TOC Digital Speech and Debate Series 3
2024 — Online, KY/US
PF - Open Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HideHello Debaters,
My name is Anant Agarwal, and I can't wait to get to know about all the cool arguments you guys have prepared.
Please treat me as someone who has no prior knowledge for any topic, and make sure to explain everything thoroughly, don't blip any arguments.
I am a truth over tech, if you tell me something absurd like the sky is green, I won't believe it unless you give me a solid link showing that it is green. But I value logical arguments over random arguments that have no chance of happening or are simply not true.
Try to speak at a moderate pace, I will be flowing but if you speak too fast I won't be able to get anything down and its just going to be bad for you in the end. When responding to the opponent in your speeches make sure to give me sound reasoning as to why what you are saying is true, rather than just saying something and moving on. Most points should be supported by evidence (unless its plain logic), and rebuttals should be reasonable and with a good explanation and contentions are coherent.
Make sure to keep a healthy environment for all the debaters and judges, if I notice any inappropriate behavior it will reflect in your speaks.
JUST HAVE FUN! AND MAKE SURE TO BE LOGICAL AND GIVE ME A REASON WHY YOU ARE RIGHT AND THE OPPONENT IS WRONG! REASONING REASONING REASONING!
I'm a college student at USC. I competed more in speech than debate in high school, but I've debated many times and have seen and judged plenty of rounds over the years. I'm not a fan of spreading. Most speakers I've seen tend to garble their words when spreading. No need to talk too fast, enunciate the aspects of your argument you want me to pay the most attention to. Be respectful to each other during cross ex. I prefer more quantitative arguments more grounded in values than running theory's or K's. Please signpost clearly so I can follow the flow more effectively.
Hello Debaters,
My name is Div, I am a parent judge and excited to learn more about the topic from you.
I believe all participants should do their best. I am a flay judge and will try to follow the flow. If your debating skills paint a picture, especially - points are supported by evidence, counterpoints that are reasoned and contentions that are coherent. If you can do these, I will be happy to give you the points you deserve.
I look towards a healthy and respectful debate between contestants and inappropriate behavior - derogatory, inflammatory, demeaning remarks will impact your speaker score and result.
Most of all I encourage you all to have fun. Debate is an opportunity to learn and grow and more often than not paying careful attention to your opponents arguments will help you do that.
I wish you all the best and leave you with - "You may disapprove or disagree with your opponent, but you will defend their right to speech"
Tech judge. Please do not do off time road maps unless if you say where you are going to start and end on the flow. Please keep it below 5-10 seconds.
Hi! My name is Raif, I debated PF from 2016-2020 at local, state, and nat circ tourneys in the northeast. I coached TOC qualifying and judged extensively from 2020-2022. Once we are in the round, I will provide my email for a email evidence chain or a google doc whichever u prefer. On any other event than PF you can treat me like a well meaning lay judge.
PF:
General Stuff:
-I live for the line by line debate, a rebuttal that clearly signposts what part of a contention that the second speaker will be responding to and then applying responses that are actually responsive and not just topshelf is awesome, and same thing goes for summaries/final foci. "Big picture/voters style debate" is tolerable, but nothing beats a good line by line round.
-All Offense(Contentions, Turns, or Disads) has to be properly FRONTLINED(Improperly frontlining is when you just straight up extend through ink pretending that explaining your link story actually responds to your opponent's response when it clearly doesn't or drop any response on any argument you collapse on), EXTENDED(An extension that isn't sufficient is one that extends a link, but then drops the impact, or just only extends an impact without a link, please do both), and probably WEIGHED in BOTH SUMMARY AND FINAL FOCUS IN ORDER TO BE EVALUATED. In non-debate jargon: Explain the arguments you want me to vote for you off of, answer your opponent's responses, and explain why your arguments are more important than your opponents in both summary and final focus.
-WEIGH YOUR ARGUMENTS. "Weighing" by saying "we outweigh on probability and magnitude" with no further explanation is not weighing. You genuinely have to compare your impacts or links and explicitly explain why I prefer one link or impact over the other. Weighing will boost your speaks, but weighing by just using buzzwords with no additional analysis will make me physically cringe. Don't take advantage of Probability/Strength of Link Weighing to read new link or impact defense that wasn't in the round already. If you start weighing in rebuttal, +.5 speaks for you and an imaginary cookie! The only time I will accept new weighing in either final foci is if there has literally been no weighing in the past speeches by either side(if u reach this scenario, your speaks won't be as high compared to if yall started weighing earlier).
-Turns read in the first rebuttal have to be responded to in the second rebuttal, or I consider it as a clean line of offense for the first speaking team(hey first speaking team you should probably blow that up!). The second rebuttal probably should also frontline defensive responses for strategic purposes, but that is not mandatory.
-UPDATE: 3-minute summaries require defense to be extended in first summary.Because of 1st Summary not being able to definitively know what the second speaking team is collapsing on in summary and final focus, 1st Final Focus CAN extend defensive responses from rebuttal to Final Focus ONLY IF the response was dropped(uncontested). That being said, I would much rather prefer if you could also extend the responses you want to collapse on in FF be in summary too. Please don't say a certain response was dropped when it wasn't. If a link turn is read by a team in rebuttal, and then is not read in summary, but is dropped by the opposing team in their summary, I am willing to evaluate the turn as terminal defense in final focus if the team who read it in rebuttal decides to extend the response in their final focus.
-If there is no offense at the end of the round I will presume the status quo(default con), but before that I will try to find some trivial piece of offense on on the flow that may seem insignificant to the debate if it comes to that(please do not let it come to that).
-Signpost: If I can't tell where you are on the flow, then I cant flow what you say, and that sucks for everyone!
-Warranted analytic>Carded response with no warrant most of the time
-Tech>Truth
Lay-------------Flay---------X---Tech
-Defesne is sticky, even if a response isnt extended in summary and final, if said response was read onto one of the arguments that would be collapsed on in the latter half of the round, I would be more hesitant to vote off of that argument compared to other arguments collapsed in the latter half of the round that have less ink on them or no ink that hasnt been frontlined.
-For concessions in crossfire to be evaluated, CONCESSIONS HAVE TO BE BROUGHT UP IN THE NEXT SPEECH.
Speed:(<275 Words Per Minute)
-Please don't spread, you can honestly just work on your word economy!
-I’ve been less involved recently, and if it’s online please speak at a normal pace.
-Def pref 180-200wpm the most but above that is bearable untill 275wpm.
-If you can speak CLEARLY AND QUICKLY, you should be fine!
-If you go fast, and I yell clear more than twice, your speaks are getting docked(there is literally no educational or tangible real-world benefits made from spreading so quickly that neither I nor your opponents can comprehend your arguments).
-Quality of responses>Quantity of response
I trust you to count your own prep time, please do not abuse that.
Theory/Ks/Other Progressive Args:
-As someone who debated mainly in the Northeast, I don't know how to evaluate progressive arguments because I have never really debated them nor have I been exposed to them much. I am open to hearing them and don't plan on hacking against them, but I would much rather not have to judge fast progressive rounds if I do not have to.
-2 exceptions tho:
A) Impacting to structural violence if it is warranted, frontlined, and continuously extended in a logical and intuitive manner.
B) If your opponents are genuinely being abusive in the round, at that point you don't need to read a shell, just straight up say they are being abusive and warrant it quickly(i.e. "they read a new and unrelated contention in second rebuttal that does not interact with our case, that's abusive bc of timeskew.")
Evidence:
-I try to avoid calling for evidence as much as possible.
-Paraphrasing is okay so long as it is within the context of the actual evidence
-After two minutes(Im sympathetic to those w slow laptops bc I had one when I used to debate), if you can't get your evidence, I'm just not evaluating it, and we are moving on with the round. If want to use your team's prep time to still get the evidence after the two minutes, you can do that too if it is so important.
-Your speaks are getting DOCKED if you're misrepresenting evidence and I will drop the evidence/or even the argument entirely from the round based on how severe the misconstrual is.
-Unless the opposing team tells me miscut evidence means I should drop the debater and why, the team that miscut the evidence WILL NOT have an auto-drop.
These are the scenarios I call for evidence:
A) A debater tells me to in the round
B) It sounds hella sketch/too good to be true
C) It is important for my decision
-Evidence weighing or whatever is generally really cringe, but there are exceptions like in this vid(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siA9SmHyO7M&t=2610s) at 42:15.
Good luck, don't be mean, and have fun!
Hi debaters!
Please speak clearly and if possible, not too fast. Also please explain your arguments in plain terms.
Good luck!
Hello Debaters,
My name is Nida, and I am a parent judge. In debate I look for a few main things.
- Clear speech and articulation. If I can't hear your points, I won't be judging on them
- Respectful and healthy debate. "You may disapprove or disagree with your opponent, but you will defend their right to speech"
- Overall good contentions. This is something I automatically look for, and I hope that this point can be a given
And overall, have fun! I look forward to intellectual and respectful debate.
I've been involved with debate since 2010.
When I was in high school I debated three years in policy, (2010-2013) I attended DDW and DDI, I qualified to nationals, won tournaments etc.
I coached policy from 2013-2020 and now have coached PF from 2020-to now,
there hasn't been a time in my adult life that I wasn't actively coaching or judging
Because of my debate experience I am fine with speed, unless its being used to just outspread your opponent , that is just bad debating and will cost you speaks. On the same note if you aren't clear and I can't flow you then I wont evaluate it.
I'm fine with almost any kind of arguments, theory, k's etc. Explain your link clearly and impact it out to get my ballot.
I am a flow judge, they are what I vote off of, if its not on the flow chances are I didn't evaluate it, this is why I high recommend being good at signposting and doing a clear line by line to win my ballot.
Good impact debates with impact comparison and turn case analysis will also get you ahead
I'm tech over truth and tabula rasa
If you have any questions ask before round
Email: Canderson@revereschools.org if you need to reach out with any further questions after the round
Hello!
My name is Jean Carlo. I am honored to serve as a parent judge in today's public forum debate. With a keen interest in fostering a supportive and respectful atmosphere, I am committed to evaluating arguments based on their coherence, evidence, and the ability to engage constructively with opponents. My aim is to ensure that all participants have the opportunity to showcase their best while upholding the values of fair play and mutual respect. Let's embark in this journey of intellectual exchange and growth together.
Warm Regards,
Mr. Jean Carlo Annese
Email Jororynyc@gmail.com
Perry Hs
CSUF
Assistant coach at Peninsula, 2023-Present
Cleared at the Toc.
Alot of the way I think comes from Amber Kelsie, Jared Burke, Tay Brough and Raunak Dua - LD thoughts from Elmer Yang and Gordon Krauss.
Condense the debate to as few arguments as possible and have good topic knowledge.
Mostly read K arguments - Some policy arguments on the neg. Some Affs had plans.
I am bad for Phil or Trix.
FW: Fairness is an impact,
I also have an increasingly higher threshold for K debate because most of it done in LD is bad.
I wont flow until 1NC case so I can read evidence. I also have no problem telling you I did not understand what you said if its not explicit by the last speech.
I am a parent judge. I enjoy judging and think you all do an excellent job. It is hard to select winners. Have fun.
I am a lay judge. Let's have fun.
Add me to the chain nedabahrani16@gmail.com
Please subject the email "Tournament Name -- Round # -- Aff School AF vs Neg School NG"
About me:
She/her/hers… also good with they/them
Hey I’m Neda Bahrani and I am a current Junior at UC Berkeley. I used to debate Lincoln Douglas/Policy Debate with Dougherty Valley for 5 years. During my time on the team I was Policy Captain for DV and mentor our middle school team. I have competed in both LD and policy style debate through out high school as well as attended camps like CNDI and TDI.
I agree with almost all of Julian Kaffour, Magi Ortiz , Savit Bhat’s Paradigm/Judging philosophy
Tl/dr:
Number your arguments PLEASE
Don’t be offensive. Debate is a game, and supposed to be fun, so don’t take yourself too seriously.
Tech > truth. BUT true arguments are better arguments.
Tricks/Spikes - just no. I won’t flow these.
Friv theory - also a no for me
No RVIs
3 + condo = bad (for LD)
5 + condo = bad (for policy)
You can also refer to my teammate, Savit Bhat’s paradigm if you would like more info than this ^.
Top Level Preferences:
I’m good with anything as long as you do link level analysis and impact out everything. Winning the thesis of your K, your aff, your affirmative, or even your violation is not enough for me to vote for you.
1 - Policy/T
1 - K’s/ K affs
2 - Phil (actual phil, ie nc’s)
3 - Theory
4 - Strike for tricks
K’s
1 - Topic Ks
1 - Security
2 - Set Col
3 - Identity Ks
4 - Anthro/Humanism
5 - Cap
6 - Pomo (Pomo’s are 6 for a reason, don’t pref me just bc “she likes Ks”)
I do enjoy a good K debate. On neg the K winning a turns case, solves case, or some impact ow arg is something I usually like to vote for. I dislike when the alt is intangible and cannot be the intricacies cannot be articulated in cross. You should be able to answer the question “What does the alt look like in the real world?”
Straight Up
This was the style of debate I primarily debated throughout high school. I usually went for “edgy” pics like the asteroids pic, womxn pic, etc. So yeh love those. Honestly at the end of the day it comes down to impact calc and whether you did it and answered the line by line. I like GOOD arguments. My team, throughout highschool, has always produced a really high quality of cards and affirmatives, and that is something I have come to appreciate as I start judging. I hate opening the doc and scrolling through and just being like, “oof this is just a bad aff.” Because those bad arguments are just easily beatable.
If Lay:
If your opponent requests a lay round and it's a ggsa tournament or a "usually" lay tournament you should default lay. However, if your opponent requests a lay round and you are entered in Var TOC at an invitational, I am completely okay with you saying "I won't go fast." That is sufficient for me.
If it is a lay round, I look to who does the most impact weighing.
At the end of the day, be nice and have fun. Debate means more than just your wins and loses.
Hey everyone,
My name is Amit Bansal, and I am a lay parent judge. My child does pf, so I have judged in one PF tournament before. However, I don’t have much experience, so I would prefer if you speak slowly so that I can understand you. Don’t use debate jargon, and I look at how you speak to your opponents. Please be respectful, especially in crossfire. Also, it would be nice to have an explanation of the topic, as I am new and likely won’t understand the topic right off the bat.
I will try my best to flow and understand arguments dropped and extended, but I won't be flowing crossfire.
Thanks, and good luck!
I am a parent judge (Flay/Lay more on the Lay side) for my son, I have little judging experience but with help have outlined my judging preferences.
-I will attempt to flow.
-Speed should be conversational speed if I didn't hear it then it wasn't said in round.
-I do not really know debate jargon so keep it to minimum, again if I don't understand it then it wasn't said in round.
-Cross is binding, I will not flow it though.
-Tech > Truth .
*I will be tech over truth but have a much lower threshold for warranting responses to outlandish point than other judges. If you tell me xyz leads to end of the human race, the only thing it takes the opponents to say is that it's unrealistic for any reason and then that's terminal.
-Please Sign Post/Give off time roadmaps, again if I can't easily flow it then it will be lost.
-Defense isn't sticky, I don't find it fair when opponents bring up things later in round that weren't extended before.
-Put me on the email chain: avi.solar@gmail.com
-Evidence ethics and speech times are up to the debaters to police.
-No progressive debate, I don't have an ear for it and can't evaluate it at all.
I was an LD debater/extemp kid for 3 years in a traditional circuit. I now teach PF at the University of Kentucky.
Email for email chain: barreiro.cayla@gmail.com
Tech over Truth!
I am a pretty hands off judge. I will not intervene in the round unless there is some sort of major issue that needs to be addressed.
I can deal with speed but know that if you try to trip up your opponent through tactics like that it will not score you extra points
I expect all competitors to treat each other with respect and dignity.
PF Breakdown:
All arguments need to be extended throughout the round. If you bring smth new up in final focus, I won't weigh it.
I do evaluate and weigh FW
I'll expect signposting and would prefer off-time roadmaps.
You should have your cards ready in a reasonable time if you get called to present them.
Cases:
Cases should be clear and evidence should be verbally stated in round. I’ll expect clearly defined contentions and signposting
Rebuttals:
2nd speaking team needs to address both sides of the flow in rebuttal if you want your arguments weighed.
Drops= Conceding! I will automatically flow through the other teams' arguments.
Summary: A good summary should summarize the round and make extensions. Don't let me forget anything that is important to your side.
Weighing: final focus should be solely focused on selling me your case. Do not spend an overwhelming time responding to your opponents.
I dont automatically side with the bigger, more catastrophic impacts. If your impacts are well researched and articulated I'll be more inclined to vote in your favor compared with a haphazard extinction arc.
Speaker Points: I don't necessarily have a set baseline. If you are clear, well spoken, respectful to everyone, and organized you will score well. Points start to drop from 30 when I count up mistakes or if I notice a consistent unflattering/unprofessional speaking style.
I am the parent of a (former) Hunter College High School debater and a current Horace Mann debater. I am also a litigator. Most of my experience is with public forum debate. My preferences are: No "theory" and no excessive spreading. Thanks!
Background: https://www.debatedrills.com/meet-the-team/martand-bhagavatula
I'm not sure why, but there has been an astonishing deterioration in PF speech quality over the past couple of years. And, to that end, I'm restructuring my paradigm to being built on the conditions in which I will default neg and everyone gets low speaks:
1) Ghost, shadow, or incomplete extensions by the aff.
2) No terminal impact on the aff.
3) Incomplete case construction by the aff, missing internal links, warrants, and/or terminal impacts on the argument you go for.
4) No weighing done to tell me which arguments matter more, because if I get to choose myself, I'll pick the neg arguments.
5) No offense on either side.
Outside of that, if the round is actually executed on properly, here are my preferences:
- Speed: I was one of the fastest debaters on the circuit when I competed, and in hindsight feel bad for every single judge that had to flow me. To avoid feeling you feeling bad for me, and me for myself while I judge you, keep things <225 wpm or else I'll probably be gone, especially since I'm a little out of practice.
- Summary and FF must mirror one another (for the most part)– I'll hesitantly accept new weighing in 1FF, but if you can't get some weighing out in the 3 minutes of first summary, the foundation is set for you to lose.
- Explanations are only as good as their first iteration.To clarify, any argument introduced in rebuttal, for example, must be fully flushed out/warranted in the rebuttal speech. If something's under-warranted in rebuttal, and your opponents call you out for that, you can't go up in summary and say: "they say there's no warrant, but here's the warrant:" and explain it in detail for the first time. With that in mind, explanations should stay constant. They can't get more in-depth throughout the round, nor can they really be less in-depth, with the former essentially prompting the formulation of a new argument, and the latter hurting your odds of winning'
- Credit to my former coach Gabe Rusk for this spiel: “Speech docs have never intended to serve as an alternative to flowing a speech. They are for exchanging evidence faster and to better scrutinize evidence. Otherwise, you could send a 3000 word case and the speech itself could be as unintelligible as you would like without a harm. As a result there is an infinite regress of words you could send. Thus I will not look at a speech doc during your speech to aid with flowing and will clear you if needed. I will look at docs only when there is evidence comparison, flags, indicts etc but prefer to have it on hand."
Misc:
- I wouldn't read anything progressive outside of simple theory, if that. Topical Ks are pushing it but alright, as long you don't get all overly-techy with it – I'm too washed for that.
- I study finance and have a career lined up in the field, so I would consider myself fairly well-versed on global markets; if you choose to read anything relating to the subject, make sense or else it’ll be a low-point win since debate is supposed to be an educational activity and you should not be getting away with spewing absolute nonsense (as fun as that is).
- I write for Sports Illustrated; so here's my portfolio if you're a big sports person. Other than that, feel free to reach out to mbhagava@usc.edu for any pre- or post-round inquiries.
Parent judge, please speak clearly.
I will be listening to the speakers carefully and looking for flow, consistency, evidence and sources of evidence. Will be noting down all the key points and assess based on content presented and will go by the data for final out come. I have judged in Berkley and other tournaments around Bay area before.
In terms of experience with debate, I did KYA and KUNA (two congress style events) throughout high school. I now do PF at the University of Kentucky!
At the beginning of a round, assume I know nothing about your topic. Anything that is important should be explicated in your case and made accessible for me to understand exactly what you mean! I will not make any assumptions. I am operating solely off what you tell me throughout the round. Try not to drop any arguments - I flow during round and will likely pick up on drops, especially if they're major points! By the end of the round, I want to not only understand why you won, but also why your opponents did not.
In terms of general preferences:
I like an off-time roadmap before each speech to get me oriented. It'll help us all stay organized throughout the round!
I prefer a stylistic speaker over someone who will just regurgitate facts at me. Debate is about more than evidence - the most successful debaters will also be excellent public speakers!
Please do not spread at me. If you are absolutely attached to spreading, please send me your outline once pairings drop so I can roadmap your case for myself.
For email chain purposes: mbl257@uky.edu
I am a parent judge. Please speak clearly and enunciate. Have fun
I believe that public forum was designed to have a "john or sally doe" off the street come in and be a judge. That means that speaking clearly is absolutely essential. If I cannot understand you, I cannot weigh what you say. I also believe that clarity is important. Finally, I am a firm believer in decorum, that is, showing respect to your opponent. In this age of political polarization and uncompromising politics, I believe listening to your opponent and showing a willingness to give credence to your opponents arguments is one of the best lessons of public forum debate.
Engineering grad and IT professional living in DC; I did PF in Virginia 2013-2017 and have been judging debate since 2018.
General:
1. Please pre-flow before round start time. I value keeping things moving along, and starting early if possible, so that the round does not go overtime.
2. I'm fine with speed, if you speak clearly and preferably provide a speech doc.
3a. Time yourself. When you run out of time, finish your sentence gracefully, on a strong note, and stop speaking.
3b. I will also time you. When you run out of time, I will make a hand gesture with my fist, then silently stop taking notes on my flow and wait for you to finish. I will cut you off if you are 30 seconds over time; if I cut you off, it means I didn't listen to anything you said for roughly the last 30 seconds.
4. I don't care if you sit or stand. Do whichever you prefer.
5. I am unlikely to vote on a K. I like hearing Ks, I think they're cool, I like when debaters deconstruct the format/topic/incentive structure of debate, I'm learning about them, but evaluating them as a voting issue is outside my comfort zone as a judge and I don't have the experience and confidence to evaluate Ks in a way that is consistent and fair.
6. I like case/evidence disclosure. It leads to better debates and better evidence ethics. When a team makes a pre-round disclosure of case/evidence or shares a rebuttal doc, I expect that the other team will reciprocate. I expect that you have an evidence doc and can quickly share any evidence the opposing team calls for. If you have not prepared to share your evidence, you should run prep to get your evidence doc together. I want rounds to proceed on schedule and will note it in RFD and speaks if a significant and preventable waste of time occurs in the round.
PF:
I vote on terminal impacts. Use your constructive to state and quantify impacts that I as a human can care about. I care exclusively about saving lives, reducing suffering and increasing happiness, in descending order of importance. Provide warrants and evidence for your claims, then extend your claims and impacts through to final focus. In final focus, weigh: tell me *how* you won in terms of the impacts I care about. You should also weigh to help me decide between impacts that are denominated in different units, for instance if one side impacts to poverty and the other side impacts to, idk, life expectancy, your job as debaters is to tell me why one of those is more important to vote on. If you both impact to the same thing, like extinction, make sure you are weighing the unique aspects of your case, like probability, timeframe, and solvency against the other side's case.
1. If you call a card and begin prepping while you wait to receive it, I will run your prep. Calling for evidence is not free prep.
2. Be nice to each other in cross; let the other person finish. Cut them off if they are monopolizing time.
3. If you want me to consider an argument when I vote, extend it all the way through final focus.
LD:
The way I vote in LD is different from how I vote in PF. In the most narrow sense, I vote for whichever team has the best impact on the value-criteron for the value that I buy into in-round.
This means you don't necessarily have to win on your own case's value or your own case's VC. Probably you will find it easier to link your impacts to your own value and VC, but you can also concede to your opponent's value and link into their VC better than they do, or delink your opponent's VC from their value, or show that your case supports a VC that better ties into their value.
Congress:
I don't judge Congress nearly enough to have an in-depth paradigm, but it happens now and then that I judge Congress, particularly for local tournaments and intramurals. I will typically give POs top-3 if they successfully follow procedure and hold the room together.
Ranking is more based on gut feeling but mainly I'm looking to evaluate: did you speak compellingly like you believe and care about the things you're saying, did you do good research to support your position, and did you take the initiative to speak, particularly when the room otherwise falls silent.
BQ:
I've never judged BQ before and have been researching the format, watching some rounds and bopping around Reddit for the last week or so to understand the rules and norms. Since I'm carrying some experience with other formats in, you should know I will flow all speeches, and only the speeches. I will give a lot of leeway to the debaters to determine the definitions and framing of the round, and expect them to clash over places where those definitions and framings are in conflict, and ultimately I will determine from that clash what definitions and framing I should adopt when signing my ballot.
Parent-Judge
I am a parent judge with little experience. Please speak clearly and be explicit with your argument so that I can follow the points you are trying to make.
GENERAL THOUGHTS
Please speak at a conversational pace. If you spread, I will certainly get lost and the round will effectively be over for your side because I won't have enough on my sheet to extend in your favor.
I like off-time roadmaps. It helps me create a better flow, which in turn helps your case be evaluated properly.
I don't care if you debate while sitting or standing.
I'll be looking at my flow most of the time, which is why you're seeing the top of my head.
I don't flow cross-fire, so you need to bring it up in a speech if you want it to be considered.
The impact is probably not nuclear war and/or extinction.
Don't waste my time, or your opponents time by running a non-topical case. If you decide to waste everyone's time with debate theory or some other nonsense, I'll immediately score the round 26 - 30 against you, and leave.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
I recognize that parent judges who've never debated handle situations differently. Below is my ever evolving list of how I handle situations that may come up. I provide this list because if one of these situations does occur, I don't want you to lose focus as you frantically try to make clear to me that X situation occurred, which leads to Y result.
CONSTRUCTIVE THOUGHTS
I weigh your case based on the time you commit to each contention or subpoint. If you spend 10 seconds on a contention or subpoint in Constructive, no amount of magnification in Summary will rehabilitate it to be the singular winning point.
I don't have a liberal bias or opposition to data from conservative leaning groups. Solid evidence is solid evidence.
REBUTTAL THOUGHTS
"Dropped arguments, are conceded" is not an automatic path to victory. It's still up to you to explain why their conceding a point leads to your victory. If the opposing debaters dropped or conceded a minor point you made, see CONSTRUCTIVE THOUGHTS before you collapse on it.
SUMMARY THOUGHTS
Collapsing your contentions is a logical, thoughtful and strategic part of debate. I will not hold it against you.
I will not consider new arguments and data sources in Summary. Exception is if you're rebutting something that was said in Rebuttal, then you can raise appropriate defenses but not launch a new counter argument. Weighing is not a new argument because it's an analysis of what has been said already. However, if you sneak a new argument into your weighing, I will discard it.
Debaters occasionally argue probability weighing. The challenge is when they ask me to insert bias in weighing the argument for them, something I will not do. Be mindful as to how much work you're asking me to do to render a decision in your favor.
FINAL FOCUS THOUGHTS
By this point in the debate I'm thinking about picking a winner and writing my RFD. You will be best served if your speech does that for me.
It's easier to follow your Final Focus if everything in it is from Summary.
Stating your case with passion is great, but arguing with my flow is not. Stay truthful with what happened, and lead me to the answer you want through weighing.
I am a first time lay parent judge. Please talk clearly and slowly. I will try to follow along each argument, but whoever has the clearest overall narrative is who I will vote for. Also be polite to each other.
Hello, I'm a parent judge so don't speak super fast in round. Some things to know:
- Don't insult your opponents, just be as respectful as possible in round!
- Don't use too much debate jargon otherwise I won't be able to understand the arguments
- Please explain your arguments thoroughly, don't leave out any pieces of logic or reasoning
- Any racism, sexism, etc. will not be tolerated and will mean an instant loss
I am a lay parent judge. Please speak slowly and clearly.
Overall> I'm a parent-judge and have been judging for 6 years now. I enjoy the intelligent arguments and appreciate the constructive spirit to drive the debate. I believe that debating is a life-skill that is preparing you to build new solutions in future in a team setting vs. winning arguing against your colleagues and make them angry in the process.
Methods> I'm open to all techniques in debate but will mainly focus on the central argument. I don't like it when the teams try to debate on technicalities itself and move away from the given topic.
Spreading>I rate the flow based on active participation in the argument/ counter-arguments vs. a speech like reading of your own arguments only. Spreading is a NO-NO as I believe that debate happens in the moment and research is only a small part of the prep.
Rubric> My rubric is based on:
- Quality of arguments,
- Quality of rebuttals,
- Organization and clarity of summaries
- Impact/ weighing
Rebuttal and weighing are most important criteria in my rubric; Try to provide distinctive arguments in a claim-warrant-impact format.
Evidence> You should be able to pull out the card and highlight the evidence in the card within a minute of the request or I'll assume that you have yielded. I do like to see the evidence myself and be on the email list when cards are being exchanged between teams. Pls add me to the email chain nitin.chawla.000@gmail.com
I am a lay judge, and this is my first year judging. English is my second language.
My background: PhD in Chemistry coupled with an MBA degree with an emphasis on finance and operation management. I grew up and completed my undergraduate studies in Asia before pursuing postgraduate education in the United States.
I started to judge in regional and national tournaments in the year of 2021, primarily PF debates.
Logic flow is important to me. I like arguments that are logically consistent and presented in an organized manner. I have a hard time following arguments without a clear and solid logical flow.
Trained as a scientist in my early career, I tend to be data/evidence driven. Credible evidence is important to support your arguments. Quantitative data makes your arguments stronger.
Debaters should prioritize clear and effective communications in your speeches, avoiding spreading (i.e., speaking rapidly or spreading out a large volume of information in a short amount of time).
I would like debaters to treat your opponents with respect and have fun.
I judged a couple of tournaments. Lay judge. Go slow. I know the topic. I will kind of flow but also have a good presence.
Lay/parent judge
No jargon
No spreading
I'll flow
Value logical arguments supported by evidence
Please do not spread (talk too fast). If I cant follow your arguments because you are speaking too fast, I wont be able to vote for you.
If you are using any terms/phrases that is not commonly known to the public, Please explain it after its first usage.
Hey, I'm Raiyan! I debated for 2 years (2021-2023) in PF for BASIS Chandler, qualled to both nats and gtoc 2x. I now am a PF coach at Durham Academy and a freshman at Duke.
Email: raiyanc2005@gmail.com
TDLR: regular flow judge, down to evaluate anything but I do prefer substance rounds.
General Stuff:
tech>truth. This means I will evaluate responses purely off the flow and how contested they are in the round. However, you still need to give me clear warranting and internal links for me to vote off an argument. I will be hesitant to vote on squirrely arguments if you blippily extend them.
My job as a judge is not to impose my views on debate to you, but rather adapt to your style of debate. As a debater, I didn't like having to adapt to weird quirks each judge had, so I don't want to replicate that experience for any of y'all.
I'll disclose and try to keep my feedback as constructive as possible. I know how stressful debate can be, so let's keep the round chill and lighthearted.
I can handle speed (just like lmk before your speech if its gonna be 250+ wpm so I can prepare myself) but I unfortunately can't comprehend policy level spreading.
Let's try to keep the round moving at a decent speed, please come to the round pre-flowed and ready to start
How I evaluate arguments:
I look to who wins the weighing, then I look to that argument and see who is winning that argument. However, if there is a scenario where team A is winning the weighing but has a really muddled link to the point where it go either way if they still have access to their link and Team B has a much cleaner link but is losing the weighing I'll vote for Team B.
Procedural things I assume about the round:
Frontline in second rebuttal, otherwise it's conceded
Make sure to extend in summary and final, otherwise I can't vote for your argument, this applies for defense and offense
You can't read new offense/defense in summary
However, If a team makes a new implication in summary (i.e. cross applying a conceded response on c2 to c1) I grant the opposing team the chance to make a new frontline
Make sure to weigh, you can only make new weighing in first final if it's responding to weighing from second summary, 2nd final is too late
If a team reads a turn on c1, it goes conceded and they want to cross-apply/re-implicate the turn to another contention, they must do so in summary, not for the first time in final focus.
Speaker Scores:
I start at 28, itll go up or down based on stuff like strategy, fluency, good implications, not extending thru ink, etc.
I’ll give boosts for quick evidence delivery. I have a lot of respect for teams that put in the work, have good cards cut, and are ready to send them over quickly while keeping their docs organized. I’ll also doc points for showing up late (1 point for every minute) without notice (if you have a legitimate reason for being late please email me). This is just so we can keep the rounds going as fast as possible, and prevent delays.
Cross can get heated, just don't say stuff like "shut up" or "what are you yapping about" in cross, it's not nice, I might have to drop you
Progressive Debate:
I prefer substance debates, but am open to evaluating any arguments. During high school, I never really read theory/k's but I do understand the basics of both.I believe no RVI's applies only if there is no offense won off the shell. That is too say, even if you read no RVI's the opposing team can still win the round on the theory layer if they read a turn to the shell (e.g. paraphrasing is good against a paraphrasing shell) or win that their competing interp is better.
If you are running a K please run it properly, have good alts, solvency, links, etc. If you are running theory please make sure it is not frivolous. I don't like paraphrasing, and I like disclosure, but again run what at you want, I'm just informing you of any biases I have since it will be fully impossible for me to completely remove those notions.
The two exceptions to my policy of "do whatever you want" is tricks, friv theory, and panel rounds. Unless it's a round robin, please don't consider running them, just so we can have an educational round. To reiterate, I highly encourage teams to not run frivolous theory if this is not a round robin. I think its pretty dumb and a waste of everyone's time. Let's try to actually take something away from this round. If we're in a panel round, and there is a lay judge please don't read any progressive arguments (or at least present them in a lay friendly manner). That said, I'll still evaluate the arguments as if I'm a flow judge.
Miscellaneous:
If this helps, I really liked having Bryce Piotrowski, Pinak Panda, Eli Glickman, Nate Kruger, Anisha Musti, Elliot Beamer, and Wyatt Alpert as a judge when I was debating. I also learned debate from the goat, Lars Deutz, so I’d say my views and perception of debate is very similar to his.
Just have some fun, I know it's cliche but debate can get pretty heated at times. At the end of the day, this is an activity for y'all to learn from. As such, I'll do my best to be as helpful and considerate before and after the round.
My background: I am a former CEDA debater (1987-89) and CEDA coach (1990-93) from East Tennessee State University. Upon my retirement in August 2021 I've judged numerous at numerous debate tournaments for PF, LD, IDPA, Parli, and Big Questions (mostly PF and LD). (FYI, when I participated in CEDA it was quasi-policy, not true policy like it is today.)
Speed: I can keep up with a quick-ish speed - enunciation is very important! Pre round I can do a "speed test" and let you know what I think of a participant's speech speed if anyone wants to. I was never a super speed debater and didn’t encourage my students to speed.
Theory: I am familiar with topicality and if other theory is introduced, I could probably understand it. (I also used to run hasty generalization but not sure if that’s still a thing or not.) Theory is best used when it’s pertinent to a round, not added for filler and needs to be well developed if I am expected to vote on it. If you are debating topicality on the neg you need to provide a counter definition and why I should prefer it to the aff.
The rounds: Racism/sexism etc. will not be tolerated. Rudeness isn’t appreciated either. I do not interject my own thoughts/opinions/judgements to make a decision, I only look at what is provided in the round itself. Re: criteria, I want to hear what the debaters bring forward and not have to come up with my own criteria to judge the round. My default criteria is cost/benefit analysis. I reserve the right to call in evidence. (Once I won a round that came down to a call for evidence, so, it can be important!) As far as overall judging, I always liked what my coach used to say – “write the ballot for me”. Debaters need to point out impacts and make solid, logical arguments. I appreciate good weighing but I will weigh the arguments that carried through to the end of the round more heavily than arguments that are not. Let me know what is important to vote on in your round and why. Sign posting/numbering arguments is appreciated and is VERY important to me; let me know where you plan to go at the top of your speech and also refer back to your roadmap as you go along.
Cross Examination: a good CX that advances the round is always valued. If someone asks a question, please don’t interrupt the debater answering the question. I don’t like to see a cross ex dominated by one side.
In most rounds I will keep back up speaking time and prep time.
I hope to see enjoyable and educational rounds. You will learn so many valuable skills being a debater! Good luck to all participants!
I have been judging for last 3 years, primarily Public Forum. I have also judged speech, LD and Policy occasionally as needed .
Please speak clearly and at a moderate to fast, but not superfast pace.Doing so will ensure the best understanding of your arguments, ultimately providing you the best chance to secure the winning ballot.
Looking forward to an exciting debate.
Hi I am Malcolm. I am an assistant debate coach with Nueva. I have previously been affiliated with Newton South, Strath Haven, Hunter College HS, and Edgemont. I have been judging pretty actively since 2017, I started in public forum, but have coached and judged circuit LD and Policy from time to time. I went to college at Swarthmore, where I studied philosophy and history. I very much enjoy debates, and I love a good joke! I am a staunch advocate of whimsy in all its forms!
I think debates should be fun and I enjoy when debaters engage their opponents arguments in good faith. I can flow things very fast and would like to be on the email chain if you make one! BOTH malcolmcdavis@gmail.com AND nuevadocs@gmail.com
if you aren't ready to send the evidence in your speech to the email chain, you are not done preparing for your speech, please take prep time to prepare docs. (Prep time ends when you click send on the email, not before).
*new pet peeve just dropped summer 2024: "time begins on my first word" When else would it begin? Are these not words?
Each paradigm below is updated and moved to the top when I attend a tournament as a judge in that event, but feel free to scroll through all of them if you want a well rounded view on how I judge.
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PF Paradigm (updated for summer 24):
A note on camp rounds, for NSD Philly 24.
Camp is about experimenting with ideas and competing as well as you can to help your colleagues learn, do not go for nonsensical arguments you would never make at a bid tournament during camp rounds, you are watering down the educational experience for you and your opponents. DO HOWEVER, make arguments that you're unfamiliar with and interested in. I am happy to give feedback (sometimes overjoyed) on more philosophical arguments and K positions (a few of my favorites below in the LD section), but entirely uninterested in helping you with arguments that neither you nor anyone in their right mind would think are of interest. I am a staunch advocate of whimsy in all its forms, and always eager to help build reading lists, work through a difficult essay or passage with you, and with some notice, prepare a workshop on a concept or thinker that interests you.
Judging paradigm for PF.
I will do my best to evaluate the debate based only what is explained in the round during speech time (this is what ends up on my flow). Clear analysis of the way arguments interact is important. I really enjoy creative argumentation, do what makes you happy in debate.
email chains are good, but DO send your evidence BEFORE the speech. I am EXTREMELY easily frustrated by time wasted off-clock calling for evidence you probably don't need to see. This is super-charged in PF where there is scarcely prep time anyways, and I know you are stealing prep. I am a rather jovial fellow, but when things start to drag I become quite a grouch.
I am happy to evaluate the k. In general I think more of these arguments are a good thing. LD paradigm has more thoughts here. The more important an argument purports to be, the more robust its explanation ought to be
Theory debates sometimes set good norms. That said, I am increasingly uninterested in theory. I am no crusader for disclosure. I will vote on any convincingly won position. Please give reasons why these arguments should be round winning. Every argument I have heard called an "IVI" would be better as a theory shell or a link into a critical position.
I think debates are best when debaters focus on fewer arguments in order to delve more deeply into those arguments. It is always more strategic to make fewer arguments with more reasoning. This is super-charged in PF where there is scarcely time to fully develop even a single argument. Make strategic choices, and explain them fully!
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pref shortcuts:
Phil / High Theory 1
K 1/2
LARP/policy/T 1/2
Tricks/Theory strike
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LD: updated for PFI 24.
philosophy debate is good and I really like evaluating well developed framework debates in LD. That said, I don't mind a 'policy' style util debate, they are often good debates; and I do really love judging a k. The more well developed your link and framing arguments, the more I will like your critical position.
I studied philosophy and history in college, and love evaluating arguments that engage things from that angle. Specific passions/familiarities in Hegel's PdG (Kojeve, Pinkard, Hyppolite, and Taylor's readings are most familiar in that order), Bataille, Descartes, Kristeva, Braudel, Lacan, and scholars writing about them. Know, however, that I encountered these thinkers in different contexts than debaters often approach them in - - In short, Yes PoMo, yes german philosophy, yes politics of the body and pre-linguistic communication, yes to Atlantic History grounded criticisms, yes to the sea as subject and object.
Good judge for your exciting new frameworks, and I'd definitely enjoy a more plausible util warrant than 'pleasure good because of science'. 'robust neuroscience' certainly does not prove the AC framework, I regret to say.
If your approach to philosophy debate is closer to what we might call 'tricks' , I am less enthusiastic.
Every argument I have heard called an "IVI" would be better if it were a theory shell, or a link into a critical position.
I really don't like judging theory debates, although I do see their value when in round abuse is demonstrable. probably a bad judge for disclosure or other somewhat trivial interps.
Put me on the email chain.
Happy to answer questions !
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Parli Paradigm updated for 2023 NPDL TOC
Hi! I am new-ish to judging high school parli, but have lots and lots of college (apda) judging and competing experience. Open to all kinds of arguments, but unlikely to understand format norms / arguments based thereupon. Err on the side of overexplaining your arguments and the way they interact with things in the debate
Be creative ! Feel free to ask any questions before the round.
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Policy Paradigm
I really enjoy judging policy. I have an originally PF background but started judging and helping out with this event some years ago now. My LD paradigm is somewhat more current and likely covers similar things.
The policy team I have worked most closely with was primarily a policy / politics DA sort of team, but I do enjoy judging K rounds a lot.
Do add me to the email chain: malcolmcdavis@gmail.com
I studied philosophy and history in college, and love evaluating arguments that engage things from that angle.
I aim for tab rasa. I often fall short, and am happy to answer more specific questions.
If you have more specific questions, ask me before the round or shoot me an email.
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---| Notes on speech , updated in advance of NSDA nationals 24
Speech is very cool, I am new to judging this, I will do my best to follow tournament guidelines.
I enjoy humor a lot, and unless the event is called "dramatic ______" or something that seems to explicitly exclude humor, it will only help you in front of me, word play tends to be my favorite form of humor in speeches.
Remember to include some humanity in your more analytic speeches, I tend to rank extemp or impromptu speeches that make effective use of candor (especially in the face of real ambiguities) above those that remain solidly formal and convey unreasonable levels of certitude.
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General Rules:
Be Respectful
Don't misrepresent Evidence
If you are asked a question, answer it. If you ask a question, allow it to be answered.
Final Focus should reflect what took place during the round, not just repeat opening arguments
Make Convincing and Logical Arguments. While logic prevails, emotion and conviction also helps.
Have Fun!
I am a retired administrative law judge and I am new to the Public Forum debate format.
I am not a technical judge. I expect a conversational, or slightly faster, speaking style,
In my view, the debate is not a race to speak as many words as you can in the time allotted, but rather your effort to persuade me that your team's position is superior to the opposing team's position because of your argument and your evidence.
I mark debaters down for speed-talking presentations. I keep a detailed flow of your arguments and evidence, and the responses of your opponents, and I expect to have time to listen to your arguments and evidence, and to take notes. If you speak at a high rate of speed, I will not be able to take notes and your argument and evidence will not make it onto my flow.
I expect you to cite your evidence in a way that informs me of the source's credentials as they relate to the topic. Merely citing a last name and a number (e.g., Smith at 24) tells me nothing about the source and I will give it little weight.
Please be selective about asking for the evidence of your opponents. If you ask for it, and don't refer to it again, I will assume you have no specific issue with it. If you do have an issue with the evidence, be specific concerning why you take issue with it. Similarly, if your opponents take issue with your evidence after requesting it, I expect you to respond and defend it.
I like debaters to keep their own time, but to do so accurately.
I have been a coach and consultant for the past 28 years and done every debate format available stateside and internationally. I also have taught at Stanford, ISD, Summit, UTD, UT, and Mean Green camps as a Curriculum Director and Senior Instructor. I think no matter what form of debate that you do, you must have a narrative that answers critical questions of who, what, when, where, why, how, and then what, and so what. Debaters do not need to be shy and need to be able to weigh and prioritize the issues of the day for me in what I ought to be evaluating. Tell me as a judge where I should flow things and how I ought to evaluate things. That's your job.
If you would like for me to look at a round through a policy lens, please justify to me why I ought to weigh that interpretation versus other alternatives. Conversely, if you want me to evaluate standards, those need to be clear in their reasoning why I ought to prioritize evaluation in that way.
In public forum, I need the summary to be a line by line comparison between both worlds where the stark differences exist and what issues need to be prioritized. Remember in the collapse, you cannot go for everything. Final focus needs to be a big pic concept for me. Feel free to use policy terms such as magnitude, scope, probability. I do evaluate evidence and expect you all to do the research accordingly but also understand how to analyze and synthesize it. Countering back with a card is not debating. The more complicated the link chain, the more probability you may lose your judge. Keep it tight and simple and very direct.
In LD, I still love my traditional Value and VC debate. I do really like a solid old school LD round. I am not big on K debate only because I think the K debate has changed so much that it becomes trendy and not a methodology that is truly educational and unique as it should be. Uniqueness is not the same as obscurity. Now, if you can provide a good solid link chain and evaluation method of the K, go for it. Don't assume my knowledge of the literature though because I don't have that amount of time in my life but I'm not above understanding a solidly good argument that is properly formatted. I think the quickest way to always get my vote is to write the ballot for me and also keep it simple. Trickery can make things messy. Messy debaters usually get Ls. So keep it simple, clean, solid debate with the basics of claim, warrant, impact, with some great cards and I'll be happy.
I don't think speed is ever necessary in any format so speak concisely, know how to master rhetoric, and be the master of persuasion that way. Please do not be rude to your opponent. Fight well and fight fair. First reason for me to down anyone is on burdens. Aff has burden of proof, neg has burden to clash unless it is WSD format where burdens exist on both sides to clash. If you have further questions, feel free to ask specifics.
In plat events, structure as well as uniqueness (not obscurity) is key to placing. Organization to a speech as well as a clear call to order is required in OO, Info, Persuasive. In LPs, answer the question if you want to place. Formatting and structure well an avoid giving me generic arguments and transitional phrases. Canned intros are not welcome in my world usually and will be frowned upon. Smart humor is always welcome however.
I want you all to learn, grow, have fun, and fight fair. Best of luck and love one another through this activity!!
I am a lay judge. Please speak slowly and clearly. Please articulate your claims, warrants and impacts. Please also articulate which claims, warrants and impacts of your opponent's arguments you are challenging. The more I understand your arguments and challenges, the more likely I am to vote for you. I appreciate a clear analysis of why you should win in the final focus.
Please include me in the email: doshibnd@gmail.com
Good luck to everyone!
Hello Everyone!
I am Aayush Dwivedi, and I competed in traditional public forum and Lincoln-Douglas debate at Step by Step School from 2019 to 2023.
I am a competent judge and feel very comfortable evaluating all kinds of arguments. Please ask me for my paradigms before the round for more information if necessary.
Please ensure that all evidence exchange processes occur quickly and succinctly.
Good luck!
Experience: In high school, I competed primarily in PF, LD, BQ, Value, World Schools, Congress, and Extemp debate. I was a 2x national qualifier and a 2x state qualifier. I am now an undergrad at GWU.
All Events:
- If you have a specific part of the round you want feedback on, just let me know before or after the round.
- If you have any questions about my paradigm, please ask.
Debate:
- I'll be timing you, but please time yourselves and your opponents.
- Speed is fine, but please don't spread.
- Signpost!
- WEIGH!! (Why does your argument matter?? Why is your argument better??)
- I'm not a huge fan of trigger theory, K's, etc.
Speech:
- I competed mainly in debate events, so I don't have as much experience with speech, but I'll still do my best to provide meaningful feedback.
I'm a Blake debate alumna and now an assistant coach.
Worlds Schools debate was my main format, and I competed it for three years at the national level. Speech content: include the principle debate, rebuild / extend arguments from the first speech in the second speeches, and become more globalized for third and fourth speeches. Weigh - and early!! Speaking style: signpost.
As a secondary format, I competed in PF. I am very familiar with the format, and lay on most topics. Read dates, signpost, and I prefer cards / evidence over paraphrasing.
Be nice to each other! At the end of the day, debating is about learning and having fun.
EMAILS FOR EMAIL CHAINS: blakedocs@googlegroups.com and sierra@u.northwestern.edu
I am a parent judge, and I would appreciate clarity. Make sure you do not speak fast. I look to logical analysis and reasoning to evaluate rounds.
I am a parent judge. Please make sure to speak understandably and avoid using jargon.
I am looking for depth of understanding of the topic and clarity of presentation, as well as maintaining flow of the round (throughout cross, rebuttal, etc.).
Please be respectful to one another.
email me for questions/add me to the chain: tara.gill.527@gmail.com
tl;dr:
Me: "Do you know why I'm such a laid-back judge?"
Y'all: "Why?"
Me: "I go with the flow"
(creds to @Debate Memes on Facebook haha)
- yes I will vote off the flow
- honestly just debate well enough to make me care enough about the round (which means focus on the bolded text below)
- warrant, extend your full link story and impact, and weigh and you're doing really well
- I don't think most debaters truly spend time explaining warrants or weighing
- things you want me to vote on have to be in every speech after first rebuttal
- I want the round to be chill and educational and fun so please make that happen
quick disclaimers
i'm now old and grumpy and care a bit less about debate than i used to so please don't assume i have extensive topic knowledge
novices:
it's so cool that you're trying out this activity even though it's probably kind of scary. If you don't understand some of my preferences in the long version, the tl;dr should be fine. Just know that you're probably doing great and that you got this :)
feel free to ask me any questions before/after the round.
Longer Version:
hi! I did 2 years of Public Forum at Lexington but I started out my debate career in policy which influences how I judge!
- i'm more tech than the average tech judge so please clash to avoid judge intervention, or at the very least weigh a lot on both link and impact levels :)
- in later speeches, please give quick narrative style overviews at the top of your own case then frontline/line by line (i still don't know what frontline means but just don't drop stuff) if u want me to vote on your contentions otherwise dropped defense will mitigate your impacts. this also means u should frontline in second rebuttal and extend defense in first summary.
- i will vote off most arguments including theory/k if they are debated well (my threshold for these being run well is pretty high lmao so try at your risk) and not used just to be exclusionary (check the bottom of my paradigm)
- do a lot of weighing/impact calc and logical analysis (not just for me, it is also strategic if you're lost/confused and I would know first hand oops)
- once again please weigh weigh weigh. really make the force of gravity a lot here (i'm sorry i'm a physics nerd)
- start collapsing by first summary because depth>breadth in terms of giving quality arguments in short PF speech times
- crossfire shouldn't be three minutes of extra debating please ask and answer questions in a non-aggressive and CIVIL manner or I will be frustrated, get a headache and probably dock speaks.
- if you want to take off a jacket or shoes in round feel free to do so because i almost never debated with shoes. this will not affect speaks or the result :)
- feel free to ask me questions about my decision if you're confused, I will not dock speaks and I feel like it usually helps you learn how you can improve in the future
- i am fine w speed if you do all of the following: prioritize clarity, make sure your opponents are ok too, slow down on tags, authors, and analytics, signpost clearly, offer speech docs if necessary
- lastly, debate is a game: this means that you should not be exclusionary, follow the rules or warrant why you shouldn't, and let me know if there is anything I can personally do to make the debate more accessible to you, and HAVE FUN!!!!!
Extra:
- fist-bump instead of shaking hands haha
- I'll default to a slightly above a 28 if it's by 0.1 and 28.5 if it's by 0.5
- i am also happy to talk after round, show you my flows, and answer questions about either debate or life :)
LD (MSDL States 2024):
i am fairly confident in my ability to flow a debate and understand arguments that are clearly explained to me, however, I also understand there are certain thing specific to LD that I am not familiar with.
- focus on weighing your arguments against your components, basic frameworks (util, structural violence) I am familiar with and are good for providing that comparison
- not sure about other "value criterion" that's a term i've heard but i don't know what that means so just explain to me clearly
- not super used to nat circuit LD speed anymore, but a little speed is fine
- rest of the paradigm applies
Hello I debated for 4 years in High school and have been judging for 6 years, I am in my first year an Assistant Coach at Blanson CTE High School
Debaters: If your opponent clearly is less experienced than you and you exploit that to stroke your ego I will drop your speaks to the lowest number I can and i will down you even if you won the round on the flow and I will contact your coach. Practices like that are unethical and takes away the educational aspect of debate. Also I don't like these progressive things that have been ran at recent tournaments, I have no problem with progressive arguments that are ran well however most of the time they are not done well.
Do not ask me to pre flow you should know your case already, I like big picture or line by line I'll judge the round on either, impact calculus, make sure you weigh for me, I HATE FRIVOLOUS THEORY, and also don't run anything you don't understand. Be respectful and have fun
I want an educational round over a competitive round. If you spread the other team out of the room, are intentionally vague and unwilling to explain your vocab, or are generally rude and dismissive, especially against a novice team, I'm giving you an L and giving you the minimum number of speaks. My view of debate is as an educational activity first and competitive second. Local tournaments are to foster critical thinking skills and create more nuanced, educated high schoolers.
First: this is a communication event it does not matter if I can understand speed DO NOT SPREAD, I cannot flow what I cannot understand and it is not my job to read off of a doc. You can send me the doc, but I will only refer to it if there is a problem with evidence.
Second: be respectful the easiest way to get me to drop your speaks (and you'll likely loose the round too) is if you are being rude
Third:DO NOT MAKE UP SOURCES I will fact check you and I will get in touch with your coach and the tournament director, you CAN use the internet in rounds now
Fourth: Debaters I DO NOT DISCLOSE Do not ask me to disclose and all comments will be on the ballot
Congress Kids: do not wait until the round has started to take splits do that before the round. and I HATE in house recesses to take splits especially when y'all just started. another thing, when y'all take splits and you need to write a speech in round go with the least popular side of the debate as it increases your chances at getting the speech. CLASH IS ESSENTIAL FOR CONGRESS TO BE A DEBATE EVENT!!!!!! When y'all take in house recesses it makes you look unprepared. When you get up to give a speech make sure you are actually adding something to the debate rehashing old arguments does nothing for the debate. When you clash with past arguments make sure you mention specific arguments brought up and the speaker who said it.
Extemp: I like to see a well organized and structured speech. You need a good hook to capture the audiences attention. DO NOT MAKE UP SOURCES I can tell when a source is made up and if I think you are making up a source I will fact check you. I hate being lied to in extemp. MAKE SURE YOU ANSWER THE QUESTION!!! That is the quickest way to get me to drop you in rank if you don't answer the question, you could have excellent analysis but you must answer the question
Interp: I'm not gonna lie this is probably the event I am least equipped to judge, but I like to see good blocking, clear character transitions and distinctions between characters. In POI make sure you have a variety of pieces in your program. Bring the emotion out in your piece, that does not mean you need to scream to convey emotions
OO:I like to listen to a good oratory. I love the speeches where I learn something and maybe make me feel inspired. Speech should have a catchy agd/hook that transitions naturally into your background information. Make sure you have a solution for your problem. When choosing a topic try to make it unique there are several topics that are commonly used so make your speech unique. I like to see acronyms for your solution. Make sure you have a call to action
Info: Informative is a different event from OO so don't give an OO in info. One of the main differences is that in Info you do not offer a solution you offer societal implications. I love to see infos that actually teach me something I didn't know before I came to judge the round, so be creative I love to see unique info visuals and topics
Conflicts: Bridgeland HS, Blanson CTE HS, Avalos P-Tech
I am a parent judge. I judge a handful of tournaments a year of varying difficulty. I will try to flow the round if you move too quickly through a point, I may miss your point. I need you to speak at a conversational rate with clarity. Signposting does help me follow your argument. Talking louder does not create emphasis, it is very distracting to me as a judge, slow down or create eye contact to make your point.
I may not be aware of all the debate jargon or even jargon within the topic. Clear and concise weighing will be key to getting the ballot, MAKE SURE you give clear reasons to prefer your case, and don’t go all in for turns. Address the topic given, I am not in favor of alternative types of cases being presented. Speaker points will be decided upon by respectful dialogue and a knowledgeable presentation of the argument.
No Debate.
Firstly, If both teams agree, give me a paradigm that you like better and I'll judge based on it (this includes not flowing/being a lay judge lol I am g-d tier mom judge and won't intervene)
Here is how you should read my paradigm: at the top of each section is the most important stuff. If you only have a few mins read that. reading below those parts will provide a more in-depth take into my judging philosophy.
Update for Online Tourneys
I rlly can't follow like REAL spreading but I can take 99% of PF speed. I'll clear u if i need it. also ask questions if u have them and I'll answer as honestly as possible!
Most important part of my paradigm:
If you make or buy me a chicken parm or mac and cheese, I will get you prep on a topic or coach you for a round or something. I rlly like chicken parm and mac and cheese....
My name is Sam and I debated PF at Wayland High School in Wayland, MA. Was a meh first speaker and got carried imo. Now I'm a member of the Barkley Forum at Emory University in Atlanta.
TLDR: Normal circuit tech judge who likes warrants and logic and needs you to collapse on args
Feel free to ask any questions about my paradigm before round or my RFD after round. (thx @Kate Selig for this idea: I'd rather you postround me than tell everyone I'm a bad judge )
Also, ask questions before the round starts! I might have thoughts on the topic you'll wanna hear. tbh also might not cuz I'm kinda dumb
Speed:
u can go fast, but don't like SPREAD SPREAD plz plz. i will try to keep up and clear u if need be.
I can flow it but only if you articulate well enough. 300 wpm and up I need a speech doc. The faster you go the more work I have to do and I'm lazy. I will always flow ur speed, but chances are if you feel the need to go too fast, then your time allocation was bad/you made bad strategic decisions. Also like fr just cuz u can go fast doesn't mean u should. Speed kills
Theory/Progressive args:
read whatever you want. i ran a cap k during medicare for all and loved it lol. I'd rather you not read random theory args just bc you want to win. if you're doing that, ASK YOUR OPPONENTS/DISCLOSE BEFORE ROUND. its rlly sh1tty if you don't. i can't emphasize it enough, reading theory on novices or people that don't understand what's going on = :(
don't run theory if u wanna get high speaks (or win bc i VERY much prefer substance)tbh --> i judged a team who read disclosure against an international team that clearly didn't understand how to debate it and it angered me to my soul. that's just really not cool. don't be mean. :(
but like if it's warranted and weighed I'll vote off of it just like not happily
the below is borrowed from Jason Luo's paradigm
d-d-d-d-disclosure theory - win the flow, win the round. i am very (like actually completely 50-50) tab ras about disclosure, i do not think it is good or bad, just that it exists.
p-p-p-p-paraphrase theory - win the flow, win the round. i am very slightly biased (55-45) for paraphrasing good but its not hard to win paraphrasing bad.
all other theory/k stuff: if it's warranted and weighed I'll vote off of it.
Cross:
it doesn't matter
Its useless to me. If you want to use an answer your opponent gives in cross, then say it in a speech. Don't be rude. Hug your opponent for a 30.
If your partner roasts their opponent in cross (without being douchey) you are expected to stand up and yell "WORLD STAR!." If you do so and I find the roast amusing then you and your partner each get 30's. If you misjudge a roast and I think it's lame you get 26's for interrupting cross.
Framework:
I default util.
Explain it well and how I'm supposed to evaluate offense under it. the more complex, the more explaining u need. Framework debates aren't my absolute favorite but hey, you do you!!
Evidence disputes:
read ev if u want. don't miscut but i won't drop u for it.
I value all evidence equally unless you weigh it, which you should. You should ALWAYS tell me why I need to value your evidence more. also, evidence doesn't matter nearly as much as logical warranting. also like in general i won't call for cards unless ur like "sam call for this card" in speech. I think that calling for ev in any other circumstance is intervening.
Speaker Points:
strategy + speak pretty to get good speaks
You will get better speaks if: You make jokes. You give good speeches and make good strategic decisions. You aren't a dick. You make me laugh. I am extremely generous and tend to give out 29's routinely. I will give you a 30 if you are exceptional. *Send me a speech doc for an extra .3 speaks (sgoldstone514@gmail.com). Also extra .3 speaks for collapsing (if u do it correctly and it makes me happy) in 2nd rebutal. I guess I'm receptive to 30s theory but like it shouldn't be hard to get a 29.5 from me. I good example of really good strategy is what Jason Luo did in first final focus of TOC finals. also i will give speaks relative to the round and the level of competitors in the debate.
Here is an itemized list of my favorite speakers in no particular order:
- Rahul Shah (his voice is soothing and he's so damn cute)
- Claudia Leduc (gives summary without looking at the flow at all, hella impressive)
- Atharva Weling (sounds so persuasive)
Rebuttal:
collapse in 2nd rebuttal. at least frontline offense and stuff. anything not frontlined is conceded.
Summary + FF:
Collapse, extend full link chain, weigh
I like roadmaps. I don't need defense in first summary. Don't extend too much in Summary, thats my biggest pet peeve FOR JESUS' (or any g-d u may or may not believe in, but if u wanna win the round do this lol) SAKE: COLLAPSE. When extending the argument you're going for, please extend the uniqueness, link, and impact in both speeches. An incomplete/ghost extension would a) make me sad and b) possibly lose you the round.
Please impact out turns in summary (although its better if this is done in rebuttal) if you plan on going for them. It is 100% okay to just go for a dropped turn. Also, u can go either line by line or give voters/do what you usually do. Don't extend through ink lol. Defense isn't rlly sticky it (unless u make an arg that it is in speech) but I'm less inclined to vote for a team that doesn't frontline at all even if their opponents don't extend defense.
Weighing:
Please weigh, and give me good analysis. It makes my job 1000x easier.
Earlier you weigh, the better. Weighing is very helpful in rebuttal, but NEEDED for me to vote in Summary and FF. With the new 3 min summaries, I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to weigh in summary. No new weighing in 2nd FF, new weighing in 1st FF is unfavorable but if it's the only weighing in the round and they don't respond to it then like eh. If both teams win their weighing and cases and there is no meta weighing then I will vote for the team whose weighing was introduced earlier in the round (prereq/link ins weighing doesn't apply here bc if one case is a prereq to another then u vote for the prereq/link in). Does this favor the 1st speaking team? No, you can weigh (and do other fun things) in 2nd constructive. Unrelated but remember to weigh turns over contentions. If nobody weighs then i honestly won't know what to do. I thinks its probably interventionist to pick which argument is better if both teams win their args. jUsT mAk3 mY lyfE eAs1eR!!!
How I make my decision:
Weighing debate first.
I vote on the weighed args first but if nobody weighs then i be big sad, but I'll vote on cleanest/clearest path to the ballot. I thinks its probably interventionist to pick which argument is better if both teams win their args and the paths are both clear/clean. If there is no offense in the round then I flip a coin to decide who picks up cuz choosing any other way is interventionist, but feel free to make warranted arguments abt defaulting to one side or speaking order. I will always disclose after the round and give an RFD. also PS lmfao u need to win the link into the impact that u weighed.
Other:
I will reward you for taking risks like collapsing on only a turn. Please signpost and tell me where you are on the flow. I hate dumb analogies, chances are, even if you think you're funny, you're not. Don’t call me judge, that’s weird. If a tournament is side-locked, if both teams agree to flip a coin the normal way (winner of the toss decides speaking order or side (their choice), the other team decides the other), I'm fine with that. I think side-locking makes no sense and is very harmful to pf as an activity when certain topics skew neg.
for every link into tourism you read, +.5 speaks lol.
i will never ever ever make any comments abt what you're wearing or how you speak. if a judge ever does, that's pretty messedup. i don't care if u show up in designer clothes or sweats. i enjoyed debating in sweats, it's comfy.
in outs, if i'm on a panel that's 2 other lays, u can tell me to judge it like a lay round and i will. (this means voting for the team that better establishes a narrative and is more convincing lol)
Do crazy sh1t fr fr:
g0 cRaaazeEEy!!
tbh unpopular opinion but evidence is dumb, debate should be logical. obvi like use evidence if u want but warrants/analytics are perfecto. I genuinely think that debate would be better if it was just logical warranting, evidence is bad. (obviously evidence matters but: warrant + authors name vs. just warrant? meh p equal unless u give me good reasoning to prefer the evidence. unless the evidence is like a fact like "x has increased y 200%" is obviously better than a reason why x doesn't increase y)
If at any point you believe that you have won the round with no way for the opponents to win, you can call a TKO, if you are correct it will be an auto W with 30s, but if you are incorrect it is a loss with 25s.
Give a rebuttal in 2nd constructive (1st rebuttal will have to frontline if this happens) (if you read fast enough, you can still do case!) instant 30 if u do this cuz lol.
Above all, just have fun! Debate can get stressful so just try to breathe, chill and relax in round.
I WILL DISCLOSE AFTER EVERY ROUND NO EXCEPTIONS— HOLD ME TO THIS
A haiku describing my judging philosophy:
Weigh Warrants Logic
Collapse Analysis Links
WEIGH WEIGH COLLAPSE WEIGH
plz remind me of how many speaks you should win based all the crazy stuff in here lol i'll forget what i put here
Hello everybody, I'm Eva Grover. I'm a lay/parent judge with some former debate experience.
What matters most: For me, the most important thing in a round is cleanliness. You could give me the best evidence and case in the world, but if I can't understand your arguments, it doesn't do anything for you as a debater or for me as a judge. Throwing around fancy terms that don't add any value or purpose to the round means nothing to me, and I won't buy it. Simply put, clarity is key.
Speech preferences: Even though I will be taking notes in the round, i'd like it if you don't read fast pls. If I can't comprehend what you're saying, then I can't write it down, and there will be no way for me to remember what you said when it's time to decide the verdict of the round.
(Side note: As a judge, I won't be keeping track of time. Competitors should keep track of time and prevent each other from going overtime.)
Speaker Points: I would say that I'm decently generous in terms of speaker points. As long as I can hear you properly, you aren't mumbling, and you sound confident, I will give you good speaks.
Argumentation: While this should go without saying, I'm looking for an argument that is clean and well- written with reliable sources. Your contentions and rebuttals should be backed with good evidence, and more importantly, good logic.
Don't make me connect the dots. I want you all, as debaters, to put the pieces together and prove to me why you win.
My email address is eva.grover@gmail.com
New parent judge
speak slowly and clearly
dont use debate jargon
watch your and your opponent's time
I like well explained and clear warrants
I equally weigh warrants over evidence. However, do provide and counter the evidence to support the warrants.
Please do not use complicated debate jargon (ex. we outweigh on pre-req, magnitude, and scope)
I generally think that public speaking is a huge part of the debate
I believe delivery with a clear and persuasive articulation is equally important. Do not speak too fast to add unnecessary words.
Hi all,
This is my second time judging a debate tournament as I am a lay judge so here are some of my preferences.
- Please speak slowly, I will not be able to understand you if you talk too fast.
- Be respectful with one another!
- Make sure to condense your points at the end of the round so that it is easier for me to make my ballot.
Good luck!
I am a lay judge. This is my first tournament judging so speak slowly and clearly.
Put me on the email chain: neha.gupta11@gmail.com
I am a parent judge and this is my 3rd year judging. I would prefer if you could talk clearly and slowly (AKA avoiding talking at the speed of light).I look for points that are supported with evidence, so stick with the facts. Lastly, I heavily weigh confidence and speaking style, so be mindful and be kind.
That being said , remember to have fun!!! All the best.
Hello,
Please see my responses inline.
>> ..The paradigm should include your background of judging experience..
I am a parent judge and I am used to judging Public Forum only.
>>.. any specifics you look for when deciding who wins a debate round...
1. I try to take notes as much as I can on the content, facts, rebuttal and reasoning. However, if the speaker presents too fast, then I may not be able to comprehend. So, try to pace it at a medium to fast speed.
2. Unfortunately, I may not have read as much on the topic as the participants, hence I may not be able to understand complex contentions
3. I typically judge on how clear and effective the speaker is and the facts that are presented to prove their content
4. I like when facts are juxtaposed compared to the opponent, not only numbers but reasoning as well
5. I like to hear cross examination to see how you question the argument in an effective way
6. Please avoid jargons if possible
Thanks,
Samrat
I am new to judging. Please speak slowly and explain your arguments clearly in round.
In my debate space, valuing fair and thorough engagement is paramount. This involves making logical concessions after proper analysis and engaging in fair, charitable comparisons. Rudeness, discriminatory language, and disrespectful behavior won't be tolerated, and penalties may be applied.
While recognizing the time constraints, avoid excessive speed in presenting arguments – no spreading. Clear articulation is crucial for understanding. Always be mindful of your burdens in the debate; don't just assert claims, justify them. Best of luck!
Parent judge here. Lay judge.
Speak slowly and clearly--I would prefer good presentation as well. Just be persuasive.
Signpost--It makes it easier to follow.
Logical arguments--these make a lot more sense than a big card dump, and I'm more likely to understand it.
Weigh--makes it clear to me who's winning
Don't be rude or offensive.
Hello! I am your typical lay judge, but a few things:
- Speak slowly; It is more important that I understand your arguments and points than having more coverage of the flow
- Quality > quantity - don't go for every single argument that you read in case, because it makes summary and final focus crowded and confusing
- Be nice and respectful to your opponents. Don't speak over your opponents in cross and be polite. Rudeness will not be tolerated and will result in low speaker points and an automatic loss.
- truth > tech - arguments should not be super unrealistic and should have some logical reasoning.
- Weighing is important! Every argument is relative and nothing is absolute, so comparing the different points in the round will be very helpful in my ballot.
- If you are disrespectful, rude, or generally just way too aggressive, no questions asked, I will drop you.
I have a hard time following cases and clarity is often times sacrificed in a debate round, so send me as many speech documents as possible (most importantly case and rebuttal). The email is hutianle@gmail.com
Hi I am a lay judge and English is my second language, so please speak a little bit slowly and please speak in plain English.
- New to debate judging, prefer natural language over jargons.
- Coming from a software engineering background, value arguments over style, value logical coherence over emotion.
- Make your points clearly and concisely. Arguments should be backed with facts and analysis. Solutions should be feasible.
Hi- I'm a fourth time parent judge and I'm very excited to see all of your hard work and preparation! A few preferences:
- Don't talk too fast
- Keep your own time (but hold yourselves and each other accountable)
- I like clear, quantifiable impacts that easily give me a place to vote
- Please signpost- if I don't know what you're responding to, it's hard to vote off of your points
- Weigh your impacts!!
- Be polite
- I do NOT judge on cross
Remember that I have very little knowledge about this topic, your arguments should be well explained and evidenced enough that I can fully understand them.
Hi everyone! I'm Ben. I'm currently a student at Vanderbilt studying economics and history. I debated for 3 years in PF for Myers Park on the nat circuit. I now do collegiate BP and coach PF on the side for Myers Park and Canyon Crest Academy. You can call me Ben, not judge.
Add me to the chain- bgkkjacobs@gmail.com.
Send all cases on an email chain with a label (ie. TOC R1F1 Myers Park BJ v Cary LJ).
I don't care what you wear. Speak how you want. Embrace the human element of speaking and don't turn into a robot in speech.
My paradigm is disgustingly long, so, if you are just doing a trad round and need my basic round preferences then read the stuff with a ❤️ by the title.
Debate is a game- play to win and have some fun.
WEIGHING❤️-
- Weigh early and intentionally. Just saying I outweigh on scope so you should vote for me is barely anything. Name dropping STIMP is boring and usually promotes non comparative weighing. Think harder and deeper in your weighing if you can. Obviously these things are the building blocks of weighing and will be involved but don't expect saying "ours happens first so we outweigh on timeframe" to convince me to vote for you.
- I don't hack for high magnitude low probability args or shorthand impacts- if you are telling me a nuclear winter is going to happen you need to give me a step by step warrant not just some random conspiracy theorist on the internet saying we are all going to go boom. If I hear another "miscalc leads to nuclear war which leads to extinction" in case I'm going cry. Do the work on your impacts in case and I'll be very forgiving on late round extensions.
- Good Analytics> mid cards any day
SPEED ❤️-
I will not flow spreading nor will I flow off a doc (I like it when you send a doc but I won’t flow exclusively from it). I don't mind you talking fast and can flow faster than your average judge, but I don't enjoy flowing the absurd. The only time you should be using speed is for depth, not spamming arguments. The faster you go, the worse my flow gets and the worse my decision will be.
SPEECH PREFERENCES ❤️-
- Give me a quick off time roadmap before your speeches (ex. "My case then their case"). That's it.
- I RARELY FLOW CARD TAGS so just remind me what the card says if you are telling me to flow through a response.
THEORY-
Theory is usually boring. I think it is only reasonable as a defensive mechanism against unreasonable Ks or framing. I don't mind paraphrasing and I think that too few teams think critically about the values of disclosure. Nevertheless, you should come to the round prepared to defend the way in which you debate if it is outside the norms of the nat circuit. I will vote on disclo and I will vote on para, I just don't like those rounds much.
It is my expectation that any debater in varsity on the nat circuit can defend against theory. This does not mean beating up on first time nat circuit debaters is a good idea for me, I will tank your speaks for it. It just means "I don't know how to respond" will never be any form of defense.
Ks- These are fun. I was not a K debater but definitely had K rounds. I am becoming increasingly open to these arguments when they are run well.
The Non Topical K
If we can link everything in debate (even organic agriculture) to nuke war then you can link every topic to feminism, the patriarchy, cap, etc. I think the ability to link these in are an important skill for a K debater. You can try to change my mind, I won't auto vote down a performance K or other non topical K because I recognize that they have had some positive impact on the debate space- I am just trying to be honest about how much I will demand from them.
The topical K
I am happy to hear a topical K, they are super fun if they are run well. I may have read some of your literature but pretend I am unfamiliar entirely, because, more frequently than not, I am. I hate Ks that are super complicated. It is your job as a debater to simplify your arguments for presentation or it is going to be really hard for me to vote. My 2 biggest difficulties with most PF Ks I see are as follows
1. The literature is too dense and those who read it barely understand what it is saying because they have just stolen cut cards from policy and LD. Thus, I implore you to cut the card in a way that your message could be clear to the public forum, not someone who has a PhD in the subject. You don't just get to drop all efforts at persuasion because you are running a K. You don't have policy time so don't make policy arguments. Get depth not breadth.
2. The alt is heavily under-warranted and vague. Ex. If you are running cap, you can't just read some poli sci professor who claims socialism is the solution to the world's problems and that we have to have a worker's revolution. You have to actually tell me why this exact scenario leads to better outcomes than the squo of capitalism.
A well run, persuasive K with a based alt makes for a very fun round. If you believe this is what you have come to the round with, fire away.
If you have reached this point in my paradigm then tell me the starting lineup of any NBA team and I will floor my speaks at 29 (no cheating...). You can also tell me your favorite TV show and I'll bump everyone's speaks +1 for actually reading my ramble.
POSTROUNDING
I always disclose. I already submitted the ballot but you can tell me you think my decision was wrong if it makes you feel better (it might have been).
QUICK IN-PERSON ROUND NOTE ❤️
I need two pieces of paper to flow on.
Put me on the chain- Ethan.Jacobs@emory.edu
I debated in PF as different variations of Myers Park BJ on the nat circuit
At the end of the day, I adapt to you- run whatever you think will win. This is especially true at the TOC.
Preferences
In order of how comfortable I am with these types of arguments
-
Trad
-
Theory
-
Topical K
-
Non topical K
-
Tricks/anything not listed (strike me)
Weighing- Weighing is the best way for you to avoid judge intervention. Having a good argument is not enough, it needs to be better than your opponents. Saying “We have the biggest number” is not enough. Why is the biggest number important? I think teams should be creative about link-ins, prereqs etc to avoid being “nuked” out of the round by large impacts. Also, many teams throw evidence out of the window when weighing. I often hear arguments like “The government spends less on climate resilience/infrastructure during recessions so we link in/prereq”. These arguments are a lot more powerful when carded.
Evidence Exchange-Please send speech docs with evidence before speeches to keep ev exchange timely. For TOC this is especially expected.
Evidence- Know your evidence well. Even if you didn’t cut it you should know exactly what it says and what the implications are. If you don’t have strong evidence, why are you running the argument? I’d rather see strong analytics than cards that are sus
Presentation- Be persuasive. That means use persuasive examples, slow down on important points, and use rhetoric to your advantage. This doesn't mean I'm a fake tech I just want you to be really good at explaining your warrants. I think this makes rounds a lot easier to judge. Also, doc botting is sooooooo lame. I appreciate that you have done a lot of prep, you should read it! But, you should also spend time looking at your flow and using your analytical skills to win rounds.
Speed- I think it is silly to expect judges and opponents to read off of docs, I will not do this. That being said, I much prefer fast debates- spreading is fine and a viable strategy as long as I can flow what you are saying. The burden is on you to be enunciating so I can understand you. I will yell clear once or twice to let you know I cannot understand but after that it is your choice to adapt.
Theory- Feel free to run theory. Please keep these debates organized. I want the shell extended but idc if its word for word. I am most familiar with disclosure and paraphrasing shells, but am fine evaluating anything as long as its not clearly frivolous. I think that debaters don’t think critically about disclosure and would like to see more teams come prepared to defend positions about contact info, round reports etc. I strongly believe that teams should read a CI against shells, RVI's should only be reserved for extremely friv theory. Don’t spread your shell, I have around one theory round every tournament and am usually a bit out of practice flowing these types of arguments so my pen will be slow.
Topical K’s- Feel free to run these arguments, but have very limited knowledge about literature. The most important thing for me is that you make the argument accessible to everyone in the round. If you are reading complicated cards with a lot of jargon, please spend the time to clarify arguments for me and your opponents. If I can tell you are making an effort to make your arguments accessible, I will give you very high speaks. Do not skimp on extensions, every part of the K should be extended with proper warrants to win. Any ROTB is fine with me, but I appreciate it when debaters engage with each other on this issue. You shouldn't need a ROTB that skews the other team out of the round to win. I am most familiar with Security, if you are reading anything else assume I know nothing. I will listen closely in cross but do not flow (if you ask me to I will). Try to not speak too fast, keep in mind that these topics are not my expertise.
Non-Topical K- See most of the “topical K section”, almost all of it applies here. One thing I will add is that it is EXTREMELY important that there is a justification for not reading an argument that is topical. If this is not present in the speech you introduce the K, I consider it a near TKO if the other team calls you out. I don't like unrealistic alts- I think non-topical arguments are most valid when they remind us that things need to be changed in our world and would like to hear your best ideas on how to actually achieve that change. I am also very receptive to vague alts bad arguments.
Post round me if you want- I submit before I give my RFD though.
I am a lay judge, but I appreciate clarity of impact, clear and concise communication, and a respectful debate. Please avoid spreading.
I am a parent judge.
Please be professional and respectful of everyone in the room. I will judge a topic based on your power of persuasion and not my personal beliefs.
For PF: Speed is not an issue, as long as you are clear and logical in your reasoning and arguments (ideally <225 wpm). State evidence to connect your arguments while offering practical solutions. I would like to see good team balance. I flow the round, and I will disregard any new arguments in your summaries or final focus. If something is conceded in cross, it must be brought up again in a speech for it to affect the ballot.
Please clearly weigh to make my judging easier.
If you plan to spread, I would like to have a copy of the speech so I can follow along more easily.
Please manage the length of your speech, I will allow a maximum of 15 second grace period before it starts to detrimentally impact your points.
For Speech: I will be looking for cutting, delivery and context. Manage your vocal variety, volume and diction while also trying to portray the mood of the speech well.
Most importantly, I am just as excited to be here. So don’t forget to breathe and have fun!
Hello there. (Congrats if you get that reference)
Here's my email for the email chain or evidence doc: ej82669@gmail.com
I'm a freshman UIUC debater who debated PF in high school.
If you’re here for speech, jump all the way down to the bottom. I’m sorry :((
There's sections for debate, PF, LD, and speech.
DEBATE
As a judge, consider me tech over truth. However, I coach middle schoolers and believe that debate is an educational event. Good research is a big part of that, so I won’t buy problematic arguments that seem to have no basis or understanding of the current situation. (eg US should increase military intervention for orientalist reasons) Otherwise, clean voters and collapses will always win me over. If this doesn’t happen, I will pick apart the flow (against my will), and no one is ever happy when the judge is forced to intervene.
That being said, I am also a debater, so I’ll vote on dropped arguments, dropped weighing, dropped framing, dropped whatever. I’ve always been a second speaker and love listening to rebuttals dumping 7 warranted responses to every single contention (it would be hypocritical for me not to). If there is genuinely no defense or clash, I default neg.
Evidence: Know the NSDA and CHSSA rules on evidence.
CHSSA Debate Rules and Regulations
If the opponents call you out on a card you definitely cut 30 seconds ago, I will allow evidence challenges or for them to clown you in all the rest of the speeches for bad evidence. I consider preventing access to a requested card as nonexistent evidence and will absolutely rules in favor of an evidence challenge in that context. I have no tolerance for distortion of the card or dates. Regardless of a challenge, I will drop the card on my flow.
General Points (that I will potentially drop your speaks for):
- Time: Time yourself. If you make the mistake of using a timer and start talking over the ringing, I will drop your speaks, because not only do you know you are going over time, you are consciously choosing to ignore it. Otherwise, I will be running a stopwatch and will put up my phone when you are going over. I will allow you to finish your point, but will not flow any new points.
- Speed: I can handle and almost prefer moderate speed. I can handle spreading, but you must be CLEAR and ENUNCIATE. Otherwise, expect to send me and your opponents a speech doc. If I catch you manipulating it, I will drop your speaks faster than you call your opponents for dropped arguments you didn’t actually make.
- Organization: Off-time roadmaps are great, but if its “I will start on my opponent’s first contention on small businesses, extend the turn, refute their second contention on policing, address the framework…” then no, they aren’t great. Signposting is a MUST. If I lose you on the flow, then good luck extending arguments that I can’t find.
- Clash: If you don’t clash, don’t expect speaks. Debate is the speaking event where opponents actually interact with each other, so I would like to see interaction.
- Weigh: Weigh…please, especially if you have a framework. Saying timeframe, magnitude, and scope is not enough. You can just choose one, and explain why it matters + how it links in to your opponent’s impacts. (eg If mass extinction occurs, you can’t have an economy.)
- Crossfire/Cross-Examination: I don’t flow crossfire/cross-examination. If something important happens, bring it up in your speech. That being said, I don’t tolerate aggressively speaking over the person or using cross as speech time. Cross can get heated, but there’s a difference between yelling at the other person.
I get this is a lot, but the tl;dr is be respectful to your opponent and me. The common courtesies in debate are to make it fun for everyone. For those of you who like being mean >:(, I give out low-speak wins pretty frequently anyway.
Public Forum: (my favorite :D )
Chances are, I have thoroughly researched and debated the topic you are doing, so I will know if you don’t have links or are making things up. That being said, I have a lot higher tolerance for “analysis” or “general knowledge”. I apologize ahead of time if you get an entire paragraph of rfd. I’ve primarily competed in PF, so I will definitely have opinions.
Besides the general time yourself, signpost, be nice in cross, and speed reminders, here are a few things I look for:
- Collapsing: While my fatal flaw is going for all of the 6 contentions on both sides of the flow, I’d rather you consolidate and do voters, especially in FF. Most of the time, I just vote off the later speeches. I will silently cry if you go line-by-line in FF.
- Frontlining: I expected second rebuttal to frontline. I believe defense is sticky, but a brief extension of it every time is best.
- Weighing: Weighing slaps. Enough said.
- New Arguments/Responses: That’s a no-no in 2nd summary and FF. I will not flow it.
- Progressive Arguments: I am a sucker for topical Ks. I believe Ts are to prevent abuse and improve the debate space, but will not vote on friv T. Because of this, if you run friv T to win a round in JV/novice on a new non-circuit debater, I am not voting for that.
(I love the Robert Chen K though)
- Plans: No…I will drop them.
Lincoln Douglas:
I'm only getting used to college LD, but I work with novice LDers so I will also know if your arguments are very strange, to a lesser degree. Besides the general time yourself, signpost, be nice in cross, and speed reminders, I have stolen the following things from my coach’s paradigm (thanks schletz):
- New Arguments/Responses: No new arguments in 1NR and 2AR. I will not flow it. I'm fine with evidence though.
- Theory: Theory works, but I won’t vote on frivolous theory used to avoid responding to your opponent’s argument (especially not if you unabashedly break norms yourself). I view theory as a way of preventing abuse in the debate space and that it should only be used as such. I believe in RVIs so feel free to run them in response.
- Frameworks/VC: They slap. If you provide and defend one but don’t use it, I will evaluate it based on what vague instruction you’ve given me on how to evaluate using the framework…which probably won’t end well. I cannot emphasize enough: YOUR IMPACTS SHOULD ALIGN WITH YOUR FRAMEWORK.
- Kritiks + Phil:I love and appreciate them. Please slow down a bit if it’s super dense.
Speech
I love you guys…I promise. Most of my friends do speech.
A few warnings:
- Respectfulness: I don’t tolerate horsing around or loudly speaking during other competitors’ speeches. Whispering is okay, but do anything more disruptive and I will drop your speaks.
- Timing: Please time yourself. While I will be running a stopwatch, I am terrible at giving time signals. I will allow a stopwatch or someone else’s phone. Having a friend give time signals works too. Refer to tournament rules on grace periods.
- My instinct is to take notes while you’re speaking, so if I don’t look at you, I am so sorry. If I am judging you for IX or NX, your content will be scrutinized because I have a little too much background knowledge on politics.
If you’ve made it to the bottom, have fun and be a cool person. :)
Feel free to ask me questions. I like those.
I’m a lay judge. Don’t spread, speak clearly, and collapse on your arguments.
LOL JK - I’ve debated PF for all 4 years of HS but if you treat me like a lay and go slow or make the round entertaining somehow I’ll give you extra speaks!
Preferences
- I can handle some speed, but speak clearly. If I can’t understand something in Constructive, I can’t evaluate it.
- FOR ROUNDS WITH HEAVY SPREADING SEND SPEECH DOCS ESPECIALLY FOR CONSTRUCTIVE AND REBUTTAL
- Collapse and on your arguments and weigh to make it easy for me to vote
- Don’t bring entirely new arguments in second summary, if your opponents call a timeskew, I’ll accept it
- I’m familiar with Theory, Ks, and progressive debate, but I’m not too good. If you plan to go prog, treat me like a lay and go slow.
- Always be respectful and courteous to your opponent
If you have any other questions about me or my preferences feel free to ask my before round :)
My email: ibu4404@gmail.com
^you can add me to the email chain if you want, but it’s fine if you don’t. If I need a card I’ll ask for it.
I am a lay judge.
I am interested in well organized opening arguments supported by good research. I also would like to hear thoughtful and to the point rebuttals to opponent's contentions/counter arguments.
brand new Parent Judge. Please talk slowly and clearly
will give high speaks
To help me follow speeches, please send cases to my email nan.jiang1@gmail.com
few things to keep in mind
1. Be nice and respectful
2. NO debate jargon
3. Be persuasive
4. Keep track of time and don't abuse it
5. Most importantly, have fun
I will not disclose
Cross will be an important section in which I will listen to
I am a college Student with some judging experience over my highschool year. I am very intrested in communications and listning to speech and debate, hence judging these compitions is very intresting and would love to explore more in this field.
Hello, I am a first-time judge in the speech and debate world and am parent to none. But, thanks to my niece, I am pleased to participate as a judge of an activity that has helped shape the foundations of human society and civilization. As an attorney with over 20 years of practicing administrative law, I drafted briefs and presented oral argument before a bench for a ruling - an experience which I believe will be useful in judging debates.
I hope to observe studied and thoughtful discourse from opposing teams that are respectful and controlled in their conduct and delivery. I will strive to be objective in my viewpoints and score arguments without agenda, seeking to award points for organized and defensible rationale presented with enthusiasm, compassion, and veracity. I do not have encyclopedic knowledge and will not attempt to fact-check assertions or counterpoints but rather will note the logic, strength, weakness, or intuitive flow of an assertion or argument. I look forward to an engaging tournament and wish all participants, myself included, good luck!
I am a parent judge.
My email is ksared2000@yahoo.com
- I know very little about the topic.
- Please be respectful of everyone in the round.
- Have fun!
I am a relatively new parent judge.
I would prefer that you speak slowly and understandably.
Please weigh and use good evidence ethics throughout the round.
I will judge based on how well each team argued and defended their point.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Background: I went to Millard North from 2019-2023 and am currently a biochemistry and finance double major at UNL. I'm also premed so if you have any questions about that feel free to ask.
Email chain: Teams should always be setting up an email chain before the round, as it makes evidence exchange much faster and more efficient. I also want to be on said email chain- abhi1karri@gmail.com
Experience:
Background: I did PF for 4 years at Millard North High School, from 2019-2023. Throughout my career, I got a total of 6 bids and qualified for nats 3 times.
Coaching: I'm currently a private coach, email me if you're interested.
General:
I like seeing the different strategies applied by different teams. That's why I'm open to almost anything and all the preferences I talk about are things that can be overcome with good debating. With that being said here are my thoughts and preferences:
Tech > Truth. Please go for conceded arguments because they are considered true on my flow so it makes both our lives easier by going for it. I will say tho conceding an arg is not the end of the world because I'll still be open to weighing/cross applications against it.
I can only vote on an argument if I understand what I'm voting on so explain what you are going for in a way that I can understand. That doesn't mean to give me a 30-second extension it just means to be understandable when you explain ur arguments, especially the important ones in the round.
Being blatantly rude/cheating/bad evidence ethics in round is an easy way to get your speaks tanked. Regardless of how "good at debate" you may be, there's no excuse for this. With that being said I average a 28 on the nat circuit and 28.5 on local but I do believe speaks are very subjective so I'm very easily influenced by any sort of "give us all 30s" arguments.
I'm fine with speed up to 250 wpm but anything over that and I'd need a speech doc.
Preferences:
I'd like to see weighing as soon as possible within the round. Your weighing should also be comparative, not just restating your impacts and saying you outweigh but linking it to some sort of mechanism and giving a comparison between different impacts. I also think prereqs and link-ins are underutilized in PFso remember to use those.
Probability is one of the least important weighing mechanisms to me. 99% of the time if you win your link and internal link you win near 100% prob so this won't be too persuasive of a weighing mechanism in front of me.
Please organize your speech and signpost throughout your speech. There's nothing more frustrating than flowing a speech where everything is jumping around.
Speech-by-speech notes:
Rebuttal: Frontline in second rebuttal. Dropped arguments in second rebuttal are conceded in the round.
Summary/Final Focus: I understand that different teams have different strategies for approaching these speeches. I’m fine with anything as long as it works, but keep a few things in mind. 1. Defense isn’t sticky 2. Extend your warrants specifically and give me reasons to prefer over your opponents. Don't just give me author names and expect me to know what you're talking about. 3. Final Focus should roughly mirror the summary speech.
Cross: What you say in cross is binding, but I don't flow or listen too hard to it. If something happens bring it up in the next speech for it to be evaluated in the round.
Prep: You must use prep to read evidence. You should also have all your ev ready to send over or just send a speechdoc beforehand so I don't care if you prep while your opponent is looking for their evidence to send.
Progressive Args:
I debated a couple of tournaments of NFA LD and have judged a lot of progressive rounds by now so I understand most progressive args. The only thing I'd be hesitant about running in front of me is kaffs because I lowk don't know much about them. Here are my thoughts on specific progressive args/ks:
Theory: Theory has an important place in debate to recognize real abuse, but frivolous theory is bad. I know what's considered frivolous is subjective so if your shell falls in the grey zone I'll be open to arguments for why/why not something is friv. That does not mean to run smth stupid like shoe theory in front of me and expect me to buy an argument for why it's not frivolous.
CIs are not always necessary, if you don't have one I'll just assume you are defending the violation. You can still gain offense through a myriad of ways. DTA or DTD doesn't have to be explicitly said as long as there is a voter and a sufficient warrant behind it. Almost everything else (yes/no RVIs, Reasonability over CIs, etc.) can be argued in the theory debate and I try my best to take a neutral stance on them. The most important thing to understand is that regardless of whether you know all the jargon behind theory debate if you are making proper, well-warranted arguments with an impact that will most of the time be sufficient.
I generally believe that paraphrasing is bad and disclosure is good. It will be very hard to convince me that paraphrasing is good but a good disclosure debate can go either way. This isn't to say that you can't win in front of me by paraphrasing it's just saying I have a high threshold for believing that it is good.
I'll evaluate IVIs if they are well warranted and impacted out. The most important IVI that all teams should look for is when teams violate their own shell. Running something like disclo without disclosing is one of the easiest ways to get dropped so make sure to point something like that out if it happens in the round.
T: I'm fine with T in PF. I think there are def instances where people stretch the resolution way too much so I wouldn't complain if T is introduced in the round. Keep in mind that interps should have definitions within them or it will be an uphill battle.
Ks: I've debated ks before so I know more than the average judge about it but I would still be cautious running one in front of me. Be very explanatory throughout the round and explain to me exactly what my ballot does. The ks I have the most experience with are cap and security so I feel like I'd be able to evaluate those to a certain extent but I have like no experience with non-topical ks so be even more careful about running those with me. I also expect you to have a fairly strong alt if you are trying to solve a massive problem.
As for responses to ks, I'm familiar with most. I think perms, T, and Fwk are all good ways to respond to ks so make sure to utilize those and I will understand what you are saying.
Tricks: I'll pray for you...
Post-Round:
I'll always disclose unless the tournament explicitly says otherwise.
Please ask questions about my decision/ask for advice. I'll always be open to explaining any part of my decision and explaining my thoughts on certain arguments. Asking questions is also the best way to improve so never be afraid to do it.
Disagreeing with my decision/being upset about losing is fine, just don't attack me for it.
Congress:
I competed in Congress a few times in high school and did okay I'd probably dislike judging it because from what I've seen no one is really using it for its fullest potential, and almost every Congress round I've ever seen is just a bunch of constructive speeches in a row. But here are a few things that will make me happy in a Congress round:
-
I'll rank you higher if you add something to the debate. I love rebuttal speeches, crystallization speeches, etc. You will not rank well if you are the fourth/fifth/sixth etc. speaker on a bill and still reading new substantive arguments without contextualizing anything else that has already happened. It's obviously fine to read new evidence/data, but that should only happen if it's for the purpose of refuting something that's been said by another speaker.
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I care much more about the content and strategy of your speeches than I do about your delivery. I guess delivery matters more to me in Congress than it does in other events, but I still think it matters significantly less than the content and strategy of the speech.
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If you don't have a way to advance the debate beyond a new constructive speech that doesn't synthesize anything, I'd rather just move on to a new bill.
I am a first time judge. Please do not spread.
***ALL cards read during ANY speech need to be sent in the email chain PRIOR to the speech. If you are not comfortable adapting to this standard, please strike me
North Broward '20 Wake Forest '24
Quartered @ TOC and have minimal college policy experience
Head Public Forum Coach @ Quarry Lane
Email: katzto20@wfu.edu
tech>truth
I would prefer both teams talk about the topic. I have given up on judging bad PF theory / K debates.
debate is a game and the team that plays the best will win.
I am a parent judge and have been judging since Fall 2022.
I am a physician and health policy researcher.
I find that the best debaters present clear and logical arguments that are supported by strong evidence and important impacts. Regarding evidence, I don't need to be included on evidence chains; rather, I will expect you and your opposing team to point out the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence presented.
Some additional suggestions.
- Talk clearly and at a normal speed. I will flow the round and need to be able to understand the points you are making.
- Keep track of your own time. I will also time speeches. If you go over, please finish your sentence. If you go more than 5-10 seconds over, I will put down my pen and stop writing and not capture what you are saying.
- Please be clear about your warrants and impact (signpost).
- Off-time road maps aren’t required but are appreciated.
- Your summary and final focus should be paralleled, and I will ignore any new points brought up in either.
- Speaker points will be lower for any debaters who are rude or disrespectful to opponents.
- No K's, theory, or trix.
- Have fun!
I am a lay judge/parent judge affiliated with Palm Harbor University High School in Pinellas County, Florida. An attorney by profession, I work as a consultant to providers in the healthcare industry.
I began judging high school debate tournaments in the 2022-2023 school year, so I consider myself relatively new to the process. I did not debate in high school or college, so be careful with the debate jargon and don't assume I'm proficient in it - take the time to explain or, better yet, avoid jargon altogether if possible.
Participants should keep and adhere to time limits. I will be timing as well, and will disregard arguments made after time has expired.
Clarity is crucial to communication, so speak clearly and at a reasonable pace. If I can't understand you or keep up with your pace then you're not communicating. Be respectful of your fellow debaters and avoid talking over each other.
I am looking for a well-rounded performance, my goal is to weigh arguments/style/analytics/evidence equally. I prefer quotations over paraphrasing, and appreciate detailed citations. If you're going to cite a source, you should be able to explain why it is a relevant authority.
Most of all enjoy yourself and have fun!
rakent@aol.com
Hi, I'm Parker or Mr. Klyn, whichever you are most comfortable with.
I am the Director of Forensics at Theodore Roosevelt High School (Des Moines, IA).
I coach national circuit PF and hopefully LD soon. I'm on the NSDA Public Forum Topic & Wording Committee.
"I believe judging debates is a privilege, not a paycheck," and "Most judges give appalling decisions." <-- Two quotes from a legendary coach that illustrate my views on judging. My promise to you as a judge is always giving you 100% of my attention and rendering decisions that I honestly believe in and can defend/justify.
I judge for three reasons:
- I love debate and enjoy judging.
- Judging great debaters allows me to grow as a coach and judge.
- Fulfilling my team's obligation.
If the round starts in 60 seconds and you don't have time to read the whole paradigm...
Public Forum: I am a standard national circuit PF flow/tech judge who can handle speed and is open to any form of argumentation, whether substantive or "progressive." Good luck!
Lincoln-Douglas:
Policy/LARP: 1
K: 1
T/Theory: 1
Phil: 2
Tricks: 3
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Public Forum
Add me to the email chain (klynpar@gmail.com). In national circuit varsity/bid PF rounds, send speech docs with cut cards ahead of (1) case & (2) all speeches where you read new evidence. (i.e. not a link to a google doc, not just the rhetoric, etc.) This is non-negotiable. (1) It makes the debate and by extension the tournament run on time and (2) it allows me to be as non-interventionist as possible.
I’m a tech/blank-slate judge, I flow on my computer using Flower. Judge instruction is key. The best debaters essentially write my RFD for me in final.
The above means that I will vote on anything. However, due to time constraints and neg's ability to go first, I generally believe the format's best debates are substantive rounds over the resolution. With that being said, run whatever arguments (substance, K, theory, Spark, etc.) you would like in front of me if you feel they will earn you the win. Debate is a game.
Be kind and respectful, I will never change a ballot on this but I will lower speaks especially when it comes to experience/age/resource imbalances.
I vote on offense/defense, that includes framework and specific weighing mechanisms.
Speed is fine, go as fast as you want, although I will not flow off a speech doc so you do actually have to be clear and intelligible
I always disclose my decision alongside some feedback. Feel free to ask questions afterwards. Let's leave the round feeling like we had a positive, enjoyable educational experience.
Speaks are based on technical execution, not some arbitrary standard of what makes a "good speaker." My speaks are pretty standard although I find I am particularly generous (29.5+) to great debaters and particularly stingy (27-27.9) with debaters that miss the mark or make major strategic errors. In order to promote good norms, I will bump your speaks by +0.1 each if you (1) send speech docs with cut cards and (2) indicate to me that you open-source disclose.
Long story short, Just win baby~!
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Lincoln-Douglas
Email: klynpar@gmail.com
I have begun to coach LD. I will wear my debater's Des Moines Hoover Husky Howler Novice LD tournament champion ribbon with pride for all eternity. (:
My bread and butter is PF, but I plan on mostly judging LD at tournaments in '24-'25 as our program doesn't really have people who would be competent national circuit LD judges.
Overriding judge philosophy is blank slate/no judge intervention. Debate's a game, do what you have to do to win.
Full disclosure: I am still learning natcirc LD. However, I've watched hundreds of these types of rounds (+ HS/college policy) on YouTube and am confident in my ability to evaluate debates. You are welcome to run whatever you want, but based on what I've watched, I am most comfortable with: Policy/LARP, Ks (of both the Aff and the debate space), and topicality/non-friv theory i.e. disclosure. Not confident in evaluating performance or academic philosophy, this would probably require lots of warranting, but if that's your lane, don't feel the need to adjust to me. Go as fast as you want as long as you're flowable (I will not flow off a doc) and make it a great round that showcases your preferred debate strategies.
I will default to voting on offense extended through the round, but judge instruction can convince me to vote on almost anything. Please attempt to write my ballot for me in the 2NR/2AR. Ask me questions ahead of time for any clarifications.
I value the intellectual freedom that debate provides -- running arguments and justifications that exist outside the academic norm is one of the event's true benefits. To help illustrate this, here are some arguments and whether I'd vote on them IF I felt they won on the flow:
Ontology: yes
Wiki theory (disclosure, round reports, etc.): yes
Spark: yes
Wipeout: yes but I think even the most basically competent debaters can and should beat it
Truth-Testing: yes but I'm still wrapping my head around it, not intuitive to me
Debate bad: yes
Tricks: yes, but low speaks for minimal academic ingenuity
Memes: yes, but low speaks for minimal academic ingenuity
"The brilliance and joy of ... debate is most found in its intellectual freedom. What makes it so unlike other venues in academia is that, in theory, debaters are free to argue for unpopular, overlooked, or scorned positions and ill-considered points of view. Conversely, they will be required to defend EVERY component of your argument, even ones that would be taken for granted in most other settings. Just so there's no confusion here: all arguments are on the table for me. Any line drawn on argumentative content is obviously arbitrary and is likely unpredictable ... If you can't defend the desirability of avoiding your advantage's extinction impact against a wipeout or 'death good' position, why are you trying to persuade me to vote for a policy to save the human race? Groupthink and collective prejudices against creative ideas or disruptive thoughts are an ubiquitous feature of human societies, but that makes it all the more important to encourage free speech and free thought in one of the few institutions where overcoming those biases is possible." - Kevin Hirn, Michigan Debate
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Congress
If you're in Iowa and you do the literal bare minimum (speak as much as you can, provide sources for your arguments, REFUTE OTHER SPEECHES, ask questions), you're practically guaranteed to finish in the top half of my ballot. Seriously, why are so many of y'all just seemingly along for the ride!
Smaller things: Crystallization speeches are lazy unless it's like the 7th speech of a bill and there has been actual clash the entire way down (make actual arguments instead!), being charismatic/entertaining is a good tiebreaker but doesn't replace a well-argued speech, good POs are hard to beat and bad POs make debate no fun (unless literally nobody else was willing to do it -- then I'll reward you on the ballot), treating bills as having real-life implications around the world >>> LARPing as US legislators
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Debate thoughts:
(This is a pretty self-indulgent section so only read if you think I provide useful insight into the activity):
You should always presume the other team, the judges, and the audience are acting in good faith. Any accusations or even implications towards someone cheating or otherwise breaking the rules should be "stake-the-round" moments -- that is, you better be willing to take a min speaks L if it's unfounded.
One of the single dumbest things I see in competitive debate is this trend of "I'll give u 0.5 speaks if u reference The Office" or "+1 speaks for bringing me a coffee!" It's pathetically and brazenly anti-educational and borderline exploitative (of children!), not to mention it'd be so stupid for someone to get like a 4-2 screw because another team mentioned a dumb meme in their speech. I presume good intentions from people in this community but I am quite skeptical of those who do this.
Speaking of judges, I have zero patience for people who use their ballot/RFD to bully and demean. Congratulations, you're a college-educated adult and you found flaws in a 14-year-old's argumentation. If I'm on a panel or spectating a round where a judge's RFD is moving into bullying territory, I have no qualms cutting them off and reporting them to tab.
And finally with regards to judging -- I allude to this above, but I see far too many debates, especially here in Iowa, where the extent of judges' RFDs is "I didn't like your case" regardless of the actual content of the round. That makes me sad, as it invalidates dozens of hours of preparation and strategy-building between competitors and their coaches. It breaks my heart when I see a well-prepared team lose because the judge just "didn't buy it." I only vote on what is communicated to me within the debate. I do not care how unlikely it seems or how incoherent the link is.... if it's that obvious, the opposition should point it out, not rely on me to intervene and make that evaluation on my own.
Debate as an activity is incredible. Obviously I'm biased but I genuinely think it's the single best thing high schoolers can do with their time. If you're reading this you're probably a nerd or a competition freak (or both) but you also should be proud that you are involved in this thing we do. It makes kids smarter, more confident, better at speaking, better citizens, more critical of the world and its power structures while also more open to alternative ways of thinking.... and it's exhilarating and fun! If I could just coach debate all day I'd take that job in a heartbeat. I often find myself getting emotional when judging high-level debate rounds because of the talent, passion, prep, and dedication in front of me, and I swell with pride when my debaters develop new skills and deploy them.
Feel like quitting debate because you don't think you're any good? DON'T! My first ever tournament I went 1-4 at the Des Moines Lincoln Railsplitter. Even worse, we started 0-4 and were power-matched against the only other 0-4 team at that point -- we only won because our opponents forgot what side of the topic they had chosen. I promise, it gets better. I have a team that went 1-5 and 0-5 at their first two bid tournaments in '22-23 who just picked up a PF Gold bid at Blake '23. Keep at it and you will blossom.
About me:
Director of Forensics of Theodore Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, IA, former coach for Ames (IA)
I debated PF in high school in rural Iowa and had no exposure to the national circuit BUT since then have coached multiple partnerships to TOC and state champions.
My favorite debate event is Public Forum and my favorite speech events are Extemp and Oratory.
Coaching forensics and attending tournaments are among my favorite things in life~ I feel so lucky to be able to do this a couple dozen weekends every year.
Welcome, debaters! I am an attorney who has had cases in front of judges for decades. I am your lay judge, it is my first time judging and I am excited to hear your arguments.
I will set forth a few basic keys to help you successfully debate in front of me as a judge and I will lay them out in my paradigm so you understand what you can do to stand out.
First, Communication, It’s not just what you say, it’s also how you say it. Clear articulation, appropriate volume, and pacing are all crucial. Effective communication involves making eye contact with your judge even if your judge is remote.
Second, research, In-depth knowledge of your topic is key to crafting compelling arguments. Backing up your points with credible sources / evidence and statistics will strengthen your case.
Third, Logical reasoning is crucial. For your case, I appreciate you building on a theme. For rebuttals, I appreciate you rebutting every one of your opponent’s arguments in a format that sets forth your position in your opening sentence.
Fourth, Persuasiveness through an emotional appeal is a strong tool. You will likely do better if you tug on the heart strings and your judge relates to your emotional tool.
Lastly, sign post - numbering your arguments will assist me in following your line of reasoning. It will help keep track of your points and if you're negating your opponent's arguments, using numbers to address each point individually ensures clarity.
I am a lay judge for the first time, therefore, fewer strong arguments will serve you better than more arguments that are unsupported or unpersuasive.
In summary, prepare, practice and prevail! Good luck!
Parent judge.
Describe your frame
No spreading (speak at a conversational pace). No Ks, no theory, only run substance.
Be very clear about your arguments, well warranted, be CLEAR about impacts.
Have well-carded responses.
Be clear with weighing in Summary and FF. Write the ballot for me.
Don't talk over each other in cross.
Please speak coherently. I will be looking for the most significant arguments and then logical responses. I look for good and thoughtful delivery.
Parent judge with some experience
I will take notes
Don't spread, you will lose me
Extend all your arguments
If its in cross but not in a speech, I won't vote on it
Weigh your impacts
Please avoid technical arguments
If there is an email chain add me: srivatsan.laxman@gmail.com
My name is Richard Lay and I am a first year parent judge.
For Public Forum:
- I will be taking notes during the round
- Please speak slowly and clearly, don't spread
- Do not use debate jargon unless it's defined in the round
- Truth > tech
- Weigh impacts clearly and tell me how to vote throughout summary and final focus
- Respect your opponents
To be clear, I'm a speech coach. I am proficient enough in flowing rounds and can effectively keep up with the debate. However, if spreading is utilized, you run the risk of losing me entirely. Additionally, strategies such as running theory or K's are unlikely to lead to a winning outcome in my view. I prefer debates that are grounded in linking arguments back to a value or standard set during the rounds. Please signpost clearly so I can follow the flow more effectively. I don't want to direct the debate in any particular direction; structure it as you see fit, keeping my background and preferences in mind.
I debated for Horace Mann in NYC and was the president of my team senior year.
Treat me like a flay judge only in the sense that I prefer slower, well-warranted rounds over the current weird tech meta of dumping as many arguments as possible and making rounds incredibly messy. This doesn't mean that I don't know what's happening on the flow (i.e. don't drop turns or responses because you're debating as you would in front of a lay judge) – just slow down, speak like you would to a normal person, and extend well/provide warrants for everything you say (especially including frontlines and weighing). The more you explain something, the more I'm likely to vote for it.
If you want me to call for a card, tell me to in a speech. Don't read progressive arguments in front of me. I refuse to flow off of a speech doc so just speak at a reasonable pace. If you have any other questions about my preferences, feel free to ask me before the round.
My name is Benjamin Lemley. I am a junior at the University of Central Oklahoma, studying philosophy and physics. I did PF all 4 years of high school on my local circuit. benjamin.lemley@gmail.com
I could make this really long but I'm gonna try and not do that.
Everyone gets a 30
Tech>Truth
Don't go too fast
I don't mind debates that come down to framework and definitions
I don't care about author credentials, just warrants
Sign post a lot
If you get me in LD, be aware that I have almost no experience outside of PF.
As a novice parent judge, I would appreciate the debate teams speak with clarity and don't go too fast. I will focus on how the team advance the argument, discredit the opposition and manage the clash with confidence.
Hi All,
I am a CFA. But I have minimal experience in judging, so consider me a lay judge.
A couple of things to look out for:
1- Don't spread. Go super slow. Be clear. Explain well. I flow pretty slow and will not vote off of arguments that I don't understand.
2- Minimize the use of fancy vocabulary or debate jargon. This will help me follow along better.
3- Don't be rude or aggressive. It is hard to understand when people are speaking over each other.
4-Avoid racism, sexism, ableism, or any form of discrimination. If this happens, I will most likely drop you.
Overall, have fun and enjoy yourselves!
Hi! My name is Shan, and I'm a parent judge. I don't have any experience debating myself, but I have judged before.
Speeches:
- Please speak slowly and clearly. If you talk fast then I might not be able to catch everything you say.
- Please signpost (don't jump around arguments, make sure you flow through one argument to the next by indicating that you are doing so).
- Time yourself (I'll also be timing, but please just keep track of your own time so you don't go over).
Crossfires:
- Please speak politely. Don't interrupt.
- I may deduct some speaker points for those who are rude in cross.
I look forward to listening to your speeches!
I'm a lay judge, not familiar with the niches of debate/Public Forum. English is also my second language, so speaking clearly and signposting will help me a lot. You will lose me if you spread.
I prefer for you to not run Theory, K, Topicality, or Trix (whatever they may mean, I've just heard these terms from my daughter). From what I know there's a low chance I'd buy into it (if I even understand the argument!).
Make it clear what I'm voting for and why I should vote for you. I will try my best to flow (though probably not a whole lot) but you should extend your arguments and maintain their relevancy throughout the round.
Truth > Tech
Follow debate etiquette and have fun!
Email - jeromeliu2000@gmail.com
I am a parent and lay judge with no real experience. Please be clear with your arguments. Read them in a comprehensible manner. If you read them too fast I won't be able to flow properly. Try not to use to use extremely technical terms. If you do please explain them. Finally, be respectful to your opponents and have fun.
SF Roosevelt '21 ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ Wake Forest '25
Current Affiliations: New York Urban Debate League
she/her (1A/2N)
luckettjazmyn@gmail.com
╰┈➤ Time yourself
If you are interested in debating for Wake Forest, don't hesitate to reach out about scholarships and debate opportunities.
Miscellaneous Notes:
- If you have a fun/silly strategy or file you have been waiting to break, please do it in front of me but please actually be funny if you try this
- If you feel more comfortable with a camera off instead of on during an online debate, that is fine
- I will vote on death good, spark, wipeout, Baudrillard, and most of the other arguments everyone hates and i actually enjoy seeing those debates
- I read almost exclusively settler colonialism and afropessimism in high school and college, but I coach policy style Lincoln Douglas and ['traditional"] Policy Debaters. I am also fairly well versed on current political issues, the status of the government, and potential global military conflicts/tensions but i am not good with acronyms. I do not have a strong side/debate frame that I will adjudicate under. Everything is up for debate.
- 1AR --> 2AR consistency is good, new 2AR arguments are bad
Other Thoughts:
I try my best to eliminate personal bias and offer both teams an equal opportunity to achieve the ballot, but here are a few thoughts that may be helpful:
- permutations should be explained, examples/what would the world look like? I won't vote on a perm that the 2NR literally concedes if the 2AR just says, "extend permutation do both, they dropped it... [insert argument not at all about the permutation here]"
- 2NR/2AR that sits on 3 arguments > 2NR/2AR that goes for 20 conceded arguments
- making an actual argument against what the other team said > spending time reading a bad theory block
- new 2NC CPs/DAs are interesting, if the aff suddenly links after the 2ac, go ahead. obvi this is incredibly situational.
- live to solve other team's impacts > future generations
- literally anything > 5/6 minute presumption 2NR
- claim -> warrant -> impact or it's not an argument
- Don't ask me for a 30
- I will never ask for a card doc, you should never ask me to look at a card. What if you just explained the card???? and made an argument?????? (If someone is like calling ev ethics or saying your ev says something super problematic then yes, I'll look)
- I tend to make decisions by pinpointing the negative's central offense and then deciding if the affirmative resolves it or if the affirmative solves to the point that the neg's argument doesn't matter, in every debate I will write a ballot for both teams then copy paste/vote for the one that makes the most sense into tabroom.
- If I give an RFD in less than 10 minutes, don't be offended. I already know how I'm voting 80% of the time within 2 minutes of the 2AR ending. Faster RFD=More time for you to eat and rest.
╔══《✧》══╗
Speaker Points:
[29.7+] --- CHAMP!!
[29.5+] --- late elims
[29.2+]--- mid elims
[29.0+] --- may clear
[28.7+] --- go even
[>28.7] --- other
╚══《✧》══╝
I am a college student. I did PF for 4 years previously.
Important points for me:
Speed: I'm okay with most speeds, but don't speak super fast and then end up with an extra minute at the end of your speech. Take your time, don't rush through it just for the sake of it. Also, please don't spread.
Timing: Please don't go over time. I will let you finish your sentence if it happens. However, if you end up going 30+ seconds over, I will stop flowing.
Crossfire: Please be polite. If you cut people off or yell at people or are just being generally really aggressive, I will not hesitate to drop your speaker points. Also, please do not spend half of cross sharing your ideas.
(PF specific) Theory/Ks/Progressive Arguments: I don't prefer these. Only run if warranted by something that happens in the round.
Don't be afraid to call something out or ask questions in the middle of the round. I want everyone to be able to have fun. Good luck on your rounds!
Hello Debaters,
I have been judging Public Forum debate tournaments since fall of 2020.
I look for clarity, consistency and quality of delivery. Please try not to speak too fast so it is easier to follow. It is important to be respectful to your opponents. Also, please explain your arguments in plain terms.
Please ensure your data and stats are factual and supported by credible sources.
Finally, don't forget to have fun!
Thank you and good luck!
Events Coached: Extemporaneous Debate, LD
Years Coaching: 3
Competed In: LD, BQD
Years Judging PF & LD: 3
Years Judging Overall: 4
Delivery Rate: 4 (scale of 1 to 7; 1 being super slow and 7 being super fast)
If we were in-person I would be at a 5, but it's a 4 because it's over Zoom. I am fine with some speed because of my debate experience, but I have never competed in or judged a policy debate. Clarity and enunciation should be prioritized over speed. Being able to clearly communicate to an audience is a key skill to develop from participating in debate.
New Arguments Second Speech: 4 (scale of 1 to 7; 1 being never allowed and 7 being always allowed)
Unless there is a good reason to bring something new to the table, stick to what was established in the first speeches.
Effective Crossfire: 4 (scale of 1 to 7; 1 being largely insignificant and 7 being the most important factor in RFD)
Evidence or Logic:4 (scale of 1 to 7; 1 being prefer only logic arguments and 7 being prefer only evidence arguments)
Strong evidence is key, but evidence alone doesn’t win you the round. Impact your arguments through.
Evidence Requests: 6 (scale of 1 to 7; 1 being request everything and 7 being request nothing)
Unless you feel requesting evidence is significant to the round, I find it to greatly slow down the flow of the debate.
How I Decide a Winner:
Clash and KVIs are the clearest path to the win. I am looking for the winner to gain ground and potentially turn arguments. Crossfires are not the end-all be-all, but they are certainly an important part of the round that tests your composure, confidence, and ability to clue outsiders into the action with discussion and questions instead of rebuttal. If you want answers from your opponent, you must also give answers.
General Comments:
I competed in LD for four years and made it to nationals once. I competed in BQD for three years and made it to nationals twice. I flow the round and keep time, please do the same. Don’t make the judge jump over hurdles to find your arguments on the flow or connect the dots—you want them right along with you, line by line, for as long as possible (ideally the whole speech). When time is called, wrap it up quickly. Ten seconds over is almost too generous; anything more is abusing your time.
General
- Speak as fast as you want, but try not to spread. The words should be clear
- Focus on understanding of the topic and the depth at which one understands a topic
- I can time the speeches but prefer you please time yourselves
- Add me to the email chain: vishwas.manral@gmail.com
- Be respectful - don't say anything racist, homophobic, sexist, ableist, etc.
- Flay/treat me more lay
- Send me your cases
Arguments/ Debate etc.
I don't like progressive debate at all (No Tshells, K's, CPs, tricks, etc.) I will probably end up dropping you if you run it. If you do end up going for it -- please explain to me clearly why it should be a voting issue at the end of the debate.
Squirrelly arguments are ok but you need to actually explain your link VERY clearly or you can't access your impact.
I love when people signpost; it helps me follow along with what you are saying in your speech.
Please make sure that you can your provide evidence to your opponents. If you fail to do so, the argument is dropped.
I prefer off-time roadmaps but keep them brief.
Dropped args should not be brought back into the flow, but point out when your opponents' arguments are dropped. You know the rest of the rules, so please follow them.
As far as framework goes, I am fine with anything as long as you are following your framework. Debating against framework- if the opposing team provides a better framework that works and proves why the other team's framework is irrelevant or etc. then I will consider that. If you run SV you need to tell me why I should prefer that over any default util FW.
You run the show, so show me why you should win this debate. Impact weighing is greatly valued.
I won't flow cross (unless they contradict themselves), but if something big happens, tell me in your speech.
I am fine with disclosing cases as long as both teams are ok with it. If not, then please do not be forceful. (No disclo/para theory)
Speaks usually from 28+
Good luck, be kind, happy debating!
Hey there I'm Sai, he/him/his pronouns! I debated for Marriotts Ridge High School '19-'23 in Public Forum. We qualified for TOC 2 years and despite being a trad debater, I've heard it just about everything, and will evaluate basically anything. Please ctrl + F for "National" or "BCFL" depending on where you're seeing me, while both are technically true I do have some preferences that are specific to local vs. nat. I'm here for a fun time, and probably sacking my weekend cause our school is short on judges, so jokes will be awarded handsomely. This paradigm is a work in progress as I judge more, please feel free to ask me about judging preferences before the round!
Districts update - Use BCFL para for speech, Natl for Debate.
National Tournaments
PF
Email Chain: saidebate1@gmail.com & MRHSPFDebateDocs@gmail.com
Please mention if you're planning on using speech docs or just setting up for evidence exchange, either is fine just if I need to actually check for speech docs.
I'm good with speed up to about 400wpm, faster than that even with speech doc is a little sketch, if you're going faster than this you're kind of a baller but beware I might miss some stuff.
If you're gonna use an uncommon acronym please say the full name first, "...Single Use Plastics(SUPs)..." and then SUPs is fine thereafter for example. I'll try and make a guess if you don't state it but if I'm thinking about what your acronym means I'm not flowing. I'm fine with the basic theory acronyms, RVI, IVI, DA, CI, CP, etc.
Speaks are 26-30, 25 if you did something really questionable or left like half your time on every speech. I start at 27.5 if halves or 27 if not and go up and down from there. Above 28 I look for organization and ease, the more sure I am that you won the round the higher your speaks. Flow clarity is also important, if all your points fit like puzzle pieces on my flow you get points. Point spread is relative to the round but I try to make the values as objective as possible.
Constructive:
If you can look at me when delivering an important point in your case, like a big impact or a key internal link, that's great, but I get that you're reading off your laptop and often reading fast, so I won't penalize a lack of eye contact. If your case doesn't have an impact then I will probably ignore it, if you don't give me a reason to care, I will correspondingly not care. It doesn't necessarily have to be quantified, especially if you're using a framework that's not util, but I do need AN impact. If your framework is not util, please carry through at least the laymen interpretation of your framework, it's sticky but if I have to think too hard I'll miss stuff and that's bad for you. If you don't have a number that I can compare apples to apples with your opponent, convincing me that your impact is even more important.
tl;dr: Try to give eye contact, include impacts, solidify your framework.
Both CXs:
I'll listen but won't flow this, if you have a banger concession bring it up in the next speech. I usually want to hear some elaboration on why it matters that they said this. Please keep the cross moving, no rambling and no dead time. Also evidence exchanges should happen before or after cross, avoid digging around for evidence. Good cross will also bump your speaks, bad cross won't hurt you much but it will probably hurt your other speeches so no double jeopardy on that.
Rebuttal:
I'm really just looking for a response for all the arguments made in the case, and a circle back to your own case if you have extra time. If you are second rebuttal, FRONTLINE YOUR OPPONENTS. I want to hear extensions of your own case and framework, these can be paraphrased but I'd prefer no paraphrasing of cards. You can read interp like "Lee '20 tells us that 1 = 2". Cross application of points and grouping responses is really good, if you do that I'll bump your speaks. If you strategically drop something please call it out, if your opponents call it before you do I'll vote on their offense. I appreciate early interaction with impacts, telling me their impacts don't happen and therefore to prioritize yours is great, but don't sacrifice responses to do that.
Summary:
Again looking for pretty standard stuff here, condense the debate down to the important points, and make sure I understand what the debate comes down to. I value this speech not becoming second rebuttal and I will cringe a little if all I hear is just pure rebuttal. I want to hear some of your own analysis in the process of condensing, and really why YOU think you won the round, not why your card says you won. I will only vote on this if you tell me how your win is supported by the active framework in the round. If there is framework debate and you link in through both, you can tell me that and when the framework debate is decided(Ideally by you but as needed by me) I'll use the best voters for you when evaluating. If you are second summary, you need to weigh in your speech, that way your opponents have time to respond to your points. Ideally if you're first summary you also weigh, but it's okay if it doesn't happen until final focus.
FF:
If this is a third rebuttal I will just vote you down, they would have called the speech a third rebuttal if that's what they wanted. This speech needs to be very heavy on weighing, I will only take arguments talked about here if they were previously mentioned, of course no new responses. I used to partition this speech as 1 minute briefing all the points in the round and1 weighing, if you're running a framework spend some of your time talking about that and why it's dominant in the round, and then talking about how your impacts go through the framework to win you the round. I appreciate some good rhetoric/jokes in here too but no pressure.
BCFL
PF
You can think of me as a tech judge, I am flowing your arguments like a debater, I know when you're gaslighting me, and I've read enough about the topic to know all the stock stuff and some of the unique stuff that's meta.
I cannot call for your evidence, if you don't read cites I will dock your speaks significantly and strongly consider a tab report if it's pervasive, if you don't attribute you are plagiarizing. There are really only two rules, evidence and time, please follow them.
I will stop flowing, sit up, and stare at you funny when you are over time, I will flow the end of your sentence and listen to your rhetoric like "for these reasons we urge you to vote aff/neg" over time, but I will not flow any numbers that are read off time, these need to come much earlier in the speech and if they fall off the edge I will not vote on them.
Please please please signpost, tell me what you're talking about before you start saying words or I will miss everything you say while trying to figure out where on the flow I need to write. Off time roadmaps are good but aren't a replacement for signposting, I still need to hear what contention or idea you're responding to. I will flow chronologically within a contention so you don't need to signpost each individual block just the topmost idea so I know where to put my pen. This is my biggest pet peeve and my only real non-negotiable, if I don't know what's happening I can't judge you.
Speed
I like speed, I will reward speed up to about 300 ± 30 WPM, if you're allowed to send speech docs 400+ is fine. I watch everything at 2x speed so if you can do that I will be happy. I think 250 is the sweet spot before clarity starts being sacrificed, but I have seen faster done, if you're confident go for it! This does not mean take half the prep time, you have 3 minutes and you should use it. If you talk really fast and then run out of things to say and totally stop for like 20 seconds looking for extra stuff to say, the speed bonus will not be as substantial. I am probably the only PF judge on the circuit who you will hear this from. I agree that accessibility is important, but I regularly ran cases that were about that fast and they worked because I was clear and the warrants made sense, speed for speed sake is useless at best, and confusing for your opponents and judges at worst.
Panel
The name of the game is persuasion, and if you're seeing me on a panel, please make sure to adapt to all the judges, I can understand what a parent can understand, but a parent may not understand some bonkers idea that makes sense to me, so be mindful of that. I appreciate the things in this paradigm(obviously), but if you treat me like a parent because the other n judges are parents, I will still flow and evaluate off the flow as you would expect.
I will listen and evaluate anything. Here are some things to note in your speeches
Constructive:
If you can look at me when delivering an important point in your case, like a big impact or a key internal link, that's great, but I get that you're reading off your laptop and often reading fast, so I won't penalize a lack of eye contact. If your case doesn't have an impact then I will probably ignore it, if you don't give me a reason to care, I will correspondingly not care. It doesn't necessarily have to be quantified, especially if you're using a framework that's not util, but I do need AN impact. As I said before, I will not flow impacts that aren't 100% on time. This is especially if you are putting impacts at the end of your case, if they fall off the end I will not consider them in the round until you state them on time, this will seriously hurt your chances of winning, a lot more than ending your speech 10 seconds early, so rehearse your case.
tl;dr: Try to give eye contact, include impacts that are on time.
Rebuttal:
I'm really just looking for a response for all of the arguments made in the case, and a circle back to your own case if you have extra time. Make sure you touch on framework if that is active debate.If you are second rebuttal, FRONTLINE your opponents' rebuttal.Arguments that are not responded to are conceded, and I will notice if you try and extend through ink. If you verbally collapse away from the argument, I will acknowledge that and the drop willbe nonvoting. SIGNPOST SIGNPOST SIGNPOST. I can't read your mind or your flow to know what you're talking about, introduce your response with "on their nth contention on ... Card'17 notes the opposite is true". Card + interp > Reputable card >Deducible interp > Junk Card(you'll know it when you see it) > Un-deducible interp. Spamming responses doesn't really convince me that something is going to happen, I need you to convince me with logic that your response is not complete garbage. If you tell me something your opponent says is illogical and you explain it convincingly, there are times where I will buy that response over a card, especially if the card is dubious. I want to hear extensions of your own case, even if they're just paraphrased, but not at the sacrifice of responses. I really need to hear tags and cites in this speech, especially on important numbers. Cross application and contention grouping blocks work extremely well for me, I will bump speaks for this, and it will help you spend more time on your big round voters, which will determine the ballot. I appreciate a quick brief on the impacts in the round that stand after this, which is usually you telling me that your opponent has none anymore and your impacts prevail.
Summary:
Again looking for pretty standard stuff here, condense the debate down to the important points, and make sure I understand what the debate comes down to. I value this speech not becoming second rebuttal and I will cringe a little if all I hear is just pure rebuttal. I want to hear some of your own analysis in the process of condensing, and really why YOU think you won the round, not why your card says you won. I appreciate strategic collapsing here, if you tell me to focus on a contention I will do that, but if your opponent has offense on a dropped point I will give them the offense unless you warrant the conditionality or sufficiently mitigate. I think it's critical to clarify the round in this speech, tell me exactly where each contention stands, telling me that a contention is dropped by either side is acceptable here. This speech should be relatively light on cards, you already rebutted the point in rebuttal, be brief but clear on frontlines, you can still sway arguments here. This is usually where I start thinking about who has won the round, that isn't binding and I will consider FF in its entirety, but this is my first chance to play with the impact, so telling me that your impact is the one I should be thinking about will really help that. My suggested distribution is about a third of your time on your opponents' case, a third on yours, and the last third on weighing. I have no explicit reservation to this but this is about how long I need to hear each of these segments for.
FF:
If this is a third rebuttal I will just vote you down, they would have called the speech a third rebuttal if that's what they wanted. This is your time to solidify impacts in the round, by this point I either buy your point or I don't, so don't focus on trying to change my mind, this is your chance to sign the ballot with your big number in the round. I do want you to recap the points in the round, if the debate has not collapsed, you can just tell me that you previously responded and I'll carry the response over to save you time. If the debate has collapsed, and especially if there is direct clash on the collapse, brief me on why you win in your own words, ideally with cites supporting, I've already heard your card text. If you tell me your opponent dropped something and they didn't, I will just ignore the fact that you said it, if you tell me they didn't adequately respond, I will flow that, but I will use what I think is a rational threshold for evaluating if they did respond to it. You should spend about a minute weighing, tell me your weighing mechanism, the card/stat you're using, and why it's larger or more important than your opponents. I give this part an outsized role when the framework is not util, because bigger impacts are not so clear. I can't cover every fw here, but for most deontology, better link is where I vote, for fiat/probability I use expected value, on other stuff you just need to tell me why you're better than the other side. This is a good time to inject some rhetoric to sell me on your point as well. Funny, hyperbole, call to action, a short poem(10 seconds tops, heard one of these,it absolutely pushed my ballot in a close round), or any of the rhetorical devices you all learned in English class are all good strategies to convince me, but don't overuse them because they lose effectiveness.
Speech
If you're seeing me in speech it's probably because our school is low on speech judges. Please send hate mail to mrhsspeechanddebateteam@gmail.com and mention Tanvi or Nathan in the subject. I have competed in EXT and I am familiar with all of the events. I care a lot about attention to detail, so while I will assess your presentation as a whole, the little things are what brings 3's to 1's. I have a pet peeve for the mispronunciation of the word "pronunciation", so if you're saying that, it is not pro-noun-ciation and if you say that I will be sad :(
I'm not big on walking and that kind of movement, but I do appreciate clear hand motions that help to convey your point, add emphasis, or even just looking like you're passionate.
Beyond that if I learn something new or you say something cool, you'll probably get a good score, especially in the events where the speech is written by you. For events where you read something else, the biggest driving factor for your score is "looking like you care".
I try to write comprehensive comments but if you have any questions feel free to send me an email saidebate1@gmail.com.
LD
Same story as speech here, I know most of the LD frameworks, and I can evaluate most impacts, but if you're gonna run something outrageous or not well tread, please explain it to me clearly, so I can make sure I am evaluating the right thing. I care about your argument, so I will cringe if the debate is just values/value criterion, and probably just vote on what I heard of the actual debate. If you don't terminalize your impact to your framework/value I will also just ignore it. Other than that I don't care too much about what you say, as long as you say it well and persuade me, I'll vote on that.
I will prioritize clarity and understanding in the round, if it sounds like you're just trying to confuse your opponent with jargon then I will vote you down for bad sportsmanship. You chose to run a wild argument, if you can't explain it that's on you.
Each team will be in charge of timing the round. I will not time.
I will flow; make sure you are providing links/warrants/impacts. If I'm not making eye contact it's because I'm making sure the flow enables me to be unbiased in my decision.
Speaker points will not only be based on how well you argue your case, but how you conduct yourself in terms of professionalism and the courtesy you show to your opponents.
less is more: spreading makes you look desperate. Hammer your key points and extend. I'm not a fan of the direct pleas or demands to the judge: ie "judge you must vote for us because of..."
I will always give feedback in my RFD so there is a clear understanding of the decision.
most of all: have fun! I admire all of you so much for your commitment to an extremely advanced and demanding extracurricular.
For TFA State:
Interp: I am a pretty open minded judge when it comes to judging interp overall but there are a few things I look for in performances. Creativity and honesty will always be the most rewarded in my book because it is why we do what we do at the end of the day. Showcasing your own interpretation, but staying true to the core of the story is important to me. Character development and emotional shifts are super important especially over a digital platform to keeping us engaged with the story and showing us the meaning behind the words. Have fun with the choices you make as long as they are PURPOSEFUL, doing something that distracts rather than enhances makes us lose connection between what is happening in the story.
Speaking/Extemp: Big thing is show your own unique style and approach to speaking because this is what separates you from other. I am a big fan of humor, but PLEASE, I BEG do not make it feel forced or this is just awkward for both of us. In terms of depth of the speech, I like more than just surface level arguments and I want to see you get to the higher end issues and core problems effectively. Structure is important obviously to make sure we can connect all of the ideas and know how you are getting to what you are wanting to. Finally, have variation in your delivery, it is important to showcase the different levels and power of your arguments and statements and so we should feel very engaged with how you are saying and what you are saying.
Worlds School Debate:
School affiliation/s : Northwest High School
Hired (yes/no) : Hired for WSD
High School Affiliation if graduated within last five years (required): Northwest High School
Currently enrolled in college? (required) If yes, affiliation? No
Years Judging/Coaching (required) I have been judging for 5- 6 years.
Years of Experience Judging any Speech/Debate Event (required)
I pretty much started off my first year judging in interp and PF and then slowly incorporated all other forms of debate the following year.
Rounds Judged in World School Debate this year (required): Since August I have judged about 40 world school rounds around Texas.
Check all that apply
__x___I judge WS regularly on the local level
_____I judge WS at national level tournaments
_____I occasionally judge WS Debate
_____I have not judged WS Debate this year but have before
_____I have never judged WS Debate
Rounds judged in other events this year : 75 rounds including PF, LD, Interp, Speaking, and Congress.
Check all that apply
__x__ Congress
_x___ PF
__x__ LD
____ Policy
_x___ Extemp/OO/Info
__x__ DI/HI/Duo/POI
____ I have not judged this year
____ I have not judged before
Have you chaired a WS round before?
I have chaired multiple WS rounds before locally.
What does chairing a round involve?
Chairing a round basically is keeping the round in order and ensuring a productive and efficient debate. The chair is in charge of calling up the speakers, leading the RFD for the panel, making sure people do not ask questions during protected time (which I discuss students should keep their own timer at the beginning so we do not have this issue), and making sure a fair debate is occurring.
How would you describe WS Debate to someone else?
I would describe WSD as a form of debate in which you are arguing ideas and issues to show which side of the motion is the most logical. This is way different than Americanized debate where theory and jargon is utilized more, so it is focusing on the core issues of the debate. Worlds is suppose to make sense to anyone who is listening to the debate and therefore the arguments should make rationale sense to anybody.
What process, if any, do you utilize to take notes in debate?
I am fortunate enough to have a full setup for my computer. I have two monitors and on the main monitor I watch the debate, and the second monitor has my tabroom ballot where I am writing notes over each speech and speaker. I also in front of me use a notebook to flow the debate to make sure I keep up with what is being said in the round.
When evaluating the round, assuming both principle and practical arguments are advanced through the 3rd and Reply speeches, do you prefer one over the other? Explain.
This just simply depends on the topic itself. I am pretty open minded when it comes to arguments and do not have a personal preference as long as it is discussed why you chose what to advocate for. This clarity is needed to really emphasize why that approached is needed and it's on the debaters to tell me why it is preferable.
The WS Debate format requires the judge to consider both Content and Style as 40% each of the speaker’s overall score, while Strategy is 20%. How do you evaluate a speaker’s strategy?
I think strategy usually is overlooked in terms of how you want structure arguments. A speaker's strategy is how do you connect the claims you present and how you word things in order to be effective in elaborating on arguments presented by the other side. Picking the right way to argue things and how you say it are definitely things to be aware of for your strategy.
WS Debate is supposed to be delivered at a conversational pace. What category would you deduct points in if the speaker was going too fast?
First, I am glad to have not judged a WSD where someone was spreading, so let's keep it that way hopefully. If someone is just not effective with their speed and tone I usually deduct points from their style.
WS Debate does not require evidence/cards to be read in the round. How do you evaluate competing claims if there is no evidence to read?
As silly as it may sound, I usually vote on simply what makes sense. Since we do not have to have the 20 minutes of calling for cards (thankfully), I simply view whos reasoning and rationale makes the most sense towards the topic and arguments presented in the round. Show me your thought process through your speech and it usually comes down to who can prove their claims in a clear manner, rather than the throw everything at the wall and see what sticks strategy.
How do you evaluate models vs. countermodels?
I look at how effective and clear some model is to make sure it sets the foundation for your ideas. Make sure you think through your model to answer any potential questions individuals may have about it. I do not think all motions need a model or countermodel, so just make sure if you use one there is a purpose to it.
I am a parent volunteer judge for Dougherty Valley High School.
I have no experience with judging and I do not know anything about the different events.
I will award speaker points to the debaters based on how courteous, well-spoken, and confident you are. Do not be rude to your opponents or anyone else in the debate, or else you will definitely lose points. Try to avoid jargon and speak slowly so that I can understand your points.
Try to outline exactly why I should be voting for you. I want to know what your main points are and why they are more important than your opponents.
I will try to note down the important points, but I will not carefully follow every part of the debate.
Try to use as much evidence as you need to get your point across, but I want to hear your reasoning as well. Do not only use evidence.
Make the impacts of your arguments clear. I want to understand how your arguments will affect the world around us.
I prefer aggression in cross-examination, but be polite.
I value the quality of your persuasion over the truth behind your arguments, but that does not mean that you can make anything up. As long as the reasoning is logical enough, then I will consider your argument.
Most importantly, I want to see you have fun in the round.
General
- Don't be rude to your opponents during, before, or after the round.
- I have some difficulty hearing, so I would appreciate it if you send speech docs! I will also bump speaking points if you send speech docs.
- I do not understand K's or Theory, unless it is it is disclosure theory, trigger warnings theory, or paraphrasing theory. I flow it, but it may not weigh heavy in my decision.
- Email: blmeints1@gmail.com or bmeints@lps.org
PF
I can handle some speed however (within reason, i.e. no spreading), I am out of practice, so if you are going to talk fast make sure you are speaking clear and you are more in-depth in your arguments.
All evidence used in the round should be accessible for both sides. Failure to provide evidence in a timely manner when requested will result in either reduced speaker points or an auto loss (depending on the severity of the offense).
I prefer the final focus to be focused on framing, impact weighing, and round story. Second rebuttal should extend their case. Lastly, not sure this is still a thing anywhere but I want to mention it still. The team that speaks first does not need to extend their own case in their first rebuttal since nothing has been said against it yet.
Congress
In Congress I like to see sound use of evidence and non-repetitive speeches. I appreciate congress folks who flow other speeches and respond to them. I also like to see extension and elaboration on arguments, referencing the congressperson who initially made the argument. Questioning is also important, because I want to make sure that you are able to defend your arguments!
Umich'25
PF & Policy. Currently, I HC a circuit prep group and individually coach a few PF teams, many of whom have done well nationally.
Email chain: MCDPrepDocs@gmail.com & Meskouri@umich.edu
My thoughts on debate change frequently. The following is generally unflinching:
I have evaluated everything -- like, literally everything (performance, tricks, theory, IVI, tech, lay, flay, whatever). By PF standards, I like to think that I'm a good judge for whatever experimental garbage you want to read. I actively implore people I coach to read experimental garbage. I do not think that PF should be less of a game than Pol or LD.
I encourage debaters to use my rounds for doing/practicing things that they can't deploy in front of other judges (bc, y'know, PF judging kinda sucks sometimes) -- this means you should consider me open to any style of debate including substance, debates about debate, debates about debating about debate, etc. Do whatever you want, just be clear -- be flayish in presentation (err on the side of urgent > speedy) and I'll 100% catch everything. To clarify, this means that I am willing to evaluate any and all types of arguments (dedev, spark, prefiat/postfiat K, theory, science fiction, etc etc) so long as you aren't blazing (>250 wpm) through them. Email me the 1AC and 1NC (non-negotiable) & preferably 2AC/2NC docs with all new ev and (only if you can) analytics-- I will cap speaks if constructive docs are not sent and will raise speaks if rebuttal docs are. To be clear, constructive docs are non-negotiable.
I probably think perfcons o/w
Ballot DAs/PIKs are underutilized
Hiding prefiat in the 1AC is hilarious
SciFi is hilarious
Big fan of going for everything
There should be more soft left PF teams. Your impact can literally just be the plan representing some epistemology that o/w.....
I talk about debate/generally agree with with Kai Cowin, David Sposito, and Nimai Talur
- Idk why these bullet points are here they won't go away :(
As a new judge, I am excited to participate in this high school debate tournament and learn more about the intricacies of competitive debating.
To evaluate debates, I will consider the following criteria:- Clarity and organization of arguments: I appreciate well-structured arguments that are easy to follow and understand, even for someone who may be new to debate.
- Presentation and speaking skills: I will assess the debaters' ability to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively, considering factors such as enunciation, tone, and overall delivery.
Hello Participants,
STRIKE ME if you do not share speech docs, it is mandatory. Share speech docs with prasun.mishra@gmail.com. IF you do not share, it is AUTO LOSE. If both teams do not share the doc, then I will coinflip to see who wins. I am a new judge for this competition. I kindly request that you present at a measured pace for clarity. Please articulate your contentions clearly, for example, "Contention 1", "Contention 2", and so on. Also, ensure that you provide your rebuttals distinctly. It's essential that you address all arguments thoroughly and ensure your defense is not evasive. DEFENSE IS NOT STICKY.
I don't like spreading, angry tone of voice, or overall any moves a debater tries to pull to hamper any understanding of said opponent's arguments.
Thank you for your understanding,
Prasun
I debated for Lynbrook High School, and I now study Computer Science and Philosophy in university.
I did PF for three years and LD for four years. I won the SVUDL Spring Invitational (SCU) in LD back in 2021. I also did a lot of circuit LD too.
I am comfortable evaluating any type of argument (I've run all sorts of things like moral skepticism, Buddhism K, commodification of suffering K, etc although I mostly tried to run somewhat unique policy-style arguments while LARPing). Even though I'm fairly liberal when it comes to accepting unique arguments, I have strong preferences for what I would like to see while judging a debate. The judge is not there to vote for the winner of the debate, the winner of the debate will be the team that best persuades the judge. So I won't shy away from stating what I like and dislike.
- Don't run anything that someone could reasonably run theory against. For example, hyperspecific plans.
- No theory/T/disclosure. Also no spreading (but speaking slightly faster than conversational pace is perfectly fine).
- The two bullet points above work quite nicely together. If you want to know why I have these preferences, I'd be happy to discuss.
- I really like philosophy, so if you read it, read it well. Make it interesting, and make sure you understand what you're talking about.
- Do not misconstrue evidence, I will vote you down if you do
- Don't be rude, but be confident and persuasive, even if it is a circuit LD round
- Here's a cheat code to win my ballot. In your final speech, explain what the most important argument/layer of the round is, why it is the most important, and why you are winning it. Write my RFD for me.
If you need any accommodations or have any questions, let me know before the round.
My email is mishra7yash@gmail.com
I am a traditional judge who was President of my high school debate team. I vote based upon the flow but require warranting and extending your arguments to inform my decision. Include impacts in your argument and weigh/meta weigh during rounds. It is difficult for me to reach a favorable conclusion if you base your argument on theory, counter interpretation, or disclosure theory.
Other things to consider: Signposting is helpful. My decisions are influenced by which individual/team more clearly, concisely and factually presents and supports their case. You can speak quickly but don't spread (240 wpm +). Try not to fall into "debated speak" as it makes it more difficult to understand/relate to your arguments. It is much more important that I can understand and follow your line of reasoning and how you build your argument. Building a logical case supported by a well thought out line of reasoning with supporting evidence is much more important to my decision than how quickly you can rattle off information. It is very important that you can support (or cite evidence for) "statements of fact" in your argument. You can off time roadmap but limit this to less than 15 seconds. Focus on your contentions and countering your opponents arguments - DON'T focus on telling me what your opponent is doing wrong or the rules they are breaking (ex. bringing up a new contention in final focus) as that is just wasting time. Finally, don't laugh at, belittle, or otherwise show disrespect to your opponent or you will be docked individual points. Most importantly have fun, be nice, and we'll all have a great time. If you have questions please feel free to email me at trmoffitt@yahoo.com.
I'm a first-time parent judge, speak clearly and slowly so I can hear your arguments. Have fun!
he/they
Email: david@notiosolutions.com
Experience: Debated in high school and college, now coach.
Paradigm: Persuade me. Warrant it.
...no really, that's it. Persuade me. You can persuade me using any number of techniques, but whether I'm voting off the flow, on theory, or topically on a well impacted argument, I'm still just voting on what I find the most persuasive.
I'm ok with speed. However, If I can't understand you, I'm not being persuaded. If you are going to spread, share your case with both me and your opponents.
If an argument is important, make sure you've clearly communicated it. If it's an online debate, make sure you repeat or slow down when making important points. I will not vote on arguments not carried throughout the round.
If only one side in a PF debate gives me voting criteria or framing, I will most likely be voting for that side.
I will highly favor teams which actually interact with their opponent's case as opposed to simply reading a counter card and not addressing substance.
A few other things:
-Nazis equal Nazis. If you are going to link to Nazis or the Holocaust, do so carefully and avoid trivializing Nazis or the Holocaust by comparing everything to them.
-if you have a preferred pronoun, please let me know how you would like to be addressed prior to the start of the round.
-If you are reading a case that might be upsetting/triggering to your opponent, please provide a content warning at the beginning. If your opponent requests you not read triggering content, I will seek guidance from Tab and see if a side switch or other accommodations can be made. However, just because content is uncomfortable does not automatically mean it should not be read.
Hi my name is Harinadh. I’m a flay judge and I’ve been judging public forum debate for three years. I’m pretty comfortable with speed but if I can’t understand you, I can’t flow your argument. Please warrant out all your responses in rebuttal and number them if possible. I don’t evaluate crossfire so if there is anything important you want me to consider, bring it up in one of your speeches. Make sure to summarize the round in your summary speech. I will be looking for weighing throughout your speeches. Don’t make new rebuttals in summary or final, just clearly explain to me why I should be voting for you. Overall, be respectful and have fun!
I am a lay judge, and have judged once before at a district tournament. My kid does debate so I have a little knowledge, but I am still not very experienced when it comes to technical debate terms. Please explain things clearly and speak slowly. I prefer logical arguments over ones that sound unrealistic or fake.
Hi, I am somebody's mom.
Written by my son:
Sorry you had to get a parent judge.
My mom has never judged before. I taught her how to flow and not be biased toward the second speaking position. She will keep time and will stop flowing 10 seconds past time.
Please go super slow and use zero jargon.
No prog debate (frameworks, T's, K's).
Warrant and explain on a super lay level.
I highly recommend you send speechdocs at nhj1213@gmail.com so she can follow along (English is not her first language).
Be respectful and don't cut off opponents (will be dropped otherwise).
I am a lay judge, and have not debated public forum before.
However, I do understand the format of public forum debate and will be flowing the round. As for speaking, a conversational speed is preferred and the speech should be clear and concise.
Add me to the email chain: nyugandhar@gmail.com
Here are some things you can do to win my ballot:
- Main Point: I look for a few main arguments that are stuck with throughout the round, and I value quality over quantity when it comes to this speech. Please do not run theory or kritiks as I do not have experience with them and will most likely not vote off of them.
- Rebuttal: Attack your opponent's case as much as possible, and stick to a few clear points. Frontlining is recommended in 2nd rebuttal, but not necessary.
- Summary: Make sure the impact weighing is laid out well in this speech. A neat comparative analysis of the arguments presented is the easiest way to win the round
- FF: New arguments/responses can't be brought up in this round. Make a clear analysis of the round and weigh impacts.
CX:
I will not vote off of CX but it will affect your speaks. Having a good knowledge of your case and the topic will result in higher speaks.
Evidence Sharing:
If any cards are called for, they should be shared ASAP, since this tournament is online I understand if there are delays, but an email chain should be set up before the round starts and if the debate truly comes down to a clash of evidence then I will evaluate the cards as well.
Speaks:
I will give speaker points based on your in depth knowledge of the topic and your ability to speak clearly and to the point during rounds.
Most importantly, debate is all about learning and improving, not winning or losing. At the end of the day I want you to have a good round, and have fun!
Truth > tech.
I like stock cases argued and explained well. Cross ex totally matters, in fact I have voted on convincing, strategic CX performances in many a bid round. Summaries should weigh. Call it "old tymey" PF.
If you are constantly thinking throughout the round (not just blindly reading cards) I will probably vote for you. Strike me if you have a super long link chain, do not address the topic, or talk super fast. Humor is great.
Hi, my name is Oloruntoyin Muhammadbaqir Akorede. I am a debater, public speaker, adjudicator and a seasoned coach.
Within a large time frame, i have gathered experience in different styles and formats of debating, which includes; British Parliamentary (BP), Asian Parliamentary (AP), Australs, Canadian National Debate Format (CNDF), World School Debate Championship(WSDC), Public Forum(PF), amongst others.
As a judge, I enjoy it when speakers are aware of the rules of the specific competition they are participating in, which typically dictates that they engage the opponent's arguments while making their own. While I do take equity seriously, I anticipate the same of speakers. Speaking roles and making strong arguments are made simple when speakers are aware of the tournament's structure. This enables them to act appropriately and, in turn, gain insight into how the judge adjudicate the debate.
I guess speakers need to be aware of the many motion types, the kinds of arguments that should be made in them, how to carry their burdens, and other debating strategies.
When a summary or whip speaker recognizes that their job is not to provide commentary, I enjoy it when they stick to their assigned tasks.
I suppose that speakers are to understand the types of arguments that should run in the different types of motion, their burden fulfillment, and other techniques used in debate.
I appreciate when speakers keep to their roles, i.e. when a summary or whip speaker knows one’s job is not to bring new arguments but to rebut, build a partner’s case, and explain why they won.
I value when speakers keep to time, as arguments made after the stipulated time wouldn’t be acknowledged.
Hey everyone, I'm a first year out from pf. I debated as Glen Rock OS until senior year and Glen Rock Bergen Tech GO in my senior year. If you care, I got some gold bids, qualified for the gold toc, etc.
add me to email chains: elijahonik@gmail.com
tl;dr: tech>truth. Debate is a game -- I will always vote off the flow and will never intervene. Read any argument you want at any speed (send docs)
-
General:
- Tech>truth always -- I will believe anything you tell me as long as the argument has a warrant
- I don't view speaks the same way. If you are rude, offensive (I'm a Jewish college student, I've seen plenty of this recently and I'm sick of it), or do anything to make the round worse, I am not afraid to wreck your speaks
- Speed is fine but sending speech docs for case and rebuttal is mandatory -- if you start spreading baudrillard and don't send a doc I am capping your speaks at 25
- Things I believe are good (will not intervene on these debates dw): paraphrasing bad, open source disclosure good, debater math bad, defense is not sticky
- Please always tell me which flow you're starting on (ex. "our case, weighing, their case"). I don't need a ted talk as your offtime roadmap but I don't want to scramble to find which argument you're responding to
Case:
- If I haven't said it enough, sends docs -- if you paraphrase (smh) you should send both what you read and the cards you cite
- Read absolutely anything in case -- advantages, disadvantages, framework, framing, theory, kritiks, a big impact turn, straight turns to their case, be creative. Don't forget people can make ground/time skew args abt half of that. Everything is up for debate
- No switching between speakers regardless of the argument being read -- speaking order is one of the few rules in the NSDA handbook. K affs are read in policy all the time with the first speaker reading the 1AC
- I won't teach myself your argument from a doc so if you're reading something pf isn't used to like a really complex k, slow down a little
Rebuttal:
- This is essentially another constructive speech (pretty much the 2AC/2NC), so again, read whatever you want -- straight turns, a new constructive argument, idc as long as a doc is sent. Docs should include all the cards you're reading
- Second rebuttal must respond to all offense and frontline everything you plan on extending in the backhalf except weighing. No new frontlines in second summary
- It's a good idea to start framing in second rebuttal rather than second summary but I won't intervene if you start framing later
Summary:
- No new offense (with the exception of arguments directly responding to the 2nd rebuttal like theory), no new frontlines in second summary, backlines are fine ofc
- Collapse please, it doesn't matter how fast you go you will disadvantage yourself if you go for too much in the backhalf (trust me I've been there). The best debaters have good round vision and choose the best path to the ballot and go all for it
- Good signposting here is of utmost importance -- if you confuse me here and I miss an extension, that does not bode well for you
- I have a very high burden for extensions. An offensive argument (not just an adv/disad, this includes turns and etc) must include uniqueness, link, internal link, impact for me to vote on it (idc abt author names just extend the warrant). You cannot just say "extend the Bradford '13 evidence" and expect to win (I wonder if anyone currently debating remembers the bradford evidence)
- I know every judge says this, every debater knows this, but no one internalizes it. ~ 80% or more tech rounds will come down to the weighing -- read a prereq or something. On that note, please please please implicate your weighing/meta-weigh. I have no idea if magnitude or probability is more important unless you tell me
Final Focus:
- Structure should ideally match the summary but I understand if strats change
- Burden for extensions are the same here, the whole argument must be extended
- As tech as I'd like to think I am, making ff a little more "why we win" rather than just line by line, it can't hurt. Still please line by line and extend everything ofc
- If no weighing has been done in the round, I'll flow some sort of weighing in the first ff but second ff has somewhat of an ability to respond
Cross/prep:
- Time your own and each other's prep, if they go a second over you can unmute and say "that's all your prep", I don't think that's rude at all
- I time flex prep based on how long it takes you to ask your question so if you opponent tries to waste your time by answering a yes/no question for 2 min, it won't hurt you -- on that note, flex prep questions should pretty much be only yes/no questions (did you kick this, etc)
- Open cross is fine ig but don't make me regret saying this
- As pointless as it is, you probably shouldn't skip grand cross
- This doesn't need to be said but I don't flow cross. That being said, concessions made in cross are binding as long as they're properly implicated in the following speech
Progressive arguments:
- General preferences in terms of comfortability of judging (read any arg I won't intervene): theory/framework>reps k>friv theory>k aff>tricks
- "I'm from a small school so I can't respond" is the worst response ever. I literally started my high school's team and still read plenty of prog args in hs. Any response is valid if properly implicated but seriously you can learn anything from pf videos, opencaselist, and google
- In hs, my main experience with progressive arguments was all the stock theory shells (every form of disclosure, round reports, paraphrasing, etc), framework, reps Ks (I read cap and set col), and a few procedurals/IVIs here and there -- do with that what you will but I'm happy to hear any argument
- If you are confused about any of this please email me before the round or ask questions before/after the round, time permitting I'm happy to help
Theory
- I default no RVI, competing interps, text of the interp but whoever wins the paradigm issues wins that
- Theory must be read the speech immediately after the violation, if it is read later, opponents read a counter-interp about it and you will probably win
- The exact wording of the interp (unless I'm otherwise convinced) must be extended in summary and ff if you go for it. Rebuttal does not need to extend anything, that's not pf norms
- If only one team reads/extends an interp they auto win (assuming theory is the highest level in that round). Reasonability still requires two competing interpretations
- Friv theory is funny and a viable win strat as long as there is a warrant
Kritiks
- I really enjoy good reps/epistemological kritikal debates
- If you win your link and framing you don't necessarily need an alt to win (if you win their advocacy is tainted by settler logic and you win settler logic is genocidal and that outweighs their case you win. You don't need to win a decolonization alternative)
- Alts in pf are tough, there's definitely no plans/counterplans so alternative advocacy is tricky but saying something like vote neg to refuse set col and reading that one alt card that says refusal is generative and destroys the structure is fine
- Discourse alts are horrible and belong in 2020 pf. Again, I won't intervene but this fell out of fashion a long time ago in policy and LD, it should in pf too. Also, if you read discourse and don't disclose (and your opponents point it out because I probably won't check the wiki) your speaks will be very bad. This is also maybe a perf con, make that argument if your opponents read a discourse arg and don't disclose
- I am not very well versed in k lit and your opponents probably aren't either (this is pf) so don't try to spread everyone out of the debate. I won't teach myself your k from the doc so making me understand is a good idea
Procedurals/IVIs
- These are sometimes useful when your opponents do something specific and reading a whole shell doesn't make sense. Let's say they clip one card, you can either evidence challenge or read an ivi saying they should lose for this particular card. Let's say they say something exclusionary, you can read an ivi saying they should lose for that. Make sure it still has what they did, why that's bad, and drop the debater
- Donot read disclosure, paraphrasing, etc as an ivi. If the argument is read as a shell read it as a shell don't be abusive. With that said, "Overview: the opponents' whole case is paraphrased which is just analytics based on what they want us to believe the author said so evaluate them as such" is fine
Tricks
- I have a very basic understanding of skep, lexical arguments, paradoxes, etc. I amnota tricks judge. Donot trust my ability to catch and comprehend your wack tricks
- If you read tricks, they must be very visibly clear on your doc, don't hide them. Also, they still need a warrant (I won't vote for "the roto is to lose" unless properly warranted)
I'm sure there's plenty I missed, please don't hesitate to email before the round or ask before the round starts if you have any questions. Assuming I have time, I like postrounding. Please argue with me, I'm happy to defend my decision. The last thing I want is for you to leave the round thinking you got screwed
School affiliation/s - please indicate all - None
Hired - yes
If HIRED - what schools/programs in Texas do you work with if any: none
High School Affiliation if graduated within last five years - n/a
Please list ANY schools that you would need to be coded/conflicted against - none
Currently enrolled in college? grad school University of Texas at Dallas
College Speech and Debate Experience - parliamentary debate
Years Judging/Coaching - 4
Years of Experience Judging any Speech/Debate Event - 25
Rounds Judged in World School Debate this year - lots
Check all that apply
_XX___I judge WS regularly on the local level
_XX__I judge WS at national level tournaments
Rounds judged in other events this year
xx_ PF
xx__ LD
xx__ Extemp/OO/Info
xx__ DI/HI/Duo/POI
Have you chaired a WS round before? yes
What does chairing a round involve? facilitating between speeches
How would you describe WS Debate to someone else? equal burdens
What process, if any, do you utilize to take notes in debate? flow
When evaluating the round, assuming both principle and practical arguments are advanced through the 3rd and Reply speeches, do you prefer one over the other? Explain. I think there needs to be a balance of both.
The WS Debate format requires the judge to consider both Content and Style as 40% each of the speaker’s overall score, while Strategy is 20%. How do you evaluate a speaker’s strategy? for strategy it's a matter of addressing the arguments in the round and how well they adhere to the norms of their speech order.
WS Debate is supposed to be delivered at a conversational pace. What category would you deduct points in if the speaker was going too fast? style
WS Debate does not require evidence/cards to be read in the round. How do you evaluate competing claims if there is no evidence to read? which side presents more compelling logical warrants as to why something is true.
How do you resolve model quibbles? whichever side does a better job of explaining why we should prefer theirs
How do you evaluate models vs. countermodels? whichever side does a better job of explaining why we should prefer theirs
*updated 10/17/20*
Hi, welcome to my 30 second tutorial called, 'Answering Arguments Wins Debates.' Notice I didn't say 'repeating arguments wins debates,' because it doesn't. You have to listen to your opponent's argument, and then craft a response that shows why your side of the resolution is comparatively better regarding this issue. Telling me their argument isn't well-warranted isn't enough. You have to provide me with a warrant for why your side of the debate wins that point.
Now onto the stuff about me...
NO SPEED IN DEBATE. If it's faster than you would talk to a parent or teacher, don't do it. I will say clear once, then I will take off speaker points if I have to say clear again. I find speed problematic for two reasons. 1) it does not promote an inclusive debate space, because participants who are new or rarely compete cannot truly participate. 2) it is completely ableist to assume all of your competitors and judges will be able to meaningfully understand your speech. A decade ago I experienced a bipolar break, and since then my brain doesn't work as fast, and my ear-to-brain interaction isn't what it used to be. That doesn't mean I am stupid. It just means that I need to hear things at a normal, conversational speed.
***Whether it's prelims or elims of LD, PF, or worlds, at the point that you disregard my ability to participate in the round, you will not win my ballot. You might think you can win the other two ballots in an elim round, but it's not a great idea to have a 50% chance of winning/50% chance of winning/0% chance of winning when you could go slower and have 50% chance of winning each judge.*** Please note that I rarely am put in policy rounds, but sometimes I am needed. In prelims I expect a slower round. In elims, I will not be offended if you go your regular speed, but you have a greater chance of winning my ballot by going slower, as pointed out above. If you are in LD, PF, or worlds I WILL be offended if you go faster than my preference, and offending judges is not a great look.
In terms of argumentation, I will consider anything that isn't offensive. If you're trying to make an argument based on debate jargon explain it to me. Just because you think you sound cool saying something doesn't mean I am going to vote on it. I do not vote off tricks on the flow. Not every dropped argument actually matters. On the flipside, don't ignore arguments. LISTEN to your opponent. Respond to them.
I vote more on the big picture - overall impacts, overall strategy. I want to see you show why your side of the resolution is comparatively better than your opponent's. I do not like overwrought impacts. I am going to buy the impact about a million people that has a high probability of happening and a strong link chain over an existential impact that has a shady link story. If you think your opponent's impact is ridiculous, I probably do, too. Point that out to me so I can vote on yours instead. Every time a debater makes an argument that extinction level impacts have a zero percent probability, an angel gets its wings and Tinkerbell can fly again. You want to save flying paranormal creatures, don't you? Then be the person who isn't impacting to extinction.
Lastly, be respectful of me and of your opponent. If I am cringing by how rude you are in CX, you won't be getting high speaks. I don't vote for bullies. I vote for debaters. If you have questions about how to get better after the round, you can ask me. If you want to re-debate the round, I will not be tolerant. You had a chance to communicate to me, and if you lost, you lost. I am not going to change my mind, and arguing with me will just mean I will be in a bad mood if I ever have to judge you again. I judge often enough you want to be the person I smile when I see.
Debate:
You can talk fast and time your own rounds. I will not time your rounds.
Treat me as a lay judge that will evaluate more squirrely technical arguments if the warranting is there. Warranting, strong links, and comparitive analysis is the most important items I evaluate on.
No theory, Ks or other progressive arguments. Be stringent on keeping your speech on time along with prep. Do not add me to the email chain. Set one up before round if you want to. Don't ask for an excessive amount of cards.
Speech:
No requirements
Hi!
I am a lay parent judge. Please explain arguments thoroughly at a reasonable pace. My son has done PF for 2 years, so I am reasonably familiar with the round structure.
I'm a parent lay judge who's judged two tournaments before.
No theory. Expect me to know very little about how debate works, so reduce use of jargon and tech strategies. I also don't know much about the topic, so be sure to explain things thoroughly. Most likely to be truth over tech, so don't try to argue something ridiculous or highly unrealistic. Weighing is very important. I'm new to flowing so SPEAK SLOWLY.
- State your name, team, and side before speeches.
- Keep track of your own time.
- Be respectful to your opponents in the round.
- Feel free to ask me any clarifying questions. I will be providing written feedback after the round is over.
- Have fun and enjoy yourselves!
I place a lot emphasis on eye contact and facial expression. Use your hand motions to express your self! Please talk to your audience, not to the computer screen or to your notes. Please don’t hold a computer in your hands- Instead, keep your hands free so that you can use them to express yourself. Please don’t keep looking at your computer screen and read straight off the screen with a monotone voice. You should know your facts well enough that you can make eye contact and only look once in a while at your notes. Please be courteous and kind to your opponent, and show good manners. Be honest in your facts and your sources. Present a well organized and convincing argument. Most of all, enjoy the debate !!!! I look forward to judging! Good work!!!
background: debated for eden prairie high school in minnesota and glenn high school in texas as a PF competitor on the local and national circuits.
tldr: tech over truth. pls pls pls collapse + weigh. idk much theory, so don't run it. ask questions before round. HAVE FUN. it's the reason we do debate.
general
akhil.perla18@gmail.com for the email chain
i will be timing speeches, but i'd encourage y'all to be timing yourselves. i stop flowing after 10 seconds over.
creative arguments are great! i will evaluate pretty much any well-warranted argument.
i REALLY dislike argument dumps in case. constructives with 4+ unwarranted contentions honestly gets away from the spirit of debate. fewer arguments that are well-warranted and have cleanly explained links will be rewarded far more than contention dumps that force opponents to pick and choose what to respond to.
i am not opposed to speed up to the point that it starts outpacing how fast i can write. if you're going too fast for me to flow, i just won't be able to get the warranting down as well.
i don't flow cross, so if you want something from cross to matter when i'm making my decision, make sure to bring it up in an actual speech.
if there's no offense on either side of the flow, i tend to default to the con team.
this hopefully goes without saying, but at the very least frontline turns in second summary.
evidence
don't paraphrase. if you get called out for it, that piece of evidence gets wiped off the flow for me.
especially egregious evidence/misrepresentation will result in an auto-drop.
weighing
weighing guides my ballot -- win the weighing and I look to evaluate that argument first
the earlier that weighing mechanisms are introduced, the more value i give to them when i make a decision.
extensions
i have a relatively high threshold for extensions. if you want warrants to be flowed through, make sure the argument is well frontlined and fleshed out.
speaks
average is a 28. anything above 29 means that the debater combined exceptional delivery with creative and high-quality argumentation. evidence issues drops you to 25 and anything offensive is an auto-20.
misc
well intentioned feedback from my technical judges was the most helpful advice i got as a debater. also, i think debaters are entitled to know why they won or lost a round. i welcome post-rounding and will stay as long (as reasonably possible) after the round as you'd like to answer questions.
Good Morning. I am a parent Judge and have judged only few times. Make sure your arguments are clear so that I can understand and judge accurately. No new arguments in final focus, I won't evaluate them, and please weigh.
add me to any email chains devi.poonguzhali@gmail.com.
Hello,
I'm a flay judge. I have been judging Varsity PF for 3 years now.
I believe evidence and impacts are the most critical while arriving at a final decision.
I enjoy debates where there are limited number of contentions and each team goes more into depth. Depth really shows how well prepared you are and how much you know on the subject matter. I like debaters who can talk confidently like a content expert rather than read from prepared notes and rehearsed lines.
I would like debaters to be civil and very respectful to each other especially during cross.
I have been coaching/judging policy debate on and off since I graduated high school in 2009. I was most active in my coaching career from the years of 2010-2016.
I am back now as the assistant debate coach at Harrisburg High School where I primarily deal with LD.
I feel like my primary goal in adjudicating debates is to have to do the least amount of work possible, I.E. I am very lazy. If I have to do the work for you, its probably going to be a decision you don't like.
In terms of an actual "paradigm" or framework for how I evaluate debates, I don't really have one. I'm generally cool with whatever you all want the round to be. However, there are a few things about me to note that might be helpful to you:
-In my older age I've become way more hard of hearing then I thought I would. So please speak up. If you don't, I probably wont have flowed everything you've said
-Speed is cool with me but realistically on scale of 1-10 (10 being the fastest round ever) I'm probably a 6.5-7
-I don't flow author names and dates. So if you're referencing /cross applying evidence cite specific analysis.
-The arguments I feel most comfortable evaluating are procedural args (vagueness, workability, etc) and any of the stock issues. I used to think I was some huge K hack back in the day but I'm not. I just don't really understand the nuances of the argument. However, that's not to say that I am not down for some well done and insightful K debates but keep in mind I'm definitely not as well versed in the lit as you think I might be and your debating should reflect that. Additionally, a super compelling role of the ballot argument is a must. I also really enjoy good disad and CP debates.
-Disads need to have a clear story to them and have a clear impact. It needs to something quantifiable or articulated well enough to be weighed against the affirmative.
-I really really do not like topicality debates. In all the debates on T I've judged none of them have been super compelling nor warranted my time evaluating. Reasonability is the way to go on this flow for me.
-End of the round impact calculus is really important to me. Please do this.
-Theory debates are pretty hit or miss for me. I need to have some sort offense or reason as to what your reading warrants my consideration. arguments like reject the argument not the team I'm pretty sympathetic towards.
-You should write your ballot for me in the rebuttals.
-Do not post round me. I have no problem answering any questions or clarifying anything in my decision but the second you are combative I will walk out of the room.
-Ultimately, debate is a game and you should have fun and learn from it. Don't do anything in the round takes away from either of those things.
Feel free to ask me anything else before the round starts!
LD Supplement:
This is the event that I primarily judge on my local South Dakota circuit. LD debate here is very traditional.
Most of the information I have posted above is probably going to be useful to you in terms of framing my LD ballot. I have no predisposition to how an LD round should go so do whatever, just keep in mind I probably don't understand most of the traditional nuances of the event.
To me, I feel that the criterion should be the framework in which you attain some idea of your value and the way in which I evaluate and weigh you arguments in relation to the other debater.
If I am not told at the end of the round how to frame or evaluate the debate I will default to evaluating the impacts presented in the round and which ones outweigh.
I am absolutely not the judge for Tricks. If this is your strategy going into the round and you do not intend on changing it you will probably lose the round.
PF Supplement:
I competed in public forum my senior year where I primarily debated at my local South Dakota circuit. My first three years I was a policy debater.
Most of what I mentioned in the policy debate section should be helpful to you in this event as well.
I love a good framework debate. Just make sure you utilize that as a way to make me evaluate your args vs your opponent's. Reference it through out the round. Too many times I see teams read framework and then never utilize it ever again
When using evidence, make sure it is clearly cited and read, not paraphrased. Additionally, when opponents ask for evidence you should have it ready to give to them. There is nothing that upsets me more than waiting an excessive amount of time for evidence to be handed over. If I feel like it is getting excessive I will warn you once, after that I will start taking prep/speech time.
Utilize the summary for impact calculus and the final focus for reasons as to why you win the round.
Hello Debaters
-No spreading please. I cannot follow and may work against you.
-Clear logical arguments always resonate with me.
-Passion is great but rudeness or aggressive behavior is not. Be respectful of your opponents.
-Good luck to all.
please make the round entertaining, don’t be overly annoying or rude, explain everything thoroughly, I refuse to read a case doc, paraphrase good, disclosure bad, have fun.
dont let me get bored and make sure to smile :)
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TLDR: Extend and Weigh! Rounds that end in a timely manner will result in higher speaks for everyone.
Paradigm:
Please flip before the round and let me know what topic, side, and order right before the round starts. Preflow too. Don't take too long to find a card/evidence.
Tech > Truth
here is how I evaluate rounds:
- prefiat > framework > weighing > link/impact
- frameworks should have clear warranting as to why I should reject an alternative framework and the default CBA/util framing. Don't just assert it.
- Extend full arguments and weigh. If there is no extension, then I can't vote for the argument. I love extensions. please extend. extend please. extensions are important. Reexplain the argument like I am a close friend who does not do debate trying to understand what your argument is on a topic they have vague information on. Be decisive with your language. But make sure to be concise! (if you can’t tell extensions are really important)
- Don't extend through ink and warrant as much as you can + arguments extended in FF should have been in summary.
- In 2nd Rebuttal: just please frontline the argument you are collapsing on and respond to any relevant offense, including turns, DAs, case. no reason to reread your own case. i care more about extensions in summary and final so no need to reexplain anything other than responses to their responses in this speech. Extensions in 2nd rebuttal make no sense!
- Please do not be abusive with disads in 2nd rebuttal. I will be reluctant to vote on it if it is not well warranted or weighed or if it feels wonky. (tip: try to phrase it as a turn so I don't think about it too much). I'm not a fan of DAs in read in rebuttal in general so just make sure its fleshed out like a contention from case is.
- Concede arguments in the speech right after
- Summary needs to extend defense (make sure you respond to what they say against it)
- I would appreciate if you would skip grand cross and go straight to final (That being said I'd rather watch GCX than sit in silence so if you need prep, just do GCX, I won't give flex prep) (if in a panel, check with other judges)
- Please weigh.
- I won't evaluate new weighing in 2nd FF, unless no one else does weighing at all or the weighing debate just becomes confusing. I would recommend starting weighing early.
- Respond to your opponent's weighing in the speech right after they bring it up.
- When there are two competing claims/pieces of evidence that cannot be true at the same time brought up by two teams, do comparative weighing for me to evaluate which argument I should prefer.
- I like reasonably paced debates where debaters make use of rhetorical persuasion rather than fast debates. I prefer not using a speechdoc to flow. This means speak slower.
- I will only call for evidence if I believe it will impact my decision/not cleared up in the round (or if I am just interested).
- Important stuff in cross should be brought up in a speech if you want it flowed.
- I don't flow cross so make your crossfires funny and entertaining to watch (be nice/respectful) or have a good in round strategy for 30 speaks.
- I don't really know much about Ks or theory (and other pre-fiat arguments), but I have had experience debating and judging those types of rounds. If you choose to run these arguments make sure to make it super simple for me to understand how I am supposed to vote. Make sure to read it because you believe in the actual argument, not because you want to win a debate round. I reserve the right to vote however I want when it comes to prefiat (and usually I am biased against most progressive arguments, so keep that in mind). I might just become a lay judge if I want to. I will say that im fine with teams reading theory in a paragraph form so you dont have to waste an entire speech on a full shell. just make sure that you still have the same parts that a shell may have.
- If there are no lines of offense for your opponents to win off of, feel free to call TKO. If there is no path to the ballot for your opponents left, I'll give you the win and 30 speaks. If there is, then you will lose the round.
- If a team thinks they are getting absolutely nuked and forfeits prior to grand cross, I’ll give them double 30s.
- i'll become a lay judge if the round becomes boring.
- Give me food and magical things will happen.
Hi, my name is Julian (Zhanliang) Qin, and I am a parent judge.
For presentation, I am looking for clear, loud and confident voice of speaking, with natural hand & body movement and eye contact with audience. Ok to refer to notes occasionally, but too often especially searching in notes with pause could lead to point reduction. Fully use time allocated but close speech within grace period.
A straightforward roadmap with an outline, organized arguments and summary is essential.
Convincing reasoning from unique angle is applaudable and make the debater stand out of the average.
For the seating debaters, active engagement is not only respectful to opponents, but necessary to have effective counter arguments.
For Parliamentary debate, try to have at least 2 POIs per round (even if you got denied), to show you are engaged and listening, and strategically challenge the speaker in a good way.
Good luck on your rounds! Please email me if you have any questions.
Email: zhanliang_qin@yahoo.com
Parent Judge of current PF debater in NatCir.
This is my first tournament.
Make Sure to Signpost.
Speak Clearly.
Don't run anything other than substance.
PF Paradigm: I did policy debate in high school and college, which has definitely shaped how I view debate. That being said, I have judged a lot of PF debates the past few years. I am familiar with the norms of PF and will judge accordingly. I will vote for the team that best accesses an impact under the framing I am told to vote for. If your “impact” is economic decline and nothing more, why should I care? Be sure to tell me what will result from voting for your side (stopping structural violence, preventing war, saving how many lives, etc.) I will default to consequentialist framing unless given something else. You need to extend an argument in the summary in order to extend it in the final focus. Unless it is against the norms/rules of the tournament, speak as fast as you want as long as you are clear!
I think that debates are better when more evidence is sent out. Obviously it is up to the debaters, but clash is better when both sides have access to as much evidence as possible. When you send out a card please make sure it is cut, and please do not send a link to an article and ask the judges/other team to "control F" to find your quote. Also, if you mention/extend a card in the summary/final focus, please make sure it is sent out.
If an advocacy like a K with an alternative is read in PF, I will not automatically reject it. However, I am open to "framework" type arguments that tell me to vote down the team for reading an advocacy in PF. If you think it is unfair for advocacies to be in PF, tell me how it harms you as a debater to have to debate it (say you are unprepared which harms the quality of debates, education, etc). I will treat this like any other argument, meaning that the pros and cons of allowing advocacies in PF should be debated and weighed.
Note: A lot of teams in PF have been taking time after the start time of the round to pre-flow or prep. Please don't do this when I am judging—prep ends at start time
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Note: For events other than policy, scroll to the bottom
Email: Please put me on the email chain — jramrocks17@gmail.com
About me:
· 2 years of NDT-CEDA debate at Liberty University (2020 and 2021 seasons)
· 2x NDT participant and 2x CEDA Double-Octa finalist
· 1 year of coaching policy at Liberty
· 4 years of policy and 3 years of extemp at Prosper High School in Texas
· I was a K debater most of my career but switched to policy for my last year of college debate. I've been on both the K and policy sides of the library and want to see you do what you do best
TLDR: You do you. Tab/flex judges don’t exist as we all have our biases, but I’ll try my best to be “Tab”. I have run and seen all types of debate and am fine in any type of round. Please don't change your strategy based off of my paradigm or what you've heard I prefer. I am tech over truth
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Argumentative Preferences:
K: K’s are cool on the Aff and Neg. Don’t assume I understand your literature base—I’m most familiar with literature surrounding capitalism, militarism, international relations, sexuality, and to a lesser extent post modernism, blackness, and colonialism, but you should always explain your arguments in depth. I think that in order to win on a K you usually must resolve the links and impacts either through a material alternative or through framing/education/methodology. I will vote on epistemology framing, but there is some truth to "tie links to the plan" so this needs to be debated out
Framework:
· I have experience on both sides and will try my best to remove any bias
· I want to be convinced that I am voting for the best model of debate. At the end of the round, I will weigh how much each side solves for the other's offense and how each side frames their offense
· I strongly dislike stale framework debates where teams read generic blocks and arguments, and where there is no contextualization to the other team’s arguments. If you win a round just because the other team dropped some of your generic blocks, you gained almost no education out of that round and your speaks won’t be great
· I think that it is better for the Neg when they focus on TVAs/switch sides as opposed to focusing on their impacts alone
· I love it when the Neg uses clash/fairness/any impact to turn the Aff and answer their offense
· I will weigh Aff offense and want to hear it contextualized to the Neg's explanation of FW; "USFG bad" is probably not enough. I want to hear how the Aff’s counter interp solves the Neg's offense, and the Neg is better off proving that their model solves a good portion of the Aff
· I lean towards the belief that fairness is an internal link to education or whatever else the Neg is explaining, but if you explain and win why fairness is an impact, I am willing to vote on it
Theory: I think that theory can be good in certain instances, but it can also be unnecessary. Just have a clear interp and violation with voters and don’t go for a ridiculous shell that was obviously meant as a time suck unless it’s dropped or very under-covered. If you go for condo against a team with one conditional advocacy or something ridiculous like that, I will vote for you if you're winning, but you won't be happy with your speaks
Policy Affs: Do what you want, but I think that teams benefit from extending entire advantages in each speech. I like it when the Aff uses its 1AC to debate each off case and uses its advantages to frame the whole debate on each flow
Counter Plans: I can enjoy a good CP debate. I have no problem with multiple CP’s but will vote off of condo if you’re losing it (more than 3 condo is maybe a little sus, but that's up for debate). Answer perms and solvency deficits and explain your net benefit. I've gone for sus process CPs a lot, and I think I have no Aff or Neg bias on theory. I personally believe that judge kick is a good thing, as it upholds the Aff's burden to prove that it is better than the CP and the status quo. Judge kick will be my default, but I will disallow it if the Aff wins that it is bad
Disadvantages: I think strong policy teams use DA’s to turn case (although this is not required) and engage in in-depth impact analysis and framing. The truth level of the DA and quality of your cards is relevant. Be sure to extend your whole link chain in each speech
Impact Turns: I’m cool with them and think that they can be strategic—just don’t double turn yourself (ie don’t read “China war good” on case and a China war impact on a DA). I think the level of truth does matter (ie dedev is better than spark but still questionable), but at the end of the day I will vote on tech and card quality
Topicality: I'm cool with voting off of any interp that you’re winning, as I view T like I view any other argument and won't reject any interp just because I think it is false. I want a clear interp debate. The winning side will win that their model of debate is best, although proving in round abuse (like the Aff no-linking core DA's) will greatly help the Neg. Have a clear interp, violation, and standards that you extend in every speech
Competing Interpretations vs. Reasonability: I default to Competing Interpretations because nowhere else in debate is “we kinda don’t link to this argument” a good answer. Debate is about competing methods and worlds, and I believe that Affs use the reasonability argument to win ballots from judges who don't like T debates. I’ll vote on reasonability if you’re winning tho for sure
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Random things:
· Speak as fast as you want, just slow down on tags and make sure I can tell when you're reading a tag vs evidence text. Whatever speed you are at be clear as long as you are able :)
· Flashing/emailing probably isn't prep but if you are talking to your partner, typing excessively, writing on your flows, or taking over a minute or two I will count prep
· Please feel free to time yourselves. I can time as well in case you need it for speeches/prep, but please ask
· Open CX is fine unless tournament rules say otherwise
· Please don’t be rude or mean, and don’t discriminate against others or read arguments that discriminate against others
· I refuse to judge any "death good" arguments, mostly because the burden shouldn't be on the other team to ask me to end the round
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Scale Thing I see judges do:
Policy----------X--------------K
Condo good----X--------------------Condo Bad
Tech--X----------------------Truth
Death good is valid------------------------X No!
Ks of fiat-------------------X-----Fiat always good
Process CPs good-------X-----------------Salty 2A
Non-resolutional procedurals are bad----X--------------------Veganism/Christianity type procedurals
Perms are legitimate X------------------------The 2NR I gave in my first novice round
The above is set in stone--------------------X----I will flow the debate and vote on tech
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Speaks:
· Speaker points are low key an arbitrary vibe check, but I try to give speaks based off of your speeches, overall strategy, and cross ex
· A 28 to 28.5 is average, and it’ll and go up/down based on your performance throughout the round
· I will adjust how I give speaks based on the tournament. I’ll probably give you higher speaks for your performance at a local than if the exact same round took place at a bid tournament
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Other Events:
LD: LD is cool! I have some minor experience. I’ll probably judge it like a short policy round. Anything from framework debate to K debate to stock debate is cool and I’ve ran all of that in LD. I’ve heard that alts aren’t that important in LD K debates, but I value them so please explain it. I’ll probably vote based on which side better accesses the winning framework in the round. I hear that LD likes RVIs for some reason, so I'll vote on those if I'm told why
Congress: I did congress a few times in HS and was first alt to Nats my senior year. I want good content but will also value your speaking skills
Speech: I competed in extemp in high school and broke at NSDA in FX, and I enjoy good speeches. I will weigh the content of your speech vs your performance/tone differently based on the specific event
About me
4 years policy debate Rufus King Highschool
3 years student congress Rufus King Highschool
3 Central Michigan University NFA-LD debate team
General things
I'm a tabula rasa judge which means blank slate. What this means is that I don't have any biases to argument
i'm good with speed, spreading
put me on the email chain asiakaye12@gmail.com
always give a ROB I will not do work for you tell me how I should be voting never drop framework even if you meet under your opponents framework say that.
tech over truth
keep flows clean, always give a rode map
use all your time for speeches and cx
Aff stuff
make sure you know your AFF love K aff's i'm very familiar with critical aff's you have to win your affirmative case to win the round. know the warrants in the 1ac you should know your case. judges can tell if you don't understand or passionate about your case I like all affs not against arguments. don't drop your aff make sure in each speech your giving warrants tell me how I should frame the round
Neg stuff
kritiks
love love kritiks ran them a lot in high school don't assume I know what your talking about don't leave me doing work for you at the end of the debate, the impact, alt, the link should be clear during your speech. the alt needs to be explained and compared to the world of the affirmative give evidence on why the alt solves better than the aff case. make sure the link chain is clear and you give a ROB
Topicality
Don't really like topicality I feel debate would be more useful talking about important topics not arguing on the rules of debate. will still vote on it if its dropped and extended
Counterplans
neg needs to prove the counterplan solves the case better than the aff plan. you should always have a net ben
PF
make sure to keep the flow clean and answer each argument, make sure to use your evidence and make it clear to the judge where the evidence is getting pulled from.
TOC Update: STRIKE ME if you don't send constructive speech docs, it helps check back for miscutting and other ev abuse, as well as ensuring I can flow everything. Anything not on the doc willnot be flowed. Send it to srdebate24@gmail.com
- Rebuttal docs are not mandatory, but will boost your speaks.
- Please keep your speed <200wpm so I can flow everything.
- Truth > Tech, don't read spark or dedev or I'll drop the ballot and your speaks.
- NO THEORY/PROG IN PF
I will mostly disclose, but if the flow is too messy I won't. Extended RFD will be in writing, though.
Hello, I am a Sophomore at Carleton College. I competed in PF on both the local (4 years) and national circuit (2 years).
Things to know about me:
I am a flow judge.
Make my life easy and do extensions starting in summary.
Make my life even easier and weigh.
If you run an argument that is "progressive" i.e. off case you must go for it and it must be the main thing in the round for your teams. This includes but not limited to Ks, theories, and anything resembling either version. To be clear, I am okay with these types of arguments.
Cross ex can do a lot for you if you use it correctly. That being said, anything you say in cross that you care about bring up in the next speech.
I will call for cards if they are bad or sound to good to be true. I.e. have good evidence ethics.
The more absurd the argument the more absurd the response to it can be.
I start my speaker points at 28 and move up and down from there.
Watch my reactions I have no poker face.
Email: gabewseidman@gmail.com
please do not spread or talk too fast, I am a parent judge
if you run progressive arguments like theory or ks I may have trouble understanding it
tech > truth if completely dropped
but in general I lean towards arguments backed with good empirics and evidence
I have judged a few PF debate tournaments in the past and so I do have some experience. My daughter has been debating for just over two years now at a competitive level and so I am familiar with the layout of the rounds in PF debate. I am comfortable with medium level speed, not too fast, and please speak clearly to ensure accurate delivery of the content. I will flow the debate and make my decision mainly on the strength of the arguments. I expect both teams to be respectful of each other. I have a background in Finance.
DO NOT SPEAK FAST, AND DO NOT SPREAD
I am a lay judge, so try to explain everything well, and clearly. No debate jargon.
Don't be disrespectful.
Speed: I prefer debaters to avoid talking too fast - enunciation is very important!
I am not familiar with theory or progressive arguments.
I do not interject my own thoughts/opinions/judgements to make a decision, I only look at what is provided in the round itself. Sign posting/numbering arguments is appreciated and is VERY important to me. Let me know where you plan to go at the top of your speech and also refer back to your roadmap as you go along.
If someone asks a question, please don’t interrupt the debater answering the question. I don’t like to see a crossfire dominated by one side.
I hope to see enjoyable and educational rounds. Good luck to all participants!
I'm a parent judge and both of my kids have done PF debate. I am an engineer by profession and worked for 15 years in large corporations in executive role, now I have been an entrepreneur for the past 10 years. My main thing is that if I can't hear you clearly, I can't evaluate your arguments. Speak clearly and be respectful to other team.
I do not like "theory." Debate the topic.
As always...for me, quality is much better than quantity. It is better to have one or two really strong arguments, supported by both evidence and logic, than 4 or 5 weak points.
While I can handle spreading, if I can't understand something you say because you speak too quickly or unclearly, then I can't write it down. If I can't write it down, then I can't refer back to it when making my final decision. In other words, it's as if you never said it.
If it comes down to your evidence says "x" and their evidence says "not x" and I have no way to know who is right, you will lose. What do I mean? Explain why your evidence is more relevant, accurate, and credible...and/or why theirs is not.
Other points:
Signposting is good. Please signpost. Is this a new thought or more warrants or impacts on the same claim?
Off-time road maps are bad. They are a waste of "real" time. I'm guessing you're going to tell me why you're right and they're wrong. Right? If you signpost, I'll know which order you're going in. This is a more valuable skill to learn. For those of you motivated by speaker points, know that I will deduct a full point for each off-time road map.
Be respectful of your opponents. Let's be real, if the coin toss were different, you'd be arguing for the other side so don't act like your entire life's work has focused on your stance on this topic. Keep it civil. On a related note, rudeness is unacceptable as is outright lying. I've seen too many teams blatantly lie in round. If you lie, you lose.
Yearn to Learn. This is high school debate. It's a learning experience. I don't expect you to be perfect and would hope you take every opportunity to learn, whether you win this round or not.
Hello y'all!!
My name is Schylar and I just enetered my junior year of college at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I debated all four years of high school at Timberline High School in Boise, Idaho. I did policy my freshman and sophomore year. My junior year and senior year I did PF. If you have any more questions, you should ask me before the debate. I will try my best to put everything on the ballot, but if you have more questions you can email me. My email is schylar.jordan.smith@gmail.com. I am not familiar with any of the topics so try and explain them without missing the more niche parts of the debate! Debate is supposed to be fun and educational so I am fine if you do pretty much anything you want. I have some specifics laid out for the different debate types so read those :)
I hate overviews!
I think that they use up valuable speech time and aren't strategic. Also most overviews are just arguments that can be put somewhere else on the flow.
Policy:
I am basically a TABS/ flow judge in policy. I am fine with any argumentation but you better know how to execute it. On topicality you need to go slower than regular to make sure I get all the standards and voters. On disads I am looking for clash. If the aff hasn't done enough coverage and I still think the impact of the disad is reasonable, I will vote neg. If the 2NR goes for a disad or two I still want to see sufficient extention of the case debate. Other than that I want strategic debating. For Ks, I am pretty fine with anything. I am the least framiliar with them, but still understand the debate. Framework on the K is really important to my voting so don't just wash over it or go through it really quick. I am fine with any speed but slow down on tag lines so I can flow them. I rarely flow author names so refer to the arguments by author name and what the argument is. You can tag team in CX but if one partner dominates both answering periods or questioning periods, I will give you both lower speaker points. Put me in the email chain... its at the top :)
PF:
I have the most experience in Public Forum. I went to nationals in PF in 2021 and 2022. I view PF as the debate type that any one can judge. That means that you should be very good at explaining and persuading the judge. Other than that I think you can do anything that you want. I think that you should have some sort of framework because that helps me evaluate the round. Cross fire periods should be an equal amount of questions and answers. If someone dominates then I will lower both you and your partner's speaker points. Final focus is the most persuading to me if you clearly lay out voters. A lot of debaters try and touch on both sides of the flow, but with so little time this is not very helpful.
LD:
LD is very interesting to me. When it comes to arguments I am basically a TABS judge, although I still want the value/criterion debate. I vote on a few things when it comes to it. (1) If the other side proves that your case doesn't fit under your value or your criterion. (2) You should try to prove that your value and criterion are best for evaluating both sides. I am fine with any argument, including CPs on the neg. CX should be an equal amount of questions and answers. If you dominate the CX periods, you will get lower speaker points. In other words, let your opponent answer/ask questions.
I am a very inexperienced lay judge who will be looking for argument strength, confidence, and clarity.
Hi, this is my first time judging. I am a parent judge.
1. I flow the rounds but not as well as the judges that flow pf every weekend and appreciate careful and reasonably-paced (preferably slow) speaking, good evidence and knowledge of your sources but not everything needs to be carded for the value of the round but have good warranting if there is no cards.
2. Make eye contact with me and convince me with good evidence and a carefully made argument.
3. Do not be rude. I can deal with assertive, but screaming, belittling opponents, eye rolling, head shaking and showing general contempt is not acceptable. You may win the round but it will be with bad speaks.
4. Crossfire: Do not talk over your opponent. Follow up questions can be useful, but be courteous to your opponents' need to question you. Discourtesy will result in deducted speaker points.
5. My preference is a debate that argues the assigned topic in good faith, I would prefer not to hear K Cases.
6. Please weigh or give voters, it really helps outline the round. Extend your arguments throughout speeches:)
7. As a first-time judge, some debate jargon is unfamiliar to me. Please try to avoid jargon unless you can quickly explain it to me.
8. I mostly do not disclose after round unless instructed by the tournament.
Have fun!!!
I debated in policy for The Blake School for four years (2009-2013) and then I debated for Rutgers University-Newark in college (2013-2017). I ran mostly policy based arguments in high school and mostly critical arguments in college. I was an assistant coach (policy and public forum) with the Blake School until 2019 and then coached policy and congress at Success Academy from 2019-2023. I currently coach LD and policy at the Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men in New Orleans.
Email - hannah.s.stafford@gmail.com - if its and LD round please also add: DTA.lddocs@gmail.com
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Feel free to run any arguments you want whether it be critical or policy based. The only thing that will never win my ballot is any argument about why racism, sexism, etc. is good. Other than that do you. I really am open to any style or form of argumentation.
I do not have many specific preferences other than I hate long overviews - just make the arguments on the line-by-line.
I am not going to read your evidence unless there is a disagreement over a specific card or if you tell me to read a specific card. I am not going to just sit and do the work for you and read a speech doc.
Note on clash of civ debates - I tend to mostly only judge clash of civ debates - In these debates I find it more persuasive if you engage the aff rather than just read framework. But that being said I have voted on framework in the past.
PF - Please please please read real cards. If its not in the summary I won't evaluate it in the final focus. Do impact calculus it makes a a majority of my decisions. Stop calling for cards if you aren't going to do the evidence comparison. I will increase your speaker points if you do an email chain with your cards prior to your speech. Collapsing is important in the summary and final focus. Yes you can go fast if you are clear. I am open to theory and kritical argumentation - just ensure you are clearly warranting everything.
Email for email chains: blakedocs@googlegroups.com
The Blake School (Minneapolis, MN) I am the director of debate where I teach communication and coach Public Forum and World Schools. I also coach the USA Development Team and Team USA in World Schools Debate.
Public Forum
Some aspects that are critical for me
1) Be nice and respectful. Try to not talk over people. Share time in crossfire periods. Words matter, think about what you say about other people. Attack their arguments and not the people you debate.
2) Arguments must be extended in each speech. This idea of "sticky defense" and not answering arguments in the second rebuttal doesn't understand how debate works. A debater can only make strategic choices about their speech if they base it on what was said in the speech previous to them.
3) Read evidence. I don't accept paraphrasing -- this is an oral activity. If you are quoting an authority, then quote the authority. A debater should not have to play "wack a mole" to find the evidence you are using poorly. Read a tag and then quote the card, that allows your opponent to figure out if you are accurately quoting the author or over-claiming the evidence.
4) Have your evidence ready. If an opponent asks for a piece of evidence you should be able to produce it in about 60 seconds. At two minutes or so, I'm going to just say the evidence doesn't count in the round because you can't produce it. If I say the card doesn't count then the card doesn't count in the round. If you say you can't produce the card then you risk losing. That is called fabrication to cite evidence and then not be able to produce it. If I ask for a card after the round and you can't produce it, again you risk losing the round. Good evidence practices are critical if this format is to rely on citing authorities.
5) I tend to be a policymaker. If there is no offense against trying a new policy then I suggest we try the new policy as it can't hurt to try. Offense is important for both sides.
6) Use voting issues format in summary and final focus. Learn that this allows a clear story and weighing. A voting issue format includes links, impacts, and weighing and provides clarity to just "our case/their case". You are still doing the voting issues on "their flow" or "our flow".
7) Lead with labels/arguments and NOT authors. Number your arguments. For example, 1) Turn UBI increases wage negotiation -- Jones in 2019 states "quote"
8) Racist, xenophobic, sexist, classist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, and other oppressive discourses or examples have no place in debate.
Enjoy the debate and learn from this activity, it is a great one.
6 years of judging in PF and Congress
Overall Expectations:
Be respectful to your fellow competitors and judges. Debate is educational as well as competitive and the skills that you learn and develop within your event will serve you well later in life. I speak on this as a former debater.
Take pride in the work that you do. It can be very obvious when you are not as prepared. There is an element of debate that does require improvisation and being able to form arguments on the spot but the best arguments are still those that have an element of preparedness to it. Find that balance and I promise it will reflect well on your ballot.
Just like you, I am still learning how to be a good judge, so I ask for some patience, especially in events like PF and LD where I do not have nearly as much experience as I do with Congress.
Any kind of argument based on bigoted ideology will result in an instant loss of the round and I will be discussing it with you and your coach.
Congress:
Congress is probably the most unique of all of the debate events done at the NSDA level. The speed is much slower and you must be more tactical when you choose to speak. This does not make it any less debate and expect you to be paying attention to what your fellow competitors are doing in the session. I love clash and have no problem with you doing it from the beginning. Call each other out while staying as respectful as possible, we don't need this to descend into actual Congress.
Respect is paramount in Congress. While an individual event you should work together with your fellow representatives/senators to come up with strategies, set the docket, and pass legislation. This is a mock Congress and you should take into consideration the needs of the people you are supposed to be representing.
Questions are super important in debate and I consider it when making my decision. Quality is always more important than quantity. I'd rather that you be asking 1 or 2 good questions than 5 or 6 not-so-good ones.
PF:
The main element that is needed within PF is the ability to adapt. Not only to your opponent but to your judge as well. I am not a very technical judge. While keeping track of your flows your argument needs to make sense. You can't just argue that if the status quo changes it will lead to nuclear war. I need a sound argument of cause and effect. If the prompt proves to be true then it will lead to these side effects.
If your point is landing don't drag it along toward the end. Cut it out if you can't get past your opponent's refutation. The best debaters don't force through an argument but are flexible and creative enough to still get the point even when one of their points doesn't work.
During cross don't talk over one another. You are not proving a point you are just being rude. I will be paying attention during cross and will be using that to weigh into my decision. If you are talking I am listening. The first time I won't say anything but if it continues to become a problem I will say something and you don't want your team to lose a point because of it.
LD:
I am relatively new to judging LD so please bear with me.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me at sky.stefanski14@gmail.com
Email: cherellestevens86@gmail.com
My name is Cherelle and I am a paralegal, with 12 years of experience in my field- my practice areas being, personal injury, criminal law, tax law, wrongful death and slip and falls. I intend to go to law school next Fall.
I have competed in Speech for 4 years and Debate for 3 years during high school (2004-2008). I am also a national competitor, placing sixth in the nation, at Bradley University.
My judging experience includes Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, Duo/Dramatic Interpretation, Oratory and Prose/Poetry.
I take a lot of notes during rounds. Don't worry, I can keep up.
Your arguments should be clear, convincing, and evidence based. I am not a fan of spreading.
Please maintain respect for everyone in the round. With that said, please note, I appreciate "spirited" debates. Convince your opponent and myself that you have WON, hands down!
I will be paying attention to the quality of the arguments and the competitor's ability to use their knowledge to think on their feet quickly, respond to the opposing side's points effectively, and use clear and convincing evidence to support their side.
Good luck! Let's debate!
I can flow but I prefer a more "lay" type of debate.
Hello,
I am a parent judge and have some debate experience. I ask all of you to please be respectful of each other. Please speak slowly and keep track of your own time. Additionally, at the start of each round please share emails and get a google doc created to share evidence cards. I will also flow each round.
Thank you and good luck!
Email - chulho.synn@sduhsd.net.
tl;dr - I vote for teams that know the topic, can indict/rehighlight key evidence, frame to their advantage, can weigh impacts in 4 dimensions (mag, scope, probability, sequence/timing or prereq impacts), and are organized and efficient in their arguments and use of prep and speech time. I am TRUTHFUL TECH.
Overview - 1) I judge all debate events; 2) I agree with the way debate has evolved: progressive debate and Ks, diversity and equity, technique; 3) On technique: a) Speed and speech docs > Slow no docs; b) Open CX; c) Spreading is not a voter; 4) OK with reading less than what's in speech doc, but send updated speech doc afterwards; 5) Clipping IS a voter; 6) Evidence is core for debate; 7) Dropped arguments are conceded but I will evaluate link and impact evidence when weighing; 8) Be nice to one another; 9) I time speeches and CX, and I keep prep time; 10) I disclose, give my RFD after round.
Lincoln-Douglas - 1) I flow; 2) Condo is OK, will not drop debater for running conditional arguments; 3) Disads to CPs are sticky; 4) PICs are OK; 5) T is a voter, a priori jurisdictional issue, best definition and impact of definition on AFF/NEG ground wins; 6) Progressive debate OK; 7) ALT must solve to win K; 8) Plan/CP text matters; 9) CPs must be non-topical, compete/provide NB, and solve the AFF or avoid disads to AFF; 10) Speech doc must match speech.
Policy - 1) I flow; 2) Condo is OK, will not drop team for running conditional arguments; 3) Disads to CPs are sticky; 4) T is a voter, a priori jurisdictional issue, best definition wins; 5) Progressive debate OK; 6) ALT must solve to win K; 7) Plan/CP text matters; 8) CPs must be non-topical, compete/provide NB, and solve the AFF or avoid disads to AFF; 9) Speech doc must match speech; 10) Questions by prepping team during prep OK; 11) I've debated in and judged 1000s of Policy rounds.
Public Forum - 1) I flow; 2) T is not a voter, non-topical warrants/impacts are dropped from impact calculus; 3) Minimize paraphrasing of evidence; I prefer quotes from articles to paraphrased conclusions that overstate an author's claims and downplay the author's own caveats; 4) If paraphrased evidence is challenged, link to article and cut card must be provided to the debater challenging the evidence AND me; 5) Paraphrasing that is counter to the article author's overall conclusions is a voter; at a minimum, the argument and evidence will not be included in weighing; 6) Paraphrasing that is intentionally deceptive or entirely fabricated is a voter; the offending team will lose my ballot, receive 0 speaker points, and will be referred to the tournament director for further sanctions; 7) When asking for evidence during the round, refer to the card by author/date and tagline; do not say "could I see your solvency evidence, the impact card, and the warrant card?"; the latter takes too much time and demonstrates that the team asking for the evidence can't/won't flow; 8) Exception: Crossfire 1 when you can challenge evidence or ask naive questions about evidence, e.g., "Your Moses or Moises 18 card...what's the link?"; 9) Weigh in place (challenge warrants and impact where they appear on the flow); 10) Weigh warrants (number of internal links, probability, timeframe) and impacts (magnitude, min/max limits, scope); 11) 2nd Rebuttal should frontline to maximize the advantage of speaking second; 2nd Rebuttal is not required to frontline; if 2nd Rebuttal does not frontline 2nd Summary must cover ALL of 1st Rebuttal on case, 2nd Final Focus can only use 2nd Summary case answers in their FF speech; 12) Weigh w/o using the word "weigh"; use words that reference the method of comparison, e.g., "our impact happens first", "100% probability because impacts happening now", "More people die every year from extreme climate than a theater nuclear detonation"; 13) No plan or fiat in PF, empirics prove/disprove resolution, e.g., if NATO has been substantially increasing its defense commitments to the Baltic states since 2014 and the Russian annexation of Crimea, then the question of why Russia hasn't attacked since 2014 suggest NATO buildup in the Baltics HAS deterred Russia from attacking; 14) No new link or impact arguments in 2nd Summary, answers to 1st Rebuttal in 2nd Summary OK if 2nd Rebuttal does not frontline.
I do not have any experience participating in debate tournaments or coaching the students. I have been judging the tournaments for the past one year as a parent volunteer. I have a masters degree, work for a technology company and living in USA for past 20 years. I regularly track various topics such as politics, business, international relations etc., so I have high level idea about the vast majority of debate topics. I have gone through judge training videos, so I have decent understanding on the judging criteria. I try to keep track of the 'flow' of the debate to understand arguments in perspective. I also pay attention to the rules like not bringing in new arguments in the closing/final speeches. Clear, audible, well modulated arguments help me understand and judge better, than trying to pack too much information in the given time. I would encourage the debate arguments to be done in a respectful and polite manner. I pay attention to the level of preparation, depth of the arguments and methodical way presentation. I judge solely based on the material presented in the debate and do not bring in any bias from my personal side. I look at team contribution as a whole than individual performances.
Be respectful to the other team at all times.
Time yourself.
Speak slowly and clearly.
Clear articulation of claim, warrant, data, and impact.
Good evidence to the point, no spreading please.
I am a parent judge and would love to judge the debate tournament. To help me judge effectively here are some pointers. Don't speak too fast, and don't yell during cross. Practice good debate ethics and respect your opponents. Don't cut others off. You need to convince me to win my ballot.
Hi! FYO from Blake – did PF for 4 years and Worlds Schools for 3 years.
Put me on the email chain: blakedocs@googlegroups.com
If you're new to debate: a lot of this information probably won't be relevant! Have a good round and ask me questions about any aspects of my decision that don't make sense. Otherwise,
₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹ tldr ₊˚⊹♡₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡₊˚⊹♡
I care about evidence more than the average judge, but not as much assome. Read evidence and don't lie about it.
Weighing mostly dictates my ballot, barring a massive flub on your case. Win the weighing debate, and you will most likely win my ballot.
When it comes to theory, my obligation to be "tech" comes second to my obligation to promote good norms; I reserve the right to not vote on theory if I think it promotes bad norms. I will tell you if I do this and why I think the theory is worth intervening against. See the theory section of an explanation of in-depth takes.
Otherwise, expect me to evaluate the round based on the flow.
this used to say "tech > truth, weigh, have good evidence" but you can probably tell those three things by glancing at the length of my paradigm and the school i debated for. listed are things i consider to be *relatively* unique perspectives on the activity that i want you to be aware of when debating in front of me)
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹. ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ ݁₊ ⊹ ݁ ݁ general . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ ݁. ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ ݁. ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊
miscellaneous notes.
- If neither teams extend, absent evidence questions, I will presume for the first speaking team – it feels less biased than arbitrarily picking certain skills or behaviors to award.
- You can't clear your opponents – they are not obligated to adapt to you. Debaters are free to do whatever they think is most strategic to win the round, whether or not their arguments are comprehensible is up to the judge to decide.
- You don't have to ask me to take prep time – just do it plz :/
- Wins + Losses – at the end of the round I will vote for one of the teams.
- Speech Times – see NSDA rules
rebuttal thoughts.
- Frontline in second rebuttal – if you don't, the first reb is conceded and I will consider any later responses new and won't evaluate.
- Do not read defense on your on case. Do not indict your evidence. "I cannot believe I have to put this in my paradigm."
- It seems like some rebuttals like to dump a bunch of blippy and under-warranted analytical responses. If an argument doesn’t have a warrant, I can’t evaluate it – point this out to me and you'll have a much easier job frontlining/backlining.
collapsing.
- Please collapse the debate in the back half! Ideally, you'll be going for at most 2-3 pieces of offense in summary and 1-2 pieces of offense in final focus.
- Extend Warrants. (saying "Extend the links" doesn't count)
defense may be sticky.
- Defense isn't sticky if you're using opponent's defense to kick a turn.You can't concede new defense to kick out of turns after your first speech to respond. For example, if someone reads a turn in rebuttal, you frontline it in second rebuttal and it is extended in first summary, you cannot concede defense to kick out of it in second summary. This is true EVEN IF there was defense read that takes out the turn.
- Defense isn't sticky if it is poorly responded to but not extended. For example, if someone frontlines their C1 but misses a delink, I won't eval the delink unless it is extended.
- Defense is sticky if contention is not addressed at all. If you don’t frontline a contention in second rebuttal, you cannot extend that contention in later speeches, even if the other team doesn’t extend defense to it.
✧˖°. ✧˖°. ✧˖°. ✧˖°.✧˖°. ✧˖°.✧˖°. ✧˖°. ✧˖°. ✧˖°. ✧˖°. ✧˖°.✧˖°. ✧˖°.weighing ✧˖°. ✧˖°.✧˖°. ✧˖°. ✧˖°. ✧˖°.✧˖°. ✧˖°.✧˖°. ✧˖°. ✧˖°. ✧˖°.✧˖°. ✧˖°.
Here is a helpful summary of what I like
weighing turns in rebuttal
i've left the room. <----------------------------------------------------------------------------------X-> ballot secured.
multiple weighing mechanisms in summary
i've left the room. <----------------------------------------------------------------------------------X-> ballot secured.
metaweighing
i've left the room. <----------------------------------------------------------------------------------X-> ballot secured.
spending >30 seconds on the weighing debate in ff
i've left the room. <-----------------------------------------------------------------------X-> ballot secured.
"elaborating" on summary weighing (ie adding new warrants)
i've left the room. <--------------------------------------------------------X---------------------------> ballot secured.
reading new weighing mechanisms in first final
i've left the room. <-------------------------------X----------------------------------------------------> ballot secured.
reading new weighing mechanisms in second final
i've left the room. <------X-----------------------------------------------------------------------------> ballot secured.
Please a) weigh b) answer your opponent's weighing mechs c) compare your weighing mechanisms (i.e. metaweighing).I evaluate the weighing debate first, so if you want to pick up my ballot, you should focus your efforts here during the back half.
I won't evaluate new weighing in second final focus, and I generally won't in first final focus. That said, I'm a bit more lenient on first final to elaborate on weighing done in summary. In particular, if the debate is exceedingly late breaking and collapse is not very clear, I'd rather have weighing than not.
I’ll time speeches. I don’t really care if you go a few seconds over finishing up a response, but I won’t evaluate responses that are started after time is up. My takes have gotten more grouchy on this particular question becausee I've witnessed a disappointingly high number of 5 minute rebuttals when judges get lax on timining.
‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧ evidence ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ‧₊
Debate is about persuasion. It is also about policymaking. Most importantly, it should make you a better person. Lying about evidence is horrendous for this goal, whether or not you read "better person" as getting smarter or being moral.
If any of the things I describe below are unfamiliar, please talk to me after round why I think they are beneficial for the activity. If they seem inaccessible,here is how to cut cards, here is what a cut card case should look like.
Send speech docs. I will boost speaks by .5 for case and rebuttal docs getting sent out.
Send cut cards (when asked). I will cap speaks at 27s if you fail to provide the paragraph that you paraphrase from in a timely manner.
I will only call for evidence a) it sounds like you're massively over claiming things and misconstruing evidence b) if I can't vote based on arguments made in round c) someone asks me to call for it.
(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)progressive arguments(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)(⩺_⩹)
stay clippin
jk don't actually clip – it's against the rules!
I'm going to list my beliefs on theory here, because I think that when it comes to arguments about norm-setting for the activity, my obligation to be "tech" comes second to my obligation to promote education. What this means in practice is that in close theory rounds, I am likely to pick up the team whose practices/behavior aligns with what I believe is good for debate. That said, I'm still willing to listen to theory debates and if the round is an absolute smack down I won't intervene against theory shells I think are unnecessary but not harmful. I add this last caveat because I am open to the possibility that my beliefs on what is good for the activity are not 100% optimal, and I think theory debates can play a role in developing good norms for the activity, so I don't want to shut down all theory I don't already agree with.
Here is a (non-exhaustive) summary on my view towards theory:
Paraphrasing.
strike me if you do it. <-X--------------------------------------------------------> unequivocally good.
Disclosing Open Source.
strike me if you do it. <----------------------------------------------X-----------> unequivocally good.
Disclosing Full Text.
strike me if you do it. <-------------------------X--------------------------------> unequivocally good.
Disclosing Broken Interps.
strike me if you do it. <----------------------------------------X-----------------> unequivocally good.
Round Reports.
strike me if you do it. <-----------------------------X----------------------------> unequivocally good.
Reading Trigger Warnings.
strike me if you do it. <----------------X-----------------------------------------> unequivocally good.
paraphrasing is bad. Para good warrants are balls and my threshold for responding to them is quite low.
disclosure is good. OS (tagged and highlighted ev) >>>>>>> full text (no tags or highlights) > first three last three (read OS interps! disclosure nowdays is kinda egregious)
TWs for non-graphic descriptions of violence are bad. the idea that marginalized groups have to ask for permission to talk about oppression, even when their arguments are edited and censored to be non-graphic, is not slay. That said, if you want to run TWs good I will evaluate it and won't intervene against it – again, I'm listing my beliefs here so you're not surprised how my ballot turns out in close/messy rounds.
Here is where I stand on the various paradigm issues:
competing interps. <--------X-------------------------------------------------> reasonability.
I default to competing interps (risk offense means I'll probably vote on a shell if there's no counter-interp). However, I am sympathetic to reasonability arguments if they are made against IVIs or (clearly) friv theory.
no RVIs. <-----------------X----------------------------------------> RVIs.
Similar to competing interps, although I generally buy the warrants that RVIs chill debates about norms and you shouldn't win for being fair, I am willing to evaluate these arguments when read against IVIs or friv theory.
education. <----------------------------------X-----------------------> fairness.
The warrant that debate is funded because its educational always struck me as a bit silly, but my preference for fairness is very minimal.
drop the debater. <-X--------------------------------------------------------> drop the argument.
I feel like if the terminal impact of the shell is just drop the argument, it probably wasn't necessary to read.
A note on "frivolous theory": I've thrown around the term friv theory without defining it. Tbh, I don't know where the line in the sand is when it comes to these arguments and I don't believe that matters. Don't push it with theory, I will try my best to be open-minded and not intervene against silly interps (round reports cough cough) but the more you get into the shoes theory, 30 speaker point theory, etc side of things the more likely I am to not evaluate it. Even then, I dislike the trend in the circuit towards weaponizing evidence rules/disclosure practices to punish teams with good practices – to me, there is a qualitative difference between reading disclosure on a team who doesn't disclose and reading open sources on a team who does first three last three. Again, I'm not going to intervene on face if you're reading theory in this vein, just don't go too far down this rabbit hole.
On Kritiks: I know thebasics of cap and security Ks, I've only hit and judged performance or survival arguments. To some degree, I take issue with Ks being categorized as "progressive debate" as I think they're much closer to substance rounds than theory. I was primarily a policy debater, so you will likely fare better in front of me the more topical of a K you read. Overall, there are things I like about critical argumentation in public forum (exposure to a novel literature base, fosters inclusion) and things I don't like (substituting jargon for substance, oversimplified views of identity), but I have much less reservations about listening to Kritiks than I do about listening to theory, so as long as you make sure to send docs and explain your arguments clearly, I am open to listening to pretty much anything.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. parting thoughts . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁
Time your own prep.
Don't say offensive things! (your classic -isms) If something makes you feel uncomfortable/unsafe in round, please email me (lizzyterv@gmail.com) or send me a message on Facebook messenger (Elizabeth Terveen)!
People that have informed my thoughts on debate:SOFA and TRONK
I am a newer judge. I don't like fast speaking if its to hard for me to follow. I prefer big picture analysis. and quantification. Please sign post and don't spread I need to be able to understand you. Please don't say anything offensive or mean. Please add me to the email chain ctimm92@msn.com
Prounouns: she/her
Triggers: n/a
Paradigm: I'm a "Flay" judge, but I've been judging PF since 2014, and I've judged at major tournaments like Harvard, Georgetown, and UK. Don't spread - I flow the entire round (including crossfires) and I want to be able to not only understand your arguments, but note when you are or are not addressing your opponents' arguments. I prefer clear logic, solid evidence, and confident rhetoric. I don't believe that the entirety of a debate is evidence versus evidence, so frameworks, weighing, and actually speaking persuasively are a major plus. While I fully understand debate jargon, don't rely on it as you would with more technical judges. Make me care more about your world than your opponents'.
I prefer PF rounds are NOT theory or K arguments. However, I will always judge based on how you handle your case, and how your opponent handles it.
If the tournament allows spectators, those spectators should not be leaving and coming back repeatedly during the round. It's incredibly distracting for me and may hinder competitors as well.
FOR DIGITAL TOURNAMENTS: Please speak slowly enough that the internet connection can keep up with you. Even with a solid connection, going too quickly results in a blur of noise that makes it difficult to listen for judges and opponents alike.
Additionally: During a digital tournament, please speak up if you cannot hear your opponent. Don't wait until the end of their speech to note that, for you, they were cutting out. It is better to handle the issue with tech time and have the speech given normally than having an off-time recap.
- I am a flay parent judge.
- Please speak at a conversational speed.
- Signposting is helpful.
- Please don't be rude, especially in crossfire.
- Quality > quantity
- Please remember to weigh in FF.
If you're struggling mid-round, don't give up. You can still learn from the experience. Whether you win or lose, I'm aware that everyone's still learning, and I'm not expecting anyone to be perfect. Go out and try your best!
Director @ NDC
Director @ debate.land
did circuit debate a little while back
theory, T, and framing are fine (boring tbh) but I'm quite unfamiliar with k lit, run at your own risk
normal PF nat circuit speed, and I start at a 28 and move from there
default prob>mag, weigh to win
I won't vote on IVIs and default no RVIs
Also, talking to your partner during their speech or cross is an auto 25.
For TOC: add adithya679@gmail.com and strakejesuitpf@mail.strakejesuit.org to the chain, please!
I'm a freshman in college, and I debated in public forum in high school. I judge a lot, so I'm happy to give advice and answer questions at the end of the round.
Add me to the email chain: rv2529@barnard.edu.
- I'm open to theory and progressive arguments when ran well.
- I can follow speed, but please provide a speech doc if you expect I will miss something on my flow. That being said, speed shouldn't tradeoff with clarity.
- In both rebuttals, I expect teams to 1) signpost as you go down the flow so that I know where you are and what is being responded to 2) weigh the arguments and not just say, “we outweigh, ” tell me which weighing mechanism and WHY you outweigh.
- For second rebuttal, frontline terminal defense and turns.
- PS: I like link-ins from case and preq. arguments a lot. I don't like when teams use their case arguments as their only responses ie. deterrence vs. escalation debate (interact with the individual warrants and links!)
- In summary, extend all contentions, blocks, frontlines you are collapsing on. Please weigh to show me how these arguments compare against one another.
- I like meta-weighing -- tell me which mechanism is better.
- Not a fan of sticky defense but I will consider it if that's what the round comes down to.
- The final focus speech is a good time to slow down and explain the argument and the direction the round is going in. Please do not bring in any new responses or implications during this speech.
- I generally enjoy listening to crossfire. Still, I will LISTEN to crossfire, but I will not FLOW crossfire. I can only evaluate good points made in cross if they are brought up in speeches later.
- Clarity and strategy are the key factors that will impact your final speaks.
- I like framework when it is well warranted and unique... I don't like "cost-benefit analysis" framework
Parent judge - speak slowly and make sure I can follow the logic in your arguments.
Nastiness is not appreciated.
1. I will focus only on what I hear in the debate.
2. Speak slow/medium pace.
3. To avoid disturbance sometimes I mute voice...since I take notes sometimes I turn off video so speakers can focus on their thoughts....
4. I look at the entire debate flow and compare both teams....
Please speak clearly, do not speed. Explain any expert opinion you cite and defend the relevance of any empirical evidence you present. Build your case and tell me a story. Be respectful to one another and make sure you are not making your opponent feel uncomfortable in any way.
Good luck and I'm excited to judge your debate!
I am a volunteer parent judge (my 11th grade son does public forum) and I prefer logical and clear arguments that are realistic and easy to understand. I value when people ask good questions during cross-fire and answer in intelligent ways. Please speak very slow so I can follow along.
Most importantly: Be respectful and have fun! Disrespect towards each other will not be tolerated and will be reflected in your speaker points!
I am a first time parent judge. Please speak clearly and avoid using jargon.
I have been a judging PF from 2018 onwards. I have judged varied tournaments from Novice to Varsity levels.
Present your story clearly. My preference will be clarity over ambiguity.
I don't mind if you speak fast.
I also weigh based on maturity of the thought, clear communication and metrics relating to your argument
JUDGE PARADIGM
NAME: ARLENA NJOKI WAITHANJI
AGE: 23 YEARS
CURRENT OCCUPANCY: UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT.
DEBATE ETIQUETTE
Personally, I prefer a moderate-paced speaker as I feel that this allows the debater to clearly articulate their points and guarantees them that all their points are heard by the judges. The debaters should also be confident and explain their arguments clearly. During the debate, certain virtues and manners should be observed. The debaters should not be aggressive towards their opponents because as much as this is a competition, it is also an opportunity for the debaters to learn. In this regard, the debating environment should therefore be calm, and everyone accorded the time and space allocated to them to present their motion without disruption.
DECISION MAKING PROCESS
During the debate I employ the format of establishing what claim the debater presented, their justification for the claim and the impact of the claim. In addition to this I look at the logic plus the evidence presented by the debaters to establish who the winner is. Concerning impact, I encourage students to provide justification and demonstrate feasibility. This is because some students might present quantitative data without explaining the mechanism or providing a link to how these outcomes will be achieved.
I would also like to convey to the students the importance of clearly convincing me, as the judge, about what they mean and why their arguments are unique. It is not my role to interpret their claims in any way. They should be persuasive and make a compelling case for why they should win the various contentions they are championing. Additionally, I suggest using crossfire to challenge opponents and attempt to weaken their arguments by addressing any loopholes they might have. Failure to do so only strengthens the opponent's position.
SPEAKER POINTS
When I am allocating speaker points, they vary in different aspects. I consider the English proficiency, manner of delivery, articulation, and overall presentation. Moreover, I assess how well students respond to questions and engage with their opponents during crossfire. In addition to penalizing the use of abusive language and intentional falsification of evidence, I also take into account the organization and clarity of their arguments, as well as their ability to adapt to unexpected challenges or counterarguments. These factors collectively contribute to the overall evaluation and scoring of each participant.
Moderate speaking is preferred. Given that English may not be the first language for many students, clarity could become an issue. Therefore, I advise students to speak moderately to ensure that all their points are heard clearly by both the judge and their opponents. This helps avoid situations I've encountered before where the opposing team asks for a repetition of contentions. However, if you are confident in your pronunciation, then a quicker pace is acceptable to me.
I am eagerly looking forward to learning, listening to, and interacting with all the teams in the debate.
I am a flay judge in that I have lots of experience judging, but I'm not an actual flow judge. I know how the debate process works, and I've judged in over 15 tournaments.
Good rhetoric and lay appeal and I will most likely vote for you. If you don't know something or are otherwise unsure/unready for something just fake it until you make it; I like seeing confidence.
I will not flow cross-ex but I will be paying attention. If you bring something up in cross-ex and want me to flow it, remember to say it in speech as well. Emphasize important points with speech inflections, as well as bring up things you want me to remember/write down several times. Don't put down your opponent (like in LD) and don't bully during cross-ex, although remember to be assertive and stand up for your partner (during grand) if you have to.
Speech
It doesn't matter to me what you do while you speak, as long as you make eye contact regularly. Sit, stand, meditate, doesn't matter to me. Please try to signpost as much as possible, it really helps, and it makes it a lot easier to follow what you're saying. It also helps your speaks (now you're listening, huh?). Gesticulate, use ethos, pathos, logos, talk loud, whatever you have to do to get my attention and my vote (and high speaks).
Kritik
Since I'm not a professionally trained judge, I don't have any specific policy against K's, but don't expect me to go with your point of view without strong rhetoric. I must need to know exactly WHY their view on a policy is wrong, and WHY your take matters more. If I were you, I would not run a kritik.
Etiquette
Insulting your opponent is DIFFERENT FROM arguing with them. You can say the same thing by yelling as you can by assertively speaking to your opponent. Please do not argue/yell/bully your opponent. That is a sure way to lose speaks and maybe the entire round.
Speed
I, like the vast majority of other judges, will have an easier time listening and understanding to you if you speak slower. Note: I prefer slower speaking, but I can handle faster speed to some degree. I may look confused/stop writing/not take note of important parts if you are going to slow; that means I do not understand you, and you may need to slow down.
Other
I can promise you that I will understand these issues more than most judges. Please make sure to time yourselves, if there is a discrepancy between the prep time, speech time, etc., try to work it out yourselves, although I will interfere if too much time is taken.
Thanks for reading this information, although I know it's long and boring. Good luck!
-Lay judge
-No Ks or theory
-No spreading, please don't speak too fast
-Please make your logic clear, provide evidence and reasoning to back up a claim
-Please treat each other with respect
Have fun!
I'm a lay judge. Please explain everything clearly and with warranting. If you read theory or k's, I most likely will not know how to evaluate it.
I am a parent judge. I am looking for a thoughtful debate in which each debater thoroughly addresses his/her/their opponents' points. Please do not speak too quickly; I want to be able to follow along with each of your points.
Email: yiwen.wu76@gmail.com
Please add both yiwen.wu76@gmail.com and mcleanpublicforum@gmail.com to the email chain.
Background: I am a parent judge. I have judged a few PF tournaments in the past (mainly on the local circuit).
PF: Please do not spread; explain your logic clearly. Do not use debate jargon, I probably won't understand it.
I will flow what I hear. Sign post with arguments not authors.
I will not evaluate arguments with weak or misleading evidence/warranting.
All offense/defense you want me to evaluate must be in both summary and final focus. Please weigh.
I will not understand or evaluate progressive arguments.
Speaker Points: Please be polite and respectful at all times. I will take off speaker points if you are not doing well/rude in cross.
speak clearly and not too fast
The heart of debate is communication, with ultimate goal of getting the points to the audience. As a lay judge, I'd like to hear you speaking in a normal speed using plain words, so that I can understand your points. Will disregard anything faster than a normal conversation.
Hi yall,
I'm a first year in college. My debate experience consists of 6 LD rounds over the span of one semester. Send email chains to jzxing@emory.edu
For your rounds, go slow and make true arguements please. If the average person can't understand your arguement, I probably can't either.
Thanks :)
Jerry Xing
First-time parent judge. Totally lay, no tech, no flow.
Hi, I am a parent judge. I prefer speaking slow to understand the arguments better. I would like you to collapse on one argument.
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.
First time parent judge. Please speak slowly and concisely.
The main thing all of us want to experience in this debate forum is fun! :)
I'm a volunteer and I've read over some information about this topic and watched a demo video, but I'm new to judging. Please keep your delivery slow and clear. I appreciate clear analysis of why you should win in the final focus.
Hello Debaters!
I am a lay judge with no prior debate experience.
English is also not my first language so please go slow and articulate your arguments clearly.
This is probably a given but do not run K's or theory.
Notes are a possibility if I have heard something important but I will be more likely to write something down if you explicitly tell me to do it.
Be respectful to your opponents at all times.
If you are constantly interrupting or being rude your speaker points will reflect that.
I am a first-time parent judge. I will flow, but please try not to spread (~175 wpm is fine). Thank you and have fun!
Hello! My name is Adrielle and it looks like I'm your judge for today.
I am a former debater, did Public Forum for quite a while in high school, so I'm going to be evaluating your arguments on cohesion and the mechanics of what you're doing in a round. Please, prioritize clean link-chains and well-crafted arguments over repeating the same catchphrases.
I am down for spreading as long as you're speaking clearly (and have a good internet connection, should it be an online tournament). Clash during cross is fantastic, and I will not dock points for intensity and passion, but I will for outright aggression. Be sure that you're not resorting to attacking your opponent directly or being nasty, but genuine clash and teasing out their case's flaws is absolutely welcome.
Lastly, I enjoy genuine weighing especially if you name and properly use one of the mechanisms (time-frame, probability, scope, and magnitude) and prove why your side has won. I'm open to funky arguments and small-scale impacts if you can prove to me why they're uniquely caused/prevented on your side and are actually meaningful.
Overall, I hope you and your team have a blast at this tournament, and I will see you in round!