I am a new parent judge and prefer debaters use a clear, audible, understandable vocal rate, volume, tone, and inflection in their delivery. Please limit your jargons as I may not have the specific knowledge of your topic. I prefer arguments over style so please convince me with your strong case and evidence. Please try your best to foster an inclusive environment, and don’t go overly aggressive and be respectful to your opponents.

I am a parent judge in PF who joined in 2023/24, and who has enjoyed listening to a number of passionate exchanges this season.

As a physician scientist, I am impressed by logic and reason. You impress me even more if you demonstrate humanism and appeal to universalist values which have always been true and will always be true - long after our zeitgeist values, however passionately held, have faded.

On an operational level, I am less able to award points for detailed citations - trust me, I will not be able to factcheck yours in real time! I understand that this presents a challenge: You ought to seek evidence for bold claims, of course - we demand it in medicine!- but I as your judge will not be able to critically assess the quality of your evidence during the hour we are together. What I am able to critically assess, however, and what I value highly is your ability to respond to opposing claims as well as real-time criticisms of your own claims: A PF debater who is able to honor an opponent’s argument, and then effectively rebuts it, will impress me - and score high.

I am a parent judge who competed quite a bit in speech and debate. I am also a trained trial lawyer. I appreciate clear arguments with delivery that shows me that you're actually trying to persuade.

I want to know that you understand your argument and your opponent's, and I value clarity of thought over a battle of the cards. I will weigh experts as needed, though, so give me a reason why your expert is better than theirs. Weigh the arguments, and be explicit. I do prioritize arguments: if you win the central argument, you will almost certainly win the round. Make sure you know what the central argument is.

I love a clever turn. It's one of my favorite things.

I can handle speed but ask you to keep it clear. I am also slightly hard of hearing and ask you to keep your voice up. I will tell you if I can't hear you.

Be civil, even during CX. I won't give the round to an underdog, but it will hurt your speaker points if you're rude to one.

I will absolutely never tolerate racist, homophobic, classist, misogynistic, or other arguments based in hate and ignorance rather than logic and compassion.

I am a parent volunteer.

Background: Pharmacist with a focus on pharmaceutical research

Please speak slowly and clearly.

I have judged PFD for 1 season.

Strath Haven '26

Contact Info:

zachpita1@gmail.com

970-381-9575

Current Junior at Strath Haven HS. I’ll flow anything.

LD:

Please send me your cases, even if it’s a Trad round.

PF:

I like open cross just don't have the speaker who didn't just speak do most of the talking

I am a lay judge, and this is my first time judging speech and debate. My child is a first-year public forum debater. Please speak slowly and do not use jargon or assume that I have topic knowledge.

I am a parent judge - PLEASE DO NOT SPREAD. Please speak loudly and clearly at a reasonable pace so I can understand the debate and evaluate it effectively. Please signpost clearly and respect your opponents. Don't assume I have prior knowledge of the topic. Please define all key terms you will reference in later speeches.

Hi. I am a lay judge, this is my first time judging speech and debate. My son is a first year public forum debater. Please speak slowly, and do not use jargon or assume I have topic knowledge. Good luck!