Background/ Experience:

• I have taught communication and/or coached competitive debate and forensics since 2011.
• I judge a fair amount but mainly live in congress land.

Likes:

• I like clash, clear argumentation, and make sure to warrant and impact your claims.
• Respect each other.
• Clear speaks

Dislikes:

• I do not tolerate bigotry or racism in a debate.
• Spreading outside of policy or progressive LD. (I try to keep up, but I am not speed racer)
• One sided debate in congressional

Voting:

• The arguments need to make logical sense.
• I weigh the case on what I presented.
• I use a combination of evidence, argumentation, clash, speaking skills, etc... to determine the winner.
• I do not disclose the win/loss at the end of a round unless directed by Tab.

Congressional:

• Delivery should be extemporaneous in nature. A smooth cadence with interaction with the chamber is great.
• Be sure to maximize your allotted time.
• Evidence should be used to substantiate argumentation and not just provided to have a source.
• Decorum should simulate that of a congressional chamber, that being said it is good to remember to have fun as well.
• I use a combination of delivery, evidence, analysis, decorum, and speaks to determine both speech value and rankings.

I am a speech and debate coach and I have been coaching for the past 12 years. My teams compete in PF, BQ, IPDA, Congressional and Mock Trial. We also compete in all speech/IE events. We compete on the state (Arkansas), regional (MS, LA, TX), and national (NSDA, UKTOC, NHSMTC, EMPIRE) circuits in debate and speech events.

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DEBATE:

Decorum is of utmost importance - both verbal and nonverbal.

This should be a civil discourse between competitors.

Do NOT attack your opponent personally - attack the resolution and the claims.

Debate is a speaking activity, so, no, I do not want you to share/email/drop, etc. your case to me. I will judge what you say, not what's written in your case.

Speaking style is also critical. Do not spread or even talk fast - if I can't understand or if I struggle to keep up with what you're saying two things happen: (1) I will miss key information and (2) I will get frustrated and not be able to judge you. If I miss an argument because you are speaking too fast and are not clear, then you didn't make it.

Do not be monotone in your delivery and look up during speeches. KNOW YOUR CASE!!!

You should not have so much information that it requires you to speak faster than normal conversation pace/speed.

Be efficient with your words.

I want to know how to judge the round, so supply and use your MW or V/VC or Framework!

I want to see clear links between your claims and your WM, V/VC, Framework.

I want clear CWI's.

I want to hear logical application of research in your case - don't just recite sources, actually apply it!

You need to clearly and effectively refute all of your opponent's claims. Debate requires CLASH - if there is no clash, then you have not debated. It is the responsibility of each debater to add to and create clash throughout the round.

I flow the round, so I am well aware of what has/has not been dropped or deconstructed - don't claim your opponent has dropped points when they haven't!!! This can cost you the ballot!

Debate the resolution you have been given and nothing else! (HINT: K's)

Do not have a side debate about who has the best evidence - present the evidence and I'll decide as the judge, I don't need you to try and persuade me - or any other issues not related to the given resolution.

I don't need a road map - you should be clear enough in your round that I can clearly follow you. ______________________________________________________________________________

Congressional Debate - This is a role play debate ( you are not a high schooler, you are an elected representative with constituents).

You stillMUST HAVE CLASH!! Without clash, it's just dueling oratories! Listen to the other representatives and address their arguments.

Don't bring electronics up and read your speech off of your computer/iPad/phone. Look up and address your fellow representatives.

Ask good questions - don't preface questions and don't ask/lob "softball" questions.

Don't debate during questions - ask your question ONLY!!!

If you did not offer to PO the round, then don't attack the PO if they make mistakes. If you want it done better, then you need to run/volunteer to PO.

If you do run for/volunteer to PO, please make sure you know parliamentary procedure and how a congressional round works.

When using parli pro, make sure it is for the benefit of the round/chamber. It should be used move the round forward - not just to receive parli pro points and never to insult, embarrass, or belittle another competitor.

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Speech/Forensics Events

Know your performance space and adjust your volume - I need to be able to hear you, but I also don't want my ears to hurt because you are too loud.

Yelling isn't acting!

Cussing & vulgar language is not necessary. Content should be appropriate - shock value is a no-go for me. If you're a talented performer, then you don't need a piece that is cringy.

Become that character from the very first words out of your mouth - I want to see that character in your eyes!

Every piece of blocking and movement should have a purpose and it should enhance your performance. Don't move just to move. Don't over block - allow the character to tell the story through their dialogue.

Know your piece! Your eyes should not be in your BB too much.

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Have fun!!! The world will not come to an end if you do not win this round!

Always be looking for what you can learn from each round you debate.

Win. Lose. Learn!

#lovenadrespect

#goodluckdontsuck

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On a lighter note, my favorite K-pop bands are The Rose, EXO, BTS, Seventeen, NCT 127 & NCT Dream -- if you work K-pop lyrics into your case/refutation, you won't receive any extra points, but it'll make me smile!!!!!!

I am a traditional lay judge, nothing progressive. I have a son who does debate and I stay pretty well informed on most topics. I appreciate professionalism in rounds. I am okay if you talk fast, but I am not always good at listening fast. Just do your best and make good arguments.