Updated for NSDA Nationals:

Hi! I am happy to judge you. My son does PF, so I know the topic and how to flow. I prioritize clear speaking and argumentation. Please be nice to one another in questioning. I appreciate clear voters at the end of the debate.

Thanks, and happy debating!

I do not like spreading. Please slow down.

I expect you to treat your opponent with dignity and respect.

I am looking for a good mix of fact base and anecdotal evidence to support your position.

Good luck!!

Experience- 4 years high school as competitor, 2 years competing on my college team, and 5 years coaching my high school team.

What I like to see- I joined the dark side of debate as a parli. debater on my college team. Because of this I value the logistics of the debate rather than cards/evidence. Meaning, I am not putting any ink down while you are throwing out information off of all the cards you are reading. I think that you should read your card and then explain why this is relevant in your case. Any type of debate is suppose to be a persuasive speech, not a competition of evidence. As far as technical debate I will vote on those arguments alone if they are done well. I don't appreciate spreading or just dropping arguments as a strategy, I think that is a waste of time. K's are welcome, especially if they are done right. Speed is fine, but if I have to ask for your case because you read so fast nobody could understand you I will vote you down. I believe that if I have to do the work and read over your entire case in order to understand it that you are not debating. Don't make me do the work for you! I will not flow during any cross x. I believe that the time is for opponents to clarify and get information. If you want to bring up what is said during your speech I am cool with that. Lastly, during cross x I would appreciate letting opponents finish their thoughts and being respectful, I don't think being rude during cross x should be used as a strategy.

Ask before round

General: Be respectful. Speak loud and clearly enough that I, your opponents and those spectating can hear and comprehend. Eye contact is encouraged (Not with your opponents though!). Be a good sport- win or lose, we are all lucky to be members of such a great activity.

Debate: Be organized. Spewing/spreading is discouraged, unless absolutely necessary. Try not to drop your framework or any points, I keep track. I love to see clash, explain the conflict. Show & prove why your case stands, and why your opponent's doesn't. Voters is always encouraged. Make sure to include real world examples, statistics, studies, credible sources, etc. Ensure that your claims and arguments have a strong and solid backing.

Speech: Presentation is key. Volume and clarity is a must, ensure that I can hear and understand you.

Extemp: Aim for 5-7 mins. Try not to stutter or pause. Eye contact is a plus. Be formal & professional. Site your sources. Use real world examples, statistics, studies, credible sources, etc. Make sure your speech is well organized. Actually answer and explain the question/topic.

Impromptu: For impromptu, I'm looking for essentially the same things as what I would look for in an Extemp round. The only difference being, you don't have to site sources or give statistics and what not. Making it personal is okay. Just be organized, have eye contact, try your best to avoid stuttering, pausing or filler words. Be confident. Be loud & clear. Stay focused on your chosen topic.

SPAr: Treat this as if it were another debate round. Actually have points, reasons, examples or a solid explanation on why your side is right. Don't just mess around because it's a speech event, actually clash, argue, explain.