Bentonville Wild West Invitational
2017 — Bentonville, AR/US
High School Debate Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HideFor judging I am incredibly easy when it comes to judging. I like good debate that is clear and easy to follow. I'm not a huge fan of spreading. Especially in debate formats that it isn't meant for. I will pretty much flow anything in the round with in reason. If you stretch too radical then I'm not inclined to buy into your thoughts. I've been judging world schools the last 9 years so prefer to stick to the ideals of world schools. Definitions should be clean and easy to follow, nothing squirrely.
Thoughtful analysis is very important to your success. I don't like to see argumentation that is solely evidence or an argument that has a lot of big words. I need you to show me you understand what that information means and why what you presented is better than your opponents. However, it is essential you have logical empirics or some evidence to substantiate your claims.
Consolidation is an important phase. Do not take all your arguments through the whole debate.
I am fine with any speed.
Your arguments must follow the rules and be topical.
tl;dr put me on the email chain pls. rylieslone@gmail.com
Introduction:
I debated for three years at Bentonville High School in Arkansas in every style of debate. Graduated in 2017 -- I am very old. I did most of my national-level competition in LD, PF, and Congress, but there is a special place in my heart for CX. Currently a 2L at the University of Arkansas School of Law.
Generally, I am open to most styles + arguments. I consider myself to be a strict flow judge so keep track of the line-by-line. Signpost, signpost, signpost (I'll let you do it before you start time but do not abuse this). Tell me what you want me to do! BE ORGANIZED.
Disclaimer: I will listen to most anything. This is your debate. Talk about what you believe in. Be respectful. BUT DO NOT use homophobic, racist, sexist, ableist, transphobic, or xenophobic speech. I do not tolerate disrespect. Automatic loss and a swift report to tab if you cross that boundary. My preferences to specifics are listed below:
Speed
Be as fast as you want, but the second I stop flowing know you are unclear. If your spreading is ridiculously unclear, I'm gonna need a copy of the speech. I LOVE speed but am also totally cool without it. Generally speaking, be respectful of the usage of speed and be as clear as you can be.
Kritiks
I'd like to say that I know most of the commonly used Ks but DO NOT assume I know it without explaining it. It's been a little while. Be clear about your link and give me a really solid impact. Make sure the K alt interacts with the affirmative's solvency. (Shouldn't have to say this, but make sure the K isn't abhorrent - see disclaimer)
Topicality
Topicality debate isn't necessary (and imho is kinda boring) but it is procedurally important if it's brought up. Don't just go back and forth reading and rereading definitions. Give me good standards and voters. Tell me why you win it.
Framework
Framing is important. Your framework (or lack thereof) is what I will use to decide the round. If you don't give me a framework, I'll do a generic cost/benefit analysis. If you're utilizing it, the framework should be continued well into the last speech. Don't waste your time on it, but don't undercover it.
Case
I loveeee solid case debate. Don’t assume I will flow your 1AC throughout the round if you aren’t extending it (b/c newsflash: I won't!). Case debate is fundamental in my decision-making for policy-oriented rounds. That being said, please cover offcase positions as well. Just don’t kick your case to the curb in the process.
Evidence
Make sure your evidence is legitimate. I will call for any card that I (or your opponent) deem questionable and value the integrity of said pieces of evidence. Be cautious of this.
Also - I do not flow cross-ex.
All in all, good luck!
I'm going to assume you read this, but if you have any additional questions before the round email me at rylieslone@gmail.com.
Hello lil baby debaters !!!!
heres the gist of it... I did policy debate at Bentonville High School for 3yrs..
I will easily be able to follow your arguments and your speed... but if your spreading is UNCLEAR then it won't make it onto my flow.
-- ORGANIZATION IS KEY!!!! If you don't sign post I won't know where arguments go. I'm a flow judge and if I don't know where your argument goes then it will probably hinder how I evaluate the round at the end
-- if you want outstanding speaker points you have to work for it... just because you can spread isn't enough for me, you have to be able to show me that you can speak PERSUASIVELY!! Slow down, emphasize words, repetition, hand gestures, analogies, eye contact. I should be completely moved to tears/ action by your speech.
-- NEVER END A SPEECH BEFORE THE TIMER GOES OFF. you should always have something to say
-- don't ask if you can sit during your speech the answer is no-- **THIS WAS PRECOVID U CAN SIT**
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-- I will flow any argument but you better KNOW it and be able to explain it well. If you are going to read something that you just found a few hrs before... be careful
-- if it comes down to a specific card I will comb through it so this is a WARNING to make sure your card says EXACTLY what you are arguing .... I would rather you have incredibly strong analytics than mediocre evidence
-- if you have strong evidence/ can argue something crazy really well, then go for it. my outside biases/ opinions do not affect my view. You have good evidence that says Atlantis the lost city has been found then it's a valid argument that must be adequately addressed by your opponent. Argue that your team is actually pirates idc
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-- rebuttals need impact calc.
-- I like rebuttals to consist of analysis of the round, less cards & more explaining WHY your team is winning
-- TOPICALITY IS A PRIORI (I don't care what the new fad is, but to me that is one of the most important things in the round) --> that also means, don't run dumb ones and make sure your technique is correct
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-- NEG try not to bring up new arguments in the 2nc... it annoys me when rebuttals turn into the aff whining/ a debate over the rules of policy. If you DO bring up a new argument it better be the strongest thing you have, don't just waste time.
-- NEG I want to see a good use of the negblock... don't say the exact same thing for 13 mins
-- I WANT CLASH. Case debate is so often swept under the rug !!!! even if you don't have specific cards against their case I will flow analytics. Strong analytics !!!!!!! This holds true for all forms of debate.
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-- don't be rude to your opponents during cross ex
-- don't run sexist, racist, homophobic, etc.. arguments. If I think that the round has become offensive I will stop you and force you to take YOUR prep time to re evaluate. Don't be insensitive.
-- if you flash files I will not count it as prep
-- have a phone or timer for your speech... I will not be your judge AND timekeeper.
-- open cross ex is fine in my book BUT if your partner is answering all the questions for you I will take that to mean that you don't understand what you just read
-- do NOT start off cross ex with 'how are you' or lame filler questions. Just end cross ex or ask for more details... but don't waste my time. CROSS EX SHOULD BE INTENTIONAL.
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-- K affs are fun, go for it !!!
-- do not forget to extend your case in every speech.
--AFF if you are going to have framework in your plan I better hear it until the very end. Don't say read it in the 1ac and then not mention it again until rebuttals.. I will consider it dropped
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FOR PF and LD...
-- I've judged enough rounds that I understand and can follow the arguments you make
-- I'm okay with K's being run in an LD round but no CPs; progressive or traditional whatever your preference is go for it
-- I know that PF and LD are supposed to focus more heavily on slow, well spoken, persuasive speeches, that being said, I am okay with speed but DO NOT SPREAD.
-- look you don't get a lot of time in these speeches, I get that, but I also need to see that you are adequately responding to every argument on the flow !!! (This is part of being organized)
-- impact calc is still relevant, I wanna hear some hella persuasive speaking in those summary speeches
-- also you CAN debate the weighing criteron... I expect you to extend. Don't just define your criteron, you better put it into the context of the resolution.
-- no 'open cx' in pf, don't ask. You have grand crossfire/ you should know your case well enough to answer questions on your own.
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Big Questions
-- have fun... good luck... I better hear some enticing, impressive, creative, and logical arguments !!!! Claaaaaassssshhhhhh! Do your research.
- don't just repeat your case over and over...
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Congress
- i don’t remember reading or even thinking about paradigms the few times I participated in Congress back in the old day BUT in case you are reading this… most of what i said for PF/LD apply to you. I would say be more cautious with speed because other judges aren’t gonna like that even though i don’t mind as long as you can talk fast and still be persuasive and include tone fluctuation
- when disagreeing (or agreeing) with an argument if u mention someone refer to them as a fellow delegate.
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-- if you decide to flash or have some sort of email chain during round I want to be included. whitemadisonj@gmail.com
-- I try not to disclose in round because I want you guys motivated and encouraged for your next round so PLEASE don't ask me who won
-- I expect you to come to the round having already read my paradigm... you may ask me questions about what I have said or anything I didn't specify but I will not repeat all of what I have typed
-- be unique and creative !!! Have fun with this !!!!! Can't wait to see how hard you have all worked !!