Hello debaters! I am a parent volunteer judge and I’m very excited to be here with you all. I have been trained on judging this specific style and have judged multiple debate styles & speech events. My son is a 3rd year debater. I’m eager to learn from you all and give you feedback from my perspective!

If you plan on spreading and/or are running a progressive case, please share your case with me to this email address: aihongwen@hotmail.com

True spreading will be difficult and very new for me. When possible, please slow down slightly so that I can take thorough notes and give you the best feedback & results.

I am a recent graduate of high school. I was competitor in Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, and Congress. I have judged before and of course competed in debate, so I am very well versed in debate and debate slogan. If you are spreading make sure everyone in the room is comfortable/aware.

For LD:

Be polite; I do know though that this isn't a specifically polite debate, I also am more of an aggressive debater. If you have aggression, or passion as I like to say, that is by all means great! Just make sure to not use offensive terms in your case, and especially not against your opponent. It is pretty valuable to me that you flow your value and value criterion throughout your case and speeches. I take that into great consideration when choosing a winner. I also want to hear clash on every argument; if you drop something I will be flowing the entire round, so I will know. I love debate, so I will know timings as well. I do prefer you time yourself though, just to ensure you get your speech in time. Focus on impacts. Impacts and how they fit into your criterions are how you win.

PF:

Same applies from above, however I do think PF is a style you don't spread in a lot. Typically there are lay judges, so I would recommend not spreading (however I am fine with a small amount of it). Make sure you weigh your rounds. Weighing the round is what I judge upon when it comes to my final decision, and who had the biggest impact with their weighing mechanism.

Speaking:

Focus on your stance, and just clear concise speaking. I love everything debate, and am so so excited to judge you!

Always make sure to have fun, I love when I can see passion in debaters!

3 Year Debater for Bentonville High School, have competed in every style of debate. That being said, If you are reading this you are most likely in Junior High or Middle School, so don't get too stressed out about what I believe in the round. Reading my paradigm in an of itself is an awesome thing.

BIAS

That being said, I will vote on anything, any speed, any topic. I will notice if you do not understand your argument and are simply reading off a paper, and while I will not vote you down for it, just be careful because your opponents could notice as well, and it's just not a good look. Also if you are a more progressive debater in JH (if there even are any) while I love to see a K debate, your opponents probably wont and try to recognize the circuit you are operating probably does not either, so I discourage it.

Humor can also be great in these debates often filled with depressing statistics and clash. Making me laugh in round is great if possible, and can always bump speaks :D.

Especially for LD, I heavily weigh rounds on value/framework- do not drop this. If your opponent has a different framework than you do, I expect to see clash on this.

Impact calculus is critical. I expect to hear this throughout the round- not just last speeches.

If you make a point in your first speech but you and your opponent drop it, I will not flow it to anyone. Make sure to call out when your opponent has dropped your points and then you should extent your point.

CX/ETHICS

As long as you are not racist/xenophobic/homophobic etc, we should have no problems with aggressiveness, I believe that a little bit of aggro can really increase clash and deepen a debate's value. Do not conflate this with just being mean to your opponents, or trying to parade around/patronize them. I will notice, and your speaks will reflect it.

Have served as a judge for Debate competitions since 2004 and have seen many different changes in the process of debating but the one thing that remains unchanged is that debating should be enjoyable and everyone should learn from their experience, including judges!!

Be sure to read arguments that have a clear link to the resolution and be well prepared to present. If I don't understand the argument itself or don't understand how it links, there is no way I can evaluate it.

Please speak confidently and clearly. Being prepared and knowing your content is half the battle! If I miss your argument because you're not clear, it could cost you the round.

I am a reasonable person, a good listener, and enjoy seeing young people shine in their element! I only ask that you use professional language at all times, avoid arguments that are homophobic, sexist, racist, or offensive in any way, and be respectful. A true debater can give their points without sounding demeaning or disrespectful. Disagree respectfully.

Immediate verbal feedback will not be provided following the round. Please allow me to process my notes and enter feedback online.

Tech over truth

Hello!

I am a parent volunteer judge. Please speak slowly if you can.

For further questions after round, email venkatkodak@gmail.com.Use this email to include me in email chains as well, but this should only be for Policy Debate which I try to avoid judging.

For me, the most important thing in a debate round is respect! Any racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, ableist, or discriminatory/demeaning comments or arguments will result in an immediate loss.

Most importantly, have fun! I look forward to judging you!

I am a freshman at the University of Arkansas and competed for all four years of high school. My Experience is mainly in Public Forum, Congress, and some IPDA/ LD.

First and foremost I value respect in debate.  Homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, etc. are not tolerated in debate and will result in a downvote.

In Congress, I want to see an interaction between arguments and for competitors to actively address points from other representatives. Remember congress mashes speech and debate it's not just about what you say but also how you say it. As do most congress judges, I do not want to see a one-sided debate. If you step in to keep the flow of debate going it will not go unnoticed. Lastly, I'm a sucker for funny/ creative intros. again treat your fellow representatives with respect and have fun!

In PF/ IPDA I also want to see direct interaction of arguments don't just tell me your opponent is wrong, tell me why. Add nuance to your arguments. I should not have to connect the dots. Weighing!!! please weigh your arguments and again explain why they outweigh/ should be valued over your opponents. I do not judge questioning so if you want me to judge something based on a question/ answer make sure you bring it up in your speech. again no -phobias or -isms be respectful. Lastly, keep it fun and if you make me laugh I'll give you an extra speaker point!

In Lincoln Douglas I prefer Traditional but I can keep up with progressive. With that being said if you spread please send me a link to your case. I prefer line by line, but as long as you signpost it is not a huge issue (I keep a pretty detailed flow). I will not fill in gaps this goes for any style of debate if you want me to think it you need to say it I won't connect the dots for you. I typically vote Truth> tech but I am not hard set It really depends on the way the round is going and how the arguments are presented. V & VC are important to how I vote, however, if it is not being used much in the round (by both opponents I can look past it. Once again be respectful and have fun!

Hey everyone! My name is Jackson Norton and I am a Debater at Bentonville High School. I am a senior and this is my 4th year in debate. I have competed in Public Forum and Congressional debate and have judged LD and BQ as well.

For all styles of debate:

• Please be respectful and kind to everyone in the round. Do not say anything offensive, it will more than likely cost you the round. There should be clash but don't directly attack your opponent, there is a respectful and professional way to clash with each other.

• Impacts are extremely important when it comes to weighing the round. Please address all points made by your opponent, do not drop anything!!

• I will be flowing throughout the round, so speak clearly and effectively; spreading is for Policy only! If I can’t understand what you are saying then I can’t flow it. However, I can not write down everything so you need to make sure you are convincing me why you are right and deserve to win the round. I will not be inferring what you are trying to say, if you have a point you are trying to make you need to be direct because if you don’t say it then I can’t weigh it in my decision.

• Please fill your speech time, you always have more to say.

Congress specifically:

• Please know what you are not talking about. If you speak on a bill, but it is clear during questioning that it was not your own prep, you will lose points.

• I love funny intros that grab my attention. The more Taylor Swift related, the better!!

• For Parliamentary procedure; please make sure you are using it correctly. If you are making motions, points, etc, just to look fancy to the judge, but you are wrong or out of order, that only slows down debate and is a waste of time for everyone. However, this is a mock congress round so using it correctly does look good.

• If you are not the 1st speaker on a bill, you need to bring up arguments that have not already been said. Repeating the same arguments over and over is boring to watch and is not beneficial to the debate.

• Refutation is very important and something I am looking for in every speech (unless you are the 1st to speak on the bill).

• Questions: please be clear and CONCISE with your questions. You should not take 15 seconds to ask a question because then the speaker has less time to answer.

• For Presiding Officers: it is your job to keep track of precedence and recency. If someone is out of order or being disruptive during round, call them out. It is your job to make sure the round is running smoothly and efficiently.

I am currently a senior at BHS this is my third year in speech and debate. Although I am technically in debate I mostly compete in forensics events!

I do not like spreading, if you spread but I can still understand you I will not count you down, however if I can not understand you I will mark you down. I think spreading takes away from really being able to debate.

Make me laugh, pull me in. INTRODUCE YOURSELF WHEN YOU COME IN!! I do not want to have to guess who you are! I will know if you read this so make me proud :)

If you have an questions before or after tournament or you want to share your case with me before round -- payneem17@gmail.com

Good luck you're going to kill it!

- Emily Payne

Experience:  Debate competitor in high school in policy debate, student congress, and extemporaneous speaking 1990-1993.  

I am a detail oriented person and will be flowing the rounds.  I will be looking for good organization of your arguments and  supporting evidence.   A confident posture, eye contact, and clear articulation will get my attention and go a long way towards winning your debate.   I also ask that you respect your opponent and speak to them the way that you would like to be spoken to.  

Have fun and use all of your time, I want to hear what you have to say!

Hi, I’m Wyatt, I have 3 years of debate experience in Congress and PF, but I’m also happy to judge LD. I also have 2 years of forensics experience. My paradigm is not super extensive, just some things to keep in mind.

ALL STYLES

• Be civil. Debate is open to anyone, an educational activity that expands your thinking and speaking skills. If you can’t put aside any prejudices you may hold for the duration of the round, then you don’t belong on the circuit, and I will be happy to tell you that.

PF

• I judge based on flow. Speaker points will not affect the outcome of the round. That said, if your speech is unorganized and sloppy, then that could make it harder for me to flow, which could lose you the round

• Logic and technical arguments will always move me more than conjecture and emotional anecdotes. They have their place but support your arguments with real evidence as well.

• The PF circuit is becoming more progressive. If. Theory and off case (Kritik) arguments are valid, but must be well justified and well linked.

• Don’t spread. Especially on the novice circuit.

LD

• Most of the same as PF above.

• Make sure you connect your values through the entire round, don’t put them at the beginning of your speech because you think it’s required, and then never bring it up again. Don’t assume that I understand your link to the value.

• LD is also becoming more progressive. Don’t be afraid to use Theory or Kritiks but still make sure that it’s airtight.

• Spreading is acceptable BUT:

• Start an email chain before your speech. You don’t get to start spreading as a way to stop your opponent from understanding you, If I can't understand your speech, or I don't have your case in front of me, I can't flow it.

• Include me on any email chain: wrice2327@gmail.com

CONGRESS

• I love congress.

• I want to see clash, bring up points that your fellow representatives have brought up. Congress is not a forensics event, so we need to be debating, not acting.

• While it isn’t a forensics event, speaking is important. You need to be organized and passionate about what you’re saying

• Do not speak for the sake of speaking. It is painfully obvious if your speech is a filler fest with no original content or clash. These speeches will not get you very far and will hurt your chances with me.

• It’s really easy to be rude or act superior in congress. Don’t.

Bentonville High School Alum, class of '02. I am new to judging as well as Debate. 

Fan of conversation in general, but I do have a hard time being too serious for too long and inevitably feel the need to make a joke. 

I love to laugh

Debate:

I am a logical thinker. If you can connect the dots in a logical manner then it will make more sense to me.

You can't just say that something happens. Explain why it happens and what that means. Why should I care?

That and I would prefer if you didn't spread.

If you start to stutter I won't count off or think less of your abilities. Take your time, get your thoughts together, and speak when ready.

Do not treat the opponent poorly. If you start acting maliciously or "bully" your opponent, I will start counting off. Keep things professional!

Keep on smiling!

Forensics:

Follow the rules, please. It's not that hard.

Do not talk during other people's performances. Yes, you can have people spectate but if they begin acting disruptive it will affect how I score you.

Keep on smiling!

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.