This may or may not be helpful, so feel free to read it if you would like. It's also very long... but worthwhile, I think.

If you choose to read this, it means I am your judge. My email is marmadukezgen@gmail.com you can use this to share files if needed.

Lincoln Douglas Debate

• I have been debating in Georgia for three years (give or take...), so I understand the gist of the event. However, I want to stress that this is a persuasion-based competition, not an imaginary rap battle against Eminem. DO NOT SPREAD- While I don't mind a fast-paced delivery, you must speak clearly. Please keep in mind that if your argument becomes difficult to understand, I will deduct speaker points and stop listening. I will flow all speeches except for cross-examination (CX). Therefore, if you fail to mention any points made during CX, it will not be my responsibility.

• How to Win: It is crucial to tie everything in your LD case to your Value and Value Criterion. This is what distinguishes us from other competitors. LD is a philosophy-based event, so it is vital to refer back to your V/VC and organize your case accordingly. Referring to your Value and Value Criterion is essential to succeed in this event. Also, ensure that there are credible links between your cards and your case, and extend your cards as required. I will be judging the round off of impact-weighing and linkage.

Public Forum Debate

Totally original.

• PF - I side on the traditional side of PF. Don't throw a lot of jargon at me or simply read cards... this isn't Policy Jr., compete in PF for the debate animal it is. Remember debate, especially PF, is meant to persuade - use all the tools in your rhetorical toolbox: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.

General Points/Basics:

• Clash: This is a crucial topic that requires discussion, even though I know it may be too early for you and you would rather stay in bed and watch Spongebob. However, it's important to argue your points well and refute your opponent's, as it will benefit you in the long run. I suggest debating each point thoroughly and going down the flow, as I learned from experience that it's necessary. While I prefer framework and impact-weighing debates, definitions are also important at times, although they are not required as often.

• Signpost: This is essential to the flow of the round, so keep that in mind when you are countering your opponent's case (rebuttal) and rebuilding your case.

• KNOW YOUR CASE!!! From my experience, it's important to act like you know what you're talking about even if you wrote it at 3 a.m.

• Time: Please use your prep time wisely, and most importantly use all of your speech time.

• This is important because it's here twice :) DO NOT SPREAD- While I don't mind a fast-paced delivery, you must speak clearly. Please keep in mind that if your argument becomes difficult to understand, I will deduct speaker points and stop listening.

Speaker Points (Unless told otherwise)

30: You altered my perception of what is achievable during a debate or accomplished something truly revelatory with the subject. Your speaking manner demonstrates a complexity that would capture a theater full of people's attention.

29-29.9: I would anticipate you to be in the tournament's late eliminations because you are a top-tier speaker and thinker. You are pondering the subject at a very high level.

28-28.9: Compared to the stock instances I usually hear on a specific topic, your speech demonstrated much more thought than was typical. Your conversational style exudes confidence and grace.

27.27.9: This is what I mean when I say that this is the "perfect average." Even though the presentation wasn't very eye-catching, you did a nice job of building your case and presenting it.

26-26.9: Although you typically made a convincing point, your delivery and argumentation lacked sophistication.

22-25.9: Your argument was little supported, and your case and/or delivery were both confusing.

Under 21: You said or did something severely offensive, and will most likely be reported to Tabroom. sorry stink <3

PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF EACH OTHER

It is important to remember that disrespect towards your opponent or me during a debate will result in a deduction of speaker points. In addition, I will immediately report any discriminatory behavior, such as LGBTQIA+phobia, racism, or sexism, to Tabroom. There will be zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or violence.

Upon reading this paradigm, I am pleased to inform you that you have earned an additional 0.5 speaker points.

If you have any questions do not ask me. Thank you for your time :) jkjk, ask me...

**between me and you... if you made a funny jokey joke... you earned yourself an extra speakey point**

* Quality of argumentation

* I don't like people getting angry, personal, or condescending during debate

DO NOT SPREAD.

I am a varsity competitor in LD in Georgia, take that for what you think it means.

1. I am a flow judge, and I do flow cross-x for novice rounds.
2. Remember LD is a value based competition so I expect to hear both a value and a value criterion and for you to link all arguments back to your value and criterion
3. I don't make the links for you - you don't link it, it doesn't exist
4. Signpost your attacks
5. Speaker Points - 30 - You are God; 29-29.9 - I expect you to be the BEST speaker at the tournament; 28-28.9 - I expect you to win a speaker award; 27-27.9 - Top half of the tournament field; 26-26.9 - bottom half of the tournament field; 25 or lower you didn't prepare or didn't care. 20 or lower - you were blatantly offensive or used racist, sexist, homophobic, misogynistic, misandrist or ableist language.
6. I'm not too fond of theory cases as I would like to see proof in debates
7. I don't expect a national type debate so try to stay calm and let's have fun :)
8. Please do not forget impacts at the in your rebuttals for BOTH sides.