I am a student majoring in criminology at the University of South Florida. I am a junior and have much experience with these real world issues.

I would like for competitors to please send me via email or email chain, your case with CLEAR OUTLINE of your impacts and links. This is so you and I are on the same page throughout the whole round.

Please do not speak fast. I understand we were all trying to get our case out in 4 minutes, but your case doesn’t matter if I can’t understand what you are saying. Please try and slow down, you may speak fast but do not make it excessive.

Please keep the debate respectful. As we all know, speaker points are extremely important and typically the team with higher speaks wins the round. So please try and be respectful.

I weigh heavy on scope and magnitude. I would love to hear other points besides nuclear war please. It’s very basic in this November topic. I understand it has the highest magnitude, but there are other points you can make on either side.

I do not like theory. Please try and reframe for running theory. Please stick to the November topic.

I wish you all the best of luck this weekend and have a great time debating.

Please do not speak fast. I understand we were all trying to get our case out in 4 minutes, but your case doesn’t matter if I can’t understand what you are saying. Please try and slow down, you may speak fast but do not make it excessive.

Please keep the debate respectful. As we all know, speaker points are extremely important and typically the team with higher speaks wins the round. So please try and be respectful.

Hi, my name is Joshua Boxer. I am an attorney and parent of a freshman debater. I have judged multiple debates both high school and middle. I am a traditional judge. Looking for quality over quantity. Please, speak clear and concise. If I cannot understand you I cannot judge you effectively. I expect strong evidence to support your claim. I place high value on analysis of impact and comparative weighing. Clearly explain why your arguments hold more weight than your opponents. I do my best to provide constructive criticism. Any disrespect of your opponent and/or the judge will result in you having a very difficult time in succeeding. In your summation, so just that, show me why your argument is the best and your opponent not.

Hello, my name is Jimmy Brown. I'm very excited to hear your points and counterpoints.

Please be respectful to everyone participating and good luck!

Main criteria:

Focus on arguments: I look for solid logic, clear communication, and strong advocacy of the debater's position.

Real-world impacts: I find arguments grounded in real-world impacts to be the most persuasive.

Speaking rate: I prefer debaters to speak at a conversational rate.

I’m a first time judge, so I value clear concise points and not too fast speaking. I want to see participants deconstruct the arguments of their opponents, but I need to see respect and civility. Lastly, participants should justify their claims with ethos, pathos, and logos.

Feel free to add me to email chainalex.carver2005@gmail.com

Flay judge, truth >> tech, but treat me as a lay judge

Feel free to ask questions before the round

Signposting and off time roadmaps are encouraged

• I am not very familiar with debate jargon, use at the risk of me not knowing what it means
• Keep your own time, approx 10 sec grace period is fine
• Logic is important as I am not very experienced in tech. I value easy to follow, supported arguments backed by evidence and logic.
• Speak slowly, the better I understand your argument, the better I am able to evaluate it.
• Strength of link chains is important, poor warranting leaves your arguments open
• During rebuttal, clarify which arguments you are addressing
• Quality >> quantity for rebuttals
• Summary should crystallize voting issues, write my ballot for me. Tell me why your arguments still stand and why your opponents' do not.
• Weighing should begin in summary, comparative weighing makes it easier for me to give you my ballot (our impacts vs theirs).
• In final I want to hear the key voting issues. Tell me why you won and why they lost. Please do not bring up anything not mentioned in summary.
• I won't flow cross but I will listen, bring up anything you want me to consider in your next speech
• No theory/kritiks/etc, I'm not sure how to evaluate them
• Stay respectful and maintain your composure. I value slower, well-presented arguments over faster, more unprofessional presentation
• Making me laugh will give you extra speaks

Hello, I’m Salvatore Cavalieri, and I will be judging this Public Forum debate. As a parent with limited experience in competitive debate, but with personal experience in public speaking competitions, including winning financial prizes, I will primarily be focusing on the following aspects:

1. Clarity of Arguments: I value clear and well-structured arguments. Please make sure your points are easy to follow, and try not to rely too heavily on jargon.
2. Persuasiveness: I’ll be looking for how effectively you present your position and how you adapt to the opposing team’s points.
3. Evidence and Logic: While I don’t expect you to overwhelm me with evidence, I do appreciate solid support for your arguments. Ensure your claims are backed by logic and facts.
4. Respect and Professionalism: A respectful and courteous tone throughout the debate is important. I will also note how well you work with your partner and interact with the opposing team.

I’m excited to hear your perspectives and will do my best to evaluate fairly and impartially. Good luck!

Salvatore Cavalieri
MBA Finance/International Business.

My name is Christine DeStefano, and I am a lay judge. This is my fourth year judging LD & PF. Although I do not have much experience with debate, I will do my best to judge debates based on the evidence presented.

I request that you do not spread. Also, I prefer fact over technical, so please be able to support your contentions with references. Looking forward to a great debate!

I have never been a judge before.

I will like to see creative debates between students that are very passionate about what they choose to debate about. I like things about comedy, fun, sense of humor a good joke every so often. No fast-talking, talk slow I will understand the point you are trying to get across. I am honest and open minded. I like getting to the point without beating around the bush. I like facts. I want to be kept engaged.

Welcome to this debate -

While this is my first season as a judge at competitions, I am a veteran teacher, with a focus for many years on argumentative writing. I am the debate teacher and adviser/coach at my current high school.

My assurance to you is that I am only going to judge based on the arguments presented to me regardless of any prior knowledge I may have on the topic.

All of the expectations below can be broken down into 4 main categories:

Clarity, Logic, Persuasiveness, and Respect

Here are my expectations for debaters:

• Speak slowly and clearly.

• Make eye contact.

• While it is important to get in all of your content, If I cannot understand you, the point is not made.

• Laying out a roadmap of your argument will certainly add to my understanding.

• I am looking for clear claims and contentions.

• I am looking for the impact of your arguments.

• Reliable sources will help to establish credibility.

• Be respectful of the decorum of the environment and each other

• When the other side is attempting to fluster you, maintain your composure.

• Make the wise choice.

• Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Final Thoughts

• Make me want to give you the winning score.

• Don't be afraid to ask questions.

• Adding me to the email chain is not required, but if you would like to do so, my email is wsroarwctz24@gmail.com

• Do your best!

Hello,
I am currently a debate coach for Public Forum and have been coaching PF for two years. During this time, I have also judged PF rounds. I prefer a moderately rapid but conversational rate of delivery—clarity is more important to me than speed.

I flow the entire round and keep track of key arguments, rebuttals, and impacts. I expect debaters to signpost their arguments clearly. In terms of weighing argumentation versus style, I prioritize strong arguments over performance. However, a clear and confident presentation can make your arguments more persuasive to me.

When evaluating the round, I focus on the quality and logic of arguments, how well impacts are weighed, and how effectively debaters respond to and rebut their opponents. Keep the debate dynamic and ensure you are truly engaging with rebuttals and responses, rather than just restating your case.

I will not accept progressive arguments.

The arguments I find most persuasive are those that are logically sound, well-supported by evidence, and clearly linked to the resolution. Debaters who can explain why their arguments matter in the context of the debate are more likely to win my ballot.

Lastly, I expect professional and respectful conduct in-round. Debaters should engage with each other’s arguments constructively and maintain decorum throughout the round.

Add me to your email chain: yamiletteh5@gmail.com

Treat me as a lay judge. This is my first tournament on this topic.

Yes email chain- isabelalexandra@aol.com (my coach put this here)

Truth>tech

If you have questions, ask before round.

-Written by my coach for maximum understanding of all competitors.

Hi all,

My name is Sam and I am a junior at UF majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Leadership while on the pre-law track.

Expectations for Debaters

• Treat me as a lay judge.

• Keep your own time and note that I will be tracking overall time management.

• Avoid spreading.

• I am only going to judge based on the arguments presented to me regardless of any prior knowledge I may have on the topic.

• Speak slowly and clearly, but getting the point across is what I must ultimately see.

• Laying out a roadmap of your argument will only add to my understanding.

• Reliable sources are a great way to maintain credibility.

• Do not assume that I know your jargon.

Argument Clarity and Structure

• Theory, K's, and frameworks are all allowed, but you must ensure they are clear.

• Signposting, crystallization, and weighing will help you.

• Do not introduce counterplans.

Respect and Composure

• All participants must maintain respect.

• When the other side is attempting to fluster you, I will be looking to see how you maintain your composure.

Final Thoughts

• Make me want to give you the winning score.

• Extra speaker points if you make me laugh.

• Adding me to the email chain is not required, but if you would like to, my email is s.leschins@ufl.edu.

• Feel free to ask me about life at UF, involvement, etc. and best of luck in the tournament!

I'm a first time judge and a student at the University of Florida. Due to being a first time judge, my paradigm is not fully developed, but these are my general criteria. I appreciate when students time themselves, and I will try to keep time along with you.

I know it's scary and stressful! I don't want my presence to be a source of anxiety for you, so just remember, even as a judge, I want you to have fun and do your best!

1. Most of all, be cordial and polite to your opponents, especially in crossfire/grandcross. Points will be deducted for ad hominem, or other name calling. Interrupting is okay if necessary and used sparingly, but if you are not allowing your opponent to speak or question, I consider it improper behavior and a lack of skill. I will moderate to make sure nobody is being spoken over.
2. I appreciate clarity, in terms of speech, numbered organization, speed, signposting. Speed is okay, but if I can't understand what you're saying, I can't judge.
3. Reality>Ideas in terms of the evidence you use for your argument. I find arguments that use real sources much stronger than those that say something MIGHT happen, just because.
4. Back up your claims early on, and don't introduce anything new at the end of the debate.
5. When interacting with opponents, I appreciate curiosity, openness, patience, and respect, rather than someone incredibly zealous and unable to concede anything. I believing having an open mind to your opposing team allows you to build a better argument, because you are more able to take in and "chew on" their points.
6. Besides constructives, old school presentation stuff like eye contact is great, but if you have a hard time with that, consider letting me know up front.

I am a lay judge, please don’t spread, or speak too fast, as I likely won’t be able to keep up since I’m relatively new to being a judge. Providing a roadmap at the beginning of your speech is helpful. While I judge your debate, I will remain as objective as possible, and I will only consider the points that you have presented to me. Please enjoy your speaking time and I will enjoy a well-developed narrative/argument that I can understand from beginning to end. Thank you.

Hi there,

My name is Kara, and I am a parent judge entering my third year of judging. I mostly do speech events but have also judged a variety of debate events. Since I am a parent of a competitor, I know how hard you work, how much effort you put forth and how incredibly courageous you are for putting yourself out there! With this in mind, I am always going to be upbeat, welcoming and full of smiles and words of encouragement for you! Since I know how nerve wracking these competitions can be, please don't let my presence ever be a source of stress for you as I truly want to see you do well!!

So far as my style is concerned, I must put "more volume" in just about every ballot I have filled out. Since every room you are in is different, make sure you adjust so that everyone in that room can hear every word you say clearly. I also appreciate it when you make eye contact throughout.

For debate events, I prefer slower speaking so that I know what you're saying. I LOVE politics so I have watched my fair share of politicians who go around in circles and don't answer the question. This means I can spot that technique from a mile away (i.e. you have a canned answer and pull it out even if it isn't what was asked of you). Please also make sure your sources are solid and referenced clearly.

I always check my biases at the door and while I may be vehemently opposed to something you are arguing or speaking about, I will judge you on how well you made that argument.

I can't wait to see what amazing speeches and debates you have in store!

Sincerely,

Kara Mathews

As always, I expect that all competitors conduct themselves with the upmost respect to their opponent, the judges, and themselves. I would prefer if competitors would stand when speaking, whether it be for a speech or performing cross-examinations. Additionally, keeping the tone of your speeches and/or rebuttals more conversational with an appropriate cadence is always conducive to a deeper and more comprehensive debate or speech. Please also speak slowly,, loud and clearly so I can understand you, Competitors are not permitted to ask me questions about the results or my opinion on the round after it has concluded.

Email: Benjaminredler@gmail.com

Lay

Tl:dr ~ lay judge

Hello! My name is Tanvi and this is my first time judging ever. I am a freshman at the University of Florida, and my little brother does speech. Please treat me as a “lay” judge and speak slowly and clearly. I will vote for the team that persuades me on their point the most. Thus, please make sure to speak well. Additionally, please keep this a traditional debate as I will not understand complex points.

Affiliation: Strake Jesuit

Treat me like a traditional judge with an emphasis on clear communication. Feel free to ask me questions before the round.

Please do not assume I know the jargon you use. Tell me how you want me to weigh arguments in the round and which arguments are voters. Signposting and crystallization are hugely helpful. Telling me where to start on the flow is a great idea. If you want me to vote on something, you have to extend through every speech. I want to see lots of weighing: rounds without weighing are very difficult to adjudicate. Make it easy for me to vote for you.

No spreading (speaking far above normal speed).

Do not use excessive debate jargon.

For debates, if the other side has a different interpretation of the resolution, you must address why that different interpretation is wrong. If you only argue against the points made by the other team under that interpretation, then you have conceded that their interpretation is valid.

I am considered a lay judge, however treat me like a traditional judge with clear emphasis on communication. And feel free to ask me any questions before the round starts.

I appreciate clear and organized communication. I am not deeply familiar with specialized debate terminology, therefore my goal is to follow and evaluate your arguments based on clarity and logical structure.

For example, signposting and crystallization would be helpful and logical flow, with clear links between ideas.

I also need to see substantial weighing of arguments and consistent extension of your key points throughout the round. Make it simple for me to vote for you by clearly demonstrating why your arguments outweigh those of your opponent.

For example, tell me why you won.

If you want me to vote on something, you have to extend through on every speech.

Feel free to add me to email chain if you'd like: joshua2ye@gmail.com