Debate is a game; play to win. I'll listen to anything, but I'm partial to humans and other animals having rights and death and suffering being bad. Y'all have to weigh your impacts and actually do the arguing, though. Clash is key. Speed is fine, slow down for your tags. If you say something egregious I'll assume Hanlon's Razor and we'll talk.

Happy to answer any questions you have before the round.

add me to the email chain: hbartels@lareina.com

I consider myself a novice judge, but I do have a PhD in Communication Studies from USC, and a daughter who has competed in various forms of debate for the last three years. Please discuss your frameworks, include road maps, and explain terms and jargon for me clearly. I absolutely hate spreading, but understand it is a part of the competition (especially for many of you in policy). I am good at weighing the strength of arguments, looking carefully at citations, and I do consider if an argument goes unaddressed when flowing. Respect towards your competitors is important, but feel free to attack their evidence or arguments. Let's have fun!

My email is michelle@gradis.us

I'm a former policy debater, judge, coach a couple decades ago; recently returned to judging and coaching, now Parliamentary.

I can flow speed, but don't think I should have to in Parli. An organized flow is important to me, so please number your arguments, signpost, avoid jumping around the flow. Keep roadmaps a few seconds long. If you're signposting as you should, a roadmap isn't really necessary. I generally prefer good clash, line-by-line, etc.

I prefer good case debate. If it's not against the rules (including equity expectations), it's generally up for debate, and I'm not categorically opposed to any argument types. That said, Parli isn't the best forum for too much complexity. I think it's a good idea to disclose to your opponents anything that may surprise them. I have more patience than most for debate theory. Kritiks can be great but almost never are, especially in parli.

Neg, don't wait until the second aff/gov constructive to ask about plan specifics or definitions and then scream abuse in the next constructive. Obviously, aff contradicting their 1A in the 2A would be an exception.

POI - Follow the rules. You can refuse POIs if you have reason to, but I'm suspicious of a speaker never accepting one.

5 year speech and debate coach with an appreciation for well-tied arguments.

When in rounds: I appreciate live argumentation instead of reading blocks. A debater should know their arguments and not rely too heavily on notes; be confident in your research and position and you will have an upper hand.

I would rather see a few well-thought arguments vs. many barely covered perspectives, do not spread yourself too thin. Solidly backing your main contentions will ensure your argument comes off clear.

Lastly, be sure to address your opponent's arguments and try to avoid surface questions, when possible.