Lay judge, no spreading. I have judged Congress to oi to policy. I will always write long form notes on in round speeches, but I may not set up my flow like conventional debaters.

sai.ankireddi@gmail.com

I am a lay parent judge. Please explain arguments thoroughly at a reasonable pace.

Quick intro: I graduated last year after competing in Congressional Debate for seven years. Out of every event, I love Congress the most because it's so dynamic and unpredictable! I try to be as non-interventionist as possible, so don't try to "adapt" to me as a judge - however, I know you all like paradigms to know what we look for, so here we go:

- Yes, Congress is a debate event, so I'm expecting your speech to accurately meet the burdens for each stage of debate (constructives, refutation/synthesis, crystallization). If your speech does what it's supposed to at the correct time in the round, that's what I'm looking for and will rank you on. More on this below!

- Constructive speeches should introduce major points of contention and set a framework for the round. Also, if you're the author/sponsor, please reference what the legislation actually does in your speech. I know that everyone hates giving early speeches at big tournaments, but it's really awkward when your PO calls for a sponsor and we all stare at each other, so please don't be afraid to speak early.

- As the round progresses, I expect you to appropriately and substantively engage with other arguments in the round (name-dropping is not substantive). For mid-round speeches, that means extending, refuting, and weighing arguments. For late-round speeches, that means summarizing major arguments on both sides and providing weighing/impact analysis for the whole round.

- Balance between presentation and argumentation: a good congress speech requires both, and you shouldn't sacrifice one at the expense of the other.

- While chamber activity isn't what I immediately rank you on, please be cognizant of what you're doing in round! This includes things like questioning, decorum, and respect (but not who motions for recess the most).

- If you make my job as a judge easy, it makes it easy to rank you. I won't make any links or arguments for you, so the clearer and more articulate you are, the better.

- For those who preside: I look for speed, correctness, and your ability to maintain effective control over the chamber at all times. I do expect you to be familiar with all forms of parliamentary procedure, barring any extenuating circumstances. Bonus points if you can smoothly handle any unexpected situations or show some personality! I rank good POs well, but you have to earn it :)

Good luck!

I am a lay judge with very minimal experience judging policy debate. Hence, I appreciate rounds with an emphasis on clear and effective communication of subject matter and arguments.

Looking forward to it. Good luck!

RK

Be kind to your fellow participants.

Be respectful of each other, let others finish their sentence, and keep your time.

Be clear and enunciate well to make sure you can showcase the effort that went into building the great content you have prepared.

Good luck to everyone!

I am a parent judge, so please speak clearly. Explain your arguments clearly and incorporate evidence, and I will vote for the team that is able to articulate its arguments effectively.

I’ve judged a few tournaments in the last two years, and I would consider myself to be a lay judge. I’m open to listening to any arguments that you want to run as long as they are clear, well warranted, and delivered clearly. I do flow in the round and do my best to vote off of the arguments that remain at the end of the round. I typically give high speaker points as long as you are clear and explain yourself well.

At the end of the day, debate is supposed to be fun and a learning experience, so please try to have fun in the round and be respectful of your opponents in the round.

I am looking for fluency and confidence while speaking as well as your ability to ask and answer questions during crossfire. Make sure you don't drop any contentions or subpoints in your rebuttal speech. I will take that into account while judging. Don't be rude to your opponents either, and have fun!

I am a parent judge. This is my second year judging the debate.  Here are the items I try looking for

• Strength of arguments

• Claims, reasons, and supporting evidence

• Refutation of opponent’s arguments

• are they having fun and enjoying the competition? 

I am also learning from both teams debating  as a Judge 

Hello,

Please explain arguments thoroughly at a reasonable pace as I am a lay parent judge and also keep crossfire respectful. I would prefer that no jargon is used in order for me to completely understand. Also make sure you familiarize yourselves with the rules beforehand ensuring no unintentional violations occur.

I am a lay judge. Adapt your argumentation as such. If you use any debate jargon, please clearly define it. I take notes while you debate, but please speak slowly and clearly (no spreading please!). I evaluate the debate based the quality of your arguments and responses, and in a case of a close debate, your speaking skills.

I am a parent judge with >7 years of judging experience in LD, PF, Parli and Policy debates as well as individual events. As a typical lay judge, my primary emphasis lies in evaluating the logical coherence of arguments, which should be well-supported by solid evidence. I flow and prefer clear speaking with no spreading. Additionally, I believe in the significance of maintaining respect towards opponents throughout the round.

Speak at an understandable pace. Have fun!

Leland '22 Michigan '26

conner.shih.debate@gmail.com

Judging should be all tech, no truth. The only thing that factors into my decision is what has been said by the debaters. That means 'I don't care what arguments you go for or how many off you read in the 1NC.'

K in high school, policy in college. That just means do the better debating and you will win.

You can insert rehighlightings as long as its implication is explained. Recuttings of parts of the article not originally present in the card should be read.

I will not vote on events that occurred outside of the round or personal callouts.

Condo is good. Judgekick is good. Plan text in a vacuum is good.

Fairness is good. It is an independent impact. Unless it's not.

Big fan of the perm double bind. Not a fan of Kant.

Link uniqueness is important. You should read cards.

1. Group your arguments clearly, usually persuaded by large set of well developed & cited arguments.
2. Deliver your arguments slowly and clearly, backed up with evidence (historical/political/data) and adequate reasoning.
3. Evidences should be cited with author and any other relevant info.
4. I'd look for a well structured plan, impact and evidences over pragmatic analysis.
5. Be polite, civil and exhibit eye contact with your fellow debaters as well as with the judges.

Do your best!!!

I am a parent judge who has been judging for a couple of years but have a long history of participating and winning speech and debate tournaments.

I value calm cogent coherent arguments over bombastic and aggressive harangue.

Be kind - to yourself and to your opponents.

Be yourself. 

Be the best person you can be.

Be respectful.

Ad hominem arguments are an immediate fail in my book.

I take a dim view of spreading; if I can't understand you, evidently you can't convince me of the soundness of your arguments.

If you are not clear or understandable, I'll call out "Clear!" Please heed it.  I will not be repeating the call more than twice. 

Time: I expect the candidates to time themselves and honor it. But I do keep watch.

If you are using frameworks, define them clearly at the outset.

I appreciate good rebuttals and cross examinations.

Good luck, and most importantly, have fun.

Here are some things you should do in your debate

• Please speak slowly and clearly and clearly and explain any debate terminology used
• make sure to time yourselves and let me know if your opponents go over time
• please let me know when you take prep
• please be kind to each other

Hi Debaters,

Here are a few helpful tips to help you understand my preferences as a judge. I’m relatively new to judging, however, I do have a Law Degree and have plenty of debating experience.

1) SLOW DOWN..BE ORGANIZED. I'm very sensitive to "Spreading". If you throw a lot at me, it'll just get lost in the noise. I won't digest your points, and you'll hurt your credibility with me. Do your best to offer your arguments in structured and logical formats. If your argument will contain more than one element, try to preface your comments by indicating there are multiple items you want to speak to, then follow up with a structured approach to addressing them in order. (For example, "I believe there are 3 main arguments in favor of this approach. First,..., Second,..., Third...)

2) Speak clearly and confidently. Try to avoid "Um" and "Ah" as fillers between pauses. If you need time to think, let yourself take a small moment/pause in between statements to gather your words. This will add gravitas to your presence.

3) The most effective debate performances are the ones who don't shy away from the opposing arguments. If the opposition has raised points, be sure you capture them and address them when it's your turn to speak. The more comprehensively you counter all claims, the stronger your debate will be perceived.

4) Remember to always remain professional and courteous. At times arguments can get passionate, but always avoid personal attacks, or making statements that demean anyone's character, intelligence, or motives.

English is my second language so please use simple terms;

Please be clear with your argument and don't talk too fast;

Remind me of your speaking order and the format of the round.

Thank you and see you soon.