First year parent judge.

Congress: I have I so far judged varsity Congress once, as the very first time. I appreciate your patience in case my feedback does not come through fast enough for your next round or subsequent competition. You all amaze me even finding the courage to walk in and talk about affirmation and negation on tough topics.

Typically my ratings are based on National Forensic League training guidance between 3-6, entered as you're speaking so you have some minimal feedback on how I decided on final score for individual speech and eventual ranking. 3=Mediocre, 4=Proficient, 5=Excellent, 6=Superior

Examples: Originality of Thought, Organization and Unity, Evidence and Logic, Presentation and mutual respect.

My favorite part is how you handle questioning of your speech. Additionally, I look for senators who chose to either affirm/negate but based on the arguments presented chosen to vote for/against.

Time permitting, constructive written feedback in the comments will be provided. My overall rankings take into account your entire performance in the round as compared to your fellow senators.

Speech Events: First year judging speech. I come to spend by Saturday afternoons to be amazed by the young mind and how you future generations try and help mold our future. The very first thing I look for is how easy is to follow and interesting presentation (while also satisfying rules/objective of particular event) , they generally rises to the top of the rankings in my rounds. A request, kindly state your introductions/interesting openings as clearly as possible ( without rushing) as it allows me follow the rest of your presentation.

Current Experience:

Co-Advisor for Marvin Ridge HS Speech & Debate Club

Parent of Cuthbertson HS Speech Student

Have been judging as a parent and an advisor for 2 years now (LD, PF & Speech)

Spanish & French Teacher, National Honor Society Advisor

Previous Experience:

Directed HS theatre program & taught a speech course (also HS level)

Managed a business for 15 years

Values:

DEBATE: I value good delivery and awareness of the audience for debate events. No "spreading" please. Make good use of your cross-fires, be respectful. Interesting and innovative contentions can be stimulating, but make sure that you have good citations to ground in reality, not speculation.

SPEECH: For speech, I have no hold-ups for possible "triggers" in material. I will react as an audience member. I value good use of evidence and organized delivery, especially for info, extemp, impromptu, etc. Random movement and pacing is a distractor. Always happy to enjoy a great speech or performance!

I take contemporaneous notes, so they will flow in the order of your speech, from execution comments to suggestions, and analysis of structure. I am happy to give immediate verbal feedback to all competitors to help with any improvements that can be made, if time allows.

I am a very new Judge (Just started this year and this event Laird Lewis 2023 will be the 2nd event I am judging at). I love when participants come off organic and not super performative. It is a fine balance between measured/thoughtful before crossing the line to controlled and robotic. I am a big fan of thinking outside the box and putting your own spin on whatever it is you are taking about/debating.

Traditional LD judge. This is not policy. I look for a solid clash of values throughout and would prefer that you avoid jargon as much as possible. A thoughtful and well-supported value structure is more important to me than individual cards.

I prefer that when you are speaking you speak clearly. If you are talking too fast and I miss some of your information I consider that to be your fault.

I do not mind if you sit or stand.

NSDA endorsed speech coach.

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

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

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

I'm a parent judge and I like it when debate/speech is clear and easy to understand.

I've been judging LD debate since the fall of 2000. I prefer more conversation delivery as opposed to spread. I still put a lot of weight into framework arguments vs my card is better than your card arguments. Speaking of that it is possible to persuade without a card if using a common sense argument it then falls upon the opponent to use common sense to rebut the argument rather than just: "My opponent doesn't have a card for that." This does not apply to specific amounts. For example, if you were to claim that Mossism has 50,000 adherents, I'd need a card. Common sense arguments follow lines of basic logic. Also, please please please please Signpost as you go down the flow.

This is my first year (and tournament) judging congressional debate or NSDA in general, so to be concise I'm looking for the ability to influence your peers through not only your words but your tone and actions too. Overall, just be clear and don't rush too fast or I won't be able to understand your arguments and claims. Make sure to stay strong during questioning too and to not look pressured because I'm really looking forward to strong debaters.

I am a veteran secondary science teacher with a passion for seeing students grow by taking academic and personal risks to expand their skills and experience. 

With my science background, I focus on content and validity of information. Make sure your references are timely and relevant. 

Be respectful to me and your fellow competitors. It is very important to me that everyone is treated with dignity and equality. 

Do not speak so quickly that you lose me, or your competing colleague, in your flow or take the focus away from your argument. I will be looking for a clear framework with strong supporting evidence. Using your argument with creativity is more important than how strong it may be. 

I will do my best to provide specific feedback on ways to improve your speech and debate skills; we are all lifelong learners.

Good Luck!

Hello,

I am mostly experienced in judging OO, DI, USX, INF, and IMP.

For speeches, I consider both content and poise. If you have written your own speech, I strongly consider the organization, flow, use of language, and clarity of the content.

Your body language, facial features, and general poise should be mature, fluid, and natural.

Speech should be clear, and pace and volume should enhance your presentation.

For debates, I am considering the clarity, order, logic, and evidence of your position. To that end, if you are spreading, I may not be able to fairly and accurately assess you. Remember, you are convincing me, so I need to effectively understand your position and evidence.