Last changed on
Fri December 11, 2020 at 7:08 AM EDT
I have been judging and coaching debate for the last 14 years and competed for a year before that. I have judged LD, policy, and public forum (primarily policy and LD) during this time. While in college, I judged extensively on the national circuit. For the last 10 years, I have judged on and off at tournaments around Pennsylvania. I am currently an attorney working in private practice.
I believe that debate is a fun, educational event, and to that end, rounds should be educational and fun. As for the style of debate, I am opening to anything and will hear any argument.
Regarding spreading, I can almost guarantee that you can not speak faster than I can flow. However, I need to clearly hear your value, value criterion, and contentions (signposting is nice). If you reach that unimaginable speed where your lips are not moving but sounds are coming out of your mouth, I will ask you to slow down a bit (if you do, I will not reduce speaker points). Also, remember this a virtual event; speed and the internet may not mix well.
There is much more to my judging paradigm. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. However, please ask when both competitors are present, so both get to hear my answers.