The Vorto Labor Day Classic
2024 — NSDA Campus, US
Policy Debate Paradigm List
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I have a good knowledge of various debate formats, including Public Forum, Policy Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking and Declamation.
I don't mind speakers using jargon, but it must be moderate since the aim of communication will be defeated otherwise.
I prefer that speakers prioritize clarity over speed so that it can be more convenient judging cross-culture debaters.
Please, do well to add me to your email chain via blessingtejumoluwa@gmail.com
My experiences in Public Forum and Congressional debating may not be wide enough, I do possess a wide variety of experiences in British Parliamentary and World Schools debate styles that has provided me with skills in discernment and of course, listening techniques to establish comparative, objective and fair judgement, as well as feedback to speakers - which I believe, all hold similar principles to PF and congress styles. Below are some of my criteria for judging in terms of my expectation for speakers during rounds;
- Cross-Examination (CX): I don't flow CX. Use it for clarification and identifying clash. If something arises, bring it up in your or your team’s next speech.
- Progressive Debate while not an expert, I've picked up some progressive tech over time. On Ks, if well-structured and clear why it's prioritized over the case, I'm open. If not, I'll judge on the case. Avoid CPs in PF and minimize in LD. Theory is beyond my judging capacity; don't run it.
RFD in Public Forum: I vote based on well-defined, linked impacts. All must be extended across the flow. If your Summary drops an impact, I won't consider it in Final Focus. Framework and weighing can influence impact importance, but I don’t vote off Framework.
- RFD in Lincoln-Douglas**: Framework is crucial for impact weighting. I evaluate how each side fulfills the FW and its impacts, similar to PF but with more emphasis on competing FWs.
- Speed and flow: I'm a paper flow judge. Speaking too quickly increases the chance of missing points. No spreading; it's disrespectful and lacks value in communication.