Hello! My name is Kaushal Dhumal. When judging a round I look at the depth of the argument, logic, and your internal links that connect to a larger impact. Make sure you have plenty of supporting evidence and  analyze your and your opponent’s arguments thoroughly. Your speech should be clear and concise, and please don’t spread. Also please make sure you have fun and be considerate towards everyone! All these things together are sure to make the win come your way! 

Hey! My name is Vaisakh Karuvath. A little bit about me: I have performed in all styles of debate with my main styles having been World Schools and Congress. Don't let that allow you to underestimate my experience in Policy, LD, or PF. I've also competed successfully on local, state, and national circuits, IF it's necessary.. I can elaborate on my experience in round. As a judge, I mostly have experience in debate, however I have competed in Prose, Extemp, Oratory, and Storytelling. I will always do my best to judge the round completely fair and constructive. If you have any questions after round, please feel free to email me at vaisakhkaruvath@gmail.com

As a debate judge, this is what I look for:

- Of utmost importance to me is a respectful and engaging debate. If I see that you are in any way being a disturbance to a good quality debate, I can guarantee you that the round most likely will not go your way.

- I love clash! It is one of my favorite things about debating, it truly brings out your skills as a debater and a speaker to the maximum. Make sure to stay organized and know your material, if not, the debate sounds very monotone and will not be enjoyable for anyone.

- Let's address speed for a second. I am all for speed and I am mostly fine with it, but if you decide to spread in any other event than Policy, just stop and ask yourself what you're trying to do because it really doesn't work. LD has certain leeway for me, but that is highly tournament based.

- Direct me through your speeches. Don't expect me to infer what you're trying to say or impact. Address everything and tell me why it matters. At the end of the round, I will most definitely be looking at who has the bigger and better impact; that is what will win you the round. I do flow everything, however, don't expect me to infer and rely on my flows the entire round; it is your job to convince me why you won the round.

- As for cross, there is not much to say. I will definitely be paying attention, but I will not flow it. If something is said in cross that is important to the debate... use it in your next speech so I can weigh it along with the other arguments. Make sure to stay respectful in cross!! Being aggressive does not make you a better debater.

- If a card is called for, I expect that it already be cut and ready to be sent. Given the chance of technical difficulties, it shouldn't be taking 10 minutes to send a cut card. Come to round prepared, I don't want to see cards being cut in round.

- Just a quick thing to know, I DESPISE definitions debates. They do not serve any purpose unless there is a clear misconstruction of a definition, but I doubt that will ever happen.

- Progressive debate within Public Form and Lincoln Douglas is perfectly fine with me. But, just make sure you know what you're doing and make sure you know what you're talking about. It can be easy to get lost, but sometimes progressive PF and LD can be super fun!

- In terms of speaks: everyone will start out at a 28.5 and can go up or down from there. To get good speaks from me just be confident, present yourself well, be respectful, and be engaging.

- Finally, just a quick thing to address. Any racist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, sexist, ableist, or bigoted/demeaning comments/arguments will result in a swift loss for you. None of this is tolerated, it is not to be seen in debate. We are all friends here.

Style Specific:

Honestly, this is going to be a lot, so just look for the style you're competing and it's fine if you just read through that. And, once again, if you have questions just ask me in round!

PF - Alrighty, I really enjoy debating unique cases in PF especially if they link to the resolution well with weird and fun, but relevant take on it. So, I'm definitely going to enjoy watching a round that has good debate between two different cases that aren't generic or common. Let's discuss framework. I honestly do not care about framework, it does not matter to me... however, if you do provide a framework, DO stick to it because that is what I will use to weigh the round at the end. If you are opposing a team that has brought in a framework, you still need to ensure to show how you win based on the framework they provide if you don't have a framework as well. If both teams have a framework, it will likely get muddy, but whomever can show me which one is more relevant and beneficial will get the ballot. I will be defaulting to cost-benefit analysis if no framework is provided and try your bestnot to center the debate around the framework, it really makes it less enjoyable. Some of the biggest things you should focus on is line-by-line argumentation, especially in the rebuttal speeches. Along with this, ensure you extend everything through each speech; if something is dropped or is not mentioned in a speech, I will flow it to the team who made the last argument for/against it. However, it is still the opponent's job to mention that an argument went unanswered for the sake of showing me why it matters that they dropped it. By the end of the round you need to be able to show me which arguments matter the most and what I need to look to in order to come to a decision. I do flow, but it is your job to tell me which ones have the bigger and most beneficial impacts by extending and weighing through the last speeches.

LD - Let's talk about Lincoln-Douglas for a bit. Values and Value Criterions can be very helpful to you in a round especially if you have unique ones (that are topical and link to the resolution). If you utilize them well and prove why your value + criterion matter most AND how you fit best into the "designated" V/VC of the round, then the ballot will most likely go your way. DO ensure that you line-by-line argue/refute, extend your points and arguments throughout the round, and truly show me why your impacts weight/matter. LD is a very short round of debate, think about how you want to use and structure your speech time with your arguments.

CX - I have debated in policy before, but that was quite a while ago and rather brief. If I do end up judging policy, I will try my best and do try to bear with me. Spreading, of course yes... just make sure I'm on the email chain. There's a lot to be covered about policy, but I'll just briefly overview what I'm looking for based on my limited experience. Line-by-line is really going to be important here, ensure that the winner of the ballot is clear. If you're running a CP, make the outweighing net benefit clear and I have no problem flowing it to you. With a DA; do not far-fetch the link or internal link; go for the impacts and explain how the AFF causes a net bad problem and why it matters. I do not enjoy T's, I think most of the time it's just used to steal the AFF. However, if an AFF truly is not topical and you show it to me, I will for sure vote on it. I don't have much experience with K's or K AFF's, but ensure you provide a strong link (throughout the round) and extend the framework (keep it fair) throughout the debate, I will vote on it. Of course, I will look out for de-links and bad alts on the opposition side. Of course, you should extend everything throughout the round (I'm not going to weight dropped points), but always point out if a point was dropped and explain why that matters. Impact calc is going to be important, do not forget about that.

Congress - The biggest thing about Congress that you must remember is that it is a style of debate. I will be expecting you to go up and give speeches with strong argumentation and round relevant refutations. Too often in Congress rounds, I see representatives continuously going up and giving repeated 1st speeches without any actual debate. NO! That is not Congressional Debate, that is quite literally practicing multiple 1AC speeches. Those who are able to show me they come to round prepared and give speeches with well-written argumentation and good speaking skills will definitely be voted up by me. If you PO, ensure you know what you are doing. The round becomes very slow if the PO is unable to keep up and that is no fun, but I doubt that will be a problem! Questioning should always remain respectful and I will be paying attention to questioning also.

So, now that we've gotten all of that out of the way, Speech & Debate is a fun activity that I am sure we all enjoy so ensure to enjoy it to the full extent! Ride on the high of the win and if you lose, so what, come back better and stronger next time. You have room to grow! If you have any other questions feel free to ask me in round. I am very open and will most likely have conversations with you! Have fun and enjoy the tournament!!

Hey! My name is Vaisakh Karuvath. A little bit about me: I have performed in all styles of debate with my main styles having been World Schools and Congress. Don't let that allow you to underestimate my experience in Policy, LD, or PF. I've also competed successfully on local, state, and national circuits, IF it's necessary.. I can elaborate on my experience in round. As a judge, I mostly have experience in debate, however I have competed in Prose, Extemp, Oratory, and Storytelling. I will always do my best to judge the round completely fair and constructive. If you have any questions after round, please feel free to email me at vaisakhkaruvath@gmail.com

As a debate judge, this is what I look for:

- Of utmost importance to me is a respectful and engaging debate. If I see that you are in any way being a disturbance to a good quality debate, I can guarantee you that the round most likely will not go your way.

- I love clash! It is one of my favorite things about debating, it truly brings out your skills as a debater and a speaker to the maximum. Make sure to stay organized and know your material, if not, the debate sounds very monotone and will not be enjoyable for anyone.

- Let's address speed for a second. I am all for speed and I am mostly fine with it, but if you decide to spread in any other event than Policy, just stop and ask yourself what you're trying to do because it really doesn't work. LD has certain leeway for me, but that is highly tournament based.

- Direct me through your speeches. Don't expect me to infer what you're trying to say or impact. Address everything and tell me why it matters. At the end of the round, I will most definitely be looking at who has the bigger and better impact; that is what will win you the round. I do flow everything, however, don't expect me to infer and rely on my flows the entire round; it is your job to convince me why you won the round.

- As for cross, there is not much to say. I will definitely be paying attention, but I will not flow it. If something is said in cross that is important to the debate... use it in your next speech so I can weigh it along with the other arguments. Make sure to stay respectful in cross!! Being aggressive does not make you a better debater.

- If a card is called for, I expect that it already be cut and ready to be sent. Given the chance of technical difficulties, it shouldn't be taking 10 minutes to send a cut card. Come to round prepared, I don't want to see cards being cut in round.

- Just a quick thing to know, I DESPISE definitions debates. They do not serve any purpose unless there is a clear misconstruction of a definition, but I doubt that will ever happen.

- Progressive debate within Public Form and Lincoln Douglas is perfectly fine with me. But, just make sure you know what you're doing and make sure you know what you're talking about. It can be easy to get lost, but sometimes progressive PF and LD can be super fun!

- In terms of speaks: everyone will start out at a 28.5 and can go up or down from there. To get good speaks from me just be confident, present yourself well, be respectful, and be engaging.

- Finally, just a quick thing to address. Any racist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, sexist, ableist, or bigoted/demeaning comments/arguments will result in a swift loss for you. None of this is tolerated, it is not to be seen in debate. We are all friends here.

Style Specific:

Honestly, this is going to be a lot, so just look for the style you're competing and it's fine if you just read through that. And, once again, if you have questions just ask me in round!

PF - Alrighty, I really enjoy debating unique cases in PF especially if they link to the resolution well with weird and fun, but relevant take on it. So, I'm definitely going to enjoy watching a round that has good debate between two different cases that aren't generic or common. Let's discuss framework. I honestly do not care about framework, it does not matter to me... however, if you do provide a framework, DO stick to it because that is what I will use to weigh the round at the end. If you are opposing a team that has brought in a framework, you still need to ensure to show how you win based on the framework they provide if you don't have a framework as well. If both teams have a framework, it will likely get muddy, but whomever can show me which one is more relevant and beneficial will get the ballot. I will be defaulting to cost-benefit analysis if no framework is provided and try your bestnot to center the debate around the framework, it really makes it less enjoyable. Some of the biggest things you should focus on is line-by-line argumentation, especially in the rebuttal speeches. Along with this, ensure you extend everything through each speech; if something is dropped or is not mentioned in a speech, I will flow it to the team who made the last argument for/against it. However, it is still the opponent's job to mention that an argument went unanswered for the sake of showing me why it matters that they dropped it. By the end of the round you need to be able to show me which arguments matter the most and what I need to look to in order to come to a decision. I do flow, but it is your job to tell me which ones have the bigger and most beneficial impacts by extending and weighing through the last speeches.

LD - Let's talk about Lincoln-Douglas for a bit. Values and Value Criterions can be very helpful to you in a round especially if you have unique ones (that are topical and link to the resolution). If you utilize them well and prove why your value + criterion matter most AND how you fit best into the "designated" V/VC of the round, then the ballot will most likely go your way. DO ensure that you line-by-line argue/refute, extend your points and arguments throughout the round, and truly show me why your impacts weight/matter. LD is a very short round of debate, think about how you want to use and structure your speech time with your arguments.

CX - I have debated in policy before, but that was quite a while ago and rather brief. If I do end up judging policy, I will try my best and do try to bear with me. Spreading, of course yes... just make sure I'm on the email chain. There's a lot to be covered about policy, but I'll just briefly overview what I'm looking for based on my limited experience. Line-by-line is really going to be important here, ensure that the winner of the ballot is clear. If you're running a CP, make the outweighing net benefit clear and I have no problem flowing it to you. With a DA; do not far-fetch the link or internal link; go for the impacts and explain how the AFF causes a net bad problem and why it matters. I do not enjoy T's, I think most of the time it's just used to steal the AFF. However, if an AFF truly is not topical and you show it to me, I will for sure vote on it. I don't have much experience with K's or K AFF's, but ensure you provide a strong link (throughout the round) and extend the framework (keep it fair) throughout the debate, I will vote on it. Of course, I will look out for de-links and bad alts on the opposition side. Of course, you should extend everything throughout the round (I'm not going to weight dropped points), but always point out if a point was dropped and explain why that matters. Impact calc is going to be important, do not forget about that.

Congress - The biggest thing about Congress that you must remember is that it is a style of debate. I will be expecting you to go up and give speeches with strong argumentation and round relevant refutations. Too often in Congress rounds, I see representatives continuously going up and giving repeated 1st speeches without any actual debate. NO! That is not Congressional Debate, that is quite literally practicing multiple 1AC speeches. Those who are able to show me they come to round prepared and give speeches with well-written argumentation and good speaking skills will definitely be voted up by me. If you PO, ensure you know what you are doing. The round becomes very slow if the PO is unable to keep up and that is no fun, but I doubt that will be a problem! Questioning should always remain respectful and I will be paying attention to questioning also.

So, now that we've gotten all of that out of the way, Speech & Debate is a fun activity that I am sure we all enjoy so ensure to enjoy it to the full extent! Ride on the high of the win and if you lose, so what, come back better and stronger next time. You have room to grow! If you have any other questions feel free to ask me in round. I am very open and will most likely have conversations with you! Have fun and enjoy the tournament!!

Hi, I'm Rachel!

While I haven't been in speech and debate myself, I've grown familiar with styles and have had the pleasure of judging over the past couple of years. To me, what matters most is seeing your growth and learning through this experience.

I believe that every round is an opportunity for all of us, judges included, to learn something new. So, focus on constructive feedback that helps you become an even more awesome speaker and debater. After the round, I'll provide feedback. Remember, it's not personal; it's about helping you improve. I encourage you to use this feedback to grow and develop your skills. I tend to go overboard with feedback - mostly positive, so beware!

Let's keep it classy- Discrimination, hate speech, or anything that's just not cool won't fly here.

To me, the most important thing in junior high forensics is learning and growing. I believe that every round is an opportunity for students to improve their skills, gain confidence, and develop their abilities as communicators and critical thinkers. So, whether you're new to this or a pro, know that I'm here to support your journey toward becoming a better speaker and debater. As for me, here are the key things I look for:

Clarity

Clear and effective communication is crucial. I want to hear your arguments and ideas loud and clear. Slow down if you need to, and please organize your thoughts logically. Remember, it's not just about what you say but how you say it.

Adaptability

I understand that things don't always go as planned in a round. If you need to adjust your approach on the fly, go for it! Adaptability is a valuable skill that can set you apart.

Body Language and Presence

Your non-verbal communication is just as important as your words. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use gestures that complement your message. It adds an extra layer of impact to your presentation.

I'm excited to be here, watching you all! Remember, this is a learning experience, so make it a fun one. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to chat with me.

Rachel Saulsbery

rachelsaulsbery@gmail.com

Hi guys!!! I'm Emily and I am apart of Forensics and Debate at Bentonville High School. In the past, I have competed in prose, poetry, duo improv, duo interpretation, Congress, and right now I am working towards competing in oratory.

Hey Guys! My name is Sean Watkins and I'm a former Debater from Bentonville High School. Here's some things you can know about me: I've done debate for 3 years and have competed across the nation in both Congressional and Public Forum. I attended the 2023 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Congressional debate and have a growing love for the style but I dig the casual styles of debate as well.

Email: watkisean@gmail.com

Here's a brief summary of what I'm looking for in Debate rounds:

- Most importantly, stay respectful and make sure to stay engaged throughout the round. If you're disrespectful or creating disturbances within the round you'll most likely lose both speaker points and the round. Along with that, don't be sexist, racist, homophobic, or transphobic - if this happens I can promise you'll lose the round.

- Direct me through your speeches. Don't expect me to infer what you're trying to say or impact. Address everything and tell me why it matters. At the end of the round, I will most definitely be looking at who has the bigger and better impacts and that is what will win you the round. I do flow everything, however, don't expect me to rely on my flows the entire round; it is your job to convince me why you won the round.

- If something is said in cross that is important to the round, please please please point it out. Although I will most likely hear it, I do not flow cross and I expect you to bring up big points that were made in cross.

- If a card is called for, I expect that it already be cut and ready to be sent. Given the chance of technical difficulties, it shouldn't be taking 10 minutes to send a cut card. Come to round prepared, I don't want to see cards being cut in round.

Specific to Congressional:

Speeches should not just be read. Ideal is performed without reading except for statistics. Each speech should add to the conversation, not just rehashing. Perspective should be of a representative not a speech and debate participant. Try to give specific examples of people or events when possible. Stats should add credibility and value to the speech. Use the space you are provided, don't just stand in one place. Voice should be clear, audible and most importantly, confident. Questions should be direct and relevant. Approach to questions should be assertive but professional. Participation is key.

Specific to IPDA:

- Speaks: As IPDA is out of 40, it is basically impossible for me to score you below a 30. Unless you and rude and disruptive you will most likely always receive a 34+. I'll start each opponent off at 36 and go from there.

- I enjoy a serious yet still enjoyable debate. If you can make me enjoy being there and have fun the whole time I will be a much happier judge. Yes, serious and realistic debates should be the norm, however if you create a unique and enjoyable case, you will receive my extra respect and gratitude.

PLEASE - just have fun, enjoy the debate, and don't be upset if you lose. Loses are there for us to get better and leads us to victory in the future. I'll almost always give feedback and disclose in round if I can, as I like it being person to person rather than having opponents just read my RFD.