Things you should know:

I’m a community judge who used to coach LD. I’ve been judging for 4 years.

I am open to how you debate, and none of these items listed below are things I demand or will vote solely based on, but I will share preferences:

a. Please don’t speak too fast. I struggle to follow your arguments if you speak too quickly. That is the most important thing I care about.

b. I appreciate criterions.

c. I do like to hear your voting issues so I can see the debate from your view. This helps me focus how to make a choice.

d. I find empirical evidence very important to helping me make a decision.

In summary: If you speak too fast, that hinders my ability to understand your arguments. I am open-minded, but I do lean more toward traditional debate. (In essence, tabula rasa)

Hello!

I am the Speech and Debate Coach at Mercyhurst Preparatory School in Erie, PA. I've been coaching and involved with speech and debate since 2017, and primarily work with my school's debaters. I enjoy judging Public Forum due to it's clear and pragmatic discussions.

When judging, I, above all, desire to hear clearly delivered speeches. Without clarity, it is difficult to give consideration to your position and evidence. Also, I listen closely for a well-organized speech that clearly states contentions, evidence, and impacts.

I approach PF as the event was originally intended. As judge, I am basing my decision on who was most convincing in their argument. Think of me as a regular guy pulled off the street, so you must clearly explain things and convince me!

Finally, debaters must remain courteous and civil in debates. Rudeness will be penalized!

I look forward to judging your team!