I'm pretty chill just want to see good debates!

3 Year Debater for Bentonville High School, have competed in every style of debate. That being said, If you are reading this you are most likely in Junior High or Middle School, so don't get too stressed out about what I believe in the round. Reading my paradigm in an of itself is an awesome thing.

BIAS

That being said, I will vote on anything, any speed, any topic. I will notice if you do not understand your argument and are simply reading off a paper, and while I will not vote you down for it, just be careful because your opponents could notice as well, and it's just not a good look. Also if you are a more progressive debater in JH (if there even are any) while I love to see a K debate, your opponents probably wont and try to recognize the circuit you are operating probably does not either, so I discourage it.

Humor can also be great in these debates often filled with depressing statistics and clash. Making me laugh in round is great if possible, and can always bump speaks :D.

Especially for LD, I heavily weigh rounds on value/framework- do not drop this. If your opponent has a different framework than you do, I expect to see clash on this.

Impact calculus is critical. I expect to hear this throughout the round- not just last speeches.

If you make a point in your first speech but you and your opponent drop it, I will not flow it to anyone. Make sure to call out when your opponent has dropped your points and then you should extent your point.

CX/ETHICS

As long as you are not racist/xenophobic/homophobic etc, we should have no problems with aggressiveness, I believe that a little bit of aggro can really increase clash and deepen a debate's value. Do not conflate this with just being mean to your opponents, or trying to parade around/patronize them. I will notice, and your speaks will reflect it.

Welcome! My name is Sean Ewalt He/Him. I had competed across 4 years during my time at BHS and BWHS, now a varsity debater at North West Arkansas Community College.

Speaks-

I ALWAYS ALLOW LOW-POINT WINS

Poor speaks will never be the sole benefactor on a side loss, as long as a thorough argument is created with an adequate claim, warrant & impact, and points are clearly refuted.

In an age where good speaks is so highly valued over being technical and being able to communicate a concise message. It's important to allow a team to be competitive, even if they aren't amazing speakers within a circuit.

Case-

FrameWork- Please provide a framework and I will provide the flowing through of a framework if carded and met by an uncarded framework.

Contentions: Please always communicate the author's date and year, this will be severely beneficial since I will have access to all information to better form my post-round decision.

Link: Important to provide a well-defended and carded link since, along the lines of the credibility of a card, your opponent will attack the link to enable the dropping of a contention/impact.

Impacts: I cannot stress how important it is to have down to earth impact, unless given the ability to defend it to the ends of the earth please make it simple for yourself. It's easy to get "swathed" in the technicalities of clashing impacts, Recency=Scale=Likeliness, this will be a round-by-round decision based on the impact considering how important it is to flow a certain impact through.

Summary: Please extend all arguments or will be dropped with little leeway. Ie. For a refutation is not important to be re-addressed though please if major implication it would be important to bring it up just in case anyone forgets (Surprisingly lacking perfection I know my bad)

Questioning: I will never flow through questioning, it is detrimental that if an important advancement is made that it is major within a round, please bring it up in your speeches and flow it through.

Any further questions please contact me @- EwaltSean@gmail.com

Thank you! I hope you the best in your competition in academia.

Best Regards, Sean W. Ewalt

Hey! My name is Vaisakh Karuvath. A little bit about me: I have performed in all styles of debate with my main styles having been World Schools and Congress. Don't let that allow you to underestimate my experience in Policy, LD, or PF. I've also competed successfully on local, state, and national circuits, IF it's necessary.. I can elaborate on my experience in round. As a judge, I mostly have experience in debate, however I have competed in Prose, Extemp, Oratory, and Storytelling. I will always do my best to judge the round completely fair and constructive. If you have any questions after round, please feel free to email me at vaisakhkaruvath@gmail.com

As a debate judge, this is what I look for:

- Of utmost importance to me is a respectful and engaging debate. If I see that you are in any way being a disturbance to a good quality debate, I can guarantee you that the round most likely will not go your way.

- I love clash! It is one of my favorite things about debating, it truly brings out your skills as a debater and a speaker to the maximum. Make sure to stay organized and know your material, if not, the debate sounds very monotone and will not be enjoyable for anyone.

- Let's address speed for a second. I am all for speed and I am mostly fine with it, but if you decide to spread in any other event than Policy, just stop and ask yourself what you're trying to do because it really doesn't work. LD has certain leeway for me, but that is highly tournament based.

- Direct me through your speeches. Don't expect me to infer what you're trying to say or impact. Address everything and tell me why it matters. At the end of the round, I will most definitely be looking at who has the bigger and better impact; that is what will win you the round. I do flow everything, however, don't expect me to infer and rely on my flows the entire round; it is your job to convince me why you won the round.

- As for cross, there is not much to say. I will definitely be paying attention, but I will not flow it. If something is said in cross that is important to the debate... use it in your next speech so I can weigh it along with the other arguments. Make sure to stay respectful in cross!! Being aggressive does not make you a better debater.

- If a card is called for, I expect that it already be cut and ready to be sent. Given the chance of technical difficulties, it shouldn't be taking 10 minutes to send a cut card. Come to round prepared, I don't want to see cards being cut in round.

- Just a quick thing to know, I DESPISE definitions debates. They do not serve any purpose unless there is a clear misconstruction of a definition, but I doubt that will ever happen.

- Progressive debate within Public Form and Lincoln Douglas is perfectly fine with me. But, just make sure you know what you're doing and make sure you know what you're talking about. It can be easy to get lost, but sometimes progressive PF and LD can be super fun!

- In terms of speaks: everyone will start out at a 28.5 and can go up or down from there. To get good speaks from me just be confident, present yourself well, be respectful, and be engaging.

- Finally, just a quick thing to address. Any racist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, sexist, ableist, or bigoted/demeaning comments/arguments will result in a swift loss for you. None of this is tolerated, it is not to be seen in debate. We are all friends here.

Style Specific:

Honestly, this is going to be a lot, so just look for the style you're competing and it's fine if you just read through that. And, once again, if you have questions just ask me in round!

PF - Alrighty, I really enjoy debating unique cases in PF especially if they link to the resolution well with weird and fun, but relevant take on it. So, I'm definitely going to enjoy watching a round that has good debate between two different cases that aren't generic or common. Let's discuss framework. I honestly do not care about framework, it does not matter to me... however, if you do provide a framework, DO stick to it because that is what I will use to weigh the round at the end. If you are opposing a team that has brought in a framework, you still need to ensure to show how you win based on the framework they provide if you don't have a framework as well. If both teams have a framework, it will likely get muddy, but whomever can show me which one is more relevant and beneficial will get the ballot. I will be defaulting to cost-benefit analysis if no framework is provided and try your bestnot to center the debate around the framework, it really makes it less enjoyable. Some of the biggest things you should focus on is line-by-line argumentation, especially in the rebuttal speeches. Along with this, ensure you extend everything through each speech; if something is dropped or is not mentioned in a speech, I will flow it to the team who made the last argument for/against it. However, it is still the opponent's job to mention that an argument went unanswered for the sake of showing me why it matters that they dropped it. By the end of the round you need to be able to show me which arguments matter the most and what I need to look to in order to come to a decision. I do flow, but it is your job to tell me which ones have the bigger and most beneficial impacts by extending and weighing through the last speeches.

LD - Let's talk about Lincoln-Douglas for a bit. Values and Value Criterions can be very helpful to you in a round especially if you have unique ones (that are topical and link to the resolution). If you utilize them well and prove why your value + criterion matter most AND how you fit best into the "designated" V/VC of the round, then the ballot will most likely go your way. DO ensure that you line-by-line argue/refute, extend your points and arguments throughout the round, and truly show me why your impacts weight/matter. LD is a very short round of debate, think about how you want to use and structure your speech time with your arguments.

CX - I have debated in policy before, but that was quite a while ago and rather brief. If I do end up judging policy, I will try my best and do try to bear with me. Spreading, of course yes... just make sure I'm on the email chain. There's a lot to be covered about policy, but I'll just briefly overview what I'm looking for based on my limited experience. Line-by-line is really going to be important here, ensure that the winner of the ballot is clear. If you're running a CP, make the outweighing net benefit clear and I have no problem flowing it to you. With a DA; do not far-fetch the link or internal link; go for the impacts and explain how the AFF causes a net bad problem and why it matters. I do not enjoy T's, I think most of the time it's just used to steal the AFF. However, if an AFF truly is not topical and you show it to me, I will for sure vote on it. I don't have much experience with K's or K AFF's, but ensure you provide a strong link (throughout the round) and extend the framework (keep it fair) throughout the debate, I will vote on it. Of course, I will look out for de-links and bad alts on the opposition side. Of course, you should extend everything throughout the round (I'm not going to weight dropped points), but always point out if a point was dropped and explain why that matters. Impact calc is going to be important, do not forget about that.

Congress - The biggest thing about Congress that you must remember is that it is a style of debate. I will be expecting you to go up and give speeches with strong argumentation and round relevant refutations. Too often in Congress rounds, I see representatives continuously going up and giving repeated 1st speeches without any actual debate. NO! That is not Congressional Debate, that is quite literally practicing multiple 1AC speeches. Those who are able to show me they come to round prepared and give speeches with well-written argumentation and good speaking skills will definitely be voted up by me. If you PO, ensure you know what you are doing. The round becomes very slow if the PO is unable to keep up and that is no fun, but I doubt that will be a problem! Questioning should always remain respectful and I will be paying attention to questioning also.

So, now that we've gotten all of that out of the way, Speech & Debate is a fun activity that I am sure we all enjoy so ensure to enjoy it to the full extent! Ride on the high of the win and if you lose, so what, come back better and stronger next time. You have room to grow! If you have any other questions feel free to ask me in round. I am very open and will most likely have conversations with you! Have fun and enjoy the tournament!!

Austin Keefe (he/him)

University of Arkansas (akeefe@uark.edu)

Public Forum/Congress/Lincoln Douglas/IPDA

Howdy, I am a former public forum/Lincoln Douglass and a current IPDA varsity debater for The University of Arkansas and have been doing debate for about 6 years competitively. I'm a simple man, any homophobia, racism, xenophobia will immediately lose you the round and 20 speaker points. Just don't, it's not worth it. Please time yourself, if I have to call you out for a time, it'll hurt speaks so just time yourself.

Public Forum

I am a big framework guy so for me to flow it to your side it needs to be thoroughly tied to your case and brought up often. If you do concede to your opponent's framework then I need a card or an extremely valid reason why. Weighing and magnitude also don't hurt when flowing as it gives me a lens for the debate. Personally, I believe debates peak during crossfire. Use your time wisely and don't ask cupcake questions that drag out time. I am an aggressive-style type debater and love it when there is a high-volume clash and argumentation. I don't want free melatonin in the form of a lame crossfire so make the most of it. Lastly, signposting will be crucial to cross-applying arguements. I need to be able to understand your arguments to be able to clearly lay out your case. That being said I can understand spreading but if you do, there will need to be a speech doc shared beforehand.

Lincoln Douglas

Traditional LD is my stuff and I'll be able to follow a case very well. I have had Progressive rounds so I will still be able to flow K's, meta-theory, disclosure theory, tricks, etc... I don't specifically have a preference over the other but I do prefer a traditional case-vs-case debate but if you bring in a K, I'll be able to follow. If you don't need to fill the speech time, don't. I'd have a better time flowing your arguments to you if you condense it down to 5 minutes rather than trying to ramble on for the extra 2 minutes.

Congress

I love congress speeches because they are able to provide humor in the serious world of debate. Funny and entertaining intros will help me tie your case to your points and enjoy your speech more. Evidence is just as important in these speeches though and I will take all of your speech with a grain of salt if there isn't a source to back it up. Also, if we have spent 40+ minutes on a single bill, please do not run a constructive speech (unless its new information) that just reiterates past representative's speeches. It makes your speech appear weak and ill founded. Refutation speeches are pretty rad as it provides clash in the debate so try to do that.

Literally any other debate style

Just speak clearly and I think I am capable enough to follow through with your case/argument.

Speaks

The worst amount of speaker points I'll give is a 27 (unless you are being rude, yelling, racist, you know, the no-no stuff). I throw a 30 here and there but I'll need very good signposting, crossfire, and speeches. But in general, if you speak well enough to understand, a 28 is in your grasp. Going overtime will hurt your speaks (over the 10 second grace period) so don't do that.

Misc.

All in all, its you vs. your opponents where y'all are yelling about topics way above our pay grade. Just enjoy it, it's an event where people are forced to listen to you rant about stuff you spent too much time researching. Spend 5 minutes before your round watching this video rather than spam-prepping. Have fun g.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APJZeNY6dKo&ab_channel=Lucasamiel0406

Hi, I’m Wyatt, I have 3 years of debate experience in Congress and PF, but I’m also happy to judge LD. I also have 2 years of forensics experience. My paradigm is not super extensive, just some things to keep in mind.

ALL STYLES

• Be civil. Debate is open to anyone, an educational activity that expands your thinking and speaking skills. If you can’t put aside any prejudices you may hold for the duration of the round, then you don’t belong on the circuit, and I will be happy to tell you that.

PF

• I judge based on flow. Speaker points will not affect the outcome of the round. That said, if your speech is unorganized and sloppy, then that could make it harder for me to flow, which could lose you the round

• Logic and technical arguments will always move me more than conjecture and emotional anecdotes. They have their place but support your arguments with real evidence as well.

• The PF circuit is becoming more progressive. If. Theory and off case (Kritik) arguments are valid, but must be well justified and well linked.

• Don’t spread. Especially on the novice circuit.

LD

• Most of the same as PF above.

• Make sure you connect your values through the entire round, don’t put them at the beginning of your speech because you think it’s required, and then never bring it up again. Don’t assume that I understand your link to the value.

• LD is also becoming more progressive. Don’t be afraid to use Theory or Kritiks but still make sure that it’s airtight.

• Spreading is acceptable BUT:

• Start an email chain before your speech. You don’t get to start spreading as a way to stop your opponent from understanding you, If I can't understand your speech, or I don't have your case in front of me, I can't flow it.

• Include me on any email chain: wrice2327@gmail.com

CONGRESS

• I love congress.

• I want to see clash, bring up points that your fellow representatives have brought up. Congress is not a forensics event, so we need to be debating, not acting.

• While it isn’t a forensics event, speaking is important. You need to be organized and passionate about what you’re saying

• Do not speak for the sake of speaking. It is painfully obvious if your speech is a filler fest with no original content or clash. These speeches will not get you very far and will hurt your chances with me.

• It’s really easy to be rude or act superior in congress. Don’t.

I'm a debater at Bentonville High School. Usually, I compete in policy, but I do have experience in LD, PF, Congress, and World Schools.

Email: aishups1923@gmail.com

General:

-Please put me on the email chain

- I typically give 27-30 speaker points, anything below a 26 means you should work on your speaking.

-I am okay with spreading if it is a policy or progressive LD round. If you are doing congress of PF, I will not accept spreading.

-While speed is fine, please be CLEAR

-For an argument to be evaluated by me, you have to extend it throughout the entire round. Saying it in the first speech and then never mentioning it again till the final speech does not count.

-I might give you higher speaks if you make me laugh :)

-Have good clash. Clash is amazing and is an instant way to get my attention

-I evaluate tech and truth equally.

-Don't be racist, homophobic, sexist, xenophobic, transphobic, or ANYTHING like that. I will immediately give you zero speaks and may vote you down. Debate is supposed to be a safe space.

-Don't be aggressive or rude, those are not the same as being confident

-Unique or interesting case are very good, just make sure they're topical

-I will call for evidence if it seems sus, but it is your job as a debater to really analyze the evidence

-Having good eye contact with me and going off the flow will do amazing for your speaks

-Open Cross

Policy:

I'm fine with spreading, HOWEVER, after the 1AC/1NC, I expect you to slow down and truly extend your arguments. Simply reading taglines and not explaining the merits of a card will not count.

-policy is a highly technical form of debate and you should adhere to the specifics of the style. That being said, your arguments must have truth to them.

-CP permutations must be explained. You cannot simply say "perm do both" and not bother explaining and arguing it. Be creative with it!

-Theory args are fine, but make sure your links are specific (especially on kritiks). Explain your links well and make sure you can accurately apply them to the aff.

-Do your impact calculus. Tell me why your impact matters.

LD:

-Same thing on speaking as policy, if it is progressive PLEASE slow down after the first set of speeches and truly explain your ev.

-Your case must be the one that better fits the value criterion and framework of the round. Whoever better solves for the value usually wins.

-See above on theory and speaking

PF:

-IMPACT CAL, make sure you tell me why your impact matters and why it o/w

-Do your impact calculus and weighing in the summary speeches, the final focus is too little too late

-Extend your arguments well

-Progressive is fine, I will buy theory args, kritiks, disclosure theory, paraphrase theory, etc. But make sure any theory args aren't unnecessary.

Congress:

-Please have clash

-Have fun with roleplaying as a lawmaker, that's what makes Congress fun

-Ask questions

-Please don't be boring. Congress rounds are long, so having an interesting intro and conclusion makes it a lot more fun

-Don't keep repeating args other people have made throughout the round.

-Later speeches must have clash and rebuttals in them

-Try to use at least 2:00 minutes of your speaking time

Above all, debate should be a fun event and a safe space. Debate can be stressful and I want to make sure you have a clear understanding. Have fun, get creative. I know I sound mean in this, but I promise you I'm nice. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me, just be respectful with it. If time allows, I will try to also give verbal critiques, and I will be writing everything down on your ballot.

Don't be afraid to email me if you have any questions post round. My email is aishups1923@gmail.com

Hey Guys! My name is Samy Vimalraj, and I am currently a debater at Bentonville High School. I have previous experience competing in BQ, Policy, Public Forum, and Congress. I have also coached and judged IPDA at the Novice level. As a judge, I will ensure that my personal biases are left out of the round, and use my skills to the best of my ability.

Feel free to email me with any questions: samyukta.vimalraj@gmail.com

The Nitty Gritty:

- First and foremost, any racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, ableist, or discriminatory/demeaning comments or arguments will result in an immediate loss. I expect all competitors in the round to be respectful, and I will not tolerate hate of any kind.

- Good argumentation and clash are super important! It really allows me to see your skills as a debater and overall makes the debate more interesting (*cough* might help with speaker points...).

- While I do understand "common sense" arguments, I expect your arguments to be backed up with proper evidence. Use solid cards to support each one of your claims.

- When it comes to cross-ex, while I will be listening, I will NOT be flowing. Any arguments made in cross-ex must be brought up within a speech in order for me to be able to weigh them within the round. Also, be respectful! I understand that it can be easy to get heated during rounds, but maintain decorum at all times because being rude or aggressive towards your opponent(s) does not make you a good debater.

- Progressive arguments are fine with me! Just remember to properly explain it and make sure you know what you are saying. They can oftentimes get confusing, but as long as you know what you are doing it can be super fun!!

- Make sure you carry your arguments throughout the debate and tell me exactly why you stand ahead in the round. Although I will be flowing, I want to hear from you on why your impacts matter, and why you should win. (Remember: If you drop an argument, I will know.)

- Most importantly, just have fun!! Debate should be an entertaining activity, so as long as you're enjoying it, so am I.

Hey Guys! My name is Sean Watkins and I'm a former Debater from Bentonville High School. Here's some things you can know about me: I've done debate for 3 years and have competed across the nation in both Congressional and Public Forum. I attended the 2023 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Congressional debate and have a growing love for the style but I dig the casual styles of debate as well.

Email: watkisean@gmail.com

Here's a brief summary of what I'm looking for in Debate rounds:

- Most importantly, stay respectful and make sure to stay engaged throughout the round. If you're disrespectful or creating disturbances within the round you'll most likely lose both speaker points and the round. Along with that, don't be sexist, racist, homophobic, or transphobic - if this happens I can promise you'll lose the round.

- Direct me through your speeches. Don't expect me to infer what you're trying to say or impact. Address everything and tell me why it matters. At the end of the round, I will most definitely be looking at who has the bigger and better impacts and that is what will win you the round. I do flow everything, however, don't expect me to rely on my flows the entire round; it is your job to convince me why you won the round.

- If something is said in cross that is important to the round, please please please point it out. Although I will most likely hear it, I do not flow cross and I expect you to bring up big points that were made in cross.

- If a card is called for, I expect that it already be cut and ready to be sent. Given the chance of technical difficulties, it shouldn't be taking 10 minutes to send a cut card. Come to round prepared, I don't want to see cards being cut in round.

Specific to Congressional:

Speeches should not just be read. Ideal is performed without reading except for statistics. Each speech should add to the conversation, not just rehashing. Perspective should be of a representative not a speech and debate participant. Try to give specific examples of people or events when possible. Stats should add credibility and value to the speech. Use the space you are provided, don't just stand in one place. Voice should be clear, audible and most importantly, confident. Questions should be direct and relevant. Approach to questions should be assertive but professional. Participation is key.

Specific to IPDA:

- Speaks: As IPDA is out of 40, it is basically impossible for me to score you below a 30. Unless you and rude and disruptive you will most likely always receive a 34+. I'll start each opponent off at 36 and go from there.

- I enjoy a serious yet still enjoyable debate. If you can make me enjoy being there and have fun the whole time I will be a much happier judge. Yes, serious and realistic debates should be the norm, however if you create a unique and enjoyable case, you will receive my extra respect and gratitude.

PLEASE - just have fun, enjoy the debate, and don't be upset if you lose. Loses are there for us to get better and leads us to victory in the future. I'll almost always give feedback and disclose in round if I can, as I like it being person to person rather than having opponents just read my RFD.