Last changed on
Wed January 3, 2024 at 1:17 PM CDT
Howdy Everyone!
I'm currently a student studying Political Science at Texas A&M University. I competed in speech and debate for four years, primarily in Extemp and Congress, but I also have experience competing in World Schools, Info, Oratory, Prose, and Duo. Basically, I've been around the block. I prioritize making competitors feel comfortable in every round and seek to help y'all grow through every ballot. I'm always excited to judge and do this because I believe in the value of this activity. I aim to make my paradigms an explanation for why I vote the way I do and do not expect competitors to change the way they compete just because I am their judge. Good Luck!
Congress
I prioritize unique and complex arguments delivered in a persuasive and passionate style. While I subscribe to the sentiment that "it's Congressional Debate, not Congressional Speech-Making," the delivery of arguments does play a role in my ballot. An ideal speaker should embrace the roleplay of congress and act as if the issue they are speaking on has real-world implications. Dramatic and humorous styles are fine with me as long as each style is used appropriately. Speeches should be delivered extemporaneously, and avoid reading off your computer or flow. That said, your arguments are the first and foremost factor in my decision (consider performance a "soft factor"). I like to see arguments that you couldn't make sitting in a round but rather are well-researched and take a more nuanced approach to the legislation. Source quality is a BIG factor for me. Avoid cable news wires and prioritize think tank and journal articles. If you do not have a single well-researched argument in your speech, your speech is a "round clarification" speech, or it only builds off the same thing other speakers have said, I will not look favorable on that speech. Being a yappologist will only get you so far. Additionally, BE CLEAR. SIGNPOST. PLEASE SIGNPOST. Also, and this goes without saying, CLASH. CLASH OFTEN. CLASH STRATEGICALLY. CLASH WELL.
I understand the impact of precedence and recency and am sensitive to understanding how that can impact the round. However, I will also stress that competitors are responsible for strategizing their precedence and recency.
Presiding officers should be accurate and efficient. A PO's best measure is how much debate time their chamber has. They should not detract from the debate or make mistakes in precedence and recency. They should correct any mistake they make. Basically, if you blend into the background, you are succeeding. I understand how hard being a PO is, so don't be discouraged to PO. I will take you into consideration in my ballot.
World Schools
I love Worlds and think that the event is at the intersection of the most important skills this activity offers. As such, I like a well-rounded team. First and foremost, follow the norms of WSD. I enjoy logical arguments that are straightforward and understandable. Make sure your argument has direct links that make sense. Speeches ought to be delivered in an extemporaneous manner. Avoid reading off your case word-for-word. Speak slowly and clearly but also passionately. Please act like you care about the topic being debated. POIs should be frequent but not frivolous- make them mean something. Communicate on the bench to ensure you are not asking POIs repeatedly or simultaneously. I do not have any ideological preferences between principled and practical arguments. If there is a principled argument, I'd like it extended and addressed as an issue in its own right, separate from practical impacts. Other notes:
- Focus on realistic impacts and explain why your impacts matter. Weigh impacts, please
- There is a difference between repeating your arguments and extending them. If you are parroting the first speech and aren't analyzing or comparing impacts, you are doing something wrong
- The reply should narrow the debate into a few key issues and extend the most important clash points. If something is not extended through the reply, I likely will not consider it. Explain to me why you won the round
- I reward teams that are well-researched and keep up with current events. If there is big global news or information pertinent to the rounds' topic, please bring it up. Especially in impromptu motions.