I like a traditional, value-centric debate. The clash of value / criterion is critical, and supporting contentions should be clearly linked. I do not mind unique approaches to the topics, but I prefer the focus to reaming on the value clash and ability to show its influence on the contentions and evidence chosen. Extended analysis can include social impact, both pro and con.

I have over a decade judging debate and four years of debating LD and Policy. While I understand the sport aspects of debate currently in play my judging still relies on proper analysis and links, a strong understanding of the theories you present and your ability to frame the information you are using into a coherent meta-narrative. With a background in applied ethics I do consider myself more of a traditional judge and value an understanding of the philosophy at play.

LD Debate- focus on values. Why is your value better than another's? Explain and analyze values and criteria please! How do you uphold your criterion and/or how do you uphold your opponent's criterion? Show me and tell me why a dropped argument matters. If, on the flow, your opponent drops one or more of your salient points, tell me why that matters and analyze that argument in order to carry it through for you. Be cordial, especially during CX, be professional and have fun. The point is to clash and to learn.

I find that it is best to judge on what's being said and understood rather than the largest amount of evidence presented. I want to see competitors use their voice to convince me of their position rather than sprout out tons of pieces of evidence. I want ethos, pathos and logos in your arguments. That being said, I need to hear the arguments so rate of speech is key for me, especially in cross examination.

If you are sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist you will lose my vote.

About me:

I was a policy debater in the 90s.

Congress:

I want to see good speeches with meaning, not just a lot of speeches. You'll win more points from me with one better defined speech than three poor speeches. Be respectful of your fellow senators.

CX:

I lean toward a tabula rasa mindset when it comes to CX. I want to see a good clean debate, tell me where you win and how. I look at the flow and see where the winning points are and the better policy option wins.

LD:

This style of debate should not be able cramming as much information as possible into your speech. Speak clearly.

LD is a values debate and should be won based on how you best uphold your value. State your value and value criterion clearly. Then explicitly link your arguments and criterions back to these.

The weight of decision goes too who best upholds their value and/or can incorporate their opponent's value into their own.

All Debaters:

Just because a weak argument has been dropped doesn't mean you'll win on this point. If you have 10 points and lose on 9 but your opponent drops one you'll still lose.

I am the time keeper and my time piece is right. I don't mind self timing but don't bother with "and time starts now" when you start talking I'll start my time. I give hand signals starting at 3 minutes.

I don't find tricks where you paint your opponent into a box they cannot debate in convincing. Everyone has prepared for the same topic, let's debate on that.

Finally, treat each other with respect.

Add me to the card exchange: DebateDrea@yahoo.com