2025 — Online, CA/US
PF Paradigm List
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Hello, I'm Bukunmi Babatunde, a graduate from the University of Ilorin. As a debate judge, my mission is to foster fairness and promote learning. Here's a summary of my judging approach:
Conflicts: None
Email address: bukunmi5176@gmail.com
Expectations:
When you encounter me in a debate, I prioritize fairness and active engagement. I value debaters who fulfill their roles, engage with the debate's burdens, and respectfully address opposing arguments.
Open-mindedness:
Even if you don't agree with the framing or the argument, I encourage you to engage with the other team's case. This demonstrates a comprehensive understanding and helps foster a constructive dialogue.
Clashes and Focus:
To have clashes in the debate, it's crucial to pinpoint and compare the warrants behind arguments. Examples, precedents, and empirics don't clash unless the warrants are addressed. Summaries should focus on key points, warrants, and reasons for winning, without reviving untouched arguments.
Equity and Timekeeping:
Following equity rules is essential for a fair debate environment. Please keep track of time, as it helps maintain a well-organized and efficient debate.
Special Considerations:
In virtual debate tournaments, if feasible, keeping your camera on is encouraged. Technical issues with wifi or connection are understandable. Additionally, please ensure your speeches are clear and intelligible, delivering at a medium pace for effective communication.
Other Remarks:
As a judge, I prioritize neutrality and impartiality. I appreciate well-structured arguments supported by evidence and logical reasoning. Clear articulation, persuasive language, and a logical flow in speeches are valued. Respectful conduct, adaptability, and effective rebuttals are important.
Evaluation and Feedback:
At the end of the debate, I evaluate each debater's overall performance based on the strength of their arguments, critical analysis, presentation skills, and engagement with the opponent's case. Constructive feedback will be provided to facilitate growth and improvement.
Conclusion:
My goal as a debate judge is to create a fair and intellectually stimulating environment. I evaluate arguments impartially, emphasizing logic, evidence, and adaptability. Through valuable feedback, I aim to contribute to the growth and development of all debaters involved.
Hi! I'm a high school speech & debate competitor who primarily does speech, but I've judged a fair amount of debate.
In general, as for pace, I'm not big on spreading, I won't dock you off for it or anything, but if I don't hear a point you say, that's on you.
When deciding my ballot, I'll look back at the whole debate flow and compare what arguments each teams win/lose on, weigh, and give my final opinion. Your speaking skills are much appreciated, but I won't count that into my decision much, unless it comes down to it.
One thing I'm not too fond of is when some debaters claim that some tech will exist in the future "because innovation", so if you want to say that innovation will cause technological development and thus helps solve for an issue, make sure to explain why/how that innovation will occur.
On another note, if you want to run any progressive debate arguments, like kritiks, go for it, just make sure to explain how it connects back to the debate at hand, weigh it, and don't base it off of one weak link chain.
Hi, my name is Austin Kelachukwu. I am a debater, public speaker, adjudicator and a seasoned coach.
Within a large time frame, i have gathered eclectic experience in different styles and formats of debating, which includes; British Parliamentary (BP), Asian Parliamentary (AP), Australs, Canadian National Debate Format (CNDF), World School Debate Championship(WSDC), Public Forum(PF), amongst others.
As a judge, I like when speakers understand the format of the particular tournament they’re debating, as it helps speakers choose their style of speech or debating. Speakers should choose to attack only arguments, and not the opponent. I do take equity serious, so I expect the same from speakers. When speakers understand the tournament’s format, it makes things like speaker roles, creating good and solid arguments easy, so they can act accordingly, and through that understand how the judge understands the room as well.
I suppose that speakers are to understand the types of arguments that should run in the different types of motion, their burden fulfillment and other techniques used in debate.
I take note of both key arguments, and the flow at which such argument is built, so speakers shouldn’t just have the idea, but should be able to build that idea also to create easy understanding of the argument. On understanding also, i prefer when speakers speak at a conventional rate, to aid easy understanding of what the speaker says.
I appreciate when speakers keep to their roles, i.e when a summary or whip speaker knows one’s job is not to bring new arguments but to rebut, build partner’s case, and explain why they won.
I value when speakers keep to time, as arguments made after stipulated time wouldn’t be acknowledged.
Austin Kelachukwu.
email: austinkelachukwu@gmail.com
- This is my paradigm; I will explain how I approach judging in a FAQ format. Hopefully, it's clear. If you have any questions, email me: khumalothulani.r@gmail.com
- What is my experience level?
Here are my judging qualifications: (these are the old ones. I am currently doing the new certifications,... I guess I have to keep up with with the times. Oh well ????)
2022: Implicit Bias - Project Implicit, USA
2022: Cultural Competency course - National Speech and Debate Association, USA
2022: Adjudicating Speech and Debate – National Speech and Debate Association, USA
2022: Protecting Students from Abuse - US Centre for Safesport, USA
You can find my certificates (OLD Ones)here (Google Drive):
I have been judging for two years now, since 2022, and have judged about 22 tournaments (I have no idea how many flights but probably hundreds lol). I have experience in most formats: LD, PF, WSD, BP, AP, Congress, SPAR, Impromptu, Policy, and even the rare ones like Big Questions and Extemporaneous. I have some experience in oratory speeches like DUO. Yes and many rare debates (for example, one time I did a radio debate where the speakers were performing as radio announcers, giving local news, sports, etc, with 1950-type voices-- it was a pretty cool experience :)).
2 2. What are my preferences as they relate to your rate of delivery and use of jargon or technical language?
I pretty much understand complex English words. Having studied engineering in college, it's pretty much a given that I understand most of the stuff and words that may be deemed complicated. However, debate is an Art of Convincing and Converting, so don't try to use too much jargon like a lawyer (or a surgeon lol), as it might end up confusing your opponents and me.
Rate of Delivery: Any delivery pacing is welcome. Generally, I prefer a medium pace; a slow pace is okay, too, if you can explain your contentions adequately in the given time. Medium or conversational pacing gets the point across really well. When it comes to fast pace, don't speak in a monotonous way like you are reading..(approach your speech as if you are trying to convince me to follow your case), and don't rush too much: take your time; it's your moment, be free. I don't have any difficulties understanding fast-paced deliveries; however, during the speech, you must factor in the time for me to process the information you say. But remember, it is not only me; your opponents must also understand what you are saying. This means, you really don't need to have too many contentions to be convincing (Quality over quantity).
33. How do I take notes during the round?
I am a writer, and there is no stopping my pen. First, you have to know that during your contentions, I basically write down all your points, examples, and details. I keep my notes detailed so that it's easy to recall and give a balanced assessment. However, I highlight your major contentions so that I get an appreciation of your overall message. This is important in that, usually during questioning, there usually are nuanced questions coming from the other side relating to minor arguments, such as an example that was not stressed upon. Picking all that up is important so that I don’t forget or get surprised when someone asks a question on a minor point.
4. Do I value argument over style? Style over argument? Argument and style equally? Are there certain delivery styles that are more persuasive to me?
Arguments and style are both important to me. Generally, I give Arguments 70% and style 30%. When I rate every debate, there is an argumentative section and a performative section that is essentially style and delivery. For me to give you the round, you have to provide me with convincing and logical arguments supported by examples/exhibitions (argument). Then there is style: After every debate, I always emphasise how important a structured speech is. There must be a flow to your case. Start by saying something out of the box to raise my interest (Give an exciting hook, show me how smart you are); after you introduce the topic, state your major contentions, then explain them, giving evidence. Don’t give too much proof because you need time to explain to me, as if I am a layman, what it all means and the impacts of an action. Then, as you conclude, give a summary (remind me of the journey of the speech). This delivery style is tried and tested, However, if you think you have your own style that will convince me, go for it. You can trust me when I say to you that I pay a lot of attention to detail.
45. What are the specific criteria I consider when assessing a debate?
1. Clarity: outline your key contentions early on in the debate, and use these to link your argumentation for consistency and clear logical flow.
2. Rebuttal: be genuine with engaging matters from the other side. Make strategic concessions while showing me how your side solves the problems you illuminate from the other side. Avoid making claims without justifying why they are valid or essential to the debate and at what point they engage with the other teams' arguments.
3. Conclusions: When deciding on a winner, I use the key clashes that came out in the debate regarding the strength of weighing and justification. This means, as debaters, you need to prove to me why you win certain clashes and why those clashes are the most important in the debate. That is to say, mechanise each of your claims (give multiple reasons to support them) as you make them make it easier to weigh clashes at the end of the debate.
4. Coherency. Make sure your delivery is coherent. The perk of writing stuff down is you can catch a lot of mistakes, so make sure everything tallies up.
56. If you have judged before, how would I describe the arguments I found most persuasive in previous debate rounds?
Essentially, the most compelling arguments are the most well-explained, and the impacts of those arguments are well-explained and logical. Try not to brush things off, manage your time wisely, and don’t come with a lot of contentions…3 or 4 are usually enough (depending on the debate format); explain well, give proofs, and give impacts.
67. What expectations do you have for debaters’ in-round conduct?
In the round, everyone is EQUAL, and everyone is free to express themselves. It’s a safe space for everyone. Be kind to one another, and that means no bullying or targeting of any sort.
78. Feedback. I will give verbal feedback if the tournament allows, disclosing who has won and why. I will also write feedback on Tabroom for every individual. My job is to make sure that you learn from the debate experience and take something positive.
89. Time: I prefer that the speakers have time clocks with them (this won't lose you marks, lol). I prefer the round to flow naturally without my continual interruption, interjecting here and there (for example, you: “Judge Ready?”— Me: “Ready”) if there is something to be said.
Cheers!
Hi! My name's Sierra (she/her) and I'm a sophomore at UPenn studying Comms or International Relations and Consumer Psych in Wharton. I competed in PF and LD for 3 years in high school but primarily did LD. I also dabbled in extemp debate, big questions, extemp speaking, and congress. I have experience with local and some circuit debate and I've competed at the state and national level.
Debate:
General Stuff:
- Please do not spread your max speed in LD or PF. I can comprehend a faster than normal pace but if you reach full speed I will not be able to follow. Try to go 60% of your max speed if you're someone who spreads every round. Pleaseeee slow down for taglines/author names
- Please signpost and give roadmaps
- I truly believe debate should be a safe place. If you need any accommodations or feel uncomfortable in a round please please please send me an email (smarelia@sas.upenn.edu)
- If you plan on reading heavy content in round please give a CW and let us know before the round starts. I'm ok with basically all heavy topics but a cw is always appreciated
- If you run/say anything racist, homophobic, or ableist you will not win my ballot
- I know debate can be stressful so just try to make the experience as pleasant as possible and be nice
LD:
I mainly did trad debate in high school and always appreciate a solid trad line by line debate with solid fw BUT it is cool if you run other things. Just keep in mind I am not as well-versed with K’s, narratives, theory, etc. so just make sure you explain what you’re doing well-- I should not have to fill in the gaps for you. Also, if your opponent clearly has no experience with progressive debate and you know this and still run something progressive your speaks will reflect that. Debate should be as educational as possible and when the round has a clear imbalance from the start it makes this hard.
- Tech>truth but things need to be warranted. If there's something that has 0 warrant and is just blatantly incorrect I won't vote on it
- If you and your opponents FWs are different give me a clear reason as to why yours is better BUT if the FW debate is close make sure you explain why your side can still exist and win under your opponents FW. This is sooo important because in order to determine the winner I will first go off of who won the fw debate and then who has the most offense under that framing
- I will keep a detailed flow and probably will pick up on dropped arguments. If your opponent drops evidence extend it in the next speech if you think it's critical to the round
- Giving clear voters at the end of the 2NC and 2AR is something I like and think helps a lot. Make my job easier and give a clear reason why you won the round
- If your 1AR is really poorly spaced but you pack a lot into the 2AR this probably won’t help you so just try to pace well (I know this can be hard). It's hard for me to evaluate off of a 4 second response to an entire contention
PF:
- I will flow the round and will miss dropped args
- Use cx to your advantage, it shouldn't be dominated by one side. I hate when people ask questions that start with "Do you agree that..." ask an actual question that pokes holes at ur opponents case plsss
- I value weighing throughout the speeches, not just at the end. This should include weighing impacts, harms, etc.
- Please crystalize the round at the end. Explain why you won and key things you won on
I’m probably forgetting stuff but if you have any questions just ask me before the round. If you have any questions about the ballot post-round feel free to email me or just ask then if you want if I’m allowed to disclose. Good luck!
background: debated for eden prairie high school in minnesota and glenn high school in texas as a PF competitor on the local and national circuits.
tldr: tech over truth. pls pls pls collapse + weigh. idk much theory, so don't run it. ask questions before round. HAVE FUN. it's the reason we do debate.
general
akhil.perla18@gmail.com for the email chain
i will be timing speeches, but i'd encourage y'all to be timing yourselves. i stop flowing after 10 seconds over.
creative arguments are great! i will evaluate pretty much any well-warranted argument.
i REALLY dislike argument dumps in case. constructives with 4+ unwarranted contentions honestly gets away from the spirit of debate. fewer arguments that are well-warranted and have cleanly explained links will be rewarded far more than contention dumps that force opponents to pick and choose what to respond to.
i am not opposed to speed up to the point that it starts outpacing how fast i can write. if you're going too fast for me to flow, i just won't be able to get the warranting down as well.
i don't flow cross, so if you want something from cross to matter when i'm making my decision, make sure to bring it up in an actual speech.
if there's no offense on either side of the flow, i tend to default to the con team.
this hopefully goes without saying, but at the very least frontline turns in second summary.
evidence
don't paraphrase. if you get called out for it, that piece of evidence gets wiped off the flow for me.
especially egregious evidence/misrepresentation will result in an auto-drop.
weighing
weighing guides my ballot -- win the weighing and I look to evaluate that argument first
the earlier that weighing mechanisms are introduced, the more value i give to them when i make a decision.
extensions
i have a relatively high threshold for extensions. if you want warrants to be flowed through, make sure the argument is well frontlined and fleshed out.
speaks
average is a 28. anything above 29 means that the debater combined exceptional delivery with creative and high-quality argumentation. evidence issues drops you to 25 and anything offensive is an auto-20.
misc
well intentioned feedback from my technical judges was the most helpful advice i got as a debater. also, i think debaters are entitled to know why they won or lost a round. i welcome post-rounding and will stay as long (as reasonably possible) after the round as you'd like to answer questions.
howdy,
former HS/Collegiate competitor
I judge quite a bit
- treat others the way you want to be treated
- I don't do email chains... NSDA docs, speech drop or google docs are the way to go
- if using historical evidence (for debate events or public speaking events) you must address the 5 C's of historical analysis.. if not there's an L waiting for you
- FOR PF debate!!!- I don't flow off the doc, I only look at it for evidence (only if you tell me to, also no email chains for me..)
- somewhere in between truth and tech
IE's -
MS/HS - you do youu!!
Collegiate - you know what to do
^ very big on binder etiquette
Congress -
no rehash
its ok to agree but have your own contentions/speech
stay active thru round for high ranks
clash - def gotta engage with competitors for maximum affect
PO - if you don't state your gaveling procedures almost immediately I'm gonna rank you last
^ don't make any mistakes or imma tank you
direct questioning is meant for answers/clarification not being rude !!!
don't lie about evidence
PF - will auto down if you say exclusionary things and or things def not true (holocaust never happened) etc ...
I'm very big on the Public aspect of PF
love a good framework or Role of the Ballot round
no email chains for me, either google docs, nsda doc/drive or speech drop - if not oh well
if your file or doc is a mess I am NOT going near it
evidence practices are pretty bad in PF, should you notice it LMK in speech and lets see what we can do
no speed/spreading in PF, talking fast is ok tho - speed/spreading and were gonna have a problem
tech or truth? Somewhere in between the two
Don't waste my time, flips and pre flows better be done before start caz if not imma start tanking speaks
Condo/Fiat - IMO should be left to LD/CX but if you bring it up I'll evaluate it I guess
^ gotta explain it , if not I am not evaluating
resolutions/topics sometimes have loose wording... take advantage of that
impact cal is an easy voter and is well appreciated
good luck going for a technical knock out
the more unlikely the claim, the higher the burden of proof is
paraphrasing is a BIG NO, read actual cards/tags
I will no longer be evaluating Disclosure T as of March '25 -if you run Disclosure its an auto L
^ I will NOT be evaluating any Theory, Non Identity K's, Phil - auto L
^^ wanna run these? go to LD or CX
content in the LD section does not apply to this PF section - non negotiable
what's the deal with a lack of front lining and signposting? If you don't then you're getting an L
when citing evidence , be sure to say title , publisher , date
stop going over time !!
make any round more complicated than it has to be and I will look for every/any way to vote against you
MY GO TO RULE FOR PF.... the Michael Scott rule - K.I.S - "Keep It Simple'
LD - if its a state or bid or RR tournament send a doc , if not then don't bother
if spreading you better be clear or imma down, too bad
^ not gonna say clear
tech or truth?? somewhere in between
P/CP - better be specific , if so I am the judge for you
Trad - I'm an ok judge
K - I prefer judging identity K's.. but non identity K's proceed with caution
LARP - I like it... but can go either way
Tricks/Friv T/Performance/Phil/Disclosure T
^ auto strike!!
^^ unless you're running nihilism Phil don't strike, but if not then strike
NGL - if your case is blippy I am gonna look for everyway to vote against you
this section only applies to LD .. not PF
CX - LOL
unless it's TRAD I won't judge
Worlds - I expect to see clash
don't paraphrase evidence
no speed, this needs to be conversational
its ok to have a model/c.m , but don't get policy debate crazy with them
not taking any POI's makes you look silly, at least take 1 , but not too many
I really value creative, introspective and real rhetoric - trust me this is how you win me
style - a simple claim, warrant and impact will do just fine
don't try a PF take on this event
the framework and definitions debate can be fair and or abusive ... if abusive then you're gonna loose
Should any questions need to be asked ... ask before round!
Best of LUCK 2024-2025 competitors !
(***Avoid graphic explanations of gratuitous anti-black violence and refrain from reading radical Black positions if you are not Black.***)
As a PF coach and experienced judge, I take a tabula rasa approach, meaning I come into each round with a neutral mindset and allow the debaters to set the framework and define the lens through which the round should be evaluated. I do not impose personal preferences or biases but expect debaters to clearly explain how I should weigh their arguments.
I am a flow judge, so organization is key. I will carefully track arguments throughout the round, and I expect debaters to do the same, responding to key points rather than letting important issues drop. Clear, strategic extension of arguments in summary and final focus is critical.
Impact weighing is a priority for me. I appreciate when teams explain why their impacts are more significant in the context of the round, especially in the summary and final focus. Effective comparison of impacts will help me make my decision.
I value clarity and accessibility in argumentation. Public Forum should remain understandable, so I prefer well-structured, logical arguments that are free of excessive jargon. Debaters should explain complex ideas in a way that’s digestible without sacrificing depth.
I give weight to evidence-based arguments, but simply presenting evidence isn’t enough. Debaters should tie their evidence back to their broader narrative and explain its relevance. I also appreciate when teams challenge the quality or relevance of their opponents’ evidence in a meaningful way.
Finally, communication matters. Strong delivery, clear articulation, and persuasive speaking make a big difference. Debaters who can engage with me through confident, effective communication and adapt to the flow of the round stand out.
I am experienced with the WSDC, PF, LD, Speeches and Asians formats.
Notes for speakers:
I really admire teams that are well-structured and can clearly express the implications of the evidence.
While you’re going to use evidence, it's preferable that you also explain the underlying trend/core issue associated withit.
If you argue a comparative advantage, be prepared to justify it with proof that explicitly links to that piece of proof that your opposition used.
If you’re presenting counter-plans, be prepared to analyze why your counter-plan is a better approach, for example, you reach the resolution faster/easier and take fewer resources.
Please don’t present any point that will not be understandable to an average intelligent voter. If you do so, that piece of material will be discounted.
Please don't use any offensive language that leads to equity violations.
Road maps are appreciated.
Speaking fast is fine, but please use clarity.
Any kind of style is fine with me as long as you're fairly understandable. I acknowledge that different debaters come from different backgrounds, and thus have different styles.
I am reasonably low during speech. During the crossfire, I take notes for the most important questions raised and how they're answered.
Hey!
My name is Agezeh Victor (He/Him). I am a student at the University of ilorin, Nigeria. I am a debater with judging and speaking skills in British Parliamentary debating style (BP), World school Debating Championship (WSDC), Public Forum (PF) and Asian Parliamentary (AP)
Conflict: None
Email: agezehvictor2@gmail.com
As a judge, I appreciate when speakers engages the burden of an argument and also attack the argument as it relates to the debate, speaking in a manner that allows your point be understood and not missed.
Also, I expect every individual with debating interest to read the judging and speaking manual so as to know the rules and also to know what is expected of them in each motion.
Furthermore, speaking isn't just about the eloquence of the speech but also about point engagement and burden fulfilment.
Time keeping is very crucial and everyone should keep to time.
Since it an online tournament, ensure to mute you mic when it not your turn to speak and un-mute when it is yours, do not interrupt others when they speak.