Mia Abujawdeh - class of 2025

Currently competitive speech - specialize in Original Oratory (2 years)

Former varsity debater - experience in policy and public forum (2 years)

Email chain - miaabujawdeh25@marist.com

I specialize in speech, so I focus heavily on speech format, execution, and clarity.

Hello! I'm Henry.

I compete in Extemporaneous Speaking, so I'm more of a speech kinda guy than a debate kinda guy. I did do policy debate in middle school, but have very little other experience in debate.

For debaters, I prefer clarity over speed. I'm open to whatever progressive arguments you run, but you have to convince me that you're right.

Hello!
My name is Sheyna Hairston, and I am a Speech and Debate coach for a school in Austell, GA. I have been coaching for over three years and I have judged over 30 speech and debate competitions. I have judged for only middle and high school competitions. I have judged policy and public form debates and I have judged impromptu, dramatic interpretation, humorous interpretations and POI speeches.

I enjoy comfortable and proactive debates. More points are given when competitors that have clearly been listening to their opponents, and they literally use their opponents’ words against them to strengthen their side. I do not enjoy debates that include interruptions and boisterous over talking. More points are awarded to the side who gives the best calculated and clever rebuttals and statements.

Speech events are my favorite. Competitors earn the most points with me when the speaker is not only confident with their piece, but they are also comfortable with their speech. Using the stage (if possible) and setting the tone at the very beginning is key. Energy and consistency throughout the entire piece gains points but paying attention to the audience and eye contact, win rounds with this judge.

Hi! While I don't have LD experience, I competed in PF for a year, have done Extemp/Impromptu for the past two years, and am currently a junior at Midtown High School.

A few general things:

• speak clearly (clarity > speed - if I can't understand you' your arguments won't be flowed and your speaks will be lower)
• weigh and explain arguments/evidence/impacts (I won't make assumptions or fill in holes in your case - as a debator you need to connect the dots)
• give a roadmap before your speech
• I don't flow CX but do listen, so if there's something you want flowed bring it up in rebuttal (clash is good but don't be unnecessarily rude to your opponent)
• at the end of your speeches please give clear voting issues on why I should vote for you or why you are winning an argument and why it’s important to the round
• most importantly be respectful of each other - I know things can get heated in a round but kindness and respect go a long way
• have fun!

Marist School (Class of 25')

Hi y'all my name is Faiza.

here is my email for chains: faizakhaled25@marist.com

I’m a third year competitor for Marist! I primarily compete in POI (and other speech events) but did a little policy and also judge public forum, so I understand the debate basics. It is to your benefit to treat me like a lay judge, but that being said, there are a couple things you can do to increase your chance of winning

1) Slow down! Your goal is to be persuasive, not make as many arguments as possible. Use your time to your advantage, but remember, quality over quantity. A short but fully developed speech is much more impactful to me rather than a lengthy speech that regurgitates your case redundantly and doesn't extend or weigh the opposing sides case or show any impact.

- On the note of time, respect the time of both your judges as well as the other competitors. This applies to everyone in terms of being prepared to start the debate on time as well as during the debate round, especially during prep time.

2) Signpost, if you tell me to write something down I’ll definitely be included on my flow.

3) Use cross to highlight important parts of the debate, if I hear it more often I’ll remember it.

4) Weigh! I think that weighing your case with the opposing side is a fantastic mechanism to contest the opposing argument while creating nuance within your own argument in a effective and efficient way. Also, extend every part of your argument and show its impact.

5) Speaking points will be based on clarity and quality.

6) Unless it is serious, theory should be avoided. Disclosure is good.

Remember to have fun and be respectful! If an argument seems true it will be more likely to decide my ballot. I’ll only evaluate arguments made in the round, but I come from a background that emphasizes persuasion. Good luck!