tristanball@gmail.com

Hi, I'm Tristan! When I was in high school, I did cx, ld, extemp, congress, and prose with varying degrees of success. I have experience in basically any event and a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for in all of them.

I would definitely like to emphasize that debate is an event that people do for fun so please be respectful and friendly during the round. Hostility towards another debater is never impressive, so if I feel that there is unnecessary aggression, I will change speaker points accordingly.

Generally, I am open to any argument but please make sure it has all parts of the argument when it is first presented.

Policy:

I consider myself a policy maker because at the end of the day I feel like the goal of the debate is to answer the resolution adequately. Don't be afraid to run unique arguments in front of me.

I am open to any argument but I have a few things I feel like y'all should know. I really like good analytics in a debate and don't believe that an argument needs to have a card attached to be an important argument. However, it still has to be a convincing argument to be effective in the round. The best debates usually have a healthy combination of evidence and analysis without being overly reliant on either.

Also, please try to use all of your speech time. Many rounds can be lost because you end your speech before you adequately address everything your opponent said.

Speed: I debated for a long time, so I can understand most speeds and I understand the strategic benefit of going fast. Please make sure you are still articulating the words. Additionally, please make sure that I can understand what you are saying and emphasize anything important for my flow. I will try my best to keep up with everything but if I miss something on my flow because I couldn't understand what you were saying it only harms you. If I have a difficult time understanding, I will just say "clear".

New in the 2: Please do not read new arguments in the 2NC! It diminishes clash tremendously and leaves the 1ar with an impossible burden. I have seen times when it is acceptable i.e. if the aff changes what their plan is mid-round. Also, I will still vote on an argument presented in the 2NC, but it won't take much for the aff to convince me that the neg's strategy is abusive.

Kicking out of arguments: Please kick out of arguments. I had judges in high school tell me I couldn't kick out of stuff. I don't mind at all. I prefer if the neg condenses down to a few winning arguments by the 2NR so they have a clear voting issue. To me, kicking out of arguments shows that someone understands the flow and time allocation very well.

Theory: I love good theory debates, but please only read theory if it is relevant to the round. In-round abuse is the biggest voting issue for me for theory but I will vote on potential abuse or other well-drawn-out impacts. I don't feel confortable voting for things that didn't happen in round, so just be careful what you want to make your voting issues. (for example, running disclosure as your 2nr decision might not win you the round)

T: I love T but believe it has a high threshold to win. If I vote on T it is because the neg won that the aff shouldn't exist inside of the resolution and that it would be unfair for the aff to continue running their case. T is usually a good argument to have on the flow for a bunch of reasons so don't be scared to run it even if I have a high threshold for voting on it.

DAs:I love DAs! They were my favorite argument to run while I was debating policy! Just make sure you can win all the parts of the DA and then weigh its impacts vs. the aff. Also, I prefer case-specific or unique DAs above generics but I understand why people run generics. If you ever write your own DA please run it!

Ks: Ks are cool and I will listen to any of them but please make sure you are running them properly. Also please make sure you are explaining the literature and the impact it has on the round. K literature has a tendency to be from high academic circles so make sure that you are using it as a tool for education and not a tool to confuse your opponents. Love seeing them in round though as a mechanism to keep the literature healthy. Definitely don't feel uneasy about running a K in front of me as long as you know the K well.

K Affs: I'm totally cool with people running K affs just make sure you win whatever framework you need to keep the aff on the flow. Also, keep in mind that I value clash a lot, so if the K aff you are running doesn't have much topic-specific clash, then it does make it easier for the neg to win that you shouldn't be able to run it. None of this is to scare you from running your aff just make sure you are doing it responsibly.

CPs: Counter plans are cool and a good thing to have on the flow. If the counter plan is specific to the aff, then I will be more likely to vote on it but I will still vote on generics.

Framing: I'm totally cool with framing please run it.

Ok, I basically just gave y'all step-by-step instructions on how to get my ballot but if you still have questions please just let me know. TLDR: you can run whatever just make sure you are being smart when you run it.

LD:

Even though I mainly debated policy I have competed, wrote cases, and coached LD. I also understand traditional and progressive LD so do whichever you please. However, if you notice that your opponent is debating in a different style, that doesn't give you an excuse to not clash. Progressive debaters need to clash with traditional debaters and vice versa.

LD is usually considered to be the philosophy debate so if you are running philosophy please explain what it is and if it proves the resolution true. For example, I shouldn't have to google what your criterion is because it is your responsibility to communicate why it's important.

The biggest problem I usually encounter in LD debate is a lack of clash. Directly clashing with what your opponent is saying gives me a much bigger reason to vote for you than if you just try to tell me your case is more important. A general rule of thumb is that if it feels like you are being too repetitive, then you probably aren't engaging in your opponent's arguments enough.

Speed is cool just make sure I can understand.

Congress:

I know looking at paradigms is less common for congress, but it can't hurt to let y'all know what I look for in a round. Essentially, I look for a healthy combination of entertaining and professional. Entertaining can look like a lot of different things- from good humor to presenting statistics in a way that keeps me engaged. I really like it when a speech is well organized and gives proper time to each point that is being made. I value clash a lot in congress because that is what makes it interesting past the third speech on a topic. It is very impressive to me if you can prove that you have been paying attention the whole round and have done the research to prove others wrong. Please make sure your clash is professional and doesn't seem aggressive or like a personal attack.

LD: I prefer traditional debate for LD, because the entire point of this debate is to be values oriented and philosophical. That being said, I prefer and enjoy hearing nuanced and different types of argument. Stock debate gets boring, and those who are able to string together new ideas and successful tie them to the value and criterion are the most successful. I prefer you stay away from spreading. Speaking quality matters in LD. Speaking rate can be fast, but not the extent that the event has evolved to.

CX: Tabula Rasa. I am an open book. Tell me how to vote. I enjoyed varied arguments and will let your plans and their subsequent defense stand on there own merit. Spreading is acceptable, but shouldn't get out of control to where we are (quite literally) talking at one another.

Speech: I appreciate different approaches, but enjoy those who are able organize themselves and follow the typical conventions of quality speaking.

Congress/PF: Argument is 60% and Speaking is 40%. Your ability to draw in the audience is important in this event and speaking ability should play especially important.

Please go ahead and include me on the email chain: mdonaldson@connally.org. Quick note on prep time - please have your files SAVED to the flash drive or the email SENT prior to ending your prep. Be purposeful - don't waste anyone's time.

I debated at Waco: Connally HS from 2011 to 2013. We were a successful UIL team, but I understand that debate has changed since then.

I coached at Hillsboro HS from Fall 2014 to Spring 2016 before serving as the coach of China Spring HS from Fall 2016 to Spring 2020. From Fall 2020 to Spring 2023, I was the coach at Grandview HS. I currently serve as the Director of Communications and Director of UIL Academics for Connally ISD in Waco. I have had students medal at UIL State in interp, extemp, LD and CX. I have also coached TFA state and NSDA national qualifiers in policy debate and extemp.

Admittedly, I have transitioned to more of a tournament director/tab staff role in recent years as opposed to that of a judge. I still believe myself to be a capable adjudicator, but you might want to slow down some for me.

POLICY DEBATE:

I am a tab judge who will default to a policy-maker outlook if I am not given any other weighing mechanism or framework to view the round through. I am fine with any argument that you might want to run, just make sure that you are explicit with it and stay organized throughout the round. I like rounds that have a lot of DIRECT clash and have arguments that actually do something in the round as a whole. I don't particularly care for teams to throw out everything in an attempt to see what sticks. Try to be strategic. I will do my best to adapt to whatever strategy you want to use. I am fine with speed, but need clear taglines. I don't like it when debaters just read evidence nonstop - take the time to USE the evidence as a tool to persuade me of something. I understand the necessity of choosing to avoid underviews, but I'd like to see some sort of analysis at least at the somewhere in the speech - whether it be at the top or the bottom. I recognize that your authors are well-versed on the topics that they are writing on, but I really want to see that you recognize how those texts operate in the context of the arguments that you are making.

On a personal level, I really enjoy K debate, but I just ask that you do the work to really make the literature/overarching concepts accessible to everyone in the round (particularly coming out of the first speech). I also really like T debate, but I cannot STAND watching a messy T-focused round. At the end of the day, please don't feel pressured to run a certain type of argument or debate using a certain strategy based around my paradigm. I really do try my hardest to just adapt to what is happening in front of me.

I really don't have a preference about a "type" of round that I would like to see, but I enjoy seeing arguments be contextualized in terms of the greater scheme of the round at hand. I like for debaters to make explicit connections between arguments in addition to making strategic choices when it comes to condensing down near the end of the round. I think there is a pretty big importance in both having strong communication skills/persuasive ability AND making it a priority to resolve all issues in the round, but there is definitely greater importance in handling all of the arguments - be practical: spending 5 minutes on 1 of 8 arguments and dropping the other 7 won't win you the round in most cases. To clarify - this doesn't mean that you shouldn't condense down. I would far prefer it if you did. I just mean that you shouldn't go for the "more is more" approach from the beginning. I want substance and quality over quantity for the entirety of a round...if at all possible.

To sum it all up: do what you do best and do it well. I am just as likely to vote for you in a round that deals with super focused, small scale impacts as one that deals with the most stereotypical terminal impacts that you can imagine. I am just as likely to enjoy the round that is as wrapped up in the stock issues as I am to enjoy one that is super progressive.

Have fun. Be safe. Make good choices!

LD DEBATE:

I don't judge LD as often as Policy, but I like to think that I can handle my way around a round. I was raised around traditional LD rounds but thoroughly enjoy the more policy-oriented approach that has started to worm its way into the event. My biggest suggestion is for debaters to use whatever style they are most comfortable with - I can adapt to whatever you do.

I am completely fine with speed as long as I can understand your tags. I like to see a lot of evidence in LD rounds, but analysis is definitely welcomed. I'm going to be honest: I LOVE a good framework debate in LD, but I am often left unimpressed with them. Basically - if you're gonna go for it....GO FOR IT.

I think that LD-ers tend to struggle with time management between the different positions that they are arguing. Work hard to stay on top of each of the arguments of the flow and try not to waste time by overextending yourself. Please be sure to highlight clear links in each of you arguments and try to sell a believable impact story. Perhaps most importantly, try to remember that your advocacy does not exist in a vacuum. Please give a detailed impact calculus throughout the round that highlights the differences between the world of the aff vs the world of the neg. Show me why you are winning!

PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE:

I hardly ever judge PFD, so I'm not totally up to date with any trends. You can look at my other paradigms to see what I generally look for, but please be mindful of the time constraints of this event.

SPEECH EVENTS:

I prioritize answering the question/providing a clear thesis above all else, but speech structure and style matter a ton to me. I enjoy well crafted attention getting devices and place a lot of emphasis on quality transitions. Please work to contextualize each of your (sub)points in relation to your thesis.

INTERP EVENTS:

I enjoy seeing interpretations that are organic/genuine. Your character(s) should be discovering these words for the first time. Dramatic arc is a MUST - work towards the climax and show me how your character is changed by the journey that they take. Please avoid messy book work/physicality and watch for monotonous vocal patterns.

GENERAL:

I try to write a ton on ballots and work to give pretty detailed notes the moment that something happens, so if I'm not looking at you, don't think too much into it. I like to put things down that I thought were successful as often as I put things down that didn't work for me.

Please feel free to ask me any questions you have before the round. It won't hurt my feelings.

Policy Maker/Tab

I view the round more or less as a Tabula Rasa judge, but you can run just about anything. I'm pretty flexible I just need to know what your talking about, why its important, and what impact is has in and out of the round. Pen down means your judge isn't following your argument. Spreading at a speaking event makes no sense, but I'll listen to it as I grew up with it in round. Spreading Theory blocks I listen to a lot because this is a speaking event and I have to give you speaker points.

Theory

I'll vote on it, but it has got to be obvious and perfectly executed. The logical ground work must be there as well as standards and voters. If you go for everything AND theory in the end with no strat, expected to be voted down.

The K

I'm more of a realist, so abstract Alts are just that to me... abstract. real world Alts are good. I'll definitely listen to and vote on the K because I'm a bit of a games player judge but it must be ran correctly. Be sure you give me framework and do the logic leg work.

Stock Issues

I like a clean clashing rounds. If you can give me that, more quality evidence over quantity, and have a good strat and build in the 2NR (no shotguns), you can have the ballot. I WANT SUBSTANCE!

T

Topicality is a necessary portion of debate, but one thing I really hate is time suck T's. Although, if the other team is obviously off topic, you better throw a T.

CP
Love them. You should definitely do it, ill bite on condo, or no condo, ill literally take anything here, just make sure its run well. No Net benefits means no vote from me.

DA

Love disads because many of the time they actually make sense. Humanity is consequentialist by nature so this is the most accepted argument for a reason. I am ok voting for a generic disad if you can make it stick. The more specific the better though. Practical impacts are better than the oh so common, nuclear war scene, but I will vote on nuclear war if it sticks in the round and you actually pull its weight across the debate. Just saying "drag across the impact of nuclear war" isn't going to cut it. GIVE ME SUBSTANCE, GIVE ME THE STORY.

Performance

I can work with performance debate. I will vote on a K AFF if its executed well. Make sure it makes coherent sense to me and your audience and its content is clearly expressed.

Paperless/Prep

Flash Drive out of the computer and then we stop time. Hands off mouse/computer while opponents get the files up. TIME YOURSELVES! I'm ok with Speech Drop but you shouldn't be prepping while partner is dropping speech.

Have a good time... Speaker points go down if you're brash, nasty, and being uncalled for. Explain yourself well, play the game when you must, and also use this time to prepare you to become a well educated and fluent speaker. You control how the debate works, not my paradigm. Lets talk Policy and debate well!

I don't judge CX very frequently but I have coached the event for a few years now. I consider myself to be a policymaker judge - I will try to vote for the team that creates the best world based on the impacts they are able to solve or prevent. I am not a fan of spreading, but I understand a faster pace is required in some of the rebuttals so please make sure you look at me to know if I am able to write down what you say while I'm listening or you shouldn't expect me to vote on that argument. I am a big fan of judge instruction throughout the debate, especially in the rebuttals so tell me what arguments are important, why you are winning them, and what that means for my decision. The 2NR/2AR should begin with why I am voting for your team, and the rest of the speech should be what I am going to be writing in my RFD. For the neg, I would prefer if you focused in on one or two positions to weigh against the aff instead of going for everything said in the round.

Policy arguments are what I am familiar with, so I prefer not to hear kritikal debates if possible, and if you choose to run them in front of me, you should not expect me to be familiar with the technical aspects of that debate. Disads and case debate are more persuasive to me than a counterplan with solvency that isn't ever explained, and I do not often vote on theory, so go for that at your own risk.

Lastly, have fun and be nice! No one wants to judge a round where teams act like they don't want to be there or when debaters are being abrasive, especially in CX.

I tend to lean more traditional and prefer debaters stick to stock issues. I'm ok with speed, but I don't have the best hearing, so try to be clear and loud. Make sure you slow down and emphasize taglines. I'm fine with you debating K's as long as you fully explain the kritik.

I will value whatever I am told to value.

However I will default to T above all else, then Impacts.

No 'new in the 2'.

Make sure to signpost.

Contact info/email for docs: isabellagracelocicero@gmail.com

If there are any accessibility needs that you want before the round, let me or tab know so that I can ensure that your accommodations are followed.

I'm currently a CX debater for Baylor University, but used to compete for Tyler Junior College in Parliamentary, Extemporaneous, Impromptu, and IPDA debate. I placed nationally in all of them for TJC in 2023. I debated for North Lamar in high school, where I competed in CX, extemp, congress, and occasionally interp.

For CX:

I'm very much tech over truth - this means that it is important to me that you maximize the amount of offense that you're putting on the flow.

I will evaluate any argument as long as it's not racist, sexist, trans/homophobic, etc.

Putting your analytics on the flow for me would be nice, but it is not required by any means. If you're not going to do that, slow down or at least "pop" your analytics.

I debated K and policy in high school.

For LD:

No tricks, please. If it isn't an actual argument, I can't evaluate it.

I'm fine with speed, K, theory, or the traditional criterion debate. Do what you do best and I will adapt.

I would prefer to have the evidence in front of me, so use speechdrop or email if you can.

For PF:

If you're going to run theory, please let there be an actual violation. If you want to critique the norms of the debate, that is a kritikal argument, not a theory argument.

Please use speechdrop or email to show me the evidence.

I will evaluate any argument that you put on the flow, but please generate clash. I've had so many debates where I'm scratching my head because there just isn't anywhere that you're actively debating on the flow.

For Extemp/Speaking Events:

Content is just as important to me as presentation, so make sure you have your sources and evidence.

I am primarily a policy coach/judge, but do have experience with LD and PF. I have been judging for more than 15 years and have judged on the UIL, TFA, and NSDA circuits.

In CX, I consider myself to be a policymaker judge, but what it comes down to is that the debater that convinces me is the debater that is going to get my vote. This means that I am looking for strong evidence as well as good analysis. I am looking for arguments that make sense. I am looking for cases that not only prove their own points but counter the opponent's points, as well. I strive to start the round with no preconceived notions. I want to see strong framework and strong impact calcs.

Do not make the mistake of presenting your case without arguing your opponent's. Yes, I am repeating that statement. It bears repeating.

Speed is ok, but at the end of the day, I still like to hear good speaking. If I cannot understand what you are saying, then your speaking habits are not showcasing what you should be doing. I would rather hear fewer quality arguments than to have so much crammed into your time that I am unable to see clearly how it all works together.

While I do not judge as much LD as I do CX, my paradigm remains much the same. I like very structured speeches with clear signposting, clear organization, and delineation between arguments. I want to see evidence early in the round but more analysis as the round progresses. Make sure that your Value and Criterion are strong and show me why I should vote on those - and back that up with what you are presenting with your evidence and analysis.

In Congress, it is important that you are active in the session. I know it becomes a game to see who can get the most speeches in, but unless they are quality speeches, it's going to backfire. Speeches should be quality speeches. And on that note, while I know it is super easy to read straight from notes while competing virtually, I don't like it and will not score a speech high if you are reading straight from your paper. Evidence is important and I want to hear sources. You should have at least one, and preferably two, sources per point. Once the initial speeches are made, it is vital that new arguments to keep things fresh and to promote clash are essential. The PO should have control of the chamber and be confident in his or her style and movements. A good PO will keep things flowing without stifling competitors and will manage to get an optimal number of speakers in. '

In IEs, I look for poise and confidence, good speaking style, strong movements and posture. In INF and OO, as well as extemp, quality evidence is essential but should flow seamlessly with the information. In all events, including interp, I would like to see you far enough away from the camera that movement is natural and not distracting. In OO and INF, as well as in interp, I would like to see a connection to society and/or to your own experiences. For me, the best pieces do both.

In interp, intros should be casual and conversational. Tell me why your topic is important, even in HI. What is the connection to society? To yourself? Blocking, movement, and bookwork (POI) should be natural and not distracting. Characters should be distinct and recognizable, vocally and physically. I don't mind the use of curse words, but do want to see pieces that are true to the author's intent.

POLICY: I care about the stock issues. If done well, and related directly to the Aff. case, then I will accept Neg. Kritiks and counter-plans (CPs are expected in most arguments). If you spread incomprehensibly, you will lose points. Do not use theory based or alternate world cases. I will not allow open CX. Also, answering, "my partner will answer that" is not an acceptable response--know your case. Your analysis should be supported by “tangible” evidence. Substance is more important than quantity, and fallacies in your argument will cost points. No new in the 2!

LD: I am a traditional value/criterion judge. No value, no criterion, no good. If you mention a plan, solvency, start spreading, etc... you will lose the round. No new in the 2.

EVERYONE: Speaker clarity and pronunciation are valued highly. I appreciate passionate CX and rebuttals, but do not confuse passion for yelling and verbal abuse. Varying speech rate and tone/volume will score you points. Speak like you care.

Coaching History:

Mansfield Legacy [2023-Present]
Byron Nelson High School (2018-2021)
Royse City High School (2013-2018; 2021-2023)
Email: matthewstewart@misdmail.org (do please include me in any email chains)

General Preferences [updated as of 3/14/24]:

Theory
More truth over tech. If you're real big on theory, I'm not your judge because I'm definitely gonna goof up that flow.

Disclosure:

Don't run it. I think open source is good and should be the standard, but I don't care for it being used as an argument to smash small schools without prep.

Framework:
Default offense/defense if I don't have a framework to work with. Winning framing doesn't mean you win the round, you still need to leverage it for your offense.


Speed:
Whatever you AND your opponent are okay with! Speed shouldn't be a barrier to debate. Slow up for Taglines/Cites, give me a filler word ("and," "next," etc.) to let me know when you're moving to the next piece on the flow and be sure to give me some pen time on Theory/Topicality shells.

Round Conduct:
Don't be sketchy, rude, or hostile to judges or your opponents! We're all here to learn and grow academically, remember that.

Speaker Points:
Starts at 27 and goes up based on strategy, delivery style, and round conduct. Sub 27 means you most likely said something unabashedly offensive or were just generally hostile towards your opponents.

Miscellaneous Stuff

-Debate what you want to debate, I would rather try to meet you on your side of what debate is rather than enforce norms on you. BUT that doesn't mean you can get away with making unwarranted arguments or not doing extensions, impacts, or weighing like a good debater should!

-Open CX and Flex prep are cool with me, but I will respect the norms of the circuit I am judging in.

-I'm pretty non-verbal as I'm flowing and listening, so for better or worse that's gonna be there.

-Just be chill. Debate the way that is most comfortable for you...hopefully that isn't a really yelly and rude style because I'd prefer you not. Respect each other, do your thing, and we'll all have a good time!

-A roadmap is just telling me what order to put my flowsheets in. No more. No less.

-Be kind to novices, be the support you wish you had when you first started. Bonus points for treating newbies nice.

-Extending specific warrants WITH your cards is good, so is doing evidence comparison and impacting out drops

-The less work you do on telling me how to evaluate the round, the riskier it gets for your ballot. Don't assume we're both on the same flow page or that I can read your mind.

-Sending the doc or speech is part of prep time. I will not stop prep until the doc is sent.

CX (Cross-Examination): As a policymaker judge, my inclination is towards evaluating arguments based on their policy implications. However, I am open to various argument styles and will not dismiss them solely based on personal preference.

Topicality (T): Topicality arguments are acceptable if they are well-structured and avoid sloppiness. While I appreciate topicality, stacking multiple topicalities is not preferred as it may lead to confusion and a less effective debate.

Disadvantage (DA): Disadvantages play a crucial role in shaping the debate. I expect DAs to be specifically tailored to the affirmative they are addressing. A well-articulated DA can significantly impact the overall debate.

Kritik (K): I advise new debaters to approach Kritiks cautiously. However, I am open to well-founded K arguments that make sense and are presented efficiently. I am yet to see a strong K argument, so surprising me is encouraged.

Framing: While not a strong advocate of framing arguments, I am willing to consider them if presented coherently and effectively. Convincing framing can influence how I evaluate the entire debate.

Case: Case extension through each speaker is crucial. Lack of repetition may be interpreted as a dropped or unchallenged case. Thoroughly addressing and attacking the case is key to securing an advantage in the debate.

Counterplan (CP): Counterplans are welcomed, but execution is paramount. A well-run CP can enhance your position, while a poorly executed one may result in skepticism and reservations on my part.

Speaking: Speak at your desired pace, but clarity is essential. If your opponent struggles to understand you, it is their issue. However, if I, as the judge, cannot comprehend your arguments, it becomes a problem. Effective transitions, clear plan/case statements, and optional roadmaps contribute to a more favorable evaluation.

Sidenote: Fairness is fundamental. The UIL circuit allowing internet means diverse and unique cases are acceptable. However, more experienced debaters are likely to have an advantage, and adherence to rules, such as no side-coaching, is expected.

Flowing: Explicitly stating the flow and reasons for doing so is mandatory. Failure to do so may result in issues with my understanding of the debate. While roadmaps are not obligatory, they can significantly aid in maintaining a structured and organized debate.

Spreading: If you are a spreader, providing a copy of your case is preferred. Failing to comply upon request may impact your speaks. Keep in mind that I cannot effectively judge without access to the necessary materials.

Overall: My role as a policymaker means I prioritize arguments with tangible policy implications. Effectively highlighting the strengths of your case or demonstrating the counter-productivity of the opponent's case is crucial. While I consider various argument styles, proving the validity of your claims is imperative for a favorable decision.

LD:I've done LD for a year, but I am not as familiar with it as I am with Policy... That being said, everything I said above also applies to LD. If you run tricks, I will probably not enjoy it (99%), but feel free to surprise me. If you run philosophy, please just don't. Treat me as that policy judge who doesn't like LD. Give me mostly Clash pls and walk me through everything.