I like a nicely structured debate. Making the framework and definitions clear is important. However, I do not like for this to carry on. Make the structure clear and move on. You should not still be debating what the framework is in your last rebuttals.

I look for quality sources, not quantity

Debates that build off each other are the best. Don't debate at me, debate with your opponent.

I also look for speaking style. Since I am primarily a speech judge, I take speaking skills into account. Mumbling, speaking monotonously, over using hand movements, and stumbling will rank you lower.

Lastly, I just want the argument to make sense. Don't give me a convoluted, overly complex argument. Make it make sense.

NSDA endorsed speech coach.

For speech: I view judging speech events the same way that I view casting a play or musical. I have a problem: determining who is the best competitor in the event. The competitors have the solution. Be confident. Make a choice - even if it's not a great one. Present the best of yourself and your skills in that moment. Much like theatre, I want to see a well rehearsed piece with the "illusion of the first time."

I will strive to provide you with positives and areas for improvement.

For debate, I am looking for a clear, logical argument and line of reasoning, well supported with unquestionable sources. Deliver with the skills and confidence of a speech competitor. Solid counterarguments and a good defense/response to questioning moves you ahead in the rankings.

I have judged Speech rounds from local to Nationals, and I have been included in Debate, Congress, L-D and PF competitions.

The opportunity for me to judge at Nationals several times has been exciting and very rewarding!

I want to be able to understand you, please speak clearly. My expectations for this

event are:

Disrespect is never ok, be fair to each other and treat people as you would like to be treated.

Be kind, to others as well as yourself.

Logical, clear arguments are appreciated!

"Don't raise your voice. Improve your argument." Desmond Tutu

Please speak clearly and you can speak fast as long as its comprehensible. Signpost and off-time roadmaps would be helpful.

1) For all debates, original oratory and advocacy speeches - basically events that require your to generate original work with preparation:

- No theory please. Use evidence, logical, clear and concise reasoning. Quantify when possible, and know that you are always entitled to your opinion, but not facts. Also, realize things are rarely black or white, so make sure to weigh weigh weigh.

- It is about informing and persuading me. You can use any tool in your script and speech to make that happen.

2) For interpretation speech events, "I will look for your ability to keep the audience engaged" while meeting the general requirements of the event.

- For DEC, the speaker should develop the ability to convey the message in a sincere, honest, and realistic style. The speaker must be able to interpret the meaning of the speech and be able to carry the interpretation over to the minds of the listeners.

- For DUO, it really is about beginning, middle, end, message, climax, scenes, acting. The topic can be light, heavy, sad, fun, anything. But these are meant to be engaging by nature IMHO, like watching a Netflix series, so make it so.

Don't be rude or obnoxious, and have fun. In debate and in life.

I have been judging speech events since 2021, including at Nationals in 2022, where I attended a class on judging. I work hard to be well versed on the criteria for all the speech events and judge them accordingly. Overall I consider the choice of piece/quality of cutting; emotional connection to the piece and audience; confidence and eye contact; organization; and pacing.

Traditional PF judge. Not a fan of progressive debate or excessive calling for evidence. Speed is fine but must be intelligible. Same holds for LD. For speech events, no special requests. Willing to give whatever time signals helps.

Please introduce yourself with your name and preferred pronouns.

I am a lay judge. While I may not have direct experience in debate, I have an understanding of PF concepts and how the rounds work at a basic level. I have a Ph.D in communication, and I teach public speaking and interpersonal communication in college, so I value the importance of your communication skills, argumentation, and overall persuasiveness. Make your points clearly, engage with other's arguments respectfully, and have impactful communication.

Please time your own speeches and prep time. I will try to keep track, but I appreciate you doing it for me. I appreciate some level of moderate pacing of speeches as well.

Thank you.

Note:

This is her son and I'm a second year LDer. My Mom usually judges speech and she's never judged an actual debate round before so you're going to have to explain all jargon very well (even the basics: turn, link, internal link, de-link). Also be aware that she's brand new to flowing as well so make sure to have an off-time roadmap and to have clear signposting.

Overall, just go slow, signpost well, and weigh clearly and you'll get the W 30.