I am on my third year of judging. I like a clear, organized speech that follows the rules. I like to hear why the topic is important, and how well it flows.

In debate, Value Premise and Value criteria is expected. I'll vote as the winner the person making the most logical, relevant, evidence based argument and is time managed well. Personality will be a factor, so respect, and consideration will be helpful. Concluding with your explanation of why you won will help.

Second year parent judge.

Congress: First year judging Congress, patience appreciated.

My Congress comments should have speech/PO criteria ratings based on National Forensic League training guidance between 3-6, entered as you're speaking so you have some minimal feedback on how I decided on final score for individual speech and eventual ranking. 3=Mediocre, 4=Proficient, 5=Excellent, 6=Superior

Examples: Originality of Thought, Organization and Unity, Evidence and Logic, Delivery.

I also attempt to score (in comments) how you handle questioning of your speech.

If time allows, I attempt to give constructive written feedback in the comments as well. Overall rankings take into account your entire performance in the round.

Speech Events: Second year judging speech. The most polished student in a round with an easy to follow and interesting presentation (while also satisfying rules/objective of particular event) generally rises to the top of the rankings in my rounds. Please don't rush your introductions/teasers as it really helps me follow the rest of the piece.

I've also decided to assign speaker points to three main categories in your feedback this year. This is to hopefully give you some minimal feedback indicating the elements of your piece that may have room for improvement. I always attempt to give detailed comments as well, but time doesn't always allow for this. Points listed in comments do not necessarily average or add up to your final speaker point score. 27=Average, 28=Above Average, 29=Excellent, 30=Superior

From the National Forensic League:

Characterization

Is each character well-developed?Is each character relatable? Does a character’s response seem believable given the situation being portrayed?

Blocking

Can you tell what the performer is doing in the scene? Is it clear what character(s) they are playing? Is the movement motivated?

Cutting

Do you understand what is happening? Is the story line easy to follow? Does the sequence of events make sense?