I come from the speech world and I favor organized structure, evidence-based arguments, and professionalism. I have a hard time following spreading and prefer a slower speaking rate.

I am open to any argument, as long as it makes sense and is backed up with evidence. The tagline must be what the card actually says.

In rounds, my main pet peeve is unclear tag lines. Be sure that you clearly enunciate the tagline if you want me to take it into account.

For critiques and theoretical arguments, make sure you clearly explain both the argument and its implications.

I try to be open-minded and fair about any arguments presented.

HELLO!!!!
I am a fairly new judge to debate.

I expect RESPECTFUL debate...the minute you get an edge to you and become aggressive toward the other team...I shut off and will cast my vote for the other team. It is SO IMPORTANT that we have a respectful exchange of ideas and debate those accordingly. I do expect there to be a clash of ideas...just not a clash of personality. Questioning is important.

I enjoy strong connection to your material and expect you to provide strong reasoning and support for the points you are bringing to the table. If you have to spell it out for me, please do so. Be meticulous in how you explain things for me so that I can follow what you are saying. ORGANIZATION to your delivery is the key.

Speed: I am NOT a fan of spreading so do NOT do it.

I prefer a slower debate, I think it allows for a more involved, persuasive and all-around better style of speaking and debating. It is your burden to make sure that your speech is clear and understandable and the faster you want to speak, the more clearly you must speak. If I miss an argument, then you didn't make it.

I LOVE terrific cross-examination!!!

For all debate- I will pick a winner based on who best communicates the most logical arguments. When judging communication, I take into account speaking pace, clarity of delivery, and organization.

This is my tenth year judging speech and debate. I also competed for all four years in high school. I have judge tournaments for both national and local circuits across the country and enjoy seeing great rounds. I understand and respect the hard work given to prepare and

DEBATE

I am a flow judge so make sure to make extensions for every speech. Debate rounds should have clash. Be sure to address arguments made by your opponent. Speed is fine as long as it is clear. I also do not mind theory arguments. I consider myself a blank slate and believe it is important to not let personal opinions sway the round. However, I am normally persuaded by arguments being unfair. Do not waste time explaining if something is abusive during the round. Below is the ranking of what I will use to determine who picks up the round:

1. Framework (Value and Criterion Required in LD)

2. Key Issues

3. Voters

4. Impacts

Speaker points: I generally evaluate speaker points on things like clarity, argument structure and development, extensions, and overall how presence. However, I expect civility in the round. Please avoid ad hominem attacks.

SPEECH

I will first and foremost value delivery including tone, clarity, and gestures. Creativity is the second factor that influences my ranking. For extemp, I enjoy hearing sources incorporated into the speech. Most important, be sure to have fun. I will give time signals from 3 down.

If you ever have any questions, feel free to email me at jl.bradford@hotmail.com. It may take a little while, but I will respond.

Pronouns: She/her

I have NO TIME FOR HATE. Any comments that are offensive, racist, bigoted, transphobic, misogynistic, etc will result in an automatic drop. This includes: speaking down to opponents, using improper pronouns/misgendering, using offensive terminology, etc. Speech and debate is about respectfully allowing our arguments to shine through, not attacking one another; therefore, I will not tolerate it.

LD:

I am an old-fashioned LD judge. No spreading. If I cannot hear an argument, I do not judge that argument. It is not my job as the judge to figure out your arguments; it is YOUR job as the debater to tell me what they are.

I want to see framework debate. LD is NOT Policy! 99% of the time I'm not interested in solvency. I also usually drop counterplans, because that's subverting the intention of LD.

Also, personal pet-peeve: poorly cut cards. Cards should not be cut stringing disparate words together to change the intention of the writer of the card. If you can't pull a clean quote out of it, choose a new card.

I am a firm believer in the idea that an LD round ought to be understandable by anyone off the street.

Congress:

I reward active speakers who participate and advance debate. Rehashing in a late-cycle or giving speeches just to give a speech and not to advance debate will NOT be rewarded. I do notice who is just giving speeches and who is giving speeches, proposing motions, asking questions, etc.

Pauline Buis's JP: Coach, primarily judges PF and LD, does judge Congress and all Speech events as well

It is my responsibility to be FAIR--I have a irrefutable responsibility to evaluate the case based upon the debate itself, the evidence presented and the delivery.

• Tabla rosa--I will be--I assure you that I will be that and that I have NO preconceived idea of who should win; there is no truth, no knowledge, apart to what is revealed in the debate round, but I will not be an idiot devoid of knowledge to make an educated evaluation. Don't go so deep into hypotheticals and theory that you go out on a limb and fall off. Arguments are expected to be relevant to the resolution.

• Familiarity with topic being judged-- I will be

• Speaking rate of delivery-spreading is abhorred, in order to be effective, you must be understood; debate is the art of rhetoric not an auction or pharmaceutical drug or other such disclaimer speech. I have observed that debaters who try to use speed sacrifice a great deal of understand-ability and persuasiveness. Typically, the amount of evidence added to the case is not worth that sacrifice. As a result, I dislike excessive speed, as I have difficulty flowing the argument, and it seems as though speed becomes more important than persuasion. I would rather see fewer contentions than hear a debater SPREAD to impart a multitudinous number of contentions and then assert a dropped contention on a competitor.

• Delivery – The speech must be understandable, interesting, and persuasive. A debater should demonstrate effective oral communication skills including: effective reading, clear and understandable articulation and vocal variety, persuasive vocal argumentation, presence, and eye contact. The 1AC & 1NC in particular with regard to speaking and preparation should be well prepared and delivered.

• Lincoln Douglas debate is a clash of values. The value represents a means to a world “as it should be”. Thus, the debater that upholds his or her value best will likely win the round. Just creating and extending a claim is not enough to win.

• Public Forum debate is either policy, value or fact based. Know and approach the resolution accordingly. Otherwise my paradigm stands and applies.

• Analysis – The debater will clearly present a logical argument and also effectively refute the opponent’s case. It is not sufficient to claim a card for a topic without a link and analysis of topic; in other words, warrants are better when supported with a card. Don't just present a warrant or card and say, "According to ...evidence or card...." Expand upon the warrants, find out what your evidence says; commit to never making a reference to a card without implicit or explicit explanation and analysis. Impacts are why one should care about your argument; they should connect to the broader picture. Do let me know WHY the contention and card are important and how it may interact with other considerations that might also be relevant. And we all know that correlation is not always causation.

• Proof – There should be a sufficient quantity and quality of evidence to support the case. More evidence is not always better. The contentions should also link back to the value or resolution. See ANALYSIS above.

• Number of issues covered in a debate--Well covered contentions with sub-points over a plethora of contentions not covered in any depth; more is not necessarily better.

• Refutation/ Clash – essential in debate-The better debater will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze the opponent’s arguments and develop clear and logical responses with effective use of evidence and examples.

• Ad hominim--no cheap shots--there are bounds of appropriateness and decorum in debate

• Offense/defense vs reasonability and counterclaims--depends on the issue and resolution

• Paper or Tech--whatever works best for you and what tournament ascribes. If you do use a laptop, please do not hide your face. Regardless whether paper or tech is utilized, do look up and breathe--relax and enjoy the debate.

• The win is determined in your AR, NR and Cross-ex; after all, everyone comes in prepped for the case, but the real debate is won in the rebuttals and cross examination when the debater's preparations and abilities in the art of rhetoric dictate the outcome.

• Speaker points--eye contact, use of hand gestures, body language and posture, rate, volume, tone, vocal inflections, passion and certainly decorum do matter, but it is your case, evidence and and application and analysis thereof that wins the ballot.

CONGRESS:

Again I come in tabla rosa, of course, but do know that I am informed as a coach of legislation presented for the sessions.

PO Judging criteria:

knowledge of parliamentary procedure

clear in explaining procedures and rulings

fair and consistent in order of recognition (recency) and rulings

control the chamber and delegates

efficient and effective in moving chamber business along--avoiding unnecessary verbiage

fosters a respectful, professional and collegial atmosphere

Senators/Representatives:

Originality--advances speech whether refutes or endorses arguments

Organization/Unity--cohesive, pointed contentions realizing often extemporaneous

Evidence and Logic--relevant & reliable, ability to observe, vested, expert, neutral sourced

Delivery--extemp vs read preferred; engage, respect audience, tone serious of purpose and deliberate, passionate and committed, poised

Questions/Open to questions--grasp of issues and ability to defend/endorse position

SPEECH EVENTS: DI, DUO, Info, HI,

All the usuals are judged with an open mind and heart: characterization, vocalization, tech/blocking, environment, cut, intro--don't hesitate to present one that is out-of the box, transitions, timing, the theme and message itself, message...body language, articulation, inflection....

Additional Exclusive FYIs

OO roadmap is optional--respect alternative methods of organization--reliable citations, message, transitions

POI--big fan of this forum

Extemp:

AGD intriguing to start, roadmap essential here for both you and the judge for organization and flow fo speech, relevant and current information that is well cited, comes full circle to a viable conclusion that answers the question.

Respectfully submitted,

Pauline Buis, M. Ed.

English IV, AP Capstone, AICE Classical Studies, Critical Thinking 2, and, of course, our favorite Forensics: Speech and Debate

Speech and Debate in HS and college: LD and Congress, speech events: OO, Inf, Prose and Poetry, Oral Interp, Impromptu and Improv

Coach

General Experience:I am a retired coach (one diamond) who judges a few tournaments a year. I competed in extemp and LD as a student and went to nationals in LD.

Speech Paradigms:

Extemp: You must answer the question. I will weigh both content and delivery when making my decision. Academic integrity is paramount, so I may check your sources. An excellent speech will clearly answer the question, offer insight and analysis (in-depth look at the issue), back arguments up with relevant and timely sources, and do all of this with a conversational and professional delivery.

OO & Info: I am looking for a balance of content and delivery. Do you bring forth new ideas or perspectives with your topic? Do you offer insight and analysis? Do you make me care? I expect top speeches to have smooth and professional delivery that uses variation in rate, tone, and volume to keep listeners engaged. It is nice to hear ideas backed up with research. Informative speeches should have visuals that contribute to our understanding of the topic (not just something for us to look at and you to do.)

Interp Paradigms:

I love a great performance that showcases your talents while clearly presenting distinctive characters. BUT I equally want content and understanding of the material. Have you cut a selection from the source that conveys a story or point or theme? (And am I able to follow it with your interpretation?) Does your "cast of characters" use vocal variety, physical movement, and overall performance to aid (as opposed to hinder) my understanding? And I love to see classic works, so bonus for high quality content done well.

L-D Debate: I am a somewhat old-fashioned L-D judge. I want to see persuasive communication and a clash on values and value criteria.

Experience:

I am a retired coach (one diamond) who judges a few tournaments a year. I competed in LD as a student-- when dinosaurs roamed the earth and LD was value, not policy, debate.

What I want to see:

I like a mix of pragmatic and philosophical arguments. The winning debater will have a mix of persuasive speaking, logical arguments supported by either philosophy, empirical evidence or expert opinion, and the value which has been proven to be superior based on the criteria in the round. I don’t want to see evidence during or after the round. I don’t think I’ve ever voted for a kritik.

Delivery:

I will flow. I don’t have a problem with speed. Keep in mind, I value convincing delivery in making a decision, so don’t go for speed if you can’t do so clearly and persuasively. You should stand when you speak.

Deal Breakers:

Your chance of winning the round drops dramatically if you:

- don’t allow fair ground for debate

- are rude to your opponent

- show me the back of your laptop instead of your face

- mis-use or mis-quote evidence (academic integrity is paramount!)

I am a speech and debate teacher/coach at Christ Episcopal High School. I have a Ph.D. in Theatre Literature, Criticism and History with a minor in Communications and intense study of Rhetoric.

I have been a high school speech and debate coach since 2014.

My preferences are:

* respectful discourse-if you are rude-you loose speaker points

* Obvious: looking for sound logic, claims supported with credible evidence

* looking for clash and effective use of time

* I like clear weighing

* good communication skills with judge --no spreading. If I can't understand you I won't be able to flow your case-we can negotiate a signal you prefer when you have lost me.

* I don't like email chains for LD or PF which I consider Oral mode of debate and not written- email chains are also time inefficient--(this means you must actually speak in a way that a speaker of the language could mostly understand you. Incoherency is not very persuasive.)

* I am oriented towards substantive LD debate and do not prefer Theory case in LD because to run it efficiently takes the time you need for Policy rounds-If you run Theory then be sure to use your time efficiently

I am a parent of a LD debater. While I have some experience as a four year CX debater in high school, I consider myself a lay judge. I enjoy conversational speech and good logical arguments. I want a polite, respectful and non-abusive debate. I dislike plans and counter plans.

Congressional Debate:

I have judged and/or been parliamentarian at local, regional and national tournaments, including Isidore Newman, Durham Academy, the Barkley Forum and and Harvard. My students have found success at both the national and state levels.

POs- I default to you. Remember, your tone as PO has a big influence on tone of the chamber. Be efficient, clear and consistent and have fun.

As far as the round and debate within the round, consistency is important to me. The way you speak and vote on one piece of legislation should most indeed influence your position on similar limitation unless you tell me otherwise. Debate and discourse does not exist in a vacuum.

Acting/characterization is fine as long as there is a reason and has a positive impact.

Finding a balance of logos, ethos and pathos is important. Difficult to accomplish in three minutes? Absolutely. The balance is what gets my attention.

I'll be honest. I don't like when debate jargon leaks into the chamber. SQUO, affirmative/negative, counterplan, link/turn, etc. This event is it's own unique event with norms.

Additionally, Student Congress is not Extemp-lite. If you are trying for three points in a speech, how do I know what to focus on? If everything is equally important then nothing is important. Take a stance, go for the impact and make the balance between logic and emotional to persuade. Include previous debate points, elucidate your point of view and have fun.

LD-

Speed- Medium to medium-fast (If speed gets in the way of speaking style, I'm not a fan. I don't like fast for the sake of fast). I will judge progressive style arguments if that's what's presented, but it's not my favorite.

Framework- May possibly be a voting factor depending on its use in the round, but not always. Voting issues- fine to use, but I'll only vote on them if I agree debater won the argument.

Speaking style/evidence/argumentation- all important!!

Policy- Speed- Medium to medium-fast. I will listen to spreading and it doesn't bother me as long as it's clear. I can handle K and Theory.

Policy Maker/ Stock Issues

Only vote on Topicality if Aff is highly off-topic or a squirrel case.

I am a Lay Judge in my second full year of judging with ten tournaments from 2018 to present under my belt, covering six local and three regional tournaments. I do enjoy a good debate; I am very objective in my judging.

Debate Events

- Please, no spreading. I prefer clearly stated arguments and objectives in debate events.

- I appreciate novel approaches to the build and flow of points and counter points.

- I am a stickler for solid references; I usually only ask to see them when both sides use the same references with conflicting interpretations.

- I am a researcher, 25+ years, so I've seen a reference or two and know how to interpret them. Big hit if I discover a false reference.

- Make sure you attack the argument and not the person. Rudeness does not win me over.

- My decisions comes down to the impact of the points and the effectiveness of the counters.

Speech Events

- Speak Clearly

- Use your space well

- Use your verbal and non-verbal skills fully

- Make sure your transitions fit the event, whether they should be well defined or smoothly connected.

Above all, make sure you have fun!

SIGNPOST(x1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000)

Please weigh impacts and give voters. Otherwise, I will create my own voters, and you don't want that.

If it is not on the flow, I will not look to it. That being said, I will not extend things for you. If you want it to be important, it needs to be extended all the way through all speeches you give.

I don't adore speed, but I can listen to it and flow it. Be strategic about it.

If it seems a little out of the box as an argument, please break it down for me.

Also, unnecessary yelling is not really something I vibe with. I get it, passion good, but if It's the first round of the day and you make a conscious effort to not give me a headache, I will be much nicer on speaks and ballot comments.

If you want to run theory, either put it in a shell or make sure that you talk about all the important parts of the theory. If it isn't impacted or accompanied by how I should change my vote, it has wasted round time

High school and college Speech judge. My emphasis is on evidence, practical analysis, and ultimately the persuasiveness of the argument

High School Experience:

I did four years of debate in South Florida, competing in Declamation, Original Oratory, Congress, and Duo. I also have experience with Impromptu speaking. I competed at Florida Blue Key, Wake Forest, Harvard, Emory, Varsity State, and CFL Nationals, winning a variety of awards.

College:

I stayed active, judging at Blue Key, Emory and Nationals. I was often used as a Congress judge. I prefer speeches that are well developed, and delivered in a measured, and easy to understand way (no spreading). I have a MA in Political Science, so I am knowledgeable on current events, and will call out a speaker on their ballot for fabricating information or misusing it.

Coaching:

This is my second year coaching, and my school's first year having a team. My preferred events to judge are Extemp, Congress, Original Oratory, and Duo.

Experience:

I am somewhat new to judging debate. I performed in speech in high school and I am a performer so rhetoric and persuasive appeal does play a big role with me, please show me that you are confident about your case, even if you’re not. That being said, I do want to take the role seriously and I have done what I could to prepare for it in recognition of your hard work in preparation for debate. Of course I don’t need to tell you that good sportsmanship and professionalism are of the utmost importance.

Expectations:

1. Please do not spread. This just loses my attention in your debate and I will just vote for the person from whom I caught the most thoughts/ideas. Help walk me through your arguments and make sure I hear them: evidence and rebuttals. It would be helpful if you sent me your case: saylorw@gosaints.org

2. Avoid progressive arguments unless you are 100% comfortable and prepared to defend them.

3. During rebuttal/final focus be specific with why you think you won and your opponent lost. This really stands out to me.

I have been a Speech and Debate coach for 15 years with multiple State champions and National elim rounds. I also teach classes for students for both elite competitors and novices. I have judged virtually every form of debate including CX, PF, LD, WS, and BQ, however, my main emphasis is on the Speech and Interp side. While I can handle speed, I prefer debaters that emphasize organization and clearly outlined arguments with strong analysis skills. Debate is a communication event. If I can't understand you or you don't make your arguments clearly with good evidence, I will not be voting for you.

I am a junior high speech and debate coach. While I do tolerate some speed please do not spread. Please make sure to signpost. Impacts are important please make sure you connect them back to your value/criterion. Have fun and be kind to each other.

As a student, I competed at both the middle and high school levels in Individual Speech Events including, Dramatic Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, and Declamation. As a freshman in high school, I won the 1988 KY state championship in Oratorical Declamation. My university did not offer competitive speech and debate, so I did not compete at the collegiate level. I have taught English for 19 years, and have been the IE coach of our school's Speech and Debate team for the last 7 years. I have had students qualify for NSDA nationals in IE events in 2017, 2018, and 2019, 2020, and 2021. While coaching our team, I have had a student place in the top 60 at nationals in Dramatic Interpretation. 12th in the nation in Expository, and some of my students have claimed AL state championships in OO, Informative, and After Dinner Speaking. I have also had AL State Runners-up in DI and Duo. I enjoy contemporary pieces as much as old classics. I don't mind pieces with controversial themes, provided the topics are presented appropriately within the context of the piece.

I prefer to judge IE events, but am prepared to judge debate when needed. The following is what I prefer and/or look for when I judge debate events:

1. I am not a fan of spreading. If you speak so quickly that I am unable to flow your arguments, I will put my pen down and no longer judge you. Spreading is unnecessary for a well-crafted case.

2. Evidence is very important, and it should back up your case.

3. I will judge your case based on your use of evidence, direct clash, and speaking style. Did you prove your case, did you present the best case, and did you attack your opponent’s case?

Background:

My high school and college experience consists mostly of public speaking, speech, and student government involvement. I also have an extensive performance and theatre background.

I graduated from University of Florida with a B.A. in Political Science, with a focus in Constitutional History & Education. I then went on to obtain my M.Ed., focusing on Secondary Social Studies Education.

Speech & Debate Judging Experience:

I currently work closely with the newly formed Navarre High School Speech & Debate Team. The NHS team is coached by Meghan Rodriguez, who trained me to judge.

I have traveled to and been a judge at several local and regional tournaments, and have also served as a judge for two National Tournaments. I am most comfortable judging speech events, including Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Program of Oral Interpretation, and Original Oratory. My specialty, however, is Congress.

I look for sharp, fluid speakers, who are animated and engaging. I want to forget the outside world when you are speaking, to forget that this is an event. You should be natural, flexible to your environment, and your performance should not seem over-rehearsed.

In Congress, I expect informed and succinct speeches that adapt to the mock Congress setting/dialogue/debate and do not rehash. There is no need to attack, but feel free to address other speeches when necessary and pertinent. Speak clearly - your speech is not a race.

Hi there! I'm glad you're reading this. A little about me: I debated LD for 4 years in high school and competed in IPDA for 4 years of college. Every form of debate is a little different, but overall each round is going to come down to clash and impact weighing. That's how you will win my ballot.

A few things:

Speed: Please don't feel the need to impress me with speed. You will impress me more by being a good orator, having clarity, and signposting. Going faster than snail pace is fine, though. Remember, I'm not an idiot but I am *very* out of practice with spreading. Please send me cards before the round (dena.winegeart@gmail.com), but if you insist on spreading, slow down for tags and analysis. If I lose you, I will stop flowing. I won't disrupt you by saying clear-- you know when you're being unclear.

Theory/Abuse: Fairness and education come first. That being said, I'm not a huge fan of theory debates, so try to avoid them if you can in front of me. If not, then overexplain it but still respond to other substantive arguments in the round. Please don't run T just for the sake of running T. I don't think it's reasonable and I think you had better have a good reason to run it. Show me why your ground is limited because of what your opponent did.

Framework: I love framework debates in LD! I think that's what makes LD so different compared to other styles. If you're going to run a certain framework, make sure you understand it and can explain it well. Truly, that is how you will get the highest speaks from me.

If you run anything that is sexist, racist, homophobic, etc. in front of me, you will get the lowest speaks possible and I will be sure to inform tournament staff/coaches promptly. I don't tolerate it and neither should you.

Everything else is fair game! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask.