I am a former policy debater (and 2003 IR WA state champ, yo.) and current English teacher (11th grade, AP Lang and Comp) and debate coach in Eastern WA. I have mostly judged policy the past few years, but am very familiar with public forum as well. As far as my judging paradigm, I will listen to anything you want to try and sell me on. The weirder you go, the stronger your link chains need to be. Tell me exactly where to flow things when we get into the weeds so that I can find them when you want me to; I expect roadmaps at the top of speeches and appreciate good signposting.

For policy: I am not a fan of running a ton of off case on the neg with the plan to kick a bunch of it later. It isn't an immediate voter, but will probably harm your speaking points, because it stops really good clash from happening and wastes everyone's time. I would rather listen to the things you actually find relevant to your case. When running T, be sure you have super clear criteria for why the team does not meet your definitions. I'm fine with speed, but if you are really unclear, I probably won't tell you, I will just not get everything you want me to get. Only spread if you are able to do so with clarity.

For all debate styles: above all else: impacts, impacts, impacts! I need to know why the things you say are going to happen matter, and I need to see a path to get there. Re specifics on speeches: Give your own. I won 't flow anything that is verbally given by your partner or anything the non-speaking partner says to the judge. There is a reason speeches are split, and they should stay that way. AMA else in round.

2023-2024: Engage me with your thoughts, arguments, questions, and personality. I want you to leave an impression, to know you're passionate about the topic at hand. Although I'm judging, remember you have the floor, it is your space...OWN IT.

Be respecful to your competitor during this process. Speed doesn't bother me as long as you can articulate your points well.

A great debater is like a skilled artisan, meticulously crafting compelling arguments and presenting them with eloquence and finesse. They possess a deep understanding of the subject matter.

Great debaters are not just assertive; they are active listeners, attuned to the nuances of their opponents' arguments, ready to counter with the precision. Their words carry weight, like a seasoned poet who weaves verses that resonate with both reason and emotion.

Flexibility is their forte, adapting to the shifting tides of discourse with the agility of a seasoned dancer. They navigate the complexities of the debate floor with the strategic acumen of a grandmaster playing a chess match, always thinking several moves ahead.

What sets a great debater apart is not just their ability to argue persuasively but their commitment to intellectual integrity with confidence.

In essence, a great debater is a multifaceted performer. They elevate the debate from a mere exchange of words to a captivating performance, leaving a lasting impression on both the audience and their intellectual adversaries.

Hello! I'm Peri (she/her) and I debated for Mount Vernon HS in Washington doing LD for 3 years in high school. I am also a part-time, de-facto assistant coach for the Mount Vernon team, and I'm starting my own at the school I currently teach at-- I've never really left the debate community, so I know a bit of the norms and I know what's going on. I have my Bachelor's in International Studies focused on Peace and Conflict Resolution in the Middle East and North Africa, and my Master's in International Relations (meaning I know more about the Middle East than the average person) Here is my email if you need it... periannakb@gmail.com

Congress:

A huge pet peeve of mine is 3...2..1 and my time starts on my first word. I wont start your timer until you start speaking. I promise.

Substance > Style

Don't rehash, bring up new points prevalent to the debate. I love to see refutation particularly after the first two speeches. Please, lets move on if we are just going to say the same thing over and over.

Every time you speak in a session, it gives me more reasons to rank you at the end of the round. Fight to give those speeches and use questions! Don't let any of that direct questioning time go to waste!!!

LD:

A huge pet peeve of mine is 3...2..1 and my time starts on my first word. I wont start your timer until you start speaking. I promise.

I did traditional LD in high school. I am a traditional LD judge. You can run some arguments but disguise them as more traditional and focus on that style to keep me a happy judge. Take that into account. Don't spread I won't understand. Explain your arguments clearly and you'll be fine. No Meta-Ethics or trix.

Side note: Please make sure you are educated on the 2024 Jan/Feb LD topic... I don't want to hear arguments that are factually untrue, and I'm excited for well-informed debates that get into the depths of this subject! I've written articles on this topic that you could use as a card-- I know it well.

PF:

A huge pet peeve of mine is 3...2..1 and my time starts on my first word. I wont start your timer until you start speaking. I promise.

I'm judging more and more pufo these days. I like clear, well organized constructives. Don't just read everything one note. I appreciate that public forum is supposed to be different than LD and Policy. Keep it that way.

Random framework arguments about the intent of the topic aren't going to work for me. If things change in the status quo, you need to be prepared to discuss them.

TLDR: Substance first. Depth over Breadth. Speed mostly fine (Yes Clarity still matters -_-). K's n stuff fine. Not the biggest fan of T. Be organized.

I don't usually count flashing as prep unless it becomes a problem. Only ever had a problem in Policy and (funnily enough) Pufo rounds.

Email: graythesun@gmail.com

Pronouns: He/Him

Prep:

All Prep is running prep. I'm not setting a timer, I'm using a stopwatch for all prep. Watch your own time.

Flex-Prep is valid. As in, asking questions during Prep time. I prefer if Flex-prep is more used for clarifying arguments rather then finding tricky questions... you had your chance in CX.

Framework:

As a judge I really like framework, it tends to make for an easier decision. I.E. some arguments that are argued don't really fit within frameworks in round, and I can just drop them. If there are competing frameworks I expect you to debate them, and end up with one superseding the other. That being said... if you have the same or similar frameworks, unless you're gonna describe what the nuanced difference is and how that changes the valuation in round, it's almost better to just agree that the Fw's are the same.

Contention level:

I definitely prefer depth of argumentation over breadth, knowing your evidence is key to educating yourself on the topic. I will always buy a warrant from your evidence that's well explained and utilized over one that isn't. A lot of responses to arguments made against a card can be found within the card itself. This doesn't mean you should just re-read the card. This does not mean that you can reread your card or tagline and be good.

Hello! I'm looking forward to judging your debate!

This is my first year being involved with debate, but I'm learning fast and I'm excited to hear your arguments. My experience so far is mostly with Public Forum and these are the things I consider when casting my ballot:

Clear contentions that flow all the way to the end. Don't drop something along the way or it won't help your argument when I'm making my decision. Also, don't let your opponent's arguments go uncontested!

Emphasize the impact. If your side has a larger positive impact you should make sure to point that out! Does the other side cause serious harm? Bring that up!

Logical arguments. Any evidence used should be relevant and have clear connections to your contentions. Your analysis of that evidence is equally important. If you don't know your stuff it will be obvious during cross.

Remember that even though this is a competition we are here to have a good time! Treat everyone with respect at all times. Actions mean as much as words. Good luck!

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 have debated and judged Public Forum for a combined 7 years now. I currently am the head coach and started the debate program at Shadle Park and have judged Public Forum and LD.

Please cover the flow and dropping a significant contention will make it hard for you to win. If your opponent dropped an argument don't say, "they dropped it" emphasize why it matters and why that alone should allow you to win. With that being said in your own case if a contention is not working leave it alone and do not waste your time on it.

Anything short of spreading I should be ok with. If you go too fast I will tell you to go slower and simply adjust and you will be fine.

I appreciate good plans and counter plans when done effective. In Public Forum I will rarely vote against someone's use of a "Point of advocacy" unless it is clearly over the top. Put simply saying something is a counter plan and leaving at that will almost never win that point for you.

Do not be afraid to use other tricky framework or tricky arguments because I love those when done effectively. It is not enough to simply say your opponents framework is abusive but rather explain why. I like both statistical and the use of logic in a case. When these are put together effectively that to me is the best case.

Aggression in CX will never hurt you as long as you're not over the top and rude.

Debate should have emotion and nothing is worst than having to sit through bland speech after bland speech. Debate like you believe what you are talking about.

Voters: Voters will almost always decide the round for me. I love debaters who crystalize the round throughout. The last speech should be primarily focused on giving good voters. THE BIGGEST THING I LOOK FOR IS ROUND CRYSTALLIZATION!

Please do not ask me if you can time yourselves. You are welcome to and I do not care.

Speaker points are stupid and arbitrary but typically I stick to the following scale. Most good debates will fall into the 27-29 category.

30: Best Speaker at tourney

28-29: Very Good

27: Good

24-26 Decent

Below 24: Major things to work on for the level of competition you are in

As we embark on this journey of exchanging ideas and perspectives, I would like to offer a few words of guidance to enhance the quality of your performance:

1. Clarity is Key: Articulate your arguments with clarity and precision. Ensure that your points are easily understood by both judges and the audience.
2. Depth Over Breadth: Focus on developing a few strong arguments rather than presenting numerous shallow points. Provide in-depth analysis and evidence to support your key claims.
3. Engage in Constructive Clash: Challenge your opponents' arguments with well-reasoned rebuttals. Foster a sense of constructive clash by directly engaging with opposing ideas.
4. Time Management: Use your allocated time wisely. Avoid rushing through your points or overemphasizing one aspect at the expense of others. Prioritize key arguments and allocate time proportionally.
5. Speak with Confidence: Confidence in delivery enhances the impact of your arguments. Maintain a steady pace, and remember that clarity of expression contributes to the persuasiveness of your case.
6. Sportsmanship: Respect your fellow debaters. Uphold the principles of fair play. Acknowledge valid points from the opposing team and engage in a spirit of healthy competition.
7. Make it interesting: I am a freshman in college, and I haven't judged before so please make it a little interesting.

Best of luck to each one of you. Have a great competition.

Ishaan Venkat