Current LD Debater/past middle school debater.

Make good arguments, weigh them, be respectful, and most importantly, have fun!

I am a policy debate coach by background. I have been debating, coaching, and judging for over 30 years. I am comfortable with any arguments teams would like to present. When judging, I look to the work that debaters have done to reach a decision. In public forum, there are many ideas and norms that I see through the lens of my experience in policy debate and I'm fine with them (theory, topicality, CPS, kritiks, etc). I am most interested in voting for well-warranted, explained arguments. I also give higher speaker points to teams that build developed warrants into speeches. I am also most interested in understanding how teams view arguments clashing in the round. Explaining your thinking around this will also contribute to higher speaker points and wins.

Speed does not win debates. Clearly articulated, well reasoned arguments win debates.

I will be flowing, so please clearly indicate where you are in the structure of the ongoing debate.

Please keep track of your speaking time. I will set a timer, but I may not have a chance to provide warnings when time is running out.

Provide impacts and weight arguments. These provide the basis for a decision.

background:

hey! my name is saira (she/her), and i currently competitively debate pf. i was on my middle school's debate team, so i am familiar with the format :)

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my rules:

-be respectful. discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and will be reflected in your speaker points.

-do not aggressively heckle or poi. it is annoying and quite rude - i'll take off points if you do.

-after the round is over, be a good sport, no matter the outcome. congratulate your opponents, and wish them luck.

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other notes:

-ik it's difficult in a virtual setting, but try your best to make eye contact! it makes a huge difference.

-keep your own time and use it all! i will have a timer going, but it is helpful for you to as well.

-i am fine with speed, but make sure to enunciate.

-i do flow, so i love, love, love when debaters recognize that, and make it easy. for example, if you are giving a rebuttal, tell me what contention you are responding to. your speeches should be clear and organized.

-please, please weigh! have clear impacts for each of your contentions. third speaker should hammer these.

-do NOT drop arguments! if you do not respond to the opposing team's argument, i will mark it as a win for them (flowing is a great way to prevent this from happening).

-i will try to make my feedback as personalized as possible, but feel free to ask me if what's on my ballot isn't enough. feedback is very important, and it helps you become a better debater.

-losses aren't bad - they help you grow.

-debate is a team sport! yes, you get individual speaker points, but you compete as a three person team and are representing your school. do not be rude to your teammates or disregard them. you are all equally important.

-have fun!

Respect is top priority. If you don't respect your opponents you will lose the round.

Pronouns she/her

Preferences:

Speed is fine but make sure what you're saying is clear; enunciate your words

Eye contact is important, but I understand if you can't do so, as we are in a virtual setting

It's recommended that you keep your own time- I will keep time as well

Please roadmap your speeches, as I will be flowing. Make it clear to me what you are talking about

Weighing is crucial and will be a huge part of my decision as to who won or lost

I will give personal feedback to every speaker.

Use up all or as much as possible of your time- it tells me you have a lot to say and adds to your case

Obviously, be respectful to both your teammates and your opponents. No interrupting others

Things that will help me decide the win- weighing, impacts, and rebuttals.

May the odds ever be in your favor :)