I am the Speech + Debate Team Coordinator for St Luke School (Middle School) in Shoreline,WA (speechteam@stlukeshoreline.org)

For Speech Events:

First and foremost - enjoy your experience! It's commendable that you're at the tournament and willing to try!

I appreciate poise and confidence in speaking events. Take your time to articulate your speech, emphasizing words, phrases and emotions in your piece - don't rush. If you're having fun doing it, I will enjoy it equally!

For Debate:

I am a former high school and collegiate debater. I appreciate a well-thought out argument with spot on cards that prove your point. A sharp cx/crossfire with corresponding follow up arguments is a great technique that will also earn higher points from me.

Speed is OK, but clarity is of the utmost importance. I often find some high school debaters value speed too much, in turn sacrificing clarity and emphasis. Speaking quickly is a strategy, just as selecting which arguments or case you present.You may know what you're saying, but if it's unintelligible, it's not going to be a determining factor on my ballot.

Do your best to organize your speeches - indexing/signposting makes it easier to flow and follow your speech path. Please don't just read a bunch of cards and expect me to organize them for you, nor determine where they go.

I will listen to almost any argument and weigh it based on the scales that you - the debaters - create for me in the round. I may not personally like it, but if you win the argument, I'll consider it in the context you've defined.

I expect everyone to be respectful and considerate. Everyone wants to win, but it should also be fun. Really!