Last changed on
Fri February 3, 2017 at 10:34 AM EDT
Delivery does not weigh heavily in my decision-making, unless your speed/style becomes an impediment to understanding.
Good communication is a part of LD. Give vocal emphasis to the parts of your speech your want me to pay attention to. Tag your contentions clearly. It is YOUR burden to be clear, not my burden to untangle your lack of clarity. If you want to go fast and read card after card with no analysis, you may do that--but accept the fact that you are not a model of good communication, and I will almost certainly miss important parts of your argument, which is your fault.
LD conventions and decorum matter. Expect to stand during speeches and cross-examinations. Dress appropriately. Wait until everyone is ready before speaking. Address the judge during cross-examination. Be respectful and attentive to your opponent. If you have scorn for their arguments, choke it down. Ignoring LD conventions shows a lack of respect for everyone in the room, and the activity itself.
I expect good coverage, though I will not vote on unrefuted arguments if they don't come up in the round.
I am wary of intimidation techniques used on opponents. You should win the round on the strength of your arguments, not how much you are able to freak out your opponent.
I prefer to vote on which value structure is better upheld.
I don't respond well to quizzes about how much LD jargon I know. Be clear, be nice, be respectful.
Reading a card/evidence is not an argument. Saying "cross-apply" is not an argument. I will not fill in analysis for you.
I expect crystallization (clear voters) at the end of a round.