UW'23

If I am your judge, please put me on your email chain: prabhat@interlakedebate.org

LD Paradigm

I prefer Aff to be topical. I prefer a traditional Value/Criterion debate. I like clear signposting, that opponents refer to when refuting each other. I also require evidence to uphold your warrants and link to your personal analysis. All affirmatives should have some kind of standard that they try to win, value/criterion. The negative is not necessarily tied to the same obligation. The affirmative generally has the obligation to state a case construction that generally affirms the truth of the resolution, and the negative can take whatever route they want to show how the affirmative is not doing that sufficiently.

When I see a traditional debate that clashes on fundamental issues involving framework, impacts, and what either side thinks, really matters in my weighing of the round, it makes deciding on who was the better debater during the round an easier process. I like debate that gets to the substantive heart of whatever the issue is. There are very few arguments I would actually consider a priori. My favorite debates are the kind where one side clearly wins standards, whichever one they decide to go for, and has a compelling round story. Voters are crucial in rebuttals, and a clear link story, with warrants and weighted impacts, are the best route for my ballot.

I will listen to a Kritik but you must link it to the debate in the room, related to the resolution in some way, for me to more likely to vote for it. I am biased toward topicality.

I hold theory to higher bar. I will most likely vote reasonability instead of competing interpretations. However, if I am given a clearly phrased justification for why I should accept a competing interpretation and it is insufficiently contested, there is a better chance that I will vote for a competing interpretation. You will need to emphasize this by slowing down, if you are spreading, slow down, speak a little louder, or tell me “this is paramount, flow this”.

Reasonability. I believe that theory is intervention and my threshold for voting on theory is high. I prefer engagement and clash with your opponent. If I feel like negative has spoken too quickly for an Affirmative to adequately respond during the round, or a Neg runs 2+ independent disadvantages that are likely impossible for a "think tank" to answer in a 4 minute 1AR, and the Affirmative runs abuse theory, and gives direct examples from Neg, I'll probably vote Affirmative. Common sense counts. You do not need a card to tell me that the Enola Gay was the plane that dropped the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima.

I default Affirmative framework for establishing ground, I default Kritiks if there are clear pre-fiat/post-fiat justifications for a K debate instead of on-case debate. I do not flow cross examination. If there are any concessions in CX, you need to point them out in your next speech, for me to weigh them.

Cross Examination

Sitting or standing, whatever you are comfortable with. I'm fine with flex prep. I think debaters should be respectful and polite. Cross examination concessions are binding, if your opponent calls them out in their next speech.

Speaker Points

If I do not understand what you are saying, don’t expect to receive anything higher than a 28. You will lose speaker points if your actions are disrespectful to either myself or to your opponent. I believe in decorum and will vote you down if you are rude or condescending toward your opponent. I do not flow “super spreading”. I need to understand what you are saying, so that I can flow it. I will say “slow” and “clear” once. If there is no discernable change, I will not bother to repeat myself. If you respond, slow down, then speed up again, I will say “slow” and/or “clear” again. For my ballot, clarity over quantity. Word economy over quantity. I reward debaters who try to focus on persuasive styles of speaking over debaters who speak at the same tone, pitch, cadence, the entire debate.

If something is factually untrue, and your opponent points it out, do not expect to win it as an argument.

Please give me articulate voters at the end of the NR and 2AR.

I disclose if it is the tournament norm.

If you are unclear about my paradigm, please ask before the round begins.

Public Forum Paradigm

RESPECT and DECORUM

1. Show respect to your opponent. No shouting down. Just a "thank you" to stop their answer. When finished with answer, ask your opponent "Do you have a question?" Please ask direct questions. Also, advocate for yourself, do not let your opponent "walk all over you in Crossfire".

2. Do not be sexist/racist/transphobic/homophobic/etc.... in round. Respect all humans.

I expect PF to be a contention level debate. There may be a weighing mechanism like "cost-benefit analysis" that will help show why your side has won the debate on magnitude. (Some call this a framework)

I really like signposting of all of your contentions. I really like short taglines for your contentions. If you have long contentions, I really like them broken down into segments, A, B, C, etc. I really appreciate you signposting your direct refutations of your opponents contentions.

I like direct clash.

All evidence used in your constructed cases should be readily available to your opponent, upon request. If you slow down the debate looking for evidence that is in your constructed case, that will weigh against you when I am deciding my ballot.

I do not give automatic losses for dropped contentions or not extending every argument. I let the debaters decide the important contentions by what they decide to debate.

In your summary speech, please let me know specifically why your opponents are loosing the debate.

In your final focus speech, please let me know specifically why you are winning the debate.

I would prefer slow speech than fast. I also pay attention as to how candidate listen the question and addresses everything what is asked without digressing.

I am a new parent judge. Pls speak at a conversational pace and do explain the jargons, if you use any.

David "Will" Davis

This is my first year of coaching at Mercer Island. 42 years ago I debated at Nationals (they called it NFL back then) and Extemp. Now I am a retired trial attorney with more than 50 civil jury trials under my belt.

1) I am not yet totally familiar with Washington debate. So, let me know if you think I am doing something wrong.

2) Don't talk fast. I don't like spread debate. I don't like watching someone gasping for breath every ten seconds just so he can cram in one more argument. Slow down. Speak clearly and persuasively. If I put down my pen and fold my arms--- take that as a hint that you should slow down. Of course, you have to be looking up to see me. Eye contact!

2) REPEAT. Don't talk fast. If your affirmative is set for spread, then slow down and cut out a contention or two, and go at a reasonable speed. Your outcome and speaker points will suffer if you start off fast. If you spread, and the other side does not, I will not reward you for "dropped" points.

3) I am not a big fan of outrageous arguments such as nuke war or world hunger as a result of school prayer. Keep it real. We are not going extinct because of social security payments to Puerto Rico. Argue something a reasonable person would believe.

4) Imagine that you are chosen by your school to present a plan to the state legislators for additional funding for debate. In your speech in front of the senators would you spread? Would you claim that the economy would collapse if we don't fund debate. KEEP it real.

5) Have some fun.

First time judge. No speed/spreading. Not too technical or progressive.

hello!!! [she/her] :)

i've been doing speech (and only speech) for three years, so you can bet that i am pretty unfamiliar with debate. but just some general things to help me out since i'm pretty inexperienced:

-please do not talk super fast or spread, i will probably have a hard enough time keeping up at normal speed

-signpost!!! clarity is very nice and cool

-don't be mean or rude -- it does not look good

-more speaker points if you are funny or you crack a joke :D (trust me, my sense of humor is so bad i will laugh at basically anything)

-i will be Lost most of the time so please be patient and help me out if i do something wrong (which i am bound to do)

-please enjoy this image for reading my paradigm:

https://64.media.tumblr.com/9f8bd0d27a40197e6d02d253574ead2c/tumblr_nhoy3yA27u1sxjko8o1_500.jpg

-i hope that you have a cold pillow to sleep on tonight, thank you very much :]

Parent judge, English is my second language so please speak slow.

PF paradigm:
- No spreading or jargon. If it is too fast for me to understand, I will deduct speaker points.
- Please outline your speeches.
- Be respectful towards everyone in the round.

Speech paradigm:
- Same rules apply.

- Very good storytelling, well organized, and persuasive speeches will get a high ranking/speaker points.

There will be simple feedback on the ballot.

Good luck!

Lay judge debate paradigm.

hey y’all i’m Neha Mahesh (she/they) since i’m only judging middle school stuff this paradigm is gonna be novice based for the most part

my thirteen children are always screaming so i probably won’t hear a single speech of the round, my ballot usually comes down to facial expressions. If you are wearing shoes i would like to see them during cross because i need a new pair and idk what to get. in regards to speed, 400 wpm is my expectation, anything slower than that is boring and i probably won’t vote for you. furthermore, i would like you to send me your cases, rebuttal doc, summary doc, and final focus doc. whoever makes me the most money when selling them on the debate reddit will prolly win.

anyways lawl with that said here’s the real paradigm pls dont report me <3

First: Debate is supposed to be a safe space. I’ll ask everyone for pronouns before the round begins; zero tolerance for misgendering, reading triggering stuff without a TW, etc, i don’t care how late in the round it is, i don’t care if they’re winning the flow, if they are hurting your mental health or harm you or your partner in any way; i will end the round and drop them, just let me know by texting me at 425-442-5900 when it happens or immediately after the round.

i’ve been doing debate for a bunch of years, experienced in PF, i will flow everything except cross i’ll probably go get a snack or something during that lol, bring it up in speech if it’s important, i will know if you drop (dont address) an arg or something so pls dont do that

-add me to email chain por favor nehamahesh363@gmail.com

-formal clothing norms are stupid so wear whatever +3 speaks for funny hats

-run any args you want, framing, impact turns, etc is all fine (except for death good)

-theory debate is cool, Ks also cool but pls explain it in a way that makes sense without me having a full understanding of the lit (if yall dont know what this is dw about it, or like google it if you want lol)

-speed: i don’t care, if ur bad at spreading send a doc

-every debater has their own style so debate your way!! you don’t have to change your speaking style or anything like that for me lol

-COLLAPSE PLS go for one arg, max two, and really weigh them, tell me why your impact matters more than theirs, magnitude, probability, timeframe, scope, pre req, clarity of impact, strength of link, metaweighing, any weighing mechs are cool

-be organized, especially in summary and final, give an off time roadmap and actually follow it <3

-after the round: i will always disclose (say who won) with a pretty detailed RFD (reason for decision), but if you genuinely feel like i made a mistake you can postround (explain why you think your side won) for a lil bit

-if u have any questions please please ask me before the round i would be happy to explain my preferences rather than yall going into the round totally confused lol

Speech Events:

Here's a glimpse into how I evaluate performances and the key elements I pay attention to when scoring speech events (and speaking in general):

Content:

• Depth and Originality: Are you engaging with the topic thoughtfully? Do you offer fresh perspectives and insights? Do you demonstrate research and understanding of the issue?

• Argumentation (if applicable): Do you build a clear and logical argument? Do you address opposing viewpoints fairly and effectively? Do you use evidence effectively to support your claims?

• Organization and Structure: Is your speech well-organized, with a strong introduction, body, and conclusion? Is there a clear flow of ideas? Does each point contribute to your overall message?

• Technical: How did the content and structure of your speech perform against the requirements of your speech event? Did you stay within the rules and guidelines of the speech event?

Delivery:

• Vocal Variety and Control: Do you use dynamic vocal volume, pitch, and pace to keep your audience engaged? Are your pronunciations clear and understandable? Did you minimize the use of filler words?

• Nonverbal Communication: Do your gestures and facial expressions enhance your message or distract from it? Do you use movement strategically to increase engagement and to emphasize transitions? Do you maintain eye contact with your audience?

• Stage Presence: Do you command the stage with confidence and poise? Do you appear comfortable and engaging?

Engagement:

• Audience Connection: Do you connect with your audience on an emotional and intellectual level? Do you evoke a response, whether it's thought-provoking questions, amusement, or inspiration?

• Authenticity: Did you bring authenticity to the speech (unless playing a character)? Did you bring your unique voice and style to the speech?

• Stage Presence: Do you use storytelling, rhetorical devices, or humor to capture and hold the audience's attention?

Overall Impression:

• Impact: Did your speech leave a lasting impression, was the speech memorable? Did it make me think differently about the topic? Did it inspire me to take action? Did you deliver a great opening and a strong close?

• Adherence to Time Limit: Were you able to effectively convey your message within the allotted time frame?

Please Note:

• My primary focus is on content and argumentation (if applicable). However, delivery and engagement play an important role in enhancing the impact of your message.

• I value originality, humor (if appropriate), and creativity, but not at the expense of clarity and logic.

• I strive to provide constructive feedback that helps you improve your skills and develop as a speaker.

Additionally:

• Remember, every speaker has a unique voice and style. I try to judge each performance on its own merits, appreciating your strengths and recognizing areas for improvement.

• Regardless of the outcome, cherish the opportunity to share your voice and perspective. I'm here to support your growth as communicators.

Congress:

Here's a glimpse into how I evaluate performances and the key elements I pay attention to when scoring Congressional Debate:

Substance and Argumentation:

• Policy Understanding: Do you demonstrate a clear and deep understanding of the bill/resolution under debate? Can you clearly articulate its strengths and/or weaknesses?

• Grasp of the Issue: Do you demonstrate a deep understanding of the resolution and its complexities? Are you familiar with relevant facts, statistics, and historical context?

• Argument Clarity: Do you present your arguments in a logical and organized manner? Are your positions well-defined and supported by evidence?

• Unique Evidence & Arguments: Did you bring a unique perspective to the debate supported by unique evidence (in the relative context of the debate)?

• Rebuttal and Amendment Skills: Can you effectively respond to opposing arguments and strengthen your own case? Do you demonstrate the ability to craft and advocate for amendments?

• Policy Implications: Can you articulate the potential impact of the bill/resolution on constituents and the broader society? Do you consider unintended consequences?

Delivery and Engagement:

• Persuasion and Advocacy: Can you effectively deliver your arguments with conviction and passion? Do you connect with your colleagues and persuade them to your point of view?

• Utilization of Questions: Did you ask questions that advanced your argument? Did you engage courteously in your question exchange allowing your opponent to respond?

• Courtesy and Respect: Do you treat your fellow delegates with respect and courtesy, even when disagreeing with their positions?

• Active Listening and Collaboration: Do you actively listen to others' arguments and engage in constructive dialogue? Are you open to compromise and collaboration? Were you able to bring others' arguments (either rebutting or supporting) into your questions and speeches?

• Parliamentary Procedure: Do you demonstrate a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure? Do you follow the rules and contribute to a smooth debate flow?

Overall Impact:

• Leadership: Do you demonstrate leadership qualities, such as initiative, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire others?

• Policy Expertise: Do you stand out for your in-depth knowledge and understanding of the policy area under discussion?

• Contribution to the Debate: Do you actively engage in the debate, contribute meaningfully to the discussion, and move the chamber closer to a resolution?

Please Note:

• My primary focus is on substance, argumentation, and policy expertise. However, effective delivery, engagement, and adherence to parliamentary procedure are crucial for success.

• I value the quality of the evidence and data provided to the debate.

• I value originality and creativity in crafting arguments and solutions, but not at the expense of logic and clarity.

• I value participation, but not for the sake of participation. I do count the number of questions asked, but particularly value pointed, clear questions that advance your argument and will note these questions delivered in a round.

• My goal is to provide constructive feedback that helps you develop your skills as a mock congress debater and future leader.

I competed in high school at several events and went to the state tournament in Idaho at Boise. I love to judge IE and take it very seriously. I make an effort to decide my rankings and give very detailed feed back. My husband is the Mercer Island coach.

Take a breath. You're doing okay.

I am Joshua Shepherd, I am a coach from Ingraham High School. For the moment, treat me like a lay judge. I am open to technical arguments but will more easily follow lay arguments.

Additionally, I have some issues with an auditory processing disability. Speaking in a fast conversational voice is fine, but spreading is actively painful for me to listen to. I may ask you in a round to slow down. If I ask you and you don't, I will not flow your arguments.

I'm a traditional LD judge - I prefer a traditional V/VC framework, and like a philosophical debate that substantively engages the resolution.

I have very limited tolerance for speed / lack of clarity.

I was an active competitor in HS and college. I currently coach Newport HS.

I do have my Ph.D. in Composition and Rhetoric, so I can follow your logic, and if you choose theory, I have a VERY high bar.

As far as spreading, I do not like it. I have a hearing impairment - and spreading can make following you difficult. I can only judge what I am able to hear. I will ask you to slow down if it is too fast or unclear the first time. If you start "super spreading" I will not give you more than 25 speaker points, because the speed truly detracts from the art of speaking.

Make sure to stay respectful to your competitor, as well as me. Disrespectful words or attitudes will result in a lower score.

I like arguments that have a clear value asserted and pursued. The more sign-posting and off-clock road maps the better. Also, I love to hear the voters at the end.

I am open to many types of arguments - but make sure you let me what criteria to judge the round - and how you fulfilled it. That is your responsibility as a debater- not mine as a judge.

I am humanity-centered. I know you will be running theories, hypotheticals, and extrapolating a significant amount, but remember, these topics affect real people. If you run cases that dismiss the humanity of the topic or dismiss the humanity of any specific group of people, your score will reflect omission.