HI!!! I'm oliviaa.bairdd@gmail.com I debate at the james bowie highschool with sofia for 3 years now

tech>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>truth

i WILL eval anything that's not responded to

I wont eval new in final, I should be able to flow it over from summary, IF ITS NOT IN SUM IM NOT VOTING ON IT!!!!!

pretty please weigh<3 (if youre the only team that weighs I will up you)

I presume the best speaking team if there wasnt a team that was better than i default to squo

defense is not sticky

pet peeve - NOT DEFINING ACRONYMS...contrary to popular belief I'm not all knowing

I like in-round doc sharing so make an email chain

i wont be timing you or your prep time, bc i forget... so make sure you're timing yourself and opponent

EXTMTP-

Erm so if you were to look at my exempt record you will see straight 5s sooooooooo just have fun but also convince me!

LD SPEF -

ive competed in LD before so i know the structure and args

if i dont get clear analysis/comparison on a fw debate i default to util

ill vote off of whatever if you tell me why it matters

dont spread unless you're clear and share doc

do the work for me on why you should win

For extemp and public address, I prefer that students use a conversational style. I prefer that they use evidence as needed. I prefer they not try and name numerous sources, but be honest in what they are using. I like a roadmap they refer to for each point.

For interp, I like a meaningful teaser that sets the world they are creating and tries to introduce as many characters as possible. I think introductions should be short and sweet and be more personal. I think blocking and movement should be used to enhance the story, but is not necessary. I really look for fully developed characters that really listen and react to each other. For author's intent, I think it is okay to re-interpret a piece. I don't have a real issue with a curse word if it is used purposefully.

For performance based events, I tend to judge based on the believability of either the character the performer is portraying, or the connection to the message they are delivering. I enjoy more natural acting styles as I believe subtle emotion is much more powerful than over the top, unrealistic emotion. With humorous I am pretty simple; did I laugh? Was it clean? Was the script appropriately cut/ did the plot make sense? If every performer in a round hits all of these, it becomes all about which ones made me laugh the most.

When it comes to PA I find it necessary that the topic be something most people aren't familiar with OR a topic we frequently talk about with nuance brought to it. Additionally, the structure of the speech and conversational tone of the delivery is important to me. I also look for confidence, preparation, and accessibility of the information being presented, especially if it is a complex topic.

Tim Cook, Salado HS

tim.cook@saladoisd.org

I debated in high school and college. I have been coaching for over 40 years.

TFA State

If you run "tricks", I will probably vote against you. Debate is about developing substantive arguments on the topic, not finding abusive trick strategies. You will also probably get the lowest possible speaks I can give.

I will not tolerate speed! I will say clear and then stop flowing. If I don't flow it, you don't get it. I will not be flowing from a doc. Assume low speaks.

Don't run theory unless there is real in round abuse (Not a fan of theory).

K and other progressive arguments (Not a fan). Don't assume I am familiar with the lit on your K. The K should link to the topic, including K affs. We are given a topic for a reason.

I am very traditional! Establish a framework and link offense back to it.

No flex-prep

Flashing part of prep time.

Congress

Prefer clash or topical AGD. Have 2 developed arguments with good evidence. Think think tanks.

Clash and no rehash essential.

Make me laugh! DO NOT BE RUDE OR OVERLY AGGRESSIVE. Have fun.

PO's must run efficient and fair rounds. Don’t make parliamentary mistakes.

Ask me more specific questions.

Speech/Extemp

I have coached multiple UIL State champions, TFA state finalist and TOC finalist.

Answer the question! Have a clear thesis and three germane points. Prefer quality over quantity of evidence. Love AGD to be weaved throughout the speech.

Prefer controlled gestures, not repetitive. Movement should have meaning.

Ask me more specific questions.

LD

Establish a framework and link offensive back. I prefer substantive arguments over the resolution.

I will accept any argument as long as it is not offensive.

I will not tolerate speed. It will definitively result in low speaker points and could result in a loss if I don’t flow your argument.

Topicality needs to have a real abuse story.

Theory, CP and K are fine. If you are reading a K don’t assume I familiar with the argument and literature. The K needs to have a pragmatic alt. Theory needs a real abuse story.

Make sure speeches are organized and responsive to your opponent’s argument.

Don’t make do a lot of work for you because I won’t.

CX

My default paradigm is policy maker. I prefer substantive arguments over the resolution.

I will accept any argument as long as it is not offensive.

I will not tolerate speed. It will definitively result in low speaker points and could result in a loss if I don’t flow your argument.

Topicality needs to have a real abuse story.

Theory, CP and K are fine. If you are reading a K don’t assume I familiar with the argument and literature.

The K needs to have a pragmatic alt.

Make sure speeches are organized and responsive to your opponent’s argument.

Don’t make do a lot of work for you because I won’t.

Head coach at San Angelo Central High School

Extemp:

The most important thing is that you answer the question as clearly as possible. This includes previewing your points, signposting throughout, and reviewing your points at the end that links into the conclusion. Adding a clear structure adds to the impact and value of your overall speech. It is to also help you not ramble on. It is also important to be creative with your attention getter, vehicle, and your conclusion. It will set your self apart in my eyes with creativity done well. Sources are very important, but answering the question your way is the most important, then use sources to back those up. Not the other way around. I look for all of those together and a good flow for my overall ranks.

Interp:

Everything you do in your performance must have purpose. I love creative movements, stories, and really anything as long as there is a purpose. I am ok with any theme or story being told as long as there is impact behind it. Facials, moments, and character development are all very important for the overall performance. DO everything you can to truly become your characters and be in the story you are telling. In close rooms, I always look at who does all of these things together the best.

Congress:

The most important thing in a congress room is to have a presence. Do what you need to do to stand out without personally attacking your fellow representatives. Always attack their points, speeches, and questioning to further strengthen your points, but not them personally. I look for how well you understand the legislation, how well you know the info, the impact your points have for fellow constituents, and the creativity of your speaking. You need to have passion and use points made in the round to help your own side out. I really like crystalization of points and not just continuing to repeat other people's points. Do these things and make me HAVE to put you at the top of the room.

LD:

I’m primarily an interp and speaking coach, so with that said, presentation of arguments is imperative. I still expect exceptional analysis on a substantive level, just know I judge debate as a speaking event first. The debater with the strongest link chain to access their impacts will win my ballot. The easiest way to win my ballot is in your voters section in your final speech, present your RFD for me. The less work I have to do at the end of the round the more likely it is you’ll win my ballot. Good luck and I'm excited to hear what you have to say.

Yes, add me to the email chain. My email is Bixba@eanesisd.net.

CX - I'm a Policy Maker, so I want to vote for something rather than against something. I like a NON-TOPICAL Counter Plans or a Kritik with a good Alternative. I will vote on Topicality if the Aff is proven not to be Topical. I do not vote for Disclosure Theory, Contact Theory, Dress Code Theory, etc. Please debate the topic; that is where I will vote. Clash is key, so be sure to directly attack and answer arguments. Please do NOT spread. You must be intelligible; if I cannot understand you, I cannot vote for you. I will give one verbal request for you to be "clear", and if you are still incomprehensible I will close my laptop or drop my pen to nonverbally indicate to you that I have stopped flowing. Have all evidence you plan to read up on your computer. If you take your time sharing evidence when requested, that is free prep time for your opponent, and I do not expect them to stop prepping while you find the card(s) to send. While I prefer closed CX, I will entertain open CX, but be careful not to dominate your partner as that could cost them speaker points. Of course, remember to be a good competitor and treat your opponents with respect. Disrespect toward your opponent will cost you speaker points. While I was a debater in high school and college and I've coached for two decades now, treat me like maybe a step up from Lay Judge. I want you to fully and completely state your positions in a comprehensible manner.

LD - I guess I'm an old school LD judge. I expect to be able to identify your Value and Criterion and that is the lens by which I weigh the round. I do not vote for Disclosure Theory, Contact Theory, Dress Code Theory, etc. Please debate the topic; that is where I will vote. Therefore, I will vote on Topicality if the Aff is proven not to be Topical. Clash is key, so be sure to directly attack and answer arguments. Please do NOT spread. You must be intelligible; if I cannot understand you, I cannot vote for you. I will give one verbal request for you to be "clear", and if you are still incomprehensible I will close my laptop or drop my pen to nonverbally indicate to you that I have stopped flowing. Evidence sharing is not "off the clock" and will count toward prep and/or speaking time. Of course, remember to be a good competitor and treat your opponents with respect. Disrespect toward your opponent will cost you speaker points. While I was a debater in high school and college and I've coached for two decades now, treat me like maybe a step up from Lay Judge. I want you to fully and completely state your positions in a comprehensible manner.

PF - I see PF as a watered down CX debate minus the Plan Text, if I'm being honest. So, see the paradigm for CX above please.

Congress - Clash is key, so be sure to directly attack and answer arguments. Remember to be a good competitor and treat your opponents with respect. Disrespect toward your opponent may cost you the ballot. Depth of analysis is most important to me although I expect a solid speech structure with scholarly sources. As far as delivery, I want to feel that you are talking TO me not AT me. As such, be conversational yet persuasive.

World Schools - Clash is key, so be sure to directly attack and answer arguments. Remember to be a good competitor and treat your opponents with respect. Disrespect toward your opponent may cost you the ballot. Depth of analysis is most important to me although I expect a solid speech structure with scholarly sources. As far as delivery, I want to feel that you are talking TO me not AT me. As such, be conversational yet persuasive.

Interp - The most important thing to me in an Interp performance is to portray genuine emotion. If you really feel it, the audience will too. Be a good audience member by avoiding distractions and giving your complete attention to the competitor performing at the moment. Being a good audience member also means staying the entire time unless you are cross entered as well as providing appropriate nonverbal feedback to the performance. Please don't "mean mug" or attempt to nonverbally intimidate another competitor. I appreciate a good binder trick and a creative approach while maintaining author's intent. In the Intro, I would ideally like a conversational tone that allows me to meet you, displays your understanding and connection to the subject matter, and sets up the performance well. Literature that contains profanity does not bother me as long as the profanity adds something to the message and is not superfluous.

Extemp - Depth of analysis is most important to me although I expect a solid speech structure with an introduction, 2-3 main points, and a conclusion. I encourage 7-10 scholarly source citations throughout and would like to see that the sources add substance to the speech. Using a variety of types of sources such as state, national, and international as well as think tanks, periodicals, and books adds to the overall credibility of the presentation. As far as delivery, I want to feel that you are talking TO me not AT me. As such, be conversational yet informative or persuasive.

Parent judge, I have observed and judged rounds of PF and judged Oratory. Do not spread; explain arguments thoroughly.

I focus on clarity, articulation and conviction in speech.

In debate, my ballot goes towards the team who convinces me of their arguments.

Hi! My name is Julia Low, and I go by she/her pronouns!

I have debated for 4 years in the Austin/TXFA/NSDA/TOC. In addition, I have been to nationals in congressional debate along with WSD and know all of the ins and outs of Congress. I am a primarily speech-based competitor, participating in Original Oratory, Informative, Domestic and International Extemp, Congressional debate, and World schools!

What I am looking for,

Congress:

Argumentation: I can tell a good argument with solid warranting vs. just you speaking pretty and acting like you know what you're doing. I care about arguments and clashes. I can tell what is truth and what is a stretch. Yes, I will vote on truth over speculation, and if you're not giving me the truth and factual arguments, that won't go well. With that said, I care about your presentation; if you are not engaging me and being formal, that won't help your place. With questioning, I want to see that you know what you're talking about; I care about it, and questioning will be a factor in my decision. I have been a PO for my years in Congress; I will keep my recency chart and call you out when you are doing it wrong. I know a lot about parliamentary procedure and Robert's rule of order; with that said, if you are an excellent PO, you will be ranked well by me!

WSD/debate:

(I am a FLAY judge if you care about this.)

Arguments are, first and foremost, for me. I care about the argument's truth for WSD, PF, or LD. I’m okay with something interesting, but you must prove it. If I can't see your link chain and warrant, that won't work for me. For worlds, I want to see factual arguments over randomness and uncertainty. RUN FRAMEWORK: I will constantly evaluate a round through framework and not through my personal views; all my views and biases stay outside the round. Counter-plans are good with me! It would be best if you were doing essential definitions in WSD. Style: yes, I care about style and how you speak, and you should be speaking slowly; this is not PF or LD (if it is, please go slow; I have a background in Congress, not PF or LD). If I can't understand you, I will stop flowing until you speak clearly (no spreading, please). If I can't hear it, it will not flow. I am not the best judge to use a technical case on; if you’re running something super technical, I won’t understand it, and it will most likely lose you the round.

Extemp/IE's

Be structured; yes, I care that you are doing the walk and are clear in your sources and structure. Structure makes everyone's life easier. Be clear and confident. If you can sell me your argument, I will believe it. Be confident; I want to see you excited to do this and confident in your delivery!

Hello. My name is Mackenzie. I use She/They pronouns. I do not care whether you address me with honorifics, but please just be respectful.

My email, if it is ever needed, is mackenziemann991@gmail.com

Speech can also become toxic very quickly. I do not tolerate disrespect to a peer in any capacity. Everyone wants to do well. You are not special in wanting to get to state or come in first. Be kind.

Please take care of yourself, your instrument, your peers, and HAVE FUN!!!!

IE: I care about what you are trying to say with your performance. Purpose is what makes IE events different from any other scene or monologue. Purpose also drives itself in the performance. Do not only tell me in your introduction what I am supposed to make of this, but embody the reasoning in the performance. I have no tolerance for frivolous depictions of violence, especially without trigger warnings. I will rank you down.

Extemp: I have a little experience in this event personally. I find "selling" your position deeply effective, however, I do believe a good speech is if you can balance facts with "selling". Please use your thirty minutes wisely! A good AGD is awesome, but only if there’s a speech with it. I also care about having at least 4-5 sources, minimum.

Debate: I don't have much experience with this. I am not a fan of spreading, but tactics are tactics and to each their own. If you cannot get your point across effectively however, then spread at your own risk. I am a sucker for a CAP K argument, but I’m more of a sucker for a formidable response to one.

Here is the annoying part of my credentials. Feel free to skip if it bores you:

I am a sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a B.F.A. in Acting with an anthropological minor in Language, Culture and Communication; I am also pursuing a minor in Arts Management and Administration. The faculty I trained under have been part of Royal Shakespeare Company, SITI company, Rude Mechanicals, multiple Netflix series, and more. My training in high school consisted of Alley Theatre Resident Acting Company members, as well as people who trained directly under Stella Adler, Suzuki, Mary Overlie, Anne Bogart, and other acting titans.

I do not have experience in judging or doing debate. I am getting trainings in how to do so, and I have shadowed judges in competitions. My main area of focus is Speech events, particularly IE, but I do have experience in Extemp as well. Not only do I have the official certification (Whoo-hoo!), but I grew up competing throughout (middle school and) my high school years in DI, HI, Duo and Duet at the The Woodlands High School. I qualified for State in multiple times in multiple events.

After my time in speech, I spent time in UIL OAP at Bridgeland High School. My troupe achieved second at state, and I was the recipient of numerous Best Performer medals.

In my more recent time in college, I have taken part of a number of play readings, student film projects, and mainstage productions. I have understudied, been principal, aided in choreography, and assistant directed.

Extemp: I'm a big believer in the AGD - make me want to hear more. Be as creative as you'd like in coming up with an AGD or "hook" - but you definitely need something to make me sit up and pay attention. Answer the question. The more sources, and the more variety in the sources, the better. Be engaging and conversational - I want to see your personality shine through your speech. Don't forget to answer the question. Analyze your points thoroughly. Tie your conclusion back to your AGD or intro. Make sure you answer the question.

OO/Informative: Defend your thesis throughout your performance. Be engaging and conversational - I want to see your personality shine through your speech.

POI: Don't forget to refer to your manuscript throughout your performance - this event is not memorized. The best pieces are the ones that transition between genres seamlessly - unless the sharp contrast between prose, poetry, and/or drama is intentional. Characterization is huge - let me see the personality of your characters.

HI/DI/DUO/DUET: Please don't confuse me with too much blocking, or blocking that is overly specific and detailed. I want to see YOU - not some tiny imaginary thing you're holding. Be animated and as engaging as possible.

I judge mostly speech and congress.

If I'm judging debate, make sure to slow down and clearly explain your arguments. I don't like speed or technical terms.

Overall (Speech):Speech is a game of engagement with the audience, and your efforts should be towards engaging the audience with the message of your piece. My ranks are always based primarily on this. Of course, there are many tools to engage an audience, and your choice to use them and your effectiveness with them will vary.

Oral Interpretation: In interpretation events (HI, DI, DA, DUO, POI, PR, PO), I am looking for a performance that creates a significant personal or social meaning from the literature chosen. I am also looking for a performance that shows emotional and tonal complexity and a range that is both suitable for the piece and is demonstrative of the skills of the interper.

There should also be intentionality in the decisions made in the interpretation of the piece. For example, all the blocking employed in the piece should have a purpose and should not seem haphazardly included in the performance. This also goes for what is included in the cutting of the piece, for the words spoken, the emotions, sound effects, etc. conveyed should all contribute to the message you are trying to convey in your interpretation.

Public Address: In Public Address or Platform events (IX/FX, USX/DX, OO, INFO), I am looking for speeches that add novelty and insight to the topic of the speech. Making the topic relevant and understandable to a general audience is necessary for success in these speeches.

Speeches in these categories are more effective and engaging when they employ a variety of pacing and tone that convey to the audience the significance and emotional stakes of the points you make. On top of clear speaking and style, one needs to create the engagement for the audience with their voice through these tools. In general a conversation

Speeches should be well organized and easy to follow for the audience. They should have clear but original signposting to help the audience keep track of where they are in the speech.

Lincoln-Douglas:

I'm a speech coach, and this is not my preferred event. That being said, I am rather traditional when it comes to judging LD with heavy emphasis on the battle of values and achievement of the value criterion through your use of your evidence.

I have some debate experience through high school, but consider me more of a lay/UIL circuit judge.

Speed is okay if you are understandable, but I should not have to read along to understand you, if I can't flow it, it didn't happen. Elements of progressive debate such as theory and K are fine but have to be well justified within the context of the debate, otherwise, I'm not sure it'll make it to my flow.

Speaks are awarded on quality of debate based on speaking and presentation with 28 being the average debate performance, lower being, well, lower, and being among the best I've seen will be awarded a 29-29.5. If you are somewhere in between you will be awarded somewhere in between.

I'm pretty new to judging and so far, I've judged only dramatic interpretation events.In DI, I'm mostly looking out for distinct characterization, using voice, speech patterns, facial expresssion, and physicality to bring the different characters to life and making transitions between characters clear enough for your audience to keep up with you.

If I am assigned to judge other debate events, I'll be in rapid learning mode. I will look for clarity in your arguments and your speech.

Hey y'all! My name is Ella Jean and i'm so glad to be your judge!

A couple things. I went to Vista Ridge High school and was in speech and debate for 2 years and went to state for interp. My pronouns are She/her. I'm not as mean as I might seem, I may have an RBF (I get mixed answers). Just don't think I'm glaring at you because I'm not!!!!

General: I was a competitor for 3 years in many events (DX, FX, DI, DUO, Prose, and Poetry). I graduated from Lake Travis High School in 2024.

Extemp: Your speech should have structure. This includes a strong introduction, roadmapping, and tying back to the topic at hand throughout the speech. There are more aspects but these are the most important to me. I don't want to reach the end of the speech and question what the topic is or your stance on it. If you need to pick between adding more sources or more time for analysis, always pick more analysis. It is one thing to memorize names and dates but it's another thing to understand something enough to where you can give your own thoughts. Also, incorporate some humor please! Extemp, as much as it is about analysis of a topic, it is also about entertainment/performance so I would like to see inflection and humor to reflect that as well as professional and purposeful movement. I love seeing your personality shine through!

Interp: Please include trigger warnings for other competitors if your piece may make someone uncomfortable. If a competitor walks out during a piece respectfully and quietly, I have no problem with that. I want to see your own interpretation if it is a known piece of literature. I look for good blocking (especially in HI) and strong characterization. If plot points or characters blend together, even if it is a beautifully cut piece, you will get ranked lower. This was my main event throughout high school so I have seen quite a lot but I am not biased against non-traditional pieces. I like to see everything. In general, slurs and cursing unless extremely purposeful will get ranked down but I will not rank down any subject-matter that is traditionally not for high school students.

I am a third year in the BFA Acting program at UT Austin and competed in speech and debate throughout jr high and high school. For interp events, I'm looking for a clear understanding of the character's pov, and relationships. As for speech events, I am looking for clear points, confidence, and a new perspective on the topic at hand. Best of luck!!