National Speech and Debate Tournament

2024 — Des Moines, IA/US

Jenny Ngo Paradigm

Policy
Policy Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with Policy Debate (check all that apply)

Occasionally judge Policy Debate

How many Policy rounds have you judged this year?

0-10

Which best describes your approach to judging Policy Debate?

Speaking skills
 

RATE OF DELIVERY

4/91 = slow and deliberate
9 = very rapid
 

QUANTITY OF ARGUMENTS

3/91 = a few well-developed arguments
9 = the more arguments the better
 

COMMUNICATION AND ISSUES

5/91 = communication skills most important
9 = resolving substantive issues most important
 

TOPICALITY: I am willing to vote on topicality:

3/91 = often
9 = rarely
 

COUNTERPLANS

3/91 = acceptable
9 = unacceptable
 

GENERIC DISADVANTAGES

5/91 = acceptable
9 = unacceptable
 

CONDITIONAL NEGATIVE POSITIONS

9/91 = acceptable
9 = unacceptable
 

DEBATE THEORY ARGUMENTS

5/91 = acceptable
9 = unacceptable
 

CRITIQUE (KRITIK) ARGUMENTS

7/91 = acceptable
9 = unacceptable
Additional remarks: Reiteration of key points throughout the entire debate is important. Figure out which arguments are working and focus on those to build a stronger case. Address any weaknesses mentioned by the other side and make sure you are clear that you have addressed them satisfactorily. Be specific with examples that support your arguments, even creative in trying to paint a scenario that might be relatable to the judge.

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.