National Speech and Debate Tournament

2024 — Des Moines, IA/US

Christen Schmeltz Paradigm
Lincoln-Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)

Former LD competitor
Former Policy debater
Current Public Forum coach or judge

How many years have you judged LD debate?

2

How many LD rounds have you judged this year?

0-10

What is your preferred rate of delivery?

5/91 = 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 may be a factor depending on its use in the round
 

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

Y

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:

Is acceptable
 

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 person who persuaded me more of their position

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

5/91 = Not necessary
9 = Always necessary

Please describe your personal note-taking during the round

I keep detailed notes throughout the round
Additional remarks: In rounds, I value communication and development of arguments through logical reasoning and evidence/example. I look for the debaters' ability to adapt and respond to the arguments they and their opponents are advancing in the round - especially to clarify the clash and voting issues in the round. I can follow speed, but do not prefer it. I do not value spread in a round. I would rather see the debaters recognize, advance, develop and respond to the most persuasive arguments and rebuttals. I was a Lincoln Douglas debater for three years in high school, advancing to Nationals three times. In the past four years, I have judged public forum quite a lot, including three years running at Nationals, but also periodically Lincoln Douglas as well. Because of my high school experience, I am most familiar experientially with debating Lincoln Douglas.

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Judges

MAIN List Paradigms
Lincoln-Douglas List & NSDA Paradigms
Policy List & NSDA Paradigms