Policy

I am a policy maker – an impact calc. is crucial to me. Really provide in-depth analysis for risks/scenarios/advantages. Whatever you run in the round just make sure you do it well. I like intelligent clash and not getting stuck in a time suck over less relevant arguments.

T – Please make sure to provide a quality definition and show why your interpretation is to be preferred. Do not use it was a way to wrap the entire debate up on a T argument and waste time.

DA – The more specific the link the better. I don’t really care for super generic canned disads. Show why the big bad is more likely to happen with what you read than in aff world.

K – I am open to a Kritik, but you need to really understand and explain it well. It really comes down to your explanation though if I buy it. Don’t run one in the 2NC – I find it to be unfair to aff.

CP – Like everything else if you run it well, I am a fan. I think naturally it makes more since for it to be plan inclusive, but you can set it up anyway you’d like with the right evidence.

Theory – I strongly dislike theory arguments. You can run one if it is necessary but don’t wrap the whole debate up in a theory argument.

Speed – I think I can flow just about anything, but I will say “clear” if needed or stop flowing.

Speech Events:

I am looking for authentic characters and emotions. Clear understandable diction is important. I want to feel a part of your story. Clear character differentiation is important.

Debate:

I do not like spreading in LD or anything that is not CX. I want to be able to understand you and your arguments. There should be good supporting evidence and clear impacts. Clash should be strong and case related without abuse on either side through continuing to talk or avoiding answering a question.

Congress:

Bring in new evidence with your speeches. Speak clearly and respond to information in previous speeches. Do not be rude in your questioning or speeches. Treat everyone in the room with respect.

CX: Honestly, get out there and do what you do best... Debate! All I ask is that you provide me with decent clash and voters at the end of the round. I'll listen to pretty much anything, but be warned that CPs must be run correctly and adequately apply for them to be a significant voter for me. Also, just know that I can count the number of times I've voted for a K on one hand, as most of the time they are run incorrectly, provide zero education in the round, and/or are just vague and silly timesuck arguments. I'm not saying I won't vote on a K, just be cautious in doing so. I'm fine with DAs, Ts, Theory, and all other on-case, as long as it's relevant and applies. Additionally, don't be afraid to run new on-case arguments in the 2NC; after all, it is a constructive speech. Finally, please don't waste our time playing games with technology or running arguments you plan to kick later. Time is a very valuable resource, so if you don't plan on seeing an argument through to the end of the round, please just don't run it to begin with. Other than that, be decorous, communicative, and most of all have fun!

I don't mind speed. As long as you don't sound like an auctioneer or like you're about to pass out, we should be good. I will not tell you if you're going too fast or can't be understood. You should know if you're adequately communicating with the room or not. The biggest thing to remember is that this is a communication event and you should not expect me to figure out what you're talking about on my own. Explain, communicate, and remember that I don't have the cards in front of me to refer back to (nor do I want a copy to refer back to). Remember, if everyone in the room does not understand what is happening, then it isn’t debate.

LD: Probably the most important part of LD is the value/criterion debate. If you can show that your value/criterion frames the resolution better than your opponents, then that's a pretty easy win in my book. Otherwise, the main thing I look for is legitimate clash between opponents. I don't mind some progressive argumentation, but remember that at the end of the day value debate isn't about providing a plan to solve a problem. If you want to do that, you might consider switching to CX.

I believe that first and foremost all debate should be based on communication. To that end be sure that you do not utilize forms of debate which leave the audience more bewildered than informed.

When it comes to speed, don' get a ticket. But, I will hang with you until about 350 words per minute. Exceeding that barrier will leave me with the impression that you are yet another lost narcissist with dreams of sugar TOC fairies dancing through your head.

Style, I consider myself a policymaker, although my wife seldom agrees. In argumentation, I like most arguments, however, I hate K debate when it turns totally ridiculous, i.e. time machines, comfort (keep your clothes on), pinkwashing, etc, I like theory arguments to be justified and tied to other arguments in the round that warrant their use. Humor is a plus when used appropriately.

I don't care about your WIKI. I won't ask you for your evidence after the round (Unless one of you is lying, then the liar loses). And, I don't care what your coach thinks. You're the one debating. Speak like your life depends on it.

In the end, I want to think, wow he/she would make a great president, not argh, ...another cute dog catcher. Represent the sport well.

Let the games begin.

Congressional Debate

Congress, while functional debate, is just as significantly role playing. Take the role. Serve the part. This increases professionalism and individuality within the round. I prefer quality over quantity and communication must be elemental to the round. It the quality here blended with unique arguments that leads to clash.

Theatrical Individual Events - DI/HI/Duet/DUO/POI/Prose/Poetry

Be in the moment. Engage your judge and audience. Be confident. Perform with focus on your verbal presentation blended with your physicality. I look for proper inflection, diction, and enunciation alongside other elements of characterization. Balance your time with the story arc you are attempting to establish - help me visualize your character's world and the thematic meaning you are highlighting. Have you created a reflection of the mood and essence intended by the author(s)? Be sure to include an appropriately crafted introduction. I enjoy a well designed teaser before entering into your introduction. In partner events the introduction should be equally balanced. I equally enjoy well crafted settings through movement and pantomime. Throughout the round remain respectful of the performances in your room.

Forensic Individual Events - OO/INF/USX/IX

A professional presentation is anticipated ranging from mannerisms within your speech towards vocabulary choice, organization, handling of presentation topic (this includes props in Informative) to general presentation techniques of pace, diction, projection and general enunciation. I look for a well developed and organized concept supported by appropriate evidence, statistics, and personal anecdotes. A balanced use of time in appreciated as your present your introduction, points and conclusion. Inform, persuade and entertain. I enjoy effective use of rhetorical devices. This includes both historical and pop cultural allusions, alliteration and the rule of three. Sound devices enhance the quality of a presentation and make your statements memorable. Eye contact shows confidence. Rhetorical situations should include the full rhetorical square and nit simply the triangle - use ethos, pathos, logos and kairos.

I tend to be a more traditional judge, but that does not mean I oppose different styles of LD Debate. While I am not fully accustomed to CX-style debate in LD, I am comfortable with CX arguments. If you feel more comfortable running policy arguments, go for it. It won’t impact your ballot simply because it is policy.

Spreading: I’m pretty comfortable with spreading, but if I can’t understand you, I will put my pen down and stop flowing your arguments.

Impacts/voters: Please weigh your impacts in your final rebuttal! Give voters! If you don’t tell me why I should vote for you based on the arguments in the round, I will default to your opponent's voters.

Overall, keep it classy. I will dock major speaker points if I feel a competitor is deliberately attacking their opponent.

OO/INFO/Extemp:

As long as the speech is organized and easy to follow, how you organize it is up to you. I know there are different standards everywhere. Make sure you back up your points and arguments with sufficient evidence!

INTERP:

I have no preference for how you put together your piece as long as it helps the plot structure overall. I love good character work! While pops and tricks are nice, what really wins me over is getting lost in the character's story when it is genuine.