"The key to success is confidence, and the key to confidence is preparation." Most of life is about preparation.

I value reason, and the best way to think rationally is to be prepared with exposure to diverse perspectives on a given topic.

I will be looking for preparedness and the fruits of preparedness: confidence and coherent arguments.

Additionally, tactfulness and grace under pressure are also qualities I look for.

Spreading raises chances of being misunderstood.

I am new judge. Present the argument clearly, avoid debate jargons and speak at conversational speed.

EMAIL: pattridg@asu.edu

Debate paradigm will be contextual to each form of debate. For positionality, I am a college speech coach (though I competed in high school debate and have judged debate at all levels of competition - it's just not my main thing), and I am a trans woman. If either of these things will bother you, strike me.

GENERAL: you may ask for any accommodations you like. Debate has historically upheld white supremacy, and making sure that rounds do not do that now requires active effort. Do not misgender me please, as me crying will probably not improve the round (unless it's a really good cry). The first time it happens, I won't drop you, but I will remind you. If you continue to misgender me, it will impact your ballot.

LD/Parli: spread is fine, love Ks, cool with Theory but actually tell me if you want me to vote on it. See below for "clear". I highly recommend explicitly stating how arguments link back to framework.

Policy: do whatever you want, but I reserve the right to say "clear" if I'm having trouble following, and will extend that right to both teams as well.

IPDA: fine with everything, but make sure your opponent is too. This is the kind of question to ask before prep starts, not after.

PF: don't flow through ink. Don't strawman your opponent's evidence or flow coverage (saying "they didn't address Contention 2 subpoint A" when they in fact did. You can tell me why they didn't address it in ways that mattered, and go in depth here, but don't conflate that with "they didn't address it"). The first time it happens, I will give you some leeway. The second time it happens, it will impact your speaker points. The third time it happens, you will be dropped. Clarity and clear links are valued.

Please speak clearly and not too fast so I am able to understand the point you are making.

I am a parent judge, please be polite and respectful.
Please make sure to not spread. Make concise arguments which are based in evidence and clearly explained arguments.

ONLINE: you must send docs. I am asking that you don’t spread. It’s hard to hear over the computer.

General

Add me to all email chains: colebrown131@gmail.com. My pronouns are he/him or they/them. Please let me know if you need anything or have questions at any time. Tag team CX is fine. You should time yourself and ideally your opponents to ensure fairness.

Spreading and Evidence

I've had a lot of questions about these things so I'm going to split them off into their own paragraph. I don't mind spreading, but I have ADHD which makes writing down from hearing difficult. It's also been four years since I've regularly flowed policy debate. I will not penalize you for going as fast as you want, but I may not be able to flow your analytics or taglines that are being spread (speaking fast is always fine). You are fine spreading through the constructives on shared docs as all I'm listening for is to make sure it matches the doc. Please feel free to ask about this at any point in the round. I prefer quality over quantity and I don't buy blippy/unwarranted extensionsso there's a significant disadvantage to going at a pace that would make it difficult for me to write this down anyways.

I strongly prefer that evidence be shared with me and your opponent(s). NLD and PF are exempted, and if you can't please let me know. For elimination rounds of any kind, this isn't optional.

NO FRIVOLOUS THEORY OR ANYTHING ELSE TO GAME ROUNDS.I love theory and tricks, but I won't be legalistic about voting on them if I don't feel like they're in good faith. Don't be put off by this I'm just tired of having to vote down teams for reading 10+ theory args.

I only listen to CX to hold you accountable and to potentially gain context on something I'm confused about. If you want it to be flowed you need to say it in a speech.

Policy

I have competed in policy for four years so I am okay with you running whatever you want (as long as it is professional/functional). Overviews/underviews and clear signposting are important. All evidence introduced must be on docs shared.

I am very willing to vote on any theory argument, but I will also just ignore theory obviously run as time skews especially, but not only, if the opponent points that out. Ts, FW, and properly created CPs are too rare. DAs, Ks, and K affs are fine. Weighing of impacts directly is absolutely critical to winning rounds. I have nothing against nuclear war impacts, but if you're conceding the probability of an extinction impact while weighing it against your own policy impacts, you've done something wrong (this is just an example).

LD

I haven't competed in LD but I've been judging it this year. I am fine with whatever you run, as long as it is professional and functional. Read the policy section if you are debating progressive. I appreciate a good framework round but I am frustrated when both sides use the same value and fail to notice this. Clash is important. If you don't specifically weigh impacts I'm going to struggle to make decisions especially when the framework debate is moot or not helpful in evaluating the round.

PF

I am a policy debater so I will primarily weigh your arguments as expressed, without reference to the quality of the presentation. Debating on the flow and fully fleshing out your arguments are important to me.

Email: kinan.cehajic@gmail.com

Anything enclosed by a "~" are not part of the flow/performance, just my intermittent notes. Specific paradigms listed below. Good luck!

PF, LD, CX, BQ

I'll disregard anything over a 10 second grace period. Put me in an email chain for CX, it's your call for LD. I'm okay with spreading so long as I can flow still it. You can call cards off-time. Flex prep, sitting, disclosure, etc. are all fine if all competitors agree.

Competed debate for 5 years, so do with that what you will. Can't believe I have to say this but, if you are in PF, do not run a K nor a plan. Both are fine for policy and LD. Non-topical Ks/plans are fine. If you give me an OTR, actually follow it. Good signposting will help. Please don't make me vote on extinction/nuke war. I don't mean you can't run it but if you lose to it, then you probably just didn't debate well. Cross won't generally be part of flow/RFD unless something is explicitly conceded, so put it in your next speech and I'll flow it. Give me a weighing mechanism in final speech if applicable, which it almost always is. Please don't make me go off my gut. Make it an easy round to judge.

DUO, DUET, HI, DI

I've competed in Duo and Duet, so I know some of the tech but I'm probably going to vote up whatever is more moving so if it's the funniest/most dramatic. Cleanly blocked sight lines, clear delivery of lines, and well timed pauses never hurt anyone.

OO

This is easily my favorite speech category. Below is a short paragraph on what I'm looking for:

I love an interesting topic but obviously that won't win you the round. Something different than usual is still appreciated and noted, though. First and foremost, I don't want your hook to go on too long, and make sure your hook actually transitions well into your piece. Choppy transitions to make a cheesy joke don't reflect well. Introduce your structure to me right at the beginning. I want to know what three points you're going to cover right away. Then, actually follow your structure and give me distinct transitions into the next body paragraph. Just walking to the other side of the room alone doesn't mean you transitioned. Don't give me personal anecdotes as your sole evidence for a trend you mention unless it's something that truly is universal human experience. When you wrap up with your call to action, make sure that it a) addresses your introductory hook and question, b) mentions your the topics of your three body paragraphs and c) is actually applicable and not general. The last point there is extremely important. I've seen too many well done OO's that bring me to a weak call to action that does not actually give the audience let alone average person an actual course of action they can take. An easy way to avoid this is by working in points that direct you towards a call to action throughout your speech.

This is not an exhaustive list and I'll add more guidelines as I think of them but the above are what I'll generally be voting off of.

INFO

I'm probably a lay judge here. I appreciate good boards/visual aids that are engaging but not too distracting. Don't make visuals the entire point of your presentation though. The main focal point should be the speaker.

LD

Paradigms are stupid, please don't be as well,
Many debaters rely on it, without it they sell,
And don't start off with "My case, their case",
because everyone thinks it's a waste.

Progressive is rubbish and dumb,
My ears have heard it all, they're numb.
The worst speak fast,
And yet their arguments are ass bad,

Now when deciding whether sit near,
you should have no fear
If your speech I cannot hear,
I will then yell "Clear!"

If still after three times,
Your speech is still mumbled,
Then because of this rhyme,
Your contentions will be fumbled.

Everyone around asks me,
"Do you flow cross?"
My answer is simple as can be,
Mention it in speech, else it's your loss!

Everyone sets up a doc,
And still no one can seem to block.
Countless cards are cut,
But in the end nothing is rebut.

But lets talk about the arguments,
Because I've heard them all,
Even though LD isn't my department,
Bring up non-topicality and you will fall.

Power tagging is distasteful, that's a fact,
Lying is wasteful, don't try this act,
Countless lies and debater-math,
Don't try anything funny, or face my wrath.

Your words alone can't be trusted,
Please cut cards properly, don't get busted.
Be nice to your opponents, don't abuse,
Honesty or not, what shall you use?

Some egos are too big,
I'm tired of hearing countless digs,
It's Speech and Debate,
Not impeach and hate.

For all intents and purposes,
This paradigm is mostly a joke.
Please don't report these verses,
or complain to your coach.

The real paradigm lies within,
Talent, abilities, and skill to win,
Trophies will line your shelf, in time,
Remember to have fun and unwind.

Policy

No progressive. Speed is fine, but you better be prepared to be clear and vocal, especially with your evidence. If you drop your syllables I will drop you. In all seriousness, if I have to say clear three times, I will stop flowing for that speech. Topicality is a must, refer to my LD paradigm.

I am absolutely and wholly unqualified to be judging policy debate, and yet it seems I get assigned this tournament after tournament. Please take this into account when coming into the round, there is no "bad judge, good judge", but rather any other judges, and me. I will have preconceptions and implicit bias, as we all do, take note. At the end of the day, I value debate skills and strategy over content, if that helps. I wish you the best of luck, you will need it.

Public Forum

The event's called Public Forum,
That's why you maintain decorum.
Follow the rules during debate,
If not then you won't break.

Don't lie to me, should be simple enough as a PF debater right? No inflated impacts, misattributed statistics, exaggerated tagging, etc. Easy!

Congress

I did Congressional debate for all four years of my time in the NSDA. Congress is unique in that competitors are able to discuss and advocate for change regarding issues that directly affect all of us in a debate format that's open and accessible. Whether new to the event or experienced, I look forward to seeing all your speeches out there on the circuit!

Baseline Expectations

Due to the fast paced nature of Congress, the speakers' evidence is often given the benefit of the doubt. Therefore, every competitor's integrity is central to maintaining the trustworthiness of the overall event. This integrity is lost when evidence is fabricated, so it is expected that you've put in a reasonable amount of effort to ensure the credibility of the sources you cite in your speech. No, combining "NYT" with '22 does not make what you say more believable, contrary to popular belief.

How I Judge

I value strategy.

Too often enough in Congress, speeches with previously elaborated arguments are given again by another speaker. Congress is not just an event where one can expect to prepare speeches ahead of time and do well by giving them canned; you and your speeches must be adaptable. If you respond to or build upon others' speeches given before you and introduce new but relevant arguments, then you'll do well. If you completely shut down the other side's case for passing/failing the legislation, I will have no other choice than to rank you high!

You can be the most articulate, clear, well-spoken competitor out there, but if you do not strategically give your speech at the right time and address the right points of contention/speakers, your impact on debate will be minimal. This is why I believe that in Congress, all ought to be judged on how they strategize.

Do Not Under ANY Circumstance Do the Following (I've seen it all)

Not Paying Attention - Going up and saying in your speech saying "here's something NO other representative has brought up"... only to rehash something previously brought up. Shows you aren't paying attention.

Political Stupidity - Say something so politically inept like "Representative, why would China spy on its own citizens?" I wonder, why would an authoritarian government spy on its own citizens? Other things I've heard include: "Why would Putin lie about killing civilians?", "Isn't it the obligation of the US to provide aid to the world?", etc.

Putting Down Others to Be Different- Going up and saying "Rep. X falls flat when they say ____" or rebutting your own speech side for the sake of making yourself seem smarter is simply a waste of time, better spent focusing on yourself.

Refuse to Speak Until a Certain Cycle - Despite popular belief, speaking later in the round does not mean higher ranks. Judges only really care if you're rebutting and referring to the most important arguments in your cycle and if you clash properly. I've seen people go "I can give an X speech" when gauging the chamber's splits, only to refuse to speak and forcing the chamber to break cycle, which hinders everyone's experience. I will point this out to the judges, and they will rank you accordingly.

PO'ing

Our circuit is plagued by a chronic shortage of POs, to the point where you'll see a chamber full of competitors awkwardly staring at each other hoping that someone steps up and takes the gavel. You'll hear things such as "Oh I can PO but I haven't done it in a long time..." or "If someone POs now I can PO later...". Despite the long-held rumor that becoming the PO will ruin your ranking, this is far from the case, especially when I'm judging.

Remember, the Congressional debate national champion has been a PO for more than a few years in a row, how do you think they got there? Pure skill? Wrong. They PO'd.

If you PO and do it impartially, fairly, and efficiently, a high ranking will reflect your high performance.

For all forms of debate, I am basically a flow judge. That being said if you spread too fast I will not be able to get parts of your case on to my flow. In the end, be logical, make good cases and be respectful.

I don't time off time road maps as long as they are quick and efficient.

I am a certified theatre educator and director with over 15 years of directing experience.

1) Movement - how choreography is incorporated whether it is body language of different characters to make them stronger, or use of a black book creatively.

2) Fluid story - I should know from beginning to end the rising action, climax, falling action, and resolve in your story. If it is a POI, I should see the same thing in the cutting of the pieces.

3) Hidden message - from the teaser to the introduction, all the way to the end of the piece, I want to be able to understand the hidden message of why you picked this piece(s) to support something you are passionate about.

4) Characters - There should be distinguished characters in each of the pieces. If you have multiple characters in one piece, each one should have a different "story", body language and voice to tell them a part.

For LD:

1) Evidence - using evidence sufficiently to support the claims in your argument.

2) Argument - your argument has to make sense, meaning you can't just argue that your opponent is wrong because of everything you already said. In cross I expect a new form of argument that still supports your stance.

3) Claims - I should hear a speech in your debate that clearly states the issues and how you resolve it.

Lay judge - I prefer if you speak slowly and clearly, send speech doc if you do not

Be polite in round

I prefer if you stick to traditional debate; explain any progressives and debate jargon in round

Tell me clearly why I should vote for you

Email for an email chain is singla.shradha@gmail.com

◾ I am a parent judge. Speak slowly and clearly or you don’t get my vote.

◾ Don’t run any progressive arguments.

◾ Be polite and respectful. No hate of any kind will be tolerated.

◾ Falsified evidence of any kind will result in an immediate loss of my ballot.

Public Forum:

I flow the rounds and judge based on your speeches not cross fire. I review notes, contentions that flow from beginning to end. Please make sure to have definitions and framework. Framework is very important to your case. Make sure you are clear in your contentions and arguments. If I cannot understand you or you are talking too fast, I miss things and it can be a problem. You are there to convince me why your team wins-explain the impacts and weighing, FRAMEWORK and explain the reason for decision. Pretend I do not know anything about the topic. Be respectful of your opponents and let them talk during cross fire. You should be able to provide your cards, evidence quickly. You should be organized and have them quickly to provide competitor if asked. I will reject any extinction impacts. I will look at climate change and increasing threat of war, but the huge numbers used will not be counted. I do like when teams collapse to one or two best contentions and not the laundry list. Give me the impacts, weighing and why you win.

LD

LD is a speech form of debate and I need to understand your case and reasoning. Spreading is very common today, but it does not mean you are an excellent debater, logical or can convince someone to your side of the argument. You need to convince me, your contentions, framework and the reasons why you won the round. I will flow the rounds and judge based on your speeches not cross fire. I review notes, contentions that flow from beginning to end. Please make sure to have definitions, values and criterion. Make sure you are clear in your contentions, definitions and arguments. If I cannot understand you or you are talking too fast, I miss things and it can be a problem for you. You are there to convince me why you win-explain the impacts, logic, reasoning explain the reason for decision. Pretend I do not know anything about the topic. Debate the resolution and topic. Some LD topics are more like PF but keep to the resolution. Plans and counterplans need to fit the resolution and debaters need to keep to the resolution.

Congress:

Make sure to advance the debate and there are differences betwen first, middle and ending speeches. Do not use debate lingo as please affirm is not done in Congressional debate. Do not use computers and read your notes. Make sure you have credible sources and know your topic. Be able to debate both sides of the topic. Two good/great speeches are better than 3 average/poor speeches so in other words, less can be more. I want you to particpate but quality is very important. You are there to persuade the members.

IE:

Impromptu: Biggest ranking is did you answer the question or prompt. Do you understand what is being asked. Make sure you are organized, confident and always each reason/point relates to the prompt.

Extemporaneous. Use good sources of material. Economic would be The Economist, Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times. New York Times is better than Arizona Republic but make sure you have good credible research. The topics are very advanced and in many cases specific so answer the question. You are to use persuation and logic, with your sources to convince me the answer-keep to the question.

I am what you would call "old school". I will entertain a progressive debate, but I much prefer a straight-up classic debate with value and criteria.

Hi I am Vijay Iyer. I am a lay/parent judge and this will actually be my first time judging. I am not a debater either and have no experience in debate whatsoever. I cannot judge fast rounds when I don't understand or comprehend what you are saying. LD jargon will only confuse me so keep it clear and simple. Do not sit down when you are speaking or Cross-examining. Keep the volume up and the speed very low. Do not be rude to your opponent as it will cause me to take off speaker points. I vote based on who persuade me more of their position overall. I prefer clear summary on your case and why your opponents is incorrect. I prefer evidence-based debate. If I don't understand what you are saying, I will stop flowing. Enjoy the occasion and don't be afraid to repeat things to me.

Hello!

I am a lay Parent Judge, so please be clear and concise in your arguments.

I will be taking notes during the round and putting in all my effort, however my decision becomes much easier when you do the work for me by : signposting,weighing,and being clear in why your arguments are correct AND theirs are not (Offense and defense)

Please do not alk too fast and enunciate enough for me to be able to tell what you are saying.If I do not know what you are saying,I cannot write it down nor weigh it in my decision

Any bigotry or harmful contents will result in you immediately losing my ballot,so take care as to what you say in round and how you treat your opponent

I hope for a wondeful,professional round:)

I am a parent judge

Please talk slowly and no speaking fast as It will be hard for me to understand
Only do traditional debate

Please time yourself

I will pay attention to all arguments

I will try to judge fairly and not based off of speaking

I am a parent judge. I very much prefer the traditional debate format and appreciate clear and concise arguments. I also find roadmaps and guidelines very helpful.

Spreading: I do not appreciate spreading. I do, however, understand that spreading is sometimes necessary, like, e.g., when rebutting a long list of contentions. I will read the speech document to assist my understanding of the argument but feel strongly that it is contingent on the debater to make a clear and compelling argument during the debate.

Cards/references: I most appreciate debaters citing peer-reviewed publications, less so for media publications. I'm grateful of the debaters who clearly state the legitimacy of their references or the unreliability of their opponent's references.

I'm a non-interventional judge. I like debates with meaningful arguments and don't encourage too much speed or aggressive tactics. I prefer quality over quantity. I'm going to be diligent in taking notes and watching for impact, flow, link, and rebuttal in the debates. I'm not a big fan of definitions as most of the time both sides are similar. I'd expect Cross to be focused on clarifying your opponent's points/cases but not as an opportunity to humiliate. I appreciate the summary at the end to clearly point out why your case is more weighted and why I should vote for you.

I wish you all the best!

Hi. My name is Bhaskar Kulkarni. I am affiliated with the school Arizona College Prep (ACP HS). I will try my best to provide extensive feedback and areas where you could improve on as well and areas you succeeded in. If you ever have any questions about how you performed in your round, ballots, more feedback, etc., you can reach me at bbkulkarni@gmail.com.

Here are a few basic things to know before your round:

1) Please use a "lay appeal" strategy with me. Focus on slowing down, weighing impacts (this is huge!!), pointing out dropped contentions, and rebuttals. Explain your link chains very clearly, so I can follow along with your case.

2) Clear citations per NSDA rules are very important. If you have statistics or cards, please clearly reference it.

3) Spreading: I understand why debaters spread, but please don't. My preference is for a clear and enunciated speech at a conversational speed. There is no point in speeding through information if I cannot understand and process what you are saying. Remember, if I can't follow what you're staying, I cannot judge you.

4) I prefer logical reasoning than semantic and pathos-based arguments, but a few pathos-based arguments here and there are fine.

5) Speaks: typically, I will not give you low speaker points. Make sure you speak confidently, make it flow, and rebut your opponent's arguments sufficiently with strong explanations.

6) Please warrant all cards. This helps me as a judge: a) understand your case and b) better decide who gets the win.

7) In the end, I will award the win based on the contentions/arguments that you have proven to me to not be refuted by your opponent. I will also be awarding the win based on rebuttal speeches (the 1AR, NR, and the 2AR).

8) If your opponent says something something during cross-examination that you want me to take into account, mention it in the speeches that follow. Otherwise, it will not be taken into account.

9) I am fine with short Rebuttal speeches, but make sure they successfully rebut your opponent's points, and that they are warranted well.

Most importantly, have fun and try your best!

+1 speak if you're funny and make the round interesting

Hello! First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to read my paradigm. If you have the time, please read the sections that are important to you. My paradigm is broken up by events, and each section will include my preferences and general thoughts on how the round should go. Each section will include a TLDR if you don't have time for whatever reason and it's right before the round, but otherwise PLEASE read the entire thing!

VERY GENERAL OVERVIEW; TLDR

I competed for three years in Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate, extemporaneous speaking, and Impromptu speaking. For two of those years, I personally coached many in extemp, impromptu, and public forum while also helping others in congress. If you have me for any of the ad libs events, congress, or pf, these are my strong suits and I hope you like me better than your average parent judge who has never competed themselves. I as a judge will work to accommodate you while maintaining the integrity of the round and the sprit of speech and debate. i.e - If you need a minute before the round starts to take a breath or get a drink of water, please inform me and feel free. I was there not too long ago myself. Finally, speech and debate is about growing your skills as a speaker, a debater, and growing yourself as a person. Not winning. With that being said have fun, and just be respectful of others!

CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE

TLDR; I know what congress is (for the most part).

Full version

I was in house finals at nationals.

PUBLIC FORUM;

TLDR; I know how to flow tech debate, but I like it when you make good arguments that are backed by a solid logical link chain in a more of a lay appeal style. DO NOT SPREAD. I can understand spreading (mostly), but I can understand your speech better if you do not spread and you explain everything in a logical manner, not just trying to spit out as many words as you can in a minute. If you start speaking too fast, I will simply put down my pen and stop flowing. Just rhetoric won't get you very far either, actually interact with your opponents arguments and WEIGH them against your own.

Full version

Speech and debate is meant to make you better at debating and speaking. I do not like spreading at all. I understand speaking slightly faster than normal in order to get all of your points in (more so if your in summary or FF), but you should not spread. Public forum is supposed to be PUBLIC FORUM, it was originally a "laymans" form of debate, in which someone off the street should be able to judge your round with reasonable competency. I am well aware that the debate space is all about inclusion, however spreading in public forum if anything makes the debate inaccessible to those who can not understand spreading (either opponents or the judges). If you start spreading too much I will simply put down my pen and stop flowing. Same thing goes for theory, don't do it in PF. If it's a local tournament, 99% chance there is no reason to be running theory in PF. If you really feel you have to in pf, in my round, my understanding of theory is minimal in comparison to someone who spent three years doing LD. Chances are I won't be able to understand it for the most part, and if it comes down to a technical level I probably won't weigh/vote on it. If you have to read theory, first ask me if I'm okay with it in the round. If you just start reading it off, especially in the first or second speech (without asking me), I'll just drop it. In crossfire look at the judge so things don't get heated. Be respectful of each other, but also be assertive. I don't weigh crossfire unless you get a concession or have an important point to make, however you have to bring it up crossfire in speeches for me to weigh it. In general, if your respectful, there should be zero issues. Next, I want to see actual interaction in the round between you and your opponents arguments. Simply giving me endless rhetoric or restating your case won't get you far if you don't respond to the uniqueness of your opponents arguments and how they WEIGH against your own. PLEASE WEIGH in summary and final focus, and if possible do so in rebuttal. Make the vote for me as a judge easy to make, tell me why your side should win the debate comprehensively. I go off the flow, I'm mostly tech over truth unless you straight up lie. Lastly, have fun! Time goes by fast, and debate is something that should be fun and propel you in your future endeavors.

Extemp. (to be updated very soon)

Impromptu (to be updated very soon)

All other debate formats, and IE events will be updated very soon!

Please do not spread.

If I feel like you are talking too fast, I will ask you to be clear twice. After that, if I can't understand you I will simply put down my pen. I believe that spreading is poison to the debate community. I do not want to be added to your email chain, as I should not have to read your case in order to understand it. If there is an evidence dispute or I feel like there is any other reason I need to see a card, I will ask. I find off-time roadmaps to be a waste of time, and while you are speaking I will always keep time and immediately drop my pen once your time is up.

I value topicality above all else. Debate should be an educational experience focused on the resolution. Regarding Ks, your arguments should not simply be ones that you could repeat ad-nauseam for any topic and a lot of Ks don't pass that test. In fairness, a Neg K can be topical and I will evaluate it accordingly if so. However, K Affs by their very nature generally do not meet the burden of defending the resolution and are there is a high probability of me just dropping you if you run one. Regarding Theory, be very careful. I recognize there are things that either side can do which are abusive or frivolous even if the base argument is topical. If you can thread that particular needle when responding, more power to you.

For weighing, I prefer probability over other mechanisms and I am receptive to timeframe as well. I'm fine with reasonable magnitude weighing too. However, we live in a reality in which extinction has not yet occurred despite the countless number of dire warnings given by debaters over the years. I feel like debaters are intelligent enough to understand the distinction of something that could arguably be true vs. an impact that is just included in your case as a magnitude bomb.

Finally, tech is of course important in any debate round, but I also recognize that there are also some things that are objectively true. If you have a card telling me the sky is green, that does not mean I have to accept it as the truth, even if your opponent does not have a specific card refuting that (because why would they?). However, for any reasonable argument that isn't straight-up factually incorrect and flows through, I will absolutely find them credible regardless of any previous opinions I have on a given topic.

The bottom line is that if you're being intellectually honest and recognize that a debate round exists within the confines the real world, that will maximize your chances of picking up my ballot.

1. Don't spread. You can speak slightly faster than average conversation speed. I cannot judge you if I cannot understand you.
2. I will be the official timekeeper. However, I strongly encourage each competitor to keep their own time. I may ask you for your remaining prep time. I will give 10 sec. grace period for any discrepancy in prep. time.
3. I am considered lay judge and does not have LD background. I have judged approximately 35 LD round during 2022-23 school year.

I am a parent judge. You can talk fast, try not spread. Clarity and volume are more important.

LD- I value analysis and reasoning especially in rebuttals. You should be able to understand and defend your case. Use logic and common sense. It is important to have relevant evidence, but it should be the application of the evidence into your overall case that wins the round. Questioning period (cross) should be utilized, and I will consider arguments from cross. Do not end questioning early. You can use it to get your opponent to admit something that works in the favor of your case.

I will most likely not disclose as I want time to think over the debate to make the fairest decision I can.

Do not be rude to your opponent.

Best luck!

I am a traditional/lay judge - most of this paradigm can be derived from that statement. I will most likely not understand progressive debate, and dislike debate jargon. When forced to judge progressive debate, I will try my best.

Dos:

• Have depth in understanding of the topic.
• Use relevant evidence. Don’t just read a random card as a warrant that, in fact, does not support your tag. Also, please point out your opponent’s misuse of evidence when it occurs.
• Maintain the ability to seek common ground even in a debate situation - your opponent is not necessarily your enemy. Be kind, no ad hominem. I will most likely not flow off the document, so please be coherent in your actual words.
• Good presentation is still quite important to me. I will try to minimize this bias, but in the face of a close round, the better speaker will win.
• Have good, logical warrants. Evidence itself is not a warrant - and evidence is not necessarily concrete. Clear link chains are a must. Explain links, warrants, and impacts very thoroughly.

Don’ts:

• Make bold statements without adequate support. I will try to minimize judge intervention on arguments, but when weighing similar arguments I will go for the one that makes more logical sense. I still appreciate creativity, but they must pass the common sense test first.
• Spread. I can only flow what I can hear. Check speed/clarity with me before you start speaking if necessary.
• Link cause and effect without adequate intermediate transitions. I am not able to "jump", without your adequate help, to the conclusion that your opponent's position will lead to climate change, nuclear war, civil war, etc. I will be skeptical about these kinds of doomsday arguments in general, so if you must make them, you will have an uphill battle.

Misc:

• Truth > Tech
• Argument Quality > Quantity
• Make it easy for me to decide the winner of the round - judge instruction is a must. Signpost and present the voters of the round as clearly as possible.

I am a parent judge. This is my first time judging. Please speak slowly and clearly.

I will only vote for arguments that I will understand so please be clear with your warranting- don’t just tell me that something will happen, tell me why it will happen.

Clearly explain your framework, why it should be used, and how I should weigh the round based off of it

No spreading (speed reading). Spreading will result in in you losing my ballot.

Please Don’t run any progressive arguments.Be polite and respectful. No hate of any kind will be tolerated.

Falsified evidence of any kind will result in an immediate loss of my ballot.

I am a lay parent judge. I value the following:

- depth in understanding of the core issue;

- relevancy of evidences and sources;

- overall delivery/presentation, including your manners to your opponents;

Other notes:

• Please don’t spread;
• Keep track of your own time and your opponent’s time.

Hello, I am a parent judge who is not experienced in judging debate; I primarily judge in speech.

Please do not flow, and please do not run non-topical arguments such as Ks and theories.

I competed in LD for 4 years and so most arguments will be understood by me. Yet, that is not a free pass to run a load of crap. You still need good warrants.

Progressive is ok, I never ran it but I understand it. Just keep it realistic and respectful of your opponent.

Speed is fine, just share the doc with me and your opponent if you think it will be a problem

Keep everything civil and respectful, no need for personal attacks.

Any extra questions feel free to ask before the debate begins.

I do not flow cross, meaning you must bring it up in a rebuttal for me to weigh with it.

I will be timing everything so letting me know before you start prep, or asking if I am ready before giving a speech are two very important actions to take.

You need to tell me why things are why they are, pretend I am a neutral observer with 0 info on how arguments go together. Explain link chains, explain warrants, make your arguments. I will not connect things for you.

Also, key voters are one of my favorite things ever, so do those please.

I am looking forward to a fair, educational, and fun debate! Although I am new to judging a debate, I am not new to judging in general. I also have experience assessing and improving people’s communication skills. Thus, even though this is not a speech event, I would like to see an effective verbal delivery of your debate points (so enunciate and speak at a rate that best allows you to convey your message). I also expect everyone to present their case in a professional and civil manner. Here are a few more points to consider:

* I appreciate arguments that directly address the resolution and are not tangential.

* I value arguments that are logical and internally consistent.

* Strong evidence to support claims is a necessity.

* Addressing (not dropping) arguments is crucial.

Enjoy the process and good luck to you!

I am a traditional judge who is pretty comfortable with a lot of what you could run including a lot of progressive arguments( ie. disads, kritiks, and counterplans) but I am not that comfortable with spreading. If you decide to spread I might miss something and won't consider it. The one progressive argument that I am not that familar with is theory so you can run it but you need to explain it really well. Overall though if you can explain and defend your argument well I can follow it.

“Please speak slowly and clearly because if I can't understand then I can't vote for you"

I'm a parent who has been judging for a couple of years, but still learning every time I do this. For LD, make it easy for me. Keep your own time and avoid spreading - I want to be able to understand and follow you. Numbering your contentions and sign posting help me greatly - I care a lot about this. Always tell me why you won and why I should vote for you - you may be able to convince me.

Hello, my name is Morgan. I have been judging speech and debate for the last two years but was never a debater myself. Please talk clearly and at a reasonable pace. Make sure your arguments aren’t confusing, I cannot judge something I can’t understand. I flow during debates and will refer back to that in order to leave good feedback. Good luck!

Hello! I'm Roberto Serna (he/him/his). I've been judging LD debate for three years, and it's my favorite event. I've also judged BQ for a few tournaments.

How I will judge the round:

• I'm a lay/parent judge, so PLEASE SIGNPOST AND CLASH.
• No jargon or explain the jargon if you do use it
• No spreading (My daughter does policy, so I know how fast you all can speak haha)
• Be nice
• Formal attire is appreciated
• I will flow the round
• I like watching cross examination; it's funny.
• I believe that, in the real world, professional people who are excellent speakers get farther ahead, so I will highly evaluate speaking skills in this round.
• Clarify and spell out why I should vote for you, why you are extending (specifically impact), and explain your key voters
• I will not disclose in round
• I will also write feedback in your ballot
• I will INSTANTLY DROP YOU if you are being sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, racist, transphobic, ableist, etc.

Extra Speaker Points:

• +1 if you mention Batman
• +1 if you mention Superman
• +1 if you mention the New York Yankees

Good luck to everyone!

Hello,

My name is Niti Singhania. I am a lay judge. A couple of things to keep in mind:

- I would appreciate really clear arguments so I can understand what you are saying and in the end can vote for the winner.

- Please speak loud and clear. If you speak too fast, I will stop flowing, raise my hand and let you know.

- No Spreading.

- Be civil and respectful towards your opponents. Please don't be rude or overly aggressive, especially in cross.

Hi, My name is Senthil. I am a parent judge.

Do Not Spread - I don't enjoy it, and if I can't understand you, I can't vote for you.

I like to see:

- Clear arguments with framework

- Good research and specific sources

- Conversational pace

- Fair and respectful debate

- Weigh the round using weighing mechanisms and make it explicitly clear why I should vote you by the last speech

I don't like to see:

- Ks without clear slow and logical explanation of literature and how to vote. To be safe, just don't run them with me.

- Theory/Tricks as I am more used to traditional argumentation and I may not be able to evaluate it.

- Spreading

Please be respectful to your opponent. I will be looking forward to an interesting round.

Email: zoe.c.soderquist@gmail.com

Yes I want to be on the email chain. I will -2 speaks if you ask for my email, it's at the top of my paradigm. If you're unintelligible and don't send chain it's not going on my flow.

Background: I'm a private coach and previous coach at SWSDI and Brophy. I debated LD for four years and one year of college policy. While I specialized in LD, I've tried every debate event at least once.

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LD/Policy TLDR

Read anything at any speed and I can probably evaluate it (though preferably slow down, even just a tiny bit, for author name and tags). Ask specific questions if you have weird things you want to run that an average former debater judge wouldn't understand.

If you're reading obscure literature, I would appreciate a brief explanation.

For theory, I don't mind if you read a shell but I don't like when debaters read several shells purely out of strategy when no abuse occurred or to throw off a novice.

Don't be rude, I will dock speaks and it will affect my decision.

I love signposting, weighing, proper extensions

For policy--I have had consistent problems with rounds running super late because sending takes forever. You get 5 min TOTAL for the round for sending. People constantly pretend that they're having tech issues just to prep more and it's quite obvious. I'm sympathetic to true issues but if there is not a good reason to go over 5 min it gets taken out of prep.

-----------------------------------

Defaults (I can change if you explain why):

Tech > truth

Comp worlds > truth testing

RVIs good

Competing interps > reasonability

DTD > DTA

-----------------------------------

Random:

Flex prep is fine

Tag team is fine

I will not be timing unless you ask.

Don't care if you sit or stand.

No using rest of cross for prep.

Asking for cards after speeches is fine, but actually reading cards is on prep. If you ask for the card during cross, you can use cross time to read it.

If your opponent asks for a piece of evidence during their prep, they can keep prepping the whole time it takes you to find the card. You get two minutes max and then I'm deleting it from my flow.

Tag team cross is fine.

-----------------------------------

Misc LD/policy things:

I don't think you have to read a framework with a plan, but if your opponent reads one then you're kind of screwed. I will eval a framework if there is one and framework is important for me.

Please label each section of your K (or any case, for that matter), it's really hard to figure out things when it's not labeled so it helps your case.

If you're running a pre-fiat ROB, you still need to answer your opponent's post-fiat framing (if applicable) to fully win framing.

Please follow all general LD rules (no new in 2, no conflicting offs, no double turns, etc.)

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PF paradigm- I was an LD debater but I did PF a a few times. Knowing my LD background, you can feel free to read framework or non-traditional PF arguments. HOWEVER, I feel PF should be a debate for a lay judge so everyone can understand it, so if you have a lay panel and you run that stuff be warned that might not end up favorably.

TLDR- If you have a tech panel do what you like, but on a lay panel I will be less flexible so you should act like I'm a somewhat experienced lay judge in such a situation. Additionally, reading progressive in front of an LD judge who did a lot of that stuff might be bad if you don't structure it properly or understand what you're doing.

- Asking for cards and reading isn't on prep unless the panel disagrees.

- I watch cross it shouldn't be used as a rebuttal it should be a time to actually ask questions. Please don't excessively talk over each other, keep it civil.

- Defense and offense aren't sticky I need extensions in summary or I don't bring it into final focus.

- No new arguments in final focus.

- Ask me any other questions, or refer to my LD/policy paradigms.

------------------------------------

Congress-

- Do not use debate terminology like "extend," "outweigh," or "vote aff."

- I care more about rhetoric than argument in a congress speech. Construction > content.

- Giving a good speech is not a guaranteed first place. You have to be active within the round (asking questions + motions) to do well. I keep track of people who raise motions and ask questions.

- Please avoid using a computer and/or fully prewritten speeches. At least print out the speech and paste it on a legal pad (c'mon, it's very easy to fake a speech).

- There is a huge PO shortage on our circuit. If you step up to PO, do a decent job, and (if I'm parli) are also active in the other session, you will receive a good rank as a result. If it's your first time POing, ask the parli questions and try your best and you probably can still get a decent rank. It's all about trying your best. But, even if you don't perform the best as PO, you can still make ranks by following the above suggestions in the next session!

I am a lay judge, but I have watched several rounds of PF before. I will consider arguments if they are made clearly and consistently in the round. Please make sure your voice is clear. I will not tolerate exclusion in any part of the round. I am not comfortable with theory or Ks. Please make sure to explain weighing mechanisms, and do not use jargon. Signpost during your speeches, and explain the warranting behind your links.

I am a parent judge and new to LD.  It is important that debaters speak clearly and in a conversational speed.

I am a parent lay judge and like traditional debate. A few things I value in:

Congressional debate:

• clear logic, stats shouldn't overshadow your argument
• be engaged in the round, bring clash, address the most important issues
• signposting helps
• help me understand the bill and don’t expect me to already know what you’re talking about (this applies to all debaters in round, not just early round speakers)

LD debate:

• no spreading- clear and slow works better for me
• I prefer traditional arguments
• make sure your impacts are probable- not all impacts lead to nuclear war or extinction unless it is actually likely to occur

Both:

• be respectful, you can be aggressive without being rude
• if your opponent is twisting your words, make sure I know
• I pay attention to cross, ask questions to further your own argument

Good luck!

My name is Ashley Wilkens.

I have been judging Lincoln-Douglas, Congress, and IE events for the past four years (~25 tournaments)

Congress

- I am most familiar with judging congress compared to other events.

• Open to any arguments made in round as long as they successfully impact the round (no-rehashing), and are presented well and relevant to the overall topic
• please be aware of your precedence/recency later in the session to create speeches that contribute well at the time they are given
• I like an organized chamber that flows well and works together, this is both on the chamber and the presiding officer to make sure docket order and AFF/NEG splits are figured out efficiently
• Very intolerant to disrespect in the chamber; including interrupting, disregarding time limits, disrespecting opponents (clash is great, but please still stay respectful to others arguments)
• Presiding Officer- I am familiar with parliamentary rules and will rank you according to those. Please keep an organized chamber and be proactive in making an enjoyable AND efficient chamber, and you will be ranked accordingly.

Debate

• You may spread your case if you desire, I look for enunciation and well thought-out presentations. I will only call "SPEED" once if I cannot follow your case, after that I will simply follow what I can. I cannot judge you if I am trying to decipher what you are saying or lose track of your case
• Keep things structured and ensure a clean flow.
• Flow your case for me, tell me your points. I do my flows on paper. I do as best as I can to blank slate myself, meaning I cannot finish your case for you if you don't hit all of your points and tell me what to consider and vote for in the round.

• Progressive: I will consider anything, I find it very enjoyable IF you can tie it into a clear cut point to support your case and adequately rebut your opponent. I am familiar with kritiks and progressive frameworks. Theory I am not familiar with, but if explained well and competitor is clear regarding how I need to incorporate it into my ballot I will hear it out.

Above all, have fun!! These are skills you will carry with you your entire life :-)

I am the Scott Woods who teaches and coaches at BASIS Scottsdale in Arizona. There are others. For instance, I am not the slam poet Scott Woods (although I enjoy his work), so if you try a slam poetry case because you think that your judge is a pretty famous slam poet, you will probably be disappointed by the ballot.

About me: I teach middle school English and high school speech and debate. I competed in interp and platform events in college. I'm a Scoutmaster, a Republican, and I go to church regularly. Many people who know me don't believe that I am as conservative as I think I am.

I want the debate round to be for the benefit of the debaters. I have been coaching and judging debate for several years, mostly in PF, but some LD. I also judge policy rounds occasionally. I've judged at the TOC four times and at NSDA Nationals three times. When I judge on a panel, my decision is often different from the majority, possibly because my judging skills are so refined and subtle, or maybe for other reasons that escape me.

I think of debate as an educational game that should be fun, challenging, and life changing for the good. I don't like sneaky approaches to debate, tricks, or unsporting behavior. I especially don't like anything that attempts to achieve an unfair advantage over an opponent. Among the behaviors I don't like to see are spreading, because it seeks to gain a time advantage by squeezing more content in the given time, forcing one's opponent either to spread or to be disadvantaged, because it makes debate into a ridiculous exercise (and I consider making good things appear ridiculous in order to achieve personal gain to be bad form), and because it is aesthetically unpleasant (and I consider intentional ugliness inflicted on others to be bad form). Also, if you spread I won't flow as much, won't understand as much, and won't believe you as much. If both teams spread, then I'll just have to guess at who won, which is very likely something that you don't want me to do. Please speak in a clear, persuasive voice at a reasonable public debate speed, and be sure to point out when the other side is spreading, show the harms, then show why they should lose on that. I'll probably buy it.

If your debate strategy includes using tactics that have the effect of giving you an unfair advantage over your opponent, your chances of winning will go down. Your arguments should give you the advantage, not your sneaky approach, your hidden claims, your abusive framework, or your tricky wording. Again, call out your opponent's sneakiness. This is especially fun and elegant in an LD round when your opponent values morality, justice, fairness, etc., and you call them out for violating standards of morality, justice, or fairness.

I prefer clear, well-reasoned arguments that are logically valid and well supported by warrants and evidence. I also value impacts. Show me magnitude and probability. I will evaluate these by taking on the stance of an intelligent person who is well educated, open minded, and not a fool. If you read a card but don't put it into the context of a clear argument, then I won't care about it. You have to use evidence to support your warranted arguments. Your cards are your evidence. I hear many LDers giving lengthy quotes of dense philosophy, without contextualizing the quoted speech. I would much prefer that you summarize the entire argument of the philosopher clearly, briefly, and accurately, rather than quoting some paragraph that seems to support your interpretation. I almost never buy appeals to authority. If you say that Philosopher X says Y, therefore Y is true, I will probably not believe you. Feel free to call your opponent on this.

Since I think that debate is a worthwhile activity that can positively shape the character of youth, I value having fun and being nice. I don't want to spend an hour or so with people who are being mean to each other. Let's have fun and enjoy the round.

I won't leave my knowledge, training, or prejudices at the door, mainly because I can't (if I were truly tabula rasa, I would be an infant or an imbecile). Instead, I'll try to be aware of them and limit the impact of my own opinions or knowledge on the debate. If you don't make the argument, I will try not to make it for you. You must do all the work in the debate. I will, however, apply my knowledge of effective argumentation and the "reasonable person" test to the arguments in the debate. If you give me a weighing method and a clear path to signing the ballot for you, your chances of winning the round go up. Please understand that I will fail to leave behind my biases, assumptions, prejudices, etc. This is a feature of being human. We can't control the processes of our thought very well, and we are largely unaware of what guides and controls our thinking. Your job as a debater is to make these biases, assumptions, and prejudices irrelevant against the overwhelming power of your arguments. Good luck.

Please understand that I will likely be judging you after having taught children all day or having traveled a long distance and slept poorly. I will probably not be at my best. This is true for many of your judges. You should consider taking this into account when you write your cases and make your arguments. After you lose a round that you think you should have won, don't complain about the stupid judge. Instead, consider what you could have done differently to compensate for that judge not being at his or her cognitive best. That's your responsibility. I don't want to think during a round. Thinking is hard. It's not my job. I often disappoint debaters when I am required to think. Your job is to pre-think the round for me, better than your opponent does. The team that does this best will win.

It's up to the round to decide on the framework. If your framework is abusive or unreasonable, I'll drop it and favor your opponent's analysis, especially if your opponent calls it out as such. I prefer realistic frameworks that generously look at the resolution as though the debate were really a public forum (even in LD) for discussing an important issue. I also prefer realistic arguments that are accessible to the public.

It bothers me when debaters don't know their case because someone else wrote it, they haven't researched the topic, or they are just using the cards that came with the briefs without trying to understand the bigger picture. This become a problem when debaters misinterpret cards or philosophers they don't understand. If your opponent calls you on your card and disputes what it means, then I will call for the card at the end of the debate and make my own judgment. I don't want to do this for a number of reasons, mainly because I don't want to do the work that you should be doing. That being said, I know a lot about many subjects, so if I think that you are misinterpreting a card, I may call for it, even if your opponent has not called you out on it. I don't like to do this, but I also don't like misinterpreted or false cards to affect a round, and I don't expect high school students to have comprehensive knowledge of the world. If I think that your card was misinterpreted, then I will drop the argument it supports.

Please do the work for me. Make it easy for me to decide who wins. Tell the story of the round. Be organized on the flow in your rebuttals.

If your opponent calls for a card, they may continue to prep while you search for it, without that time counting against their prep. This is the procedure at the TOC, which I particularly like because it encourages teams to provide their opponents with the cards they ask for in a timely manner. If you don't have the card, and the context surrounding it, then I will drop the argument that is supported by the card. If your card clearly says something other than what you say it does, I will very likely vote for the other side. Please don't misrepresent your evidence.

Regarding policy debate: Every round that I have judged in policy debate has come down to judge adaptation. Whoever adapts best to my limitations as a judge (see above) will likely win the round (or, if you prefer, my ballot). My recommendation is that policy debaters should have two cases: one that they normally run and another that they write for judge adaptation. Debaters should also practice adaptation whenever they can, making sure that their arguments are comprehensible (at a minimum) and convincing (this should be the target) to normal, educated people.

Speak clearly and coherently

Must have a good case

Show passion in your arguments

Utilize the time effectively

Advice to complain less in the debate

Summarize the argument at the end with emphasize on the big points

I am a parent judge. Please speak clearly.

Be polite and respectful.

Falsified evidence will result in an immediate loss of my ballot.

I value debates that establish strong links between evidences and claims.

Articulate the impact of your arguments.

Demonstrate adaptability during the debate, responding effectively to opponents' arguments.