I used to be the head coach of my high school's debating program. With that being said debate is not my forte. These are some of the things you should do if I am judging you.Speak clearly, do not speed. If you are used to speeding then learn judge adaptation. If I can't get your arguments down and understand what you are saying then you have lost the round. I like empirical evidence - you will not win the round by trying to win an emotional argument.I like a well thought out/planned case that makes sense logically - I like to be able to connect the dots.I can flow, but am not as good at flowing as someone who judges PFD every weekend.Do not be rude. I can deal with assertive, but screaming, belittling opponents, eye rolling, head shaking and showing general contempt is not acceptable. You may win the round but it will be with 20 speaks. Judge Philosophies 1.Judge’s Name: Queen Chibanda 2.Tell us about your debate judging experience.[e] a.I have never judged debate before. b.I have judged debate for less than a year and this is my first time judging Public Forum. c.I have judged debate for less than a year and have judged Public Forum before. d.I have judged debate for more than a year, but Public Forum for less than a year. e.I have judged Public Forum debate for more than a year. 3.Tell us about your debating experience.[d] a.I have never debated competitively before. b.I debated Public Forum for less than a year. c.I debated other formats for less than a year. d.I have debated Public Forum for more than a year. e.I have debated other formats for more than a year, but not Public Forum. 4.What is your speaking speed preference?[c] a.Deliberate speed (100-120wpm) b.Conversational speed (120-150wpm) c.TED talk speed (150-200wpm) d.Fast speed (200+wpm) 5.How much do you know about the topic?[d] a.I coach debate and have researched this topic b.I have professional-level knowledge about this topic. c.I regularly read news about this topic. It’s an interest of mine. d.I pay attention to this topic, but I don’t go out of my way to know about it. e.I have no idea about the topic. Please make sure I understand things. 6.Do you think the second rebuttal speaker should be expected to respond directly to the first rebuttal speaker (frontlining)?[d] a.Yes, if the second rebuttal doesn’t respond to the first rebuttal I consider it a dropped argument b.No, the second speaker rebuttal is only responsible for answering the first constructive c.I’m not sure. d.Other (please specify) In Public Forum debate, it's generally expected that the second rebuttal speaker will engage with the arguments presented by the first rebuttal speaker. This often involves frontlining, where they directly address and counter the points made by the opposing team. 7.How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?[b] a.It’s very important. I take lots of notes and make my decision based almost entirely based on my notes. b.It’s somewhat important. I use my notes to aid me in making my decision. c.It’s not that important. I tend to judge the debate more wholistically. d.Other (Please Specify) 8.What factors go into your decision as to who wins the debate? The factors that determine the winner in PF debate and speech events include argument strength, rebuttal effectiveness, crossfire performance, clarity, organization, impact, and delivery. 9.Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you? I appreciate well-structured speeches that are easy to follow and deliver persuasive points with confidence and clarity. Additionally, adhering to time limits and demonstrating adaptability and strategic thinking throughout the debate

Kaye Esperanza G. Elizalde

Age: 28

College: University of Southeastern Philippines

Current Occupancy (Student in college, or career field): Public Speaking Coach

1. What types of debate have you participated in before and how long is your debate career?

I am an English Teacher from the Philippines since 2018 and have coached debaters as well. Since I have just recently moved in China, my first judging event was when I participated last WSDA Dec 2-3 Competition. I have judged both Middle School and High School Public Forum. I have also judged Spontaneous Debate as well as Original Oratory and Expository Speech.

2. How do you consider fast-talking?

Fast talking in general may be challenging for others to follow. It can be due to conveying excitement or delivering information with a sense of urgency. However, in Debate it is quite a talent to Fast Talk during Constructive and Rebuttals speeches since it is time limited. However, when one does fast talk yet cannot articulate well the words, it removes the purpose of giving information and will just be unclear for the receiver of the message.

3. How do you consider aggressiveness?

I view aggressiveness as a tool to overpower the opponent. It can also be used to show confidence in what you believe and are trying to say. It is being persuasive. In a debate, both parties must present their sides with ample assertiveness to persuade the judge about their claims, warrants and impacts to win. However, being aggressive alone still cannot impose certain victory. It’s only an aid to convince the people.

4. How do you usually determine the winner of the debate?

I always take down notes especially in the Constructive. Usually, both parties are starting strong about their claims. However, I notice that during Crossfires and Rebuttals, one team dominates the other. It’s about who can answer logically and with a more reasonable rebuttal. Also, I am looking for evidence that supports their contentions. Lastly, I am very particular with the team who cannot rebut quickly. It shows doubt towards their information and unpreparedness.

5. Please specify any additional notes you want to share with debaters, including any unique preference of the debate.

First, I tell them that whenever you deliver a speech, raise your volume 20% higher than your normal speaking voice. A lot of debaters are almost inaudible. Next, I tell them to think before you speak. Learn to conjure questions directly that the Judge and Opponents understand. Debate is time limited, most debaters waste Crossfires due to a lot of unnecessary phrases like repeating contentions rather than directly asking their questions. Overall, I judged according to logical reasonings, their thorough preparedness and their speaking ability.

I look out for objectiveness, evidence, and the capacity to rebut well to make
my decision. I believe every debater stands an equal chance to win a debate no matter which side he or
she is on.

Debaters must make sure they are not only attacking their opponent’s claims but also defending theirs to win clashes.

Including evidence from currents happenings to justify your point can increase your chances of winning a clash

Leaving your opponent’s points unrebutted may score your opponent some points in my evaluation.

I approach debates with an open mind, seeking to provide constructive feedback and promote a positive educational experience for all participants. As a judge, I strive to be fair, impartial, and attentive to the arguments presented in each round.

I believe that debate is a valuable platform for intellectual growth, critical thinking, and effective communication. Debaters need to engage in thoughtful analysis, support their claims with evidence, and demonstrate logical reasoning. I encourage debaters to be respectful, considerate, and inclusive in their interactions with others.

In evaluating rounds, I consider several factors, including (But not limited to):

1. Content: I assess the strength and clarity of arguments, the quality of evidence, and the logical coherence of the presented case.

2. Delivery: I take into account the debaters' speaking skills, including articulation, tone, and the ability to effectively engage with the audience.

3. Rebuttal and Clash: I value debaters' ability to engage with opposing arguments, provide effective rebuttals, and engage in meaningful clashes with their opponents.

4. Strategy: I appreciate strategic decision-making, including the ability to adapt to the debate's flow, utilize time efficiently, and construct persuasive narratives.

5. Etiquette: I expect all participants to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and professionalism. Discriminatory, hateful, harmful, and profane language will not be entertained.

Thank you for the opportunity to judge your debates, and I look forward to a productive and enjoyable tournament.