I feel this should be fun and the time of your life. Have fun with debating each other!

Congress: I really like when the debate gets intense with both sides showing one extreme to the next. That is what congress is all about, one extreme side debating the other extreme side. There is no right or wrong. It is all about facts/sources, your tone and the way you bring emotion into your stance. I love feeling the passionate stances each of you have on topics and gaining knowledge from the younger generation and the views you all have (even if they are not your own PERSONAL views).

Everyone has different views on topics and what "jumps out" to them. A good debater will be able to go from one side of views to another and be respectful to all. This can seem far one sided, but that's what makes Congress so unique in our country. Example: You can be for electric cars for our environment/Global Warming AND think taxes are too high/against IRS mandates in your speeches. I really enjoy listening to someone willing to understand both sides but passionate about one in their speech. Judges can usually tell when someone's personal views flow through their speeches and that makes debate soooo much fun!

Research the bills and educate yourself on both sides! There is nothing better than educating yourself. It will show in your speeches.

I like a little questions within questions to get people to think outside of the box and realize just because you ask a question does not mean you are off the hook for thinking about your own question and what you are asking. Learn from each other.

IE: Remember in IE's you are telling me something I may have no knowledge about. Be passionate about whatever topic you choose and you will do well and forget it is a speech. Educate me! Bring emotion into it! Grasp my attention by finding a way for me to connect with what you are talking about.

So proud of you all! Have Fun! You are amazing!

I am a former debater, from long long ago. I am back to judge because of how much I enjoy seeing students learn, grow, and develop into passionate adults.

In round, I expect to see professionalism. I would rather see several fully fleshed points than a bunch of half-baked ones. Keep in mind, that stating sources is important.

I tend to judge on the following categories: professionalism (presentation and communication), use of sources, completeness of content, and application of content. Your job is to tell me how to vote and why. The less thinking you leave to me the better.

IEs are much the same: professionalism (presentation and communication), completeness of content or well-practiced depending on the event, and captivating.

We are all human and I expect to see you bring yourself to each round. No one is perfect, but I do expect you to try your best. If a mistake is made, that is okay, take a deep breath and move on. High School debate should be fun!!!

Congres:

I want to see you bring your own personality to your argument style, if you like using props and visuals, use them (as long as it does not waste time), if you prefer citing various legal documents instead, go for it, whatever works best for your speech style. Amendments are welcome, as are caucuses for dockets or votes. I prefer a more formal chamber and follow the NSDA Congressional book. Your speeches should not be re-iterations of speeches I have already heard unless you have something new to that argument and need to recap the concept briefly. I love it when people respond to the chamber and use Clash in Questioning.

Remember that in the end congress is a performance for the judge and have fun with it.

Parli Notes:

Please as a PO open space for paradigms for judges, and if you have questions about policy/procedure I usually try to have the first few minutes (below 10) open for questions before nominations. This is not speech time or judged but is meant to help you. This can be anything from how to go to the bathroom during the round, to what is a caucus and why it exists. I keep my recency/precedency digitally and if you would like a copy it is in excel sheet and you just have to ask.

I am here to help you