Broad Preferences

For the most part, I debated pretty tech throughout my high school career. I will be able to catch pretty much anything you throw at me. Debating tech does not mean card dumping. I prefer warranting behind claims and will always prove unwarranted analytics over unwarranted cards.

Overall, my judging style is tabula rasa. I will vote off of only what happens in the round.

Big picture weighing is very important

If you want me to evaluate anything at the end of the round it has to be extended through Summary and FF(except for first summmary defense which I mention later)

More Preferences

- no spreading

- I love weighing. Comparative weighing is the easiest way to my ballot. Do the work for me. Start weighing early.

- I also love collapsing. IMO, going die hard on 1 arg is a lot better than 5 blippy args. I just think its smarter debate.

- BE NICE. Should go without saying.(Here is a tutorial : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7eXooGBC5U)

- Please have an author with all your cards. If needed, I will call for cards at the end of the round, but I don't want to. Just don't be sketchy, you should have nothing to hide.

- I like flushed out warrants and specific, clear impacts. If I had to choose between the two it would definitely be the warrants. You need to have really well-warranted arguments and your links have to be strong by the end of the round.

- You don't need defense in first summary, but if you think it is necessary to your narrative then please extend it to show me how important it is.

- It's not necessary, but I really really want to see frontlining in second rebuttal.

Even More Preferences

- Dont be afraid to be funny. I know how stressful and long debate tournaments are. We could all use a laugh here and there.

- I like bee arguments

Please ask questions before the round if you have any doubts. I wrote this paradigm while watching Netflix so I may have missed some things. Good luck to all the debaters.

Ex-PF debater (out rounds at Nats 2017), now work at a think tank in DC.

For prelim rounds: Please get to the virtual room as soon as possible. Pre-flowing and prepping are understandable but please don't intentionally wait until the last minute possible to join.

1. I would really prefer you not to spread. Especially in Public Forum. Getting four contentions into your speech that I have half-written on my flow is a lot worse than one very clear, well-explained contention.

2. That being said, I am a flow judge. So I will vote on how well you weigh, collapse, defend, etc. which also means that both teams need to be doing these things in rebuttal, summary, and FF

3. First summary only needs to extend defense on arguments that were frontlined in second rebuttal. Second rebuttal should answer all offense on the flow.

4. SIGNPOST. Please do. It really makes my life so much easier, and it also makes your speeches A LOT clearer. If an opponent drops an argument, signpost for me and then just say to extend it on the flow. You don't need to re-explain the whole argument for me if your opponent did nothing to contend it.

5. Be ready BEFORE THE ROUND to share evidence with your opponents. That means the full article, PDF, in addition to the cut card is what you should be ready to share as well as where in there you found it. Read evidence at your own risk. If something your opponent reads sounds questionable, CALL FOR IT! I'm probably not going to call for evidence unless I literally can't believe someone wrote whatever they said. If you are going to call out your opponents' evidence for their source or because they misquoted, do so in an educated manner (i.e. not just because you think it's "bad"). At that point, I will probably look at the evidence at the end of the round.

6. Do NOT flow through ink, drop opponents' arguments in rebuttal (unless that's an intentional, strategic move), try and provide offense in the first rebuttal, bring up a new argument in FF/bring up new evidence in FF. It's not that I'm going to automatically drop you if this stuff happens, but none of these things help move the debate forward for you or for me. With younger debaters, I understand it a lot more if this stuff happens during the round.

7. I do not flow CX. CX is a time for each person/team to set up defense or offense in future speeches. So, if something important comes up, I would assume it would be mentioned in later speeches (i.e. it should be mentioned in later speeches). More for you than for me, I would stay away from using CX time for your opponent just to explain an argument from their case.

8. I abide by the whole "if it's in FF, it needs to be in summary" broadly. So, don't bring up a contention in FF that your opponent didn't bring up in summary. But, the speeches shouldn't be identical, you should provide some sort of new analysis or weighing within the contentions that your opponent brought up in summary as long as it's not new evidence.

9. In LD, if you run theory or Ks, I am not familiar with these arguments from my time debating or the years I have judged so far. So, you will need to really EXPLAIN these for me and break down why they are essential to the round we are in. Based on that then, run them at your own risk. In PF, don't run theory or Ks.

10. Will always disclose at the end of rounds unless I am specifically instructed not to. Feel free to ask any questions for clarity or for advice.

11. Be respectful, please. I understand the nature of competition pits one side against the other. Respectful doesn't mean you should let your opponents walk all over you, but it does mean there needs to be thoughtfulness in what you do. This typically becomes most important during CX. A general example is, it's okay to cut someone off if they've answered your question and are just explaining their case to me (unless that was the question you asked) because there's strategy to making sure CX doesn't become a soap box for your opponent just to have a second case reading. BUT do not cut your opponent off if you asked them a question, and they are providing analysis to their answer. YOU asked the question, and for the most part YOU need to be okay with them giving a complete answer.

Hi! I debated PF for four years at Hunter College High School. I am doing APDA in college right now. I can generally flow speed.

February topic: Their evidence is not specific to West Africa is NOT a response. I will not flow it.
Please please please do not use weighing mechanisms like "strength of link" and "clarity of evidence."
Avoid evidence debates.
I don't care about cards too much! Have warrants and weigh!
I don't know too much about theory but I will flow it/try to understand it.
Read content warnings if you're going to read something potentially triggering. If you are unsure, ask anyway!

Don't be rude, sexist, racist etc. If you are offensive, I will drop you.

Have fun!

Hi! I’m a parent judge and look forward to hearing your cases. Please speak clearly and respect your opponents.

Rutgers College, Rutgers University, BA Russian and East European Area Studies

Rutgers Business School, MBA

I teach History, AP Economics, and Business. While I'm a new judge and have a lot to learn, I can already tell you I'm not a fan of spreading and throwing out statistics, data, and vocabulary when it's obvious you don't understand the stats and data, and lack fluency with the vocabulary. Use less data intelligently and make your point. More data thrown out and used poorly won't impress me. It will underwhelm me. Present a cogent and well thought out argument that is supported by your data. Oh, and by the way, please clearly state where your sources are from. If you don't state where they are from or I can't understand you, your support is merely conjecture/opinion to me and holds no water.

Hi! I’m really excited to be your judge today!

A few notes:

1. Sign posting is an absolute must. If I cannot follow you, that’s a problem.

2. No spreading, this isn’t policy debate.

3. I will reward you for being clear and impacting all of your claims. Tell me why this argument matters!

4. Be civil! I will give you low speaks if you are rude and talk over the top of one another.

5. Be clear on why you believe you have won the round. Evidence, Evidence, Evidence!

TL;DR - tech>truth, clarity in thoughts and in speech (do not spread), be logical in linkchains and among your arguments, weigh, no theory, K, etc.

Although I am a parent judge, this is my eighth year judging debate tournaments, so I am not new to judging. I will flow arguments and will vote off of the flow (I'll mostly do tech > truth unless the arguement is so obviously false that nearly everyone would agree without googling it). That being said, please do not spread, because I'm bound to miss some of your arguments (if it doesn't make it onto my flow, I won't be able to evaluate your arguement). It is your job to make sure that you communicate your arguements clearly and logically.

Please note:

- clarity, especially clarity of thought and logic, is more important than speed

- I will focus on the weigh, and whether you've proven that your standing argument(s)'s impacts are greater than your opponents. This means that as you go through your arguments (before you weigh), you must tell me what the impacts of your arguments are-- don't assume they are obvious, and I'm not likely to make them up for you. You can be creative about how you weigh, potentially including scope, magnitude, timeframe, probabilty, or a metaweigh, etc.

- I do not like off-topic/theory arguements that try to disqualify the other team. Debate the topic at hand.

- I appreciate roadmaps and signposting. I'm OK if the initial roadmap is off-time, but they really should be part of your speaker time. And be sure to continue to signpost as you address new arguments-- you don't want me to put your arguments on a random part of my flowsheet.

- Gov/aff does have the right to define terms, and I do give leeway for that. Don't abuse it though-- I really don't like having to judge a "definitions" debate, and if the definition doesn't allow a path for opp/neg to win, I'm voting with opp/neg.

- Warrant your arguments. Completely unsubstantiated arguments are hard to vote on, especially if rebutted by the opposing side. If both sides are unwarranted, I'll view it as a wash and it won't survive the round.

- And to quote Ryan Lafferty: Be charitable to your opponents’ arguments! I’d much rather you mitigate the best version of your opponents’ claims than demolish a heavily strawmanned version of them.

For PF specifically:

- I value warrants over cards. Tell me why your argument(s) make sense logically rather than telling me a card said so. I have faith that you can always find someone who will say just about anything (e.g.-- the earth is flat).

- Focus on the weaknesses in your opponents link chains rather than reading from a prepared block file.

- The clash should be obvious by the rebuttal speaches. Second rebuttal can start to frontline in addition to rebutting the prior speech, however they must respond to all offense (including turns) or else I'll assume the argument is conceded.

- I won't be on your email chain and almost always wont look at your evidence. It's up to you to convince me, rather than me determining whether the evidence is worthy. That being said, if someone asks me to look at evidence (e.g., in order to determine whether the evidence was represented correctly), I will.

Speaker scores are ultimately subjective based on impefect judging. For PF, in addition to the above, I'll also be analyzing the quality of the research in determining speaker scores. For Parli, broad background knowledge is a big plus.

I have been judging PF debate tournaments since 2014, so I do have some experience in judging local and national level debates.

I prefer reasonable speed - extremely fast speed makes it hard to understand the entire argument.

I default to an "on balance" metric for evaluating and comparing impacts. I will not consider unwarranted frameworks, especially if they are simply one or two lines asserting the framework without even attempting to justify it.

I will evaluate topicality arguments, though only with the impact "ignore the argument", never "drop the team".

I am a senior at Florida International University pursuing a double major in Accounting and Finance with a pre-law certificate. My goal is eventually going to law school, so naturally I love a good debate! Though I have no prior experience in debate, I have interned at Congress and I am a current fellow for a State Senator so I have done a lot of policy research. I would say I am a lay judge. I do ask to speak at a normal pace so that everything can be heard, but don't be too slow and do your best!

Update 10/1/2020

When I first started five years ago, most local tournaments were doing paper ballots. I can’t believe speech and debate was the first activity that went entirely online since the TOC before the pandemic! It’s a different new world...

I have already encountered various tech issues in the rounds I’ve judged thus far. Please be prepared with multiple devices - a phone and a computer and perhaps even one more back up. We will work it through together!

Good luck!

Update 11/25/2018

I have judged extensively in both LD and PF in the past year, and have grown to dislike the lack of civility in some rounds. Remember - speech and debate is about having fun! If you are the only person in the room having run, then you just lost a round.

Please note the following:

1. Fair warning - If you use language that doesn't belong to the classroom, you will automatically get a 25 in Speaker Points.

2. If you ask a question in rebuttal, please allow your opponents to answer your questions. I need to hear two sides - it wouldn't be a debate otherwise.

3. LD - No spreading. Debate, in any form, is about making a point. To me, that point has to be made with common sense. Please do not try to convince me you are smarter than everybody in the room by speaking too fast. If a smarter-than-average person cannot get your point, you lost the round. Period. If I cannot understand you, I cannot judge. You will get a 25. If you have two "tech" judges and me in the elimination rounds, and if you CHOOSE to spread "strategically", you will be dropped. Again, it wouldn't be a debate if a judge cannot understand you.

Background

I am an Assistant Principal at Princeton High School. I was Head Coach of the PHS Speech and Debate Team in the past five years.

Preferences

I can follow just about all fast speech by now. However, I have a strong preference for convincing arguments over speed or other stylistic elements of debates; I prefer strength and confidence over aggression without substance. I want to clear warrant to your claim, clear impacts and clear weighing. Simply put, convince me with common sense and logical reasoning.

Don't forget - this is about you having fun!

Good luck!

Kiarra (Key-Era) Pronouns They/Them.

You can add me to the email chain {Kdbroadnax@gmail.com} To help me keep track of email chains. Put your team code and Round number in the subject section please and thank you.

Debated at Samford University (Policy) Currently a Coach with SpeakFirst (PF and LD)

Things to do. (Policy)

1. Signpost, do line-by-line, and use analytics.

2. Speed. Go as fast as you want. If you're unclear, I will look at you very confused because I will not know what to flow.

3. Kicking {Arguments, not other debaters} You should be kicking out of things. I will give .3 on speaks if it's creative. I LOVE a good mic drop moment.

Things to do. (PF)

1. Use analytics. they are super useful and make the debate more interesting

2. Speed. Go as fast as you want. I did do policy but If you're unclear, it will reflect in your speaker points.

3. Collapse down. You are not winning everything and we both know that.

Things to do. (LD)

1. Signpost, do line-by-line, and use analytics.

2. Speed is fine. Just be clear.

3. Put me on the email chain if you make one. If I call for cards at the end of the round and then have to wait for you to set up a chain I will doc speaker points. Please just set it up before the round starts.

4. The affirmative should defend the resolution. Yes, every time.

5. Make me think. Challenge the status quo. Run wacky K's. I won't always vote on it but I will enjoy it.

6. About number 5. If you are going to run a K or something similar. Please put a trigger warning if there is mention of sensitive topics and mention them before the round starts. It's uncommon in this climate but it would greatly be appreciated.

Please, do not do these (Policy):

1. Yelling, Being passionate about your case is super cool, but yelling at me will make me not want to vote for you.

2. Introducing Harmful Partnerships into the Debate space. I get that debate is a stress-inducing activity but your partner is there with you for a reason. You should use them. I am fine with partners interacting during a speech. Ex: Your partner handing you a card or their technology to use to read a card off of, or handing you their flow. But if your partner is spoon-feeding you, your speech.

3. Demanding a Judge Kick. Nope. No. No, thank you. if you want to kick out of something then do so.

Please, do not do these (PF):

1. Excessively call for cards. I get it. Sometimes you need to see cards but calling for 5 cards per speech is a bit much.

2. Being rude during CX. I get sassy sometimes but screaming, not letting debaters answer or name-calling is unnecessary.

3. If you send a link (only a link) when an opponent calls for evidence. I'll doc speaks. If you send ME a link. ill vote you down. There are rules to this activity. You need to have CUT cards.

Please, do not do this ( LD):

1. Don't be a jerk. Not every debater is going to get your K. Chill.

DO NOT at any point compare ANYTHING to slavery, the holocaust, genocide, rape, etc.

I will vote you down.

Yay debate!

I am a parent judge, and work as management consultant and advisor to senior executives. I do public speaking for a living, and coach others on it, so I have a lot of appreciation how hard this can be, particularly in a virtual setting. It reminds me of the old Dale Carnegie quote, “There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.” A long time ago, in a place far, far away I was also a nerdy high schooler who had some good moments in Forensics and Model UN. And I’ve recently started judging PF debate.

First and foremost: be logical. I will be assessing how you structure your argument, surface the evidence, refute your opponent’s evidence and poke holes in their arguments.

Next: enjoy yourself. If you are having fun, your audience will have fun.

I place a very high premium on civility, professionalism and clarity of communication. If you speak too fast, and if you over-rely on acronyms and debate-jargon, you will lose me.

If you are rude or condescending, you will lose me.

That said, I am a big believer in vigorous debate and lively disagreement, so long as you are not disagreeable. I like to see conviction and will not deduct points for passion or intensity.

I enjoy a good laugh as much as anyone.

Time is precious and scarce. I will mind the clock and expect you to do the same.

Good luck!

Ramsay graduate c/o 2020

SpeakFirst alumnus 2020

I mostly competed in circuit tournaments and had fairly even records.

When judging I vote on the quality of evidence and consistency throughout the round. If I can't understand what you're saying then I won't be able to vote for you and it also defeats the purpose of a progressive and engaged public forum round. If your opponent makes a claim against your case, it is your responsibility to address it, otherwise, I will flow the point to their side. I expect you to defend any arguments you want me to vote for and extend them throughout every speech. Anything brought up during crossfire will not be flowed unless said in a speech.

If you have any questions my contact information is below.

Email: carsonf314@gmail.com

My core belief is that the winning team should make a logically better argument than the other team throughout the round and convince a lay judge like myself. The arguments need to be made logically, and with solid evidence. Speaker points will be judged based on clarity and appearance in cross. Rudeness/speaking over others will immediately bring your speaker points down! I also believe in teams taking the responsibility for ensuring opposing team's prep time and card management and in addition to managing their own.

I don't want debaters to talk too fast

**tl;dr read the bold. I like starting on time/early if possible.

For background, I debated PF 4 years at Newton South and it's my 4th year coaching at Nueva. I feel like it's best if you probably treat me like a flay leaning tech judge? If you have issues with any parts of my paradigm I'm happy to discuss and/or potentially change some preferences for the round. The later in the day it gets, the more tired I get, so if I'm grumpy it's not you, it's me.

---Most normal tech things apply: here are more unique thoughts

Tech~Truth: I will buy anything that at least kinda makes sense as your arguments get more extreme/factually incorrect. I will need more work from you to win it and less work from opponents to lose it.

You need cards, but more importantly warrants; I will buy a strong analytic over a unwarranted card. Extend internal links (logical warranting) in addition to overall links/impacts otherwise I won't want to vote on it (99% of the time this is the reason I squirrel in out rounds). This isn’t Pokémon, I don’t want to hear why your card beats their card.

Please do not signpost by cards (ideally, number voters and use contention tags)

---Other stuff

- Speaking: Speed is fine short of spreading. Speaks are based on speaking and content, I will bump if you pull off a cool strategy in round well. Don't be a bully, don't let yourself be bullied. I might not be looking/flowing during cross but I'm listening, make jokes and stuff, have fun :)

- Theory/Progressive args: Run at your own risk, I'm not an expert but know the basics. I tend to think theory disadvantages new debaters so I'll probably only vote on it if: y'all all are down for it pre-round (and my level of judging lol) and/or there's actual discrimination happening and/or it's drop the arg not the debater

- Weighing: "Strength of link," "urgency," and "clarity of impact" mean nothing unless you warrant and implicate them. I think you should consider thinking of weighing less with buzzwords and more by literally thinking about why one is more important than explaining it (truth is convincing).

- Evidence: Don't lie. Even if it’s an accidental miscut, drop it. Find cards within a couple minutes or I'll ask you to drop them. I'll call cards if you tell me to, but won't do it on my own unless a card is both important and sketchy - if it is bad, I won't consider it regardless of whether your opponents called it or not.

- Be sensitive and respectful: Co-opting issues for a strat is not ok - care about the issue, have a productive debate. Consider if you need a content/trigger warning + spare contention. These issues are real and affect the people around you, possibly including me and those in your round and I will not hesitate to vote you down and drop speaks if something is up. That being said, let me determine that: please don't make "they don't care enough" args.

Last thoughts: I generally don’t presume and instead just lower my link/round standards til someone meets them. Let your parents watch your rounds! They've earned it. And remember to eat!

Email: kaylaxchang@berkeley.edu. Please feel free to reach out for any concern, round/not round related.

I am a parent judge, so I am not as experienced with the technicalities of debate. Experience judging speech events primarily.

Please include me in the email chain: ychechi@gmail.com

In-Round:

- No spreading; speak at a clear and understandable pace

- Please define any technical terms you use very well; anything that goes unexplained might not be taken into account

- Signpost, signpost, signpost!

- I am not familiar with theory, so don't use it unless you can explain it VERY well

- Speaking and eloquence will be a big part of my final decision

- Address all arguments and clarify if you drop any

- Weighing is vital! Tell me WHY you won the debate and on what points specifically

Hi, I'm Alice, a current freshman at Harvard studying Economics. As a debater and judge, the majority of my experience in debating has been in parliamentary styles (Canadian, British, American) as well as World Schools. Generally, I have very few specific preferences and am relatively adaptable, so feel free to debate in styles most comfortable for you. If you have any questions, please reach out at alicechen@college.harvard.edu. I am always happy to answer whatever concerns you may have. That being said, a few key points:

1) Please do not spread! Do not exceed a reasonable speed that you would use with a lay judge or a judge unfamiliar with spreading. Speak clearly; I flow slowly.

2) Please weigh. Please be clear about what you think I should consider round-winning metrics and frameworks, and contest the weighing of other teams.

3) I am unfamiliar with many types of progressive frameworks, but I will do my (unqualified) best to understand you.

Hey, I debated PF for four years at Princeton High School. 

Here's my email for an email chain: emilychoi19@gmail.com

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VBI Specific:

Lol idk much about trains so extra warranting >>> 

Don't assume I know things; explain everything clearly, or else I'll have just as much reason to believe the opposite is true.

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Progressive Args:

Avoid running tricks, theory, or Ks in PF --> not a big fan, especially if it is run poorly. 

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PF Specific:

Don't run blippy arguments that are inherently untrue. 

Don't run run the 900 million card --> although it will make me laugh.

Don't card dump, legitimately implicate.

Make sure to collapse and extend properly in summary and ff --> parallel structure!!

Also, WEIGH!!

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Speaks:

Don't be mean to your opponents.

- If you sing, like actually sing a speech in it's entirety, I'll be not sad: 30 speaks :D

- If you rap your speech, I'll not be sad: 30 speaks :D

- Please do not be rude to your opponents or else: 10 speaks

If you have any questions about my paradigm or in general, don't hesitate to ask me questions before the round.

Hey everyone! My paradigm is not that complex, but if you have any questions please ask before the round starts.

CCHS '20

NYU 24'

add me to the email chain: louisciano1@gmail.com

Simple Answer: I'm a flow judge who can understand circuit args if you over-explain them a tad more then you usually would.

Back round info:

I did LD for four years of high school mostly at the local level. I am from North Carolina so I am mainly used to traditional debate. I debated on the national circuit mostly for fun..

Speaks:

I'm generous. Don't be mean.

CX:

Clarification questions are ok, but not the purpose of Cross. I think cross can make or break a round because it shows who knows the material better. If someone is wasting your time, tell them to stop. If they don't I will notice.

Speed: ok with speed

prep-time:

Cards: Prep starts when they show you the card. You have to run the clock when you get the card.

Questions: It's ok to ask questions during prep, but do it more for clarification than anything, I'm not going to flow these, so don't be like "my opponent said this during prep". Also, make sure both of you are ok with it before the round starts.

Framework:

I default to util unless you tell me otherwise. I basically only ran util in high school, so if you have a really confusing framework you might want to warrant it a lot (sorry). That doesn't mean only run until. Please mix it up just make it good.

Arguments:

warrant your arguments. So many people just spit out a bunch of random evidence without a warrant. If you do this, I will give it little credibility and won't take it as super good evidence. If your opponent doesn't call it out, that still doesn't mean you win the ballot.

Theory:

I am not super familiar with theory, so it might be a little hard for me to evaluate it. That being said if there is clear abuse, run it, and warrant why. I will vote off of theory if I think you used it correctly. If you are going against a traditional kid don't run theory to just win the round. I will vote off of it, but I won't give you high speaks.

K Debate:

I never ran K's in high school, but I really like them. That being said, Please make sure the K is topical and not just some generic K. When I see that I see someone being lazy. Don't be lazy and write original arguments. Again, not super familiar with K's, but I will do my best to evaluate them.

Phil:

I'm pretty familiar with it, but if you say someones name don't expect me to have read all their books. Again just make it clear for me.

If you have any other questions, please ask.

Hi! I am currently a third-year student at the New College of Florida, with an area of concentration in English and a minor in Rhetoric and Writing. In high school, I debated in public-forum and served as the President for the Speech and Debate club at Lake Nona High School ('18).

The first rule I was taught in debate is respect. Please respect everyone in the virtual debate room. I will time the round but I expect that you also time yourself. A good debate is one that addresses the topic effectively and can make a logical argument. Don't spread. Speak clearly and signpost. Remember that you should not bring up new points in the final focus. Additionally, do not misrepresent your cards. I will check them if there is reasonable cause to or if your opponent has a valid reason to ask for the card in question. Lastly, remember to have fun!

Google me . 1st black top speaker at TOC . CEDA finalist . NDT quarter finals . 3rd speaker at both. tournaments .

Sign post : when you read the aff you clearly state “ PLAN ! Advantages ! SOLVENCY !

when you neg you clearly say : “ First off ! Second off ! Case !”

I despise terrible spreading , I despise unclear arguments . I despise you assuming because I’m a judge that you can make rhetorical shortcuts through debate jargon unless you’re actually using debate jargon .

Omg what happened to overviews ?

All arguments aren’t created equally .

stop being scary when it comes to being great .

I used to coach Extemp, Impromptu and other Speech events. I'm looking for:

1) Clarity - clear diction, no spreading and minimal jargon;

2) Structure - easy-to-follow arguments;

3) Evidence - credible sources with illustrative examples and numbers/statistics based on sound methodology; and

4) Why You Won - tell me exactly how your arguments undermine the arguments of your opponents and/or why they are more impactful than the arguments of your opponents

Hi, I am a parent judge of a public forum debater.

I will be evaluating truth over tech, and I appreciate logic :)

Have a great round, and have fun!

Hello!

I am a parent judge from Newton South Highschool. My judging experience is limited (I've only judged at the Harvard tournament this year). I take a lot of notes, but I am definitely a lay judge and I appreciate it if you do not use so much debate language. I would also appreciate it if you talked slowly. If you speak too quickly, I might not catch things and this might lose you the round. Overall, try your best and have fun! Being nice and respectful to one another is always appreciated!

Paradigm

“A thought well conceived will be enunciated clearly, and the words to say it will thence flow easily” (Nicolas Boileau, 1636-1711)

In other words, things said in the round need to be clear! Whatever you want me to comprehend and vote on needs to be clearly articulated.

I will flow the round and will vote per the flow. It is in my view your responsibility to make yourself understood. It is your responsibility to explain your argument in an intelligible way.

You are at liberty to set the criteria by which you will be judged. Please do so and then explain why and how you think you won according to these criteria and why your opponent lost and why their criteria did not produce a winning outcome for them.

The goal of any debater should be to persuade the judge, that they conveyed their argument in a way that was more logical than their opponent, and that they effectively poked holes in the opponents logic.

I’m truly equally open to everything. I judge on the capacity to present and defend ones argument. The debate room is in my view totally disconnected from the world since anything argued here will have absolutely no implication and since debaters were imposed the side of the case to defend.

Please feel free to ask any questions before the round!

I’ve competed in and judged debate for many years, and though I mainly have background in CX/Policy debate, I really enjoy judging PF debate. I am meticulous on the flow, and can keep up with speed, but appreciate sign posting (letting me know) when you switch arguments. I really like to hear strong link and impact arguments, regardless of the type of argument you choose to run. Weighing your arguments throughout the round is a must in my voting decision. Ask me any specific questions for clarification and have fun with it!

Hi! My name is Kerry. I am a junior at Dartmouth College majoring in Biochemistry and German. I've grown to love speech and debate over the years. Above everything, I value a well-structured and substantive debate. Evidence should be well cited and should not misconstrue the author's intent. I like clean debates, so steer clear of ad hominem remarks. I expect everyone to flow themselves just as I flow you. I will keep time but I expect you to keep time for both yourself and your partner to keep things running as smoothly as possible. I also ask that speakers slow down when speaking, as especially over an internet connection it can be difficult to hear everything said. I will focus on whichever team can best convince me of their stance, but also how well you speak - do you stutter or use filler words? Are you always looking at your notes or do you know your material? I expect you guys to enjoy yourselves - above all else, have fun!

tl:dr: flay

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pls email me cases with ur cards, this makes life easy for all of us: sylviaelizabethduarte@gmail.com. if you have any questions about my paradigm, message me on fb

i debated on the pf nat'l circuit in high school and am now a college sophomore.

quick bio:

i would say i'm tech>truth but that is a lie. i like args within the realm of topical possibility. not necessarily probability since most debate args do not work irl anyway lmao. more like, i give less credence to args like nuke war or existentialism and will be looking for any excuse of a response to turn it down (obvs this depends on the topic like yk what i mean). obvs if there is no ink on ur arg or your frontlines are fire and ur debating is of a high caliber, that is different. but idk if ur that guy + why risk it?

i give more credence to your args 1) the earlier they are introduced in round, 2) the more warranted they are, 3) the more likely/severe/quickly/generally more important your link chain or impacts are vs your opponents'.

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best ways to win my ballot (in order of importance):

- effective, consistent, *extended*, good ol warranting. absent good weighing/impact calc, i will likely prefer one well-warranted arg over multiple unwarranted args (yes it will be strategic to collapse in front of me). **this will be to your benefit if you want to go progressive and run something funky like theory and can articulate amazing reasons why it's good to do so.**

- complete claim-warrant-impact (frontlined when necessary) extensions in the second half for args you want me to vote for. anything i vote off of in your final focus must be in the summary btw

- GOOD weighing. weighing is inherently comparative. ik you think your arg is important, but why is it more important than your opponents'? why does this mean you win the round?

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things i dislike but am forced to ignore because i don't want to intervene but also will still rly negatively bias my decision to vote for you because i am human:

- speaking at a million words per min. a wise man once said, "why waste time say lot word when few word do trick?" and you're on a computer and wifi can cut out and your super-speed-speaking legit won't matter.

- doing the above but thinking you're in the clear because you sent a speech doc with your tags afterwords. NO pls stop

- heavyyy paraphrasing of your ev. i don't expect you to read card-text in all of your speeches (though that would be nice in constructive... sigh). but like... rly not a fan of debaters taking a quote from their evidence and putting their "spin" on what it says/arguing in the "spirit of the ev"/doing the most with the ev because "it technicallyyy says that"/anything that bastardizes the integrity of your representation of evidence.

- do not take that to mean that i dislike analytics. on the contrary, i reward thoughtful, well-warranted analytics. but i punish analytics passed off as evidence.

- defending any potential social prejudice that comes up in your args, attitude, treatment of opponents, etc. i don't just dislike this, i will tank your speaks and speak to your coach if necessary.

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i am familiar with theory. lmk if you're unsure if you should run something in front of me. i will not BS you, if i cannot evaluate an arg / don't think it's likely i'd vote for it, i will 100% lyk.

good rule of thumb is that you can run theory if you can effectively explain (i.e. warrant) your arg's necessity in the space, my role as a judge, your arg's role in education/accessibility/etc, and more. if your theory warranting is not up to par with substance warranting, you should probably stick to substance in front of me.

Heyoo and Howdy, Its Jomi,

I have been Competing, Coaching, and Judging for going on 8 years now and I'm 21 so that says a lot about my wild amount of commitment I have towards this activity.

Mainly competed and coached extemp and congress so that is where my best critiques would come from since those are the events that I know the most about, however, I am proficient in knowing PF and LD since I have judged tons of elimination rounds for those events and have friends in the events so they teach me the game.

I would say no matter the event it always comes down to three solid principles for me

Logic without evidence

Quality of evidence

Speaking and execution of rhetoric

Logic without evidence meaning how solid on a logic understands deductive or inductive reasoning is the argument, to the point that at the least from a basic philosophical level can I consider that argument valid but not being true because that would require evidence.

Quality of evidence is what sets an argument to being a good argument because if your evidence is timely, relevant, and flows within the speech or case then that sets you apart from the round. Good evidence balances arguments, Bad Evidence breaks arguments

Speaking and execution of Rhetoric meaning simply how well are you conveying your speech and case in your delivery, even in Policy debate, if you want the judge to hear something import and round defining then you slow down and say it with conviction. How well do your voice and your inflections convey your narrative especially on the impact analysis which to me is the most important parts of arguments especially;y on a human level is to be important

Most of all, be respectful and courteous to your judges and especially to your opponents because if you are rude, condescending, sexist, racist, you know the deal if it's bad and I catch it, expect the worst result from me and expect for me to back it up. So just be a respectful person and we will be all good.

I was a pretty good high school debater (Policy). But that was 30+ years ago!

I've gotten back into debate via judging, starting in 2019. Since then I've judged ~ 5 PF tournaments. I'm still a bit rusty with my flowing abilities, but I'm getting there. So, I'm not a citizen lay judge, but I'm also not ready to judge the final round at Nationals.

I'm a former PF debater from PPCHS, graduated in 2019 - at present I'm in my 2nd year at UF.

I'm familiar with format and evidence procedures - if you are moving to fast for me to flow then I'll say clear.

Looking for framework weighing and strong arguments with appropriate and credible evidence/warrants.

Speaks are based on rubric that includes not only your ability to commicunicate in delivery, but also your ability to organize your arguments and rebuttals as well as weigh the debate in favor of your side through framework.

Include me on the email chain: sfifield@lockelord.com

I'm a parent judge so I am not as familiar with debate as you all are, but I have judging experience within our own circuit.

In-Round:

- Do not speak too fast or I may miss one of your arguments. You are better off making fewer points and hitting them clearly than speaking too fast for me and having me miss an argument because my note taking can't keep up. Know your audience.

- Make sure to signpost as well.

- Remember to extend your arguments in summary and final focus.

- Weighing is imperative. Weigh comparatively instead of just saying "We outweigh on scope." Explain why.

- I'm not familiar with theory so do not run it unless you are able to explain it thoroughly.

Be courteous to your opponents at all times.

Hi I'm Gracie! (she/her)

Experience: 3 years of PF at Boca High and 3 years of experience in different debate events at Florida State (NPDA, BP, Civic/Social Justice, NFA LD literally once).

For Online Tournaments:

- Yes, add me to the email chain: gracea.findley@gmail.com

For PF:

TL;DR: Tech > Truth. Turns/DAs need to be responded to in second rebuttal. Final focus should mirror the summary. Default to cost/benefit analysis, but easily persuaded to filter the round through whatever framework you see fit. Speed is ok, but please don't spread. And please do not drop warrants (especially in the back half of the round!)

If anything is unclear in my paradigm, just ask me before the round!

Specific Thoughts on Debate

1) I default to tech > truth. Additionally, if you're winning a claim on the flow (technically), I'm more likely to evaluate it as true. But don't just assert things as random truths and expect me to vote on them. With this being said, I am a sucker for a good narrative. In the back-half of the round I love when teams re-explain their arguments, especially on the warrant level and use this as a basis to explain how they're winning. If you do this it helps make my decision much easier as I am not just voting on the flow but also on clear argumentation.

2) If you drop warrants, I drop you. Please don't make this mistake. I think warrants are the most important argument in the round, so I will evaluate this first. Lack of warrants assume I am all knowing and sometimes arguments that are clear to you are not clear to me, so ensuring I understand the premise of your argument extends from your ability to provide clear warrants. This means I expect analysis not only on the impact level but also on the link level. Assuming you are winning a warrant and going straight to impact weighing will make me unlikely to vote for you.

3) Second rebuttal is required to frontline all offensive arguments made against their case. This includes turns and DAs. It will make my flow a lot cleaner if you also begin to frontline defensive arguments in this speech, but it's not something that I require.

4) Anything you want me to vote off of NEEDS to be in the summary. Now that the summary is three minutes long, I expect first speaking teams to extend defense in summary. Please don't try to bring up things in final focus that were missing in summary.

5) Absent any framing in the round, I default to a cost/benefit analysis. In debates that don't touch heavily on framing, I tend to lean aff on risk of solvency. This also means I lean aff/non-squo went presented with "risk of offense" or "try-or-die" framing.

6) I don't have much experience competing in or evaluating theory rounds. I will try my best to evaluate it, but proceed with caution at your risk. For reference, here's what I think about some of the more popular theory arguments being read in PF.

a.) "Give us 30s" - Nope. Please, please, please don't read this in front of me. If you want a 30, follow my paradigm.

b.) Disclosure - Disclosure is good for debate, regardless of big or small school and especially for online tournaments.

7) I will not time you. Please keep track of your own time for both speeches and prep.

8) K's without policy alternatives are ok as the negative (b/c negative fiat isn't really a thing in PF), but I'm not a huge fan of non-topical affirmatives. My background is not in critical literature, so please make sure your arguments are very well explained in the back-half of the round.

9) If you are going to read an overview, there needs to be some sort of "turns case" explanation clearly flagged on the flow. I am not a fan of disads with new impacts out of the rebuttal.

10) I will call for evidence if I think it's misconstrued or if a team tells me to. I have no preference whether you give me a PDF/webpage or a cut card.

11) Don't spread, even if you offer to send a doc. I competed on the national circuit in PF though, so I can follow if you speak more quickly than conversational rate but please at least slow down for author names and dates.

For Speaker Points:

1) If author names are either dropped or not read, I will lower speaker points. Author names are the bare minimum - you should also be reading dates.

2) Weighing and really any sort of contextualization is the easiest way to boost your speaks. This is more than just claims like "we win on scope." As stated above, warrants are crucial to all argumentation; in addition to giving me a reason to prefer your analysis over anything your opponents bring up.

Hello! I'm a third year parent judge, but I am experienced. When speaking, please speak slow, I judge what I can understand. I am not so clear on debate terms, so either clarify of refrain from complicated terms. A weighing mechanism (in debate) is preferred so I know how to judge the round. That's about it, good luck! :)

I am a parent judge from a school that practices traditional styles of debate. Please do not spread and please keep your own (and each other's) time.

I am seeking sound logic and clear links between the evidence and the impact.

I'm new to judging debate, but have 20+ years experience in public speaking and communication. No spreading. I prefer well constructed arguments, the ability to spot a good fallacy, and well placed (good natured) humor.

julianvgagnon@gmail.com please add me to email chains

from planet debate-

this is difficult for me b/c i'm not sure i have A judging philosophy but I do have many different ideas about and for debate...some inconsistent. that being said i don't want what i think about debate to totally dictate what debaters decide to do in rounds.

topicality- generally don't like it. I find no abuse args to be really persuasive. Since I like critical arguments so much I think you can usually find ground in any debate. i don't like the competing interpretations framework very much. i find the "that limits out any aff" arg to be persuasive. but i will vote on that framework and topicality if left unchallenged. in a good topicality debate on competeing interp vs an ok no abuse arg i'll USUALLY vote aff.

cp- like em. with a critical nb even better. i think i'm a fair judge for these debates. aff theory args generally not persuasive unless unchallenged. very similar to topicality in this regards.

das- great. a lot of people are now struggling with the we control the uniqueness = a risk vs. we got d/risk of turn. i don't think the aff has to have offense to win a da but i do find in a lot of debates that with only defense it hurts the aff a bunch. especially when the neg has a cp. but i tend to weight the da first in terms of probability and then magnitude.

critical args- love em. these are the debates i find the most interesting. i'm willing to listen to virtually any way the neg wants to present them. method. alternative. text no text. don't care. case turn. obviously it's the neg's burden to provide some way to evaluate their "framework" but in terms of theory i think they are all pretty much legit. args are args and it's the other teams responsibility to answer them.

others- i like to see people be nice to each other in debate rounds. some people may say i intervene sometimes. it's true but let me provide context. if you go for you mis-spelled (jk) a word in your plan and you should lose and your winning the arg but the other team says this is stupid...we'll i'm persuaded. you just wasted a bunch of peoples time. another thing. DON'T RUN MALTHUS IN FRONT OF ME- DOESN'T MATTER IF IT RIGHTS OR NOT. i won't flow it. i think that while debate is a game we still have a responsibility to "speak truth to power". discourse is very important. definately co-constitutes with reality. this may be why i'm starting/have been hating the politics debate for the last year and a half. but hey, like i said before, i'm full of inconsistancies b/c sometimes you just don't have another arg in the box to go for. i'm sympathetic to this. especially in high school debate. i still research it for the hs topic and coach my kids to go for it.


from debateresults...

Debate is a game- i have a lot of ideas about how the game should be played but in the absence of teams making those arguments i won't default to them. i think debate should make the rules of the game and provide a framework for how i should evaulte the debate. i'm not a big fan of some arguments...like malthus in particular...but also theory arguments in general. these debates generally happen faster then my mind and pen can handle. ive judged a lot although i haven't much this year on the china topic. some people may think i have a bias towards critical arguments, and while this is true to some degree (i generally find them more intersting than other debates), it also means i have higher standards when it comes to these debates. yeah imagine that, me with high standards.

I did PF for three years in high school, and have a couple years of judging experience as well.

Things I like: 1) Framework debate; 2) Linking to your impacts. Don't just throw out numbers/conclusions without explaining how you can access them; 3) Signposting; 4) Numbered responses in rebuttal; 5) Turns; 6) Weighing and big picture analysis in Summary and FF. I like when teams can clearly explain why their impacts should outweigh their opponents' impacts, especially when those impacts are quantified differently (ex: lives vs. economics).

Things I don't like: 1) Sketchy or misconstrued evidence; 2) Tenuous links to impacts; 3) When teams bring up arguments in FF that they didn't push in Summary.

Hi, I'm Casey (she/her/hers)! I’m currently a student at the University of Florida. I thoroughly enjoyed debate in high school and was an active participant. I competed in Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum throughout my four years in high school. I was a traditional debater, so I prefer traditional-level debate.

Email: caseyglymph@ufl.edu

Conflicts: West Broward HS (Pembroke Pines, FL); Accokeek Academy; DCUDL

Personal Notes

1. Respect your opponents at all times. Regardless of their race, gender, or skill level, show them the same level of respect you wish to receive from any one. Any form of disrespect will be noted on the ballot.

2. Going along with TWs, if you are running a controversial or sensitive topic as an argument, please be respectful. That being said, I don’t like blatantly, offensive arguments at all, especially if they only exist in the world you have created in the round.
3. Please keep track of your own timing and hold your opponents accountable for timing as well.

*Notes specific for virtual debate tournaments*

1. Please keep evidence exchanging brief. I know there are unique challenges with debating online, but please try to minimize time spent sharing evidence. Stopping the flow of the round messes everyone up. A few suggestions would be; to start an email chain before round or share a google doc with everyone and copy and paste cards there.

2. If possible, please keep your cameras on. If there are wifi/connection challenges that is completely understandable. I just like putting a name to a face :)

Summary of my judging style

I am ok with progressive debate, but I am not a pro at it so please take this into account (Ks, theory, etc.). I'm chill with counterplans.

Summaries should focus on FW, warrants, and why you’ve won. Final focus should weigh impacts, don’t try to revive arguments that weren't even touched/mentioned in the summary.

Other notes

Speed: It is your burden to make sure your speeches are clear and understandable. The faster you want to speak, the more clearly you must speak. I do prefer slow-medium pace speed, but I can handle faster speed.

Speaker Points: Speaker points decrease based upon professionalism in the round. If the round is well debated, regardless of who wins, speaker points will reflect. I’m not in the business of screwing people over through speaker points, trust me I know the pain.

Please ask any questions you may have pre-round. Hope you have a great tournament!

Hi, I am a parent of an avid debater, and I am a scrupulous note taker. I always read up on the topic prior to judging, but explain things to me as if I am learning about it for the first time. I have an extensive history judging on the national circuit for PF. I like teams which have good evidence to support their claims. Try to tell me a story with your arguments about why your impacts matter in the first place. Links in your logical reasoning should be clearly explained, and I won't consider your impacts unless your links make sense. Also, if it is not in summary, then it shouldn't be in final focus. During Cross-X try be as respectful of your opponents as possible, and being respectful helps your speaker points. If you're going to turn your opponent's argument, make sure there is an impact. Also last but not least, weighing during summary and final focus definitely makes it easier for me to judge your round. Look forward to judging your round!

i did 4 years of pf (2016-20)

my paradigm is essentially the same as danny's

my understanding of the round will trade off with speed. if you plan on spreading send a speech doc to greenicamilla@gmail.com

i attended 1 progressive argumentation lecture at ndf in 2019. that is the extent of my understanding of theory

Things I like to see:

1) narratives: i'm most likely to vote for the team that builds the more convincing story. This includes a lot of weighing towards the end of the round- please do that, or else I will be very confused

2) frontlining: if 2nd rebuttal doesn't frontline turns, im going to consider them dropped

3) actually respond to cards/arguments: if there are two pieces of evidence that say opposite things, tell me why yours has more validity, or why your logic "out-logics" them. don't make me read methodologies for studies, i probably can't understand them

I'm not familiar with theory, Ks, or anything else like that, so if you want me to vote for that stuff, you gotta explain it well. good luck!

Hi! I am a parent judge, this is my first time judging-but I have watched PF rounds and I am familiar with Medicare for All. Please speak clearly and no spreading

Experience:

4 years of PF at duPont Manual in Louisville, KY.

3 years of NFA-LD/LP at Western Kentucky University.

TLDR –

(1) Speed good.

(2) Do what you do best – I’ll do my best to adapt.

(3) Prefer fast policy-style rounds.

(4) No objections to judging the K – just less experienced.

(5) Great debate minds that heavily influenced the way I view/judge this activity: Chad Meadows, Anthony Survance, Claire Rung & Alex Rivera.

Long(ish) Version (will become more detailed as I judge more NFA rounds) –

It’s your round – I’m just here to evaluate it. Debate how you’re most comfortable. I’ll do my best to evaluate whatever’s in front of me.

I have not researched the endless wars topic.

I dislike evidence from random news outlets. Flex your author qualifications in front of me.

I like big affs that directly engage a large portion of the topic. I dislike small affs that use their tangential relation to the topic to no-link all neg ground.

Lean neg on most issues related to conditionality. Multiple condo CPs is fine if you can win the condo flow.

Not a fan of five-card DAs that take forever to get to the point.

I default drop the debater on disclosure (put your stuff on the wiki!) – drop the arg on every other theory argument. Feel free to convince me otherwise.

T is a voter. What’s “topical” is up for debate!

Don’t waste your time on RVIs in front of me.

I didn’t debate the K much, but feel free to read it. Alt solvency is really important to me. Wouldn’t suggest kicking the alt and going for the K as a DA to the aff in the 2N in front of me.

In sum, first-year out who will vote off the flow. Please weigh.

I debated for four years for Horace Mann (class of 2019) and attended TOC in my upperclassman years.

While I will act as a tech judge, I also value some truth in arguments—the more far-fetched your argument seems, the more likely I am to buy simple, logical responses. However, I do vote off the flow as much as possible, so in the second half of the round, please fully extend all arguments you expect me to include when deciding.

Please weigh—otherwise, you'll be unhappy with my decision. Please also interact with your opponents' weighing if they provide any.

Technical things: I discourage but can handle speed, prefer fleshed out logic over blippy card dumps, don't require defense in first summary unless second rebuttal has frontlined (which is also optional), and have minimal to nonexistent experience with all types of progressive arguments (but am open to voting off substantive theory shells for actual in-round abuse).

I have no knowledge about the current topics as I do not coach; please do not assume I know anything about stock arguments or topic-related acronyms.

Small things: Set up before me and do the flip if you are able; no need for handshakes; I think speaker points are very arbitrary and try to inflate them a little (shh).

Last of all, please let me do if there is anything I can do to make your life easier—debate is about learning and having fun fun at the same time, and I believe everyone in the round should work towards making that happen.

For further reference, please check out this paradigm written by my teammates Sajan Mehrotra and Ethan Kim: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fw2VpOyJbxFPYGz2jseTGfbbZiUgIRQJqh5LvCgbahw/edit?usp=sharing

I’m a well educated parent judge. My son has been competing in PF for two years. I will base my decisions off of framework, argument, impact, and of course how you deal with your opponent's argument. Make sure your case’s has strength in argument by being clear with warrants for your arguments appropriate support. Please speak at a a traditional pace, so I can understand all of your arguments. I have been trained using NSDA standards for Public Forum Debate and have local/regional tournament experience judging.

I prefer debaters who articulate clearly instead of word speeding.

I prefer debaters who reason not only logically but also have factual data to back up the reasoning, instead of only having factual data.

I prefer debaters who use common logic instead of convoluted reasoning.

I prefer debaters who understand not only your own contentions but also your opponents contentions.

I prefer debaters who can come up with good counter arguments to their opponents contentions using pertinent evidence and reasoning instead of going in circle.

I prefer debaters who are respectful to their opponents. Aggressively interrupting your opponents during cross should be avoided.

-Paradigm for Ash-

updated February 18th, 2022

-Background-

As a competitive debater, judge and coach of 8 years, I have experience with:

British Parliamentary, Canadian Parliamentary, Australian Parliamentary, Public Forum, World Schools. I prioritize clear mechanization in case above all else. Explain your links/ mechs and give as much context as you can.

> Off Time Roadmaps are encouraged

> You do not need to make any kind of eye contact

> I may be asking for cards

> I do flow cross fire

>I prioritize substantive rebuttal over metadebate/ tech responses.

> I do not require friendly introductions

> Using your opponents name or speaker position is fine, avoid referring to your opponents in the third person (gendered pronouns are messy!). This includes me. You can refer to me as judge, chair, panel- but do not refer to me as Madame Speaker. I will not reduce any speaker points for this, I'm just not personally comfortable with this.

> I may give low point wins.

On Theory, I value theory to be limited to a K or a potential a priori lens, akin to a model or critique. Theory is a priori, but does not proceed the value of case. It merely is a lens for me to view and understand case, rebuttal, and the rest of the debate. Run theory alongside contentions with arguments.

On Prog, contentions should. a) identify structural inequality, b) explain how it manifests vis-a-vis the debated topic, and c) how policy change meaningfully deconstructs and combats structural inequality in this instance. To merely recognize it is not enough in providing solvency against pillars of institutuionalized violence. If conditions b and c are not met, I will not count this as a Prog case.

TLDR: I am not a tech judge. Spending the second half of a PF round using condensed referential metadebate on tech is a waste of time with me. Comparative analysis should use reference to substance and not floating PF norms as I do not adhere to or even agree to all of these 'norms'. Norms can be made up by students on the fly to their advantage on unsuspecting judges, or be norms in some schools and regions and not others. Debate is not fun when you want to make up rules on the fly in order to gatekeep wins/loses. Just convince me. That's what this sport is about- persuasion- not hidden rules. I don't adhere to any norm you could throw at me in speech. Most judges don't. Most judges in JV don't know what you are talking about. Debate is a worse sport for meta-debate/ tech prioritization.

Please avoid appealing to dogwhistling and overly euphemistic language that demonizes groups of people or other ideological camps.

I openly welcome argumenation or sourcing that may use Marxist critical theory, Libertarian, Socially Conservative, Neoliberal, logic and understandings. Please do not assume my politics or preferences simply based on my education, appearance, gender, or age and try to appeal to them. I find this practice uncomfortable.

GG!

I will deduct speaker points for:

> -.5 speak for: "Good morning/ Good afternoon/ Good evening" as an introduction.

I am really looking forward to hearing what topics students identify with to debate. I am a armature judge, as I have only judged one competition previously. As the parent of a Sophomore debate student, I understand the time and commitment it takes to prepare and compete. Best of luck to all!

I have coached LD and PF for about 15 years now, but I am not a professional debater. I am a flow judge, and I prefer classic debate with clear clash, not jargon-laden spreaders with theory and K shells. I value clash and technical debate, but I will not vote for a blatantly false argument even if it is dropped.

Clear your impacts. I am OK with some speed, but you must be clear. At least slow down through authors and taglines. In the end, if I can't understand you, you will lose.

Extend, don't drop. I will consider dropped arguments to be conceded. Even if the other turn drops a turn, you should extend your warrant. Tell me what was conceded and why it matters.

Weigh your argument. The last two speeches should be about weighing and crystallization, not new arguments or a rehash of old ones. Tell me how to weigh your round, because if I choose the weighing mechanism, you might not win.

Don't make me work. If you tell me, I'll flow it, unless it goes by too fast. The more you link, the less I have to think. I will make reasonable assumptions and discount abusive arguments even if you don't call them out explicitly, but the more work I have to do, the less predictable the outcome will be for you.

Evidence clash is mostly neutral. I don't judge Policy. Trying to outweigh on evidence is not going to go very far for me. In most cases, if you toss just cards at each other, I will call that a wash.

I was an English major for my undergraduate degree and appreciate logical and well-expressed arguments.

Some general preferences:

No theory arguments. Debate the given topic.

Be considerate and polite in Cross Examinations.

Speak at a rate that can be reasonably understood.

Discriminatory/demeaning arguments or expressions will NOT be tolerated.

I have been debating for about 5 years, including two years of coaching debate. I am a university student right now, so you know the deal with university judges: spend more effort on debate itself than style. (That also means I'm a flow judge.) I care a lot of your links and impacts in both your contentions and refutations. Framing (framework, stance, burden, etc) is also important to me. For style, as long as you maintain your etiquette and clarity, you are good to go.

I am a university student with experience in debate in BP. I am less familiar with American Parliamentary styles.

Strong preference for content over style, provided it's communicated reasonably well. 

Please time yourselves and your opponents. 

I have no background in debate, but I've been judging since 2013. I have also been a practicing attorney for over 35 years. I am looking for a thoughtful exchange of ideas. I do not emphasize technicalities often associated with high school speech and debate. I do not like K’s.

Speak clearly and avoid spreading. I cannot credit arguments that I miss because you were speaking too fast. Arguments should be supported by evidence.

I like signposting and prefer quality of evidence and argument over quantity. Teams should do their best to collapse and weigh.

Explain why I should vote for your side, including why the other side's arguments fail and why yours don't, or why your arguments are better than theirs.

hi! i'm sky.

please strike me if i've coached you before. i've marked many of you as conflicts, but it is impossible to get all of you when you attend multiple schools, debate academies, etc. i'll always report conflicts to tabroom.

email is spjuinio@gmail.com. add me to the email chain.

please try to have pre-flows done before the round for the sake of time. i like starting early or on time.

tech over truth. i don't intervene, so everything you say is all i will evaluate. be explicit; explain and contextualize your arguments. try not to rely too much on jargon. if you do use jargon, use it correctly. extend evidence properly and make sure that your cards are all cut correctly. tell a thoughtful and thorough story that follows a logical order (i.e. how do you get from point A to point E? why should i care about anything you are telling me? i should know the answers to these questions by the end of your speeches). pursue the points you are winning and explain why you are winning the round. remind me how you access your impacts and do NOT forget to weigh. giving me the order in which i should prioritize the arguments read in round is helpful (generally, this is the case for judge instructions). sounding great will earn you high speaks, but my ballot will ultimately go to those who did the better debating.

read any argument you want, wear whatever you want, and be as assertive as you want. any speed is fine as long as you are clear. i will yell "clear!" if you are not. my job is to listen to you and assess your argumentation, not just your presentation. i'm more than happy to listen to anything you run, so do what you do best and own it!

speeches get a 15-second grace period. i stop flowing after 15 seconds have passed.

don't be rude. don't lie, especially in the late debate.

rfds. i always try to give verbal rfds. if you're competing at a tournament where disclosure isn't allowed, i will still try to give you some feedback on your speeches so you can improve in your next round/competition. write down and/or type suggestions that you find helpful (this might help you flow better). feel free to ask me any questions regarding my feedback. i also accept emails and other online messages.

now, specifics!

topicality. it would behoove you to tell me which arguments should be debated and why your interpretation best facilitates that discussion. make sure your arguments are compatible with your interpretation. if you go for framework, give clear internal link explanations and consider having external impacts. explain why those impacts ought to be prioritized and win you the round.

theory. make it purposeful. tell me what competing interpretations and reasonability mean. i like nuanced analyses; provide real links, real interpretations, and real-world scenarios that bad norms generate. tell me to prioritize this over substance and explain why i should.

counter-plans. these can be fun. however, they should be legitimately competitive. give a clear plan text and take clever perms seriously. comparative solvency is also preferred. impact calculus is your friend.

disadvantages. crystallize! remember to weigh. your uniqueness and links also matter.

kritiques. i love these a lot. i enjoy the intellectual potential that kritiques offer. show me that you are genuine by committing to the literature you read and providing an anomalous approach against the aff. alternatives are important (though i have seen interesting alternatives to...alternatives. if you go down this route, you can try to convince me that your argument is functional without one. as with all arguments, explain your argument well, and i might vote for you). as aforementioned, tell me to prioritize your argument over substance and why.

cross. i listen, but i will not assess arguments made in crossfires unless you restate your points in a speech. try to use this time wisely.

evidence. again, please cut these correctly. i'll read your evidence at the end of the round if asked, if your evidence sounds too good to be true, or if your evidence is essential to my decision in some fashion. however, this is not an excuse to be lazy! extend evidence that you want me to evaluate, or it flows as analysis. make sure to identify the card(s) correctly and elaborate on their significance given the context of the round. don't be afraid to compliment your card(s). consider using your evidence to enhance your narrative coherence.

public forum debaters should practice good partner coordination, especially during summary and final focus. consider taking prep before these speeches because what you read here can make or break your hard work. arguments and evidence mentioned in the final focus need to have been brought up in summary for me to evaluate it. i flow very well and will catch you if you read new arguments, new evidence, or shadow extensions (arguments read earlier in the round that were not read in summary). none of these arguments will be considered in my ballot, so please do not waste time on them. focus on the arguments you are winning and please weigh, meta-weigh, and crystallize!

tl;dr. show me where and why i should vote. thanks :)

you are all smart. remember to relax and have fun!

Hello everyone! I am currently a Political Science student at the University of British Columbia. I have debate experience in a wide range of styles such as pf, bp, worlds, and cndf.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Please signpost so I can clearly understand the flow of your argument.

2. Please be civil and respectful during crossfire. Do not talk over one another and share the time as evenly as possible.

3. Please be as clear as possible in your speaking. Although I can handle fast-paced speaking, it often isn't the best fit for everyone. I value individual's who can present their points with comfort and pizzazz.

4. I dislike off-topic arguments that try and catch the other team off guard. Please stick to the main argument as much as possible.

Good luck to all the competitors!

Background

I am currently one of the debate coaches for Milton High School in Massachusetts. I have been coaching/advising the team since 2014 and have judged most tournaments that we attend. These typically include local tournaments but include at least one national tournament a year. I have no personal experience as a debater.

General:

Please speak slow and clear. If you speak extremely fast I won't get all of your information/main points and at that point its out the window as I won't ask you to repeat or clarify.

Be nice. Being out right rude will cause you to lose points.

Be clear and specific during rebuttal. Let me know why your opponents contentions are weak. Using rebuttal to go over your case a second time will not help you.

Keep track of your own prep time

Use summary and final focus to let me know why you won the round

This is my third year as a parent judge for Public Forum.

A few tips:

1. Enjoy the experience and have fun.

2. Deep breaths are helpful.

3. Stay hydrated--it helps your voice and your brain.

4. Please don't be afraid to ask questions--I'm always happy to answer them.

5. Be respectful towards one another--you've all worked hard to get here.

6. I'm excited for you--best of luck!

TL;DR

I know stuff.

Bio (Completely Irrelevant)

I competed in PF for four years at Hamilton High School (2014-2018). In my senior year I was the captain of the team. I competed a lot on the AZ local circuit, and won/placed at a bunch of tournaments. I also competed a bit on the national circuit (broke boi couldn't afford all the plane tickets in HS), and have dabbled in Policy and Big Questions debate. Finally, I've also competed in the International Public Policy forum and achieved global Top 16 alongside my team. Today, I'm a student studying Computer Science and Physics at ASU.

Speed/Speaking

1. I can comprehend up to 275 words per minute, but my most accurate flowing happens at about 225 words per minute and under. Be smart about your word economy. If you can say it slower and make the same goddamn point just as effectively, do that. Do not sacrifice clarity for "speed" (I say "speed" because when you're messing up so much because you're trying to go faster than you're meant to, your effective speed is actually super slow.) Do not use the Gish gallop, this will annoy me severely.

2. I reserve the right to yell "CLEAR" at any point in the round; if I do, that means something with your speaking isn't working for me and it needs to be fixed; it could be speed, volume, enunciation, slurring, etc. I don't do this to be a jerk, I do it because I actually want to hear what you have to say. However, don't rely on my yelling of "CLEAR" as an absolute metric though, because you might just not be egregious enough for me to say it. If I look confuzzled or like I'm not understanding what's going on, that is likely the case.

3. There are a myriad of references you can make that will bump up your speaker points if they are eloquently incorporated into your speech: PewDiePie, Speedcubing, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Future, Juice WRLD, Eminem, Deadpool, Mr. Robot, or Avatar (NOT the blue aliens one). Saying "Subscribe to PewDiePie" at the end of the speech is no longer novel to me, and I won't count it.

Cross-Ex

0. As a general rule, cross is for you, not me.

1. I will not judge on what is said in cross-ex. If something important happens, please bring it back up in a speech so I can put it on the flow. (I do actually listen though - even if I'm walking around, eating, etc. - unless it's mind-numbing, which happens fairly frequently).

2. Cross-ex can be used to clarify and understand your opponents case, I don't frown on that. Don't be afraid to ask why; at best, their reasoning will be moronic and easy to dismantle, and at worst, we all learn something.

3. Don't go back and forth and waste time during cross. (But depth is awesome and absolutely necessary, don't misconstrue the two).

4. I don't see "my partner will answer this in speech" as a weakness if it's because the idea takes a bit to explain or if you already know your partner will expound on an idea you briefly mention, but I might still smile at it, because it's memey. But if it's a question that you should be able to answer, then that's probably a problem.

5. When someone asks for an explanation of a warrant, "we have a card for that" is not an appropriate answer. This is also true for the round in general, not just CX. ACTUALLY EXPLAIN THINGS; if the answer wouldn't have been satisfying for you then it's likely not satisfying for me either. A card is not a warrant in and of itself.

6. Standing or sitting, don't care. Do a handstand if you want.

7. First speaking team gets the first question, no need to ask, just get into it.

8. Towards the end of cross, y'all can reserve the right to end it if there's nothing to talk about, and just prep instead during that time (for a MAX of thirty seconds) (especially GCX).

Timing

1. Please time yourself. I basically always forget, so please keep track of yourselves and each other (that goes for speech AND prep).

2. If you need to verbally let me know your opponent is going over time, that's fine (just give them like 4 seconds of grace period). You can avoid all of the ambiguity by just using a timer that actually goes off at the end of the speech too.

Etiquette

1. Try to get to the round on time (I will too). If you need time in the room to get your stuff together, or pre-flow, I'm totally cool with that, I just don't want to accidentally tell Tabroom you don't exist (same reason I'll try to be there on time). But again, s*** happens, so I'm gonna try not to be annoying about time, as much as possible.

2. I like Aff on my left, Neg on my right. The world will not end if this is not true, however.

3. I’m not uptight; I like a chill vibe in rounds. I like judging rounds where everyone's actually having fun (especially me). Good jokes are great, bad jokes are colossal failures. (If you can make your opponents' argument seem so ridiculous that it's funny, you're probably being quite convincing). I encourage being savage, but in a tasteful-ish manner. Being savage is not the same as being petulant.

4. You can swear, I don’t care. Actually, I'll probably like it, especially if it helps with your rhetorical efficacy.

5. I’d rather not shake hands. Shaking hands with me won’t magically help or hurt your chances of winning, but it could get either of us sick.

Debate-y Stuff

1. Signpost everything, for the love of music, video games, Netflix, pets, and parents. I literally don’t know where to put stuff if you don’t signpost (and then I won't write anything, and it'll be your fault).

a. If you're refuting an argument, tell me what specifically you are responding to, and what happens to offense as a result.

b. If you're frontlining a response, tell me exactly which responses your frontline applies to, and what I need to extend as a result of this frontline.

2. Structure responses in a systematic manner, at the least. I really prefer numbered responses in rebuttals and I like numbered frontlines in the summaries and second rebuttals (this makes it easier to reference which response we're talking about at any point).

3. Please extend arguments throughout both Summ/FF speeches consistently, I will straight up cross off stuff on my flow that is not clearly extended. However, you don't have to yell "extend" before everything you extend (because that’s annoying), just contextualize the argument and why I should extend it.

4. If you’re not frontlining, you will probably auto-lose the round, because I want to watch an actual debate.

5. I like to have a roadmap before speeches, but it should NOT be flowery. For example: “framework, aff case, neg case.” If you’re doing something weird though, let me know. In most cases, I just want to know which side of the flow we're starting on.

6. There’s no reason to "extend" your own case in rebuttal if "time permits" if you’re the first speaking team. I don’t get why debaters do this, but it’s a waste, and I WILL drop speaker points for this.

7. 2nd rebuttal should address the 1st rebuttal.

8. 1st summary should address the 2nd rebuttal.

9. I’m cool with overviews.

a. If an overview applies to an argument specifically, remind me of the overview and cross apply it.

b. Your overview shouldn’t just be another contention though, that’s not the point.

10. If you read a definition, actually make it useful for your case. "But bro, they didn't have a definition, so you have to use ours" is not an argument.

11. Frameworks can be as important as you make them.

a. If your frameworks agree, just stop mentioning it, I’ll use it.

b. Weighing really helps to solidify a ballot, and a carded weighing analysis can really help with that. Also, you NEED to tell me how to weigh unlike things; it's easy to say $200 million is more than $170 million, but we all know this is rarely how debate functions. If you don't convince me of a way to adjudicate the round, I don't know what the hell to do.

c. "But bro, they didn't have a framework, so you have to use ours" is not an argument.

12. ALL offense must be in summary.

a. The first summary does not need to include defense unless this defense has been frontlined already.

b. However, turns must be in summary, otherwise they will end up only being terminal defense. (Otherwise it's abusive, the other team needs to know what you're going for).

13. I hate key voters, they obfuscate the round for me. Instead keep it on the flow, tell me why the arguments that are left actually allow you to win (essentially line-by-line, but don't think saying card names aimlessly is going to mean anything, so don't card dump).

14. I GREATLY encourage collapsing. Kick an argument and instead show me why the one you go for is enough for the win. (You can’t kick an argument with a turn on it and expect things to be okay for you though, obviously.)

15. Please verbally label turns explicitly. It really helps me to see how you get offense on your opponent’s case. (Like actually say the word "turn" or something very similar).

16. Don’t give me a specific advocacy of the Aff (akin to a Policy plan).

17. Don’t give me a random alt on the Neg.

18. Please don’t strawman, make sure you respond to the actual arguments your opponents are making. That's the number one way to get me to tune out quickly.

19. K's might not be the best idea because I default to post-fiat impacts. The only way you'll win with a K is if you actually convince ME I should go pre-fiat or your K solves in a post-fiat analysis.

20. I don't flow card names for the most part, so make sure to tell me what the card says.

21. I love creative, innovative, eye-opening, deep arguments that come from another angle. I hate stupid, nonsensical arguments that disguise themselves as novel when they're not. Running one of those will get you yeeted. Logic actually matters, people. (This isn't to say I'm not tabula rasa, I really am very close. The point I'm making is that my threshold for refuting inherently ridiculous arguments is inherently lower than those that actually make sense, so you're handicapping yourself severely within the context of the round by running something we all know is dumb. For example, if the Aff tells me that "elephants are purple" and the Neg responds with "no," I will consider that an effective response. Remember, in the words of Carl Sagan, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence" and if you're giving me less-than-extraordinary evidence, you're screwed, because your opponents are probably smarter than your "argument").

Please feel free to ask me questions about my paradigm and the way I judge before the round. If you want to know how you're doing in a round, look at me, chances are that'll give you some information because my face can be very telling. I might ask for cards after the round if I feel like something is sketch or it has been made an issue in the round. I will almost always disclose, and I will provide a detailed verbal RFD, which often includes a significant degree of roasting. You can ask me questions after the round about anything, but don't argue with me, because I will submit my ballot before I disclose. Good luck.

Hi, I'm a parent judge

I would like you to do the following.

1. Speak slowly and clearly. I take notes so this lets me catch everything you're saying and gives you a better chance of winning.

2. Please don't use debate jargon. I'm very unfamiliar with it.

3. Be polite and respectful.

4. I value Quality > Quantity. Don't dump a lot of responses. Please implicate them well telling me why they matter and why I should vote off of it.

5. Please keep track of your own time and be honest about it.

------

Good Luck!

I am a Debate Team Advisor, that does not mean I am the Coach. I have never participated in a Debate. I organize our team and I have judged a few times. I expect that students speak slow enough for me to understand you. Sometimes the urgency in students' voices is not necessary, spoken calmly will end in the same result and it will be easier to understand.

I am looking for you to address the opponent's contentions and prove to me, your impact is more important than the opponents.

For all Debate Events:

I am what you would consider a "lay" parent judge. Please do not spread or talk super fast, talk clearly and slowly or else I won't be able to write down your arguments. Also, I enjoy good clash between teams, but please always be respectful and polite to your opponents as this is an educational activity. Finally, for PF, I do encourage, but don't require, for the 2nd speaking team's rebuttal to refute the points made in the first team's rebuttal. For speaker points, I start each debater at 25, and then based off of the quality and delivery of speeches, I will either raise or lower this score. I usually give both members of a PF team the same speaking score. I will rarely give a 30 and I will only give this score if outstanding and superior speech delivery and persuasion tactics are shown.

For all Speech Events:

Have good understanding of the material. Speak clearly and coherently. Very thorough and understandable presentation of the material.

Hey! My name is Marium, I am 21 years old and I am a senior college student at Florida International University. I want you guys to breathe, relax and don't rush. I'll be taking notes during your round so I can remember the best aspects of your debate, so speak at a normal pace so that everything can be heard but don't be too slow. I am happy to judge for you today and wish you the best of luck!

I debated in PF at Nova High School for four years. I go with the flow. Please do not spread. I will only vote on impacts that are well warranted. Please weigh. Please collapse. Please.

Preflow before the tech check.

Judging philosophy specifics:

I am not familiar with theory so please do not read it unless an egregious violation has occurred in the round.

Frontlining is not an extension. It simply grants you the ability to cleanly extend. Make sure you go back and actually extend your arguments after frontlining.

2nd Rebuttal: Should respond to turns presented in 1st rebuttal.

1st Summary: Doesn't need to extend terminal defense that hasn't been responded to.

Final Focuses: Any offense gone for in FF must have been in summary.

Crossfires: I do not listen to them. If a concession is made, it must be brought up in a speech for me to consider it as something to vote on.

Have fun and be civil :). You can win the round while being nice. Rude debaters will have their speaker points dropped and offensive debaters will have that and lose the round.

If you have additional question feel free to ask me.

Hi! My name is Kate. I'm a former debater myself; I competed extensively on the NJ and national circuits in Congressional debate from 2012-2016. When I was on the circuit I championed a number of tournaments including Yale, the TOC, NJ states, the NYC invitational, GMU Patriot Games, and more. I also gained some experience in Extemp and PF, but my main focus competitively was definitively in Congress, so I come from a background where speaking style and argumentation are both important (although, depending upon the event, this will not always impact the way that I judge.)

Regardless of the event that I'm judging, I really prioritize good, clean competition. It is extremely important to me that competitors display respect for their opponents at all times. This means using legitimate evidence, refraining from laughing or eye-rolling, listening to and engaging with your opponents' arguments, and carrying yourself with dignity. Be respectful, and be kind!!!!

PF paradigm

-My goal in judging a PF round is to intervene as little as possible in order to let you speak uninterrupted. I will involve myself only if a rule is obviously broken or if a piece of evidence seems so obviously out of line that I feel it warrants card-calling, and other than that, I will be flowing the round and focusing on your argumentation.

-Frameworks are important. Don't skip them!

-Evidence matters. Make evidence challenges if something seems off, and perform evidence comparisons whenever and wherever they are relevant.

-Throughout the round, clash is good and weighing is your friend. Remind me of why your arguments have been the most important ones raised, and specifically outline why they should win you the debate.

-Use the summary to respond to your opponent's rebuttal, but remember to focus on the strengths of your own arguments as well. Bring your strongest arguments back into play here, and make sure that you prove why they are stronger or more relevant than whatever your opponent has brought to the table.

-In the final focus, it is incredibly important to crystallize. Crystallization provides an opportunity to remind us of what's happened in the round, weigh your arguments against your opponent's, and clearly illustrate why yours come out on top.

1. dazzle me!
2. if you call me "your honor," i'll boost your speaks
3. if you flip first, i'll boost your speaks. you confident thang!
4. :)

Anything that doesn't violate the rules of PF or the rules of being a decent person is generally fine by me. If you don't have time to read this long paradigm, just ask in round!

Hi there! I am a former PF debater from Edgemont NY and graduated in 2020, and I currently attend Cornell University studying Industrial and Labor Relations. I'm a relatively traditional Northeast flow judge if that means anything to you (I am kinda flay but vote on the flow, big emphasis on warrants). Specifics:

- Don't be blippy because I'm not excellent at flowing and therefore might not catch something; I highly value good warrants. The less intuitive the argument, the more warranting is necessary

- I prefer you to have your camera on, if possible

- I'm tech > truth as long as there are warrants (however I will tell you if I think something is ridiculous, but it won't affect my decision)

- Bad strategic oopsies probably cap you at a 28.5

- I prefer you to speak at a pace where a speech doc shouldn't be necessary, my understanding of the round/ability to flow trades off with how fast you speak. The way you read your case/speech docs matters and contributes to your speaks

- I'm really really receptive to unconventional and creative arguments that are strategic and effectively run, high magnitude/low probability impacts are cool as well-- but use risk of offense weighing

- Also a really big fan of crafty & weird in-round strategy if executed well. I will reward with high speaks

- Terminalize all your impacts and extend all your warrants/the entire argument especially in the last speeches. Full warranting is essential to extensions-- literally pretend I've never heard the argument before.

- It's hard to vote off things I don't understand

- If your opponent's extension is bad, point it out or i will evaluate it

- Concede delinks in the speech right after to kick out of turns

- Second rebuttal doesn't have to frontline anything

- You can't delink yourself to kick out of turns if your opponents didn't read the delinks

- Offensive overview type stuff is fine in rebuttal if implicated in some way against the opponent's case

- I don't flow card names

- I may or may not pay attention in cross

- Defense is sticky through first summary (if unresponded to, terminal defense can be extended from rebuttal to first final focus. I think it's uneducational for debaters to win while extending through ink)

- Ten second grace period after time

- I don't have a very good understanding of progressive argumentation, nor am I very comfortable evaluating it. I'm unlikely to vote for theory unless there's abuse. ex: paraphrasing/not disclosing/the like do NOT qualify as abuse, but lack of content warning qualifies as abuse (please utilize content warnings). If anything, don't read a shell, just explain the abuse in paragraph form. I prefer substance debates, but if the round isn't that I'll do my best to evaluate everything fairly

- New weighing is fine in final focuses, but preferably earlier

- Weighing is only substantive to my ballot if it would actually sway a policy decision: ex: short circuit and magnitude weighing is substantive, "clarity of link," "timeframe," and certain theoretical "prerequisites" are not substantive unless justified to be substantive (this is a confusing point so please ask if you need clarification)

- Won't call for evidence unless asked to and my decision depends on it, and on that note, no evidence > bad evidence

- If there's no visible offense at the end of the round then I default to whoever lost the coin flip. Or, if I cannot find a way to vote on the flow I will vote with an arbitrary lay rfd, or vote for whoever I think debated better. That being said, while I intend to be tabula rasa, I will always try my best to resolve a muddled situation even if it requires some sort of minimal intervention. With that, I encourage risk of offense weighing when a situation is muddled!

- I generally have a pretty similar debate philosophy to my former coach Caspar

- Feel free to ask me questions about my paradigm/decision/message me on facebook!

debate well and good luck! :))

I am a parent judge. Please speak slowly and be respectful of your opponents.

Speaking clearly and at a speed so that I can understand your argument is imperative. I prefer a debate exhibiting quality over a debate exhibiting quantity. Be kind to your fellow debaters whether in or out of the debate room.

About me:

I have been coaching and judging PF for eleven years. I judge on local circuit tournaments and have also judged many national circuit tournaments, including the TOC. I am familiar with the topic, but that does not mean that you should not explain your arguments. As a coach I am very aware of all the nuances of Public Forum debate.

Put me on the email chain: nkroepel@district100.com and belviderenorthpf@gmail.com

Round specifics:

Tech>truth (I always try to be tabula rasa and not interject my knowledge into your round). I will vote on just about anything besides abusive, offensive arguments. I will take arguments as true, unless otherwise argued by your opponent for the scope of the round.

I can flow speed, but I prefer not to. I do not want you to use it as a way to exclude your opponents. In the end, Debate is about intelligible conversation, if you are going too fast, and don't do it well, it can get in the way of clarity of expression, which upsets me.

I do not flow cross-fire, but I do pay attention to it. However, if you make an excellent point in cross-fire, you will have to bring that information up in a subsequent speech. Also, DO NOT be rude, I will reduce your speaker points for it. It is inappropriate for teams to make their opponent's feel inferior or humiliate them in the round.

If you are speaking second, please address your opponent's responses to your case, especially turns. It does not have to be an even split, but make sure it is something that you do. Defense is not sticky, you need to extend it.

I expect that summary and final focus are cohesive to each other. First summary needs extend defense. Second summary needs to address responses on your case, especially in areas you are going to collapse on, and it should also respond to turns. I do expect that you collapse and not go for everything on the flow in summary. I WILL NOT vote on an issue if it is not brought up in summary. Please weigh in your final two speeches and clash your arguments to those provided by your opponent.

As I expect the summary and final focus to be consistent, that also means that the story/narrative coming from your partnership also be consistent. I may not give you a loss because of it, but it is harder to establish ethos. Defend a consistent worldview using your warrants and impacts.

Make it easy for me to fill out my ballot. Tell me where I should be voting and why. Be sure to be clear and sign-post throughout.

Extensions need to be clean and not just done through ink. In order for you to cleanly extend, you need to respond to responses, and develop your warrant(s). You cannot win an impact without warranting. In rebuttal, please make sure you are explaining implications of responses, not just card dumping. Explain how those responses interact with your opponents' case and what their place in the round means. DO NOT just extend card names in subsequent speeches.

The flow rules in my round for the most part, unless the weighing is non-existent. I will not call for evidence unless it is a huge deal, because I view it as interventionist.

DO NOT make blippy arguments-warranting matters!

DO NOT make the round a card battle, PLEASE. Explain the cards, explain why they outweigh. A card battle with no explanation or weighing gets you nowhere except to show me why I shouldn't vote on it.

And finally progressive debate-I'd strongly prefer you do not read atopical arguments. I think most kritikal positions are exceptionally unpersuasive on a truth level, but this should not explicitly influence how I evaluate them, except to say that I'm probably more willing than most to evaluate intelligent analytical defense to Ks even if your opponents have "cards" to make their claims. I am still learning when it comes to judging/evaluating theory. I need a slower debate with clear warranting-neither K or T are a big part of my judging experience either. You CAN run it in front of me but combining it with speed makes me even more confused. I can't promise that I will always make the right decision.

Hello!

• I am an an amateur parent judge
• I will flow the debate and make my decision mainly on the contentions you win on the basis of evidence and weighing in the Final Focus
• I judge on content, not delivery. I am comfortable with most speeds but please don't go too fast

Good luck and I am excited to see your debate.

I am a Social Studies teacher who has experience coaching Policy Debate, Model United Nation, and National History Day teams. I have experience judging for Houston Urban Debate League and National History Day competitions. After relocating to the Northwest, I built a school MUN team which had members who helped to establish PACMUN. I enjoy debates that provide clear explanation of links and impacts. I appreciate clear communication and clever analogies to simplify complex issues. I am medium flow, but there should be no issue with varying speeds. I appreciate a clear road map with road signs along the way to assure accuracy of arguments and points. I will try and get your attention if I'm having any troubles hearing you. Feel free to ask before the round if there's anything specific you'd like to know. I hope this is a great experience for everyone so have fun.

I did 3 years of public forum at Poly Prep (2015-2018) and I'm a senior at uchicago. Email chain: sophialam@polyprep.org

- here's how i make my decision: i look at who wins the weighing/framework. I evaluate that argument. If you win the weighing/framework and the offense with a terminalized impact, you'll probably win. If no one weighs then I'm gonna go with scope or the argument with the least ink.

- I don't like frivolous theory. If you read it you better go for it. Ks are cool, but I reserve the right to intervene if I feel like you're running it in a problematic/game-y way.

- I like warrants. If they provide a warrant and your only response is "they don't have evidence for this" but it logically makes sense, I'm likely to give them some ground. I prefer your counter warrant/ev as a response rather than just their lack of supporting evidence.

- speed is fine as long as you aren't speaking unclearly.

- First summary doesn't have to extend defense from rebuttal unless second rebuttal frontlines. Turns/Offense you want me to vote on need to be in both summary and final focus.

- I don't flow crossfire. If it's important, say it in a speech

- I don't time, if your opponents are telling me time is up I'll stop flowing but give them at least 5 seconds. Don't hold up your timer .5 seconds after the speech time is over

- i default neg if there's no offense

tl;dr: I am a flay judge who votes on 1) weighing and 2) clean narrative and analysis.

--

Below is my detailed paradigm:

• I prefer clearly articulated arguments with logical links, warrants, and impacts.

• I will not have the same level of understanding of the topic as you do, so don't expect me to catch everything if you're rapid-fire-spitting content. I prefer you speak more conversationally and keep the event a "public" forum. The faster you speak, the more likely I am to miss content.

• Repetition is key to understanding. Make sure you're extending points you want me to vote on until the final focus.

• Weigh impacts and links through direct comparison. Tell me why your impacts are more significant and why your links are clearer and stronger than your opponent's. The clearer, the better and the more likely I am to vote for you.

• Please do not read theory, Kritik, or other progressive arguments. I have a shallow understanding and won't make a good decision should I evaluate them.

• Please read content warnings or have an opt-out form for sensitive topics and ask if the opposing team is okay with you reading the argument. You must have an alternate case if they aren't. I have the right to drop you if I think you're making the round an unsafe space.

Apologies, due to technical difficulties I will not have my camera on but I will be listening attentively. Please time yourselves.

I am a parent judge. Please speak clearly and understandably, at a reasonable pace. I will not be able to follow if you speed talk.

Strong, concise evidence is very important, but you must provide proper warranting for me to vote off of your argument.

The more interaction there is between the two teams the better. Please do not simply repeat the same responses, instead come up with new ones that show that you understand and are listening to your opponent.

Most importantly, please be respectful and polite at all times. If you are rude, I will lower your speaker points. If you are offensive, you will lose the round.

Look forward to hearing the debate!

I am a junior at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, majoring in Statistics and Asian studies. I have four years of Public Forum debate experience and participated in major university tournaments every single year in high school. I have judged over 13 tournaments in the past two years. All in all, I am a flow judge, and speed is okay with me. Some suggestions are listed below:

1. Do not bring up new points in the final focus... I will not give you any credit as it will not appear on my flow sheet.

2. Please please please weigh your impact!!!!!!!

3. If your opponent drops a point/impact/link that you think is important, you better call it out.

4. Make sure to extend your argument throughout the debate to get full credit.

5. If I think a card is too good to be true, I might ask for it at the end of the debate.

6. I am okay with speed, BUT please make your words clear. Also, DON'T SPREAD!

7. Please do not interrupt your opponents during cross-fire...give him/her a chance to finish the response before inserting another question or response.

8. Please reconstruct your argument in the rebuttal.

9. I wouldn't flow crossfire. Therefore, if anything happens in the crossfire that you think is important, such as your opponent making a concession, you need to bring it up in your next immediate speech.

10. If you want me to vote for you, you need to have clear voters and link stories!

11. You have to reconstruct in rebuttal to extend your own argument. Or else I consider that to be dropping your argument.

At the end of the debate, there are three things that I will for sure do: disclosure, round analysis, and personal feedback. Please give me a few minutes at the end of the debate to allow me to choose the winning side. During these two minutes, I will also call for cards if the round is too close; just want to be careful :)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hi! Please don’t stress out!! I'm pretty simple to please, just show me the path of least resistance, and I will take it.

Please do whatever makes you safe, I am open to anything and everything that makes you safe and welcome in this space.

Side note: I like narratives/collapsing a lot :) they will make me happy! (too many issues and my head starts to )

If you need to add me to an email chain: yilinli@tamu.edu

Treat me like a lay.

I don't have topic knowledge.

Can't give you offense on your impact if I do not understand your link.

Will flow the round and vote off of the flow.

Don't spread. If I miss something you say, it will not be on my flow.

If it's in final focus, it should've been in summary otherwise I will not vote off it.

Please give me CLEAR voters in the final focus. Let me know why you're winning the debate.

I am a parent judge who values common sense, clear logic, and coherence.

1. Arguments shall be clear and well-articulated, even if they do not cover every aspect.

2. If your evidence contradicts your opponent's, convince me with logic. More recent evidence may not be better.

3. As for mechanics, I am pretty flexible and should be comfortable with speed as long as you are clear. (However - I'm definitely not used to a policy level of speed so send me a speech doc if you do so). I'm open to theory, as long as it is not frivolous. I default to reasonability.

4. Have evidence ready, shouldn't take longer than 2 mins to find it or send it out. Also, I will take it from your prep if you're prepping when your opponent is getting a card.

5. Anything you want me to vote on must be extended in every speech, and collapse on voters in at least FF, if not summary.

6. Be respectful and let your opponents answer the questions you asked during the crossfire.

Hi, I'm Anusha (she/her/hers). I did Public Forum Debate at Shrewsbury High School for 2 years, as well as other events like extemp, congress, and BQ. Above all, I ask that you are respectful of everyone in the round.

A little more about my judging:

- While I have competed in debate, I am a little new to judging it. I will be flowing and will be able to follow your arguments, please speak slowly (spreading will not help your case). If I miss an argument or a piece of evidence because of your rushed speech, that will only hurt your case in the long run.

- Extend your offense to the summary if you want it evaluated in the FF.

- If you're second speaking, you should be responding to turns/frontlining in the rebuttal, bringing up new responses in summary isn't something I appreciate

- Unless an alternative FW is provided, I'll assume a utilitarian FW

- MAKE SURE YOU WEIGH! Tell me why your impacts are more important than your opponents, and if you can do it before the summary and FF, great!

- I will do my best to flow any argument (keep in mind what I said about speed), and I am always open to hearing new perspectives and arguments on the topic, but I have been out of the PF loop for a year or so and am not really experienced with k's, theory, etc., so if you plan on running it, you will likely have to over-explain it.

- As far as speaks go, I do value good speaking (clear, understandable, not too fast) but it will not make or break your round. I understand that debate speaking styles are pretty different from speech ones, so honestly as long as you are confident and know what you're talking about you will be fine.

- As I said above, respect is #1 for me, so if you are rude to your opponents or me, or you say anything that is derogatory, homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist, ablest, etc., understand that the round will likely not go your way (a.k.a I will likely drop you and tank your speaks). I appreciate jokes and sarcasm, as long as they are not made at anyones expense.

All of this being said, I wish you all the best of luck!

I am a first-time parent judge.

1. Speak slowly and clearly. If you speak too quickly I won't be able to understand what you are saying.

2. Please signpost and frame your arguments in a logical flow.

3. Be courteous, polite and respectful to your opponents.

I'm currently a university student studying computer science at the University of Toronto. In high school I debated for 4 years, in PF, CNDF, BP, and Worlds style, and I am currently a coach. I have been judging for almost 4 years now.

On evidence/logic: I will buy logic over evidence in certain cases, and I'm very sympathetic towards logical analysis due to my background in BP/Worlds. If a logical argument is more substantive and is able to explain why a piece of evidence is reasonably flawed/untrue, I will take the logical analysis. When challenged on statistics, teams should be able to defend their numbers by explaining exactly how those numbers were found or what study produced the numbers. For example, if an increase in the capital gains tax leads to a decrease in the size of an economy by 10%, then a team should know exactly how that 10% was measured, and under what conditions it was measured (if challenged).

On argumentation/structure: I'm very standard on structure. Do all the general things: extend arguments and refutations in summary, and weigh in final focus. I strongly value engagement with arguments: directly respond to arguments and responses, and shift the debate to a scope that better reflects the clashes in the debate. Note that I have zero tolerance for bringing up new material in final focus and I will immediately drop teams that do this. I give lots of credit to teams that can weigh effectively, and paint me a clear picture of exactly what their world would look like vs the world of the other team, and characterize the harms on either side. I strongly believe that a team doesn't have to win every single argument in the debate in order to win the round.

Crossfire: I don't flow crossfire, but I will try to remember what was said. If you want me to flow something that transpired in crossfire please mention it during the speech. Example: "during crossfire, our opponent conceded that... "

In general: Treat me as a standard flow judge, but one that accepts logical argumentation and considers it strongly. I am generally non-interventionist in rounds, so I don't have exact speed preferences as I believe that there are times for both fast speaking and slow speaking. Please adjust to your discretion and what you deem to be most effective.

Hello Debaters,

I'm a parent judge who observed over 48 hours of PF training when I administrated those training courses. I judged CNDF, BP, and PF tournaments at the local, national, and international levels. I started judging at the CNDF tournaments four years ago, and have served as a volunteer judge at PF tournaments for two debate seasons.

No spreading. Clarity and logical analysis work better for me. Since the debate is an exercise for critical thinking, I would be happy to learn from you what the fundamental issues/questions should be solved in this motion/resolution. 

tldr: traditional flow judge with nat-circuit experience, prefers well warranted and narrative debates, does not enjoy speed

Hi! Quick background about me, I am old now but used to debate at Boston Latin. Hit me up on FB with any questions before the round.

Think of me like a lay judge trapped in a tech debater's body. I will flow, I am (usually?) tech>truth, tabula rasa blah blah blah but I will vote 99 times out of 100 for the team that a) collapses and weighs strategically, b) provides a clearer narrative across all speeches, c) actually warrants their args (I really don't care how many cards you dump on me if I don't hear a clear warrant). Don't just extend your args, tell me why I should care about your arguments in the real world or at least care more about your arguments than your opponents'.

I never ran progressive args while I debated, so I have a pretty high threshold to hearing them in round. Once again, I'm flexible: if there's something in the round that truly warrants such an arg, read it. Just don't get all caught up in technical mumbo-jumbo as much as just trying to keep things clear and reasonable for me.

I am not great at flowing speed, and I never preferred to go ultra-fast when I debated so don't expect me to be able to follow along if you are gonna pull an Eminem (at least Em is usually pretty clear when he spits).

The activity is meant for everyone to have fun and learn so honestly just do whatever y'all do best and lemme know if there is anything I can do better to accommodate you as debaters.

Seven Lakes High School '20 | Georgetown University '24

contact: aam333@georgetown.edu

I did debate for 4 years in high school (mostly PF and FX) on the local (TFA) and national circuit.

PF:

· Tech > Truth. I’m a standard flow judge and will evaluate anything as long as it’s not blatantly offensive, homophobic, racist, etc.

· Only run theory as a legit checkback for abuse. Don’t make it frivolous or read it against inexperienced debaters as an easy win or I’ll drop your speaks. Debate is about inclusion first.

· Speed is fine as long as it’s clear. If you’re going to spread, send me a speech doc.

Some things I think are really important :

1. Please give a roadmap and signpost

2. Extend every part of an argument and extensions must be in each speech. Don’t just tell me extend “x card,” actually tell me what the card says.

3. First summary only has to extend defense if it’s responded to in second rebuttal.

4. Second rebuttal must respond to offensive arguments, otherwise they’re drops.

5. Weighing = good. The earlier, the better. I won’t evaluate new weighing after summaries.

6. Offensive overviews/disads are fine as long as they’re read before summary

7. Arguments in CX only matter if brought up in the following speech.

8. I’ll give speaker points based on strategy, but I’ll give good speaks as long as everything is entertaining, civil, and not stupid. Don’t be rude or I’ll drop you and your speaks. Also please don’t try to out yell each other in CX or I’ll be annoyed.

9. Paraphrasing is fine. Don’t misconstrue evidence please. If you want me to look at a specific piece of evidence – tell me, otherwise I probably won’t call for anything. Call your opponents out on misconstruing, falsifying, or lying. I’ll drop you if your evidence ethics are trash.

10. In the absence of offense, I presume neg unless you read warrants for a different form of presumption.

11. If you read framing, read warrants for it.

12. ff should parallel summary.

Feel free to email me after round if you have questions.

hi (:

remi (she/ her) I'm a sophomore at gw studying IA and environmental studies. I did pf in hs but consider me flay

also tell me your pronouns and names before the round starts!

EXTEND your warrants and impacts (quantified preferably) plz -- if you want it voted on, it has to be said in summary AND final focus

basic jargon is fine (DL, turn, extend, time frame) but don't go crazy

I don't write down card names, stats or warrants yes but not names sources or years so if you mention a card name and don't explain it ill be confused

I don't evaluate cross fire, if something happens, tell me in a speech

time yourselves

read content warnings

if you wanna wear sweats or a hoodie that's fine, come in a hat for all I care!

I dont know how to evaluate theory and K's but if you wanna try you can lol

dont be rude and have fun!

This is the second year judging PF. I have watched a demo video and read the material provided by the tournament for judges.

Please keep your delivery slow and clear. I appreciate a clear analysis of why you should win in the final focus.

Be simple, understandable and make legitimate arguments please. Don't be rude to each other either, it is not a fight. I like good arguments and good rebuttals so use time wisely.

I always enjoy the presentation of evidence with each contention, and in rebuttal, I appreciate a full response to the opposition - do not spend too much time on a singular issue!

Hi, my name is Beth Meran. I am a parent judge looking forward to my first public forum judging experience. Do your best and make your case!

Background:

Hi! I competed on the national circuit in Speech from 2012-2016 in South Florida. If you have any questions ask me before the round begins!

Paradigm as of September 2020:

1. Honesty is the best policy. Do not lie about or manipulate your evidence.

2. It’s okay if you speak fast, but do not spread. If you are going too fast I will turn off my video until you are speaking at an appropriate pace.

3. Your final focus and summary are extremely important. Do not make a point in rebuttal and drop it in summary and final. Fully extend those arguments and give impacts.

4. I’m voting on the easiest path so provide clear and strong argumentation. If something goes untouched by the other side and you extend it through every speech and weigh with it/make it a voting issue, there is a very good chance you will get my ballot.

Hello

I debated PF at St. John's in Houston for 3 years on the Texas and national circuit.

1) Decided to put this at the top of my paradigm because I think it is important. I will not evaluate any theory, tricks, Ks, etc., unless there is a REAL violation in the round. Even then, I would prefer you point it out to me in paragraph form with a warrant and explanation rather than forcing me to evaluate progressive argumentation. Not only am I uncomfortable with my ability to seriously evaluate these, I don't think they should exist in an event designed with as low of a barrier of entry as possible.

2) Tech > truth, but my threshold for responses to arguments goes down if I think the argument is stupid

3) I am fine with speed, but don't go crazy -- if you spread I will probably lose you

4) I refuse to vote on an argument without a warrant. Even if a team drops a turn for example you still have to extend the warrant or else I don't care

5) Extensions in PF are bad. My threshold for extensions is somewhat high. If you go for an argument in summary/final focus, I expect you to extend both the link and the impact, at least

6) Collapsing is good. Going for multiple arguments in the late round can work, but I think for most rounds, collapsing on one or two pieces of offense will serve you best

7) Not voting on arguments in final that weren't in summary, please don't try that, I will notice

8) Weighing is important but is not necessary to win my ballot, provided I think your defense on the offense that they go for is terminal. That said, you should still weigh in case I grant your opponents some offense. If I think both sides are winning offense, I resolve the weighing debate first when making my decision. I will only evaluate new 2ff weighing if there is no other weighing in the round

9) Frontlining efficiently in 2nd rebuttal is a good idea and is generally strategic

10) 1st summary does not have to extend defense if the 2nd rebuttal does not frontline. Extending offense and weighing is fine. Second summary always has to extend defense in addition to going for offense and weighing. It is also probably worth noting that I am little more lenient with weighing in 1st summary -- if you do not do it or do just a little it will not hurt you nearly as much as if it happens in 2nd summary

11) Offensive overviews in general are probably bad for debate and you should not read them in front of me. If you read one in second rebuttal especially, my threshold for responses will be EXTREMELY low. Also 95% of the time you could just take parts from the overview and read as DAs or turns so it really isn't necessary

12) Card with warrant > analytic with warrant > card with no warrant > analytic with no warrant

13) You need to signpost, I will not flow if you do not

14) Any offense not responded to after 2nd rebuttal is conceded, you can only weigh against it

15) Please be chill in cross. You can crack jokes and have fun, but there is a very fine line between perceptual dominance and being rude. I will dock speaks for overt rudeness/being overly aggressive. I don't care if you won every crossfire, crossfire does not win my ballot. Grand cross is a mess but can be used strategically. Try to make the most of it

16) I will call for evidence if I feel it is necessary to make my decision/if the other team tells me to. I am less likely to call for evidence in prelims, though. If I find out that the evidence is misconstrued, depending on how bad the violation is, I may drop the team

17) If neither side has any offense at the end of the round, I will presume first speaking team. This is because I believe that 2nd speaking is a huge advantage and if you are unable to capitalize on that advantage by generating offense you should not be rewarded

18) If you are at any point racist, sexist, homophobic, ableist, etc. you are getting the L and your speaks will be nuked. It should go without saying to just not be a bad person

19) The last thing I'll say is that, while I will always have a special place in my heart for debate, I know that this activity is not the best sometimes and can be overly toxic. I will try my hardest to make every debater feel welcome

If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them at the tournament or on Facebook. You can find my Facebook here

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Incorporating Frank Ocean lyrics in cross/speeches will result in a speaker point boost

I am a parent judge, although I did compete in forensics competitions in high school.

My Speaking Style Preferences are as follows:

I appreciate assertiveness when presenting arguments and debating, but only when that assertiveness does not get in the way of a civil and professional demeanor.

Make sure to speak clearly and at an understandable pace. I will not be able to judge you on arguments that I can’t understand when they’re presented.

Also make sure you stick to your time limits, and please don’t go too far over since that puts the opponents at a disadvantage.

As for argumentation:

The team that is able to support their contentions with strong logic and good evidence while effectively refuting their opponents' case will win the round.

If you want me to vote on an argument, make sure to carry it through your speeches so that I can follow it through the debate, I cannot judge you on arguments I cannot follow.

Your arguments should be topical, I will not vote on arguments which are not connected to the topic.

As a final note,

I know that all debaters have prepared themselves extensively, which I very much appreciate. Make sure to remember that the goal of debate is to learn and grow as well as have fun. Good luck!

PF/LD

General:

- I'll probably be flowing on paper or excel.

- No spreading. Not only will I not understand what you're saying and thus not evaluate your arguments but I'll also dock speaker points. Especially since this is online, when it's even harder to hear.

- No off-time roadmaps. Your time starts when you start speaking (after asking if everyone is ready).

- Logic > Evidence

- That said, if your opponents call for evidence, be ready to paste a link to it in the chat relatively quickly. You should organize your prep such that you're able to ctrl+f for the card, so if you take more than a few minutes to find evidence I may just discard it.

- If I realize that you have purposefully misrepresented your evidence, I will drop you no matter if you're winning the rest of the debate. If you accidentally misquote your evidence that is OK as long as you correct yourself before it is brought to my attention by your opponents.

- I'll be timing your speeches/cross. If your time runs out while you're speaking, you can finish your sentence or have a grace period of 10 seconds, whichever comes first.

Rebuttal:

- Don't have new contentions in rebuttal.

- 2nd rebuttal should take some time to frontline 1st rebuttal

Summary:

- No new arguments. Turns are OK

- I frown on new evidence especially in 2nd summary

Final Focus:

- Weighing is important!!

Crossfires:

- Don't interrupt eachother in cross, but also don't take too long to answer a question.
- This is my favorite part of debate so I will flow it. But make sure to bring up any important points/concessions that were made in your next speeches as well.

__________________________________________________________________________

Remember to have fun!

I am a lay judge.

My preferences

Speak normal conversational speed and not use debate jargons

Collapsing will be helpful

Be precise and clear with your reasoning

Please keep track of your time

I would not like to see

Being disrespectful to other team

All the best!

Hi, this is your judge - I am a lay judge and prefer clearly explained arguments. You certainly don't have to, but it makes it easier for me to understand if you send a copy of your case to hellosangeetha@gmail.com. The rest of this paradigm is written by my son, who actually does debate.

Before you read further if you plan on running anything extremely complicated like a really squirrely argument or anything progressive I would strike her since she will 100% not know what to do or understand your argument.

Alright she's definitely a lay (parent) judge, which means you shouldn't talk super fast/spread. You don't need to go insanely slow but I'd keep it at conversational pace. Try to be extra clear with your warranting and signposting, though don't use those terms or really any debate jargon as she won't understand it. She'll be able to follow general arguments through the round but you'll need to be very explicit when explaining how your arguments interact with your opponents. For example, if your opponents drop your 1st contention, saying "they do not have any responses to our 1st contention" then extending the link chain and impact is much better than saying "C1 is dropped". Also, I am 99.9% sure she will never read a piece of evidence unless it is absolutely crucial to her own decision - if you want to indict your opponent's evidence make it very clear what is wrong with it instead of just asking her to call the card.

He/Him

oliverhniu@gmail.com

Update for Ridge 2022:

I competed in Public Forum for four years at Millard North HS, graduated in 2019, and coached at NDF/VBI/on the circuit pre-Covid. I’m basically retired now and Ridge will be my first time judging in about two years. Therefore, assume I have very limited topic knowledge and am unfamiliar with any recent norms.

Here's a few preferences:

If you want the easy path to my ballot; weigh, implicate your defense/turns, tell me why you should win.

Smart analytics > bad evidence or paraphrased blips.

Debate is a game, as such I will normally be a tech>truth judge except in circumstances where I deem an argument to be offensive/inappropriate for the debate space.

Rebuttal:
I prefer a line by line. Second rebuttal should respond to turns/disads.

Extensions:

I won't do ghost extensions for you even if the argument is conceded, extend your arguments.

Arguments that I am comfortable with:

Theory, T, Plans, Counter Plans, Ks. I will caution that these arguments were not super common when I competed so please be thorough in your explanations and make your path to the ballot clear. If I don't understand your argument well, I will default against it.

Evidence Challenges:

Unless the tournament says otherwise, in the event of a dispute about evidence, I will pause the round and ask the accusing team if they wish to stake the round on their claim. I will then determine if there was a violation of evidence ethics and vote accordingly.

I have judged debate since 2001. From 2014-2021 I coached Public Forum and Speech events. I retired after 8 years as the Co-Director of Speech and Debate at Cary Academy in North Carolina in 2021.

DEBATE: In debate (LD/PF) I look for clear claims, evidence and links to logical, clear impacts showing contextual analysis. I flow each round and look for you to bring your arguments through the round, tell me the clash and how I should weigh.

I judge as if this activity is preparing you for the real world. I won't flow what I have to work too hard to follow or translate (read speed). Asking for evidence for common sense issues won't count either. You can use flow jargon, but tell me why. You want me to flow across the round? cross apply? for instance, tell me why. Don't exaggerate your evidence. Finally - I'm not here to show you how smart or clever I am by pretending to understand some sesquipedalian or sophomoric arguments (see what I did there?)- that means. 1.) do a kritik and you are going to lose because you failed to acknowledge that ideas can conflict and are worthy of discussion; 2.) "the tech over truthers" and other silly judging paradigms don't make you a more articulate conveyor of ideas once you have to "adult". I will know the topic, but judge like a lay judge. Convince me. Have fun and enjoy the activity!

CONGRESS: Well researched unique takes on a resolution are important. Simple stock arguments and analysis is easy. I look for you to look deeper into the consequences/outcome of passage. Don't rehash, not only is it boring but it suggests you needed to listen more closely. Refutation of previous speeches shows careful analysis in the moment and it shows you have more than the case you wrote the night before (even if you did :)). Presentation is also important. I don't like BS for the sake of being a good presenter but a balance of solid research, thoughtful analysis, ambitious and relevant refutation from a persuasive speaker will get high marks!

I am a parent judge. I look for roadmaps, clear contentions, and thorough rebuttals. Watch the speed, be respectful of all, and have fun! Good luck to all at Princeton!

I have no background in high school or college debate, but I have been a practicing attorney for more than 35 years and have been judging PF debates for 8 years.

I am a great believer in the “citizen judge” roots of Public Forum. The debater’s job is to persuade the man on the street, with no background as to the resolution of the month, that pro or con should win. Thus, clarity and focus are paramount. Your job is to persuade, not confuse, me. Well-structured arguments and effectively utilized evidence are key, but so are articulation, modulation, and engagement. A glance up from your laptop from time to time can work wonders, as can staying in the Zoom frame in a well-lighted room.

I do flow arguments, but not in a very technical way. A dropped argument will only count against you if it is material to your overall presentation and not offset by more meritorious arguments that make it through Final Focus.

Spreading and the pointless acceleration of pacing it engenders are strongly discouraged. You should choose your arguments carefully and deliver them at a pace, and with an energy and focus, that are designed to persuade.

Use your evidence fairly and judiciously. Do not overstate its significance or twist its meaning beyond recognition. I will only ask to see your card if the outcome of a round turns on an evidentiary dispute, but, if it comes to this, you want to be confident that your card can be read as presented. Also, feel free to request your opponent's cards, but do so sparingly and only when necessary to dispute a material contention or buttress a key argument.

Unfortunately, only one team can win; that’s the way it is in real life and in every courtroom I have ever appeared, so try to roll with the punches.

Most importantly, have fun. Few things are as satisfying as a hard-fought win; or as motivating (for the next round) as a too-close-to-call loss.

Hello! I'm Cathrine (she/her) and I’m currently a student at the University of Florida. I thoroughly enjoyed debate in high school and was an active participant, competing in Congress and Public Forum throughout my four years. I’ve judged at multiple county-level tournaments in high school and I'm now a national-level judge.

Email: katieepacini@gmail.com

Conflicts: West Broward HS (Pembroke Pines, FL), Ransom Everglades (Miami, FL)

I'm mainly a PF judge and I have some experience judging LD (but none competing). Notable differences in my judging style between the two events are described below. Please read each carefully :)

Personal Notes

1. Respect your opponents at all times. Regardless of their race, gender, or skill level, show them the same level of respect you wish to receive from anyone. Any form of disrespect will be noted on the ballot and your speaker points.

2. Please provide trigger warnings (TW)

3. I don’t like blatantly offensive arguments at all. I don’t want to hear them. No excuses.

4. If you show up extremely late to the round, it'll be shown in speaker points. I'd like to make the online platform as easy and smooth as possible. No one likes waiting to start the round.

Summary of my PUBLIC FORUM judging style

I was a traditional debater, so I prefer traditional-style debate.

No progressive debate (Ks, theory, etc.). However, I will consider topical arguments.

Don't assume an argument is "common knowledge", explain it and provide evidence for claims.

Crossfire: I take some notes during CX but I do not flow it. Simply put, if an interesting question is asked, I will record the response on my end. Ask efficient questions and maximize your time. If something important comes up, mention it in your next speech. I dislike using this time for argument clarifications.

Summary: Focus on extending turns, warrants, and why you’ve won. Don't just reiterate, weigh at the end with clear points.

Final focus: Weigh impacts and why you've won, don’t try to revive arguments that weren't even touched/mentioned in the summary. If an argument wasn’t carried to summary, I won’t count it for your final focus. Once again, I like weighing at the end with clear points, these distinct points why you won are always good.

Other notes

Speed: It is your burden to make sure your speeches are clear and understandable. The faster you want to speak, the more clearly you must speak. I do prefer slow-medium pace speed in rounds and no spreading. If I can't understand you, this will be reflected in speaker points and I may not flow something important.

Flex Prep: I do not allow flex prep, even if your opponent is mutually consensual of it. There is a time for CX for a reason.

Speaker Points: Speaker points decrease based upon professionalism in the round. Unused time, blatantly offensive things, or fluency will significantly affect your points. I do take points off for a lack of fluency or clarity, which speed often creates. If the round is well debated, regardless of who wins, your speaker points will reflect. I won't give you under 27 unless you were offensive and/or put in no effort.

Cards: Do not take a long time to pull up a card or delay the debate. You should have cards pre-saved on your computer or have the link readily available. When you start reading your opponent's card, let me know so I can record prep time on my end ("starting prep now", "ending prep now"). Send all cards in the chat or start an email chain (include me in it, reference my email above).

Timing: It's not the judge's responsibility to manage your time, I will hold you accountable for this. If you recognize your opponent going overtime, politely call them out.

If there is a discrepancy during the round pertaining to a card OR if someone tells me to call for evidence, I will look at it at the end of the round. Please have the card ready and sent to me.

Summary of my LINCOLN-DOUGLAS judging style

Basically, anything goes as long as it makes sense and is argued in a proficient manner.

I accept progressive debate (Ks, theory, etc.) and any type of traditional-level arguments (topical). BUT any insensitive, incredulous arguments will NEVER be counted or considered. Furthermore, address and refute all arguments made by your opponent regardless of your debate style.

I don't have a "preferred" case style and, once again, anything goes that is not offensive.

Values and criterion are not required, but they do bolster your argument. If you are to establish one, explain it.

Don't assume an argument is "common knowledge", explain it and provide evidence for claims.

Crossfire: I take some notes during CX but I do not flow it. Simply put, if an interesting question is asked, I will record the response on my end. Ask efficient questions and maximize your time. If something important comes up, mention it in your next speech.

Other notes

Speed: It is your burden to make sure your speeches are clear and understandable. The faster you want to speak, the more clearly you must speak. I do prefer slow-medium pace speed in rounds but will not penalty you based on spreading (send your case to my email if you desire to spread please). If I can't understand you, this will be reflected in speaker points and I may not flow something important.

Flex Prep: I do not allow flex prep, even if your opponent is mutually consensual of it. There is a time for CX for a reason.

Speaker Points: Speaker points decrease based upon professionalism in the round. Unused time, blatantly offensive things, or fluency will significantly affect your points. I do take points off for a lack of fluency or clarity, which speed often creates. If the round is well debated, regardless of who wins, your speaker points will reflect. I won't give you under 27 unless you were offensive and/or put in no effort.

Cards: Do not take a long time to pull up a card or delay the debate. You should have cards pre-saved on your computer or have the link readily available. When you start reading your opponent's card, let me know so I can record prep time on my end ("starting prep now", "ending prep now"). Send all cards in the chat or start an email chain (include me in it, reference my email above).

Timing: It's not the judge's responsibility to manage your time, I will hold you accountable for this. If you recognize your opponent going overtime, politely call them out.

If there is a discrepancy during the round pertaining to a card OR if someone tells me to call for evidence, I will look at it at the end of the round. Please have the card ready and sent to me.

Please ask any questions you may have via email or when I enter the round. Hope you have a great tournament!

Background

***Please add me to the email chain. My email is conradpalor@gmail.com. I flow debater's speech performances and not docs, but may read evidence after speeches.

For LD/CX

General

I try to be as tab as possible and encourage debaters to read the arguments they would like to run and I'm happy to adjudicate the debate as such. With that said, I recognize judge's often have preconceived conceptions of arguments so I've summarized some thoughts below.

DAs

- Fine with most DAs. If reading any politics DAs, I think link specificity to the affirmative is key as opposed to generic Link evidence.

K

- I’m fine with Kritikal affirmatives, however, I am also happy to vote on framework. TVA’s are pretty important to me and should be an integral part of any negative strategy, and, conversely, I think the affirmative should have a clear explanation why there’s no possible topical version of their aff. I generally prefer Affs that are in the direction of the topic, but this will not impact my decision if clear framing arguments are presented otherwise. I also am generally persuaded by the argument that the affirmative should not get a permutation in a methods debate, but am open to arguments otherwise.

CPs

- I’m fine with most counter plans although I am of the belief that the CP should have a solvency advocate

- I default to the belief that counterplans should be both functionally and textually competitive with the AFF.

- I default to perms are test of competition not advocacies

T/Theory

- I feel comfortable evaluating theory debates and default to competing interpretations and drop the debater on theory. I generally want clear explanations of in round abuse as opposed to potential abuse.

- I generally don’t like frivolous theory, but I’m happy to vote on any argument that was not properly answered in the debate.

- I generally think RVIs are bad in most debate forms, but I do acknowledge the unique time constraints of high school LD so I would vote off of this argument if well warranted.

PF

- I take a tabula rasa approach to judging. I try to keep my evaluation exclusively to the flow. I'll pick up the worse argument if it's won on the flow. I recognize a certain degree of judge intervention is inevitable so here is generally how I prioritize arguments in order. In-round weighing of arguments combined with strength of link, conceded arguments, and absent explicit weighing I default to arguments with substantive warranted analysis.

-I strongly encourage debaters to cut cards as opposed to hyperlinking a google doc. Cutting cards encourages good research skills and prevents egregious miscutting of evidence.

-Please extend author last name and year in the back half of the ro und. It makes it difficult to flow if you are not properly extending evidence. With that said, I strongly value evidence comparison

- In-round framing and explanation of arguments are pretty important for me. While I will vote for blippier/less developed arguments if they’re won, I definitely have a higher threshold for winning arguments if I feel that they weren’t sufficiently understandable in first reading, and I'm open to newish responses in summary and final focus to these arguments if I deem they were unintelligible in their first reading

- Please collapse

- Defense should be extended in both summary speeches if you want to go for it in the final focus

- Speak as fast as you want. I will yell clear if I can't flow what you are saying

- Speaker points are mine. I use them to indicate how good I think debaters are in a particular round

Theory and Procedurals

- I feel comfortable evaluating theory debates, and am more than happy to vote on procedural or theory arguments in public forum.

- I default to competing interpretations and drop the team on theory, but I'm open to arguments on both sides.

- I think theory arguments are theoretically legitimate and should play a role in public forum debate. As such, I have a high threshold for voting on "theory bad for public forum debate" arguments.

-You are welcome to ask questions after the round, and I think it's a constructive part of debate. Please note, I will not tolerate disrespect and if you become hostile to the point where you're not seeking constructive feedback I reserve the right to lower speaker points after the round

I actually am a judge, in real life - I’ve been a D.C. Superior Court Judge for 12 years, so I have a lot of experience evaluating the quality and persuasiveness of arguments. In terms of speech and debate judging, I have 1 year of experience judging PF debate at local and Metro-final tournaments, and two years judging Speech events at local, Metro-final, District-level, and National-level tournaments.

PF Debate: I vote for the advocates who are the most persuasive, eloquent, and well prepared. Your arguments should be logical and well supported by evidence, and you should thoroughly engage with and respond to your opponent’s arguments. I will be flowing. I am not persuaded by technical, debate-jargon arguments. Exercise good judgment and strategy in the questions that you ask on cross. Don’t hog the air time during cross. I place a high premium on civility and professionalism. Don’t shout or be overly aggressive. I hate spreading.

Speech: I look at technical and artistic aspects of the performance. Technically, I consider the pacing, diction, volume, and clarity of the presentation; also, how difficult was the piece to prepare and perform? Artistically, I consider whether you have fully and convincingly inhabited the character that you are depicting, and whether you have taken the audience on an emotional journey - how did the performance make me feel? On content for things like OO, I look for a very well organized and well researched presentation, on an interesting and original topic, presented in an engaging and natural way. I ask myself at the end if I have learned something or if I have gained any insights.

1. Speak slowly and clearly. If you speak too fast I won't be able to understand what you are saying.

2. Speak in coherent sentences. Please avoid words such as "like" and "um."

3. Frame your arguments in a logical flow. Don't make scattered points and expect me to put them together.

4. Be courteous, polite and respectful to your opponents. Being condescending or arrogant will not be viewed favorably.

I am a lawyer and have been for almost 30 years. As a result, I have a lot of experience and opinions about what makes an effective argument and an effective advocate, which I have applied as a parent-judge. First and foremost, I look for mastery of the topic and an understanding of the arguments. I look for clear, well-signposted arguments that are articulated clearly and have good evidential support. During rebuttal arguments and crossfire, I am most impressed by good listening -- that is, debaters who have listened and understood the other side's arguments and are prepared to show the flaws in the opponents' position rather than just launching into pre-prepared arguments. Second most important to me is presentational style. I look for confidence and strong, passionate advocacy but in a way that is respectful of the opponents. If I think a debater is using creative and engaging speaking techniques to cover up for a lack of understanding of the topic, while I may be impressed with the style, I will not give it great weight. In other words, I look for good rhetorical techniques that support the argument -- not that cover up for a failure to understand or have comfort and facility with the substantive issues.

I have been a judge for 2 years. I have judged all events on the speech side at local tournaments and both nationals. I have judged PF at every local tournament for the last year. I want to hear concrete, logically connected arguments. Before you start your speech tell me which side of the flow you are starting on, stating clearly your contentions and sub-points. I have issues with spreading, if I cannot flow your arguments, you cannot win, simple as that. Please weigh at the end. I expect professionalism and good sportsmanship. Most important have fun and good luck!

I am a parent judge, and I’m in my fourth year of judging Public Forum, Parli, LD, and extemp. While I’m not an expert at judging debate, I have a Master’s in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, and so I do have more than a basic knowledge of US and international politics and current events.

Here’s what I like in a speaker:

Speak clearly, NO SPREADING, and present your arguments and analysis in a respectable manner, as those are important for speaker points.

Present your case in a way that is clearly connected to supporting evidence, and fully explain your analysis.

I expect all of you to time yourselves.

To convince me to vote for your team, present clearly what arguments you are winning on, but make sure you do so with respect and dignity. Do not assume that the judge is incapable of making that decision correctly.

Currently the congressional coach at the Lakeville Debate Team

Congress-Specific Paradigm: I rank based on how well each student utilizes the 3 main canons of rhetoric (ethos, logos, pathos). Ethos is measured by how much you successfully engage in congressional role-playing. Logos is measured by how successfully you structure and present a logic-based argument. Pathos is measured by your overall speaking ability. I prioritize in the following order: argumentation > speaking skills > congressional role-playing.

Please note that strong speaking will never outweigh a poor or incoherent argument. This is a debate category, not speech.

To improve your ranking, I want to see extemporaneous speeches with well-warranted and linked arguments (CWI), regardless if it's a construction, rebuttal, or crystallization speech. Asking well-thought-out questions and responding successfully to questions will improve your rank. Showcasing a well-developed understanding of each bill will improve your rank, even if you don't speak on every bill. I am open to progressive debate, so bend/break the rules IF AND ONLY IF you have a legitimate reason to do so. I want to see clash in round, so don't just repeat what others have argued; instead, give me new information, ideas, whatever. Giving a speech to avoid breaking cycle will also raise your rank even if your speech is less prepped.

POs: Major mistakes WILL cost you. Small mistakes can be forgiven, especially if caught immediately and corrected, but continuous errors will lower your rank. The round relies on you, and judges will catch your precedence mistakes even if the chamber doesn't. I will only provide a high ranking to a successful and accurate PO.

PF/LD/Policy Paradigm

Experience: 4 years of PF in high school in Minnesota (2012-2016), 4 years of intercollegiate Ethics Bowl (2016-2020). I have a B.S. in communication arts (concentration in political rhetoric) and computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I've judged PF every year since 2016 and have experience judging Congress, Public Forum, Policy, and Ethics Bowl. I currently work in tech.

Speaking: I prefer clean, concise, and persuasive speech. This will affect the speaker points, but my preference will not interfere with who wins each round. I will do my best to keep up with spreading, but I am not as experienced. Any excessively rude remarks will seriously hurt your speaker points score. Be polite.

Argumentation: I will follow any theory or progressive-level argumentation presented to me, but again I am not as experienced with this so be as clear as possible. Be consistent, use warrants as needed, and provide strong links into impacts. I will not intervene on a weak link chain. I will intervene on poor/inaccurate evidence.

Judging: I attempt to come in with an open mind to the best of my ability. My choice depends on everything said during the round and nothing more. The winner of each round will be determined based on the framework provided to me, the best-substantiated framework if there is conflict, any progressive framework if argued, or a broad act utilitarian cost-benefit analysis as default. I will weigh the impacts of each side based on that framework and pick up the side that provides the best world. I advise extending your arguments consistently, engaging directly with your opponent's responses, and explaining why your arguments ultimately outweigh your opponent's.

I am happy to answer any questions or concerns and provide feedback as needed. Feel free to contact me at sarakrabon@gmail.com

My name is Fariha, I’m a freshman in college and I debated at Brooklyn Tech. I did policy debate in HS but am very comfortable in LD. I read a K aff and Afropess and don't particularly enjoy Framework, but if y'all win on Framework I'll vote for it -they just aren't the most fun debates to watch. Love K debates, not the biggest fan of high theory but I'll vote on it.

I do not care what you read as long as it isn’t offensive but please don’t get caught up in jargon that I won’t understand as I don’t debate anymore.

In the end, just do what you’re good at because those are the debates that will be the best.

On spreading - spreading takes some getting use to and because I haven’t debated in a very long time, I’ve lost a little bit of my ear for spreading, but as long as you start off at a decent speed and build up we’ll be good - just PLEASE be clear

This is very brief but if there are any other questions you have please feel free to email me at frahman8965@bths.edu and yes please put me on the email chain.

Please be nice, don’t be overly snarky to your opponents and make jokes and engage with one another!

I was a public forum debater in Atlanta, GA for four years, and I graduated in 2018. I was varsity for all four years so I have seen it all. I know that every team I vote up will like me and every team I vote down will think I'm stupid; I'm ok with that. I am a junior in college, so I can understand any information you bring to this topic, but I am impartial to it during every round. I will only weigh things said in the round; you do not have to worry about my personal opinion because I don't believe my opinion matters for the round.

I will flow anything you present to me. That being said:

Format:

I prefer roadmaps before speeches and tying points in later speeches back to specific contentions. By the final speech you should be giving me your voters for the round. Do not use a framework unless it contributes to the case. You can speak as fast as is conversationally possible, but no spreading. I don't believe in "flex prep" or "tagging in" during cross-ex. Always be respectful to your opponents; this will reflect in speaker points. I will listen and take some notes during cross-ex, but if something important happens, you must bring it up in the next speech. I do not believe rounds are won and lost in cross-ex.

Cases:

I will always weigh studies over opinion. I will always defer to the peer reviewed study over the one college professor quote.Every contention must have some evidence behind it and some impact. Don't give me a null contention that adds no magnitude to the case. Every contention should be logically sound. (Yes, I believe logical fallacies can dismantle a contention) That being said, it must be pointed out by the other team. I will never stop weighing a contention because I believe it is not logical. You must point out the logical flaw in a contention and (with some evidence) show me how the logical deficiency negates or helps negate the contention.

I vote based off of the impacts left after the final speeches. I do not make up my mind before then, so every speech counts. I weigh what you tell me to through out the round, so if you drop a contention or an impact, I will too.

Lastly for JV rounds, please do not recycle an older team member's cases because they told you it was good. If you don't understand your own case, it shows.

Lexington High School '20

McGill University '24

email: andrea.reier@mail.mcgill.ca

------

Background: I was an LD debater for 3 years in high school and primarily ran fem critical theory. I also dabbled a bit in policy as well. I lean truth > tech, but I will evaluate most arguments in a debate. Just please crystallize and clearly delineate a ballot for me in the 2A/2N. Don't just extend arguments, explain why they're important to the round and weigh.

Tabula rasa (minus tricks, do not read these args.) But please be clear and do not speak super fast, I am not used to the high-tech jargon anymore.

Debate PREFS: PHIL > Ks > LARP > Theory* (In order of how well I evaluate these debates)

* = Good at evaluating as long as it's not frivolous theory & the round is arguably unfair.

Other stuff:

Low-point win (risk): reading off the doc the entirety of the debate i.e your 2N is 100% pre-written (you should know how to exempt args and contextualize them within the round)

**IMPORTANT** - I expect debaters to give trigger warnings before reading material with graphic and/or sensitive content (sexual assault, graphic descriptions/images of racial violence, etc.). If you defend not giving a trigger warning on very sensitive content, I will auto drop you and give zero speaks.

"also pls don't use racist/sexist/ableist language because i will tank your speaks/will not hesitate to vote on discourse. Also, please be polite to your opponents- do not be rude in the name of being assertive." - Shweta's paradigm.

have fun and good luck! :)

I'm an experienced judge who runs a traditional speech and debate program for a nonprofit organization, and teaches graduate students in college to use debate in their research and advocacy work in the field of health policy.

I appreciate debaters who stay on topic, signpost their contentions clearly, speak at a reasonable pace, use high-quality evidence, and crystallize.

Take on your opponent's arguments squarely. Don't attempt to sidestep or sneak around them with endless battling over definitions, burdens, and technicalities.

I am a parent, who has been judging for many years. While I flow, my kid calls me a “flay” judge. Please be civil and respectful and do not yell over each other in crossfire. That doesn’t help you win. You are responsible for keeping your own time. I will vote on anything as long as it is warranted and supported with evidence. I will only call for cards if it is disputed by both teams. You need to weigh without jargon because I will not intervene as a judge. Please give roadmaps.

Experience: 3 years PF for Bard High School Early College Manhattan, majority local, some national. I debated APDA and BP at Wellesley College and the London School of Economics for 4 years. I coached APDA at Wellesley College and middle school policy as a volunteer for the Washington Urban Debate League each for one year. During the 2023-2024 school year, I'm working full-time as a PF coach in Taiwan on theFulbright Debate Coach/Trainer award.

You can contact me and add me to the email chain using this email: maya.rubin56@gmail.com.

If you want a more complete paradigm that goes into far more technical specifics, this is a good one that pretty much reflects my judging philosophy (expansion here).

Some things about my general approach to PF debate (non-specific):

The vast majority of my coaching experience has been with novices. Most of that experience has also been with people who are structurally excluded from many debate spaces including and especially circuit/bid tournaments. What this should tell you about me as a judge is that I believe that debate -- especially PF debate -- should be a fundamentally accessible and public-facing activity. Organization is important; evidence integrity is important; making arguments that are comprehensible to laypeople is important, even in front of a more flow-y judge. I do not think that you should condescend to laypeople or assume that because someone isn't well-versed in the intricacies of debate theory they will be unable to follow complicated arguments: if you are not explaining the argument in a way laypeople can follow, you're probably not making it very well. Additionally, I am very sensitive -- as I hope most judges are -- to the exploitation of inequities or resource imbalances by teams. In other words, do not run theory arguments on novices because you know they won't understand theory; don't use language on an ESL team that you could reasonably predict will be inaccessible to them; always be respectful of your opponents, no matter where they come from or their skill level. Always win, lose, and compete with grace and compassion.

Some specific things about my preferences and paradigm:

• Go as fast as you want, but be clear. I can keep up with pretty much any speed. That said, make sure your speed is accessible to your opponents. Do not spread on people who you think won't understand it.
• I am fine with theory arguments, but as with the above, only run these on people who will be able to understand and debate them in a productive way. Regarding theory, because most of my experience is with novices and because I did not frequently debate on the national circuit when I was in high school, I am not familiar with the cutting edge of PF theory. That said, my lack of recent and specific experience should not imply that I am incapable of judging theory: I am very familiar with theory arguments in Parliamentary debate formats and I am someone who has spent enough time in debate (and enough time studying academic philosophy) that I feel comfortable evaluating technical and theory arguments even when I haven't heard them before. Finally, as is the case with any argument in PF, even theory arguments should be presented and explained in a way that is comprehensible to laypeople. TLDR: I will not drop you for theory and you should assume I can understand and evaluate it, but run it only when it is appropriate and fair to do so.
• I will flow everything you say. However, I have a more "lay" approach to debating for all the reasons discussed above. Assume I won't miss things and don't rely on pure presentation to win, but make sure your arguments are clear, accessible, and explained.
• Do all the normal good-debater things: warrant, signpost, weigh, be clear about referring to arguments and cards. Evidence integrity is important, so make sure you're not clipping cards or fabricating stuff or citing outdated/disproven stuff.
• No new responses past 2nd rebuttal/1st summary. Defense isn't sticky, offense is.
• I will evaluate the round based on the magnitude of impacts and the strength of each team's link to them. E.g., what is the biggest impact in the round? Who best accesses it?
• I try, as much as one can, to be tabula rasa. Framework arguments are fine; in their absence I default to util. Consider my paradigm to be "how I judge in absence of a clear directive of how to judge otherwise." If you tell me why I should view the round differently, I will view it that way.
• Obligatory "don't be racist, sexist, and any other -ist" note. If you do, I'll tank your speaks and probably drop you.

Hello everyone, please have patience as I am a parent judge with limited experience in Debate. I am a Principle Scientist working on Big Data problems by trade. I hope to provide what constructive feedback I can and look forward to hearing from all you talented debaters.

I'm a faculty member/instructor at PPCHS and have judge PF and LD at different local tournaments for our debate program. I'm familiar with debate formats and am used to having to evaulate arguments/research from my experience teaching AICE Global Perspectives and Thinking Skills.

As far as speed, be mindful of slowing down during important points - if I can't understand then I will say clear.

Arguments should have clear reasoning, evidence, warrants, and impacts - make your framework clear and use that to weigh for voters...hashing over one piece of evidence is not as productive.

Speaks are based on not only your ability to communicate clearly, but also your ability to organize/deliver rebuttals, extensions, and summaries/final focuses.

Hi there - I'm a UBC student in a BA program currently based in Vancouver. Most of my debate experience has been in Canadian formats, but I have some familiarity with the PF format from first-hand and work-related experience. I generally prioritize links over evidence except as it applies to impacts (well-supported impacts with evidence are a must), and prefer to have very specific voters drawn between the teams during summary and final focus; I want to allow the debaters to explain the significance of each outcome and keep my own opinions and perspective as far away as possible when making a decision.

I did PF in high school! Here are some things I like to see in a round:

1. Pretty extensions. If you want me to vote on an argument, re-explain it in summary and final focus.

2. Frontlining in second rebuttal. If you want me to vote on one of your contentions, you should defend it in second rebuttal.

3. Collapsing. It's better to pick and clearly explain 1 of your contentions than speed through 3.

4. Weighing. Tell me why your argument is more important than your opponents'.

5. A friendly crossfire. Please don't interrupt or talk over your opponent in cross. I probably won't pay attention to crossfire, but if people are being mean I'll drop speaks.

I'm not super familiar with progressive arguments (k, theory, etc.), so if you do run them please explain them well.

Feel free to ask me any questions before the round!

P.S. if you do a TikTok dance/make a TikTok reference you'll get +.5 speaks

Welcome, debaters and speakers! I am glad to be here as your judge bringing with several years of judging experience. My goal is to ensure a fair and constructive environment for all participants.

Debaters:

• Value solid logic and reasoning. Build a strong case, present clear arguments, and demonstrate your ability to critically analyze and respond to your opponent's points.
• Advocate your position effectively. Persuasion is key, so make sure to articulate your stance clearly and provide compelling reasons for your audience to embrace your perspective.
• Utilize evidence judiciously. Cite credible sources and integrate evidence seamlessly into your arguments. Be prepared to defend the reliability of your sources if questioned.
• Maintain professional decorum. Respect your opponents and fellow debaters. Keep the discourse focused on ideas rather than personal attacks.

Speakers:

• Clear organization is crucial. Your speech should have a logical flow, with well-defined introductions, body, and conclusions. Ensure that your audience can easily follow your speech.
• Reasoning analysis is fundamental. Delve into the core of your topic, providing insightful analysis and demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter.
• Effective delivery is key. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and emphasis. Engage your audience through your voice and body language. A well-delivered speech is often as persuasive as a well-constructed argument.

Please take this opportunity to showcase your speech and debate skills. I am here to encourage growth and provide constructive feedback. Good luck to each one of you, and have a wonderful event!

I am a parent judge. Here is a list of my preferences (written by my son but endorsed by me).

- Enunciate well and don't speak quickly! If I can't understand you I won't evaluate what you are saying.

- Don't use any progressive arguments like theory kritiks etc.

- Truth over tech. It's more important to have realistic impacts than large ones predicated on very unlikely link chains.

- Don't actively deceive. If the evidence presented is obviously false or is proven to be misrepresented or falsified by your opponent I will drop that argument and possibly the debater in extreme situations.

- Be persuasive!!! Keep me interested not monotone.

- Don't be offensive. Any bigoted comments about race, sex, religion, gender etc. will result in a loss.

I enjoy judging and I admire the hard work and dedication that it takes for you to prepare for these tournaments. I really want to follow your arguments and appreciate your prepared positions.

Speak slowly and clearly, finish your sentences and complete your thoughts. If I cannot understand what you say because you are speed reading through your notes or galloping along with pressured speech, I will not give you the win.

Please help me be a good judge by allowing me the opportunity to understand your words when you speak.

I prefer a balance of fully developed and efficient reasoning over voluminous recitation of facts and a litany of citations that are presented without a clearly woven argument. Do not paraphrase cards - quote directly from sources when using them to support your claims.

Don't raise your voice or shout - decibels do not win debates. Nor do eye rolls or scowls.

I appreciate off time road maps.

Hi

I am a parent judge. I judge based off what i understand and clear arguments and counters. So, try to speak clearly and not too fast. I do not give decisions right away. I usually take lots of notes and go back to the room and then decide.

I am a parent judge

Speak slowly

Quality of argument over quantity of points and numbers

Make it easy for me in summary 

Be respectful

Aff on the left of me, Neg on the right

Hello! My name is Victoria and I have just graduated from Barnard! I did public forum debate from 7th-11th grade, and for that reason am a flow judge. Make sure to extend your arguments throughout the round, address what has been dropped, and address framework (if one is given). In the final speeches, give me clear voters. Logic and reason are still important to me, so just extending an argument isn't enough: explain your link chain, and convince me! I also prefer that teams keep track of their own time, and don't take too long finding and sending cards.

I did PF for 4 years in high school on the East Coast circuit. I'll most likely be able to follow what you're saying, so talk fast if you want but if it's too fast to the point of spreading, you might lose me, so be careful.

If you're gonna run crazy theory, please make it super understandable (especially since this is online, people might miss something more easily cause some peoples computers run on Dorito Chips.)

If you're the better team and you debated better, I'll vote for you, don't worry.

I don't require you to extend defense in first summary but you should definitely frontline responses to arguments you plan on extending.

You should definitely frontline turns in the earliest speech possible, as they create offense on your case that I will have to evaluate in my RFD, if not frontlined.

Do cross however you want, just don't be rude or anything. If you're getting bullied in cross, speak up and say something. I'm not going to jump in for you, but I will definitely factor being rude into my decision.

I'm liberal with speaker points. If you're getting anything lower than a 26, there's a reason.

I'm gonna laugh at you if you're wearing a suit.

I appreciate section titles to help me follow your argument.

I have been judging public forum debate for two years.

I prefer debaters who are articulate. For me, quantity is NOT better than quality, so no spreading. Please, stay away from debate lingo, as I am not familiar with all the verbiage that is common the debate world.

Please do not bring up new evidence in the second summary and final focus.

My name is Terry, and I have experience in PF Debate from High School.

I don't mind the speed, but please make sure you articulate clearly. (I still prefer the quality of content > quantity)

Make sure you have direct and clear evidence to back up your arguments (I might ask you to check your cards throughout the round)

Always looking for good flowing and sign-posting (Makes it easy and clear to follow)

Lastly, treat everyone in the room with respect and have fun!

I am a new judge, however I work in strategy and communications firm and will bring that orientation to judging. Please speak clearly, identify your main arguments at the beginning, and make clear transitions between arguments.

I consider how well you do the following - Make your stance clear. Support your position with sound reasoning and evidence. Defend your claims when challenged by your opponents. Be alert to holes in your opponents' arguments.

Please respect your opponents. Absolutely no belittling. Have fun!

My name is Megan Vastola and I have been judging Debate tournaments for the last three years. I enjoy hearing the students demonstrate their considerable knowledge of the topic/subject and debate their side of the issue. It's very interesting to hear how the students can defend their arguments and how far they challenge the opposing side.

I'm always amazed to see the teams grow in the tournaments over the course of the year. The students confidence matures as well as their performance. The students should be very proud of themselves on many levels.

I will miss judging next year as my son is a Senior.

I competed in PF for 4 years (2015-2019). Please feel free to ask questions any time on Facebook Messenger.

I presume for the neg.

No new weighing in 2nd FF.

No Ks and use theory only for egregious abuse.

Cross isn't that serious.

L0 if you make any ___ist arguments.

I am best described as a parent judge. I listen to your arguments and take notes. I will vote on the team that makes the most convincing arguments in the rounds.

Be nice to each other and be respectful.

I am a lay judge who believes in persuasive debate that adheres to the rules. Style and eloquence are more important than speed.

In debate, I prefer clear, concise, well-expressed, and concrete arguments that are logically coherent and focus on impacts that would be meaningful to the decision makers in the real world. Tell me what to view as most important in your round. If not, I am compelled to make that choice myself. Do NOT read your case off of a screen or a piece of paper--deliver it while making eye contact, using only words you are comfortable using and pronouncing, and expressing yourself clearly. All things being equal, I am persuaded by a debater who knows their stuff rather than a debater who reads a prepared text.

Spreading is very strongly discouraged. If I can't hear or understand the points you are making when you first make them, those points will not figure in my decision. Put succinctly: a case presented too quickly for me to grasp will ALWAYS lose to a case that I can understand.

For speech events, I value fluidity, eloquence, eye contact, and natural expressions that neither over dramatize things or present them without emotion.

Do not be abusive to other competitors. Repeated interruptions, demeaning comments, and other disrespectful conduct will NOT win my vote.

Hello! I competed for four years at Klein High School (2016-2020) mainly in PF and Extemp, typically on the local circuit with a few national circuit tournaments here and there (#smallschool). I now study International Political Economy at Georgetown University. Paradigm is in order of events that I'm most likely to end up judging.

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PF - for less experienced teams:

In your constructives/cases, try to craft arguments that clearly explain how you access your impact; generally, I prefer impacts that can be measured and linked well to what you're saying.

For rebuttal, respond to each argument in the order they're presented (line-by-line). Second speaking team's rebuttal should provide some defense of their case (responding to your opponents' args in first rebuttal). Also, please provide a roadmap (the order of which sides you'll be addressing) at the beginning of your speech, starting after second rebuttal!. Finally, while giving the speech, please tell me which arguments you're addressing/defending (ie: to respond to my opponent's Contention 1....).

For summary, I think collapsing is important in addition to covering both sides. Explain to me the most important arguments in the round (re-mentioning the claims, warrants, and impacts) and why you're winning them. Moreover, you should give reasons why your opponents are not winning their arguments by repeating/extending the responses your partner made in rebuttal (aka defense). I advise against bringing up new arguments in the second summary speech.

For final focus, you should only bring up arguments that were mentioned previously in the debate round (so no new evidence/arguments). Give me reasons to vote for you and help write my ballot for me. A big picture final focus that incorporates elements from your partner's summary will help win you my ballot.

A few other things: I won't vote off of crossfire arguments, please time yourself and your opponents, and pre-flow before round! If you have questions about my decision and your coach is cool with it, feel free to reach out via email at brandonw2002@gmail.com or message me on Facebook.

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PF - for more experienced teams:

TL;DR: Tech > truth, roadmap/signpost, extend offense at the link/impact level in summary & FF (2nd rebuttal encouraged), weighing & collapsing are must-haves, no new args in the second summary and beyond, I default 1st speaking team with no offense, don't be rude or run arguments that are uninclusive, & ask me any questions before/after round.

1) Tech > truth unless it's offensive, homophobic, sexist, ableist, or racist (which will result in an L20). Framing/weighing mechanisms are great – the earlier they're introduced, the better. Roadmaps & signposting are a must.

2) Second rebuttal should frontline at least turns (otherwise up to you strategy wise). For both rebuttals, don't read new contentions as an "overview," disads are fine.

3) Arguments should be extended at the link and impact level - extensions should include card names with a summary of the evidence (Hapner '19 says xyz). This includes turns - so if you extend a turn, explain how it links into an impact! Both teams should extend args in summary & FF, and I encourage extensions in second rebuttal.

4) Speedwise, I'm a 7/10 in-person, 5 for cases & 6 for rebuttal-onward online. Speaks will be evaluated based on word economy, fluency, and strategic choices you make in the round (starting at a 28). Collapsing and strong weighing = high speaks! Incorporating some persuasive rhetoric is great in FF, as opposed to just giving a sped up summary.

5) Both teams should be able to extend defense in summary. Please don't read "new in the two" (second summary onward) - reading new evidence or analysis is a disadvantage to the first speaking team, and your speaker points will be docked.

6) Another important part of weighing is evidence comparison, so please tell me why I should prefer one piece of evidence over another (i.e. postdate, methodology, etc.), so that it won't be left to me to decide 5 minutes before I write my ballot. I will ignore misrepresented evidence from my decision, and it will harm your speaks.

7) Crossfire shouldn't be a shouting match. Use common sense - don't be rude, don't cut people off, etc. I won't explicitly flow crossfire, so make sure anything important you want me to consider is in a speech.

8) I will try to disclose (if allowed) if I think I'm able to make a reasonable decision within ~3 minutes after the end of second final or after I call evidence. I will likely disclose in all elim rounds unless you would like me not to (please let me know before hand).

9) If there's no offense at the end of the round, I'll default to 1st speaking team (given the structural advantage that 2nd speaking team has in terms of extending offense).

10) I may be lost if you try to read progressive arguments in front of me, but if it's explained very at a regular pace & explained well, I will attempt to evaluate it. Don't bank on it as a voter though (so if you plan on running disclosure, tricks, or 30 speaks theory, may want to strike me). If your opponent is clearly unfamiliar with theory/progressive argumentation, don't read it.

Debate is meant to serve as an activity in which you can continually improve. Feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at brandonw2002@gmail.com if you have any questions about my decision or about my paradigm; also, I'd be happy to answer your questions before round starts!

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Extemp:

1) Organization of your speech is critical to help me understand your analysis – I like the seven part intro (or at least most of the elements: AGD, link, source, significance statement, question, answer preview) and on-tops (transitioning between points by using facts/jokes). If you have no idea what I'm talking about here, don't worry – all I ask is at least for a roadmap in the introduction.

2) Throughout the speech, make sure you're clearly linking back to the question. If it's a why question, make sure you're telling me why. Going over history/context should be reserved for the intro!

3) I appreciate slower-paced speeches, but if you're clear and understandable at a faster pace, go for it. Try to use hand gestures just to emphasize specific things, otherwise leave at your side. Vocal inflection/tonal variety is always great.

4) ~Two sources per point indicates to me strong grasp of source integration into your analysis, but try not to sound like you're just reading off evidence like in a debate round. Incorporate your own thinking into it! Also, using more credible thinktanks/institutions/research studies will strengthen your analysis.

Similar to what I said in my PF paradigm, the great thing about speech events and tournaments in general is how you can track your improvement. Feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at brandonw2002@gmail.com if you have any questions about my feedback; also, I'd be happy to answer your questions before round begins.

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Speech & Interp: Because I was obliged to compete in platform events my freshman and sophomore year, I have some background in speech but not much in interp. For interp events, I'll be evaluating you based on the TFA/published ballot categories. Here are a few things specifically for speech (for future sake too!):

1) Have a roadmap very clearly in the introduction. I appreciate a good device :)

2) Content is what helps you stand out in platform speeches – having good source integration is always a plus in prepared speech events!

3) Organization is crucial for me to understand what you're trying to get at – having a bunch of ideas that don't really seem related will affect your ranking.

4) Make sure you don't overuse hand gestures, just use them for emphasis. Any pace you're comfortable with works as long as you're clear and understandable.

5) Try to be as close to the time limit as possible without stalling/being repetitive – the more content the better!

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Congress: I did some Congress, mainly TFA + some NSDA Senate. See Extemp for certain pointers on how I evaluate 'extemporaneous' speech events. I appreciate solid analysis with sources in speeches, and clash is highly encouraged even starting with the First Negation speech. The PO will almost always make my ballot (esp. if they volunteer!), though I will usually rank good speakers in the room higher.

First Affirmation and First Negation speaker should break down the description & effects of a piece of legislation. Generally quality > quantity in terms of number of speeches. Make sure you're active in the chamber for questioning (esp. when no one else wants to question).

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World Schools: I have little experience with Worlds, but please signpost so I can keep up with where you are on the flow. Remain engaged in the round through POIs. Weighing/argument comparison is appreciated in the last few speeches, and engaging with your opponent's arguments is critical. Will update this portion of the paradigm if/when I judge more.

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Policy/LD: The only experience I've got in these two events are a few rounds of UIL Policy & LD (traditional), but I (hopefully) should be able to flow the round. I prefer traditional over progressive argumentation, and make sure you're weighing/signposting throughout the round. See my PF paradigm on other topics (e.g. speed), and feel free to ask me questions before the round on anything specific!

I am a parent judge. Judged since 2016.

I value logic and coherence. Apply empirical evidence in your arguments.

I prefer a small number of clear, well-articulated arguments over a list of arguments covering every aspect.

Don't speed, you may lose me.

Be nice in the crossfire.

I did 4 years of PF and Speech with Unionville and graduated in 2010, and have judged national circuit regularly since. Most recently, I judged PF at Yale 2021.

I appreciate evidence, but value argument structure and critical thinking/logic more. Cards should be used as support for, and not in place of contentions. Please set up a weighing mechanism for the round as early as possible; I will expect the round to be distilled into voting issues by the time we get to Summary and Final Focus.

If frameworks/definitions are a crucial part of your case, I expect it to come up in the first constructive and reiterated throughout the round.

Likewise, key contentions and responses must come within constructives/rebuttals. Summaries and Final Focus are for refining arguments, not for raising entirely new points your opponents have no time to respond to.

If you do not extend your arguments, I will generally not include them in the final weighing. If you do not quantify your impacts, i will have to use a judgement call to decide what each one is worth.

Cross fire will not be flowed, but will be evaluated in speaker points. If you make a point in Cross fire that is important, please include it in the next speech.

The round will be flowed, and I'm generally ok with speed, but if you spread to the point where I can no longer flow, I will stop flowing.

Calling for evidence is fine, but I expect you to have your cards organized and accessible enough that locating them when called for is straightforward. If it takes an excessive amount of time for you to find the card, I will drop it from the flow.

Being professional/not condescending means I won't slash your speaks.

shubo.yin@aya.yale.edu

Flow judge. Clean rounds are nice. Please have evidence. Please display critical thinking.

I'm currently a university student studying Political Science at University of California - Berkeley. I started doing Public Forum in 7th grade, so I have around 8 years of experience in debate.

What I'm looking for in debate rounds:

I will definitely flow all your arguments, and the arguments I have written down on my flow will be the most important factor when I'm deciding who won the round. But more specifically, I am looking for clear, quantifiable impacts that I can consider when weighing.

If you drop an argument during your summary/final focus, I will not incorporate that into my voting issues. It is your responsibility to extend through all evidence and arguments to the very last speech if you want it to win you the round.

I was also a second speaker during my time as a high school debater, so I am looking for direct clashes to arguments in the refutation speech. I want you to directly attack the links and analysis to an argument when refuting.

In terms of speaking style, I am okay with speed, as long as it is not spreading. If you spread, especially in an online tournament, I will not be able to understand you as it is much harder to understand through a zoom call compared to an actual in-person debate.

Other than that, speak clearly and persuasively, but at the end of the day, if you have better arguments and evidence, speaking style comes second.

I am a PF parent, a returning judge.
After reading over many other PF judges' paradigms in order to evaluate my own preferences, I'll summarize:

1. Clarity, organization / signposts and flow are critical - remember that I have not heard your particular construction of support for your position before so in order to follow along it needs to be woven together tightly.

2. Evidence and a very sound logical foundation for your case are critical - to me these are table stakes upon which speaking ability and style rest. If big leaps don't make sense, they aren't going to resonate. Sometimes simple and succinct is better than overly complex.

3. PF Debate implies . . . debate - your ability to continuously support your position by really listening to, processing, analyzing and responding (professionally) to your opponents' arguments while demonstrating a very deep and nuanced understanding of the issues will be a key differentiator.

4. "Cute" underdeveloped extensions/arguments wont win with me. To borrow from another judge paradigm "Your win is still determined by your ability to persuade me on the importance of the arguments you are winning not just the sheer number of arguments you are winning. This is a communication event - so do that with some humor and panache.(Bilal Butt)"

SCORING: (also borrowed - thank you Bilal and Mollie Clark)

30: Excellent job, you demonstrate stand-out organizational skills and speaking abilities. Ability to use creative analytical skills and humor to simplify and clarify the round.

29: Very strong ability. Good eloquence, analysis, and organization. A couple minor stumbles or drops.

28: Above average. Good speaking ability. May have made a larger drop or flaw in argumentation but speaking skills compensate. Or, very strong analysis but weaker speaking skills.

27: About average. Ability to function well in the round, however analysis may be lacking. Some errors made.

26: Is struggling to function efficiently within the round. Either lacking speaking skills or analytical skills. May have made a more important error.

25: Having difficulties following the round. May have a hard time filling the time for speeches. Large error.

Below: Extreme difficulty functioning. Very large difficulty filling time or offensive or rude behavior

I am more of a lay judge than technical judge. Quality and delivery of content matter more to me than quantity of arguments. Speakers who articulate their points clearly and persuasively will fare better than those who speak very quickly. I find cases that have a logical narrative and build towards a compelling conclusion are more effective than a long laundry list of arguments that are only semi-related.

Civility during the round is important, but only seems to be a problem <10% of the time.

As a parent judge, I have far more admiration for, than expertise in, your craft.

I flow but am happy to be carried away by the grace of a thoughtful argument.

In my paradigm:

- clarity trumps speed;

- intelligence trumps arrogance; and

- realistic complexity trumps reductionism.

I believe that the notional precision of speaker scores, particularly at the Varsity level, is overwhelmed by the subjectivity of human judges and the lottery that is Tab.

To state the obvious in this impossible season: on-line debate is a pale, impoverished cousin of the Real Thing, as is true of so much in this pandemic. But your dedication, preparation, and passion can still shine through--just don't let the bandwidth get you down.

My sincere congratulations for participating in Yale's flagship event, and condolences if you draw me as a judge.

Thank you.

I am a parent judge. I prefer a moderate speed. I need clear weighing and extension of warrants, links, and impacts.

I am a new parent judge.

1) Be sure to signpost during your speeches.

2) Please don't spread - if you are talking fast I won't understand then won't be able to give you appropriate credit

3) If you are rude in crossfire you will lose both speaker points and the round.

I am a first-time parent judge.

1. Speak slowly and clearly. If you speak too quickly I won't be able to understand what you are saying.

2. Please signpost and frame your arguments in a logical flow.

3. Be courteous, polite and respectful to your opponents.