AYYYYYY I’m glad you decided to give up your weekend to come here and debate. Trust me I know how you feel.

About me:
I went to Saginaw High School, class of 2024, and I currently attend the University of Texas at Austin (hook 'em). Debate was my most enjoyable activity in high school, and I want it to be yours as well. Just have fun and good luck!

I debated both in TFA/NSDA and UIL, so I know the best of both worlds. I have very different standards for each format, so make sure you adjust accordingly :) (lmk if you have any questions)

TFA/NSDA: (LD/CX)

Arguments and Clash

• Be specific. Don’t just reference “this and that card”—explain the argument clearly. (Roadmaps definitely help)

• Go line by line in rebuttals; it makes the round easier for me to follow and helps you stay organized. (I will flow the round diligently but tell me where things go)

• Impact calc is a must—always compare impacts in terms of magnitude, probability, and timeframe.

• Voters- tell me why I should vote for you...warrants, extensions, drops should all be highlighted.

• Send me everything Srijansharma668@gmail.com SEND ME THE DOCS BEFORE THE ROUND BEGINS.....Guys I don't want tab yelling at me cuz the round is falling behind >:(

• Lastly, do what works for you, if there is anything I can to do make the round more accessible let me know.

Progressive thingz :)

• Ks: I didn’t run these, but I know how they work. If you decide to run a K, make it very clear. Explain the link, impact, and alternative thoroughly. Make it easy to follow plz :)

• K-Affs: I ran these occasionally in high school, so I know what they should look like. If you run one, make sure your advocacy is clear and ties back to the resolution. (Heads up: If your K-aff/K relies on identity politics and your opponent can access your impacts, you’ll likely lose.)

• Theory - I enjoy theory debates, especially when there is a clear violation. (There is always a potential for abuse in round, however my threshold for proving abuse is high.) Structure your shell well (interpretation, violation, standards, voters), and allocate sufficient time to make it convincing. Tell me why this is such a big deal instead of just blasting through it.(When you debate, don't forget what theories actually mean…only run it if there is an actual violation…not to play gotcha)

• Topicality: Same thing as theories, explain it well...competing interps are always welcome.

• DA/Adv. Make sure DAs link with the Aff well. Aff make sure you have a framework or value/criteria. Send me the docs for anything you run.

• Tricks/Spikes: Guys Idek what the point of this is in debate...if I don't understand it I won't vote for it...run at your own risk.

Spreading

• I never spread in debate because think about it when in real life will you ever need to speak that fast. Debate is about improving public speaking skills for the long term. I prefer not spreading but if you absolutely do need to spread... do it right tagline, author, date should be clear and I don't want the rebuttals to be you spreading the whole time, do the debating part :) I flow you not the doc...so if I miss something because you spread...that's on you.

Speaks: Legitimately it depends on how well you speak, the whole point of speaker points are to show how well you speak, (I don’t really agree with the whole idea of the winner has to have higher speaks, that's not always true) As long as you are a good speaker you’ll be fine. Please be nice, if your opponent is new/novice and you are mean/rude...your speaks will tank >:(

UIL LD:

I love my UIL folks (Fun fact I did UIL before I did TFA)

I will NOT vote on any progressive arguments such as CPs, Ks, K-affs etc, if you want to run those arguments TFA tournaments offer the perfect environment to practice them... its going to be v sad if you run these and you opponent is like "what" :( the only thing I allow is theories as there is always a potential for abuse...(if ur opp runs one of these progressive arguments...a theory will make me v happy :)

Value/Criterion

• I’m big on value/criterion debate in UIL. Your case should establish a clear framework and clash meaningfully with your opponent’s. Winning the framework debate can often win you the round. (Unless we drop down to the contention level debate)

• UIL LD is about philosophy and persuasion. If you can make me walk away from the round having learned something new, you’ve already won in spirit—even if the ballot doesn’t reflect it.

Clash and Voters

• Give me voters in your final speeches. If the round is close, voters will help me evaluate the debate and make a decision.
• Signposting is very important. Make it easy for me to follow your arguments throughout the round.
• Quality over quantity. I would rather hear two strong, well-articulated arguments than four rushed ones. UIL is not about cramming as much as possible; it’s about clarity and persuasion.

• Speak clear and confidently...nothing to be afraid of :)

Almost there phew...

• Debate should be fun and educational. Respect your opponent and create a positive atmosphere.
• I will not tolerate racism, sexism, or any form of discriminatory behavior in my debate room.

Good luck :D (feel free to email me any questions regarding the round or anything else AFTER the tournament/round)