Last changed on
Wed January 3, 2024 at 9:26 AM MDT
Debate:
-Public Forum
I am currently a public forum debater and have a years worth of experience. I will always prefer evidence over "talking pretty." Of course, your organization plays a part in the ballot but if your reasoning and usage of evidence are more effective, then I will favor that. I don't mind some speed during your speeches, please speak at whatever pace makes you comfortable as long as the opponents and I can understand you. I will also take into account your level of responsiveness. A large portion of Public Forum is the ability to form argumentation against your opponents while also defending your side. If your responses are adequate and evidence-based, I will be more likely to prefer you on the ballot. During cross-examination, I prefer a respectful and productive conversation in which people are not being talked down upon. I do understand interrupting drawn-out questions or answers, that situation is perfectly fine by my standards. Respect is extremely important, especially in this debate form. Sounding "harsh" is absolutely fine in order to emphasize your points as long as there's mutual respect. Finally, impacts are extremely important to persuasion on your side. Timeframe, magnitude, and probability are going to be your best friends. If your argumentation meets these criteria, then I will be more likely to vote in favor of your side. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
-Policy
I have some understanding of policy but have never competed in the event before. Essentially, I will be voting on your responsiveness, understanding, impact, and argumentation. If you stay organized and have excellent counter-claims and reasoning, I will be more likely to vote in your favor. I don't have any preferences for what you run and don't run, as long as it is substantial to your argumentation. I don't mind speed or any talking pace. Do what makes you most comfortable. I will be voting on your responses to opposing arguments as well as the introduction of evidence. Your reasoning is also extremely important. If your impacts fall under a more substantial timeframe, magnitude, and probability; I will be more likely to vote for you. I will also take into account your understanding of current world affairs, especially for this topic. When talking about NATO, it is important to understand what is currently going on and what may happen. If your argumentation is more topical and links then you will most likely be receiving the ballot. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
-Lincoln Douglass
I do not currently have any LD experience, but I have judged it before. For this event, I will be taking into account your value, criterion, logic, and reasoning. As far as I know, LD is more on the philosophical side. If you connect your argumentation with philosophy, evidence, and logic I will be more likely to vote in your favor. Same goes for all debates, ensure that there is a mutual level of respect between everyone in the room. I also don't mind speed, do whatever you are most comfortable with. As long as your opponent and I can understand, I won't be terribly strict on how you speak in the round. I will value a level of organization in which you ensure that everyone can understand your argumentation. For the China topic specifically, I would like to see your impacts as to why the environment or economy ought to be valued more. Convincing me is the most important part. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
Individual Events:
I have some experience with info and extemp, the rest I know somewhat how to judge. I will not require memorization, but it is highly recommended for a higher placing on the ballot. It's ok to make mistakes! I won't be terribly harsh based on minor mistakes. For all events, please give a trigger warning when needed. It's a nice level of respect to have for everyone in the room. For interp events, I will be looking for blocking, memorization, and fluidity of speech. For platforms, I will be looking for hand gestures, movement, memorization, evidence, and also fluidity of speech. Also for all events I will look for emphasis/emotion in specific statements. Engaging your audience is extremely important for these events.
Good luck to everyone! If you have questions please ask!
