I am a lay judge and this is one of my first tournaments judging.

Here are some key factors that are important to me:

• Don't be rude and please keep the debate civil
• I will not tolerate spreading or speaking quickly. Please speak slowly and clearly. If I can't understand what you are saying, I can't judge/evaluate it
• Please use simple vocabulary words ( talk like you would to a 4th grader) -- I am unfamiliar with debate jargon, for example say argument instead of connection, we disprove instead of negate etc...
• I will evaluate your overall performance during the debate round. This includes but is not limited to your display of logic, reasoning, and analysis, how clearly your argument is conveyed, counter arguing to your opponents, and communicating ideas with clarity, organization, and fluency.
• In general, it is better to provide an explanation with each argument rather than card dump with no implication
• If you do not restate a point brought up during Cross-Examination I will not be taking the point

You will get my vote if you present consistent arguments, information in an understandable way, and persuade me with good speeches throughout the entire round

Other notes:

• Please indicate when you are about to start prep/give a speech. Ex. "is anybody not ready," "time starts on my first word," "starting prep now," etc.
• Also, please keep track of your own prep time throughout the entire round but hold your timer so that everyone is aware when you start/end prep.
• If time runs out when you are giving a speech, please stop speaking. You may finish the sentence but time cannot exceed 10-15 seconds after time is up.
• I do not know the format for debate rounds so make sure you follow it correct
• Finally, keep in mind this is my first tournament and I have no debate experience

I enjoy judging and look forward to each round!

Debated LD - 1997 - 2001

Coached High School LD / Policy / PF / World Schools - 2001 - 2010, 2015 - present

Assistant Policy & British Parliamentary debate coach at the University of Miami - 2010 - 2017

I am open to all debating styles and could handle speed. I appreciate all the skills that go into being competitive in the debate space; updated research, comparative analysis in rebuttals, making strategic decisions with time allocation, and creativity in argumentation to name a few. Tailor-made Kritiks are probably my favorite type of argument, but conversely, generic link of omission K's are on the opposite side of my preference spectrum. Love the politics DA, make sure your cards are updated! Will vote on theory if we all wasted our time and education was lost in the round. If you're having a non-traditional debate, a discussion of the role of the ballot is important. Save your breath on RVI's and put your tricks away for me. Prefer Speechdrop over email chains.

Any specific questions, feel free to ask before the round.