Inexperienced in both speech and debate, and judging - I am interested in and open to any ideas presented. Arguments with clear overall messages and confident closing thoughts are important.

Congressional Debate Paradigm:

I'm looking for the best legislator overall which means I am considering your holistic participation in the round including the types of speeches you have given and the questions you've asked. I love that Congress is a unique blend with an emphasis on delivery and debate/analysis in the round.

Additionally, I value evidence based debate with credible sources. Cite a source so I can look at it if I'm interested.

Please don't re-hash arguments--Know when it's time to move on. I flow the round and will know when you re-hash arguments and evidence. It's also important to know where/when you are speaking in the round in terms of what type of speech you are giving.

Be prepared to speak on either side of a bill.

You are also role playing as a legislator--remember this as well.

I value technical skill in your speaking involving your clarity, voice inflection, and overall presence. I do not like speeding in your speeches and would prefer your words to clearly speak for themselves. As for your debate style, I really appreciate a clear line of reasoning and organization. I find listening to multiple different strings of thought in one speech confusing and would much rather you speak towards one purposeful stance. Just remember you are persuading me and not fighting your opponent. While I appreciate some push back, a calm, organized debate is always better in my opinion.

Just remember to have fun and that this is all a learning experience. I believe all students have potential to be great speakers and self advocates. Good luck!

I am a new parent judge and have only judged at one debate/tournament.

I would encourage clear, but passionate speaking. Please make sure and use a speed you think a new judge can understand.Never assume I have knowledge of your specific topic. If you don't think a child would understand it, assume I may not as well.

Good luck to you all!

School Nurse for Bentonville Public Schools. 5th time judging on a tournament. Please speak loud, slow and clear. Introduced yourself and what the topic is about.

Be respectful of each other, do not question the judge, learn from mistakes and enjoy the ride!

I have been working with the debate team at our school for 4 year and judging for at least 3. I am a High School/College teacher in both US and World History. This means I am very well versed in history. I am well versed in research and bias of sources. In Debate rounds I want well researched cases with strong evidence. I also like connections, your evidence needs to connect to your points and support your claims, free floating evidence does not apply anywhere in the round. I expect a synopsis for voters as well, if you don't give me voters I will use my own observations to way the round, which may not be how you want me to vote. That being said, being too pushy may push me away from your position. Give voters that I can consider and persuade me why you should win on the logic and evidence of the case. I am not a fan of spreading. I would rather have you present a case with a few strong points than a lot of little ones. I do not like it when competitors are rude to one another. No matter how heated the battle or frustrated you get, politeness goes a long way with me.

Fayetteville High School Debate 2000-2003 - Cross-Ex, LD

University of Arkansas Debate 2003-2006 - IPDA

I am thrilled to be a part of this tournament and look forward to seeing some fantastic competition.

Please relay your debate style up front, so that I can best prepare.

I enjoy sarcasm and humor, but will count against rude or disresepctful comments.

My name is Charis Morasch, and I am a 4-year NSDA & NIETOC alum. I competed in the Show-Me district (KCMO) in HI, POI, Duo, Prose, ST, OO, Info, Duet, IDA, Impromptu, and Radio, as well as Champ Policy. I was a national quarterfinalist in prose, octafinalist in POI and Duo, and 4-year national competitor. I also performed in several Reader's Theaters and directed a Missouri state-qualifying RT.

As a judge, I particularly look for performances which are clean, thoughtful, and creative, and present their message clearly. I love to see pieces that have clearly been polished, because attaining that level of performance allows greater space for performer & audience to engage with the "big ideas" of your work.

For extemporaneous & impromptu events (excepting IDA), I am impressed by performances which maintain a command of the room despite the spur-of-the-moment nature of the event. I enjoy seeing speakers who can handle an audience's attention so intentionally that any improvisation flies under the radar and instead settles naturally into the context of your speech.

Hello debaters and debate enthusiasts,

In evaluating debaters, I prioritize three key factors:

1. Convincing Arguments: Debaters must present well-structured, evidence-backed arguments.

2. Conciseness: Clarity and brevity in argument presentation are important for effective communication.

3. Respectful Conduct and Effective Use of Humor: Debaters should maintain respect for opponents and the topic and using humor (when appropriate) is highly recommended :).

My votes will go to debaters who excel in these three areas. Let's have a lively and enlightening debate!

As the President & CEO of Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas I am passionate about instilling courage, confidence and character in our youth of today so there is a bright future for them tomorrow.

I started my professional career as an elementary school teacher where I had the privilege of teaching young minds in a way that sparked curiosity and developed their sense of accomplishment in the knowledge they gained.

I am also the mother of four grown sons who encouraged them through their formative years to seek opportunities, explore the world and be a positive contributor to our world.

It is an honor to be a judge for the National Speech & Debate Association. I will be watching and listening for the following attributes in the students' presentations:

1. Precision of language - Are your words clear, concise and conveying the message you want the listener to know.
2. Believable - Is there logic and sound judgement to what is being presented.
3. Knowledgeable - Does the student appear to be knowledgeable about the subject in which they are speaking.
4. Articulation - Is their verbal skills easy to understand in the way they use tone, inflection, volume, pace and clarity.
5. Appearance - Does the student present themselves tidy and with a posture of confidence.

Enjoy the experience and know I want my feedback to help you on your journey to develop skills you will use for the rest of your life.

Introduction -

My Name is Dakota Thompson, I am a Biologist and a Biology Teacher at Mills High School. My introduction into Debate and Forensics is quite new but I am the assistant debate coach at Mills High School.

Debate Judging -

When judging I look for confidence, delivery, and sound logical arguments during debates. I enjoy clear and confident speakers, if your points and contentions do not make any sense then it will count against you. As for your delivery I would like you to sound knowledgeable and informed on your topic. If you are simply reading from your computer or notes for the entire debate I see that as a lack of preparation and information. As for speaking as a whole, speed is not an issue for me as long as what you are saying is clear, if you speak fast and I can clearly understand that is fine, if you speak fast and you slur and I cannot grasp the information it will be counted towards you. I will take notes during the debate but it is not my job to be kept up with what was said, I do not flow during any Cross X, that is your job as a debater. As may be expected I do not have any tolerance for Racism, Sexism, Homophobia or anything of the sorts directed towards your opponents during debate.

Speech Judging -

When judging an event such as HI, Poetry or Prose I look for clean Delivery, I would like to see a person understand what is being said and is able to convey with a clear set of words and phrases. I always love to see Emotion in rounds, especially in events such as poetry and POI. If you truly connect with the topic you have chosen I need to be able to see that, show me how well you connect with the idea of your poetry and POI reports by connecting with it live. Confidence in any form of competition is a vital resource, if you do not seem confident in what you are doing and how you convey it comes off as under prepared and not at a competing level.

I was on my high school Debate Team from sophomore to senior year and took part in several inter-scholastic competitions as well as several stints at the Model United Nations Sessions held in my native country of The Bahamas and I believe debate to be a quintessential part of development as a functioning human being as well as a source of fun and adventure.