National Speech and Debate Tournament

2024 — Des Moines, IA/US

Jordan Berry Paradigm

Lincoln-Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)

Current LD coach
Experienced LD judge

How many years have you judged LD debate?

9

How many LD rounds have you judged this year?

11-20

What is your preferred rate of delivery?

3/91 = Slow conversational style
9 = Rapid conversation speed
 

Does the rate of delivery weigh heavily in your decision?

N
 

Will you vote against a student solely for exceeding your preferred speed?

N

How important is the criterion in making your decision?

It is a major factor in my evaluation
 

Do you feel that a value and criterion are required elements of a case?

N

Rebuttals and Crystallization

 

Voting issues should be given:

Either is acceptable
 

The use of jargon or technical language ("extend", "cross-apply", "turn", etc.) during rebuttals:

Should be kept to a minimum
 

Final rebuttals should include:

Voting issues
 

Voting issues are:

Absolutely necessary

How do you decide the winner of the round?

I decide who is the winner of the key argument in the round

How necessary do you feel the use of evidence (both analytical and empirical) is in the round?

6/91 = Not necessary
9 = Always necessary

Please describe your personal note-taking during the round

I write down the key arguments throughout the round
Additional remarks: I have been a debate coach and judge since 2015, with a primary focus on L/D. Most debaters over the years categorize me as a traditional L/D judge. My chief weighing mechanism is usually framework (my undergraduate degree is in philosophy), but occasionally--and I do mean rarely here--I am persuaded to the contrary. However, the clash of the round should unfold naturally and not cater to any judge's paradigm. I have no value hierarchy. I try my best to ensure personal views and ballot intervention should not be a part of my RFD. I will evaluate only those arguments brought up by the debaters. Speed is an issue for me IF I cannot understand the student. I do flow the round (though not cross), but "winning the flow" isn't the same as winning the round in some cases; this event is supposed to be persuasive and accessible, not a checklist of responses and replies. Other issues for me: do be respectful. Do engage meaningfully with the resolution. Do be honest. Do have fun.

Note: if you wish for your pronouns to appear the debaters you judge on text/email blasts, log into Tabroom, click Profile at top, and add them in the Pronouns field.