Hello debaters,

I approach debate with a focus on substance and argumentation, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and effective case development. Here are key aspects of my judging philosophy:

1. Flow-Centric Evaluation:

   • I prioritize the flow as the primary tool for decision-making.
   • Debaters should clearly articulate and extend arguments throughout the round.
   • I appreciate organization and signposting to enhance the flow.

2. Impacts Matter:

   • I give weight to well-developed impacts that are linked to the resolution.
   • Impact calculus is crucial. Clearly explain why your impacts outweigh those presented by your opponent.

3. Technical Proficiency:

   • I value technical proficiency in debate. Solid understanding of debate theory and effective cross-examination will be rewarded.
   • However, I do not automatically vote on theory. Make sure to connect theoretical arguments to tangible impacts on the round.

4. Clarity and Signposting:

   • Clear, concise, and organized speeches are key. Clarity in communication helps me understand your arguments better.
   • Signpost consistently to help me follow your line of argumentation.

5. Adaptability:

   • I appreciate debaters who can adapt their strategy based on the flow of the round.
   • Flexibility in argumentation and the ability to adjust to your opponent's arguments will be recognized.

6. Framework and Weighing:

   • Framework is essential for framing the round, but it should be applied in a way that enhances substantive clash.
   • Effective weighing of impacts is crucial. Explain why your impacts are more significant in the context of the round.

7. Disinclination towards Theory Arguments:

   • I am not a fan of theory arguments. While I expect debaters to engage in substantive clash, relying heavily on theory arguments may not be as persuasive to me.

8. Respect and Sportsmanship:

   • Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor throughout the round.
   • I don't tolerate any form of discrimination or offensive language. Such behavior will have a negative impact on your speaker points.

9. Evidence Quality:

   • Quality over quantity. Well-analyzed and relevant evidence will carry more weight than a flood of less meaningful sources.
   • Reference your evidence appropriately and be prepared to defend its relevance.

Remember, this paradigm is a guide, and I am open to various debating styles and arguments. Adapt your approach to these guidelines, and feel free to ask for clarification on any specific preferences before the round begins.

I am the head speech and debate coach for Tea Area. I’ve competed at both the high school and collegiate level and have coached since 2019.

Clear, organized communication impresses me over jargon. Talk at a speed that you feel comfortable, but do not sacrifice comprehensibility. If I cannot understand your speech, I cannot vote on your points. I value professionalism throughout the entire round—in crossfire especially. I flow arguments and do factor dropped arguments into my decision; however, debaters should clearly weigh their arguments, showing what is the most important, and tell me why they win the round.

My Experience - I did speech and debate all four years of high school at Aberdeen Central. I’ve done PF, LD, BQ, INFO, ORT, StuCo, and a little bit of extemp so I’m familiar with pretty much everything. I was 14th in the nation for extemp debate in 2022, and the BQ runner up in 2023. Speech and debate is incredibly important to me, so I will not tolerate anyone making it unsafe or unwelcoming to anyone else. That being said, this is fun! Enjoy yourself, stay conscious of the fact that you have a captive audience, and do your best!

LD - LD was my jam as a competitor, and I know what a good round should look like. I judge a round from the top down. In LD your first and most important job is convincing me that your framework is the one I should use to evaluate the rest of the round. You can have the best evidence out there, but if you don’t give me any way to weigh it it doesn’t matter. Contentions obviously matter too, but framework is what I judge on first and foremost. I am okay with a quicker pace, but if I can’t get it on the flow, I won’t remember it when making my final decision.

PF - It’s been a while since I competed or judged PF, but that’s kind of the point of the event. Once again, speed is fine, but I can only judge on what I hear. I prefer arguments that are more realistic. Most arguments don’t logically impact out to nuclear war, and saying they do takes credibility away from what you’re saying. Kindness is key for me here. Be respectful of your opponents, partner, and judges especially during cx. I most likely don’t really understand any PF topic, so slowing down and making sure everyone in the room knows exactly what you’re talking about will gain you points.

Speech - I don’t know why you’re reading this. Please don’t change your speech for one round. Have fun!

I absolutely do not tolerate hateful or prejudiced speech. If you cannot argue your case without being hateful or discriminatory: CHANGE YOUR CASE

You will be voted down if you make the round unsafe for any other participants.

Above all else: Enjoy yourself!