Debate:

I am a college student who did debate for four years in high school and won the Oregon championship in the category. As such, I prefer a parli-style more casual outlook towards argument, and generally dislike technical debate arguments. There are occasions where it is required to use them, but even if you do, your argument itself should still have legs to stand on. Don't use advanced techniques to avoid doing an actual debate!

Beyond that, I judge primarily based on the quality of arguments made and the support they are given. Avoid dropping points if possible, but don't feel that you need to refute every subpoint or example the opponent makes. If you choose your battles well, and win those battles, I will award you the win. Try to maintain good organization, it's not my responsibility to calculate what you are arguing at a given time. Above all, try to make the debate enjoyable!

Speech:

My speech experience is more limited, but I have guided people through it as president of my club. With most individual events I care most about how your speech affects me in the longer term, whether the facts are especially memorable or the story and the feelings you put into it stick with me afterward. Your job is to make me change how I'm thinking!

I am finally updating my paradigm after about six years of using this site!

Here's me in a nutshell:

1. Experience

* three years as a college Parli competitor in the NPDA; Parli team captain
* wrote master's thesis on "Characteristics and Impact of Superior Forensics Tournament Ballots"
* twelve years coaching experience at four private high schools in three different countries (U.S., China, Kuwait)
* coaches all formats except Policy
* team has earned state and national titles

2. General Preferences

* flow judge
* Some speed is okay.
* Off-time road maps are fine, but unnecessary. Honestly, I don't listen closely to them, and they never buy you enough extra time to actually make the difference in the outcome of a round.
* Don't electronically share your flow or case with me--this is an oral communication event. If you want me to hear something and know it, you need to say it.
* Things I highly value in all debates include: Clash, Impacts, Voting Issues. As a general rule of thumb, remember that whatever you say to me, you should make clear WHY you are saying it. How does this argument connect to the round as a whole? Why does it constitute a reason I should vote for you? How does it relate to what your opponents are saying? Etc. Please don't let your rounds turn into "two ships passing in the night." Grapple directly with the arguments made by your opponents, and make my decision easy at the end of the round.

3. Specific Preferences - Parli

* Ask each other lots of questions! There is a reason you are allowed to do this.
* GOV should provide sufficient resolutional analysis in the first few minutes of the PMC for all of us to know what type of round we are dealing with (policy, fact, value) and how the round will be decided at the end. Don't skimp on this part. If any terms in the resolution are ambiguous, define them.
* For resolutions of policy, talk about stock issues -- Harms, Plan, Solvency, DAs, etc. I will act as a policy maker.
* For resolutions of value, talk about value and criterion, then help me weigh these in the final two speeches.
* I am fond of creative/unique interpretations of resolutions. However, I will also vote on Topicality if OPP makes the argument well.
* Counterplans are fun but are often misused.
* Kritiks very seldom win my ballot. Proceed with caution.
* I dislike generic off-case arguments. The arguments you make should be ones that you and your partner have come up with during your prep time in response to the specific resolution you were provided. Please don't just read shells your coaches/captains have written for you, especially not if you don't really understand them.

If you're racist, homophobic, et., I'll vote you down.

Debate:

I did Parli for most of my time as a competitor. I judge through a policy lens, so please give me very specific impacts in each of your "worlds". All theory is open game if its done well. If no one brings up theory or metadebate, I won't vote on it. Whatever you tell me becomes reality- so build your reality well and remember to address all parts of the opponents' reality! Please be kind and respectful to one another.

Tell me what to vote on, or else I'll just default to whatever I think is most important. If you tell me that one impact is more important than the others, and have good reasoning to support that, I'll vote on it. Comparing your side's "world" vs. your opponents "world" will make my decision much easier. How will voting one way or the other actually manifest in reality?

Impact calculus really helps me decide how I will vote. If you have a really low probability high magnitude impact (like nuclear war), tell me why that matters more than your opponents high-probability, low-magnitude impact.

Speech:

I vote based on the following criteria:

Structure- If you have a hook, intro, thesis (if necessary), a few points and a good conclusion. For interps, just having a good intro and clear points is good. '

Content- Having interesting content is my second way of ranking people. I especially like personal anecdotes.

Rhythm / Clarity / Tone- Having consistent word density, memorizing your speech well, and hitting the 'highs and lows' of your speech are all important to me.

1. Speak at a normal conversational speed

2. Roadmap and signpost

About me:

- I am what you considered a mom judge

- I have served as an officer in the Air force for 21 years and retired last year.

Want I like to see in debate overall:

- Speaking at a reasonable pace.

- Please sign post.

- Don't drop arguments

- Please do voters

- Confidence

- Be kind to each other.

What I like to see with speech events:

- Quality over quantity

- Have confidence and project your voice

- If you can apply your topic/theme to real world problems that would be great as it gives a reason why people should care about your theme/topic.

I have judged debate since 1988. I started programs in San Jose, San Francisco, and Portland. I have judged every form at the state and national level. I am pretty tabula rasa. In fact, one reason we brought Parli into the state of Oregon in 1997 was that we were looking for something less protocol driven and less linguistically incestuous. Policy and LD seemed to be exclusive to those who could master lingo. With Parli, we had a common knowledge street fight. So, I am open to your interpretation of how the round should be judged. Incorporate anything from your tool box: weighing mechanism, topicality challenge, counterplan, kritik, et al.

But, I still have to understand what you are saying and why. . .and so does your opponent. (Hey, now this guy seems like a communication judge. Eye roll.) I will not judge on debate tactic alone; I am not a Game Player . . . though I did play PacMan once in 1981.

Next, I am a teacher. This is an educational activity. Students should be working on transferrable skills--what are we doing in this debate chamber that we will use outside of the room in a classroom or a college campus or life? So, no speed. I will call "clear" to help you adapt to the room. And, while I am open to creative opposition to premises and other kritiks for the round, I won't abide by arguments that degrade a people or an individual. I was stunned when a debater once tried to argue that Internment was not that bad. I do not think they believed this in their heart; how could we have come to a spot in this educational event where this young person felt that this was a viable argument?

Let us have fun and walk out of the room with something to think about... and our limbs in tact! Con carino, Gonzo

This is my first time judging a speech and debate tourney. I'm a university student triple majoring in literature, digital art, and creative writing. I also have a certificate in screenwriting from UCLA. I graduated from high school in Hillsboro, Oregon.

In high school, I took video for the football team. Currently I produce experimental films, two of which have or will be screened at the McMinnville Short Film Festival in Oregon.

I love politics.

Here's what I look for:

Integration of quantitative (stats) and qualitative (both others’ and own experiences) datas

• Evidence itself
• Reasoning/analysis

Problem/solution

• Is the problem at its root identified or what others might see as a problem?
• Is the solution presented something that can be done at an appropriate scale?

Debate

• Strong rebuttals are welcome, but discriminatory remarks and stereotyping are not.
• Argument and style: Make your points strongest to weakest. I like entertaining debates, but don’t fake energy or enthusiasm.
• Heavy preference to analysis of evidence over the evidence itself.
• Anything said during the debate is up for consideration. Don’t worry about polite formalities (e.g., “Thank you to my wonderful opponents. You worked so hard and have been so kind to everyone.”) I’m ok with kritiks (k’s), but back them up with evidence and expect rebuttal.
• Most importantly, I have my own personal opinions that I’ve spent years researching, but I’m not considering that in my judging. I’m considering analysis of presented evidence and rebuttals.
• I will write down key arguments and evidence as I can keep up with it. Debate speed preference is conversational. Make me feel like I’m welcome into the conversation.
• I’m not stupid, but also assume I don’t know much about the issue and avoid jargon if you can.
• The big question: Why should I care?

I have been a parent judge for three years. My paradigms include clarity of arguments, minimal jargon and organization.

Last updated December 2023

Speeches and Debates:

I look for the simple yet important stuff. Eye contact, not having nervous movements, not having filler words, good enunciation, and good speaking speed. Even if your speech was interesting and compelling, not having these skills will hurt you when I am judging.

It is ok to have direct communication and be passionate, but don't be condescending or insulting. I will not allow a rude person or team to win a round.

Debates (some of this information might not apply to your type of debate):

1. Be clear about your argument and go point by point.

Ex for Parli. My first contention is _______. My claim is __________.
My warrant is __________. My impact is __________.

Policy and Lincoln Douglas debaters doing Parliamentary rounds: You need to debate in a parliamentary format!

2. Talk at a reasonable pace, I do not like spreading. When you are refuting make sure that you say which argument you are addressing.

3. Impacts are the make and break for me. Make me care. Tell me what super bad or super amazing things will happen and how that benefits the world. Go all the way. Don't just say "WW3" - the earth is destroyed due to nuclear radiation, there will be mass starvation and famine, no drinkable water, etc. Tell me those things. Go all the way.

4. Do not just throw debate jargon around and expect that to be considered a proper refutation. If something is non-unique tell me why. If something is non-topical you need to have a full topical argument (standard, violation, impact, alternative, voter). I will not consider debate jargon to be a proper rebuttal.

Hello beautiful people!

I am AJ Lozano and I'm thankful and ecstatic to be your judge today. Thank you so much for engaging and participating!

PLEASE INCLUDE ME IN THE E-MAIL CHAIN

jaydelozano14@gmail.com

A Little Bit About Me:

I am a go-with-the flow kind of person, so my actions will reflect the vibe I am getting from you guys, as the debaters.

However, don't get me wrong. I am very easy to talk to and please do not hesitate to ask me any questions.

I've debated for five years and now happy with my work with different debate leagues on the West Coast. I am cool with any argument- Ks, Theories, etc.

Rules/Requests

With that being said, I am a rather strict judge and I have rules/requests while I am in this round with you all.

1) Please be kind to one another! I understand in the heat of the moment, everything can be frustrating and sometimes, you just want to yell. However, kindness is my philosophy and goal in life! Friendship does not matter in your joking/fooling around, I do not want it to occur within the supposed 64-80 minutes of the round. Although, pre- and post- round, go ahead and joke around and hug each other.

2) I will always be the official timer! You may keep time for yourself as a reference, but once my timer goes off- TIME IS DONE! ***IF THE TEAM SAYS THEY'RE OPEN/READY FOR CX OR PREP TIME, TIME WILL START. No need to say "starting time in..." It's already going :)

3) SIGNPOSTING- Please do it. I want for your words to be properly understood and interpreted so let me know whether you're on-case and specify your off-case. Ideas will come back to you so let me know if you are moving back to something different.

3)SPREADING- is always allowed. However, I do request slowing down when reading the tag. If I do not understand what you are saying, I am not going to flow it.

4) Cross-Examination: I ask you to please use this time wisely and strategically. Please note that I will flow CX. It will be considered as an argument. I generally do not mind tag-teaming, but ensure your opponents are comfortable too- they have the final say.

5) REMEMBER: You are talking to me- not the other team. I am in the conversation- NOT listening to one.

6) PROFANITY: You can curse in a GENERAL sense! PLEASE, do not curse at another debater! This will result in an automatic low speaker rating, despite amazingness of speech content. Stay kind, but feel free to use words to emphasize!

DISCLOSURE

I will always give feedback on anything from speaking to arguments that were run. However, the disclosure of speakers points and who won is based on how I saw the round-depending on how the debaters make me feel. It's hard to piss me off, so please don't :) I've almost always disclose. If it takes me a long time, I'm sorry :P

Entering each round, I have no bias or preference. I am evaluating what I see and hear within the round. Convince me, persuade me. All in all, enjoy, have fun, and good luck!

Former LD debater and I judge on flow. Framework and impact calculus are the most important--explain clearly how I should judge the round and why you won. At the end of the day, will vote on the issues you convince me to vote on, and generally open to creative arguments as well. Crystallize at the end of the round how I'm supposed to vote and why. I will assume as a default that unaddressed arguments are conceded unless you explain why they shouldn't be, and generally won't flow new arguments in rebuttals (of course refutations are fine).

English Teacher (middle school) 30+ years. Philosophy Major. I value creativity, unique perspectives, honesty, and kindness. This is an opportunity to really learn to think and be exposed to many different perspectives! In the late 70's/80's I debated in Arizona--high school and at ASU. Policy debate was the only option and it was the beginning of spreading, when the speed of speaking became important for success. I follow Robert's Rules of Order and/or the event rules specified by tournament hosts to insure fairness and consistency: adhering to time limits, speaking routines, and questioning rules in debate. Have fun, learn, make friends, and do your best.

1/2024

I am a parent who was honored to judge at many tournaments last year, both Debate & IE rounds. I have a legal background and currently work in the pet and veterinary space doing research and analytics. Thus, pretend that I know nothing about speech & debate. Explain what you are doing and why.

I prefer clean, eloquent and well-supported arguments in debate events. Please don't speak too quickly (spread) even in policy debate. If I can't hear you/understand you, I can't evaluate your position. Debate still requires skills of persuasion, and much of that comes from tenants of communication like eye contact, facial expressions, vocal inflections, etc.

With IE events, please hold yourself with confidence. Body language is the first point of impression. Speak clearly, take pauses when you need them rather than stumbling (you can catch yourself and breathing through moments for clarity is key).

I try to approach each debate as a blank slate. My position as a judge is not to impose my own idiosyncratic beliefs about "what debate should be" onto the round. Speed is not typically an issue, and if it is, I will say "clear." I am open to kritiks, counterplans, and whatever else you have, but I would observe that the most creative (or to be less generous, outlandish) argument is not always the most effective one.

Also, be polite.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please let me know before the round.

I take strong consideration on presentation considering voice projection, speed, tempo and eye contact. I also consider organization to be important meaning that you have introductions, main points and conclusions.

schmittkyla@gmail.com

Hey all—I'm Kyla. A little background on me: I'm a class of 2020 high school graduate who did speech and debate all four years of high school. Over the years, my main events were first PF and later Parli, but I also have limited competing experience with CX, BQD, impromptu, radio, and US extemp. In college, I do a debate format called CARD, which is similar to CX.

I mostly strive to be tabula rasa, unless whatever you’re saying exceeds my reasonable doubt. In other words, I'll do my best not to let anything not said in the round influence my decision—however, I will also not vote on arguments that I know to be blatant misinformation (that the average American adult would know to be untrue), nor will I accept statements that are clearly bigoted. Still, it's your job as debaters to oppose these arguments when you encounter them and call them out for what they are, even if the misinformation/bigotry is not outward but more insidious, and I will make a note of it on your ballot if you don't.

Throughout the round, please signpost and be organized in your responses and extensions. I love a good, orderly line-by-line analysis, and I strongly dislike not knowing where to flow your arguments (I’m coaching/judging a debate tournament—there’s a 99% chance I’m going to be tired, so make your arguments easy to follow). In your last speech, be clear about why you've won. Voting becomes harder (and more biased) when you don't give me explicit, technical reasons why I should vote a certain way. Substantive voters, impact calc, or comparing worlds are a few good ways to do this. My personal preference is for impact calc.

A few notes especially for CX debaters but also for everyone: please don't assume that I have memorized every convention of your format. Instead, explain to me what arguments you're making and why they matter; don't just throw out a bunch of jargon and expect me to ascertain its full significance. I can handle speed, but if you’re going to go fast, clarity is non-negotiable. Please be accommodating if your opponents ask you to slow or clear.

Finally, be polite and gracious to your opponents and to me! People are taking a lot of time out of their days to make these tournaments happen. Let’s keep debate a positive and educational space.

Hello,

Thank you for reading this and doing research ahead of time!

I am not a coach or parent, I work at Linfield as an accountant, so I am here to support the speechies! With that, Speech and Debate should be fun and a growth opportunity, so I am going to do my best to make it both (I try not to be scary).

That said, here is my bio and what I look for:

Bio:

Education Background: Degree in Economics and Finance; Main Interests: Economic implications of policy actions, Game Theory, and basically anything finance related.

Experience with Speech/Debate: I competed all four years of high school focusing on debates (Lincoln-Douglas and Congress) and informative individual events (Impromptu, Expos (Inform's Predecessor), Radio, and Oratory). I competed at state a couple of times in Congress and Radio, and was an in LD Debate. I do not have collegiate speech experience, but have been involved in adjacent activities (theatre, band, other nerdy things).

General Notes (Speech and Debate)

I am a big-time note-taker, so I will be jotting stuff down throughout the round and I will then transfer it to the ballot. This isn't an indication of anything, I just want to make sure I am organized and detailed. I like to see the passion and engagement in your material across all events (more on this later).

(Interp Events can skip this paragraph): I value all types of evidence, Stats/Research/Data provide objective information, practical arguments can capture a dynamic world, and anecdotes/hypotheticals capture nuance, impact, and what-if scenarios. I find merit in all of these approaches. I really enjoy seeing thought processes, and your logic or reasoning that leads to your conclusion or stance. While I prefer linear communication styles (direct connection of thoughts), I can work with non-linear styles. I am going to listen to the details and see how they fit in the big picture, but the details or contentions should make sense within the broader point or argument. I like to see content that says "why I should care" (what impact is there, and so on), It doesn't need to take up a lot of time, but it is valuable.

Debate Specific

I value the questioning round just as much as the main speeches and rebuttals. This is an opportunity to ask clarifying questions of your opponent, clarify your own stances, and provide you with an edge. While passion for your argument is important, so is respect.

Other commonly asked questions: you can time yourself and your opponent (but I will time as well), off-time roadmaps are fine but should be brief (they are a heads-up of your points), speed is at your own risk (if I can't understand you then it makes it difficult on me, but I understand wanting to get all your content in).

I really don't have a specific framework for how I will vote, but I tend to vote for who upheld their argument the best with their case (did your anecdotes/stats/logic support your case), was your stance or contentions clear, did you refute your opponent or poke holes in their argument, were you able to answer questions or refute them from the opponent. Debate is very nuanced, and I treat it that way. Except in the most tightly contested debates, one thing really won't be the deciding factor.

Speech:

Interp Events: Being able to portray the emotion is critical. Your interpretation of an emotion may be different than mine, but this is your piece, make it your own! How you speak (tone, engagement/passion, comfortability with gestures/body language) is the other main factor.

Inform Events: Structure and Organization is the most critical, as part of this, I like to see the logic/reasoning behind your thought process and how it connects. Second: Your body language/gestures and engagement/passion for the topic are important. I also like to see content that says "why I should care", but it does not need to be super long. Stats/Research/Data work as well as anecdotes or practicality, and they each present different supporting aspects to your topic. The support you use ideally matches the topic.

Best of luck!

Thank you for reading my paradigms! And thank you for being part of speech and debate. I have a few priorities. In debate...

1. Number your contentions, advantages, disadvantages, etc.. Make it clear to me what part of your argument we are listening to, and likewise, which part of your opponent's argument you are addressing. Good road maps and sign posting help me be a better judge.
2. Rules are important, but don't hide behind them. In some events, Neg doesn't have the burden of a counterplan. That said... I expect you at least mention what kinds of plans could exist as an alternative. Saying "Aff's plan is bad" can work...but at least describe a couple alternatives that are feasible. You need to demonstrate that there is an alternative, even if you don't flesh it out. It's totally possible your opponent's plan is terrible; what I'm asking is that you demonstrate that your opponent's plan isn't simply the least terrible option out of really, really terrible options.
3. Tone matters. Spirited, enthusiastic, even emotion-filled debate is great. But always treat your opponents and partners with enthusiastic respect. This includes non-verbals: looking at your opponent like they're crazy doesn't make me happy :)
4. I start timing when you're talking. Off-time road maps don't fly with me because everyone has a different vision of what exactly can and can't go into an off-time road map.

Last, some background about me that may help, especially for people doing Individual events or interps:

I am the West Linn Coach. That said, I am a newer coach, so particularly with LD and PF I may need greater levels of context to grasp what you're discussing. For something like POI or Poetry, don't assume I can grasp poetic abstractions immediately. Speak at a pace that gives me time to process.

I teach history. I'll be honest: an argument or speech that effectively draws on history can really catch my attention; likewise, one that messes up historical analysis can undermine a case significantly.

I also have a theater degree, and have spent a lot of time with our pal Shakespeare. I have spent a good deal of time on stage, and directing plays. Know that I appreciate a good performance, and good speaking craft.

In contrast, sports and music are weaknesses of mine. I don't know them well. While I think Taylor Swift is cool, as I write this...I can't actually give you the name of a song she has written. Though I might recognize one. Maybe. That doesn't mean you should avoid mentioning Taylor Swift or talking about music or sports -- you just have to give me context. What does that lyric you recited refer to? How does it apply? What does that sports metaphor mean? Why do these things matter to what we're discussing?

Given the background described above, when it comes to speaker points: I am in this coaching job because I want students to develop public speaking skills that will serve them throughout their lives professionally, politically, theatrically, or in whichever setting you desire. As such, speaker points for me are about quality, not quantity, of arguments and respect for the process and others. An appropriately placed pinch of dramatic flair never hurts either.