I did Public Forum debate all 4 years of high school, but in that time I also did the majority of the speech events and Lincoln Douglas a couple times. I was also a team captain my senior year. I am now a Coach who is very passionate about speech and debate

LD/PF:

I primarily judge based on how well you can connect your Framework/Value and Criterion to your case as well your opponent’s case. Flow is also very important in my decisions as a judge. You must refute every contention and refutation that your opponent gives with adequate evidence and reasoning.

Congress:

I want to see connection to the other speeches for the bill. Make refutations, make new arguments. Don’t just stand in front of me and read me a speech that is the same as the one before.

Speech:

Please be passionate in what you are speaking about. I will give more points to you if your speech is memorized and flows smoothly. I will NOT give a top 3 place to any Oratories that sob stories. I want to be inspired. Not depressed.

MOST IMPORTANLY
Always be kind and respectful to your opponent. You are opponents, not enemies. If you are rude or filibuster I will give you low speaker points.

Debate: Debate is about clash. That being said, if you decide to run a "K" and it does not logically fit with the topic, or opponents spend the debate arguing topicality rather than the topic, this could cost points/ranking. Contentions, frameworks, plans, etc. need to be clear. Roadmaps are helpful, but not required. Be ready to show evidence and have logical connections to your contentions, reasoning.

If you are speaking too quickly for me to understand, I will give you a signal. If you continue to go too fast for me to understand, and not seem to acknowledge my signal, this will impact your scoring.

Congress: I am looking for a well-presented argument on the bill presented. Memorization is good, but not key. However, you should not be reading directly from your speech, especially further into the debate season. Evidence and logic are preferred in your speech, with references to your sources. My scoring is based on how many quality speeches are given, how many quality questions you as between speeches, and how knowledgeable you are about the topic you are presenting. Being a quality chair who is able to control the house/senate is key as well.

Speech: I am looking for a good speaker, someone I would enjoy listening to, and watching all day. Speakers should have clear voice, appropriate tone, and gestures, as well as props appropriate to topic (as event permits). Speeches should also have clear organization which matches topic and tone. Appropriate presentation and dress are a must.

In all events, be respectful and polite. Attack your opponents case, not your opponent, and always leave, if not as friends, at least acquaintances.