I do:

*shake hands.

*let you keep your own time, although I will keep time as well.

*like eye contact and demonstrative body language. (Hint: You can't do this as well when holding a Chromebook.)

*like it when you stand. It shows respect.

*like sources. There is such a thing as too many sources, but usually I don't see enough.

*like good evidence and easy-to-follow logic.

*like you to stay on topic.

*like easy, everyday sort of examples that help make a big topic more understandable. I particularly like personal examples.

*like open minds.

*like respect of all in the room. This includes respect for your opponents(s), topic, classroom objects, and judge.

*like ethical, professional behavior.

*like old fashioned good manners.

*like to call "time" on cross. That is the judge's job.

*like it when your contentions/topics are relatively few (with few or no subpoints) and VERY easy to identify. Repeat them many times to ensure I know what they are. I can't flow contentions that I can't easily identify.

*like when you allow your opponent a chance to ask a question during cross. (Please don't hog all the time for yourself.)

I do NOT:

*like spreading. Please slow down. I have never heard anyone go too slow.

*like when you read your content word for word from your notes. Wean yourself from your notes! Usually presentation is better when you speak from your mind and on your feet.

*like animosity, disrespect, or obscenities.

*like when you abruptly cut off your train of thought simply because your time is up. I am fine giving a grace period of 10 to 30 seconds so you can wrap it up nicely.

*like when you talk over another individual (although it can be minimally expected during cross).

I am new to judging debate and speech.

In debate I like sources to back the debate, I flow based off contentions taking into account which contentions hold.

For speech I like when the speaker engages the audience.

Experience: I competed in every debate event, as well as most speech events over the course of 3 years. I qualified to Nationals twice as well. I'm currently an active NSDA Alumni and I offer hired judging for various schools, mostly in Utah.

General for Speech Events
I will be timing you, but you are also free to time yourself when appropriate. I dislike when speakers try to fill all the time by repeating themselves or talking in circles. Quality over quantity.
If you are double entered, I will alter the speaking order if necessary to make sure you can give both speeches timely. Please speak up if you need this, since Tabroom doesn't always tell me.

General for all Debate Events:

If evidence asked for in-round does not exist or is being blatantly misused, I will not vote for you. If there are claims of evidence being misread or used in an abusive way, I will ask to look at it myself. Most importantly, looking at evidence counts as part of your prep time, unless it gets into rule-breaking disputes.

I like seeing assertiveness during cross, but don't be over the top. A good cross to me looks like advancing a conversation and making points, not just clarifying. If your opponent asks a reasonable question and you are being intentionally vague with your answers or stalling the clock, I will count it against you. Please also look at me and not your opponent as much as possible.

I am perfectly okay with progressive debate (kritiks, philosophy, plans, counter-plans, etc) and know how to judge it, but I am strict with the rulebook on how/when it can be used.

If you plan on spreading, please have your cases ready to share with your opponent(s) or me as necessary.

Email for evidence/case sharing: maeve.k.hall@gmail.com

Lincoln-Douglas:

I weigh most on the Value/criterion debate. If I see it from one debater and not at all from another, my ballot is easy to write. If neither engages, I will have a hard time picking a winner. If both engage, then we all have a fun round.

I do believe having a Value/criterion is necessary. If you don't provide a framework, it's really hard for me to vote for you. If you're unprepared or wanted to do that level of progressive debate, I'm sorry.

Policy:

Please ask for specifics in round

This is my second year judging and I am a parent judge. I have judged PF, LD and oratory rounds.

Please don't spread I won't be able to understand.

Please give voters at the end just so everything is completely clarified and the decision is easier for me.

Please be respectful during round and don't say anything discriminatory.

I won't flow cross so if something happens please bring it up.

I will do my best to leave constructive feedback.

Have good rounds!

Hello Debaters!

I am a communications professional and highly value clear, concise, accurate, and respectful communication. Eye contact, tone, and pacing are important to me. I also value clarity, organization, and persuasion. I love hearing both sides of an argument and how you will lean into making your point.

I look forward to having a constructive and engaging debate!

Debate: When I debated in high school I mainly did pf. With that in mind if you are in policy or ld I may need some hand holding it’s your job to make the debate clear for me. I am fine with any argument you throw at me even if it is stupid as long as you’re able to prove it. I do value weighing, evidence, and links more than anything but if you don’t do that you can still win you just have to be better. Framework is also important.

Speech and Congress: I value organization, passion, flow, and uniqueness most. I do find that speech events do tend to be heavily biased based on content matter so I will try my best to judge objectively.

Decorum is paramount!

Please remember this if nothing else. I like to see good flow and obvious preparation with your case, topic, policy or presentation. In impromptu and extemporaneous I want to see your personality and natural instincts on display. I really prefer you take your time and use the grace period after to wrap up your sentence or thoughts so I fully understand and get your message as intended and not be left to assume.  I want to see good compete out of opponents and respectfully aggressive approach. Again decorum is huge with me. Being actively engaged in the entirety of every round is something I look for. You can always be learning from those around you.  And lastly have fun! I am grateful for each of you and for all of your hard work.

Speak loudly and clearly, and understand the basics of your event. That's all!