I am a lay judge and this is my second in-person tournament.

I want you to speak a bit clearly and at a pace which I as a lay judge can follow/understand. Wherever it applies, I would appreciate an off-time roadmap.

I will not be taking time so be sure to take your own.

I expect you to be respectful towards your opponents.

Hey everyone, I am a parent judge approaching three years of experience in both debate and speech.

• I am a standard tech > truth flow judge (meaning that I will write down everything you say, even if it’s illogical). That being said, it’s your responsibility to address the fact that your opponents are running something very illogical if it happens

• Signpost. Tell me what contention you will be refuting/defending at all times - this makes it so much easier for me to effectively judge

• In the case of a prepared debate, be sure to cite evidence for your claims, but also have the logic for why it is true. Debate is both evidence and logic-based, and I expect to see both

• Lastly but most importantly, please keep your arguments at a reasonable speed. If I can’t understand what you’re saying then I won’t be able to flow it

1. Speak at a normal conversational speed

2. Roadmap and signpost

My primary judging criteria:

1. Clear presentation and better communication of the speech/debate topic with your audience.

2. Don't overshoot your allotted time by too much.

3. Loud enough to be understood and heard by all.

4. Don't go too fast in your speech delivery.

Hello! I am Deborah Kurtz from Portland, Oregon. I've been teaching English Language Arts at Mountainside High School in Beaverton for the last five years. Prior to teaching, I had a career developing training and marketing programs for large corporations, such as Intel and Petco.

I'm thrilled to be coaching and judging Speech and Debate this year. Clear, organized, and engaging communication is most important to me. When it comes to debate, I'm looking to see who can present the most organized and persuasive argument. Please focus on the issues to strengthen your positions; I'm not interested in getting into the weeds of debate theory. I'm interested in discussions that would educate and persuade everyday people. Most of all, be positive and respectful to your competitors.

As a judge I expect debates to be civilized, organized and equitable. Competitors should walk in a room prepared and presentable. Organized and easy to understand, as well as follow arguments are a must. Speech and Debate is meant to be fun, it is not the place for pettiness or discriminatory language.

In regards to speech specific events, pieces should flow, be easy to understand and be entertaining. Understanding your source material is important. While I obviously am judging based on speaking capabilities, when it comes to breaking ties the entertainment value is the final breaking factor.

Hello,

I have been judging and coaching since 2016, before that I was a competitor in high school. My day job is a compliance director and pre-kindergarten teacher . My paradigms are pretty simple. In debate I vote by flow, show me the link chain, connections, and how your evidence or case is stronger than your opponent. If you provide a frame work, carry it through the round. I do not like spreading and super fast speaking, slow down and annunciation your words. Debate is still a speaking event, show off your public speaking skills . My pet peeve is interrupting opponents and rude manners, such as mumbling rude comments, if you ask a question, wait for a reply before moving on. Keep your comments to the case not other students. In IE events, I am looking for annunciation, smooth pace of speaking, use of gestures and showing a varied range of emotions. Best of luck in your rounds, feel free to ask any questions.

I am a novice judge.

I am an engineer by profession. I am used to sitting in presentations and in technical debates.

I find it easier to follow crisp, cogent arguments delivered with clarity.

I sometimes have trouble digesting the arguments if speakers rush through them.

Since I am new to this, please feel free to remind me if I am missing a step or about specific rules that are supposed to be applied during a particular phase of the debate.

As a parent judge, I like to see your speeches being well-structured, with good logic and strong evidence to support your opinions. Your performance, such as your posture and tones will also be considered. Keep up your good work.