Public speaking in a clear and logical way with intelligence and presence is a valuable skill. I hope to encourage learning and be fair and impartial.

I do not have a background in speech and debate, other than judging over the last two years. However, I have always been a good listener and am willing to hear people out on any given subject without getting too riled up. I have always been able to see from many points of view on many subjects, and appreciate well thought out, factual, and calm responses to any argument. I don't mind some speed when talking, as long as words still come out clear. I do enjoy judging and look forward to learning even more as I go.

Be decent humans.

Evidence is important, but so is making logical connections to the resolution; what are the real world implications of your arguments?

I am not impressed by the speed of your constructive speeches if you can't make logical arguments.

Please do not give me an off-time roadmap in LD or PF. Also, I know that the timer will start on your first word; I do not need you to tell me that.

Be decent humans.

Speech and debate are not merely extracurricular activities; they are powerful tools for honing communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and fostering intellectual growth. This paradigm delves into the multifaceted world of speech and debate, highlighting their significance in personal and academic development.

1. Effective Communication: Speech and debate provide platforms for mastering the art of effective communication. Participants learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, persuasively, and concisely, essential skills for success in both personal and professional realms.
2. Critical Thinking: Engaging in speech and debate fosters critical thinking skills by challenging participants to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives. Through research, analysis, and argumentation, individuals learn to construct logical and compelling arguments.
3. Confidence Building: Public speaking can be daunting, but speech and debate offer a supportive environment for individuals to overcome their fears and build confidence. The ability to confidently express ideas in front of an audience is invaluable in all aspects of life.
4. Civic Engagement: Speech and debate empower individuals to become active participants in civic discourse. By discussing pressing societal issues, participants develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and are motivated to effect positive change.
5. Intellectual Growth: Engaging in speech and debate cultivates intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Participants are exposed to a wide range of topics and viewpoints, challenging them to expand their knowledge and broaden their perspectives.

I believe that judges should be as impartial as possible regardless of background or school(s) with which they are most familiar. Though we all have individual preferences regarding theme, style, content, etc., this should not be a focus of scoring when judging. It should be about the quality of the presentation and whether the rules for the event were followed.

. I enjoy a more conversational pace over a fast and complex pace. I am big on evidence! Ensure you are able to back up what you present. I want to see respect from both sides. Try to respectfully interrupt your opponent during cross but don't purposefully cut them off.

Please explain or define any complex ideas and overall linkage. I want to see/hear the impacts, this tends to sway my vote more than the "argument".

This is your speech or debate round so I want to see you use your own strengths and build on those strengths throughout. Overall, these rounds should be fun and educational for both sides. Please follow the rules and guidelines of the speech or debate.

There's no better skill to empower a young person for a successful, fulfilling, and generous life than Speech. My best advice for students is to embrace their speech with the knowledge that every minute they're speaking is a minute that they've been given the opportunity to make the day of their audience more fulfilled. A judge is just a person, and people genuinely want to laugh, learn, be challenged with new perspectives, or just enjoy the company of others - so have fun and don't worry - the judge is always on your side and wishing you the best.

I am an assistant coach with ten years of experience judging debate.

I will judge on the flow and am open to most kinds of arguments. Make sure you connect the dots (tell me how it connects to your case). I am fine with speed, although sometimes speakers are not as clear as they think they are.

Although I like lots of clash, please clash politely with your opponents. I want to hear you address your opponent’s arguments meaningfully. Tell me why winning dropped arguments wins the debate for you. Give me the impact of those dropped arguments.

For LD, know and understand your arguments. Then explain and link them to your value and criterion for me.

I want you to give me clear, impactful voters. Why did you win?

Have fun!

I'm not extraordinarily experienced in the debate world, as this is my second year judging. That being said, I am knowledgeable about argumentation, evidence, theory, etc. as an English teacher so please be careful and intentional when backing things up with evidence. I've found that I really appreciate clear signposting as you go through your speech. What I don't appreciate is speaking so quickly that I'm unable to take notes. If I don't have time to write down your argument or evidence, it doesn't exist to me when I go to make a decision on the winner.

I was a head coach for 12 years with 13 years of experience in judging debate.

I will judge on the flow, and I am open to most any kind of argument. I am fine with speed, though I find that sometimes people are not as clear as they think they are. I will say CLEAR if you're not clear.

Lots of clash, please. Make sure you are addressing your opponent's arguments in a meaningful way. Impact your drops... Tell why winning the dropped argument gives you the advantage.

In LD, understand, explain, and link to your standards.

Give me thoughtful and well articulated voters.

Good luck!