Tech > Truth except on definitions

I'm pretty flexible with how you want to debate. Just give me what you have and I'll work with it. Comms will not make my decision in the debate, but they are a major factor in your speaker points.

My deciding factor is overall argumentation, with that being said if your opponents drop an argument explain why it's important if you don't it will not be a deciding factor for me. I also love cross examination, I don't mind aggression, but don't be disrespectful to your opponents. Finally if the round is super close and both teams have good argumentation my decision will be on the summary and voter, more specifically who was able to tell me why they won.

Just be nice to eachother please :(

Will judge off flow to decide the winner.

I'm not a very hard judge to please. Just communicate clearly and most importantly BE KIND TO YOUR OPPONENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >:() In all seriousness be courteous and have confidence. I'll let you take the round wherever you want to go and flow all your arguments. Be sure not to drop any significant arguments but I don't expect you to address every tiny detail. Overall just have fun, speech and debate is a great sport and I'm super excited to see you in the program.

-Joshua Brock TR

Hi I'm Lily!

I've been debating for a year now, and I even went to state for speech. My paradigms are impacts (whose case has the bigger effect), Communications (I can hear you, speaking at a good speed and eye contact). I also look for logic (if you can explain your points) and tag-lining (I need to know where you are speaking/attacking, if not your points will be dropped).

I am so excited for you! Debate is my absolute passion, and I hope you end up liking it as much as I do! I know that it may seem stressful and scary, but trust in yourself! If you have practiced, and have confidence, you will do absolutely amazing in rounds.

I am going to be judging this round based on four things. First, I want to be able to understand you. If you are spreading, (speed-reading) I may have to dock off points. Second, I want to be able to know what you're talking about. Make it clear when you are stating your framework, and make it clear when you are moving on to different contentions. Third, I am a flow judge. I will be flowing this round, and I will keep the flow in mind as I am deciding who won the round. Fourth, pathos, pathos, pathos. Make me feel something! I am all about emotion.

I am here to hold your hand through this debate. I understand what you feel, and I am here for you. Good luck debaters!! I know you will do amazing, and I am so excited to judge your round!

Hello!

A little about me: This is my third year in Speech and Debate (I'm a junior). As a freshman, I went to State Debate in PF, and I was an alternate for State Speech and Nationals. Last year, I went to State Debate, State Speech, and Nationals. I have a little experience in Policy and Congress. PF is my main debate event, but whenever not PF it's LD.

My Paradigm (how I'm judging the round) is largely based on content and understanding. Speaking skills are important to me, but it's very important to me that competitors know what arguments are being made, and not saying what sounds nice. By extension, originality is important (especially in partner events). Overall, because you are all novices I will be valuing Content > Comms (Speaking skills) since that's unfair in my eyes.

Cross-questioning, in any event, can get heated, so make sure to be respectful and ask good questions (not things like "Did you know about..." or just keep speaking as if it was a speech.)

Some minor stuff: Some judges make you use prep time during evidence exchange, but I don't. Please time yourself, but always make sure to ask. Do not tell me what to do (for example: "scratch that off of your flow" or "star this"), I will do the exact opposite. Instead, say something like, "Clearly our Contention outweighs theirs" or "Their contention doesn't flow logically" and I'll decide what to do with that claim. I would avoid any analogies since they are void of evidence and can easily be confusing. Just be nice.

All and all I want all competitors to have fun, and I'm looking forward

Be respectful, don't start arguments, be passionate but not agressive. Speak clearly, know your stuff and respond to everything with good sources behind. Dont't be annoying during cross.

I am a sophomore varsity member of Thunder Ridge speech and debate team.I specialize in LD for debate and Retold story as my speech event.I feel this event is for educational purposes. This event is to teach novices how to compete during a competition. Some things I'm looking for is consistent pace .I also look for good cross-X questions and answers along with not dropping statements.

I'm looking for good solid arguments with good reasoning and evidence to back it up. Respect for your opponents is also important to me.

I am mainly focused on ethos, pathos, logos arguments, as well as strong rebuttals towards your opponents case and points.

Hi! My name is Nicole and this is my second year doing speech and debate. I am an impacts, flow, and comms judge.

This is your first tournament, don't stress, have fun, I'm sure you'll do great : ).

I am a flow judge, which means make sure you respond to all arguments made on your case and attack all your opponent's contentions.

Lincoln Douglas Debate:

I'm starting my third year of debate. I have competed in Lincoln Douglas for my novice and JV years. I am an impact, coms, and flow (house burner) judge. Impacts are one of the most important things in a debate. I need to know why your side matters and why I should care. Impacts will be the biggest deciding factor in your round. I'm a coms judge in the sense I need to understand what arguments you are making and what those arguments are. If I miss something and you try to bring it up later I'm not going to flow it. In other words, I'm fine with a little speed as long as I can understand you (I'm not a fan of spreading). The flow is not the only thing that matters to me and it will never be the deciding factor in your round, however, covering all of the arguments builds your credibility as a speaker. The Value Criterion debate is important in LD but I want to see your v&c tied into your impacts and hear about both throughout your case.

Public Forum Debate:

I've never competed in Public Forum before but I've learned about this style of debate. I am an impact, coms, and flow (house burner) judge. Impacts are one of the most important things in a debate. I need to know why your side matters and why I should care. I'm a coms judge in the sense I need to understand what arguments you are making and what those arguments are. If I miss something and you try to bring it up later I'm not going to flow it. In other words, I'm fine with a little speed as long as I can understand you (I'm not a fan of spreading). The flow is not the only thing that matters to me and it will never be the deciding factor in your round, however, covering all of the arguments builds your credibility as a speaker. Impacts are the most important thing to me as a judge and will be the biggest deciding factor.

dont worry about anything please! its the novice tournament and I am not holding anyone to any crazy standards, debate can seem super rigid and stressful but in reality its nuanced and fun and a little weird, too.

take deep breaths and remember mistakes are natural and a lesson

have fun!! (and pls don't speed read)

I went to state in Public Form last year and am the PF captain of my team. I am ok with any argument as long as it make sense. Be nice people and please give off time road maps.

Hi! I’m super excited to judge rounds for you guys. This year will be my second year debating, so I know how rounds go and all the vocabulary. I’m a huge flow judge so I will be flowing during most rounds. I’m also really big on clash during debates, but not in a way of aggressive clash. I’m looking at cross examination and rebuttals for clash most. I also look for clean summaries from partner A’s.

Hi, my name is Cyson Phillips! I am a judge that mostly focuses on professionalism speaking. I love hearing what you guys have to say, and I want to hear you guys in your best speaking voice. Other than that, it will be evidence attacks and supports your case. If the round becomes very close, I will go off on the side of my flow that showed better arguments, better analysis, and voters that have better impacts in the round.

I am a flows judge with a heavy emphasis on impacts. That means I will weigh dropped arguments against you, but I can be swayed to vote for you if your impacts clearly outweigh your opponents. That being said, it is your job to tell me your impacts. I should not have to figure it out for you.

LD: Value/criterion debate is a huge part of LD, but winning the V/C debate doesn't mean you'll win the round, it means I'll judge based on who upholds that value better. The winner will be the better debater (no dropped arguments) with stronger impacts according to the value and criterion.

PF: Public Forum is simple. The Pro is advocating for the resolution and the Con is (usually) advocating for the status quo (no change). I expect you to analyze the impacts of both sides, and tell me which side is better. Impact calculus is your job, I should not have to find your impacts.

I am a debater i kind of like doing this. In round, I’m going to focus on why you should win the round, so tell me why you win the round. Also, it would be a good idea to tell me why you are winning the round, Focus on that

PF: I appreciate clear arguments and attacks. Do NOT attack your opponents!! Only attack their case/arguments. Speak with confidence, i will not pity you if not confident or sad. I will time you but when time is up and you are still speaking, i will not Flow the arguments presented at that time and i do not expect them to be attacked.

LD: All of the above but i am not very good at LD so when attacking and presenting arguments, treat me like a child and make it simple. I need COMMS for this, but also prove why you win the round.

I made it to state in public forum, and went to Nationals in Extemp Debate. I’m fine with almost any argument you want to run, as long as you explain the logic behind it. Make sure to signpost and speak clearly, if I get lost I wont be able to flow your arguments. Be respectful during cross and during your speeches.

B.a.g.e.l.s.

In response Path to Exile your commander, you may search for a basic land and put it onto the battlefield tapped.

HEYYY WHAT IS UPPP! I’m so excited to see you debate woot woottttt, i do LD but i am familiar with both public forum and LD! I really hope you have so much fun doing this!! It’s okay to be nervous I completely understand! I promise im nice! I really just vote on 3 main things, rebuttals, evidence and kindness! Please be nice i understand it can be hard but i promise you debate is a game you play with your friends! :) you guys are amazing and I can’t wait to see how this goes… good luck :) #yayy #dubdubdub #benice #periodyourgonnaeatthisup

I really appreciate good comms and logical arguments.

I'm primarily an Impacts and Flow judge. Make sure your impact calculus is clear, logical, and pragmatic. That being said, if you aren't keeping track of the flow, your impacts won't stand. Good voters at the end also go a long way to solidify your case.

I'm fine with speed, but I would prefer if you demonstrate your skill as a debater, not just as a fast talker.

LD:

I very much love the Value and Criterion debate, but winning the V/C debate will not necessarily mean victory. Give me clear reasons why we should weigh the round off of your Value. Both logic and evidence-based arguments have their place in this debate. Make sure you use them accordingly. Comms aren't really that important to me but if it comes down to it, I will use it as a tiebreaker. I can follow just about any speed, just make sure that you enunciate clearly so that I can still follow what you're saying. Put a lot of weight on impacts, flow, voters, and make sure the debate is professional (i.e. avoid ad hominem, attack arguments not opponents).

PF:

Make sure to extend your partner's arguments as well. I like to see lots of clash, and cross is a tool. Weigh your impacts and don't just say them, tell me WHY it matters. I prefer a few in depth and detailed arguments over a larger quantity of superficial arguments. Final Focus should include key voters on both sides. Comms aren't really that important to me but if it comes down to it, I will use it as a tiebreaker. I can follow just about any speed, just make sure that you enunciate clearly so that I can still follow what you're saying. Put a lot of weight on impacts, flow, voters, and make sure the debate is professional (i.e. avoid ad hominem, attack arguments not opponents).

I shouldn't have to say this, but be a good human: Remember that there is a fine line between being assertive and being aggressive. You can be confident in your speeches but that does not mean you should be arrogant or conceited. Be respectful no matter your opponent’s background, experience level, or argumentation style. Most of all, have fun and be proud of the work you do! This is your first tournament, I'm sure you'll do great!

I will be judging based on ICE CREAM!!!

I: Introduction! Start off the debate strong! A good case leads to an overall easier time in the round! I like seeing a good case, especially one that is defended well!!

C: Complete! A complete flow is a good flow! Dropped arguments will be weighed heavily and while they might not cost you the round, they will cost you speaker points (and most likely cost you the round) If you are going to drop something, make it VERY specific that you intended to drop that argument

E: Evidence! I don't need to see evidence to consider something a good point, but if you can bring in evidence to support anything you're saying, that's always better!!!

C: Cross-Ex! I really enjoy cross-ex. I think it shows how quickly you can think of something. Pointing out a flaw in someone's case during cross-ex is always a feel-good moment (sorry opponent) but I won't take it into too much consideration if you don't elaborate in a rebuttal speech. Also, if you defend well in cross-ex it means you know your material well

R: Reasoning! While evidence is great and I love seeing it, you have to have a good reason first for your evidence to be good. I want to see how your brain works and what logic you can come up with!!

E: Emotion! Please move me when you speak. You don't have to bring me to tears, but I want to feel a little something. I want to be thinking, yeah I totally get that. Impacts aren't the most important thing I'll judge on, but if you can bring in some pathos kudos to you!

A: Appearance! (Not your clothes) I want to see a confident, clean person. I want you to appear like you know what you're doing even if your entire case is made up on the spot!

M:Morality!!! This is the biggest!!! Lincoln Douglas is a morality debate, so I want to see a good value and criterion debate. If your case is good but you can't tie it back to your value and criterion, then it doesn't matter!! Don't forget the most important pieces of your case and the debate as a whole!!

Overall, the things I will be judging most (if you didn't want to read the giant essay above) are good arguments that tie back to your value and criterion and a confident person. Everything else should just contribute to these three factors. Finally, remember that this is just a game played with words and one of the hardest things you can do!!! So no matter what happens in the round, I'm so happy that you've deciding to do this sport and I hope you stick with it!!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU DEBATE!!! :)

My Paradigm

Debate:

That you guys need to be nice to one another. I believe in both of you and that you guys are both great. I want good conflict in Cross, and I would really like you guys to sign post so that I know where you are. I would really like contrast, and I want to argue but be polite and not be abusive. I will try to be flowing. I will vote on whoever wins the most voting issues. I will be timing you guys, but I might need the times for your event. Also if you want me to give you time signals I can do that too. I will try y best I am not perfect but I will really try.

PS when I judge PF I am typically a comms Judge

Speech:

I will give time signals if you want with 1 minute, 30 seconds, and last 10 seconds if you like.

Congress;

I haven’t ever really judged congress but make sure that you speak clearly. I would also liked if you explain in clearly especially in the first few speeches in the bill. You all have researched theses topics but it is probably the first time that I have heard them. If I know what it is about I can better judge the round.

If you run extinction… I will extinct your chances at winning.

I went to nationals last year, I'm good at Public Forum and world schools, I don't know much about LD and policy debate, I'm a lay judge who will flow, I love tech, and I'm fine with theory as well as both sides are experienced and run it well.

If you're rude to your competitors I'll subconsciously want to vote for you less, so be nice, everyone at the novice tournament's new and debate is supposed to be fun!

Good luck, have fun :)

As a coach, my paradigm may shift slightly based on the form of debate.

Congressional Debate: I'm looking for a few well-constructed arguments. Though I would never ask for evidence in Congress, it earns you points to cite evidence in your speeches. I discourage being a late speaker on a bill unless you have new insights or arguments that weren't addressed previously. Please don't just stand and repeat what many others have said. Keep questions short--the longer they get, the more awkward and confused you sound. Have fun, but joke speeches will drop you to the bottom of my ballot.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: It's all about the value and criterion (note that a criterion is a measuring tool by which we can see you've achieved your value; it is not a second value). All contentions should tie back to the value and criterion. The winner usually has shown that they either achieve both values better, has the only value that is achieved in either world, or has done sufficient harm to their opponent's case. Though I value logic more in LD than other debate formats, evidence will always enhance my evaluation.

Policy Debate: If it's worth saying, it's worth saying clearly. I do not favor quantity over quality. If I don't have time to write it on my flow sheet, it was never said. In order to win, the Affirmative needs to win all five stock issues; The Negative must win one stock issue (to suggest you could win in any other way is like a basketball player claiming they can win by how good they are at acting like they've been fouled). If the Neg presents a counter-plan, they have conceded the harms and inherency. At this point, you may only attack the plan and show that you solve better. Topicality is still an option if it was presented in the 1NR.

Public Forum: Public Forum is intended to persuade the average person off the street. I will flow the debate, but I will also judge heavily on your communication and ability to clearly explain the arguments on both sides. Overwhelming the "average person" is not the same as persuading them. If you would rather debate rules and pack four minutes with page after page of spewed evidence, I recommend switching over to Policy debate--better yet, change your ways.

Generally: Logic is great; Evidence is great; Logic and Evidence together are AWESOME! Be true to the form of debate you are in--there's a reason there are different events. Respect your opponents. Be ready to debate. Sign-posting greatly increases the chance that your comments get on my flow; if it's not on my flow, it was never said.