Hi, my name is Preston Hobbs. I am a junior at Edmond Memorial High School and a 2024 National Qualifier in Extemp Speaking. I have experience in PF, LD, OO, and DEX, and have been in the program for 2 years. My biggest piece of advice is to be confident and remember that you and your opponents are all new at this. You get out of speech and debate what you put into it, so put in hard work and mix it with having fun, and you will truly enjoy this activity! Please be respectful, nice, and a good sport. Don't be mean, rude, racist, ableist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or entitled (I will vote you down).

Debate:

• Round > Previous Knowledge (If your opponent says the sky is purple and you don't address it, the sky is purple for that round).

• I am a very flow-heavy judge, so please be sure to signpost and make use of offtime roadmaps.

• I do not flow cross, so if something is said in cross that you find necessary to the round, please restate it in a speech. Be respectful in cross.

• I prefer sources in the format of (Author Last name, Last 2 of Year); however, I understand that people all write their cases differently.

• Impact weigh (Why do I need to vote for your side? Who does it affect?).

Speech:

• I follow your speech best with triangle blocking; however, I can follow with a diamond block if that is your preference. Any blocking at all is well appreciated!

• Keep me engaged! Take it seriously, but have personality and make jokes where you can! It makes for a more enjoyable experience for both of us.

• Use powerful hand gestures. I understand fidgeting, but do your best to minimize it.

• State your sources in your speech.

• It’s okay to use a note card in extemp, but please do your best not to look at it.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email me.

midnitewp@gmail.com