Hello! The name's Ara, he/him :D

I did S&D for 4 years. My primary events were original oratory and informative, so take from that what you will. Here's what I'm looking for:

Memorization: Please have your speech memorized. Of course, this only applies to a number of speech events but the basic concept is the same: look like you know what you're doing, even when you're flying by the seat of your pants. Please try to limit your use of filler words as well. I know this is hard in the beginning of the season, I get it. Don't stress.

Time: Look man, as long as you get your point across with a decent amount of elaboration I won't care too much if you only went 7:41 when somebody else went 9:30. If we get to 14:00 I will verbally ask you to close.

Composition: Speech friends, please have a road map. I recognize that not everybody likes them but as a judge they're so helpful. Sign posting is also lovely but don't feel pressured into adding it if you haven't memorized it that way. I don't want to throw you off track.

Pizazz: Don't be afraid to get into it! Make me laugh, cry, and root for whatever you're talking about! Go nuts.

Shadows/Parents/Spectators: Instead of sitting in the corner and praying nobody notices please ask the room if we're all good with you being there. Watching and learning is great but ultimately it's the performers choice.

Debate kids: I am so so sorry if I am judging your round. In the words of my brother, "Use the lay rizz."