Last changed on
Fri January 5, 2024 at 1:01 AM MDT
My experience is pretty vast. I competed in all the standard debate events, along with Extemp in speech. Competed at NSDA’s in Congress, PF, and Extemp. (Broke in PF) Competed at NCFL’s and went to Semi’s in Congress. Competed at TOC in Congress.
I’m from a pretty small debate team originally that had no access to high end resources such as specific coaching, camps, briefs, etc. Because of this I’m mostly a traditional judge. While progressive arguments are fine, comprehension is sometimes difficult for myself.
I’m primarily a tech judge. While I wouldn’t believe the sky is red, claims that go uncontested and not clashed against, that get brought up in final speeches will be weighed.
K/T can be brought up, but for the most part goes way over my head. I’m fine listening to these arguments.
Signposting and roadmaps are really appreciated. Grouping together specific args, I.e. three turns on contention 1, would be more useful than reading 1 turn, then a disad, then attack the warrant, then bring up another turn.
Evidence quality matters, empirics and peer reviewed evidence is weighed more than simple news evidence.
I’m pretty much fine with students deciding how the round should go, just communicate it with me if you want to do anything outside the norm
I personally hate speaks, I think they are a bad tie breaker, and I never want to be the reason that students don’t break when they win debates, because of this, I give the highest points I can. The exception to this, is courtesy in cross. If you are being rude, I will give lower speaks. There’s no reason to be insulting for someone misunderstanding questions, arguments, etc.
I don’t flow cross, please bring up what’s said in cross in your speech, if you want it to be flowed
Speed is fine, although if I can't understand it I will say clear, this will only happen once. High pace conversation pace is best for me.
Have fun! I know that debate is highly competitive, but it should more fun than stress.