As a parent judge, my primary goal is to ensure a fair and educational experience for all participants. While I may not have extensive debate experience, I bring a fresh perspective and a commitment to evaluating arguments on their merit.

1. Clarity and Organization:

   • I appreciate clear and concise communication.
   • Please articulate your arguments logically and coherently.
   • Ensure that your speeches have a clear structure with well-defined points.

2. Argumentation:

   • I value well-reasoned and supported arguments.
   • Provide solid evidence and warranting to back your claims.
   • Avoid reliance on jargon; explain complex concepts for clarity.

3. Engagement with Opponent's Arguments:

   • Demonstrating an understanding of your opponent's arguments is crucial.
   • Refute opposing points with logic and evidence rather than dismiss them outright.
   • Acknowledge valid points made by the opposition when applicable.

4. Cross-Examination:

   • Use cross-examination to clarify and strengthen your arguments.
   • Both questioning and responding should be respectful and focused on substance.
   • Points gained in cross-examination will be considered in my decision.

5. Adaptability:

   • Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on your opponent's case and my feedback.
   • Demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to the flow of the debate is essential.

6. Speaker Style:

   • While speaking style is subjective, I appreciate speakers who maintain professionalism.
   • Non-verbal communication, such as body language and eye contact, can enhance your presentation.

7. Impact and Significance:

   • Clearly articulate the impacts of your arguments.
   • Explain why your case matters and how it outweighs or interacts with your opponent's case.

8. Fairness and Respect:

   • Treat your opponents, your partner, and me with respect.
   • Avoid any behavior that may compromise the integrity of the debate round.

9. Learning Experience:

   • Understand that my feedback is intended to be constructive.
   • Use the round as an opportunity for personal and collective growth in debate skills.

10. Final Focus:

    • Your final speeches should crystallize the key issues and emphasize why you should win the round.
    • Summarize and weigh the most critical arguments for a compelling conclusion.

Remember, I am here to learn and appreciate the effort you put into your debates. Good luck, and let's have a productive and enjoyable round!

My Background

I competed for two years in collegiate NPDA, LD, IDPA, Impromptu, and Extemporaneous Speaking.

I am an NPDA National Champion, IPDA National and International Champion, and Extemporaneous Speaking National Champion.

Structure, Organization, and Delivery

I believe that the best debates are highly organized. Arguments should be structured and delivered such that they are easy to flow and understand. Competitors should use tags, roadmaps, and signposts as necessary throughout the debate.

Arguments should be clearly articulated. Speaking in a manner that prioritizes speed over clarity is probably not a good strategy, especially when neither the judge nor your competitors can understand what you're trying to say.

Lay congressional parent judge. Have clear and understandable delivery.

I'm very expressive when it comes to how I'm feeling about your argumentation and style. Eye contact is very important to me, as is organization and flow.

I will not accept rehash, as repeated content does not enhance the round. Please make adaptations as needed throughout and clash with previous content.

During questioning I will dock people for being overly aggressive. Fiery and passionate is good, condescending and snarky is not.

Good luck.

I prefer speakers that are not pad dependent.

make your points clearly and articulate your evidence and grounds in a simple manner

less is more - you don't need to flood your speech with statistics and quotes - one clear statistic or quote weaved in with a persuasive argument can take you a long way

Hello all,

I am a parent judge. I have been judging the student congress debate for last three years.

For the contents of your speech, I would like to hear the debate about the harm and benefit analysis of the bill based on the flow of the chamber arguments and your data. I also look at the type of speeches you present during the round. Well addressed bill agenda in the first speaches is critical start and I value the good first speeches on both sides if it addresses the core part of debating points. I expect an argumentative speech if you speak later. If you bring an applicable real-life impact to your speech, that also counts for a good ranking. For the delivery, it matters to me if a student speaks with a clear sound, a persuasive tone, and a natural talking style. I value students who participates in the debate actively with critical questions to weigh the side of the bill. I rank PO well if the PO runs the chamber efficiently. Good luck, and have fun!

Clarity and Organization:

.Clear and Concise Communication.

.Articulate your argument logically and coherently.

.Speech has a clear structure with well defined points.

Argumentation:

.Well reasoned and supported arguments.

.Provide solid evidence and warranting to back up your claims.

.Explained concept for clarity.

Engagement with Opponent’s Arguments:

.Demonstrating an understanding of your opponent’s argument. .

Refute opposing points with logic and evidence.

.Acknowledge valid points made by opposition when applicable.

Cross-Examination:

.Both questioning and responding should be respectful and focused on substance and be respectful

.Use Cross-Examination to clarify and strengthen your argument.

Adaptability:

.Prepare to adjust your strategy based on your opponent’s case.

.Demonstrating Flexibility and responsiveness to flow of the debate.

Speaker Style:

.While speaking style is subjective and maintain professionalism.

.Clear and Strong Congress Voice.

.Non-verbal communication: body language and eye contact to enhance your presentation.