and I would like to see if your argument is clear. I look for how you comeback at an opposition made to your claim. I look for confidence in your speech and your attentiveness to your opponent. Keep your argument clear and do not spread. Avoid using foul speech and sensitive topics in your argument.

Good Luck! :)

I am a recent graduate of high school. I was competitor in Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, and Congress. I have judged before and of course competed in debate, so I am very well versed in debate and debate slogan. If you are spreading make sure everyone in the room is comfortable/aware.

For LD:

Be polite; I do know though that this isn't a specifically polite debate, I also am more of an aggressive debater. If you have aggression, or passion as I like to say, that is by all means great! Just make sure to not use offensive terms in your case, and especially not against your opponent. It is pretty valuable to me that you flow your value and value criterion throughout your case and speeches. I take that into great consideration when choosing a winner. I also want to hear clash on every argument; if you drop something I will be flowing the entire round, so I will know. I love debate, so I will know timings as well. I do prefer you time yourself though, just to ensure you get your speech in time. Focus on impacts. Impacts and how they fit into your criterions are how you win.

PF:

Same applies from above, however I do think PF is a style you don't spread in a lot. Typically there are lay judges, so I would recommend not spreading (however I am fine with a small amount of it). Make sure you weigh your rounds. Weighing the round is what I judge upon when it comes to my final decision, and who had the biggest impact with their weighing mechanism.

Speaking:

Focus on your stance, and just clear concise speaking. I love everything debate, and am so so excited to judge you!

Always make sure to have fun, I love when I can see passion in debaters!

General:

I am a varsity debater and do not judge often, so please be patient with me.

Voters: I value logic and argumentation. I will weigh evidence on relevance and quality, not on quantity. I value both scientific and philosophical evidence, however, if you link out your case with more probable or evident examples, this will give you an advantage. I expect well thought out argumentation and refutation. Please spell it out for me, make your links and argumentation clear and easy to understand. If your opponent's argumentation has holes, point them out to me or I may not take that into account when making a decision. Setting burdens will be helpful to you.

Speaks: I will almost never award points under 25 unless you are demonstrating blatant prejudice, disrespect, or discrimination against the opponent, judge, or any group of individuals (any exhibition of racism, sexism, ect., will cost you the round.) Please do not spread. How well you speak will be weighed in my decision, however, it is not the most important factor. If you speak well but your argument is weak, you are not likely to win.

LD:

I do not enjoy counter plans and will not weigh the round on solvency. Lincoln Douglass is a values debate, therefore it is not weighed on how to solve a problem, rather what we as people should value and why. Impacts are helpful to your case. If you do present a counter plan, please include a value. I understand that you cannot just change your case 10 minutes before round, therefore I will do my best to set aside bias against progressive LD. That being said, you still must fulfill either a value of your own or fulfill your opponents value. Again, I will judge the round on argumentation and refutation.

Decorum:

Above all else, be respectful. Aggression is not intelligence. I do not enjoy rounds in which competitors belittle or disrespect each other, or try to insinuate that the other is of lesser character. Make it a good round and have fun!

Hey! I'm a debater from arkansas and have attended nationals in PF thrice now. A few important things about how I judge:

-Tech>>Truth

-I will judge solely on the flow and arguments made. Speaks are separate than round.

-Everyone starts at 28.5 speaks then goes up or down from there

-Include me in any email chains, bellajstl@gmail.com

-Theory/Kritiks are fine, i will vote on any style of argument that you win (pf,ld,policy)

-Spreading is fine (ld and policy only), but if you spread you must start the email chain before ur speech and include everyone.

I am a debater who cares more about argumentation than framework debate. The framework should serve the debate not vice versa. I want to be convinced that your side is the most true.

Don't spread.

Be respectful, of course, part of being a good speaker is appealing to your audience, and being disrespectful does not. I will dock speaker points.

Hey! My name is Vaisakh Karuvath. A little bit about me: I have performed in all styles of debate with my main styles having been World Schools and Congress. Don't let that allow you to underestimate my experience in Policy, LD, or PF. I've also competed successfully on local, state, and national circuits, IF it's necessary.. I can elaborate on my experience in round. As a judge, I mostly have experience in debate, however I have competed in Prose, Extemp, Oratory, and Storytelling. I will always do my best to judge the round completely fair and constructive. If you have any questions after round, please feel free to email me at vaisakhkaruvath@gmail.com

As a debate judge, this is what I look for:

- Of utmost importance to me is a respectful and engaging debate. If I see that you are in any way being a disturbance to a good quality debate, I can guarantee you that the round most likely will not go your way.

- I love clash! It is one of my favorite things about debating, it truly brings out your skills as a debater and a speaker to the maximum. Make sure to stay organized and know your material, if not, the debate sounds very monotone and will not be enjoyable for anyone.

- Let's address speed for a second. I am all for speed and I am mostly fine with it, but if you decide to spread in any other event than Policy, just stop and ask yourself what you're trying to do because it really doesn't work. LD has certain leeway for me, but that is highly tournament based.

- Direct me through your speeches. Don't expect me to infer what you're trying to say or impact. Address everything and tell me why it matters. At the end of the round, I will most definitely be looking at who has the bigger and better impact; that is what will win you the round. I do flow everything, however, don't expect me to infer and rely on my flows the entire round; it is your job to convince me why you won the round.

- As for cross, there is not much to say. I will definitely be paying attention, but I will not flow it. If something is said in cross that is important to the debate... use it in your next speech so I can weigh it along with the other arguments. Make sure to stay respectful in cross!! Being aggressive does not make you a better debater.

- If a card is called for, I expect that it already be cut and ready to be sent. Given the chance of technical difficulties, it shouldn't be taking 10 minutes to send a cut card. Come to round prepared, I don't want to see cards being cut in round.

- Just a quick thing to know, I DESPISE definitions debates. They do not serve any purpose unless there is a clear misconstruction of a definition, but I doubt that will ever happen.

- Progressive debate within Public Form and Lincoln Douglas is perfectly fine with me. But, just make sure you know what you're doing and make sure you know what you're talking about. It can be easy to get lost, but sometimes progressive PF and LD can be super fun!

- In terms of speaks: everyone will start out at a 28.5 and can go up or down from there. To get good speaks from me just be confident, present yourself well, be respectful, and be engaging.

- Finally, just a quick thing to address. Any racist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, sexist, ableist, or bigoted/demeaning comments/arguments will result in a swift loss for you. None of this is tolerated, it is not to be seen in debate. We are all friends here.

Style Specific:

Honestly, this is going to be a lot, so just look for the style you're competing and it's fine if you just read through that. And, once again, if you have questions just ask me in round!

PF - Alrighty, I really enjoy debating unique cases in PF especially if they link to the resolution well with weird and fun, but relevant take on it. So, I'm definitely going to enjoy watching a round that has good debate between two different cases that aren't generic or common. Let's discuss framework. I honestly do not care about framework, it does not matter to me... however, if you do provide a framework, DO stick to it because that is what I will use to weigh the round at the end. If you are opposing a team that has brought in a framework, you still need to ensure to show how you win based on the framework they provide if you don't have a framework as well. If both teams have a framework, it will likely get muddy, but whomever can show me which one is more relevant and beneficial will get the ballot. I will be defaulting to cost-benefit analysis if no framework is provided and try your bestnot to center the debate around the framework, it really makes it less enjoyable. Some of the biggest things you should focus on is line-by-line argumentation, especially in the rebuttal speeches. Along with this, ensure you extend everything through each speech; if something is dropped or is not mentioned in a speech, I will flow it to the team who made the last argument for/against it. However, it is still the opponent's job to mention that an argument went unanswered for the sake of showing me why it matters that they dropped it. By the end of the round you need to be able to show me which arguments matter the most and what I need to look to in order to come to a decision. I do flow, but it is your job to tell me which ones have the bigger and most beneficial impacts by extending and weighing through the last speeches.

LD - Let's talk about Lincoln-Douglas for a bit. Values and Value Criterions can be very helpful to you in a round especially if you have unique ones (that are topical and link to the resolution). If you utilize them well and prove why your value + criterion matter most AND how you fit best into the "designated" V/VC of the round, then the ballot will most likely go your way. DO ensure that you line-by-line argue/refute, extend your points and arguments throughout the round, and truly show me why your impacts weight/matter. LD is a very short round of debate, think about how you want to use and structure your speech time with your arguments.

CX - I have debated in policy before, but that was quite a while ago and rather brief. If I do end up judging policy, I will try my best and do try to bear with me. Spreading, of course yes... just make sure I'm on the email chain. There's a lot to be covered about policy, but I'll just briefly overview what I'm looking for based on my limited experience. Line-by-line is really going to be important here, ensure that the winner of the ballot is clear. If you're running a CP, make the outweighing net benefit clear and I have no problem flowing it to you. With a DA; do not far-fetch the link or internal link; go for the impacts and explain how the AFF causes a net bad problem and why it matters. I do not enjoy T's, I think most of the time it's just used to steal the AFF. However, if an AFF truly is not topical and you show it to me, I will for sure vote on it. I don't have much experience with K's or K AFF's, but ensure you provide a strong link (throughout the round) and extend the framework (keep it fair) throughout the debate, I will vote on it. Of course, I will look out for de-links and bad alts on the opposition side. Of course, you should extend everything throughout the round (I'm not going to weight dropped points), but always point out if a point was dropped and explain why that matters. Impact calc is going to be important, do not forget about that.

Congress - The biggest thing about Congress that you must remember is that it is a style of debate. I will be expecting you to go up and give speeches with strong argumentation and round relevant refutations. Too often in Congress rounds, I see representatives continuously going up and giving repeated 1st speeches without any actual debate. NO! That is not Congressional Debate, that is quite literally practicing multiple 1AC speeches. Those who are able to show me they come to round prepared and give speeches with well-written argumentation and good speaking skills will definitely be voted up by me. If you PO, ensure you know what you are doing. The round becomes very slow if the PO is unable to keep up and that is no fun, but I doubt that will be a problem! Questioning should always remain respectful and I will be paying attention to questioning also.

So, now that we've gotten all of that out of the way, Speech & Debate is a fun activity that I am sure we all enjoy so ensure to enjoy it to the full extent! Ride on the high of the win and if you lose, so what, come back better and stronger next time. You have room to grow! If you have any other questions feel free to ask me in round. I am very open and will most likely have conversations with you! Have fun and enjoy the tournament!!

Hello! I have been a debater on the circuit for 4+ years and mostly compete in public forum and impromptu though I have had experience in almost every debate style and a few forensics events. I have also attended NSDA Nationals in both policy and public forum debate. I truly enjoy the speech and debate world and I hope you have a good time competing!

As far as debate goes, please make sure to state all your points clearly, be kind to your competitor, and weigh HEAVILY on impact calculus. I believe that this is what helps a team win the round the most. Also, make sure that there is linkage for everything. A weak link is the easiest way to lose a round. I do not flow crossfire but I do listen, but make sure you resay any important points that came up during crossfire in your next speech. Line by line argumentation is also a good way to go.

As far as forensics goes, make sure that you are loud, confident, and that you speak clearly. Most of all no matter what event you do, have fun!!

Hello. This year I am a Junior at Bentonville West. As this is my first time judging, I am excited to emerge myself in this new experience. I am very opinionated about the necessity of polite but firm assertions of one's points. Stand up for what you believe in but, use facts over straight opinions. Also, feel free to speak quickly but keep it clear as well. I completely understand being nervous but, remember we're all people here. Finally, don't stray down a rabbit hole with an off-topic rant, instead, keep it short, sweet, and factual. Remember, this is a completion, but try not to take any points made in the debate too personally (we're here to have fun). I hope you have a blast and make yourself proud!

Current Debate Coach at Bentonville High School. Forensics competitor in high school 2008-2012. Debate (mostly IPDA) competitor in college 2014-2016.

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

Especially for LD, I heavily weigh rounds on value/framework- do not drop this. If your opponent has a different framework than you do, I expect to see clash on this.

Impact calculus is critical. I expect to hear this throughout the round- not just last speeches

Spreading is fine! I expect to have your case shared with me so I can follow.

Overall ability to persuade/obviously being the stronger debater will 80% of the time win you the round. If I am more convinced, I simply have to vote for you. There are endless tools to be able to do this- effective & dominate speaking ability, emotion, stronger clash, Ks, etc. It is difficult to be convinced by a team that is obviously not as strong in persuasion, but of course that can happen and I will write my explanation on ballots. Definition debates are my least favorite thing ever! Clash with the content of your cases!

I judge primarily as tech over truth. If you say something that is outright NOT true, I cannot overlook that, but I leave my bias/knowledge at the door as much as is appropriate & will judge simply on what happens in-round.

Don't be afraid to make me laugh!! Bachelorette/Survivor references are always appreciated.

Hi i'm Angela and i'm an exchange student here at West but it doesn't mean i'll not be able to analyze your arguments and your points, just that i'll probably focus also on your tone, your posture and the way you'll expose your thoughts to have a better communication. I've never judged a speech and debate tournament but i bet it's going to be a lot of fun if you guys try your best and be respectful with everyone.

I am currently a senior at BHS this is my third year in speech and debate. Although I am technically in debate I mostly compete in forensics events!

I do not like spreading, if you spread but I can still understand you I will not count you down, however if I can not understand you I will mark you down. I think spreading takes away from really being able to debate.

Make me laugh, pull me in. INTRODUCE YOURSELF WHEN YOU COME IN!! I do not want to have to guess who you are! I will know if you read this so make me proud :)

If you have an questions before or after tournament or you want to share your case with me before round -- payneem17@gmail.com

Good luck you're going to kill it!

- Emily Payne

Hi, I’m Wyatt, I have 3 years of debate experience in Congress and PF, but I’m also happy to judge LD. I also have 2 years of forensics experience. My paradigm is not super extensive, just some things to keep in mind.

ALL STYLES

• Be civil. Debate is open to anyone, an educational activity that expands your thinking and speaking skills. If you can’t put aside any prejudices you may hold for the duration of the round, then you don’t belong on the circuit, and I will be happy to tell you that.

PF

• I judge based on flow. Speaker points will not affect the outcome of the round. That said, if your speech is unorganized and sloppy, then that could make it harder for me to flow, which could lose you the round

• Logic and technical arguments will always move me more than conjecture and emotional anecdotes. They have their place but support your arguments with real evidence as well.

• The PF circuit is becoming more progressive. If. Theory and off case (Kritik) arguments are valid, but must be well justified and well linked.

• Don’t spread. Especially on the novice circuit.

LD

• Most of the same as PF above.

• Make sure you connect your values through the entire round, don’t put them at the beginning of your speech because you think it’s required, and then never bring it up again. Don’t assume that I understand your link to the value.

• LD is also becoming more progressive. Don’t be afraid to use Theory or Kritiks but still make sure that it’s airtight.

• Spreading is acceptable BUT:

• Start an email chain before your speech. You don’t get to start spreading as a way to stop your opponent from understanding you, If I can't understand your speech, or I don't have your case in front of me, I can't flow it.

• Include me on any email chain: wrice2327@gmail.com

CONGRESS

• I love congress.

• I want to see clash, bring up points that your fellow representatives have brought up. Congress is not a forensics event, so we need to be debating, not acting.

• While it isn’t a forensics event, speaking is important. You need to be organized and passionate about what you’re saying

• Do not speak for the sake of speaking. It is painfully obvious if your speech is a filler fest with no original content or clash. These speeches will not get you very far and will hurt your chances with me.

• It’s really easy to be rude or act superior in congress. Don’t.

LD-

Speed- Medium to medium-fast (If speed gets in the way of speaking style, I'm not a fan. I don't like fast for the sake of fast). I will judge progressive style arguments if that's what's presented, but it's not my favorite.

Framework- May possibly be a voting factor depending on its use in the round, but not always. Voting issues- fine to use, but I'll only vote on them if I agree debater won the argument.

Speaking style/evidence/argumentation- all important!!

Policy- Speed- Medium to medium-fast. I will listen to spreading and it doesn't bother me as long as it's clear. I can handle K and Theory.

Policy Maker/ Stock Issues

Only vote on Topicality if Aff is highly off-topic or a squirrel case.

Bentonville High School Alum, class of '02. I am new to judging as well as Debate. 

Fan of conversation in general, but I do have a hard time being too serious for too long and inevitably feel the need to make a joke. 

I love to laugh

Debate:

I am a logical thinker. If you can connect the dots in a logical manner then it will make more sense to me.

You can't just say that something happens. Explain why it happens and what that means. Why should I care?

That and I would prefer if you didn't spread.

If you start to stutter I won't count off or think less of your abilities. Take your time, get your thoughts together, and speak when ready.

Do not treat the opponent poorly. If you start acting maliciously or "bully" your opponent, I will start counting off. Keep things professional!

Keep on smiling!

Forensics:

Follow the rules, please. It's not that hard.

Do not talk during other people's performances. Yes, you can have people spectate but if they begin acting disruptive it will affect how I score you.

Keep on smiling!

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

Hey Guys! My name is Samy Vimalraj, and I am currently a debater at Bentonville High School. I have previous experience competing in BQ, Policy, Public Forum, and Congress. I have also coached and judged IPDA at the Novice level. As a judge, I will ensure that my personal biases are left out of the round, and use my skills to the best of my ability.

Feel free to email me with any questions: samyukta.vimalraj@gmail.com

The Nitty Gritty:

- First and foremost, any racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, ableist, or discriminatory/demeaning comments or arguments will result in an immediate loss. I expect all competitors in the round to be respectful, and I will not tolerate hate of any kind.

- Good argumentation and clash are super important! It really allows me to see your skills as a debater and overall makes the debate more interesting (*cough* might help with speaker points...).

- While I do understand "common sense" arguments, I expect your arguments to be backed up with proper evidence. Use solid cards to support each one of your claims.

- When it comes to cross-ex, while I will be listening, I will NOT be flowing. Any arguments made in cross-ex must be brought up within a speech in order for me to be able to weigh them within the round. Also, be respectful! I understand that it can be easy to get heated during rounds, but maintain decorum at all times because being rude or aggressive towards your opponent(s) does not make you a good debater.

- Progressive arguments are fine with me! Just remember to properly explain it and make sure you know what you are saying. They can oftentimes get confusing, but as long as you know what you are doing it can be super fun!!

- Make sure you carry your arguments throughout the debate and tell me exactly why you stand ahead in the round. Although I will be flowing, I want to hear from you on why your impacts matter, and why you should win. (Remember: If you drop an argument, I will know.)

- Most importantly, just have fun!! Debate should be an entertaining activity, so as long as you're enjoying it, so am I.

Hey Guys! My name is Sean Watkins and I'm a former Debater from Bentonville High School. Here's some things you can know about me: I've done debate for 3 years and have competed across the nation in both Congressional and Public Forum. I attended the 2023 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Congressional debate and have a growing love for the style but I dig the casual styles of debate as well.

Email: watkisean@gmail.com

Here's a brief summary of what I'm looking for in Debate rounds:

- Most importantly, stay respectful and make sure to stay engaged throughout the round. If you're disrespectful or creating disturbances within the round you'll most likely lose both speaker points and the round. Along with that, don't be sexist, racist, homophobic, or transphobic - if this happens I can promise you'll lose the round.

- Direct me through your speeches. Don't expect me to infer what you're trying to say or impact. Address everything and tell me why it matters. At the end of the round, I will most definitely be looking at who has the bigger and better impacts and that is what will win you the round. I do flow everything, however, don't expect me to rely on my flows the entire round; it is your job to convince me why you won the round.

- If something is said in cross that is important to the round, please please please point it out. Although I will most likely hear it, I do not flow cross and I expect you to bring up big points that were made in cross.

- If a card is called for, I expect that it already be cut and ready to be sent. Given the chance of technical difficulties, it shouldn't be taking 10 minutes to send a cut card. Come to round prepared, I don't want to see cards being cut in round.

Specific to Congressional:

Speeches should not just be read. Ideal is performed without reading except for statistics. Each speech should add to the conversation, not just rehashing. Perspective should be of a representative not a speech and debate participant. Try to give specific examples of people or events when possible. Stats should add credibility and value to the speech. Use the space you are provided, don't just stand in one place. Voice should be clear, audible and most importantly, confident. Questions should be direct and relevant. Approach to questions should be assertive but professional. Participation is key.

Specific to IPDA:

- Speaks: As IPDA is out of 40, it is basically impossible for me to score you below a 30. Unless you and rude and disruptive you will most likely always receive a 34+. I'll start each opponent off at 36 and go from there.

- I enjoy a serious yet still enjoyable debate. If you can make me enjoy being there and have fun the whole time I will be a much happier judge. Yes, serious and realistic debates should be the norm, however if you create a unique and enjoyable case, you will receive my extra respect and gratitude.

PLEASE - just have fun, enjoy the debate, and don't be upset if you lose. Loses are there for us to get better and leads us to victory in the future. I'll almost always give feedback and disclose in round if I can, as I like it being person to person rather than having opponents just read my RFD.