NHSDLC Fall Online VI
2023 — CN
Public Forum Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HideNGALULA JOJO
AGE:23
COLLEGE:NANJING UNIVERSITY OF POST AND TELECOMMUNICATION
CURRENT OCCUPANCY:STUDENT
1. What types of debates have you participated before and how long is your debate career?
I did debate when I was in high school went up to provincial level in 2017 and 2018.
2. How do you consider fast talking?
I don’t mind fast talking but I do prefer moderate and composed talking. Talking fast can result in poor word articulation and the judges might miss crucial argument moreover I think value over volume.
3.How do you consider aggressiveness?
Arguments should be presented with passion but always be respectful and professional. Keep in mind that, the main aim should be to persuade others with logic and especially the mechanism and not by intimidation or hostility.
4. How do you usually determine the winner of the debate?
I take into consideration the entire debate before determining the team which wins. The team which has the most persuasive argument and is backed by logic.
5. Please specify any additional notes you want to share with debaters, including any unique preferences of the debate?
It's extremely important that your arguments are presented as clear as possible with proper breakdown so that I can follow along and it needs to be backed up with relevant evidence. I do prefer debaters who are able to conduct themselves professionally by remaining calm and collected during the debate by avoiding personal attacks. Lastly, don’t go on tangents and give irrelevant arguments do your best to stick to the topic.
JUDGE PARADIGM
NAME: ARLENA NJOKI WAITHANJI
AGE: 23 YEARS
CURRENT OCCUPANCY: UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT.
DEBATE ETIQUETTE
Personally, I prefer a moderate-paced speaker as I feel that this allows the debater to clearly articulate their points and guarantees them that all their points are heard by the judges. The debaters should also be confident and explain their arguments clearly. During the debate, certain virtues and manners should be observed. The debaters should not be aggressive towards their opponents because as much as this is a competition, it is also an opportunity for the debaters to learn. In this regard, the debating environment should therefore be calm, and everyone accorded the time and space allocated to them to present their motion without disruption.
DECISION MAKING PROCESS
During the debate I employ the format of establishing what claim the debater presented, their justification for the claim and the impact of the claim. In addition to this I look at the logic plus the evidence presented by the debaters to establish who the winner is. Concerning impact, I encourage students to provide justification and demonstrate feasibility. This is because some students might present quantitative data without explaining the mechanism or providing a link to how these outcomes will be achieved.
I would also like to convey to the students the importance of clearly convincing me, as the judge, about what they mean and why their arguments are unique. It is not my role to interpret their claims in any way. They should be persuasive and make a compelling case for why they should win the various contentions they are championing. Additionally, I suggest using crossfire to challenge opponents and attempt to weaken their arguments by addressing any loopholes they might have. Failure to do so only strengthens the opponent's position.
SPEAKER POINTS
When I am allocating speaker points, they vary in different aspects. I consider the English proficiency, manner of delivery, articulation, and overall presentation. Moreover, I assess how well students respond to questions and engage with their opponents during crossfire. In addition to penalizing the use of abusive language and intentional falsification of evidence, I also take into account the organization and clarity of their arguments, as well as their ability to adapt to unexpected challenges or counterarguments. These factors collectively contribute to the overall evaluation and scoring of each participant.
Moderate speaking is preferred. Given that English may not be the first language for many students, clarity could become an issue. Therefore, I advise students to speak moderately to ensure that all their points are heard clearly by both the judge and their opponents. This helps avoid situations I've encountered before where the opposing team asks for a repetition of contentions. However, if you are confident in your pronunciation, then a quicker pace is acceptable to me.
I am eagerly looking forward to learning, listening to, and interacting with all the teams in the debate.
Public Forum (PF) Debate Judge Paradigm:
Background: As a PF debate judge, I appreciate well-reasoned arguments, clarity, and effective communication. I value depth of analysis and strategic use of evidence. I encourage debaters to engage in clash, respond to opponents' arguments, and communicate with a broad audience.
Expectations:
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Clarity and Organization: Clear, organized, and signposted speeches are crucial. Make it easy for me to follow your arguments and responses.
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Evidence and Analysis: Support your arguments with relevant evidence, but don't forget to analyze and explain the implications. Quality over quantity when it comes to evidence.
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Crossfire: Engage in productive crossfire. Use it strategically to highlight weaknesses in your opponent's case and strengthen your own.
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Impact Calculus: Explain the significance of your arguments. Tell me why your impacts matter more than your opponents'.
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Respect: Maintain a respectful tone. Be persuasive without being overly aggressive. Encourage a constructive debate atmosphere.
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Flexibility: Adapt to the flow of the round. Flexibility in strategy and argumentation is appreciated.
Original Oratory (OO) Judge Paradigm:
Background: As an OO judge, I am looking for compelling storytelling, effective use of rhetoric, and a speaker who can captivate the audience. I appreciate creativity, passion, and a clear message.
Expectations:
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Engagement: Connect with the audience. Keep me engaged throughout your speech.
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Clarity of Message: Clearly articulate your main message. Ensure that your speech has a clear purpose and takeaway.
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Delivery: Pay attention to pacing, intonation, and overall delivery. A well-delivered speech enhances the impact of your message.
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Emotional Appeal: Don't be afraid to evoke emotions. A good balance of logic and emotion can make your speech memorable.
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Creativity: Be creative in your approach. Whether it's in your language, examples, or structure, originality stands out.
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Timing: Respect the time limits. Practice to ensure that your speech fits within the allocated time.
Impromptu Speaking Judge Paradigm:
Background: As an Impromptu judge, I value adaptability, quick thinking, and effective communication. I understand the constraints of the format and appreciate speakers who can navigate them successfully.
Expectations:
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Clear Structure: Despite the limited preparation time, organize your thoughts coherently. Have a clear introduction, main points, and conclusion.
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Relevance: Address the topic directly. Stay focused on the key aspects of the prompt.
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Use of Examples: Support your points with relevant examples. Quality examples can enhance the persuasiveness of your impromptu speech.
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Delivery: Maintain good eye contact and vary your delivery. Confidence in impromptu speaking is often key.
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Adaptability: Be ready to adapt. If a certain approach isn't working, be flexible enough to switch gears.
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Use of Time: Use your time wisely. A well-paced impromptu speech is more effective than one rushed or dragged.
I have experience judging PF debates both online and offline with NHSDLC over the past several months. When it comes to speaking speed, I find that a moderate pace is preferable for clear communication and easy understanding.
In terms of aggressiveness, it can be effective if done respectfully. Maintaining a professional tone is crucial, and personal attacks or disruptive gestures are never acceptable.
To determine the winner, I focus on the coherence and accuracy of arguments, the quality of evidence, and the persuasiveness of the debater's delivery. I don't entertain new arguments in the summary speech, emphasizing the consolidation of main points. The winner is typically the debater with the strongest, well-supported arguments and effective rebuttals. The goal is a respectful and informative exchange of ideas, with the winner being the one who best achieves that objective.
I am fervently engaged in debate and public speaking. With six years of diverse debate participation, I emphasize clarity, articulate arguments, and a balanced approach. Advocating for respectful discourse, I value passion but caution against excessive aggressiveness. My evaluation criteria include content strength, logical reasoning, evidence quality, and persuasiveness. Framework clarity, evidence reliability, and efficient time management are pivotal in my assessments. As an objective adjudicator, I encourage debaters to present compelling and relevant cases while maintaining a respectful tone.
Good luck to all!
Approach: As a judge, I prioritize evaluating arguments based on their logical strength, evidence, and persuasive impact. I carefully listen to each speaker, assessing their content, delivery, and organization.
Adjudication Criteria: I assess arguments based on their clarity, coherence, and relevance to the topic. I value well-researched positions supported by credible evidence. Effective delivery, including vocal variety, gestures, and eye contact, also influences my evaluation.
Feedback: I provide constructive feedback to participants, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement. I focus on providing specific suggestions to help speakers enhance their argumentation, delivery, and overall performance.
Adaptability: I adapt my judging style to different events and formats, recognizing the unique requirements and expectations of each category.
Impartiality: I approach each round with an unbiased mindset, ensuring a fair assessment of all participants regardless of their background or affiliation
Tinaye Tsinakwadi
Tournaments judged in the past year
- more than 11 tournaments in the past year
- seasoned judge (+5 years of judging experience)
How many notes I take during the debate
- I try to take notes on everything.
- Details are essential to me, and I will analyze every major contention and write it down.
The main job of the summary speech
- Highlight major points of the clash and show how your team won.
- I prefer for summary speeches to be in retrospect of the entire debate.
- So less about raising arguments, but rather putting arguments to rest.
On a scale of 1-10, How important is defining the topic to my decision making (2)
- Unless it is an addition on top of the common definition.
- I prefer the standard definition, not arguing over technicalities.
How important is a framework to my decision making (5)
- more concerned with the consistency of your framework
- is it aligning well with your arguments
- can I trace back your decision-making to that framework etc?
How important is crossfire in my decision making (6)
- mostly using it to validate your arguments.
- use it to check whether your points hold weight.
- also to see which contention is better, should they clash.
- can be more crucial, in checking whether you can stand by your arguments, in the face of opposition.
How important is weighing in my decision making (8)
- Being able to compare and contrast is important to me.
- I need to know you can address your opponent's points and still show why yours are more important.
How important is persuasive speaking and non-verbal communication in my decision-making (2)
- It's better to sell your arguments.
- I encourage you to do it but won't penalize you if you don't.
How fast should students speak (7)
- I don't mind speed, but be eloquent and deliver your arguments well.
- If you are taking gasps of air, you are speaking too fast between speeches.
- Slightly above average would be the ideal speed for me.
As a judge in debate and speech competitions, my primary goal is to provide fair and constructive feedback to participants while evaluating their performance.
I prefer that fewer arguments surpass many weak ones in terms of persuasiveness and should be addressed each at a time.
A framework is an essential roadmap for how the speaker will approach the debate. Without a framework, I might get lost in the details of the debate and lose sight of the big picture, so I consider a framework as an essentialpart of the debate.
Rebuttals should elaborate on each point made by the debaters in their persuasive speeches.
If you want to give evidence mention it from citation details like the author, year, or source.
I expect participants to articulate their ideas in a clear and concise manner, using logical reasoning and evidence to support their claims.
Oral prompting is acceptable in crossfire and all 4 debaters should participate in Grand Cross.
The debaters are expected to keep the discussion on the resolution's major aspects.
I have no opinion based on critical arguments. Just debate the resolution.
Each debater has an equal ability to prove the validity of his or her side of the resolution as a general principle during arguments.
Be courteous and not bully.
I will also evaluate how well speakers engage with their audience through eye contact, vocal projection, and body language.
Speak clearly using good oral communication skills.
Communicate with your opponents.
During the debate, I will evaluate each speaker based on their individual performance rather than comparing them to other participants.
K@sh
Age: 30 years
University: NCWU
Current Occupancy (Student in college, or career field): Student of Phd
1. What types of debate have you participated before and how long is your debate career?
I have participated in academic debates, environmental conferences, and training and development-related debates. My debate career spans nearly three years as a professional, following the completion of my degree. I also engaged in debate activities intermittently during my educational journey.
2.How do you consider fast-talking?
Fast talking in debates, also called "spreading," means talking really fast to say a lot in a short time. People do this to share many arguments and evidence, make good use of time, and sometimes confuse their opponents. But whether it's okay or not depends on the debate's rules and what's normal in that debate community. Speaking quickly can be good for covering a lot of ground, but it can also make things hard to understand for judges and the audience. So, debaters should speak in a way that fits the rules and what's expected in that particular debate. If it's clear and easy to follow, it's usually fine.
3.How do you consider aggressiveness?
I consider aggressiveness as a factor in evaluating debaters. It can be effective when it conveys passion and assertiveness in presenting arguments and engaging withopponents. However, it must remain respectful and professional, avoiding personal attacks and derogatory language. Aggressiveness should be accompanied by well-reasoned arguments and effective rebuttals, and it should enhance audience engagement without causing confusion or hostility. Rule adherence is crucial, and excessive aggressiveness, such as interruptions or dominating the discussion, should be avoided to maintain a balanced and productive debate environment.
4.How do you usually determine the winner of the debate?
As a debate judge, I evaluate debaters based on a set of key criteria, including the strength of arguments, effectiveness of rebuttals, clarity and organization, use of credible evidence, respectful conduct, time management, adaptability, adherence to the debate format and awareness of resolution. The winning debater or team excels in these areas by effectively presenting their case, countering opposing arguments, following the rules, and maintaining a respectful demeanor. Clarity, credible evidence, impact full rebuttals, and adaptability are particularly valued. It's essential for debaters to tailor their approach to the specific debate's rules and expectations, as judges may have different preferences.
5. Please specify any additional notes you want to share with debaters, including any unique preference of the debate.
As a judge, I value well-structured and clear arguments that are supported by relevant evidence and logical reasoning. I appreciate debaters who engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, focusing on the substance of the argument rather than personal attacks. Please be concise and to the point in your responses, and avoid going off-topic. It's important to address your opponent's points directly and provide counterarguments or rebuttals where necessary. Additionally, while passion is important, I encourage debaters to maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout the debate. Remember that clarity, relevance, and logical coherence are key to winning the debate in my view.
6. How many Lincoln- Douglas Debate tournaments have you judged in the past year?
A. 0-5
7. How many tournament have you judged in the past year?
6-10
8. How many notes d you take during a debate?
I write down the points that I think are important.
9. What is the main job of the summary?
Highlight the major clash points and show how your team won them.
10. How important is defining the topic to your decision making? (1 -10)
10
11. How important is framework to your decision making?
9
12. How important is crossfire in your decision making?
7
13. How important is weighing in your decision making?
7
14. How important is persuasive speaking and non-verbal communication in decision making?
10
15. How fast should student speak?
8
I look out for objectiveness, evidence, and the capacity to rebut well to make
my decision. I believe every debater stands an equal chance to win a debate no matter which side he or
she is on.
Debaters must make sure they are not only attacking their opponent’s claims but also defending theirs to win clashes.
Including evidence from currents happenings to justify your point can increase your chances of winning a clash
Leaving your opponent’s points unrebutted may score your opponent some points in my evaluation.
Name: JUDGE PIUS
I am Pius Mwangi, an experienced debate judge with a preference for moderate-paced speakers. My background includes active participation in both junior and senior debates during high school, which has provided me with a profound understanding of debate dynamics and argumentation techniques. As a judge, I prioritize fair and impartial evaluation, assessing debates based on the strength of arguments, the quality of evidence, and effective communication. I appreciate a balance between substance and style, valuing both strong arguments and engaging delivery. Relevance to the topic is crucial in my assessments, and I emphasize clarity, logical coherence, use of evidence, and rebuttal skills. I am dedicated to providing constructive feedback to help debaters improve, and I am meticulous about timekeeping to ensure fairness. Beyond judging, I am committed to mentoring and supporting young debaters, nurturing their persuasive communication skills and passion for debate.
1. How many tournaments have you judged in the past year?
6-10 TOURNAMENTS
2. How many notes do you take during a debate?
I TRY TO TAKE NOTES ON EVERYTHING
3. What is the main job of the summary speech?
HIGHLIGHT THE MAJOR POINTS OF CLASH AND SHOW HOW YOUR TEAM WON THEM
ON A SCALE OF 1–10.
4. How important is defining the topic to your decision-making?
5
5. How important is framework to your decision making?
3
6. How important is cross-fire in your decision-making?
7
7. How important is weighing in your decision-making?
9
8. How important are persuasive speaking and non-verbal communication in your decision-making?
8
9. How fast should students speak?
FAST PACED IS OKAY, BUT I PREFER MODERATE SPEAKING AS IT EASIER FOR ME TO NOTE ALL THE MAJOR POINTS IN YOUR ARGUMENTS AND TO FOLLOW THROUGH.
Judge philosophies
- judge’s name: Moirah Sithole
- Tell us about your debate judging experience.
- I have judged Public Forum debate for more than a year.
3. Tell us about your debating experience.
- I have debated Public Forum for more than a year.
4. What is your speaking speed preference?
- TED talk speed (150-200wpm)
5. How much do you know about the topic?
- I regularly read news about this topic. It's an interest of mine
6. Do you think the second rebuttal speaker should be expected to respond directly to the first rebuttal speaker (frontlining)?
- Yes, if the second rebuttal doesn't respond to the first rebuttal I consider it a dropped argument
- How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?
- It's somewhat important. I use my notes to aid me in making my decision.
- What factors go into your decision as to who wins the debate?
The following are the factors that goes into to my decision as to who wins the debate:
1. Content and Argumentation: l assess the strength of each team's arguments, evidence, and reasoning presented during the debate. This includes the clarity of the arguments, the relevance of the evidence cited, and the logic of the reasoning.
2. Clash and Rebuttal: l then evaluate how well each team engages with and responds to the arguments made by the opposing team. Effective rebuttals that address the key points raised by the other side and highlight weaknesses in their arguments are important.
3. Organization and Structure: l also look at how well each team organizes their case, presents their arguments in a logical and coherent manner, and provides a clear roadmap for the debate.
4. Delivery and Presentation: l consider the speaking skills of the debaters, including their clarity, confidence, and ability to effectively communicate their arguments to the audience.
5. Crossfire Performance: l sometimes also take into account how well debaters perform during the crossfire, where they engage in direct questioning and answering with the opposing team.
6. Impact and Weighing: l further assess the overall impact of each team's arguments and weigh the significance of the impacts presented. Debaters are expected to explain why their arguments are more important or have a greater impact than those of the opposing team.
7. Use of Evidence: l also evaluate the quality and relevance of the evidence presented by each team to support their arguments. Debaters who use credible and well-supported evidence are often viewed more favorably.
8. Clarity of Final Focus: The final focus speeches are crucial in summarizing the key arguments and impacts of the debate. I pay attention to how well debaters crystallize their arguments and make a compelling case for why they should win.
- Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?
Debaters need to relax and enjoy the debate .
Kaye Esperanza G. Elizalde
Age: 27
College: University of Southeastern Philippines
Current Occupancy (Student in college, or career field): Public Speaking Coach
1. What types of debate have you participated in before and how long is your debate career?
I am an English Teacher from the Philippines since 2018 and have coached debaters as well. Since I have just recently moved in China, my first judging event was when I participated last WSDA Dec 2-3 Competition. I have judged both Middle School and High School Public Forum. I have also judged Spontaneous Debate as well as Original Oratory and Expository Speech.
2. How do you consider fast-talking?
Fast talking in general may be challenging for others to follow. It can be due to conveying excitement or delivering information with a sense of urgency. However, in Debate it is quite a talent to Fast Talk during Constructive and Rebuttals speeches since it is time limited. However, when one does fast talk yet cannot articulate well the words, it removes the purpose of giving information and will just be unclear for the receiver of the message.
3. How do you consider aggressiveness?
I view aggressiveness as a tool to overpower the opponent. It can also be used to show confidence in what you believe and are trying to say. It is being persuasive. In a debate, both parties must present their sides with ample assertiveness to persuade the judge about their claims, warrants and impacts to win. However, being aggressive alone still cannot impose certain victory. It’s only an aid to convince the people.
4. How do you usually determine the winner of the debate?
I always take down notes especially in the Constructive. Usually, both parties are starting strong about their claims. However, I notice that during Crossfires and Rebuttals, one team dominates the other. It’s about who can answer logically and with a more reasonable rebuttal. Also, I am looking for evidence that supports their contentions. Lastly, I am very particular with the team who cannot rebut quickly. It shows doubt towards their information and unpreparedness.
5. Please specify any additional notes you want to share with debaters, including any unique preference of the debate.
First, I tell them that whenever you deliver a speech, raise your volume 20% higher than your normal speaking voice. A lot of debaters are almost inaudible. Next, I tell them to think before you speak. Learn to conjure questions directly that the Judge and Opponents understand. Debate is time limited, most debaters waste Crossfires due to a lot of unnecessary phrases like repeating contentions rather than directly asking their questions. Lastly, I let them shake hands. To convey that both parties are strong and to accept that there will always be a winner and a loser.
Age: 27
College: JIANGSU UNIVERSITY
Current Occupancy (Student in college, or career field): Economics and International Trade Student / Business Owner.
How many tournaments have you judged in the past year?
- 6-10
How many notes do you take during a debate?
- I try to take notes on literally everything
What is the main job of the summary speech?
-Highlight the major points of clash and show how your team won them
How important is defining the topic to your decision-making?
- 3/10
How important is framework to your decision-making?
- 7/10
How important is crossfire in your decision-making?
- 5/10
How important is weighing in your decision-making?
- 8/10
How important is persuasive speaking and non-verbal communication in your decision-making?
- 4/10
How fast should students speak?
- 1-10 (feel free to speak as fast as you please)
What types of debate have you participated before, and how long is your debate career?
-High school Debate team (2 years)
-Model United Nations Debate, Jiangsu University, 2020.
-Host of Model United Nations Debate, Jiangsu University, 2021.
-Host of Model United Nations Debate, Jiangsu University, 2022.
How do you consider fast-talking?
-It can be a great skill and strategy to deploy during the debate.
-I consider speaking at around 300 words per minute to be fast, of course words should be clearly pronounced and consistent throughout the speech.
-I type at 100 wpm, so you can be confident I will be getting down everything you say.
How do you consider aggressiveness?
-When the debater is confrontational or actively attacks the opponent’s arguments (expected)
-On the extreme side, when the debater resorts to excessive interruptions, aggression, shouting or personal attacks towards their opponents to undermine their arguments (not tolerated).
How do you usually determine the winner of the debate?
Here are the 3 points I use to determine the winner:
-Clarity and organization: The debater who presents their arguments in a clear, logical, and well-structured manner.
-Strong arguments and evidence: The strength of the arguments presented, supported by relevant and compelling evidence.
-Rebuttal and refutation: Effectively addressing and countering opponents' arguments is crucial. The ability to identify weaknesses in opponents' positions, provide counterarguments, and refute their points with sound reasoning and evidence.
Please specify any additional notes you want to share with debaters, including any unique preference of the debate.
-Mutual respect and Politeness go a long way.
-Respect time.
2. 1-2 sentences to summarize your personal debate philosophy.
Debate should be based on facts and evidence provided.
3. How do you consider fast-talking?
I respect time management so l accept fast talking as long as the speaker is audible.
4. How do you consider aggressiveness?
It’s not necessary for a win …. Everything should be done in moderation showing respect for every debater.
5. How do you usually determine the winner of the debate? Briefly explain in 1-2 sentences
l consider all the facts given then compare the facts to the evidence provided .
6. Please specify any additional notes you want to share with debaters.
Debates should flow smoothly with the highest level of professionalism
I'm Sophie, a youthful, fervent judge who is thrilled to participate in your discussions. My judging philosophies are based on creating a learning atmosphere where precision, in-depth analysis, and flexibility are essential. I support debaters in honing their skills through helpful criticism, and I look forward to hearing compelling, well-structured speeches that show a deep comprehension of the subjects. Although competition is important, my main priorities are being fair in my evaluations and fostering an environment that is conducive to thoughtful conversation. I value strong arguments, flexibility in the face of unforeseen difficulties, and the capacity to discuss and interact with different points of view. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns, and let's make debates productive and insightful discussions.
Best regards,
Sophie.
I have a lot of experience judging Public Forum debates, having served as judge since 2016.
I tend to focus on the clashes in a debate, and it would be great if debaters could weigh their contentions against their opponents'. The ability to point out flaws in the opponents' logic is another thing I look for in debaters.
1. Debate career?
I have previous judging experience with NHSDLC the past several mothns. Judging PF online and offline tournaments.
2. Fast-talking?
Fast-talking can be impressive and effective in some cases, but it can also be overwhelming and difficult to follow for some people. As a general rule, I prefer a moderate speaking pace is preferable as it allows the debater to communicate their points clearly and ensures that I can follow along.
3. Aggressiveness?
Aggressiveness can be useful in some debates, particularly when the topic is emotionally charged or controversial. However, it's important to maintain a respectful and professional tone, even when challenging an opponent's arguments, also ensuring your points are well delivered. Personal attacks or insults or gestures like throwing hands when an opponent is speaking are never acceptable and can undermine the credibility of the debater.
4. Determining the winner of the debate?
To determine the winner of a debate, I consider several factors, including the coherence and accuracy of the arguments presented, the quality of the evidence provided, and the persuasiveness of the debater's delivery, not forgetting well argued out logical responses.
I do not admit new arguments in the summary speech. Any supplementary information included in your summary speech won't garner extra points. Your role is to consolidate the main points of conflict in this round, facilitating a better understanding of the issues that have been discussed.
In general, the debater who can provide the strongest and most well-supported argument, while also successfully rebutting their opponent's points, is likely to win the debate.
Ultimately, the goal of a debate is to engage in a respectful and informative exchange of ideas, and the winner is the one who best achieves that goal.
The adjudication of any debate will consider a number of issues but my verdict will be determined by the terms or rules of that specific debate. Competitors will have to demonstrate their understanding of the topic in an analytical way and also by referencing authentic sources or statistics rather than using emotional points to seek validation of this judge. Everything will be based on who has done justice to the topic in key areas rather than who has sided with my position. I will approach every competition without choosing a side of the topic I support or will not be influenced by my cultural values to determine outcomes.
BRIAN BWANYA
AGE: 24
COLLEGE: NANJING UNIVERSITY
CURRENT OCCUPANCY: STUDENT
1. What types of debates have you participated before and how long is your debate career?
I have been honored to represent my school as a first speaker back in high school at both provincial and national level during the 2019 season and participated in numerous high school debates in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
2. How do you consider fast talking?
I prefer moderate and composed talking. Fast talking can result in poor word articulation and the judge(s) might miss a curial argument. I do not encourage debaters to use speed rather use substance to overwhelm your opponents. Quality over Quantity.
3.How do you consider aggressiveness?
It's important to present your arguments with conviction and passion but always maintain a respectful and professional approach. Keep in mind that, the main aim is to persuade others with logic and mechanism and not by intimidation or hostility.
4. How do you usually determine the winner of the debate?
Well l take into consideration many factors before determining the team which wins. The debater/team who has the most compelling argument backed with concise logic and in-depth analysis, persuasiveness and clear arguments and a team which demonstrated the strongest grasp of the topic at hand has a chance to win my vote.
5. Please specify any additional notes you want to share with debaters, including any unique preferences of the debate?
It's important for me to see clear arguments presented by both sides backed with recent and relevant evidence. I also prefer debaters who are able to remain calm and collected during the debate by avoiding personal attacks or insults even derogatory language. Lastly, stick to the topic and avoid tangents or irrelevant arguments that do not directly relate to the topic.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. What types of debate have you participated in before and how long is your debate career?
PF and BP. Have 6 years of debate experience. I've judged 20+ TOC, 10+ WSDA, and 10+ DLC tournaments. Also, I did a half-year TA experience at Speechcraft in Chengdu, mainly for PF debate and speech.
2. How do you consider fast-talking?
This requires a combination of the clarity of the debater's delivery, as well as the accuracy of the delivery. If the debater can emphasize the key points by using voice intonation or appropriate pauses. It is acceptable to speak at a fast pace if the articulation is clear and the arguments given are detailed.
3. How do you consider aggressiveness?
This depends on the specific situation, if it does not involve personal attacks on the opponent with insulting words, or radical political statements, as well as discriminatory and racist content. It is only the personal debate character of the debater, will be expressed in the speed of speech, or emotional ups and downs fluctuate strongly, this is acceptable.
4. How do you usually determine the winner of the debate?
I would consider the following three sections:
First, the completeness of the structure of the speech. From the constructive speech whether to establish a detailed framework and definition (not just repeat the motion's content), rebuttal speech performance (including: whether to carry out effective rebuttal, and based on the constructive speech on the output of new extensions), and the final focus/summary speech whether to summarize the clashes properly, and point of valid view comparison (not just repeat the previous point of view needs to be summarized and condensed), and the final focus/summary speech whether to summarize the clashes and point of view comparison (not just repeat the previous arguements needs to be summarized and condensed). The performance of the rebuttal speech (including: whether there are effective rebuttals, and whether there are new ideas based on teammates' constructive speeches), and whether there are clashes in the final focus/summary speech, as well as the comparison of ideas (not just repeating previous ideas, but summarizing and condensing them).
Second, the overall performance at crossfire. Including: strategy design, whether to be able to ask effective questions (do a good job of attacking). As well as the ability to answer questions to improve their own side of the argument, to enhance their own side of the position (whether the defense is in place). Extra bonus points for performance: the ability to catch the other side's loopholes and contradictions in the answer to carry out many repeated attacks (here is the test of the team's two-person cooperation).
Third, how well the team works together, whether the pacing of the two people stays synergistic/complementary, and whether both people are on point when it comes to wrapping up at the end of the debate.
5. Please specify any additional notes you want to share with debaters, including any unique preference of the debate.
I don't have any preference for debating styles, but I hope that everyone will be able to have your thoughts and not just concentrate on reading scripts/flows just for the speed of speech and debate.
I am very attentive to the logic of each team's debate, as well as your interpretation of the topic and demonstration of your arguments. I hope everyone can respect the competition and your opponents, and don't be rude and interrupt when others are speaking.
As a previous participator in debate at a young age to coming of age to be a judge, below are my expectations from the contestant.
I appreciate well-structured arguments, logical reasoning, and evidence-based claims. While I enjoy innovative strategies, they must be grounded in solid debate fundamentals.
I prefer substance over style, so prioritize depth of analysis over speed, provide clear framework for the round. If you're running a specific theory or kritik, make sure to explain its relevance to the round. I appreciate when debaters engage in clash and clearly weigh impacts.
Quality over quantity. I value well-researched, credible evidence. Make sure your evidence is recent and relevant to the resolution. Misrepresentation of evidence will negatively impact your speaker points.
Engage with your opponent's arguments. I want to see clash and effective rebuttals. Address the key points of contention and explain why your case is superior. If you extend arguments, ensure they are impact full land weigh them against your opponent's case.
I assign speaker points based on clarity, organization, strategic choices, and effective cross-examination. Be respectful to your opponent and avoid unnecessary aggression. I reward creativity and strategic thinking.
While I have my preferences, I am open to different debating styles. Adapt to the round and your opponent. If you have unique arguments or strategies, explain them clearly.
I am open to non-traditional arguments, but they must be well-explained and justified. Help me understand the relevance of these arguments to the resolution.
Debate is a learning experience. Enjoy the round, be respectful, and take constructive feedback to improve. I am here to fairly evaluate the arguments presented and provide feedback for growth.
Wish you all best of luck.