TOC Digital Speech and Debate Series 1
2024 — NSDA Campus, US
LD - Open Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HideI'm 100% a game judge, the flow is like a chess board and it is your job to navigate it with whatever tools you have at your disposal. You can run anything; Theory, Topicality, Ks, CP, DA/AD/Plans/KPlans but for all of those you need to give a "why" and impact calc for everything, fail to do that and you will lose the round.
That being said stock issues are inherent to an argument, if you don't solve for anything or you can't show significance then you will also lose. Topicality is loose for me but again if you fail to solve for something or show it's significance then you lose.
Spread as fast as you want, I was reading at 340 wpm once upon a memory. If you turn into a mumble rapper like Post Malone then you are not communicating effectively and you'll have stuff drop on the flow. Clear and fast is fine, murmuring quickly is not fine. When in doubt slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Too often debaters are reliant on judges reading their card for them to put them on the flow rather than conveying the information. If there is something in the debate that is the razors edge that will make or break the round then I will evaluate it but that is rarely ever the case (I have only seen it once, same source cut two different ways).
My default settings:
I will hear theory arguments if you are deeply against any of the following but otherwise this is how I vote.
Disclosure has to be consensual prior to the round but when you are giving the constructive what are you really gaining from not exchanging? Plus it is in the NSDA manual you have to produce evidence for your opponent at their request.
Aff gets fiat for world building otherwise the debate can't happen.
Neg gets conditionality to truth test with multiple worlds.
General sportsmanship should be observed. I was a debater, I promise you I know abuse when I see it. If your opponent checks it and you don't have some good reason for trying to push that envelope you'll lose. Be excellent to each other.
I do private coaching but I also care deeply about the debate community so please feel free to reach-out with questions after your rounds. coachmike@citronoline.org
Private Coaching Link
https://www.citrononline.org/camps-and-coaching/p/private-coaching
B.S. Ecology from Arizona State University
M.L.S. Environmental Law from Sandra Day O'Connor Law College
M.S. Geospatial Intelligence from Johns Hopkins University
Debate Director of the Citron Online Speech and Debate District
I am a parent judge. I prefer traditional over progressive approaches to debate. If you are going to speak fast, please send me your case.
Please be respectful to your opponents. Have a great debate!
Email: abigpandor1@gmail.com