Hello everyone!

A little bit about me: My name is Alek Zabel Araguz and I have been competing in speech and debate for about 7-8 years. In my time in High School, I was a 3x NSDA National Finalist, NIETOC Finalist, 3x TFA State Finalist, 2x UIL State Congress Finalist, and have dipped my toes in every event speech and debate has to offer. I now am a freshman at UT and compete on the UT Speech team. I love speech and debate with all my heart, and it makes me so happy to help grow this activity!

My rankings in round depends on a lot of factors, however, there are some overall sections that I look for when judging any type of round!

For I.E.'s, I look for:

• Characterization: Who is the person you are playing, what makes them unique? If you have multiple characters, what is distinct to each character that makes them distinguishable?

• Plot: Is the plot understandable? Is there a beginning, middle, and end? Does it highlight/show us change as the piece progresses? What about this story is different from others?

• Delivery: Is there variation in your delivery? Do we have uses of pauses, emphasis on words, silence, onomatopoeia, and how is it purposeful to your piece? If there are multiple characters, how are their voices different, what is their speed when talking, do they have any speech impediments?

• Blocking: Is the blocking you have PURPOSEFUL? These characters are people, so how do we make these characters multi-dimensional? How do you show us what you are doing when talking/not talking? Does the blocking you have help the message you are trying to convey?

• Confidence: When performing, do you exude confidence? Do you seem familiar with your piece? How connected are you to the message/piece you are doing? Are you confident in your abilities to tell your story? Why does this matter to you and especially to us listening?

• Professionalism: In a round, are you maintaining professionalism? How do you treat your judges and other competitors? Are you being distracting to other competitors? Are you respectful to those performing/ those watching? Do you keep composure when something goes wrong in a round?

For OO, Info, Extemp (and Congress), I look for:

• Structure: Does the structure of your speech enhance the topics you are discussing? Do you provide some sort of claim, evidence, and reasoning for each of your arguments? Does your speech flow make sense? Do your points work hand in hand with each other?

• Information: Is the info provided relevant to what you are saying? Is the article used out-dated? What makes this info different from most other statistics? How revolutionary is this article?

• Delivery: Is there variation in your delivery? Do we have uses of pauses, emphasis on words, silence, onomatopoeia, and how is it purposeful to your speech? Do you incorporate humor or any other devices to appeal to your audience/judge? If you use VAs, how are they purposefully used?

• Confidence: When performing, do you exude confidence? Do you seem familiar with your speech? How connected are you to the message/piece you are doing? Are you confident in your abilities to tell your story? Why does this matter to you and especially to us listening?

• Professionalism: In a round, are you maintaining professionalism? How do you treat your judges and other competitors? Are you being distracting to other competitors? Are you respectful to those performing/ those watching? Do you keep composure when something goes wrong in a round?

Things like these allow people to set themselves apart from their other fellow competitors and are super essential in any event you perform! If you have any questions, please don't be afraid to ask, I would be more than happy to clarify anything you all may need! Good luck and I hope y'all slay all your rounds!!

For extemp and public address, I prefer that students use a conversational style. I prefer that they use evidence as needed. I prefer they not try and name numerous sources, but be honest in what they are using. I like a roadmap they refer to for each point.

For interp, I like a meaningful teaser that sets the world they are creating and tries to introduce as many characters as possible. I think introductions should be short and sweet and be more personal. I think blocking and movement should be used to enhance the story, but is not necessary. I really look for fully developed characters that really listen and react to each other. For author's intent, I think it is okay to re-interpret a piece. I don't have a real issue with a curse word if it is used purposefully.

Hi Y'all!!!

Some stuff about me... My name is Jake Broyles and I have been competing in speech and debate for 7 years. In my time in High School, I was a 2x TFA State finalist (2023 POI State Champion), Harvard Finalist, NIETOC Finalist, TOC Finalist, and more. I am now a Freshman at University of Texas on the UT Speech Team. I'm so excited to judge y'all and I can't wait to see some great stuff!!

My rankings depends on many things but here are some main things I look for when deciding my rankings-

INTERP!

Script selection: Make sure the literature in your performance provides a unique and exciting perspective on your argument. If we have seen your script on the circuit many times, are you providing an original interpretation? Or are you just recycling someone else interpretation from past seasons? Performance plagiarism is a thing... and it becomes really easy to do when using a recycled script.

Characterization: commit to the bit- thats it. Don't be afraid to make strong character decisions, but if you do make sure you take that decision all the way there in the performance. Also, make sure the decisions you make are intentional and provide logical sense with your character.

Blocking: I loveeeee some good blocking! Just make sure it is intentional! Don't block a big moment just for the fun and gagginess of it- do it because it takes the audience even further into your performance.

Some questions to think about specifically for Programs, does your cutting make since? do you have a clear build into a climax? Can we follow your characters through the weaving of your literature? Does the literature you provide encapsulate your argument?

Overall confidence is key!! and just make sure you are having fun while doing it!

For performance based events, I tend to judge based on the believability of either the character the performer is portraying, or the connection to the message they are delivering. I enjoy more natural acting styles as I believe subtle emotion is much more powerful than over the top, unrealistic emotion. With humorous I am pretty simple; did I laugh? Was it clean? Was the script appropriately cut/ did the plot make sense? If every performer in a round hits all of these, it becomes all about which ones made me laugh the most.

When it comes to PA I find it necessary that the topic be something most people aren't familiar with OR a topic we frequently talk about with nuance brought to it. Additionally, the structure of the speech and conversational tone of the delivery is important to me. I also look for confidence, preparation, and accessibility of the information being presented, especially if it is a complex topic.

Tim Cook, Salado HS

tim.cook@saladoisd.org

I debated in high school and college. I have been coaching for over 40 years.

TFA State

I will not tolerate speed! I will say clear and then stop flowing. If I don't flow it, you don't get it. I will not be flowing from a doc.

Don't run theory unless there is real in round abuse (Not a fan of theory).

K and other progressive arguments (Not a fan). Don't assume I am familiar with the lit on your K.

I am very traditional! Establish a framework and link offense back to it.

No flex-prep

Flashing part of prep time.

Congress

Prefer clash or topical AGD. Have 2 developed arguments with good evidence. Think think tanks.

Clash and no rehash essential.

Make me laugh! DO NOT BE RUDE OR OVERLY AGGRESSIVE. Have fun.

PO's must run efficient and fair rounds. Don’t make parliamentary mistakes.

Ask me more specific questions.

Speech/Extemp

I have coached multiple UIL State champions, TFA state finalist and TOC finalist.

Answer the question! Have a clear thesis and three germane points. Prefer quality over quantity of evidence. Love AGD to be weaved throughout the speech.

Prefer controlled gestures, not repetitive. Movement should have meaning.

Ask me more specific questions.

LD

Establish a framework and link offensive back. I prefer substantive arguments over the resolution.

I will accept any argument as long as it is not offensive.

I will not tolerate speed. It will definitively result in low speaker points and could result in a loss if I don’t flow your argument.

Topicality needs to have a real abuse story.

Theory, CP and K are fine. If you are reading a K don’t assume I familiar with the argument and literature. The K needs to have a pragmatic alt. Theory needs a real abuse story.

Make sure speeches are organized and responsive to your opponent’s argument.

Don’t make do a lot of work for you because I won’t.

CX

My default paradigm is policy maker. I prefer substantive arguments over the resolution.

I will accept any argument as long as it is not offensive.

I will not tolerate speed. It will definitively result in low speaker points and could result in a loss if I don’t flow your argument.

Topicality needs to have a real abuse story.

Theory, CP and K are fine. If you are reading a K don’t assume I familiar with the argument and literature.

The K needs to have a pragmatic alt.

Make sure speeches are organized and responsive to your opponent’s argument.

Don’t make do a lot of work for you because I won’t.

Congress

I appreciate competitors who are knowledgeable enough to speak extemporaneously while addressing information and speakers that have already participated. Students should participate actively in the chamber's motions and show leadership even when not presiding. Questions should lead to potential arguments.

LD

I tend to be fairly progressive and will listen to any arguments you run. I am fine with condo and collapsing. Winning framing is important and will influence my decision in the round BUT will not be a skate to a ballot. I don't mind LARPING or any other strat you may make use of, provided you do it well and convince me of your positions. I am fine with speed and will want to be on the email chain. I prefer philosophical debates but don't mind whatever you want to throw at me.

Policy - see above

I am a tab judge and am open to hearing your positions. I will not advocate on the flow. I am open to collapse strats and prefer non-generic arguments that have a real link. I wish we would stop arguing end of world impacts but will vote on them

natalie crockett

mount pleasant '23 | utexas '27

she/her

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as a rule of thumb for all events, please do not be racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. please try and be as inclusive as possible in general!

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extemp: remember the little details along with your speech. eye contact, citing sources, pauses, etc. are also important aspects of the speech and could be the deciding factor in rankings if need be. i'm pretty particular about proper sources being provided when necessary so please keep that in mind. be sure that you are fully answering your question and providing thoughtful analysis on whatever answer you give. if you keep all these things in mind you shouldn't have many issues!

interp: the only comments I have to make about interp events is to look at the book as little as possible (if its an event with a book lol). A lot of times, the final rankings for a round end up coming down to little details like that so try to be as mindful as possible about memorization. interp is largely up to your interpretation (lol get it?) and i am aware of that as a judge. please use blocking :)

congress: speeches should have structure, adequate research, delivery, etc. make sure to remember proper parliamentary procedure as well in order to not devalue your position in the round.

pf: i'm pretty chill when it comes to pf, most of the time yall know how to run the round without the help of your judge and i'm 100% fine with that. off-time roadmaps are fine with me as well. calling out concessions does not indicate an auto-win, you have continue to extend your argument. try to speak as clearly as possible so i can catch what you're saying and please be professional.

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make sure you are aware of what circuit you are competing in (tfa, uil, nsda, etc.), each one has slightly different rules for certain things so please keep that in mind.

overall, i'm pretty laid back. if you have any questions about me as a judge, i am happy to briefly answer before the round starts. i know y'all work really hard for these events and i want to facilitate a fair environment for all of you to succeed. best of luck!

Head coach at San Angelo Central High School

Extemp:

The most important thing is that you answer the question as clearly as possible. This includes previewing your points, signposting throughout, and reviewing your points at the end that links into the conclusion. Adding a clear structure adds to the impact and value of your overall speech. It is to also help you not ramble on. It is also important to be creative with your attention getter, vehicle, and your conclusion. It will set your self apart in my eyes with creativity done well. Sources are very important, but answering the question your way is the most important, then use sources to back those up. Not the other way around. I look for all of those together and a good flow for my overall ranks.

Interp:

Everything you do in your performance must have purpose. I love creative movements, stories, and really anything as long as there is a purpose. I am ok with any theme or story being told as long as there is impact behind it. Facials, moments, and character development are all very important for the overall performance. DO everything you can to truly become your characters and be in the story you are telling. In close rooms, I always look at who does all of these things together the best.

Congress:

The most important thing in a congress room is to have a presence. Do what you need to do to stand out without personally attacking your fellow representatives. Always attack their points, speeches, and questioning to further strengthen your points, but not them personally. I look for how well you understand the legislation, how well you know the info, the impact your points have for fellow constituents, and the creativity of your speaking. You need to have passion and use points made in the round to help your own side out. I really like crystalization of points and not just continuing to repeat other people's points. Do these things and make me HAVE to put you at the top of the room.

LD:

I’m primarily an interp and speaking coach, so with that said, presentation of arguments is imperative. I still expect exceptional analysis on a substantive level, just know I judge debate as a speaking event first. The debater with the strongest link chain to access their impacts will win my ballot. The easiest way to win my ballot is in your voters section in your final speech, present your RFD for me. The less work I have to do at the end of the round the more likely it is you’ll win my ballot. Good luck and I'm excited to hear what you have to say.

SPEECH: I look for confident, clear speakers who know how to sound and appear like they belong in the room. I love to see competitors that remind me how much I miss doing speech! Wow me with your content and keep my attention with your presentation.

INTERP: In addition to the above, I prefer performances that actually feel like performances, not just speeches. All interp events should create a cohesive story that slowly builds up to a memorable climax. Preference will also be given to pieces that have an important message, but I really dislike trauma porn and will rank you lower if I think you're abusing someone else's trauma.

DEBATE: I'm largely a speech judge, but I did do debate and am familiar with PF and WS. Treat me as a lay (and traditional) judge but know that I'll know if you're being abusive. The best way to win my ballot is through a clear comparative and even clearer speaking.

Please give trigger warnings when necessary—it's better to be safe than sorry.

Good luck! :)

*email: aud.fife@gmail.com

Extemp

• I encourage a conversational tone that is engaging. The student's tone should not be too formal nor too relaxed.

• When explaining certain topics, make sure you explain them in-depth and in an understanding way that is not condescending.

• I support jokes as long as they are appropriate and fit the topic of discussion.

• Make sure to keep a steady pace. Each body paragraph should be around the same length. Within paragraphs, I would like to see at least 1 piece of evidence used, including the introductory paragraph.

• The camera position should be placed directly in front of the student. I should be able to see enough of the student's body to see their five-point-walk.

Oratory/Informative (also see extemp)

• Oratory should be engaging. I enjoy characters throughout the speech as long as they are purposeful.

• Movements should always be purposeful. No need to act out a scene just to act out a scene.

• I would like to see numerous pieces of evidence in each body paragraph including the introductory paragraph. Each piece of evidence should bring something new to the table.

• The camera position should be placed directly in front of the student. I should be able to see enough of the student's body to see their five-point-walk.

Oral Interpretation

• The introduction should be around 30 seconds and should be spoken by the student's true character.

• Teasers are great. Make sure they give us some sort of insight into your piece. Don't just choose a random teaser, it should have symbolic meaning/personality.

• All movement should be purposeful only. Do not pace around. I do not encourage acting out a scene just to act out a scene or have movement. Your movements should tell a story. Bring the characters to life through tone, vocal variation, infliction, body language, and movement, etc

• The camera position should be placed directly in front of the student. I should be able to see enough of the student's bodies to see their movements. Try not to be too far from your microphone.

• I enjoy character work. Although, characters should also be purposeful and distinct and accents fall under this. If you do decide to implement an accent, make sure it is consistent throughout your performance. Make sure you implement different levels to your characters. You do not need to constantly be intense to get the point of your character across. Subtle characters and small movements also add to your performance.

• I do not condone making fun of a certain group of people or the use of racist remarks (unless you are using an example to make a point)

• I am fine with cursing and with trigger warning pieces/mature material

• If all your pieces sound like one voice, I believe that you have accomplished the ability to blend and weave your pieces well, and this I support.

• Remember, with POI’s, they are not supposed to be completely memorized so make sure you look at your binder occasionally.

Hi y’all!

My name is Claire, I did speech and debate for four years of hs and have been judging since I graduated. I competed some in PF and WSD, but my main focus was in Extemp. Here are a few things that I look for/think about when judging.

Speech:

Outside of standard fluency, I tend to evaluate content over performance for speech events. That being said, I do enjoy when speakers incorporate jokes and have good flow and appreciate when this is done well. Overall though, what’s most important to me is that a speech gives a cohesive and well formulated argument/narrative and that it is delivered with clarity with support from examples and sources.

Interp:

I love when people have energy and really commit to their performances to tell a story. I also really, really enjoy when the pieces are well cut together and the story has a good flow and retains a clear message. I don’t really appreciate when a piece seems like it is just reenacting trauma for shock-value. I prefer when these stories are handled with sensitivity and when performers make an effort to make the narrative more than just the trauma itself.

Debate:

Although I’ve had some experience with debate in the past, I would not at all consider myself a flow judge. To get my ballot, you have to maintain a clear narrative throughout the round and keep clean extensions. You need to explain to me with clear weighing why I should vote for you. If a debate is messy and I have to do all of the work and weighing by myself, you may not like the work that I do, so you should aim to be really clear about your comparatives. I would like to emphasize that I am not good with speed and if I cannot understand you I will not write it down, and I don’t really know how to use a speech doc tbh. I don’t understand anything theory.

This should go without saying but I do not tolerate racism, sexism, bigotry etc. in rounds. I will call you out and dock speaks/ranks.

email: claireemartinez27@gmail.com

My name is Ian (he/they). My general "look fors" are diction and fluency. I strive to give notes that are constructive and if you ever have a question, please let me know. I want to be a resource.

Extemp:

An argument in an extemp speech is not complete without sources. My ballot will keep track of sources and fluency stumbles, but that will not play a factor in my ranking. It is something I want you and your coach to be aware of. I value a well-informed argument with recent sources. My big thing is the usage of the phrase, "it is easy to see..." because if the argument was "easy" it wouldn't be a topic of argument. It may not play a factor in my ranking, but I will make note of it for usage of growth purpose. Also, the "tango" has to be purposeful. Don't use it as a silent way to move from one point to another.

Interp:

I want tech to be clean. I look for an intro that pulls me into the world that you are inhabiting. My biggest rank down is diction because if I can't understand what you're saying, I can't be there with you. I may give notes on things I wish would be different, take that with a grain of salt. I am but one person. I value truth and world building.

Extemp: I'm a big believer in the AGD - make me want to hear more. Be as creative as you'd like in coming up with an AGD or "hook" - but you definitely need something to make me sit up and pay attention. Answer the question. The more sources, and the more variety in the sources, the better. Be engaging and conversational - I want to see your personality shine through your speech. Don't forget to answer the question. Analyze your points thoroughly. Tie your conclusion back to your AGD or intro. Make sure you answer the question.

OO/Informative: Defend your thesis throughout your performance. Be engaging and conversational - I want to see your personality shine through your speech.

POI: Don't forget to refer to your manuscript throughout your performance - this event is not memorized. The best pieces are the ones that transition between genres seamlessly - unless the sharp contrast between prose, poetry, and/or drama is intentional. Characterization is huge - let me see the personality of your characters.

HI/DI/DUO/DUET: Please don't confuse me with too much blocking, or blocking that is overly specific and detailed. I want to see YOU - not some tiny imaginary thing you're holding. Be animated and as engaging as possible.

I judge mostly speech and congress.

If I'm judging debate, make sure to slow down and clearly explain your arguments. I don't like speed or technical terms.

Overall (Speech):Speech is a game of engagement with the audience, and your efforts should be towards engaging the audience with the message of your piece. My ranks are always based primarily on this. Of course, there are many tools to engage an audience, and your choice to use them and your effectiveness with them will vary.

Oral Interpretation: In interpretation events (HI, DI, DA, DUO, POI, PR, PO), I am looking for a performance that creates a significant personal or social meaning from the literature chosen. I am also looking for a performance that shows emotional and tonal complexity and a range that is both suitable for the piece and is demonstrative of the skills of the interper.

There should also be intentionality in the decisions made in the interpretation of the piece. For example, all the blocking employed in the piece should have a purpose and should not seem haphazardly included in the performance. This also goes for what is included in the cutting of the piece, for the words spoken, the emotions, sound effects, etc. conveyed should all contribute to the message you are trying to convey in your interpretation.

Public Address: In Public Address or Platform events (IX/FX, USX/DX, OO, INFO), I am looking for speeches that add novelty and insight to the topic of the speech. Making the topic relevant and understandable to a general audience is necessary for success in these speeches.

Speeches in these categories are more effective and engaging when they employ a variety of pacing and tone that convey to the audience the significance and emotional stakes of the points you make. On top of clear speaking and style, one needs to create the engagement for the audience with their voice through these tools. In general a conversation

Speeches should be well organized and easy to follow for the audience. They should have clear but original signposting to help the audience keep track of where they are in the speech.

Lincoln-Douglas:

I'm a speech coach, and this is not my preferred event. That being said, I am rather traditional when it comes to judging LD with heavy emphasis on the battle of values and achievement of the value criterion through your use of your evidence.

I have some debate experience through high school, but consider me more of a lay/UIL circuit judge.

Speed is okay if you are understandable, but I should not have to read along to understand you, if I can't flow it, it didn't happen. Elements of progressive debate such as theory and K are fine but have to be well justified within the context of the debate, otherwise, I'm not sure it'll make it to my flow.

Speaks are awarded on quality of debate based on speaking and presentation with 28 being the average debate performance, lower being, well, lower, and being among the best I've seen will be awarded a 29-29.5. If you are somewhere in between you will be awarded somewhere in between.

Hello!

My name is Valeria Najera. I graduated from Lebanon Trail High School in Frisco, Texas. I am a former high school speech competitor, and currently a collegiate speech performer at The University of Texas at Austin. There I frequently compete in Interp and Public Address. I have been a competitor for 5 years and I love helping other students. This far into the year I have qualified Poetry, Dramatic Interpretation, and Communication Analysis for the national competition.

When I judge interpretation events, I look for emotional levels. It is very important to me that I see each character presented go on an emotional journey. Every character should be different from where they started. I think it is extremely important that as a judge I can tell that students have made an emotional connection to the characters they perform. I also find introductions to be important to the overall rank of the piece. I want to see a relevant and well-thought out argument. In addition, I love when performers take risks.

For Public Address I want to see a professional speech, but at the same time, I want to see you having fun! I personally loving seeing PA events where I can see performers personality shine through.

Overall, I look less for small mistakes like a stumble or an awkward page turn, but instead I look for bigger picture moments that influence the overall feeling of a piece.

Interp:I believe an introduction should briefly contextualize the importance of your piece to you personally - let me understand why you chose it. Your interpretation should convey that "why" through purposeful and intentional additions of facial expressions, physical blocking, or emotional volume/intonation without those additions distracting away from your underlying meaning. Pacing/pauses should feel natural for the tone that is being struck. Your interpretation should implicitly verify the explicit context set out by your introduction. An interpretation that is confidently delivered will always outshine a meek one.

parkert@ltisdschools.org

Background: I'm a first year debate coach at Lake Travis (Austin, TX). I'm also a lawyer and teacher. I debated mostly LD but graduated HS in 2004.

ALL Debate: I'm a mostly tech judge, with some exceptions below. I will generally not vote on frivolous theory. If you want to make an argument about abuse or norm violations, I am open to it, just make sure you're telling a clear story here.

I will usually drop speaks for repeatedly telling me that your opponent dropped or conceded an argument that was clearly addressed. Point out drops, but don't lie to me. (this is not about a mistake or accidental statement, this is for the people who compulsively say that every argument was "clean conceded" when they weren't)

For docs, please use speechdrop if at all possible. My stupid school email has a ridiculous filter and it will often take a few hours for your email chain to get to me.

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CX: I'm not generally a policy judge so I am not going to be fluent in the deeper jargon (if you're abbreviating everything in particular). Explain your arguments if you want me to vote on them, don't just blip through them.

Speed is fine, so long as you're clear. If you're planning on really spreading, I find it very helpful to have the doc.

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LD: My LD experience is a bit outdated from the current circuit standard. I am very open to new innovations and outgrowths since I debated, but my fluency in modern off-case argumentation is a bit limited. I'm open to voting on those, but you'll need to explain them well and be clear with your voters. I don't have any strong feelings on policy vs philosophical approaches. Tricks suck. If I don't understand the argument, I won't be voting on it.

Speed is fine, so long as you're clear. If you're planning on really spreading, I find it very helpful to have the doc.

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PF: The above information applies to PF rounds as well, with the added provision that I will reduce speaks for being cruel/disrespectful of opponents (and I don't like that I have to put that here for PF)

Speed is fine, so long as you're clear. If you're planning on really spreading, I find it very helpful to have the doc.

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Congress: I am looking for both strong content and speaking for my Congress ranks. One without the other is not a recipe for a good score. Speakers that use the bulk of their speech rehashing earlier points usually get scored down. Clash is good, just make sure you're not mischaracterizing the opposition's argument when you do so.

Particularly incisive points (especially as clash points) are likely to draw my attention. I do pay attention during questioning - strong lines of questioning (or defenses to your own position) are likely to result in a higher rank.

You should be cognizant of the speech you're giving in a round. For example, if you're giving a sponsorship, you should be explaining how this bill solves the problem you're trying to address.

For POs: Generally the best POs are the POs where I barely notice them as the round runs smoothly. I typically rank good POs well, but rarely will they get the 1 unless it's a particularly weak round.

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Extemp: Similar to Congress, I'm looking for both Strong content and strong speaking skill. One without the other will rarely receive top ranks on my ballot. I'm not looking for a specific number of sources, but good/varied sourcing is important.

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Interp: Interp events are where I definitely have the least experience. Generally, though, I'm pretty standard as an interp judge - i'm looking mostly for strong characterization and (in the relevant events) narrative structure.

hi I'm so excited to be judging for you all. I use he/him pronouns. I think that speech and debate is such a big part on how we can grow intellectually and emotionally that being said please respect to space and be mindful of others at all times. Just a quick background for me I did speech and a bit of CX in high school and have competed on all UIL levels. I have also competed in TFA tournaments so I know the differences and little idiosyncrasies that go along with it.

here is just a quick run down on what I'll be expecting in events.

IE:There isn't much to say here as these are performance events so perform. I will more than likely be typing/writing comments as you go please don't take this as a sign of disinterest I want you to do your best. Its important you know your circuit i.e. UIL, TFA, NSDA and be familiar with the specific quirks each one has.

Extemp: there isn't a ton to say here either stick to the prompt be creative and keep your speech organized. Be clear have thought out ideas and evidence and you should place well. Again, I will more than likely be typing/writing comments as you go please don't take this as a sign of disinterest I want you to do your best.

LD: I don't like spreading i'm usually okay with a little speed though. I was brought up mostly in CX so keep that in mind. Stock Issues>> Tell me why you're winning what parts of the debate you are winning. I will be flowing the arguments keep in mind your Value and Value Criterion or whatever debate jargon you use in its place this is LD I will let it come down to that.

CX: I don't like spreading i'm usually okay with a little speed though. I'm way more of a traditional judge so watch your stock issues. Stock Issues>> Tell me why you're winning what parts of the debate you are winning. I will be flowing the arguments. Be respectful during CX this should go without saying debate is a safe space.

again super excited to be judging and I wish you luck on your speech and debate endeavors

Quality over quantity. This not only applies to the number of speeches you give but also the amount of evidence you have and refutations you give. I would prefer deeply thought out refutation and clash rather than naming everyone who spoke before you. In so far as presentation I do not care about how you look or how your voice sounds, I care about mindful pacing and thoughtful presentation.

LD -

Yes I wanna be on the email chain :) alyssavanzandt16@gmail.com

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I’m open to every argument, but here’s what I typically lean towards…

Traditional paradigms:

In trad debate I’m truth > tech 100%. I find the criterion debate more essential than the value debate and framework overall a huge voter in the round. That being said, if your contention level arguments suck, I will not vote on framework alone. You need both. Do the weighing for me in your voters. I am familiar with the most common philosophers debated, and am very encouraging of people using new philosophers.

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Progressive paradigms:

K:

love K debate. I am not familiar with all of the literature though. K Affs are fun.

CP/Plans:

I don’t have any problem with these being ran. Always justify why a perm doesn’t work and give clear solvency to the harms in your case and I’ll weigh it. If your plan text has the word "ought" in it, I'll cringe.

PICs:

I like these when they’re done well. If the PIC is just meant to bait theory or be goofy, I will be less open to the argument.

Theory:

Not a big fan, but I will evaluate it. If you're using theory to genuinely call out abuse don't let this deter you.

Disads/ads:

I like Disads and ads when there’s more to the impact calc than magnitude. I typically don’t buy extinction/ low probability high magnitude arguments over helping people and saving lives now. so minimizing SV>util usually for my ballot. If you clearly outline in your framing why low probability matters, I’ll weigh it :)

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Speaks:

I like to give high speaks unless you’re being rude, aggressive, or generally making the debate space feel unsafe.

I don’t mind speed, but send me your case (alyssavanzandt16@gmail.com). I will dock speaker points if you’re simply incoherent or failed to share your case with your opponent.

I look at the basics – poise, use of voice, effectiveness of gestures, emphasis, variety – the overall delivery.

EX: Argument and analysis should be presented in a conversational style that is engaging. Organization is key. Don’t promise something in an intro and not deliver.

OO: Persuade me with a variety of evidence that shows how versed you are on the topic. Let me see your logic through the originality and creativity of the piece.

INFO: I like learning new perspectives on widely known topics and learning new things that I might not have been aware of otherwise. If visual aids are used, make sure you are using them in a way that enhances your speech and doesn’t distract from it.

INTERP: Make me get lost in the performance. Connect with your piece(s), ensuring it is an appropriate fit. Characters should be easily identifiable. Transitions should help move the audience along and blocking should be purposeful.

Hi! I'm a parent judge. My granddaughter does PF, World Schools, and extemp. Please speak clearly and at a good volume. Also please be respectful to me or your fellow competitors. Good Luck!

Since I am an English teacher, I care about the organization of your speeches. If I have a hard time figuring out your argument, I will be more likely to dock speech points. I absolutely do not tolerate any discrimination in my rounds. I prefer hard facts that are relevant and up to date, and if you lie or exaggerate/understate your evidence, I will vote that down.