I like to flow every debate I watch to make sure the burden of rejoinder is clearly identifiable, but I will not flow a dropped argument without being told. You should be flowing as well. If it is not CX, then I don't want you to spread. I don't mind speaking fast but I want to really hear your arguments and have time for you to persuade me.

Kindness and tone go a long way. If you are belittling someone else it does not help to prove your point. There is a difference between being assertive and flat-out demeaning.

In Congress, I am not a fan of rehash - I want to hear rebuttals and debate, not a new speech that doesn't address what the aff and neg speakers have brought to the chamber. I think it is completely appropriate to respond in your speeches to arguments by referencing the name of the representative/senator as long as you are tasteful. It helps me keep up with the round.

How you treat your PO and your attitude towards them also go into judging you as a competitor. If you have problems, you have every right to call a point of order, but being snide and hostile makes you look weak.

In IPDA, the resolution is paramount. You must show, using the weighing mechanism, how your case and arguments outweigh your opponents. In questioning, please refrain from dismissing each other or being overtly aggressive. Remember I am flowing but you have to direct my attention and give me a road map.

I have not judged CX in ages. But many moons ago, I was a CXer and I can flow. I don't perceive that I will be judging CX at any point.

As for Forensics events go - I was also a Forensics kid and have been a Theatre Director, Dancer and Interper for over 29 years. I am looking for solid real performances where the intent is routed in thought. I do not like when emotion is faked or pushed. Please perform from a place of honesty. All movement should be motivated and character driven. Variety and the ability to demonstrate clear distinct characters is essential. In OO, Extemp or Info - These are Speech events. Sometimes performers add more interp friendly content into their performances. This is where I am quite stern. There is a fine line between performing and speaking, please remember I enjoy the fact that these are SPEECH events. You are actually speaking to the audience, not performing for us. Remember that.

Paradigm for Judging Speech:

I have three main points to which I look for when judging speech and debate, but I would like to start out with general conduct and respect. Always be respectful and courteous to fellow competitors when sharing the same room while competing. You may also feel free to pause when appropriate to address any issues experienced between competitors or myself. I will do my best to conduct fair and meaningful debate rounds that are first led by respect and courtesy.

Please see the main points I’m looking for within competitor’s content when judging speech rounds:

1. Memorized Material:
- Evaluate the speaker's ability to memorize and recite their content fluently and accurately.
- Consider the speaker's grasp of the material's nuances, depth, and relevance to the chosen topic.
- Assess the speaker's confidence and ease in delivering memorized content without relying heavily on notes or prompts.

2. Audience Connection:
- Gauge the speaker's engagement with the audience through eye contact, body language, and vocal variation.
- Evaluate the speaker's ability to tailor their message to resonate with the audience's interests, concerns, and perspectives.
- Consider the speaker's responsiveness to audience feedback, including questions, reactions, and interruptions.

3. Creativity in Delivery:
- Assess the speaker's originality and innovation in presenting ideas, anecdotes, or arguments.
- Evaluate the speaker's use of rhetorical devices, storytelling techniques, and dramatic elements to captivate and persuade the audience.
- Consider the speaker's adaptability and spontaneity in responding to unexpected situations or challenges during the presentation.

Overall, prioritize the coherence, persuasiveness, and impact of the speaker's performance while also considering their adherence to time limits, professionalism, and respect for their fellow competitors.

As a judge, I approach each round with the utmost respect for the competitors and their craft. My goal is to provide constructive feedback that helps speakers grow while also fairly evaluating their performances. Here are the key criteria I consider:

1. Content and Argumentation:

   • The content should be well-researched, relevant, and organized.
   • A clear thesis or argument should be presented.
   • Supporting points should be logically developed and effectively communicated.
   • The speaker's understanding of the topic should be demonstrated.

2. Delivery and Presentation:

   • The speaker should engage the audience effectively.
   • Delivery should be confident, articulate, and expressive.
   • Tone, pace, and volume should be varied appropriately.
   • Gestures and body language should enhance the message without becoming distracting.

3. Voice and Diction:

   • The speaker's voice should be clear and easy to understand.
   • Proper pronunciation and enunciation should be demonstrated.
   • Pauses and emphasis should be used effectively to convey meaning.
   • Vocal range and control should be exhibited.

4. Presence and Persona:

   • The speaker should command the stage and maintain poise throughout the presentation.
   • Authenticity and sincerity should be evident in the delivery.
   • A connection with the audience should be established.
   • Nervousness or distractions should be effectively managed.

In evaluating each performance, I strive to maintain objectivity, fairness, and constructive criticism. I recognize the dedication and hard work that goes into preparing for speech individual events, and I aim to provide feedback that both celebrates achievements and encourages continued growth. Thank you for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve as a judge.

I have been working with the debate team at our school for 4 year and judging for at least 3. I am a High School/College teacher in both US and World History. This means I am very well versed in history. I am well versed in research and bias of sources. In Debate rounds I want well researched cases with strong evidence. I also like connections, your evidence needs to connect to your points and support your claims, free floating evidence does not apply anywhere in the round. I expect a synopsis for voters as well, if you don't give me voters I will use my own observations to way the round, which may not be how you want me to vote. That being said, being too pushy may push me away from your position. Give voters that I can consider and persuade me why you should win on the logic and evidence of the case. I am not a fan of spreading. I would rather have you present a case with a few strong points than a lot of little ones. I do not like it when competitors are rude to one another. No matter how heated the battle or frustrated you get, politeness goes a long way with me.

Decorum and Professionalism are of utmost importance, especially verbally! I do not want to see any disrespect between opponents!

This is a debate, and it should feel like one! No spreading or talking so fast that I can't understand you. If I can't understand you, I can't judge you properly.

Know your case! I don't want to feel like you are reading verbatim from your notes. Look up once in a while! If you are going to just read your case to me instead of actively presenting your case and debating your opponent, I will judge you accordingly.

Come to the round prepared! While confidence and speaking tone are important, it is not all that the round is judged on. You must present a better argument, even if your speaking tone isn't as loud as your opponent's!

Debate requires CLASH! You must be able to clearly and effectively refute your opponent's claims. No clash means no debate! I want to see passion and confidence!

I flow the round so am aware of what has/has not been dropped or deconstructed - do not claim your opponent has dropped points when they haven't - it could cost you the ballot.

Please only debate the resolution you have been given and do not focus on anything else.

HAVE FUN!!! Give it your best and leave feeling accomplished in your efforts, the world will not end if you don't win this round!

On a lighter note, I love a good cross! I love when questions aren't the general "Can you state all of your contentions again...." and are used more for engaging your opponent on points they just made that you could challenge and make flow to your side!

Introduction -

My Name is Dakota Thompson, I am a Biologist and a Biology Teacher at Mills High School. My introduction into Debate and Forensics is quite new but I am the assistant debate coach at Mills High School.

Debate Judging -

When judging I look for confidence, delivery, and sound logical arguments during debates. I enjoy clear and confident speakers, if your points and contentions do not make any sense then it will count against you. As for your delivery I would like you to sound knowledgeable and informed on your topic. If you are simply reading from your computer or notes for the entire debate I see that as a lack of preparation and information. As for speaking as a whole, speed is not an issue for me as long as what you are saying is clear, if you speak fast and I can clearly understand that is fine, if you speak fast and you slur and I cannot grasp the information it will be counted towards you. I will take notes during the debate but it is not my job to be kept up with what was said, I do not flow during any Cross X, that is your job as a debater. As may be expected I do not have any tolerance for Racism, Sexism, Homophobia or anything of the sorts directed towards your opponents during debate.

Speech Judging -

When judging an event such as HI, Poetry or Prose I look for clean Delivery, I would like to see a person understand what is being said and is able to convey with a clear set of words and phrases. I always love to see Emotion in rounds, especially in events such as poetry and POI. If you truly connect with the topic you have chosen I need to be able to see that, show me how well you connect with the idea of your poetry and POI reports by connecting with it live. Confidence in any form of competition is a vital resource, if you do not seem confident in what you are doing and how you convey it comes off as under prepared and not at a competing level.