I will judge you how I want to, you will play by my rules buster. Period. If you are in Congress, when passing a bill you need to say the line “Pass this legislation for two reasons” if you’re neg, say “Fail this bill, for 2 reasons”, if you say anything else I WILL DOWN YOU. Speak clearly and confidently, if you’re quiet and timid and submissive that does not bode well in my rounds. If you’re in OO you should be funny, if you have a bad joke I WILL down you. However, you need to also be able to convey how your topic is an issue

Hi! I’m a speech judge, this is my second year in Speech! Have Fun!

hi! my name is nitya and i am currently a freshman in college at a&m! i have been competing on the circuit for the last four years (in high school at seven lakes) primarily in world schools debate, platform speaking (info/oo), and extemp (mostly foreign/international but i'm also very familiar with domestic/us). i have specific things i am looking for/judging on for different events, so i will list those below.

platform (oo/info): generally, i want a very clear structure and organization for your speeches. for info: history, current-day, and implications (this is more flexible, but the points shouldn't bleed and there should be a clear thesis for your speech). for oo, there needs to be three super distinct sections: problem, impact, and solution- i like tangible solutions. for general presentation requirements, speak with good tone, clarity, and vocal variation. good hand gestures and a speaker's triangle are always a plus. i can also tell if you're not memorized, and memorization is a big part of these events. for info specifically, your boards (if you have them) do not need to be revolutionary; however, they shouldn't detract from your speech or BE your speech- they are there to ADD to your speech. i will not give you a high rank just because your boards are nice, you have to sell it with your speech too. i also like vehicles.

worlds: clear arguments- this is a big one, don't let the debate get too muddy or too theoretical. the event is pretty evenly split on style and content; however, if style is pretty evenly matched, i'm voting on arguments. default to i'm voting on arguments. be aware of wording- in worlds "this house believes/supports/regrets" are NOT action items- i CANNOT vote on solvability is is more theoretical. with "this house would/should" has solvability because the house is actually acting. this is a pet peeve of mine, so do be aware. although there is no evidence in the form of cards/citations in worlds, you NEED to have examples (i know this is harder for impromptu, but solely theoretical examples is not strong/won't be compelling). overall, be clear, be strong in style, and be winning on the flow.

extemp: i'm not a stickler for citations, have them, cite them correctly, but don't let them be your whole speech. i love a good umbrella answer when done correctly, it deepens analysis and it's good. you can be cadence-y that's fine, but still have vocal variation. hand gestures and speaker's triangle are a must. characterize the situation always, never assume i will know exactly what you're talking about. humor is always good, but not necessary.

impromptu: all stylistic stuff from extemp applies here too. use examples, real-world and personal are good.

pf/ld: treat me as lay, be convincing.

Hi, my name is Abhishek. I did congress all 4 years of high school. Now, I'm a freshman at UPenn Wharton studying Legal Studies and Business Ethics. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me atbhagatabhi221@gmail.com.

Congress:

I weigh arguments over speaking. HOWEVER, your speaking must be good enough to the point where I can coherently understand your argument. If you give good speaking but a really bad argument that's out of the scope of congress (ie. this is a resolution so it is vague and therefore fail) will get dropped. But if you give bad speaking but a good argument, you'll be in the middle 50-60% of the ranks. If you give GREAT SPEAKING and GREAT argumentation, that will be the top of my ranks.

Questioning: I want to see that you answer questions well. Also, ask a lot of questions as a competitor. This will be part of my ranks. I want to see you being engaged.

PO: You will start my rank at 5 and then move up or down based on how you do.

I have a FORMULA to ranking congress.

I'll rank your speaking on a scale from 0-3. I'll rank argumentation from 0-10. I'll rank questioning from 0-3. Creativeness of Speech: 0-2 (although if its not creative im likely to just not give you anything for this metric). Then I'll add it all up and rank you based on who has the highest score. This total adds up to 18 points. So then I base ranks on that. Notice that it is mostly based off argumentation – that's where you can collect the most points. That's because I think argumentation is the most important thing in CD. You can have great speaking, but if your argument is bad then it probably won't take you too far.

Extemp:

I value speaking a lot here but you should also answer the question. Honestly really similar to my congress paradigms; only difference is I value speaking and creativity more than content. But your content should still be good.

BE RESPECTFUL!!!!

Hey guys! Im Daniel, obviously, but Im a jr captain for extemp at Jordan highschool, currently a sophomore but last year in my freshman year I got 8 state points and competed at Nietoc so I know a little about extemp specifically, everything else im rather clueless in but I can still judge!

One thing to know about me is no matter the event I value speaking, and keeping me entertained with voice inflictions and emotions over pure content, however the perfect combination is good speaking AND good content, so create a healthy balance. Another thing is intros are truly the big opener to your speech and can kill it or praise it, so please, pay attention to them.

i regularly compete in WSD, FX, OO, and DI

kinda familiar with judging PF and LD (i'm a lay judge though please speak at an understandable speed)

fake it till you win

Introduction

Hello, I am Alexander Gao (though I go by Alex) and I am a third year debater with experience competing on local and district circuits. I have primarily competed in Congress with some experience in Foreign Extemp.

Congress

Speech Expectations

I will grade on a roughly 40/60 scale for delivery and argumentation respectively. In terms of delivery, I want you to sound engaged in the topic and remain fluent, firm, and confident in your demeanor. I will try not to judge too much for stuttering or brief pauses – even the best of the best do it, and I think it’s not a huge detractor of speech quality – but if it’s a consistent, cadence breaking issue, I may dock some points for it. As for argumentation, I will listen for clear, understandable lines of reasoning based on reputable sources. I will look for around 4 sources of evidence, but depending on the speech, you may be able to get away with one less or one more. If a speech occurs later in the round, I will be looking for points that work to address points that have been made previously in the round: clash is the most important aspect of actual debate in Congress. Clash statements should be made with direct references to the debaters that made the arguments you are addressing, as this makes it easier for all observers to note who you are trying to contend with.

Behavior

As a room full of people participating in the same event, I believe that your fellow debaters deserve a good deal of respect. Debate, by its nature, can be emotional and controversial, but I want to encourage civil discourse during speeches and questioning. If you are excessively rude, aggressive, or interrupt people during questioning, my decision will be affected. Aside from politeness, I want to encourage everybody to have fun. It’s important to remember that Congress is a place to make new connections, learn new things, and discuss topics in a way that both expresses and develops your argumentation and speaking ability.

Presiding Officer Judging

The PO holds an important role in the round, but it can be difficult to judge one’s performance in comparison to those who are debating items in the round rather than running it. As a rule of thumb, I will start the PO at 5th place in the round and move their position up or down based on their command of the chamber, knowledge of decorum, and performance as the room’s manager. I want to note that I will probably not give a PO any ranking above 3rd.

Extemporaneous Speech

Delivery

I am looking for clear, fluent delivery of the speech: I want you to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable in the topic you have chosen. Try to speak with some inflection, as it both serves to make your speech more interesting and to keep me conscious for the judging session. I won’t judge too harshly for unintentional pauses, stuttering, or filler words, but I will make a note of it if it becomes a consistent issue. Generally, the ability to maintain a logical flow of delivery in a clear, confident voice will reflect best on your performance.

Structure

I will not be too strict on the structure: so long as you effectively answer the question with reputable evidence and reasoning, I will accept the speech’s structure. That being said, I am looking for between 4 and 7 pieces of evidence and a direct recitation of the question and your answer to it in the introduction.

Other

Debate Events

Outside of Extemporaneous Speech or Congress, I will likely be a lay judge. I ask that you keep your line of reasoning clear, that you directly address arguments made against your side, and that you maintain an understandable speed of speaking – do not intentionally spread (unless it’s policy, I guess you’re supposed to do that).

Individual Events

I will likely be following the instructions provided to all judges if I am judging IEs. In general, I will be looking for clear, confident delivery and an understanding of the material you are provided. If you present your material well, I will likely be able to tell and judge based off of it.

Conclusion

Good luck in your round. It may be my job to judge you, but I won’t judge your performance. Debate is something you are doing in your free time, and I think the most important thing is to remember to enjoy yourself.

:)

Hi, my name is Vibhu Kanna and I am a pretty experienced debater around the circuit. I mainly compete in congressional debate and foreign extemp.

Congress:

There has been this weird trend where a lot of judges emphasize that congress as a debate event but never really care about the "debate." I ain't all about that. I personally believe Congress is equivalent to actual debate if you make good arguments and actually interact with the round, which is why I weigh arguments over speaking. HOWEVER, your speaking must be good enough to the point where I can coherently understand your argument. If you give good speaking but a really bad argument that's out of the scope of congress (ie. this is a resolution so it is vague and therefore fail) will get dropped. But if you give bad speaking but a good argument, you'll be in the middle 50-60% of the ranks. If you give GREAT SPEAKING and GREAT argumentation, that will be the top of my ranks.

Questioning: I want to see that you answer questions well. I don't really care about asking questions that much, but make sure you do ask some and make those questions unique. This will be part of my ranks. I want to see you being engaged.

PO: You will start my rank at 5 and then move up or down based on how you do.

I have a FORMULA to ranking congress.

I'll rank your speaking on a scale from 0-4. I'll rank argumentation from 0-7. I'll rank questioning from 0-2. Then I'll add it all up and rank you based on who has the highest score. So example that I might write in your ballot: "Speaking: 4; Arguments: 7; Questioning: 2." This total adds up to 13 points. So then I base ranks on that. Notice that it is mostly based off arguments, that's where you can collect the most points. That's because I think argumentation is the most important thing in CD.

Oh and also if you use humor you get brownie pts. I hate that sappy congress rhetoric everyone gives

Extemp:

I value speaking a lot here but you should also answer the question.

I want to see you have an in-depth understanding of the topic you are speaking about. Make sure you aren't flow heavy though, I want to see that creative element shine in your speaking.

Debate events:

Whatever argument I believe the most will win, make them believable. Make sure you have good responses and backups as needed to defend your argument.

BE RESPECTFUL!!!!

junior at 7L || INFO & Extemp || sahara.k2025@gmail.com

extemp/impromptu - make sure to have 3 (2-3 is alright for impromptu) distinct points with evidence, dont rush through your words, emphasize effects/whats important! give a catchy AGD and vehicle that can be tied back to throughout/at the end of your speech.

OO/INFO - have evidence spread throughout your speech, putting your personality/humor into the speech is nice, varying tone of voice rather than droning, if a part of your speech needs emotion, put emotion! get my attention! hoping this is a topic youre interested in, so absolute formality (like some academic paper) in your speaking isnt a must. be passionate but respectful.

Hi, I've done Speech and Debate for 4 years throughout high school. I have mainly competed in Congress and Extemp.

Congress

General Speech Requirements: I value argumentation over speaking (more like 60% argumentation and 40% speaking). I need sources in order to believe the point. Even if you have a good argument but no evidence, then I can't really rank you high because you got no proof to back it up. Arguments also should have a valid impact in the round. Don't make arguments that are really vague and out there. Also please add some humor if the topic allows it. Don't make it offensive to anyone or else you will get docked.

Author / Sponsor: A good author/sponsor is supposed to explain the legislation and set the foundations for the debate. The easier they explain the bill, the higher I will rank you (however don't speak without meaning). If there are no sponsors/authors, I will really like it if someone volunteers and will keep it in mind when ranking.

Round Integration: This is a debate event, so I better see some clashing in the round, even from the early speeches. If you're giving a late round speech but just rehashing (just saying the same thing that someone earlier has said), you won't rank very high. If you're giving early, you can mix clash and your argument.

PO: I appreciate a good and smooth PO. Normally I'll start you around the middle (4 or 5). I will keep in mind if you volunteer to be PO if there is no one in the chamber who wants to PO.

Questioning: Quality over Quantity. Don't ask questions for the sake of asking questions.

Extemp

Pretty much my congress ballot but I value speaking and argumentation equally. Humor is nice.

Varsity Interp and Platform Speaking

• Be respectful of everyone!
• Delivery is important! Make sure to be confident (fake it till you make it)!
• PUBLIC SPEAKING: Well structured, shows personality, humors also always a great bonus!
• INTERP: Varied vocal deliver, emotion in both both voice and face, purposeful blocking (I should be able to a have a good idea of what you’re trying to convey), and reacting to your environment and the people your character(s) interact with— not just acting.
• Feel free to ask questions before or after round :)
• AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: Have fun, and make sure to enjoy yourself!

speak good

speak good do good

I am a parent judge, I would prefer traditional form of the debate.

Please don't spread, if I don't understand it I will not weigh it.

I would appreciate if your arguments are structured and rather than being chaotic.

I would prefer that your arguments are not solely evidence based and make sure there is some form of explaining.

Weighing your arguments and proving why they matter is a clear voter to my ballot.

CONFIDENCE is KEY!!!

Tips and advice:

• Make things interesting!
• Be loud and clear.
• Manage your time.
• If you forget something make it up and say it with CONFIDENCE!
• BE NICE and RESPECTFUL of others' opinions.

YOU GOT THIS!!

Hello, fellow debater!

I have many years of speech and debate experience. I would say I'm most experienced in speech. I've won many tournaments in informative speaking and extemp.

If I'm judging an interp or debate round, please take my critiques with a grain of salt. I'm a lay judge for those types of events. I have done worlds and prose so I know some stuff but you probably know a bit more than me :D

Please do not spread. Make sure you are passionate and are having fun!

Good Luck!

Please don't spread. I won't be able to keep up

I will judge you on how well you speak

I won't judge based on theories, K's, etc.

Elia Naz

Experience: I am a varsity member of the OTHS debate team. I have officially been on the team for two years, doing oratory and exempt.

Philosophy: Based on my experience in speech events, the creative approach to speeches is what makes them unique. Also, the context of the speech is an essential factor, and how well it is presented is very important to me.

Criteria: for the requirements of the speech, first and foremost are the points on how the speech is well developed, second the presentation, third and creative approach, and lastly, how well you're addressing the issue presented in your speech.

Tips for participants: my recommendation will include the good parts of the speech and things that stood out to me. However, my ballot will also include how to make the speech better context-wise and presentation-wise.

Final thoughts: To be a good debater, you have to be able to learn from your mistakes; that's precisely what I am going to try to implement into my ballot. Explaining how the speech can be improved

Narsh bring the switch.

PA- Have your speakers triangle, make sure all your points are clear and have relevance to the topic, and enunciate.

Interp- Don't be afraid to go all out, make sure your message gets across, and for binder events make sure to incorporate your binder into your blocking.

Extemp- Have your speakers triangle, state and answer the question, make sure your 3 points of analysis are different and clear, and cite all your sources.

All- enunciate, be confident, make friends, and have fun. Good luck!!

Varsity public speaking and interp, he/him

• be respectful of everyone, no transphobic, homophobic, or racist comments will be tolerated, respect pronouns
• project when you speak and have vocal intonation
• have at least 6 sources in your speeches (for platform speaking)
• avoid fidgeting and rocking back and forth, try and make some hand gestures, but if too confusing, leave your hands at your side
• have fun giving your speech! Let who you are shine through what you talk about!

"olivia"

student from SLHS

Hey y'all! My name is Mehak and I am currently a freshman at UT Austin. I graduated from Seven Lakes High School, and was on the team for 4 years. My experience and expectations are below but overall, just try be confident when you yap, confidence is key!

General Rules:

• Don't be disrespectful. Anything such as sexism, racism, homophobia, etc will NOT be tolerated.
• Have fun with it! Even though you want to succeed, make sure you enjoy what you are doing, and don't stress. I promise you, it's never that deep!
• Feel free to reach out to me at mhktumpa@gmail.com if you have any questions, want advice, or just want to chat!

Experience:

• Public speaking co-captain for 2 years, Platform Speaking(OO and Info)
• Extemporaneous Speaking(Domestic) for 4 years
• WSD for about 3 years

Events:

• Public Speaking(Info/OO): I have done both of these events so I know the layout and format. For time signals, ask another competitor because I would rather pay attention to your speech. Humor is always great. Make sure you have your speech memorized, but if you forget it keep on going! Try to pay attention to your speaker's triangle and be intentional with hand movements. For Info, having cool or fancier boards will not automatically give you a higher rank, and try to explain the significance of WHY learning about this topic is important. For OO, there should be a clear problem, impact, and solution, and try to explain WHY this topic matters, bonus points if it's about why it matters to YOU.
• Extemp/Impromptu: Just be confident. Of course, your content should make sense but even if you forget the analysis, just keep on talking like you know what you're talking about. When it comes to content, PLEASE make every point under your umbrella answer as distinct as possible. Use evidence and logic to walk me through why your speech answers the question.
• WSD: my fav event(if done properly)! please stick to the topic. don't forget about POIs. don't knock every 2 seconds, only when the speaker says something life-changing or at the end of a speech. WSD can get VERY muddy at times and it is very frustrating when you divert from the topic we are actually debating and into something else, the team that wins will most likely be the one with the most clean and clear flow. If the debate is getting stuck at a point that is useless and doesn't add to the debate, the best speaker will be the one who moves it forward. for each speaker role, first speakers: lay out the debate and set the tone for your side, second speaker: refute and then rebuild if there is time, third speaker: rebuild and then weigh both worlds, fourth speaker: summarize the debate and pretty much explain what points you won and what is the path to the ballot on your side. another good way to be clear is to signpost, walk me through where you are. remember the key principle your side is defending as well as how it affects the stakeholders. USE EXAMPLES AND LOGIC, i need evidence and/or reasoning to believe your side. Models need to be laid out VERY clearly and concisely, but more importantly explain WHY the model/counter-model is needed.
• Congress: Be clear and concise. Don't have a full rhetoric speech, it should still have logic. Answer questions with confidence, and make sure to move the debate forward with your speech.
• LD/PF: treat me as a lay, and don't spread too much or too fast