GFCA Varsity State
2024
—
Atlanta,
GA/US
Speech Paradigm List
All Paradigms:
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Kwabena Agyeman-Prempeh
Valdosta High School
None
Natalie Albert
Marist School
None
Al Angel
Valdosta High School
None
Last changed on
Fri March 1, 2024 at 1:59 PM EDT
Email for email chain: Jiyab0723@gmail.com
Be respectful, keep to time as best as you can, and I prefer no spreading (but will accept it as long as you’re clear). I vote based on content of the argument as well as the way that it is argued/how well arguments are responded to.
Last changed on
Fri January 19, 2024 at 10:50 AM EDT
Educational Background:
Georgia Southern University (2018) - Ed.D. Curriculum Studies; Cultural Studies
Georgia Southern (2010) - M.Ed.
Virginia Commonwealth University (1983) - B.A. English
Revelant Career Experience:
English Teacher/Debate Coach (2008-2010) Lassiter High School
English Teacher/Debate Coach (2003-2005) North Cobb High School
Public Forum
Make your points efficiently. Be polite.
Policy
I'm a bit of a policy wonk, so be sure to cite credible research. Don't be so rushed that you can't enunciate clearly.
Lincoln Douglas
I haven't judged many LD debates, but tend to lean towards arguments that are logical and compassionate.
Speed
I will do my best to follow your argument should you choose to spread. I appreciate those who recognize that speed should not have priority over delivery.
Disclosure
I will try to answer questions if at all possible and provide disclosure.
Cross Examination/Crossfire
This is an opportunity to identify weaknesses in an opponent's argument and allow them the opportunity to remedy misstatements or oversights. It is not an opportunity to be snarky or try to trick your opponent.
Axioms
"It's nice to be smart, but it's smart to be nice." (Unknown)
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”
― John Adams, The Portable John Adams
Contact: DIANA BISHOP, dfbishop58@gmail.com
Erik Bjerke
Marist School
None
Keri Conley
North Atlanta High School
None
Sean Connors
Midtown High School
None
Lanette Copeland
Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology
None
David Gay
Dunwoody High
None
Rodney Gibbs
Midtown High School
Last changed on
Sat February 10, 2024 at 2:50 AM EDT
I am a parent of a high school LD debater and new to judging.
Brittany Gunter
Sequoyah High School
None
Mario Herrera
Midtown High School
Last changed on
Sun February 18, 2024 at 6:58 AM EDT
Congressional Debate:
I have judged and/or been parliamentarian at local, regional and national tournaments, including Isidore Newman, Durham Academy, the Barkley Forum and and Harvard. My students have found success at both the national and state levels.
POs- I default to you. Remember, your tone as PO has a big influence on tone of the chamber. Be efficient, clear and consistent and have fun.
As far as the round and debate within the round, consistency is important to me. The way you speak and vote on one piece of legislation should most indeed influence your position on similar limitation unless you tell me otherwise. Debate and discourse does not exist in a vacuum.
Acting/characterization is fine as long as there is a reason and has a positive impact.
Finding a balance of logos, ethos and pathos is important. Difficult to accomplish in three minutes? Absolutely. The balance is what gets my attention.
I'll be honest. I don't like when debate jargon leaks into the chamber. SQUO, affirmative/negative, counterplan, link/turn, etc. This event is it's own unique event with norms.
Additionally, Student Congress is not Extemp-lite. If you are trying for three points in a speech, how do I know what to focus on? If everything is equally important then nothing is important. Take a stance, go for the impact and make the balance between logic and emotional to persuade. Include previous debate points, elucidate your point of view and have fun.
Alison Hibbard
Carrollton
None
Frances Hollhumer
Lassiter High School
None
Last changed on
Sun March 24, 2024 at 4:14 AM EDT
Pronouns: he/him/his
merehunter2002@gmail.com - Please include me in your email chain!
Hello! I am a third year undergrad student at Emory University. I greatly appreciate when debaters share their pronouns, so please feel free to do so (it is encouraged)! While I am not a debater myself, I have been judging Policy for AUDL since August 2022 and have spectated countless rounds in PF, Policy, and World Schools. I strive to make debate a safer and more inclusive/ respectful space. Have a great round!
** Please note that any sexism, racism, homophobia, and/or transphobia in an argument will automatically result in the loss of the round.
My Preferences:
- Tell me what you want me to weigh off of (magnitude, timeframe, risk, etc..)
- In your 2NR/2AR tell me what my ballot should look like! Also, please weigh. The earlier weighing is introduced, the better! (For example, if your opponents dropped an argument, say so. This will make my decision much easier)
- I will vote off the flow but it must be warranted (meaning if you properly extend your argument but it lacks explanation, I will not vote off of it). I am mostly a tech = truth judge
- Signposting is required for good speaks, Off-Time Roadmaps are encouraged
- Make a note to extend all arguments and if you are going to kick an argument, say so.
- I prefer when teams collapse in later speeches, giving you more time to better warrant your arguments (quality > quantity)
- I am not super familiar with Ks, theory, etc., but I will try my best to adjudicate them within the round as long as the warrant/impact is well-explained
- If you take prep, please time yourself and report what you have remaining when you are ready to proceed in the round (I will also time, but I prefer that debaters do so as well)
- Be respectful in Cross-Ex; do not be condescending
Clear and comprehensible speaking will result in higher speaks; also note that spreading is not required. I can handle medium speed.
DeLancy Hutchinson
Marist School
None
Sean Kurkjian
Wheeler High School
None
Tracy Land
Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology
None
Jennifer Laxton
Columbus HS
Last changed on
Wed January 3, 2024 at 6:55 AM EDT
I do not like spreading. Clear communication is key. Evidence makes your case stronger.
Tina Lekas
Sequoyah High School
Last changed on
Tue January 23, 2024 at 3:59 AM EDT
I am a judge for IE. My background is as faculty at various universities providing mentoring to Capstone and thesis graduate students who present their scholarly projects and research information.
I stay faithful to the judging criteria for content and relevance. Even if you are an animated and a well poised speaker, if you lack content or do not adequately develop and organize your information, my judging will reflect that you did not meet the criteria established. Conversely, a speaker who may not have the best presence but has great content will rank higher than a good verbal talker without good context. You will not get first if you go over the time limit and the established grace period.
Please let me know what type of hand signals you wish to have to help you with managing your time.
Thank you for the privilege of hearing you speak.
Jeffrey Lignugaris
Midtown High School
None
Molly Looman
Midtown High School
None
Julie Mastella
Marist School
None
Peter Mastella
Marist School
None
Beth McMahon
Decatur High School
Last changed on
Mon April 8, 2024 at 2:31 PM EDT
Atlanta Urban Debate League (UDL). Decatur, Ga. Currently I teach AP Lang and direct a small AUDL program without a ton of institutional support but in a previous life I coached mostly policy on the national circuit. In fact, I've been around long enough to see the activity go from notecards in ox boxes to xeroxed briefs to some computerized debates to having everything online. I prefer to flow on paper because that's how I learned back in the dark ages.
You can put me on the E mail chain: mcmahon.beth@gmail.com.
For UDL tournaments:
I am an old school policy coach and do not love the K (even though my teams do run it) because teams just read their blocks and don't evaluate the round. That said, if you run the K, awesome -- be ready to debate the line by line and go for something other than framework. See my note below about having an advocacy of some sort.
For the Barkley Forum: If you are in speech events, know that my background is in policy. If you are a policy debater, know that I haven't judged a lot of varsity debates this year so watch the topic specific acronyms. From what I've seen it will be fine but just wanted you to be aware.
Old stuff:
Current Urban Debate League coach (Atlanta/AUDL) but a long time ago (when we carried tubs, no one had a cell phone, and the K was still kinda new) I used to coach and judge on the national circuit. I took a sabbatical from coaching (had kids, came back, things have changed, no more tubs). I still flow on paper and probably always will. FYI -- I have not judged national circuit varsity debates consistently since 2008 when I worked at a now-defunct national circuit program that had some money for travel. I've been told I'm more tech over truth and although I enjoy listening to K debates I don't have a K background (my national circuit experience has all been old school policy so like DA plus case plus CP). If you are a K team I expect some sort of ADVOCACY not just a bunch of block reading and a framework dump. If you don't have a plan you still need to advocate FOR something. Theory dumps are very frustrating to me because I don't know how to evaluate the round.
Crystalizing the round in rebuttals is an important skill - especially in front of a judge like me that did not spend 8 weeks at camp nor has read all of the lit. Or maybe any of the lit. You absolutely will be more familiar with your evidence than I will so please don't expect that kind of deep dive into the post round discussion. There was a point in my life when I could have those discussions, but I'm not there anymore. I am however more likely to buy your case attacks or a topicality argument so there's that.
Notes for IE/LD -- I judge more policy debate than LD/IE/PF/Congress but at some point this year have judged all of the above. I tend to be more tech over truth with LD and am looking for some sort of impact analysis of the values presented. My policy team does not run the K and debates more traditionally -- one of the most underutilized strategies in LD is to debate the other team's case.
Justin Meredith
Woodstock High School
None
John Moye
Midtown High School
None
Pankaj Nain
Northview High School
None
Last changed on
Thu February 8, 2024 at 8:08 PM EDT
My name is Russell Newell. It is a privilege and honor to serve. I am an experienced speaker, leader, entrepreneur, and life coach who is passionate about making a positive impact in people's lives.
I have served as a volunteer assistant speech and debate coach and have judged for past regional, state and national tournaments. (judging history was deleted on prior account)
What I am looking for as I judge:
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A properly prepared presentation
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A well delivered presentation
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Talking speed that allows understanding
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Smooth transitions between ideas
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Clear, concise and accurate information
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Citations when appropriate
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Connect the points to support the conclusion
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Logical and reasoned argumentation
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Avoidance of logical fallacies
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Clear impact or desired outcome
If you have any questions or need to contact me: rj@newellconnect.net
Judy Nussbaum
Marist School
None
John Thomas Peterson
Hire
Last changed on
Fri January 19, 2024 at 7:33 AM EDT
Hi, my name is John. I use any pronouns, and I debated for 4 years in LD and congress at Cherokee HS, 45 minutes north of Atlanta.
If there's anything in this paradigm that you don't understand or that wasn't covered, let me know before the round in person, by texting me (+1 470 232-4546), or by sending an email (johntpeterson355@gmail.com). good luck!
If you send a doc, cc me: johntpeterson355@gmail.com. I'm going to delete your doc at the end of the round.
I'm gonna keep it real with you, i've gotten a lot dumber since I stopped debating. i've regressed. you need to explain complicated stuff really slowly. treat me like a parent judge if you run advanced phil. i need to understand and hear your argument in order to flow it. my ability to understand speed is... a lot worse now than it was. that being said i'll flow most things as long as they're done well. being racist/homophobic/transphobic/sexist/etc. is penalized with an L. **this includes the sources you use! i will notice if you cite a hate group or hate publication. also flex prep is cool
do lots of weighing and talk at a reasonable speed ????
Apurva Pophali
Northview High School
None
Andy Powell
Marist School
None
Sudha Reddy
Midtown High School
None
Joe Ruvo
Dunwoody High
None
Richard Sargent
Marist School
None
Traci Sargent
Marist School
None
Christa Singleton
Marist School
None
Ryan Stewart
Dunwoody High
None
First off congratulations to all competitors for making it this far, hats off. I used to do Speech and Debate as well and I own the title for POI Georgia State Champion for the 2019 season. I enjoy thrill filled speeches, showcase of compassion, and I enjoy watching the performer getting lost in their scenes. For the sake of PF, i rather debaters not spread, more of a traditional judge in that realm.
Cherie Ullo
Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology
None
Last changed on
Sat February 10, 2024 at 3:44 AM EDT
EMAIL: ishitakvaish@gmail.com
Good luck debating! Remember to relax and enjoy the tournament. Debate can be stressful and cause anxiety, so don’t forget it is an education and enjoyable activity. I have debated throughout high school in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas. I am a traditional debater. 2nd year at Georgia Tech - Go Jackets!
LD
Framework: This is so important - it needs to be extended in every speech because it ultimately tells me how to evaluate the impacts in this round.
Contention-Level Preferences: I will vote for Kritiks, topicality, and counter plans. However, I have a strong evidence standard and expect to see well cut evidence in round if you plan to read any of these. I may also call to see cards at the end of a round to evaluate the round.
Cross-Ex: I do not listen during cross or voted based on cross. If something comes up in cross-ex that you want on my flow, you need to bring it up during the speech. Cross-Ex is your time to ask each other, but be polite or I will dock speaker points.
Speed/Spreading: Do not spread. If I cannot understand you, then I won’t have everything on my flow due to the lack of clarity in your speech. Clarity always trumps speed.
Stand while making speeches. You can sit or stand during cross. Do not speak rudely to me or to your opponents - it will affect speaker points.
Policy:
I have judged both LD and Public Forum before, but I am relatively new to judging policy. Please talk clearly and avoid spreading if possible. When you send out speech docs, they should match your speech. If you cut a card half way through, feel free to say "cut card" and move on to the next. I will not flow cross-ex, so if there is anything important said in cross-ex, then take the time to point it out in the following speech. Finally, if I cannot understand you, I will yell clear, type in the chat, raise my hand, etc. If I still cannot understand, I will stop flowing and judge the round based on what I flowed. Please time yourself. My timer will be the final say, but having your own timer is highly suggested to help pace yourself. Please give a road map before every speech. If you have any questions, please let me know!
Mary Kay Waterman
The Lovett School
Last changed on
Wed January 3, 2024 at 10:15 AM EDT
I coach PF Debate and have judged LD for 15+ years. I love to see professionalism, real logic in cases and rebuttals, impeccable speaking skills, and good time management. Please avoid barraging me with questions about my expertise before the round starts.
“Off-time road maps” serve no purpose. Framework and observations are not just for show; I weigh them throughout the round. Spreading does not belong in PF or LD, and I will not flow arguments that I cannot hear.
Good argumentation matters the most to me. I should hear incisive warrants to support all claims. Your impacts should be specific and resonate throughout your contentions. Good debaters achieve turns and can group arguments well.
In regard to PF:
Summary speeches should, above all, situate the round and extend the rebuttal.
Try not to turn the round into just an “evidence-off”. Know when to move on from a dispute over one piece of evidence.
In the Final Focus, you must weigh arguments with specificity and effective persuasion, but the focus should be on the holistic argument and impacts, not line-by-line analysis at that point.
I don't give long-winded verbal feedback at the end of rounds, but I try to give an abundance of ballot comments for your benefit.
Jamie Wills
Cherokee HS
None
Ann Yu
Lambert High School
Last changed on
Sat January 13, 2024 at 2:53 AM EDT
I will be keeping it simple and will intend on looking in-depth in the rounds and to provide the information needed to explain why I gave a specific rank to each competitors.
Here's what I'm looking for:
Delivery: I wish to see you provide emotion and vocal variation in your speeches, after all these rounds can take up to 3 HOURS meaning as the round progresses it will be difficult to be heavily interested when someone is speaking in a monotone voice compared to someone who brings sadness, anger, and strength/impact to their speeches.
Fluency: I will be looking out for the competitors with the best fluency.
Interpret: This will be by far THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect I will be looking for. As a judge I inherently will not be researching the bills everyone is prepping for, so speakers who come up and provide an argument for a certain side of a bill on why their side is right without being confusing and overreaching and hard to catch up will get a big boost in how I rank. Essentially I wish to see speakers be clear and concise with their speeches because again, I will not have huge prior knowledge on the legislations at hand.
Legal Pad Dependence: Although it can be difficult to give speeches without a pad, I am looking for people who are not overtly dependent on their legal pad.
Uniqueness: If you make a common argument that is fine but if you go ahead and bring a whole new argument and make it unique and add new perspective, that will most definitely boost you in the ranks.
Late Round Speeches: As the round goes on and many arguments are used and it will obviously be difficult to make new argument that has not been overused. So for late round speeches I will not criticize you heavily if you cannot be special about it and instead focused more on refutation and delivery.
Lan Yuan
Northview High School
None
Ken Zeff
Midtown High School
Last changed on
Sat February 10, 2024 at 3:11 AM EDT
Please speak clearly, concisely, and slow enough that I can understand. Refute your opponents claims and weigh the evidence. Take the big picture in your final rebuttal. Don't get caught in the weeds in the end. Connect the dots for me.