I am a traditional judge that goes for all formats. If you are in public forum and you plan to spread, please know that I prefer quality over quantity, so slow down.

My Procedural Preferences:

1) Please identify yourself at the start. I'd like to know your names, schools, the side you will be arguing, and the order in which you will present, so I can evaluate you properly.

2) Avoid speaking fast. English is my 2nd language (first is Spanish). I prefer that you speak clearly and focus on your most important points.

3) Signposting, or signaling the parts of your presentation, will help me better understand your case and cross-reference it to the rebuttals.

4) Mind your time: A few seconds over will not hurt you; but try to use up as much of your allotted time as possible.

5) Be polite towards the judge and your opponents.

I will evaluate your presentation based on how well you demonstrate mastery of the topic at hand; how you present your arguments (logic, coherence and persuasion); and how well you refute your opponents' arguments. Your presentation style (e.g., poise, eye-contact, professionalism, quick-thinking) is very important to me.

Last but not least, be calm; dramatization does not impress me. Trust your instincts and make sure your team is aligned before you enter the room (within team disagreements are not fun to watch).

I wish you much success!!

I have competed in PF for three years and judged for the past two years. I compete these topics, so I know what evidence and arguments to be looking for. Make sure evidence is strong and arguments are logical.

I look for strong, clearly stated contentions and rebuttals backed by solid cards. Logic alone is not enough to win points. I also look for quick responses in cross that are backed with appropriate evidence, again with the usage of cards being preferred.

Please do not spread. Be respectful of your opponents, especially in cross.

Off-time roadmaps are allowed.

For PFD and LD.

Simple Paradigm, I am a traditionalist when it comes to PFD or LD so I know, when judging on the circuit I will be blocked, but this is not Policy.

Debate the resolution, not something you bought from a college student or topic you find enlightening - the resolutions are chosen, and voted on, for a reason.

It is helpful to "bullet-point" and number your arguments.

Do not bring in new topics/arguments when summarizing. This is unfair to the opposing team who will have had no opportunity to rebut. Doing this will lose points.

So, with that in mind, life is simple, right? If LD your Value should simply win out and and your VC better convince me that all those contentions and sub-points make sense, especially since you (please!) slow downed so I can actually hear them. If you speak too quickly and I cannot catch what you say, it is as though you didn't say it. =) Yes I like smiley faces, life is fun, take a step back and enjoy it! Nevertheless, if I do not catch what you say this will likely result in lost points. This also applies to PFD.

Similarly, acronyms are great short hand but do not assume I will be familiar with them. Define them at the outset before using them freely.

I like consistency in the points made and creative solutions to challenges. Twists in an argument and subtle nuances can be fun as well as win the day! Quantification of issues versus qualification of emotions, and specifics versus generalizations are both approaches which work well. Best is when your position paints a consistent and coherent picture, and exceptions and rebuttals are removed by logic and data. Logical arguments supporting your position are far more important than rewording the same statement, except when there is a need to clarify ambiguities or terms.

If PFD, well your contentions and impact better win out too! Good cards everyone, good cards and roadmap please. If you have evidence for me to see, then make sure I see it. You are responsible for confirming it was received and can be read by me.

Finally, if you want me to tell you when it is time, or 5 seconds or other time before your time is up tell me in advance and be explicit. This includes prep time. It is your responsibility to communicate this and to be sure I received and accepted the message. This is not the time to be subtle. You will only lose points if I have to tell you that you went overtime.

Oh wait, almost forgot, remember this is not policy ! If I am judging policy, well that is a whole other matter.

Hello! I am Geetha Dwarakapuram. I am a senior technology manager at Bank of America. As for public speaking and giving speeches, I speak on a daily basis in front of large groups of people as part of my job. I am also a volunteer at a local youth Toastmasters club. I have been a parent judge for the last four years both online and in-person. My daughter was a National Circuit competitor in Congressional Debate for five years and my son is an active competitor in Congressional Debate.

Congress: I like to look for concise speeches that support the argument with evidence contradicting the opposing side. I also look for senators and representatives that mention others to enhance their ideas. I highly frown upon rehash but enjoy listening to speakers who engage the audience with their take on the bills. While your speaking style and delivery are, of course, an important part of the overall package, it is congressional debate after all, so I'll always rank a less polished speaker with better arguments higher than somebody who's a great orator but isn't providing something new or doesn't have the same quality of evidence. For presiding officers, I mainly judge if they do not stick out to me during the session and run a smooth and steady round.

Speech: I look for eye contact and a powerful voice when talking. I should be able to understand what you are talking about and like to be engaged throughout the whole speech. I enjoy speeches that have a memorable ending, or " end with a bang" as I like to call it. For dramatic speech events, I should be able to feel the emotion that you are trying to show with your voice. Time limits are something I look at when deciding scores.

Be respectful to your opponents. I do not tolerate hateful or discriminatory speech or actions of any kind.

Please speak clearly in order for me to hear all of your points, ideas, arguments, creations, and renderings. Watch rate of delivery. I can't vote on what I don't hear or can't understand. There is no need for speed reading any speech. You know your time limitations, and you’ve practiced within them.

If you’re debating, be professional, courteous, and prepared. Your analysis of evidence and application to an argument is more important to me than how much evidence you present during the round. Aggressive is fine, but being rude or dismissive is not…that will lose me every time.

These events are allowing you to hone skills that can take you far in your scholastic and professional pursuits, but without the worry of a grade or a paycheck. Enjoy!!