I have judged Speech rounds from local to Nationals, and I have been included in Debate, Congress, L-D and PF competitions.

The opportunity for me to judge at Nationals several times has been exciting and very rewarding!

I want to be able to understand you, please speak clearly. My expectations for this

event are:

Disrespect is never ok, be fair to each other and treat people as you would like to be treated.

Be kind, to others as well as yourself.

Logical, clear arguments are appreciated!

"Don't raise your voice. Improve your argument." Desmond Tutu

Traditional Debate

Weighing impacts goes a long way with me. Please don't neglect it.

Circuit Debate

I enjoy circuit debate, but I have not judged at a national tournament since Emory in 2015. I will understand Ks and plans, but I am not following the latest theory shells.

I am not against speed, however, I do not judge a lot. Slow down for tags and analytics.

I have 30 years of a combination of leadership experience in presenting business cases in order to sway executives into either creating, building or driving initiatives in organizations. As a result, my paradigm places a premium on clear and concise argumentation rooted in solid evidence. I value debaters who can effectively apply their philosophical or value-based positions to real-world scenarios. While I appreciate depth of analysis, it's crucial for debaters to draw connections between their arguments and practical implications.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates:

Articulate, organized and persuasive presentation styles resonate with my judging approach, mirroring the precision needed to convey thoughts in the real world. Additionally, ethical considerations and the ability to weigh competing values are integral aspects I look for.

Public Forum Debates (Tech Judging and Flow):

I value tracking the logical progression of arguments throughout the debate, prioritizing clarity and how well debaters respond to each other's points. Strong organization, well-structured rebuttals, and clear impact comparison. I expect to see strategic decision-making and effective use of time, cross-examination, and procedural tactics. Technical proficiency in argumentation and the ability to capitalize on debate rules or opponents’ weaknesses can make a difference, provided it’s integrated with substantive argumentation.

My involvement in debate began 4 years ago when my daughter started in the club. I have a very numbers based and analytical background. Using numbers that you can back up will be the thing that most sways my thinking. I don't mind a fast talker but you need to be clear. If I cannot understand what you are saying you can't convince me of your arguments.

I have a fairly straightforward perspective on my judging preferences. I am very much a traditional flow judge. I do not prefer progressive styles. I don't prefer spreading. If a debater speaks so quickly that I have trouble understanding them, I will not be able to prefer their arguments.

Backing up your arguments with convincing evidence and telling me specifically why I should prefer your evidence over your opponent's will help you win the round. Extending your arguments throughout the flow and pointing out to me any concessions your opponent made in cross-ex or any arguments dropped by your opponent will greatly strengthen your case. Voter issues are helpful. Explain to me the reasons for why you believe you won the round. Clarity of thought and logic for me will trump fast speech every time.

I know you are well prepared, so be relaxed, and believe in your ability.

My biggest issue is speed-talking. The goal should not be to cram as many points into the time allotted but to make a clear lucid argument.

Please deliver your points in a calm clear tone, at a pace the judge can follow. If you start speed talking, I will put my pen down and stop judging.

Kevin Theel

I am a new parent judge. Thank you for presenting your value, criterion and contentions clearly - and spoken in a moderate pace- so that I can flow your arguments. Countering the central arguments in a round and favoring quality over quantity is also appreciated. Thank you for helping me learn.

Enjoy your debates and have fun!

I am a parent judge and expect the following:

1. Civil and professional discourse with observation of tournament rules and behavior guidelines.

2. Present a clear framework and support with evidence and data.

3. Purely emotional and opinion based arguments will be viewed weaker than one with supporting data and evidence.

4. Speak clearly, at a reasonable pace (no speed talking), and avoid spreading.

5. Cross-examine your opponent meeting their points.

Best wishes in your debating.

This is my second year judging speech and debate, but I have enjoyed every minute of it and I hope you will to!

Please speak clearly and present your case in an understandable manner.

If you would like any time signals please let me know before you speak otherwise I will time you from your first word.