PF - I like a clear and concise argument. If you’re giving your opening speech, I need a solid explanation of the topic and your overall argument.

For your rebuttal, make sure you roadmap your speech beforehand and give a direct response to your opponents. I do not want to have to do mental gymnastics to figure out your points or how you are responding to your opponents / building your own case.

I appreciate a concise and put together summary, something that tells me you’ve been paying attention and have been notetaking on your own speech and you opponents speech. For example, make sure you reference your partners rebuttal speech and their statements in questioning. Same goes for your Final Focus, although I would appreciate less speed talking and more direct statements. Do not write a 4 minute final focus and deliver it in 2 minutes.

In questioning, I don't have many preferences. My biggest thing is try not to dominate your opponent(s). If you ask them a question, let them speak and answer the question, and if you think their answer isn't suitable, have your partner bring it up in their next speech! Let's get as many questions through as possible.

My biggest thing for the ENTIRE debate is remembering that you’re a team, not just two people debating two other people. Working together is essential, and I will be focused on this throughout the round.

Congress - I will be more inclined to rank someone highly if they’re active in chamber. While I don’t mind pre-written speeches, if you’re delivering a pre-written speech AFTER the 3rd cycle of AFF/NEG speeches, I will not be as enticed by your ability. If you’re able to write a good rebuttal speech using pre-assembled points but connecting already given arguments in chamber, I will enjoy you more. Also, I will be less inclined to give you higher speaking points if you’re breaking cycle in order to give a speech; I do not value 3 straight AFF/NEG speeches.

As speeches go, don’t preach to me. You’re trying to convince your fellow congresspeople to vote for your side, give me evidence and confident points over strictly diction. However, make sure you have an opening and closing with character. Give me something that tells me who you are. I don’t mind reading from a laptop, but make sure you’re talking to your audience, and not you computer. Most of all, just have fun.

In terms of questioning, I don't like very convoluted statements. You as the questioner should not take more than 10 seconds to ask your question. Let the person finish answering the question before you continue to press them. After all, you're asking them the question, let them answer it. In terms of answering, try your best to answer the question, and don't be afraid to admit you don't know something. Make sure you let the questioner have their time and don't interrupt them while they ask them. Lastly, and this goes for everyone: don't be rude! Everyone is working on 3 hours of sleep and caffeine, don't make it harder for all of us by being mean to anyone in chamber.