Parli, and LD:

After presenting initial research and evidence (cards), I would prefer debaters to think through logical outcomes of the evidence. It is OK (and preferable) to demonstrate that you can think through and suggest impacts that may not be supported by evidence, than to just stick with the 20 minutes of research you were able to complete.

Poetry and Radio

Speed kills. Especially in poetry. If you find yourself reading fast--understand that fast does not add any drama to your reading. As the reader, it may feel like it does; but to the listener, it doesn't. The words and phrases in poetry have inherent drama. If read correctly (without speeding it up), the drama will be apparent. Linger on words, draw-out syllables. Pause. Give time for words to sink in.

My priorities for judging any debate are

1) the use of factual evidence that shows understanding of the topic.

2) clear and organized arguments.

3) each team's ability to support their value, weighing mechanism, or other framework throughout the entire debate.

4) professionalism and appropriateness.

I am fairly new to speech and debate, but I did Mock Trial throughout high school. I've judged some speech and debate tournaments, mostly speech events in the past several years.

Treat me as though I am the new judge I am. I do not know debate jargon or strategies so explain your positions carefully. I like to see well developed impacts and will probably not vote for you if you do not take the time to tell me what your impacts are.

I am a former debater and IEer from 1999 to 2007 and then I coached collegiate speech and debate from 2007 to 2009. I am passionate about this activity and enjoy judging when I can. I have done almost any IE or debate event you can think of. I did 4 years of collegiate Parli debate with an additional 2 years of coaching the activity. In high school I did LD, Congress, and Ted Turner (now Public Forum) debate and a variety of different individual events.

Policy/Debate Paradigm - While I have never done Policy as a competitor, I can flow and follow almost any argument you want to make. I warn you of three things about me:

1) You need to explain the argument you are making or I am willing to ignore the argument. If you explain the argument and provide me with realistic impacts I am happy to vote on pretty much any argument you want to make. If your impacts are poorly developed or are overly dramatic (global destruction, millions dead, etc) I will probably give your position very little weight. I do not know what your cards say so take the time to explain your argument. I will usually make my decision by weighing the quality and likelihood of potential impacts. I was a plan/counter-plan/dis-ad/topicality debater myself, but I have voted plenty of times for well developed critical arguments as well.

2) If you flow me out of the round that is your problem, not mine. I have a lot of flowing experience, but am by no means the fastest. I have from time to time missed arguments because speakers have gone too fast. I will do my best to keep up, but you go too fast at your own risk. I am not saying you need to go slow, just be careful.

3) I really like to see people having fun in this activity. Be creative and be nice to one another. I know it is easy to get wrapped up in argumentation and become passionate about what you are arguing. Always remember that this is a game that is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. If you cross the line between being competitive and being a jerk, you will not find me to be very happy with your performance.

Have fun and good luck!!

Andrew Wilson