I'm a lawyer and have judged parli debates several times. I've also judged mock trials and moot court. I want to hear the strongest and most credible evidence that supports your position. Sometimes less is more. I like debaters that anticipate their opponents' arguments and try to steal their thunder. As for style, I don't care if you talk fast so long you are clear and understandable. Respect your opponent. To quote the Bard, "And do as adversaries do in law, strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends." 

I am the head coach at a high school in the Bay Area California. I am a competent judge, but you will take my word for it because I have not had the time to write a proper paradigm. Vote for me!

Director of Forensics at Bentley School, Lafayette
High school and college experience

I flow the round, but I promise there is a high probability that I will get lost if you go too fast or jump around with your arguments. You’ll benefit from signposting and staying organized. I prefer fleshed out arguments and not blips. Don’t assume I know theory. If something is a voting issue, explain it to me. Always tell me "why".

I’ve spent many years coaching speech events and I appreciate quality public speaking skills, along with respect towards your teammate and opponents.

By the end of the round, you need to tell me why I should be voting for you over your opponent. What are the voting issues and how do your impacts outweigh your opponent's impacts?

I listen closely for precision in language that clearly expresses the debater's ideas. I’m also listening for an overarching story supported by individual contentions, which are in turn further supported and explained.

In a debate format where citing specific evidence is not required, debate that is persuasive still must be informed. Sweeping generalizations are generally not persuasive. Supporting evidence needs to be based on generally-accepted truths.

I value debate where it’s clear that debaters have listened to one another closely and address arguments in a reasonable manner.

In awarding speaker points, I care most about clarity and speakers that use their own voice in an authentic, persuasive manner.

I’m a retired high school English teacher. I spent the last five years of my career teaching speech and debate in addition to AP English.

I'm a lay, parent judge. This is my third year judging Lincoln Douglas Debate. I have judged both Novice and Varsity: however, I do not understand spreading or progressive arguments. I prefer the typical conversational speed. The rate of delivery doesn't weigh heavily on my decision as long as I'm able to understand. Some tips that you might want to take into consideration are:

1. Being assertive is good, but please don't be offensive or overly aggressive.

2. I like a great Cross-Examination.

3. Having good evidence comparison is an added bonus, don't just take into account that evidence is right on face

4. Framework debate is good, but I don't understand complex philosophies, so you will have to explain it very well

5. Please talk clearly and slowly.

Hello,

I am a parent/lay judge, and this is my first time judging. My daughter does debate, so I am fairly familiar with parli. I value tech over truth arguments and prefer a slower pace of speaking. Additionally, any discriminatory language will automatically result in a ballot for the opposing team. This includes sexism, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, etc. Just try to stay respectful in your claims.