When it comes to interpretation events, I am drawn to performances that marry the synergy between literature, fully crafted performances, and effective blocking. I'll be looking for a well-crafted and engaging message that not only captivates the audience but also demonstrates a deep appreciation for the literary nuances in your chosen material. Ensure your content is not just spoken but embodied, utilizing effective blocking to enhance the visual dimension of your performance. Your delivery remains pivotal, so articulate your words with confidence, using your voice, body language, and strategic blocking to create a cohesive and immersive presentation. Pay attention to pacing and timing for a seamless and dynamic flow. Tell me a story, take me on a journey, and make me feel something!

As a judge, I look for a couple of things. Overall, I want to see you engaged and having fun with it, and not seem like you are forcing it.

Speech/Interp:

1. Good Introduction, those first few seconds need to get me engaged.

2. If it's a binder event, please don't read of the pages every few seconds. Have a good portion of it memorized.

4. Emotion is key! This is something I really look for, especially in DI.

5. Keep me entertained and hooked to your piece.

6. Good diction, tone, and use of appropriate gestures.

Debate:

1. Clear understanding of the topic being debated.

2. Good evidence and sources.

3. Be kind and respectful towards your opponent.

LD: Just defend your side of the argument. I will almost always flow towards who has the best value debate. Using sources, philosophies and statistics are great tools towards being able to win a round but they shouldn't distract from the value debate. I'm not really a fan of spreading for LD debate but if you believe that it is still understandable then I will be fine, and if there are any concerns about that either bring a paper copy for both me and the opponent . And I am not strict in regard to the cases that are non-conventional but don’t do it just because you can. Make it be topical, obey the rules of LD with your case, do not let it be offensive and be prepared to argue your case against any type of argument.

Extemp: I primarily did extemp in high school so my paradigms represent things that I did while giving speeches that I was counted off for. For one do not be monotonous. If you feel yourself being repetitive it is probably best to move onto the next point. Always try and get as close to 7 minutes as possible, but if you have gone over all your points 5 or 6 minutes in then I will grade you better for wrapping it up then rather than being a scratched record player for the rest of the speech.

Persuasive: allow your opinion to control your debate and try to persuade me of your side of the argument. Stats and quotes are great tools to use and absolutely necessary but do not let them be filler for your speech.

Informative: Do your best to inform me of the topic at hand, try your best to not offer your opinion on the topic or give any hints about where you might lie. Stats and quotes are absolutely necessary in your speech but do not use them as filler and make sure to connect points and offer own insight.

You have worked hard. Now is your time to shine.

Interp: I have been teaching speech for 8 years; and teaching, directing, and performing theatre for over 40 years. I know an engaging, well-rehearsed performance when I see it. I will give you the kind of quality feedback I give to my own Interp students.

I am looking for clear characterization(s) both physically and vocally. Establish setting with blocking and business. Pantomime should be realistic and establish object permanence.(ex: a glass of water must be picked up and put down while maintaining a consistent shape and size. Refrigerators don't move unless the character moves them as part of the performance.)

Every performance must tell a story. You must convey the who, what, when, where, and why. Emotion is borne out of action.

Drama is is not all screaming and crying. Pauses and soft spoken words can often covey far more than NOISE.

Great acting may boost your rank, but I must understand what is happening and why. The performance must tell a story to receive a high rank in the round. Show that you have chosen material that is meaningful to you and with which you have a connection.

Humor arises from a character's total commitment to and belief in what they are doing and what is happening. Never TRY to be funny. It doesn't come off as humorous or believable. The absurdity of a situation should be evident to the audience, not the character. That's true comedy.

Most importantly, I want to be moved and entertained. Nothing is more thrilling than witnessing a great performance.

Please, let me know what time signals you prefer.

I truly appreciate all of the time and effort you put into preparing for these tournaments. Break a leg!

Debate: Please, make it clear to me what is happening. My audio processing issue makes it difficult to comprehend 350 wpm spreading. If I cannot understand you, I cannot flow the round. I can't tell if you are making a good case or argument. I have judged too many debaters who have ignored this part of my paradigm, and I am left HOPING that I have chosen the winning side.

I am a 6th year coach who knows enough about LD, PF, and Congress to judge, but I am not a seasoned veteran. I teach speech and interp as well, so I KNOW about speaker points.

Simply because "everyone" in the debate world knows a term's meaning, doesn't mean your judge knows it. Ex: Flow that through to the neg/aff, structural violence, disad, block, kritik, voters, etc. (I know what these mean, but most lay judges do not).

I prefer to judge a debate that is won on your skills as a debater rather than running a theory shell. Show me what you know about DEBATE. I'm not a big fan of kritiks.

If you want to ensure a fair decision, you must give VOTERS. That helps me make sense of my flow.

I am a parent judge who competed in high school, mostly in Extemp and a category similar to Info (Sales... it's a Michigan thing).

Extemp - main goal is to answer the question. A logical argument with good supporting evidence goes a long way. Fluency, humor, and good use of time helps me break a tie.

Other IEs - bring your energy, I love good blocking and good cutting. For multiple characters - vocal variation is important if you want me to be able to distinguish between them.

My "1" will go to the one who is able to convince me the best that they are the character(s) they portray.

Good luck!

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As a judge, my main objective is for you to deliver your best performance and enjoy the process. If you're not finding joy in it, then something's amiss. Remember to engage in respectful and effective communication with your peers.

In Speech/Interpretation:

1. I generally look for effective use of voice, tone, diction, eye contact, suitable gestures, and intentional movement.

2. I value believability and your ability to embody the characters.

3. I appreciate captivating teasers or attention grabbers – make me sit up and pay attention!

4. Your delivery should be clean and clear.

In Debate:

1. I expect a clear understanding of the resolutions being debated.

2. I discourage the practice of spreading.

3. Good use of credible evidence and sources is crucial.

4. Effective diction, tone, and appropriate gestures are important.

5. Always maintain a kind and respectful demeanor.