Made you look!

I did high school parli (unfortunately), but I mostly did international extemp and some other IEs. I used to help coach IEs for high schoolers for many years, and am now but just a college student. I do a college debate format similar to policy and am familiar with debate terms (K, T, solvency, disad, counter plans, etc. all that good stuff).

If you leave the lights on after leaving the classroom you debated in, I solely blame you for climate change. For either format: feel free to stick around after for verbal feedback.

Debate:

Have good framework. Don't bring up a weighing mechanism unless you're going to use it in impacts and... weigh the round with it (looking at you, everyone who says "utilitarianism" but actually means net benefits).Don't waste cross-ex/POIs -- use them! Don't expect me to flow your cross-ex questions as refutations -- bring that up in your 2AC/NC.

Do line-by-line, use taglines, be very clear about what whatever you're saying relates to if you want me to flow it. (In case you got this far, say "zipp-a-dee doo-dah" in your voters speech so I know you actually read my paradigms).1

Everything you are going to complain to your team that I missed on the van ride home should have been in your voters.2

Speech:

I look for these things:

1. Does your speech make meaning? (Inform: did I walk away having learned something? HI: did your jokes and delivery dig at a wider concept? etc. etc.)
2. Do you employ speaking skills? (Using the physical space, telling me where your speech is going, using a variety of tones and emphasis with words)
3. Does your speech assert itself? (i.e. do you address the topic, is everything said relevant and important, are there novel and original ideas/perspectives/interpretations)
4. Do you have good structure? (are your ideas clear? do you have a strong framework/pathway for me to follow conceptually?)

If you slip up or forget a line, just keep going! If you need a second to stop and recollect yourself, do that. I won't mark you down for errors like that, I care much more about whether or not you know your piece rather than whether or not you can feel not nervous in front of a judge.

Have fun, but I should be having more fun than you.

1. Quote stolen from Cara Weathers
2. Quote stolen from Preston Bushnell

I competed in policy debate in high school, parliamentary debate in college, and I have been coaching since 2001. I would consider myself a tabula rasa judge, as much as that is possible. I feel comfortable with any line of argumentation, but expect clear articulation of said argumentation. I want you to provide me with compelling reasons why you should win the debate. Generic argumentation, weak links, and time sucks are not appreciated. I don't judge a ton (in my local circuit I am in tab a lot), but I did judge at NSDA Nationals in 2020 including some late Elim rounds. I keep a detailed flow so staying organized is key to winning my ballot. Pronouns: she/her/hers. If you have questions, feel free to ask before the round starts. Email for the chain: amdahl-masona@nclack.k12.or.us.

I was a policy debater for 3 years in high school and coached high school policy for 5 years through out college (in Montana). I'm excited to return to the debate world as a parent judge...things have changed a bit, but I really love it all.

l lean towards (and prefer) the stock issues. While I can go on a journey, if you use generic responses (K, Counter plans etc.) it could be more difficult for me to buy. I want to see organization, direct clash and I'll believe whatever you can substantiate with evidence or solid rationale. Debate can be intense, but please have some fun and be kind.

I need to understand what you're saying. I REALLY struggle to appreciate spreading. In my mind, it's quality over quantity. If I don't understand you (or I have to work too hard) it just won't be considered. So, if you attempt it, please, do it well. I'll flow and be aware of dropped arguments, so please pull them through.

I participated in debate in high school and college. I appreciate a well structured argument that clearly ties back to supporting evidence and clearly explained refutations that address points made by opponents. Weekend language is fine with me. Most of all, I want participants to feel comfortable when they speak so standing or sitting is fine. Questions from opponents are acceptable for points of clarification, but not as a form of attack or a tactic to distract.

I’m a first year head coach. With my team, I’m largely focused on public address events but I also enjoy debate.

My professional background is in communications which influences my judging in any event. This means I’m looking for clarity and I want you to engage me with your speech. Please do not spread. I strongly prefer conversational cadence.

Analysis is important. I appreciate a clear explanation of your position, good organization with signposting, description of impacts and clash. I expect you to keep your own time.

Be professional. Be nice. Have fun.

I am Carson Chamness this is my 4th year of college debate. I currently debate at Lewis and Clark College and have competed and judged college debate.

As a judge I will strive to be as unbiased as possible, judging based on the quality, and depth of argumentation. Explain the logic behind each point and how a claim will provide a favorable outcome.

I also reward strong rebuttal, within arguments, and arguments that view the motion/topic from multiple viewpoints.

Organization of speeches, Is also important as it allows for one's speech to make more sense and makes sure judges follow your points and flow your speeches.

Lastly speak clearly, especially in an online debate unclear speaking can cause others to not understand your point, so make sure you are speaking loudly and clearly so judges and your competitors understand what you are saying as it's hard to judge or respond to someone's speech if one couldn't understand, and follow your speech.

I am a parent judge. Please speak slowly and minimize use of debate jargon. Please be respectful of each other and explain your arguments well. Thank you and have a good round!

Hey everyone, I am a parent judge approaching three years of experience in both debate and speech.

• I am a standard tech > truth flow judge (meaning that I will write down everything you say, even if it’s illogical). That being said, it’s your responsibility to address the fact that your opponents are running something very illogical if it happens

• Signpost. Tell me what contention you will be refuting/defending at all times - this makes it so much easier for me to effectively judge

• In the case of a prepared debate, be sure to cite evidence for your claims, but also have the logic for why it is true. Debate is both evidence and logic-based, and I expect to see both

• Lastly but most importantly, please keep your arguments at a reasonable speed. If I can’t understand what you’re saying then I won’t be able to flow it

I am a parent with 2+ years of experience judging both individual and debate events.

* Spreading: I try to flow all contentions but may miss some in cases of high speed delivery. I favor well developed arguments over trying to overwhelm other side with sheer numbers.

* Theory: Please explain arguments without relying solely on jargon, but if you over-argue your points, I'll assume that you have nothing better to say.

* Voting: I favor competitors that present the most logical arguments, and clearly explain how impacts of their case outweigh those presented by opponents. To win my vote on framework arguments, they must be well developed with clear links to your case.

* Other Preferences: Questions should be concise and relevant, not long rebuttals with a half-hearted question at the end. I don't consider road maps to be off-time. The clock starts when you begin speaking, and I will cut you off if you go more than a few seconds over time.

Affiliation: Clackamas High School

Competitive experience: 2 years of NPDA (college parli), 1 year of CEDA (college policy)

Coaching/Judging experience: 6 years of NPDA coaching with 45-60 rounds judged per year, 10 years coaching high school policy

Pronouns: He/him

Post the order in the zoom chat ((especially when someone is afk) credit to Wichita BM and Gerrit Hansen for this one)

I’m into philosophy. It was my major for my decade-long undergrad, so that won’t change anytime soon.

I'm also a former law student focused on immigration, employment, and labor.

Although I have run topical affirmatives with a plan in the past, I have generally moved towards the critical as I have continued (From a Heg and Econ National Security Courts aff to Lovecraft performance and high theory).

In CEDA, I have gone for the Cap K with a Historical Materialism alt in every one of my 2NRs. This does not mean that I will automatically pick you up if you run it, but I will be familiar with most of the arguments and authors involved in that debate.

I have come to grips with the fact that I am not very good at evaluating Framework. This does NOT mean you shouldn't run it in front of me or go for it. I think Framework is a valuable debate to be had in most rounds and I encourage people to look at varying forms of this argument in debate. You should be aware, however, that I am not going to be able to fully appreciate the nuances of Framework arguments. It's really not you, it's me.

I hold a high regard for creativity in debate, both in strategy and style. In my mind, creativity is the reason debate is such a fantastic activity. I particularly like arguments that are novel, strange, or Weird.

I am also pretty expressive in round. If you notice me nodding my head or or making a face that suggests "Hey, that sounds reasonable" then that probably means I'm thinking that. If I look up in disgust or confusion, then that means I am probably experiencing one of those things.

All that being said, I am open to most any position or style so long as you can articulate why your arguments are preferable.

Also, feel free to find me outside of rounds and ask me about a round (please bring your flow or be specific about what went on in the round, I can only remember so much on demand) or about general arguments and strategies or whatever.

Clarity: I flow all speeches in the debate and I stick to that flow when making my decision. I will call clear if I can’t understand you. If you are still not understandable to me after I call clear twice, I will stop flowing what I cannot understand.

Clipping: If there is a challenge relating to clipping cards, it must be brought with video evidence. If a team has been shown to be clipping cards in my round; that team will receive a loss and the clipper will receive 0 speaker points for that round.

Email: forensicsresearchinstitute@gmail.com

I value clarity and organization in your presentation or argument. I appreciate it when you keep things simple and straightforward and logical. I also value moderate pacing and volume (i.e. speak slowly and don't yell), a confident demeanor, clear enunciation, and courtesy to your opponent(s). The content of your speech obviously matters most, but style of delivery (e.g. pacing, tone, mien) does affect my judgment.

My paradigm definitely doesn't cover everything, so please ask me specifics and any questions before round!

Add me to the email chain and send any questions about RFDs: taliajcordova@gmail.com

Background, if that's helpful: I graduated in 2020 and this is my third year judging. 3 years parli, 1(ish) year policy. I've competed in every debate form at least once plus various speech events (mostly extemp).

General-- Equity and respect are paramount. Speech and debate should be an inclusive space--please make your opponents feel welcome! Equity violations or any expressions of bigotry are unacceptable.

I try to be as tabula rasa as possible and will vote on the flow by evaluating the line by line, impact calculus, and looking to how many arguments each team wins. This being said, please warrant your arguments and impact them out/terminalize impacts. Make extensions of your case and your rebuttals! I'm open to voting on any well explained and clearly linked-out argument and will evaluate the whole flow, but like anyone I have different thresholds for different arguments/styles. Those preferences are outlined below...

Speed-- I'm rusty at flowing spreading, so if you speak at top speed I probably won't get everything on paper, but I'm comfortable with reasonable speed as long as your opponents are. I'll clear you if need be. Please slow down on taglines.

Topicality and theory-- Neither are my favorite thing to listen to because they often reduce substantive debates to small technicalities, but there are defintely times when they're useful tools. As long as you give specific violations and standards I'll evaluate the argument. You should be able to specify the ground lost in the particular round we're in, not just read generic harms that don't link. That also means I probably won't consider 'potential abuse' as a voter--it's necessary to prove in round abuse.

Counter plans--Great! Just make sure your CP is competitive.

Kritiks-- I really enjoy listening to Ks and any argument with a critical lens and am open to voting on them, as long as you make a strong link to the aff and have a *specific* alt text. Please explain your K literature! I'm pretty well versed in cap Ks/Marx and feminist theory, and I know a little biopolitics/Foucault, but beyond that don't assume I know your authors.

This is especially an issue in policy, but don't use Ks or any other non-generic argument just for the sake of skewing out your opponents--you should be able to to break it down to its essence in an accessible way so they can actually engage with it. That doesn't mean you're fully responsible for their comprehension or that you shouldn't make the argument, but please be reasonable and don't read something for the sake of confusing people.

TL;DR: Respect each other, warrant arguments, weigh impacts!

If you're racist, homophobic, et., I'll vote you down.

Debate:

I did Parli for most of my time as a competitor. I judge through a policy lens, so please give me very specific impacts in each of your "worlds". All theory is open game if its done well. If no one brings up theory or metadebate, I won't vote on it. Whatever you tell me becomes reality- so build your reality well and remember to address all parts of the opponents' reality! Please be kind and respectful to one another.

Tell me what to vote on, or else I'll just default to whatever I think is most important. If you tell me that one impact is more important than the others, and have good reasoning to support that, I'll vote on it. Comparing your side's "world" vs. your opponents "world" will make my decision much easier. How will voting one way or the other actually manifest in reality?

Impact calculus really helps me decide how I will vote. If you have a really low probability high magnitude impact (like nuclear war), tell me why that matters more than your opponents high-probability, low-magnitude impact.

Speech:

I vote based on the following criteria:

Structure- If you have a hook, intro, thesis (if necessary), a few points and a good conclusion. For interps, just having a good intro and clear points is good. '

Content- Having interesting content is my second way of ranking people. I especially like personal anecdotes.

Rhythm / Clarity / Tone- Having consistent word density, memorizing your speech well, and hitting the 'highs and lows' of your speech are all important to me.

About me: I am a father, Language Arts / History Teacher, and Speech and Debate coach. I have been a member of our community as a competitor, judge, and coach since 1990. I believe that this activity is the most important thing young people can do while in school. Trends an styles come and go, but one immovable truth guides my participation in this activity: I care for you, am proud of you, and look forward to you taking control of our country and making it better than when you found it.

About LD: I see my role in the round as a non-intervening arbiter tasked with the job of determining what world, aff or neg, we would be better off living in. I have judged V/C rounds, policy rounds, theory rounds, framework rounds. And while I have not attended a camp, or have a grasp of the current jargon in circuit debate, I find myself able to render decisions consistent with my peers even though I might not be able to vocalize my rationale the way camp debaters expect. I know who won, I just don't have the catchy phrases or lingo to explain how. You can not spread if you don't include me in the email chain. And even then, during rebuttals, I really do need clear signposting and pen time at the critical moments when you need me to hear your analysis. I am a smart guy, but as a father and teacher, I don't have the time to be hyper-versed in the literature. But if you take a small chunk of time, explain your theory, I'll get it. Ultimately, the email chain and the pen time will allow me to have a clean flow. And I (and you) want that clean flow for me to render a decision we can all be happy with.

So what are we looking at to secure my ballot. I'm a rubber meets the road kind of guy. I look for impacts. I expect engagement. I typically don't pull the trigger on T. I find most T arguments un-compelling if even my uneducated self knows about issues the Aff is bringing up. And in a world of disclosure, I am guessing most people know what's going on. This isn't to say I don't vote on T, but my bar is high. I'm open to pre-fiat arguments. I'm fine with considering RVIs. I'm fine with CX during prep if both competitors are ok with it. I don't mind audience members, but I will clear the room if I find the audience being disrespectful, or trying to cheat a glance at my ballot.

My RFDs in round are short, focus on the major voting issues, and are not open to cross examination by students or their coaches. I will write my more detailed thoughts out on the e-ballots prior to the end of the tournament.

Finally, I'm not going to be hurt by how you pref me. I'm going to do my best to do right in the round. One will agree with me. One won't. That's the nature of the game. But the sun will rise on the morn regardless of how you pref, or how I vote.

I'm a former collegiate debater who appreciates good logic, solid case statements and contentions, and humility and curiosity about the topic and the other teams' arguments.

Definition debates bore me and I want to hear your arguments and logic and be persuaded, not just award a win on who was most manipulative in interpreting the resolution.

I like humor, a lot, and appreciate your personal anecdote and I like to see partners who actively support and listen to their partner. 

What's up gamers.

I don't have a ton of experience with debate, however, I do understand the format and how to flow. I can keep up with fast talking pretty well. I can evaluate theory, however, any jargon will have to be explained (seriously I don't understand debate jargon). If you choose to run a K, please explain your words.

Please signpost your arguments. I cannot be held financially, emotionally, or legally responsible for any missed arguments that are not declared.

Be respectful to competitors, especially during cross-x. Please don't cut someone off on purpose.

If you call me "judge" during speeches, I may giggle.

Email: tess.frisque@gmail.com

I am a lay judge, so I appreciate patient participants who are willing to teach me and help me run the event correctly.

For debate events, I will be evaluating for clear speaking, signposting, and civility. I do not want spreading.

I prefer debates based on the topic and less on semantics and definitions. If you run K or T, be prepared to explain it clearly to me (and this is good advice for working with ALL lay judges).

I have been a parent judge for three years. My paradigms include clarity of arguments, minimal jargon and organization.

If a debater is hateful, aggressive, or presenting racist, sexist, transphobic, or any other harmful arguments they are dropped.

I flow debate, but I'm not a tech debater. I can follow theory, topicality, and some Kritiks, but take it easy on me.

Keep super speed to a minimum and tagline VERY clearly.

Not a fan of definition or source debates, I really like creative arguments.

I am a lay judge with one year of experience. I like a logical and well organized outline, sign posts, and if appropriate for your event, a range of tone and emotion. Debaters, please "connect the dots" for me on your justifications. I value both analysis and evidence, but at the end of the day, I trust the data. Please do not spread, and focus on clarity of your speech.

I want to see the points of argument be addressed at each stage with an emphasis on rebuttals— essentially, flow everything.

Speak clearly

This will be my second year judging debate. I value the flow, organization, and providing credible evidence/sources in support of your arguments. Talk clearly, slowly at a pace that the judges and your opponent can understand. This will help me in taking note of all your points. Make sure you stick to the time slots assigned to each round.

Good luck and happy debating!!

I am a tabula rasa judge for the most part. I expect teams to show why arguments should be voted on, instead of assuming a certain paradigm. Basically, tell me how your impacts outweigh at the end of the round. I am fine with speed and K.

Please be civil and clear in your speech. I'm not a fan of spreading or Kritiks. I appreciate clearly outlined contentions and organized arguments.

Hello! I am Deborah Kurtz from Portland, Oregon. I've been teaching English Language Arts at Mountainside High School in Beaverton for the last five years. Prior to teaching, I had a career developing training and marketing programs for large corporations, such as Intel and Petco.

I'm thrilled to be coaching and judging Speech and Debate this year. Clear, organized, and engaging communication is most important to me. When it comes to debate, I'm looking to see who can present the most organized and persuasive argument. Please focus on the issues to strengthen your positions; I'm not interested in getting into the weeds of debate theory. I'm interested in discussions that would educate and persuade everyday people. Most of all, be positive and respectful to your competitors.

All,

My name is John Lee

Looking for organization skill, and how each argument is backed up by facts not general assumptions.

Don't confuse me with irrelevant statements - make a point!

Looking forward to a great debate!

I am a communication judge. I like students to clearly communicate, give real-world examples and have clear clash. Structure and organization are very important and will help me flow the round. I don't like progressive LD. I don't enjoy a definition debate in any form of debate but I will vote on topicality. I want civility, persuasion, and a clash. I generally vote on stock issues in Policy and I am not a fan of K's.

Hi! I'm a current APDA debater :-) in high school I did mainly parli but dabbled in policy and IEs.

Things you should know about me:

I try to be as tabula rasa as possible. Like all humans, I am biased towards novelty, and hence like fun/interesting arguments. I will accept most arguments as long as they are well warranted, however, if your argument relies on bigoted logic, or is blatantly false, I will be looking for any reason to drop it. I expect well structured and warranted arguments and am alright with jargon and reasonable speed, given your opponents are also fine with it.I take equity seriously, meaning that if you are consistently disrespectful and/or impede fairness within the round, I will drop you and/or speak to your coach.

I judge on flow! Whichever team wins on the flow will win the round. This does not mean that you need to respond to every argument on the flow- good round vision is essential. Know which arguments you're winning and losing, and allot time accordingly. You do not need to respond to everything on the flow.

I will hear theory and kritiks (and think they are quite fun), although they need to be reasonable for me to vote for them. Don't try to stretch the truth past believability, that makes debate useless.

Debate is a game constrained by TIME. Use it well...

GOOD LUCK HAVE FUN!!

In general, I am a very pragmatic judge. Old school Cross-X debater, so I really love it when people use C-X to set up their arguments or catch their opponent off guard with something they didn't expect. Top half debates are fun, but definition clashes or weighing mechanisms will very rarely carry the day with me, but if its a novel argument I haven't thought of, it can definitely contribute to a win. I'm all about impacts, harms and solvency. When talking about inherency, you need to truly understand what it means and that the status quo is already doing it.

Not a huge fan of counterplans, unless the topic wording is so skewed so as to not offer the Negative much ground or pose serious morality issues. The burden of proof shift then occurs and most teams in negation that I have seen are not skilled enough to run these persuasively. I try and suspend my own biases and think I am pretty open minded. A FIERCE independent politically and a fiscal conservative given my career in economics.

In debate rounds I expect:

Organization

Sign-posting

'Clash' as needed

Professional Behavior

In debate rounds I have difficulty with:

Spread (overly rapid delivery) - Due to tintinitis (ringing in the ears) I cannot fully understand 'spread' and thus if I cannot understand what the competitor is saying, I cannot give credit for what is being said, or the ability to 'flow' my notes so that I can judge accurately.

In Individual Event rounds I expect:

To hear a 'well polished' speech.

I competed in Public Forum in High School at Rowland Hall (UT), and did BP in College at Lewis & Clark. I currently coach for Catlin Gabel (OR).

If you plan to share docs, please make an email chain titled "Round [X] Aff-[Team A] Neg-[Team B]". My email is mulfordc@catlin.edu

my main, most important judging philosophy beliefs:

-weigh arguments in the round. Make your case the easiest path for the ballot.

-collapse collapse collapse. please. you only hurt yourself by trying to go for every word said in the round.

-just because you don’t have a carded response to something your opponent said does not mean you cannot have a decent analytical response.

-please, for the love of god, warrant your responses. Tell me WHY a study concludes something, don’t just give me their results. Good warrants go with good arguments.

how I determine speaker points:

-not abusing prep time and being ready to debate quickly before round will improve your points.

-doing weighing, collapsing and warranting effectively is the best and easiest way to get high speaks

Other

-theory (for me) in pf is fine. you should only be using this if your opponent does something egregiously unfair, and not to fill up time or show me that you did ld/policy. if you do read theory, you should only be going for that and it’s your burden to prove how your opponent framed you out of the debate.

-speed-if I can’t understand you, ill say clear.

-I often vote for teams with fewer, well reasoned and weighed arguments than ones which dump arguments on me. You also risk that I will miss arguments.

Hello.
- I did 2 years of (American) Parli in high school in the Bay Area circuit, and I’m about four years into doing British Parli here at LC.
- Not a fan of speed in debate. There are pedagogical reasons for this, but more importantly, I’m not great at writing it down. If you want my ballot, you’re going to do better if you speak at a more measured pace.
- Don’t be bigoted in front of me (and ideally not when you aren’t in front of me, either). It's bad for your speaks, bad for your chances of getting the ballot, and it's just generally a bummer.
- There are a lot of judges at this tournament that you’d do very well reading Ks in front of. I am probably not one of them. I’ll vote for it if you can prove to me that debating the round without the K is causing harm in a direct way, but that’s a hard sell unless someone is actively doing something problematic. I am not familiar with most K literature, so you’ll have to walk me through it. If you try to walk me through anything by Baudrillard, I may cry.
- Theory is cool though, for voters you should probably say why they matter. I like education, I like fairness, I like clash, but you should still tell me why those things being valued in debate make the world better. I’m also open to arguments as to why I’m totally wrong about those being good things. Theory is a priori, and I will default to drop the debater (also open to just dropping certain unfair things, if you can convince me that’s better). Will default to evaluating by reasonability, because I have an outsized opinion of myself and I think I’m good at judging reasonableness.
- Impact calc: do it. Generally I’m going to default towards probability over magnitude (or structural impacts over flashpoint impacts). Something something better policy-making. I’m open to arguments as to why I shouldn’t do this, though. Reversibility and timeframe should probably be terminalized into mag or prob.

- Please weigh stuff. Please do impact calc. Terminalize your impacts and then evaluate them comparatively against your opponent’s stuff. I don’t want to do it so I’m hoping you’ll do it for me.
- PICs are fun, perms are also cool. Perms are probably not an advocacy? Idk dude I don’t have to deal with that sorta thing in BP.
- Be courteous to your opponents and to your partner. Conducting yourself with kindness and good humor, even and especially in competitive situations, makes the world a better place.
- I think that humor has a place in debate, and making me chuckle can earn you speaker points. Winning the debate obviously comes first, though.
- Because I am a dumb BP debater, I think that truth actually might have some bearing on the debate world. That means that if you make blatantly false claims that the average intelligent voter would know to be false, I’m probably not going to believe you. Debate might be a game, but it’s a game built on a very specific context, which is policy-making. Call me naive, but I like to hope that policy-making is somewhat based on truth. For any sort of spec knowledge, or anything that's debatable this doesn't really matter, I'm more referring to "Earth is flat sky is green" kinda stuff.

I am a former high school debate and IE performer from 2008-2012. My debate format of choice was PF! I also performed in Dramatic Interp primarily and in other acting events.

Currently I'm an assistant coach on the Speech and Debate team, I am familiar with all forms of debate, but I have the least experience in policy.

I value facts and data to support arguments!

Hello!

I am a newish judge, I competed in IE in high school and Congress in college and in Illinois. So sometimes I have slightly different expectations than folks who have always been in debate in Oregon. This is my second year judging in Oregon. I am also a coach.

I try to encourage competitors to try their best to try to win their arguments without attempting to tailor their arguments to an individual judge's paradigm. Particularly when you have several judges, it can be a challenge when their paradigms are not complimentary. Nonetheless, a few general things for me

1. I try to choose the person I think won the debate. Simply because you counter or respond to an argument and say "this shouldn't flow" doesn't mean I have to agree that it doesn't flow.
2. I value organization greatly.
3. I do weigh arguments, some are more central than others, and winning on one argument is sometimes enough for me to make a decision. Winning on two smaller points is not as good as winning on the biggest point. In debate terms, I am weighing impact.
4. Stick to the resolution and the event you are in. Funding shouldn't be a key argument in LD or BQ, but it should be a central point in Policy/CX or PF. Additionally.... debate rules are not universal for all of the events. For instance... Public Forum does not have the "no no new arguments in final focus or summary" rule that exists in other styles of debate.
5. No personal attacks. I strongly frown on inferred or direct insults. Yes "my opponent is not a good debater" is a personal attack.
6. I am generally open to people running Ks and Ts and other parts of the alphabet but I do not vote for them very often. My philosophy has always been that they should be last resorts when neg or aff bias is unavoidable, not an excuse not to debate a resolution you don't think is cool.
7. An extension is not a new argument. I don't think I have ever been convinced not to vote for someone because of the claim that someone added new arguments in rebuttal,
8. Saying "we don't have time to respond to that" is taking time to respond to it, especially if you repeat it a few times.
9. My flows/notes are often general and often messy. I am sorry, that is also just how I take notes and how I flow for myself.
10. Adding this one because I got a question about it... I will flow cross but I won't always flow like 'can you restate your 3rd sub-point" type stuff.

My experience is as follows:

I competed in high school for 4 years policy debate, student congress and forensics (speech).

I have judged the last 3 years in PUFO debate and speech events.

My paradigm is as follows:

Speak clearly and articulate your thoughts. If I can’t understand you then I can’t give you credit for providing evidence or making a point. I was a debater so I can flow when someone speaks quickly I just need you to enunciate.

Make sure you have evidence to back up your main arguments and be organized enough to provide the evidence to the other team if they ask for it.

Make sure to not drop an argument.

I competed in CX then Paril debate from 2005-09. I now coach LD, Parli, and PF. Open minded, progressive friendly judge.

schmittkyla@gmail.com

Hey all—I'm Kyla. A little background on me: I'm a class of 2020 high school graduate who did speech and debate all four years of high school. Over the years, my main events were first PF and later Parli, but I also have limited competing experience with CX, BQD, impromptu, radio, and US extemp. In college, I do a debate format called CARD, which is similar to CX.

I mostly strive to be tabula rasa, unless whatever you’re saying exceeds my reasonable doubt. In other words, I'll do my best not to let anything not said in the round influence my decision—however, I will also not vote on arguments that I know to be blatant misinformation (that the average American adult would know to be untrue), nor will I accept statements that are clearly bigoted. Still, it's your job as debaters to oppose these arguments when you encounter them and call them out for what they are, even if the misinformation/bigotry is not outward but more insidious, and I will make a note of it on your ballot if you don't.

Throughout the round, please signpost and be organized in your responses and extensions. I love a good, orderly line-by-line analysis, and I strongly dislike not knowing where to flow your arguments (I’m coaching/judging a debate tournament—there’s a 99% chance I’m going to be tired, so make your arguments easy to follow). In your last speech, be clear about why you've won. Voting becomes harder (and more biased) when you don't give me explicit, technical reasons why I should vote a certain way. Substantive voters, impact calc, or comparing worlds are a few good ways to do this. My personal preference is for impact calc.

A few notes especially for CX debaters but also for everyone: please don't assume that I have memorized every convention of your format. Instead, explain to me what arguments you're making and why they matter; don't just throw out a bunch of jargon and expect me to ascertain its full significance. I can handle speed, but if you’re going to go fast, clarity is non-negotiable. Please be accommodating if your opponents ask you to slow or clear.

Finally, be polite and gracious to your opponents and to me! People are taking a lot of time out of their days to make these tournaments happen. Let’s keep debate a positive and educational space.

I did Policy debate in highschool, College parli, and college LD. So I have some experience and can judge any type of debate.

I am open to any style of debate, whether more kritik focused or policy.

I will vote on theroy that as long as youre winning the flo0w and have standards and voters

Make sure you extend your arguments and have competitve and impacts with magnitude, probability, timeframe.

Use framework if possible, to frame yourself ahead in the round.

Overall I like debates that are respectful, have good clash, and are creative in their case and/or argumentation.

I am verbose. I often write a lot, because I feel like that helps competitors the most. If you have questions about my RFD, then contact me after that tournament. Not exactly sure how you would do that, because I don't think Tabroom has a message function, but I'm online and stuff. Cool.

As for judging debate, I care a lot more about the content of speeches. Interesting, well-developed, nuanced arguments that are supported on the flow is far more important than using specific debate jargon.

For Parli people, I did Parli in High School, and semifinaled in state. So, I know the format well enough.

Hello everyone,

I am a first year parent judge. Would prefer if the speaker gives a clear roadmap, do not be too fast in your delivery, so that I follow through your points and arguments.

Good luck to all the participants!

General

Please signpost everything and impact out. Argumentation needs to accessible. Please be civil to one another, I will vote you down if you're racist, homophobic, etc.

Parli

I judge parli from a policy perspective. I like formal structure (plantext, CPs, DAs, solvency press, etc) and for a value resolution, it means that I want to know what are the real-world consequences of voting in a certain way? For example, if you want me to vote that "liberty should be valued above safety" tell me what natural policies consequences will follow and the impacts of those.

If it's a policy resolution please have a plan on aff or at the least a specific approach to affirm. If you perm a CP as a test of competition I will not let you drop the CP. If you need to test completion just run theory and fully extend the argumentation on why the CP isn't competitive. If we're in Oregon doing Oregon parli I expect you to operate under Oregon parli norms. If we're in Califonia doing California parli I expect you to operate under Cali parli norms.

NPDL Parli

I'll vote on just about anything but, conditional counterplans. If you take up everyone's time to read and have your opponents start argumentation I expect you to follow through. If you run an Aff K you need to run theory on who's ground you're on and why it's theirs. I'm fine with speed, K's, theory etc. I vote on the set WM and Value of the round so if you don't set either I'll go point by point on the flow. So whoever has the most standing after clash will likely win. Finally, I like some questions please don't refuse all questions in the round.

Policy

I'll listen to and vote on everything but conditional counterplans. If you take up everyone's time to read and have your opponents start argumentation I expect you to follow through. If you run an Aff K you need to run theory on who's ground you're on and why it's theirs.

LD

I won't mark you down for spreading but I will mark you down if your judge or opponents can't understand/follow your argumentation. In general, I have a preference in favor of traditional LD over progressive LD. I don't flow cross or questions if you find something significant please bring it up in a speech and tell me where to put it on my flow. Other than that have a good time and ask me for any specific information.

PF

I know part of PF is the culture of respect, but you don't need to waste time with thank-yous before every speech. I don't flow cross or questions if you find something significant please bring it up in a speech and tell me where to put it on my flow. Other than that have a good time.

Please ask me if you have specific questions or would like clarification.

I did not participate in speech or debate in high school.

I value organized and logical argumentation. Apply your argument, logic or theory to the facts of the topic.

I value the clear expression of ideas. The intent should be to communicate to your audience, not spray out as many arguments & points as you can. I do not do spread.

I value the targeted rebuttal of your opponents idea's.

I value respectful behavior. If I believe the intent of a question is merely to interrupt or knock your opponent of their stride and not a legitimate question, I will penalize such a question.

I do not want to hear debate about debate. Debate the resolution.

Thank you for reading my paradigms! And thank you for being part of speech and debate. I have a few priorities. In debate...

1. Number your contentions, advantages, disadvantages, etc.. Make it clear to me what part of your argument we are listening to, and likewise, which part of your opponent's argument you are addressing. Good road maps and sign posting help me be a better judge.
2. Rules are important, but don't hide behind them. In some events, Neg doesn't have the burden of a counterplan. That said... I expect you at least mention what kinds of plans could exist as an alternative. Saying "Aff's plan is bad" can work...but at least describe a couple alternatives that are feasible. You need to demonstrate that there is an alternative, even if you don't flesh it out. It's totally possible your opponent's plan is terrible; what I'm asking is that you demonstrate that your opponent's plan isn't simply the least terrible option out of really, really terrible options.
3. Tone matters. Spirited, enthusiastic, even emotion-filled debate is great. But always treat your opponents and partners with enthusiastic respect. This includes non-verbals: looking at your opponent like they're crazy doesn't make me happy :)
4. I start timing when you're talking. Off-time road maps don't fly with me because everyone has a different vision of what exactly can and can't go into an off-time road map.

Last, some background about me that may help, especially for people doing Individual events or interps:

I am the West Linn Coach. That said, I am a newer coach, so particularly with LD and PF I may need greater levels of context to grasp what you're discussing. For something like POI or Poetry, don't assume I can grasp poetic abstractions immediately. Speak at a pace that gives me time to process.

I teach history. I'll be honest: an argument or speech that effectively draws on history can really catch my attention; likewise, one that messes up historical analysis can undermine a case significantly.

I also have a theater degree, and have spent a lot of time with our pal Shakespeare. I have spent a good deal of time on stage, and directing plays. Know that I appreciate a good performance, and good speaking craft.

In contrast, sports and music are weaknesses of mine. I don't know them well. While I think Taylor Swift is cool, as I write this...I can't actually give you the name of a song she has written. Though I might recognize one. Maybe. That doesn't mean you should avoid mentioning Taylor Swift or talking about music or sports -- you just have to give me context. What does that lyric you recited refer to? How does it apply? What does that sports metaphor mean? Why do these things matter to what we're discussing?

Given the background described above, when it comes to speaker points: I am in this coaching job because I want students to develop public speaking skills that will serve them throughout their lives professionally, politically, theatrically, or in whichever setting you desire. As such, speaker points for me are about quality, not quantity, of arguments and respect for the process and others. An appropriately placed pinch of dramatic flair never hurts either.

My priorities for judging any debate are

1) the use of factual evidence that shows understanding of the topic.

2) clear and organized arguments.

3) each team's ability to support their value, weighing mechanism, or other framework throughout the entire debate.

4) professionalism and appropriateness.

TL;DR: Don't be rude or discourteous; speak well and clearly

parli and extemp mainly in hs but i dabbled in almost everything

Debate:

Run what you want, as long as it isn't morally reprehensible (i.e. kill all puppies). I prefer fewer, well created arguments with solid warranting and reasoning. Walk me through the link chains and terminalize your impacts and the debate will be so much more educational that way.

the more you can genuinely enjoy giving ur speech and make me laugh the higher i will score you

I'm totally and completely fine with tech/theory arguments and default on reasonability unless told to otherwise.

Speaking:

Please don't spread its unproductive, inacessible, and unpersuasive. Make me want to vote for your arguments not just default on # of points scored here and there.

I start speaks at 28 (yw) and go up or down from there, with 1.5 being style and persuasiveness and the other .5 being creativity of arguments. You could be the reincarnation of Churchill himself and still get a 29.5 <3

Speech!!!!:

Don't have much to say to y'all, as speech is very much event based. I judge speech based on how much you are able to meet the intent of your event. I.e. in HI I want to laugh but in Ext I want to come out of it knowing something new about the world. Other than that, as long as you're enjoying the speech you're giving I believe that your best will shine through. Have tons of fun!!

I competed in Speech and Debate for all four years of high school (first in Oregon, second in the nation baybee). I remember being in high school and almost crying because college judges were too mean, busy power tripping on memories of their glory days, and I strive to... not be like that. If you want oral feedback stay after round.

In public address I am looking for speaker fluency, engaging/unique topics, and cohesion of logic. In interps I look for strong characterization, cohesive emotional arc, cleanliness of cut, topicality and strength of introduction.

General Debate:

I will flow the round. Speed is fine, but if you are so incomprehensible that I am unable to flow what you're saying and I miss your points, that's on you. I generally vote on a combination of the flow, strength of argumentative logic, impact calculus, accessibility, organization and speaker comprehension. I value framing and persuasion just as much as the flow, and it is your job to tell me which matters more. If your opponent drops a contention, call it out in voters, or I will not use it as a deciding factor. If your opponent says something ignorant (racist/sexist/heteronormative/ableist etc.) call it out by critiquing the argument. I'm an ethnic studies major with a specialty in intersectional politics, if I determine something problematic has been perpetuated I will drop accordingly. Be civil to your opponents. carashamrock@gmail.com for the email chain

Signposting clearly will do wonders for making sure I'm flowing your arguments how you want them to be flown. Everything you are going to complain to your team that I missed on the van ride home should have been in your voters.1

Parli:

I believe that parli is meant to be accessible above all else. This means that your judges and opponents should be able to understand the meaning and importance of everything you say in your arguments with no previous experience in debate. If you're going to perm or run theory you should do so in a way that makes sense to the most layest of judges.

Since it is unlikely you are experts on any given topic I'd much rather see a debate centered around values with a weighing mechanism of "net benefits", "utilitarianism" or "cost benefit analysis". PICs are abusive and I will probably drop you.

Use questions to your advantage. I generally believe each team should take at least 1 question per speech, but you don't have to take more than 1. Don't let your opponents get away with more than 3.

Also? I hate policy rounds, and I specifically hate plans. Like you do you. But I don't like them. You can advocate for something but leave the budget, timeframe, and likelihood of it getting passed out of it. I would rather you debate the merits of specific ideas than hear a plan written with all of 15 minutes of consideration. Plans limit aff ground, if neg perms... well I'll be inclined to vote with that. I won't drop you for having a plan or anything extreme, but I will be annoyed and sad. God I hate plans, spare me. (I EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA hate it when neg provides a "counterplan" when the aff didn't give a plan. I don't vote on "counter"plans.)

LD:

For the love of all that is holy please no personal attacks on your opponent. Please please please pleaseeee be civil. Please.

Use cross to your advantage. How you use and respond to questions has a lot of power to affect my perception of you as an authority on the subject and as a confident speaker. In close rounds, strength of cross can be a tiebreaker.

PF:

PICs are still abusive. Signpost clearly, use questions to your advantage. See Parli and LD Paradigms and infer accordingly. Cross is for shady questions, not statements with a question mark. *I'm not going to listen to or consider anything you're saying if you are saying it by interrupting and yelling at your opponents.*

Policy:

How about you treat me like a lay judge and keep things excruciatingly simple :)

If you use the phrase "yee haw" to end one of your speeches I will take that to mean that you read my paradigm and will be more inclined to bump your speaks. :)

1 credit: preston bushnell

I am a former debater and IEer from 1999 to 2007 and then I coached collegiate speech and debate from 2007 to 2009. I am passionate about this activity and enjoy judging when I can. I have done almost any IE or debate event you can think of. I did 4 years of collegiate Parli debate with an additional 2 years of coaching the activity. In high school I did LD, Congress, and Ted Turner (now Public Forum) debate and a variety of different individual events.

Policy/Debate Paradigm - While I have never done Policy as a competitor, I can flow and follow almost any argument you want to make. I warn you of three things about me:

1) You need to explain the argument you are making or I am willing to ignore the argument. If you explain the argument and provide me with realistic impacts I am happy to vote on pretty much any argument you want to make. If your impacts are poorly developed or are overly dramatic (global destruction, millions dead, etc) I will probably give your position very little weight. I do not know what your cards say so take the time to explain your argument. I will usually make my decision by weighing the quality and likelihood of potential impacts. I was a plan/counter-plan/dis-ad/topicality debater myself, but I have voted plenty of times for well developed critical arguments as well.

2) If you flow me out of the round that is your problem, not mine. I have a lot of flowing experience, but am by no means the fastest. I have from time to time missed arguments because speakers have gone too fast. I will do my best to keep up, but you go too fast at your own risk. I am not saying you need to go slow, just be careful.

3) I really like to see people having fun in this activity. Be creative and be nice to one another. I know it is easy to get wrapped up in argumentation and become passionate about what you are arguing. Always remember that this is a game that is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. If you cross the line between being competitive and being a jerk, you will not find me to be very happy with your performance.

Have fun and good luck!!

Andrew Wilson

If you are a novice - please do not feel pressure to fill time just because you have run out of things to say. It is much better to end your speech early and leave time on the table than to fill time just for the sake of filling time by repeating arguments you or your partner has already read.

General debate: I judge primarily on the flow. If you're talking too fast that I can't write your arguments down, or if you are not properly sign posting to where I should write that argument, I might not be able to vote on it. I do not intervene. I sometimes write "consider this argument next time" on ballots, but I won't make links or impacts for you, you need to be explicitly clear.

I don't flow questioning periods - if you're trying to make a point, you need to so directly on the flow (with internal sign posting) and use your opponent's answer as the warrant for that argument.

I often do not vote in favor of Ks and would rather see those types of arguments structured as a DA if the K is on the resolution. The only exception to this general guideline is if one team is uniquely offensive in round and you're running the K against something specifically said or done by your opponent.

Parli: I judge parli from a policy perspective. This means that for a policy resolution ("given actor" should "given action) I like formal structure (plantext, CPs, DAs, solvency press, etc) and for a value resolution, it means that I want to know what are the real world consequences of voting in a certain way? For example, if you want me to vote that "liberty should be valued above safety" tell me what natural policies consequences will follow and the impacts of those.

LD: I rarely cast my ballot based on the framework debate alone. I put more weight on the contention level. In general, I have a strong preference in favor for traditional LD over progressive LD.

PF: I like to see your analysis in your evidence. Please do not just quote an author, but explain how what this author said relates to the argument in your specific case. I often ask to read evidence myself, so please have full articles available for context, with your specific source highlighted or indicated.

I have a background in policy debate, so that means that I like structure and specific impacts. Other than that, I am pretty tabula rasa. Please tell me how you win this debate with discussions of burdens and weighing mechanisms. In Oregon Parliamentary, I am not a huge fan of Ks because I do not think you have enough time to prepare one properly, but I will vote on one if the opp links into it hard, like you can show me how they are specifically being sexist, racist, trans/homophobic, etc.