I am a recent high school graduate, and I did speech & debate for all 4 years of high school. I know what good speeches and arguments look like, and I expect everyone to treat judges and fellow competitors with respect and dignity. I will judge based on how well the speech was delivered, the content of a speech (will be based on creativity, relevance, and entertainment), and the confidence and passion of the speaker. Another important factor to consider is the impact that a speech has, but this is fairly subjective, and I will only use a speech's impact as a tie-breaker. I will judge fairly, be objective and understanding, and I will provide the best feedback that I possibly can.

I participated in debate all through high school and placed at State three years in a row. I am now the parent of a congressional debater.

When I judge, I look for strong organization, confident delivery, and logical arguments backed by research.

I am not impressed by anyone who tries to make other people look stupid. The way you treat your competitors contributes to the overall atmosphere and should allow everyone to do their best. I have no tolerance for arrogance or snarkiness, especially if someone acts that way in an attempt to look clever.  

I appreciate creativity, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

You guys have worked so hard to get here! Enjoy the experience. Have multiple goals for yourself! Don't define success at this tournament too narrowly by only setting one goal, such as to break into semi finals.

Instead, identify at least FIVE goals that you hope to accomplish this week. :) That way, you will most likely achieve three or four of them! For example, your goals could be:

• to place
• to break into the final round (or semi or quarter)
• to give the best speech you have given this season
• to meet someone new at this tournament with whom you want to stay in touch
• to smile at or provide a pep talk to someone who seems nervous or stressed
• to make your judge laugh/cry/nod appreciatively/raise their eyebrows/respond in some way
• to support your teammates when they succeed
• to incorporate a story, personal example, or piece of research that you especially like 
• to not pass out or throw up
• to go out of your comfort zone in some way
• to have fun

This approach makes a big difference, whether you are competing in a tournament, training for a marathon, going on a trip, or executing a large-scale event. Multiple goals help you focus on the varied and valuable aspects of the experience, not just the outcome!

Namaste.

When judging a round, I look for students to speak clearly, make eye contact, and cite their sources. I appreciate students being respectful of one another and those in the room. Most of all, have fun. Debate is awesome and it is a great way to learn about different points of view and perspectives in our world.

Experience:
Policy debate student- Kearns High 00-03
Debate coach- Juan Diego Catholic High 2011-2022

I'm a progressive LD judge, moderate CX judge. I hate the idea of a judge paradigm. I don't believe my preference should determine what is presented in the round. I am not opposed to particular issues or topics, nor do I prefer certain issues over others.

The expectation for any round is that you present well formed arguments, provide support for your case, and refute your opponents case. I can handle any speed you can deliver, however it is your responsibility to be clear.

I vote strictly off my flow. If you are not clear, I do not flow. I will not tell you to clear up, it is your job to know if you are being an effective communicator. Likewise, if you don't tell me where to flow something (for example, on my opponents second contention), I will flow it straight down -which may not bode well for you.

In any round, you need to give me a reason to prefer you. Impact your arguments. Well formed, quality arguments will be reflected in speaker points.