Hi there! I've been performing since I was very young, and I am a 2007 graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City. I direct both adult and youth productions at my local theatre and have been an active judge in both this year's, as well as last year's, tournament seasons.

I have completed the NFHS Cultural Competency course, and I identify as diversity enhancing!

POI/PR/PO: Show me a strong commitment to your material, with bold but organic choices. Use your binder --this is a reading event-- but don't hide behind it!

HI/DI: Make sure your piece tells a decisive story and that your character transitions are smooth enough that I know who's talking at at all times! Also important: sure, bold choices are good, but I still want to see the nuances behind your characters and what you're saying. Rather than just doing stock characters, approach them from a place of truth. That almost always yields funnier and/or more powerful results!

EXTEMP: Research, research, research! I'm looking for a well-organized speech that answers the question clearly and provides a lot of cited sources.

OO/INFO: I love how much I learn when judging both of these categories. Remember your top priority is to teach us something, and that good lessons are organized, compelling, and easy to understand.

CONGRESS: Ask great questions of your fellow debaters and be researched enough to be able to provide convincing answers to the questions that are asked of you! Looking for strong points and organization in your speeches!

Remember that no one can offer exactly what YOU offer, and embrace that! Most of all, have fun!

I am a parent judge and have judged debate events for a year. I have recently started to judge speech events too.

Speech: Effectively communicate your position. Keep to the topic and please do not spread since the it is hard to follow. The use of evidence and logic to support your contentions is important. Please track your time as my attention is on the content.

Debate: I prefer debaters to present their arguments clearly and explain how it is superior. You should not jump from one point to another and then come back. Support the argument with support data and have the source and full citation available, if requested. I consider both the probability and the magnitude of the arguments.

In the end the person that effectively supports their initial position and also offers competent arguments against the opponents arguments will likely win.

Paige Stapleton (she/her)

BACKGROUND

Juris Doctor - Santa Clara University School of Law; B.A. - Political Science - University of California, Merced

Competed in LD, PF, Parli, WSD, Impromptu in High School;WSD @ Nationals June 2017 (Birmingham, AL)

CRITERIA

• No spreading. I need to be able to understand what you are saying and I appreciate hearing the passion behind your argument as well.
• I am heavy on flow. My notes focus on (1) argumentation; and (2) supporting evidence. I highly value credible evidence.
• I appreciate a persuasive argument where evidence is not on one's side.
• Arguments should be structured as claim - warrant - impact.
• Value: Always link your arguments to value.
• Offtime roadmaps: Very much appreciated!
• Throughout the debate, you should aim for pinpointing weak arguments and fallacies. Make it easy for me to flow arguments and see where your opponent drops contentions.
• Respect during Cross-Ex is key. Remain professional. Channel your attitude into passion and confidence.
• Final focus speech: Make a convincing case as to why your impacts/value outweigh that of your opponent's.

Most of all, I appreciate a respectful and fun debate!

I will provide personal feedback if requested. Email: paigeleighstapleton@gmail.com

Hi, nice to meet you. My name's Lena ! I have a background in medical, business, and tech. I've been judging debate for 7 years working with Brooks Debate Institute in Fremont, CA.

Judging Preferences:

- I appreciate a strong framework, fair definitions, and I love to be given clear standards by which I should weigh arguments and decide rounds. Tell me how to think.

- I prefer when an argument is backed up with factual evidences through cited sources and quantitative data. If there's no real evidence, then it's just an opinion at this point.

- Final speeches of ANY debate I watch should emphasize voting issues. Tell me how I should weigh the round and explain which key arguments I should vote for - Please DO NOT repeat the entire debate.

- Speed: I'm okay with some speed, but I ABSOLUTELY HATE SPREAD. You should be concerned with quality of arguments over quantity. If you're reading more than 250-300 words per minute, you're probably going too fast. Can't win if I can't hear your arguments properly.

As a judge, my goal is to provide constructive and fair feedback that will help debaters improve their skills. I believe that all debaters should be treated with respect and should feel free to express their opinions without fear of judgment. I also believe that debate should be fun and enjoyable for all participants. With this in mind, here are some things you can expect from me as a judge:

• I will listen carefully to your arguments and give them the consideration they deserve
• I will evaluate the arguments based on their merits, not based on my personal beliefs or opinions
• I will give clear and concise feedback that will help you to learn and grow
• However, I am not a fan to fast speaking. While I understand that you may feel pressured to speak fast, I ask that you slow down and speak clearly so I can better understand you and for the sake of your arguments
• And lastly I want you to know that I am here to support you and help you improve.

Thank you for trusting me to be your judge.