Speech & Interp Coach at Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, TX

SPEECH: My stylistic preferences for speakers lean towards a more personal and conversational delivery as opposed to the overly formal and stilted. Formal delivery is great and can be effective, but as a judge I don't care for speaker styles that make me feel like I am being "talked at." as opposed to being "talked to." In terms of the amount of evidence, I prefer at least one cited article per main point in the speech; more would be best. Cited articles should help support the points made. I prefer speakers to incorporate movement to help highlight the points of the speech and create a flow. This goes for most, if not all speech events.

INTERP: As far as interpretation events, I am HUGE on storytelling. The teasers should grab the audience's attention and establish clear characters and setting. I like an intro to be conversational and explain how the themes of the piece relate to us a society. I also like for some sort of personal connection to the piece to be stated. Blocking should supplement the storytelling effectively and not be distracting. Prose & Poetry performers specifically should not use binders as props and only move from the waist up to stay grounded; other interp events are free to move and explore creativity in their movement!

Characters should be carefully crafted and explored in interpretation events. I prefer characters to be well established in the teaser, but still grow and evolve throughout up until the conclusion of the piece. Clear and distinct characters are also essential in storytelling like interp events. I believe the author's intent should be clear and pieces should be appropriate for the performer. I have no issue with cursing in pieces as long as it is tasteful in delivery and not excessive. As long as mature content is handled gracefully in performance, I do not mind.

Throughout speaking events it is crucial that you always maintain the attention of your audience using organization, relatability, and a suitable platform. The delivery should be clear, concise, and feel conversational. Speeches should be well-organized so that the audience can follow along easily, and they should include sources to help establish credibility. Last but not least, speaking occasions should involve a range of vocal tones, facial expressions, and purposeful gestures.

When it comes to interpretation, I value natural acting, purposeful blocking, and experiencing the true emotion. The characters' feelings should be conveyed to the spectator. I also assess the characters' authenticity.

During the debate, you should have clear explanations so that I can follow along with the scenario you've developed. I do not approve when you are unpleasant or hostile to your opponent, and I do not approve when excess vice is propagated. It's challenging for me to absorb your ideas if I can't grasp what you are saying. Whoever has the strongest case will win, regardless of how many arguments they can provide.

When it comes to interpretation events, I am drawn to performances that marry the synergy between literature, fully crafted performances, and effective blocking. I'll be looking for a well-crafted and engaging message that not only captivates the audience but also demonstrates a deep appreciation for the literary nuances in your chosen material. Ensure your content is not just spoken but embodied, utilizing effective blocking to enhance the visual dimension of your performance. Your delivery remains pivotal, so articulate your words with confidence, using your voice, body language, and strategic blocking to create a cohesive and immersive presentation. Pay attention to pacing and timing for a seamless and dynamic flow. Tell me a story, take me on a journey, and make me feel something!

In speaking events, it is extremely important that you always keep the interest of your audience with relatability, organization and good vehicle. Delivery should feel conversational with a good pace and easy to understand. Speeches should have good organizational structure that makes it easy for the audience to follow along and sources that help build credibility. Lastly, speaking events should include motivated gestures, facial expressions and a variety of vocal expression.

In interpretation I appreciate natural acting and blocking with a purpose and feeling the real emotion. The audience should feel the emotions of the characters. I also look for believability of the characters.

In debate, I should be able to follow along with the story created which means you should have clear explanations. I do not appreciate being rude or aggressive towards your opponent and I do not appreciate excessvie spreading. If I cannot understand what you are saying, it makes it hard for me to take in your arguments. It is not how many arguments you can get in, it is who has the strongest case.

If you plan on emailing the case to your opponent, please include me in email: cassy_molina@yahoo.com

I am a traditional judge. I normally judge speaking events and interpretation.

In interpretation, I appreciate natural acting in most events with the exception of Humorous. I believe you can be fully animated in Humorous Interpretation. ALWAYS have purpose for your blocking. If you have blocking just for the sake of blocking or tech, I will rank you down. It is better to have real emotion than "fake crying" or a "crying voice." Always be true to your character(s).

In speaking, speeches should be delivered at a pace that is easily understandable. Organization is key as well as keeping the audience interested with a great vehicle.

I do not flow spreading. I believe debate is a communication event, not who can get the most arguments in the least amount of time (there is not a difference in "fast speaking" and "spreading").

I will vote you down if you are rude or aggressive towards your opponent. It is one thing to debate and clash against an argument, it's another to attack your opponent.

If you plan on emailing the case to your opponent, please include me in email: lyn_esquivel@yahoo.com

Policy- Tab judge who defaults on who's impacts outweigh. Will listen to K's but need explanation. Prefer quality over quantity. Does not flow author's names; make sure to extend the warrant. Ok with speed just value clarity. I will not join an email chain because I am not reliant on the information but more of the presentation. If you are unable to A. adapt to a judges preferred style of debate and B. realize that this is still a communication event, then you will not win my ballot.

Congress- Highly value clash. Do not regurgitate information/arguments just for the sake of getting in a speech. If a speech is just a summary of what has been said so far on a piece of legislation, I will award it a 1 or 2. In order for me to rank you, you need to be an active member of the chamber (ask questions), give competitive speeches (clash and don't regurgitate info), and speak in a fashion that does not sound rehearsed.

Speaking- I want you to have a conversation with me, not sound like a news reporter. It is ok to bring humor into a speech instead of it being straight information. I need you to tie back each point you make to your question. Having your AGD work its way through each point and the conclusion are a favorite of mine as well.

When looking at a performance the biggest area I look into is commitment to the text. Is the subject matter taken beyond the surface level and is there critical thinking used through out the process. Which is evident by their perofmance.

I look to see if the performer has control of the audience.

I like seeing believability and authenticity. Something that goes beyond what is written.

I look for a clean speech that has vocal variety and does not sound over- rehearsed. Rather an organic piece that comes from the heart and not a paper.

All tactics will vary as the piece unfolds and I enjoy the unpredictability of it. Just like in life.

I am a traditional judge. I normally judge speaking events and interpretation. I have also judged LD.

In interpretation, I appreciate natural acting in most events with the exception of Humorous. I believe you can be fully animated in Humorous Interpretation. ALWAYS have purpose for your blocking. If you have blocking just for the sake of blocking, I will rank you down. It is better to have real emotion than "fake crying" or a "crying voice." Always be true to your character(s).

In speaking, speeches should be delivered at a pace that is easily understandable. Organization is key as well as keeping the audience interested with a great vehicle.

I do not flow spreading. I believe debate is a communication event, not who can get the most arguments in the least amount of time (there is not a difference in "fast speaking" and "spreading"). If you spread, you'll get low speaks and have a hard time winning my ballot.

Debate was created to communicate and compare your points against your opponent's points. If you don't create a clear story and explanation, I will not vote you up.

I will immediately vote you down if you are rude or aggressive towards your opponent. It is one thing to debate and clash against an argument, it's another to attack your opponent.

If you plan on emailing the case to your opponent, please include me in email: molina_kody@yahoo.com

-Extemporaneous Events:

I personally did not compete in these events so I'm not as well-versed in them however, I think a clear and concise speech is the best route. By plainly pointing out each of your points and then tying them all together to a clear conclusion would be best for me to understand and critique properly. Evidence is also very important, I think the best is having 1-2 sources tied to your points for a valid speech. Virtual delivery the same, just make sure to not move around too much as you maybe would in an in-person speech delivery.

-Original Oration/Informative:

Please make sure there's a distinct difference between an OO and an Info. How I was told is that Original Oration should have more persuasive and argumentative points in your speech versus Informative is just informing your audience on a specific topic of your choosing. Similar to extemp, it's best to have a clear and organized speech. If the speech is confusing and disoragnized then the topic can get a diffiult to follow.

-Intepretation Events:

I think introductions should be simple and short, if you have a personal connection to the piece that you are comfortable sharing then share it. For the virtual speeches, it can be challenging because not everyone has the same resources or space as others and that's okay! Just try to engage as much as you can with the audience, the more simple the blocking the better sometimes. Character work is very important to interp events, if trying to convey multiple characters and I, as a judge, cannot differentiate between each character then it can be confusing. If you are just conveying one character then really work out the details and mannerisms of this character. As far as appropriateness goes, I really don't mind swearing or mature content as long as it has a point (especially for cursing, do not curse just to curse.) All in all, tell a story that is what interp to me is about. If you have a story that you want other people to hear and a story that you are passionate about then that should be enough for me as a judge to see and understand.

1. Overall Structure: I look for speeches that are well-organized and coherent. A clear introduction, body, and conclusion are essential, with smooth transitions between ideas.

2. Choice and Cutting of Literature: I assess the selection and editing of literature for its relevance, depth, and impact. The chosen pieces should resonate with the audience and enhance the overall message of the speech.

3. Social Relevance: I value speeches that address pressing social issues and offer meaningful insights or solutions. The relevance of the topic to contemporary society and its potential to provoke thought and discussion are crucial factors in my evaluation.

4. Portrayal of Honest and Truthful Moments: Authenticity is paramount. I look for speakers who convey genuine emotion and vulnerability, as well as honesty in their delivery. Authenticity fosters connection with the audience and enhances the impact of the message.

These qualities contribute to a compelling and impactful performance that resonates with both the audience and myself as a judge.

Hey! My Name is Conor Rice

I am one of your traditional style judges! I am an NSDA Alumni and I used to compete in the various speaking events.

What I Look for as a Judge:

Speaking Events (OO, INFO, NX, DX, FX)

I look heavy on the content side of these speeches because good content is what makes a speech truly effective. I also do expect a performance of a good content speech is pointless if it is not well presented. I want to feel that personal reason why I should care about the topic. Bring me into the topic and hit me with the facts through an engaging speech. For INFO I want to see the true connection with the audience do not let your props become an obstacle.

Acting Events (Prose, Poetry, HI, DI, POI, DUO, DUET)

I want to see the story (beginning, middle, and end) of your piece and you truly feel it. The pieces that make it the furthest are the ones where you can see the person having fun and loving it. I want to be able to tell this piece is well-rehearsed and not thrown together minutes before the round. I love good blocking and choreography and will always highlight it in the feedback I write. I also look for the small details the attention to detail in the blocking. Ex: How you hold and pick up things.

Debate Events:

LD/PF:

I am looking for a clear framework and articulated argument with a clear structure. Tell me your value and crit and side post so I know exactly where you are in the argument.

WSD:

I need to see a clear framework and structure for the speeches and arguments. In the reply speech, I really want to see you clarify your team's argument and crystalize it, don't use this time to attack the other case.

Sincerely, Conor Rice

Hello, my name is Ramiro Soliz and I would consider myself a traditional judge. I look for characterization and their consistency and if movement and blocking is motivated. Articulation and projection is another thing I look for in all performances.

For DI, I like when the performer knows who they are talking to (us the audience). I do not like when performers throw themselves on the floor or yell for the "dramatic effect" if it fits the character and their tendencies then fine. I also look for the little hints of comedic usage in a DI so it is not sad the whole time. Characterization is really important to me and reestablishing and recreating the scene for us the audience. Natural intro, a time for me to hear YOU the performer.

HI, this is alot different from DI because of the use of multiple characters. I look for distinguishable characters and if I can understand and follow the story with the performers choices of characters and blocking. I also look for how this "hilarious story" relates to something happening in society that the performer wants to bring awareness to. Dont use the 30 second grace as part of the performance, its there to help performers not go over time.

PR/PO/POI: Same as above, I also tend to rank higher those performers who have good tech work. Clean and motivated page turns and consistent style of holding the book. I like for the intro to be natural so I can hear YOU and not the character in the performance.

In dramatic events, I am looking for clear characterization, strong emotional connections, and understanding of the piece. I want you to draw me in and let me feel with your characters.

In humorous events, I am looking for clear and concise characterizations that are easy to differentiate and follow, and a good sense of comic timing with the piece.

Duo and Duet, I am looking at the same things, but also strong interactions between the different characters.

In Informative, Oratory, and the Extemps, I am looking for a good conversational style with good use of gesture and confidence in your speeches. Know your stuff, or at least look like you know your stuff.

I am overall going to also look at technique and seek for it to be clean and clear.