I am a 4 year debater with LD being my primary focus. I am comfortable with any argument you wish to run, but be prepared to defend it. When I look at the round I like to look at the round through the lenses of the value and value criterion and then look at the voters that may be present. Please signpost where you are in the flow, it makes it easier to follow you and if I can’t get it down or get it down in the wrong spot it doesn’t end well for you. I don’t flow crossx but if there is something in there you wish to bring up I will flow it.

im not super big on speed, but I can sorta deal with it. If something is dropped don’t just say oh it’s dropped, impact it and show me the significance of that drop.

My name is Julene Osborn, I am a debate parent and started judging in the 2022-2023 school year. I have been given advice and explanations from people who are experienced in the debate realm, so I understand a good amount of terminology and rules.

I prefer a round that is clear and easy to understand. Because of this, I would prefer that you do not spread or talk too quickly, as this makes it harder to understand what you are trying to say. Furthermore, I feel that a truly good debater should be able to get in the information and arguments that they need to win without having to speed through them. Another thing that helps to add clarity is always sign posting and giving road maps. These help me know exactly where you are and what you are talking about.

If there are any terms or acronyms that you feel may needed to be explained, then please explain them. A good round should be understood by everyone, both judges and debaters.

Please be kind and courteous to your opponents in round. Remember, you are trying to persuade me, not attack each other. Often times people will forget that they are trying to persuade their judge and try to convince their opponents rather than me. Do not forget that I am the one you need to convince.

I come from the business world and expect advocates to speak and present their arguments in a manner that would be considered appropriate in a work environment. Said another way, persuade with your argument, logic and evidence, not through the presentation of fake emotion and dramatic shouting. If the cases have been chosen well, there is no black and white answer but there are good and bad lines of logic. In most of these cases, you should be persuading the other team of your argument, not me.

The human brain does not take in information when it is being shouted at; quite the contrary. Shouting is a tool to get somebody's attention, not a means of communicating logic. I will not make extraordinary efforts to uncover the logic of your argument if you've covered it over with continuous loud verbal overtones.

What you are doing here is difficult, it takes practice. If you fail, brush it off and try again. Everything is hard at first, and then it gets easier.

• Feel free to use your own timer if you like.
• Sit or stand, whichever helps you perform your best.