***For all of the lifetime of this page, this page will be a work in progress (W.I.P)***

**Up to date for UT TFA/TOC (12/06-12/08/2024) still subject to change through the event**

Hiii Everyone!!!

--email: measama380@gmail.com--

Some background about me:

I am Hebron Alumni, currently 21 years old, and a Graduate at UNT, studying computer science. Some things I like are video games, watching k-dramas, listening to k-pop, and most of all spending time with friends. I have officially debated in NCX, NPF, and VPF. But I have learned and practiced all forms of speech and debate. I never got a chance to go to state or TOC, due to unfortunate circumstances. I have always enjoyed debating, because of the freedom it gave me, to talk about the real world, without any censorship from adults. With that being said, I appreciate those who truly give their best to their event.

If you can tell me who my bias is, then I will give you the win ;)*its a joke, but I will up ur speaks If u get it right

Context to Debate:

Debate is not mathematics. The round does not exist as a confined 3-dimensional space with certain laws of conservation. Debate is a form of conversation where members of the discussion are presenting their point of view and trying to persuade the listener to agree or join their side. With that being said, I expect that everyone in the round understands, that I am also a human being like everyone, and am prone to making a mistake. I will try my 110% to be objective in the round, so don't dismiss what I have said. You might not like it, and think I am wrong, but understand that all decisions made are still subjective to what made sense in my brain. I have been in your shoes, so please be patient and understanding with me, and we will have a great time.

*****Disregard of the rules of ethics and mannerism in a round is an immediate loss, I Do Not Care!*****

IE:

I base all my decisions on the criteria presented by NSDA, which differ between each event, if there is anything of concern that happens during the round please let me know immediately so we can fix it.

Congress:

I base all my decisions on the criteria presented by NSDA. I uphold congress to the same integrity as CX, LD, and PF. If there is anything of concern that happens during the round please let me know immediately so we can fix it.

CX, LD, PF:

(*For Online Tournaments*)

Pre-round expectations:

I expect everyone to have read the paradigm before entering the call. The only question that should be asked is those pertaining to statements that are not clear or have not been discussed on the page.

-->see the rest of the paradigms under the in-person section<--

(*For in-person tournaments*)

Pre-round expectations:

I expect everyone to have read the paradigm before entering the room. The only question that should be asked is those pertaining to statements that are not clear or have not been discussed on the page.

During the round:

All of Crossfire will not be noted down on the flow, I will probably listen to the crossfire to make sure that it is still civil, and noted down any points that might affect speaker points. A reminder: Crossfire is for you to ask questions and clarify anything in the round with opponents. Anything that is brought up and you want me to vote off it, you must bring it up in your following speech.

Progressive Arguments (aka disad, theory, k):

I am fine with any progressive argument except Disclosure Theory. PF is not CX, there is no reason to run such an argument. If you still feel like running it, I will not even consider it part of the round when voting, if I didn't buy the reasoning or analysis. Further, if you run a progressive argument without changing it to be at the VPF level, and I don't understand, I simply won't vote off of it

Overview and Under view:

I encourage having it, so I can have some parameters to vote off of, but I will not take it under consideration if it has not been carried throughout the entire round, in each speech (except rebuttal, ask before the round for more details).

Contention:

I expect that the contention is readable in 4 minutes without having to spread. So here is your fair warning, DO NOT SPREAD, if I can't follow you at your speed, I will either stop flowing or only write what I hear. This will probably hurt you. So be careful. IF you want to read really fast, send me the speech doc before the round, and make sure that it is the one you are reading. If you fail to do so, I cannot be held responsible for what I missed. I want clear signposting when you transition from Uniqueness, Link, Internal Link, and Impact.

Rebuttal:

For the first speaking team, I expect to hear a full frontal attack on the opponent's case. You can preemptively defend your case, but I will On the other hand, I expect the second-speaking team to attack and defend their case in the 4 min. Be sure to warrant analysis. I love to hear about turns on links and impacts, which creates ground for the clash needed in a debate round.

Summary:

NO NEW EVIDENCE FROM THE SECOND-SPEAKING TEAM! I expect to hear a summary of the round, with collapsing. Be sure to have Impact calculus or weighing.

Final Focus:

Give me voters. Why should I vote for you? NO NEW EVIDENCE!

Speaker Points:

I am not progressive in speaking. Don't spread, speak with emphasis on tags, speak clearly and loudly, and if you can make me laugh, you get higher speaks.

After the Round:

I plan to disclose if I can come up with RFD within 5 minutes. If the round is muddled then, It will take more time, be patient.

The Use of Evidence:

I will ask you to show me evidence if I find it unclear, couldn't hear, or suspicious. I might ask you to pull up the original article, so be ready to find it; the only excuse I will take if the wifi is poor or lacking. I will try to search it up on my computer too, but if I can't find it either, we have problems.

Hi! I graduated from Plano East in 2024, and I'm now a student at UT Austin! I'll mainly be judging Congress and Extemp:

Congress:

Content is often overlooked in Congress, but to me, it's definitely the most important part of a speech. Bring unique ideas and arguments into the debate to keep it interesting. Make sure to refute, weigh, and interact with speakers on both sides. I also value good rhetoric integrated into the heavy content, it differentiates you from the rest of the competitors in the room. When it comes to delivery, just be yourself and keep it fun.

PO: Know the Congress procedures clearly and keep the chamber running efficiently. As long as you keep the round moving smoothly, you will be ranked well. Making one or two precedence/recency mistakes is okay, but if it's disrupting the round, you will be ranked lower. I'll always rank an exceptional speaker over a PO.

Extemp:

Answer the question clearly, with strong content to demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic area. Maintain a fluent cadence and make your delivery memorable, humor is awesome!

In case I’m judging any other event, here are some general things I’ll be looking for:

Debate Events: Make sure to keep the flow organized, clearly sign-post, so it’s easy for me to understand. If you plan on spreading, that’s cool, just share the case beforehand. Weighing is a huge part of any debate event, so spend a good portion of time doing that in the last few speeches of the round.

IE Events: Similar to Extemp, as long as I’m able to follow along with your speech/piece, that’s great. A personal connection to the topic is pretty cool too.

Hello! I'm Mr.Bergeron, and I'm excited to be judging your round today. I have a background in coaching and competing all platforms of debate (minus Congress), both at the high school and collegiate levels. I competed in these formats before transferring to UT Austin, where I continued my involvement in individual events. Today, my judging approach is rooted in the importance of flowing, realistic links to evidence-supported impacts, and an evaluative weighing of the round.

Judging Criteria:

1. Flow:

   • I will be closely following the flow throughout the round. Clear organization and strategic use of cross-applications will be rewarded.
   • Be sure to signpost and extend arguments throughout the round

2. Realistic Links to Evidence:

   • Ensure that your links to evidence are well-explained and supported.

3. Impacts:

   • Impact analysis is key. Clearly articulate the implications and significance of your arguments in the round.
   • Show how your impacts outweigh your opponent's, and be ready to explain why certain impacts should be prioritized over others.

4. Weighing the Round:

   • I appreciate debaters who engage in active weighing throughout the round. Compare and contrast arguments to guide me in evaluating their relative importance.
   • Make sure to address and resolve conflicting impacts, demonstrating a deep understanding of the round's dynamics.

5. Evaluative Approach:

   • My decision will be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the entire debate. This includes the quality of arguments, strategic choices, and overall performance.
   • I value debaters who adapt to their opponent's arguments, demonstrate critical thinking, and can pivot their strategy when needed.

Remember, clarity is key. Speak at a pace that is comfortable and clear for you, your opponents, and me (I am fine with speed but be clear and remember the event I am judging in). I look forward to a thought-provoking and well-debated round. Good luck!

No preferences except for speed, speakers must be clear and concise.

Hi.

I am an engineer by training, and I am quite newly acquainted with speech and debate. I am also not particularly well-versed in a great variety of subjects. As such, my prior knowledge of any given topic is likely to be superficial. Luckily, this all makes me an (almost) ideal judge for the Public Forum debates. In the rare case that you are foaming at the mouth for any indication of how to please me (or, at the very least, how to avoid turning me into a casualty of your erudite verbal conflagration), how are a few pointers:

• Prefer clarity, precision, and concision over technical jargon. I do want you to be as comprehensive in your arguments and rebuttals as you think is necessary to help your case, but in honor of the spirit of the Public Forum Debate (and for my own sake), please limit your use of esoteric verbiage. Even after and beyond your time participating in speech and debate, it would be to your great advantage if you learned how to distill complex ideas into language that could be easily grasped by Joe Doakes and Sally Jane (the average bloke and the humble dame).
• Make your main points embarrassingly easy to recognize in the midst of your speech. I'll try to maintain a rigorous flow of the debate, but please do not hesitate to make my job as easy as possible.
• Prefer substance over rhetoric. I do cherish a beautiful oration for its own sake, but I (usually) won't mistake poetry for hard evidence or sound logic.
• Be good. A lack of courtesy and grace likely will not affect the cogency of your argument, but there are some things that matter more than winning any tournament.

With all that said, I am looking forward to witnessing your very best.

In case you're especially eager to leave me compliments: okejikeme@gmail.com

1. I am a Current DC speech teacher and coach. Background in communications, though I've been within the realm of speech and debate for close to 6 years.

Higher preference in traditional LD rounds, with min spreading. Need to be able to clearly understand and hear contentions and significant points, however won't completely judge against competitors.

2. a. With a preference in traditional LD cases, value and criterions are significant in the round.

b. If using K's, should be clear to follow and refute throughout round.

c. Voting issues should be given, throughout the flow or final rebuttal.

d. Winner decided by key arguments and sense of persuasion.

e. Notes/flow is taken based off off significant arguments throughout round. If I cannot follow, I cannot judge.

Hello. My name is Santosh Gedela. I am a PESH 24' Graduate, and I currently attend UT Austin. I am a lay judge. Things that I value highly include clear speaking (please do not spread). Crossfire will be taken into account for speaker points but will not be the major decision factor. Additionally, I expect complete preparedness from both sides and a willingness to disclose.

Do not try to run any theory shells or K-theory. Using these will automatically dock points.

I will purely be voting on good warrants, defense, and most importantly IMPACT and REFUTE.

Make sure to sign-post and give a roadmap. Be very very clear on what you are going to talk about before starting to talk about it.

About me: I debated (policy), did extemp, and dabbled in interp in high school--in the 1980s in Iowa. I became a lawyer, and practiced as a trial attorney for 27 years, until starting a teaching career in 2017. I have spent my life persuading REAL PEOPLE of REAL THINGS, so my orientation is always going to favor traditional, persuasive argumentation and sound rhetoric. Because that's real life.

I promise you all are 8 times smarter than me, and certainly 20 times better versed in the topic. So please don't forget, I will need things explained to me.

All forms of debate: what matters is what YOU have to say, not what I want to hear. I am open to most anything--with one exception. I am not a fan of disclosure theory, generally, unless something has occurred which is clearly abusive. Even here, though, it's hard for a judge to adjudicate it. Best to have your coach take it up with Tab.

Probable real world impacts are generally more meaningful to me than fanciful magnitude impacts.

That said:

For PF, I am mindful that the activity is designed to be judged non-technically, often by smart laypersons. If you are spreading or arguing theory, you are generally not communicating in a way that would persuade a non-specialist or citizen judge, so it's gonna be hard to get my ballot.

For L-D, I am a pretty traditional judge. It is a "value oriented" debate. I recognize that most everyone provides a "value" and a "criterion" but it's not a magical incantation. If you are quoting philosophers (Rawls, Bentham, etc.) make sure you really understand them--and in any case, I haven't read them since college, so I need a bit of a sketched refresher.

For Policy, I am inclined to stock issues. Topicality, counter-plans are fine. Want to be more exotic? EXPLAIN.

Congress--remember judges haven't read the bills, probably. An early speaker on a bill who explains what a bill does (or doesn't do) usually goes to the top of the room for me. I treat PO's fairly, and especially admire ones who step up to do it when no one else wants to.

World Schools--I am new to it, admittedly, and I have judged some this year, 23-24. Candidly I don’t know enough yet to have deep thoughts on preferences.

Remember: a tagline is not an argument, and English is always better than debate jargon. I probably understand your debate jargon, but do you want to risk it? I will reward debaters whom I can follow.

I also do NOT permit things like "flex prep" and "open cross" that are not specifically provided for in the NSDA and/or TFA rules. I don't care what "everyone does" where you are from. Sorry.

As for SPEED, I understand most debate forms are not "conversational" in pace, exactly. But if I cannot understand you, I cannot write anything down. I believe debate is an oral advocacy activity, so I do not want to be on the email chain. If I don't hear it and understand it, I won't credit it. AND BE MINDFUL THAT I AM 60!! Apart from understanding your words, which I probably can in most cases, age slows down the speed of cognition. I just can’t think as fast as a young person can anymore.

Finally, be nice. Feisty is good, being a jerk is not. Gentlemen, if you talk over non-male debaters or otherwise denigrate or treat them dismissively, I won't hesitate one second in dropping you. Be better.

IE's:

For interp, I value literary quality highly. I can sniff out a Speech Geek piece. All things being pretty equal, I am going to rank a cutting of a piece from actual literature more highly, because it's more difficult, more meaningful, and more interesting that something that's schematic.

For extemp, I have become cynical of citations like "The New York Times finds that..." You could say that for any assertion, and I fear some extempers do. Real people with credibility write for The New York Times. Much more impressive to me would be, "Ross Douthout, a conservative, anti-Trump New York Times columnist, explained in a piece in July 2022 that..." The whole point of sources is to demonstrate you have done some reading and thinking on the topic.

I have judged debate on and off the past 22 years. I did CX debate for 4 years in high school.

I don’t mind spread, but it has to be done well. If it is not done well, I stop flowing.

LD is value debate. The debater should focus on supporting and weighing a value with a criterion instead of a second value. Both affirmative and negative debaters should have a value and criteria and explain how the case filters through those arguments. Both debaters should refute their opponents' arguments and extend their cases. I will vote for the debater who presents the most logical persuasive argument in support of the case and in refutation of the opposing case

CX is policy debate. The debater should focus on supporting/negating the resolution/policy. If the debaters in the round do not tell me why their argument is important, I will default to the stock issues, but I will vote on any issue if the team can clearly explain why I should care about their argument. Ultimately, I want to know what the problem is, what the Affirmative proposes to do about it, and why the Affirmative plan is a best to implement. I have no reason to vote for the Affirmative if they do not clear this burden first. The negative's responsibility is to tell me why we should not implement the Affirmative plan. I have no problems with counter-plans, but they must be done correctly.

I understand that this is a learning experience for most, so I try to make a comfortable room for most. I am good with most things in a round.

I have competed in or coached various debate formats for over 20 years. Namely, I competed in policy debate for 7 years and competed and coached public debate for another 12 years. Ultimately, I value being a tabula rasa judge at the core.

For PF in particular, my desire is to see debate focus predominantly on persuasion and reasoning. Evidence should be a guide to the debate, not the debate itself. Impact calculations should be obvious, explained, and well defended by logic and reasoning. Debaters should not depend on evidence to speak for itself, nor should they be unable to explain basic warrants when prompted. Kritical argumentation and topicality should only be used if it is applicable, provides needed negative/con ground, and should not be used as a time suck. Finally, debaters should be well rehearsed with signposting and telling me where they want arguments on the flow; I shouldn’t have to make that judgment for them.

For email chains: jbagwell05@gmail.com

Hey LDers,

I’ve been doing Public Forum for my entire debate career but I have participated in Extemporaneous, and even World Schools.

Speaker points will be decided off of clarity and organization of speech, make sure you speak well at a good understandable pace and signpost your arguments accordingly.

(Spreading is allowed with notification and speech drop)

If any email chain is created please add me to it.

My voting will be based on how arguments are flushed out and continued throughout speeches.

Any point not mentioned in the following speecg will be dropped from the flow and be unrecoverable.

A win will be decided on whichever team wins more contentions in round and has stronger PLAUSIBLE impacts, as I value probability over impact.

Lastly please do not run ANY Theory OR Kritiks as they will not be flowed or addressed by me.

I am a lay judge in my first tournament. For the email chain: Lilyrodgers1331@gmail.com

I have dabbled in just about every event in Speech and Debate. As a high school student in Tennessee, I began NSDA with PFD and Congress slowly shifting to IE such as Duo, HI, and DI, before sticking primarily with Speech events like Impromptu, ADS, OO, and Info. I now work with middle school, high school, and college students.

I'm not as up-to-date and intensively researching topics as I used to, so please explain things to me more than you would a debate coach. I'm still well versed in politics and world news, but do not research to the scale you do - props to you for that!

All forms of debate: what matters is what YOU have to say, not what I want to hear. I am open to most anything--with one exception. I am not a fan of disclosure theory, generally, unless something has occurred which is clearly abusive. Even here, though, it's hard for a judge to adjudicate it. Best to have your coach take it up with Tab.

Probable real world impacts are generally more meaningful to me than fanciful magnitude impacts.

What's most important to me is a well laid out argument that is clearly defended and has more of an impact. I come into debates as blind as I can of my own biases.

I also do NOT permit things like "flex prep" and "open cross" that are not specifically provided for in the NSDA and/or TFA rules. I don't care what "everyone does" where you are from. Sorry.

As for SPEED, I understand most debate forms are not "conversational" in pace, exactly. But if I cannot understand you, I cannot write anything down. I believe debate is an oral advocacy activity, so I do not want to be on the email chain. If I don't hear it and understand it, I won't credit it.

Finally, be nice. Feisty is good, being a jerk is not. Gentlemen, if you talk over non-male debaters or otherwise denigrate or treat them dismissively, I won't hesitate one second in dropping you. Be better.

I am a parent Judge. I have the most experience judging speech events.

For Debate: If you are talking so fast that I cannot understand you, then I will not write down your points. I also do not appreciate when your card is cut to have the opposite meaning of the source.

When it comes to debate I prefer concise clear arguments. Interesting arguments or viewpoints on a topic are always welcome no matter how extravagent the case. However my biggest pet peeve is rushing through speeches and moving too quickly. Take your time in the round, try and really persuade me to vote for your side. I enjoy the use of pathos along with information throughout the round. Overall I have seen most debate forms, participated in almost all of them, and I am aware of how the processes work.