Please be civil to one another during debates. I vote based on who (or which team) persuaded me of their position overall, whether I agree or not. I prefer an evidence-based debate. Speaking too quickly doesn't help me understand how you are debating within the round. Let me hear your refutations and turns. I also pay attention to the questions asked or not asked during cross.

I judge on delivery and persuasion instead of content unless content is an important part of the speech, such as IM or SpAr.

I retired in 2022 after teaching English Language Arts for 30 years. I judged in 2014 at 2A regionals. Judging for Speech & Debate was a bit different then. I judged last year at two tournaments and 3A regionals. I try and leave useful individual comments, but sometimes I do not have time before Tabroom is closed for the tournament.

I have judged everything except POI, and FX. I am sure those will come up in the next few tournaments.

I’ve coached debate in a fairly rural school for three years, but had no prior debate experience. I’m an English Major with an Emphasis in Rhetoric and composition. In other words, I know a lot about argument and organization, but I’m still learning a lot about the world of debate. As a result, I tend to judge based on argument, organization, and presentation over technicalities. If you’re communicating clearly, though, I can keep up with whatever you throw at me, and will not hold my preferences against any team/speaker who truly advances the better argument/case.

For Everyone: Be respectful toward all opponents/speakers.

Lincoln Douglas:

I prefer traditional arguments that are primarily focused on the resolution.

I will weigh my decision heavily on who is able to consistently uphold a moral argument.

Evidence is important for backing up theoretical/philosophical claims, but LD is less concerned with what is practical and more concerned with what is moral/ethical/right. In other words, if an argument is plausible despite difficulty, it still holds value so long as it progresses the moral agenda connected to the value. Your evidence is important, but only so far as it supports your moral line of reasoning. Moral claims DO need concrete evidence, though, to demonstrate applicability in the real world. Otherwise we are engaging in purely philosophical and hypothetical debate.

A good argument is one that is clear and easy to understand. I prefer a clearly established value and criterion, but a clear argument will sometimes sufficiently imply one or both.

Delivery is important, but the argument itself is more important for advancing your case.

I prefer clear speaking at a reasonable pace, but will not hold speed against the debater with the stronger case as long as I can understand it.

Don't rely on me to read your case to understand it. I should be able to understand what you are saying by listening to you in the round.

Speech Events (Oratory):

I’m looking for your overall purpose and your ability to engage an audience via your performance. My priorities are:

1. Clarity of argument’s purpose.
2. Clear line of reasoning/structure.
3. Stage Presence/Command
4. Importance/Relevance/Impact of Topic

Speech Events (Dxtemp):

I look for your ability to clearly and efficiently address the prompt. Judging priorities:

1.Clarity of answer to question

2. Structure/organization of argument

3. Quality/specificity of evidence

4. Presence/Delivery

I am an experienced debater on the high school and collegiate levels. I'm a flow judge who likes to see quality arguments. Please signpost your speeches and let me know where to put your arguments on the flow. I vote on the flow- so please don't just stand up and talk. (It helps if you are flowing too!) I appreciate it when you are respectful to your opponents. I understand and know the rules of each debate event.

I am very experienced with individual events and am fine judging any of them.

I want to be able to hear your case and not read it. Speak clearly and distinctly. Back up moral arguments with evidence. I like hearing the why and how. Make it make sense.