Hey y'all! I am a (retired) debater from Conway High! I used to compete in Congress and made it to Novice State Finals in 2023! I am a good congressional judge, even if they are long sessions, and really value someone stepping up to create even splits because I know how difficult that can be. I also know IPDA very well and have practiced it a lot with my former teammates. I really value a clean structure and clear points. Simplicity can be key to an IPDA round! Also please be respectful. If you're doing some weird Jedi mind trick to get your opponent flustered, I'm taking points off. Any other debate format is on the table, it's all about the same for me as far as do's and don't's, just be mindful of everyone you compete with. Everyone is nervous, it means they care. As far as Forensics, I might need some help, that is a mystery to me, but I guess we can feel it out when we get there. Good luck don't suck!

Hello! I'm Avery Ferguson both a speech and debate student! I'm State Champion in original oratory and attended NSDA Nationals in that event.

When judging speech events I look for

• Clear, slow speaking that your audience can understand
• High-energy performances! It is always nice when the speaker is excited and passionate about their performance because that encourages the audience to connect to your piece more!
• In DI and storytelling and occasionally OO you should bring your audience to tears but not cry yourself! It is always more powerful to draw emotion from your audience than impose it!

Hello! I am a current debate and forensics student and am on my school’s debate and forensics varsity team. I am truly passionate about this activity and love getting to see determined competitors.

I am an experienced debate kid, so I have more preferences for this event. My DON’T’S are: SPREADING, using super technical strategies to psych your opponent out, using unnecessary dramatics, and using big words that you don’t know the meaning of nor how to pronounce. My DO’s are: speak clearly, run a clear framework, offer counter-plans if the resolution permits, and BE RESPECTFUL OF YOUR OPPONENT! I value respect over anything, and if you choose to talk over others in cross-x, attach your opponent directly, or act inappropriately, it will affect your overall score.

I have less experience in forensics but years of experience performing on a stage. Therefore, I really value the performance of a forensics piece! Show the passion you have about what you are performing. Speak clearly, enunciate words, talk at a reasonable speed, and most importantly, be respectful of the other competitors in the room.

Overall, I really love getting to see passionate, driven speech and debate kids pour their heart into their craft. Be confident, and remember to have fun! You’ve got this.

Hello, this is Natalie Hubbard a Junior debater at Cabot high school.

add me to the email chain hubbanatal25@cps.k12.ar.us :)

TLDR

Nothing offensive or any slurs or it will be an automatic loss from me

For debate, I've done a lot of events so I know how the events work I mainly do LD and am a huge fan of world schools but I've been branching out

For me, I want accurate information my least favorite debater is a trick debater and if I know you are using false information it will make me less likely to vote for you.

I am a more traditional debater but can understand progressive.

theory: If you're gonna run theory I don't mind just give me some good reasons why I should use your theory and make it make sense to your case I personally don't run theory but if you want to give me some reasons on why it is a winning factor or you are just kind of wasting time.

I like probability, magnitude, and unique arguments. I also want sources with your cards where you get it from and what year because I like to know and im sure your opponent would to. I like to see more interesting claims than people always talking about major war and climate change killing everyone because it’s severely overused. I have no problem with speed or spreading because I am quite a fast speaker/ spreader just make sure that it is understandable. Send cases please I like to have copies of the speeches.

I want to see clash and offense please don’t drop all of your points after your first speech make sure to also attack their points. I also like when you put yourself in the world of the opposite side and if it could help you win make sure you use it! I like when you call out dropping your points but if you're going to bring that up then tell me why it should matter and why it's important.

amolkattariamac@icloud.com

Hello, my name is Paula! For these past years I've competed in congress, pf, and in a variety of different speech events. I love speech and debate and have been judging for about two years now aside from competing, mostly policy and LD. There are things I look for such as enunciation and, if you spread, neat spreading (clear speech, of course stuttering is going to happen and will always, just not so much that it gets in the way of delivering your argument.) I love kritik (or as some of you may know it, K) and encourage it as it gives an interesting debate round. Last thing- bigotry, ignorance, & lack of proper etiquette towards your peers is NOT tolerated. Can't wait to hear your arguments, good luck :)!

Cabot High School Senior Captain

TL;DR

I’m good with all arguments

Tech over truth

Make sure to not drop points

Don't give fake evidence, instant loss if you cannot provide the cards if asked.

Attack the case not the person, I will deduct a large amount of speaker points if you're attacking the person.

Have fun with the debate

I have started debating at Cabot since 8th grade. I am okay with all arguments. Use whatever you want as long as it doesn't discriminate against anyone. Make sure that you properly explain all arguments and don't just throw out buzzwords and jargon.

BQ

I generally prefer the standard of morality in BQ but if you can give me a reason not to, then that's great. You don't need to have a lot of statistics for BQ. I personally prefer well spoken arguments and slower speaking in BQ, but I will evaluate anything. Make sure you explain how your arguments and cards connect. I'm fine with all arguments as long as they are relevant.

PF

Make sure to take advantage of any definitions you can. Impact is very important policy wise so make sure to flesh it out throughout the entire debate. Fake evidence equals instant loss. If I cannot trust one piece of evidence I can't trust any of your evidence. Just argue well, If I am not given a weighing mechanism I will default to cost benefit analysis. Just debate and do it well, like I already said up above, I will evaluate any argument as long as it is explained well.

LD

I prefer that you link in your arguments and give me a reason to vote for you. Make sure to expand on your points and impact if you have one. These are important parts of the debate and give me a clear reason to vote. Make sure you expand on your framework and show me why I should consider your value/criterion over your opponents if the framework makes a difference. If the framework doesn't matter, then don't extend it.

Although your argument may hold truth I prefer the technical parts of the debate (i.e. you drop what they say about your point, and it is false if they are right). One thing I don’t like is trying to discredit sources just because they are from the past or not within the past 4 years; yes, it is important to have up to date sources, but at the same time it is not necessary if it is an analytical argument. If you do make an argument on the credibility of sources don't just say it's not credible, you also need to explain why I can't vote on it because of the lack of credibility. I know the connection is obvious, but unless you make it that connection, it won't be on the flow. If an opponent asks for a card provide the card or you lose credibility.

Congress

Just don't discriminate against anyone. Answer questions effectively. I don't do congress very much so I'll be frank and just say you're unlucky to have me.

IPDA

Same stuff for LD basically. Just make sure you explain your points well, I think IPDA is a great opportunity to show off the fundamentals of debate.

Madison Rivera (riv-air-uh)

pronouns she/her

disclaimer: my biggest thing is that I will mark you down if you have any sexist, racist, ability, or any offending remarks/arguments. I understand you have to defend your point, but you should do that in a respectful manner.

TLDR

I don't mind if you speak fast, just don't sound like Eminem.

Make sure you speak clearly, if you stutter I do not mind.

MAKE SURE YOU USE ALL YOUR TIME!!! Even if you cannot think of anything else to say just go into depth but do not ramble.

I LOVE WHEN YOU SPEAK WITH ENTHUSIASM! I don't care if you are loud because I am hard of hearing just don't scream.

CONGRESS

Please Speak and be engaged in the round. Do not interrupt and if you need help with motion or anything I do not mind helping. If there are four bills speak on at least 3 out of the 4. Make sure you do not rehash the same arguments over and over again. Understand the topic, don't just read over it actually has some knowledge on what you are debating. Ask questions a lot. If you are PO make sure you know what you are doing unless it's your first time.

IPDA/LD

Make sure you know the topic. Have a valid point and do not ramble. Make sure you use all your time. When it comes to the rebuttal actually rebuttal do not just go over your points. Have a good amount of offense and defense. Do not use any fallacies, include a summary of your neg at your last speech. Be nice and have fun.