Judge philosophies

1. judge’s name: Moirah Sithole

1. 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

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?

Debaters need to relax and enjoy the debate .

DAVID BRIAN MUNYAO PARADIGM

Age: 23yrs

College:Beijing Institute of Technology

Current Occupancy (Student in college, or career field): Student

1. What types of debate have you participated before and how long is your debate career?

A reasonable number of debates more than 2 years

2. How do you consider fast-talking?

Am good with fast talking Provided the debaters are audible maintain clarity and are understandable speed should not affect quality of arguments.

3. How do you consider aggressiveness?

Provided its respectable and in contest we good focus on strength of your arguments rather than personal attacks

4. How do you usually determine the winner of the debate?

According to the teams ability to defend their argument with amble evidence and impacts clear articulation,logical reasoning and overall persuasiveness,how well can debaters respond to their opponents arguments and counterpoints.

5. Please specify any additional notes you want to share with debaters, including any unique preference of the debate.

-be clear and concise in your arguments and support your points with credible evidence

6. How many tournaments have you judged in the past year?

A. 0-5

7. How many notes do you take during a debate?

A. I try to take notes on everything.

8. What is the main job of the summary speech?

A. Highlight the major points of clash and show how your team won them.

Please answer the following questions based on a scale of 1-10.

9. How important is defining the topic to your decision making? 9

10. How important is frame work to your decision making? 8

11. How important is crossfire in your decision making? 7

12. How important is weighing in your decision making? 8

13. How important is persuasive speaking and non-verbal communication in your decision-making? 8

14. How fast should students speak? 7

lincoln east pf '24 | 7 bids + 18th at 2023 nats

i will bump speaker points if u send speech docs:christinanaxu@gmail.com

updated for nhsdlc:

Age: 18
Location: United States
College: Yale University
Current Occupancy (Student in college, or career field): Student in college

1. What types of debate have you participated before and how long is your debate career?
Public Forum Debate for all four years in high school. I amassed 7 career bids, qualified three times to TOC, qualified three times to NSDA Nationals, and placed 18th at 2023 NSDA Nationals.

2. How do you consider fast-talking?

Anything over 300 words per minute or over 1,200 words in constructive/rebuttal.

3. How do you consider aggressiveness?

Talking over your opponents, rolling your eyes or getting upset when opponents call for cards, and not answering your opponent’s questions. I DON’T like aggressiveness, don’t do it.

4. How do you usually determine the winner of the debate?

I always evaluate in the order of framing/observation, weighing, then warrants. I am also tech over true and tabula rasa. I’m a flow judge. Therefore, if something is dropped and you point it out, impact, and weigh it for me, I’ll probably vote there. Otherwise, I look for the path with least resistance. I REALLY appreciate it when teams will compare their arguments and weighing for me, so I don’t have to intervene. Defense is not sticky, and you must frontline in 2nd rebuttal. If an argument isn’t in summary, then I won’t evaluate it in final focus. New warrants/analytics in 1st summary is fine but not in any later speeches. If neither side compares, I’ll default neg. Please don’t do blippy weighing, you need to tell me WHY. I don’t listen to cross, so if it’s important you need to bring it up in speech. I’m fine with prog but I have a decent threshold. Disclosure good, paraphrasing bad.

5. Please specify any additional notes you want to share with debaters, including any unique preference of the debate.
I won’t drop for bad evidence unless you tell me specifically and show me where.

6. How many public forum debate tournaments have you judged in the past year?

A. 0-5

7. How many notes do you take during a debate?

1. I try to take notes on everything.

8. What is the main job of the summary speech?

1. Summarize the main arguments in the debate.

Please answer the following questions based on a scale of 1-10.
9. How important is defining the topic to your decision making?

1, unless it becomes a big deal on whether an argument is topical or not.

10. How important is framework to your decision making?

1, unless the other team has framework. Then I’ll default their framework unless you bring up a counter framework or clash with it.

11. How important is crossfire in your decision making?

1, I won’t listen or evaluate it unless brought up in speech.

12. How important is weighing in your decision making?

10, weighing determines which argument I look at first. BUT, if your weighing sucks then it’s the same as not weighing. Also, please compare your weighing mechanisms (i.e. probability over magnitude).

13. How important is persuasive speaking and non-verbal communication in your decision-making?
1, I’m flow. I don’t care if you’re making eye contact.

14. How fast should students speak?

Anything under 300 words per minute is fine.

General Stuff:

i will eval this order: framing/observation --> weighing --> warrants

tech > truth

if neither side compares i will just default neg

i can handle any speed but if ur not clear then dont expect it to be on the flow or send a speech doc before

i will eval prog but i have a decent threshold (ie 15 min disclosure vs 30 min disclosure is not abusive)

defense is not sticky and you have to frontline in 2nd rebuttal

if its not in summary its not in final focus

new warrants/analytics in 1st summary is fine but not in any later speeches

im probably playing 2048 during cross so if something is conceded bring it up in the next speech

Debate:

I have participated in debate for more than 6 years, including public forum, LD, and Policy Debate. I am open to all kinds of arguments and speed.

Clarity outweighs speed. Quality outweighs quantity.

Just a reminder, the purpose of debate is not only to present your arguments but to engage with your opponents.

Speech:

I have experience doing speech as a kid and experience of being a speech judge.

Keep mind of the time management, clarity, and volume.

Competition is never about only about winning and losing, its more about what you've learned.

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.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

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.

I define myself as a Flay Judge, and most of my judging experiences have been in public speaking and storytelling.

Debate Judging background

· 2022 FALL THE 4^th National Invitational Forensics Tournament NIFT

· Public Forum NHSDLC HZ Training

· 2022 NHSDLC Fall Hangzhou Tournament

· Harvard Asian Junior Debate Tournament China National

How I judge

I base it mostly on which side presents sufficient evidence and logical argument. I deliberate on the overall presentation based on the arguments presented in the round.

Other specifics about my judging style

1. I don't mind if you speak too fast, I’m not going to say anything until I've been given permission to speak or interfere. It's just that, I won't be able to validate your arguments if I can't comprehend what you're saying, unless you are very articulate, and your pronunciation is clear and accurate. If you spread, I'd still try to take note, however, I’m very fussy with articulation so if I won't understand you, I’d probably just stop flowing. Even though I do signposting, I also use dictator software or an app to thoroughly follow your argumentation, so if you spread and are disorderly, so is my flow or I’d rather just stop flowing. Take note that attempting to win just because your opponent cannot answer all of your points due to your spreading indicates that you do not believe your arguments will stand up during a debate.
2. As judges attempt to dismiss their own biases and experiences when judging, and we may or may not be knowledgeable on the issue, it all comes down to how you present your arguments or reasoning. You may have done a fantastic six-page study but knowing how you compress ALL OF YOUR ARGUMENTS INTO A TWO-MINUTE SPEECH is what matters. Please do not just say, "So judge, please vote for us," to fill in the gaps between your closing arguments, especially if it is a one-on-one debate. Furthermore, the summary is where improvements are most crucial. In summation, if you don't expound on things, don't bring them up in the final focus.
3. I am not in favor of violent argumentation. I will not vote for racist, sexist, homophobic, or other oppressive arguments, and I may intervene on behalf of opposing teams. Be courteous, especially in times of conflict. If you're unsure if you should be sassy, don't be. I will deduct points for impolite behavior because this is an educational exercise.
4. Try not to be very scripted, and learn to rephrase your notes. Depending on how much time is left I may or may not provide oral RFDs, as I may also need more time to evaluate my flow.