What are your stylistic preferences for extemp? How much evidence do you prefer? Any preference for virtual delivery?

It's important that the extemp format is followed. I would prefer there be a min. of 2 sources per point. I prefer an AG that you can tie back to during each transition.

What are your stylistic preferences for Oratory/Info? How much evidence do you prefer?

Much like extemp at least 2-3 sources per point. I like the intro to be tied into the subject and your transitions link back to your AG.

Any unique thoughts on teasers/introductions for Interpretation events?

I love teasers! Make sure you intro truly introduce your piece and it isn't too long

Any preferences with respect to blocking, movement, etc.?

I prefer there to be lots of movement and blocking. Help me visualize where you are and who you are talking to.

How do you feel about author's intent and appropriateness of a piece? For example: an HI of Miracle Worker (author's intent) or a student performing mature material or using curse words (appropriateness)?

I'm not ok with vulgar pieces. I am ok with some profanity but not a lot.

WSD Judging

I'm looking for teams who can defend their case and attack their opponents. I expect you to use the proper terms (opp/prop/motions) You will lose points from me if you are rude in anyway. I'm looking for everyone to be good speakers and be able to explain their side in a way that makes sense and convinces me that you should win.

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.

I have taught and coached at Round Rock Christian, TX, for 15 years across events. I am passionate about this activity and its value for competitors to 'find their voice' in their events. Please ask if you have any questions about my paradigm.

In Round Conduct

I have zero tolerance for bullying and disrespect directed toward anyone in the competition space. I have and will stop rounds if it is taking place. If you are competing against someone who is less experienced, please be gracious to them. We are a community and with that comes certain expectations of how we interact with others.

Time use

Across events, your strategy for time use will be noted on the ballot.

Overall thoughts

I favor bold, energetic, engaged debaters who best represent what the event they are competing in asks of a competitor. Teach me something new. I believe each debate event has something unique about it and do not consider events to be interchangeable.

As a communication activity, in my opinion, spreading does not enhance the education space. If you choose to spread, please sure to signpost effectively. Avoid it in rebuttal speeches. I refuse to yell out things like clear, as if you have any question about whether I understand, you need to adapt your delivery. While some jargon is warranted, the over use of it is not effective communication or an argumentation strategy.

I will weigh first on framework, then the contention level debate. Theory arguments will be dealt with secondarily.

Please note, linking everything to nuclear war without proper warrants is not effective. I am looking to see how your argumentation speaks to the resolution and what it asks of each position in the debate.

Giving voters allows you to narrate the round for me. If you cannot articulate why you won the round, you likely did not.

Lincoln Douglas Debate

I favor a traditional style with lower speeds and attention to the value/criterion, but I can adapt to more progressive style of argumentation. This event is not policy debate for one. If you spread, please sign post effectively.

Public Forum

My paradigm is convince me. I strongly dislike the Negative team going first and I recommend that you do not.

Congress

Delivery: this is a competition and delivery style will be a factor in ranking. Please exhibit the expected decorum in a Congress chamber because I do drop ranks for behavior that is unbecoming, including being rude or yelling.

Speeches: I expect a balance between preparation and the ability to navigate through the arguments so far in the round. Crystallize. I am looking for more than a surface understanding of legislation and its impacts. Questioning: use questioning as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge on legislation and your ability to expose issues on the opposition. Avoid: wasting chamber time with irrelevant questions, unnecessary motions, being dramatic about taking a first speech, or ignoring Presiding Officer gavel taps. Being gaveled down is not a flex.

I expect competitors to come prepared on legislation and yes, I am listening when the chamber is planning the docket.

For the Presiding Officer, I expect a fair and efficient chamber. A strong PO will rank high, but it is not an automatic 1st place.

Interpretation

My paradigm for interp events is whether you are believable or not as your character(s). Do you have advocacy in events that traditionally expect it? What about your time use? I will be looking at your introductions that they are carefully put together. I am looking for a polished performance that demonstrates a fine attention to detail. Your performance across events should have layers, demonstrating nuance and complexity in characters. We don't like music played with just one note, don't perform any piece with no vocal, emotional, or pacing variety.

Artistic plagiarism: as a coach of those in the interpretation events, I take this seriously. If you are performing a piece that has been on the national stage, make it yours, not a duplicate of the performance.

Platform Speaking

Whether you are in oratory, info, impromptu, or one of the extemporaneous speaking events, try to stand out by not sounding canned. Teach me something new. Humor, well used, is always appreciated. Like debate, your use of time will be reflected in the comments.

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

I have over 20 years of experience. pronouns: she/her

Individual Events:

• I love well-rounded characterization. My biggest note is that if you are doing a popular piece I would love to see your version of this character, not an exact copy of the original character ( this is INTERPRETATION after all…). Be sure to have fun with your characterization, especially in HI. If you have multiple characters be sure there is distinction in vocal quality and physicality and that they're adding to the story, not distracting from it.

• When listening to the cutting of the piece I’d like it to flow well. I love a clear, catchy teaser, a brief intro that doesn’t give too much away, a well told and understandable story that leads the characters path, whatever that way be. .

• I am NIT PICKY when it comes to delivery (you’ve been warned). I love clean crisp diction, purposeful emphasis and pauses all while ensuring that they guide the emotions of your piece. When it comes to blocking, be sure you're not moving just to move. Every move you make needs to be justified and should add to the story. Remember, this is blocking not choreo.

• Authenticity is a big topic i look for. I know you've rehearsed your piece a bunch, but I don't want to see that, I want to see it with authenticity and as thought you're in the moment and reacting in real time. With all that being said, we perform because we want to elicit emotions out of our audience. We are looking to inspire, teach, interact and to let the audience get lost in our pieces. The only way to do that, is to be sure you’re having fun with it.

OO/INFO:

• I prefer when I can easily tell what the goal and persuasive points of your speech are.
• I love learning so for me, be sure the research lines up and gives me reason to really that your stance into consideration.

Extemp:

• Most importantly, be sure to state AND answer your question. It's one of the big things that I look for when judging.

• Your 3 points should support your decision and explain why you made that choice, 7-10 sources is a great spot to be for the whole performance and within those sources should be a solid foundation.

Sometimes tabroom doesn’t save ballots, Ialways leave ballots no matter what. if you are not seeing a ballot tell your coach to email me and I will forward it to them. I pre-write and save all of my ballots on google docs.

Anderson High School former debater/speecher class of 23

fighting Texas Aggie class of 27

mid extemper, qualified for state and toc and nats in extemp since someone thought I was ok I guess.

extemp is a speech event, I care more about presentation than facts (still shouldn't make too much stuff up though).

You can talk me up when you enter the room, kind of curious what it feels like to be on the other side of it. Won't help rankings though.

I like horses.

Have fun and don't panic :)

Extemp -

Please make sure you answer the question while being engaging and conversational - I want to see your personality shine through your speech. Analyze your points thoroughly. Tie your conclusion back to your AGD or intro. Use solid, clear, logical structure and depth in your speech.

I look for students to show the hard work put into an IE selection.

I like to see polished pieces (not rough drafts). Students should show they have an understanding of the selection they are presenting. It's appreciated if the selection is entertaining and has merit.

I don't look down on speeches past 7:00, but 7:20 is a little risky.

Link back to the question always. Tell me why you are answering questions.

Your speed should feel like a conversation (read: easily understandable), not like you are trying to fit in as many words as possible in the time limit. Fluency matters insomuch that I can understand you.

I like it when I learn something I didn't already know. Teach me! I love coming out of rounds and telling people, "I was in this OO/Informative/Extemp round and I just learned that..." A decent amount of evidence with full citations is expected.

Purposeful and refrained movement is much better than constant movement. I know when you're moving on to a new point - you've stopped talking about it and are transitioning with your words. Some movement is key and good - constant movement is tiring and distracting.

Please don't try and pass off an OO as an Info or Info as OO, if cross entered, make sure you follow the different requirements of each event.

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.

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.

I am a coach and teach my kids the traditional formats of speech and debate for all events.

Congress: I am looking for an AGD and proper sign posting in the introduction. I want to see evidence for each point and clash unless you are the first speaker. I don't want to see you bring up a laptop. You should use a paper tablet. Make sure you leave time for a short conclusion. Make sure your pacing and verbiage are in a conversational manner. Answering questions are just as important, make sure you know the topic thoroughly. Activity in the chamber is also important, especially when I'm trying to break ties in my mind. Make sure your questions are well thought out before asking.

Lincoln-Douglas: As stated above, I teach the traditional format for LD Debate. I expect value, value criterion, contentions, warrants, and impacts. If you were taught policy jargon, make sure and convert it to LD Debate format. I do not want spreading. Make good sound arguments. The person who upholds their framework will win the round.

Speaking Events: I am much better at judging Extemp, Original Oratory, and Informative speaking events over the interp events. However, I have judged all interp events at local, state, and national levels.

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.

I have judged for a little less than a year; however, I am a former speech event competitor. Pronouns: she/her

Individual Events:

Characterization: I love to see crisp, clear characterization where the character transports you into the story. Please put your spin on the character, I want to see your interpretation of the character in the piece, not the common idea of the character. I like to see characters that have relatable, believable responses to the specific events in the piece. I appreciate performers that cycle through the characters and use distinguished tones, volumes, and vocal nuances to show the different characters.

Cutting: In your intro, please be brief and hint at what your piece is about – I like to be surprised. Sequencing is important and the story needs to make sense. I like to see that that piece flows and conveys the message well.

Delivery and Blocking: Diction is extremely important. Take a breath. Show mindfulness of the piece that is true to the characters. Don’t just recite the words - show me the characters are living the event. Be judicious with movement and make each motion make sense with the events within the piece. The movements should look natural to the story.

Good Storytelling: I want to see the truth in the story. Through your performance I want to gain understanding of the message, feel the emotions of the characters, and see the performer’s passion for the storytelling medium.

OO/INFO:

Significance: At the end of your speech, I need to understand why the topic is important and timely. Clearly outline the goals and points.

Relatability: This is a critical point for me. For me to be persuaded, I need follow the impact to others. Delivery is key here – speaking with confidence and conveying solid evidence to back up your positions.

Innovative Approach: I want to be awed with the information presented to where I think about the topic in a different way. Supporting evidence should be presented in an engaging way.

Extemp:

Intro: Make sure to clearly state the question. Take a breath, then provide the answer. Be careful of pacing here. Your messaging will get lost if the speech cadence is too rapid. In your intro, make sure you articulate the relevancy of the topic, clearly state your position, and briefly provide three points.

Analysis: Provide the 3 points and clearly articulate the positions. 7-10 credible sources should be provided to support your position.

Delivery: Be mindful of eye contact, tempo, and movements. Clear, concise conversational speaking allows the audience to follow your points. Demonstrate confidence in your position.

Johnathen.standifer@leanderisd.org

But, set up a speech drop. It's 2024, there is no need to fight school emails for email chains. share your cases, move things forward, don't be petty for your prep.

Experience in PF, CX and LD. I was an LD/CX debater in high school, and run a PF team now as a coach.

I try to run as close to a tab judge as I can, I'm willing to judge anything you run I just ask for justification in the round for why I should care about debating for it.

I'm fine with speed, I'm fine with theory and I'm fine with progressive arguments.

Don't just throw a trick in the first speech ignore it 'til the end and tell me to vote for you, that's boring.

Congress: I can't think of anything I hate more than everybody giving a speech on a bill in a congress speech. Rehashing only goes so far, I don't need 5 crystallization speeches.

MOVE THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. My points for speeches tend to go down the more an argument goes on and the more rehash we get. Forget equity, move the round forward and you'll be my favorite.

I competed in public forum and extemp, and occasionally congress, for three years in high school. I've judged tournaments both online and in-person and am familiar with the format both ways.

Public Forum

I am fine with most types of arguments and will flow them in round. State an off-time road map outlining your speech prior to reading it.

I am not flowing/voting off of crossfire, but rather listening for knowledge of your own case and ability to ask questions to minimize confusion in round (clarification, contradictions in evidence, etc). Note that crossfire is not the time to continue an argument, but rather to ask and answer.

I am great with any speed. I flow contentions, impacts, extensions, statistics, and weighing of the round. Make sure you have a warrant and extend your impacts throughout the round. Know when to drop certain aspects of the round, and hit hard on why your team wins by weighing in final focus (mag, prob, time, etc).

Theory is fine, but if competing against novices, think twice about its usefulness before bringing it up in round. Don't bring up new arguments in summary or final focus (general rule), especially if there's no direct connection to any of the arguments carried throughout the debate. Use prep time if you're going to ask for multiple cards in round.

LD

I did not debate LD in high school and have only judged rounds. Explain technical lingo when using it and I will judge similarly based off PF. I will also look at how your framework fits your case and encourage clash with your opponent.

Send cases to dishadots@gmail.com.