TOC ASIA FLOWER CUP CHENGDU
2025 — Chengdu, CN
General Pool Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HideHello, my name is Muhammad Ammad Chaudry, and I am honored to serve as a judge for this debate competition.
I have judged debate for more than a year, though this will be my first time judging Public Forum. My debate experience includes participation in Public Forum and other forms of debate such as Model United Nations (MUNs), which have shaped my understanding of argumentation and public speaking.
When it comes to speaking speed, I prefer a conversational pace of around 120-150 words per minute, as it ensures clarity and a more engaging presentation. In terms of the debate topic, I regularly read news and research on various related subjects, such as the philosophical and ethical questions surrounding immortality and meat consumption which are part of the topics of the upcoming event, as well as the medical and technical implications of these issues since this comes from my background as a medical major. I am also knowledgeable about the global climate impacts of the transport industry and the importance of education quality, having studied these areas extensively.
For the second rebuttal, I believe it’s crucial to directly address the first rebuttal, as failure to do so would be considered a dropped argument in my assessment.
Additionally, while I find note-taking (flow) helpful, it is somewhat important to my decision-making process, and I use my notes as a guide to help structure my judgment.
In determining the winner, I focus on the clarity, persuasiveness, and logical consistency of the arguments, as well as the debaters' ability to respond effectively to their opponents. I value enthusiasm and rational presentation skills alot.
The clarity of argumentation, logical consistency, and the strength of evidence providedare significant for me . I value effective rebuttals and how well teams engage with each other’s arguments. Ifarguments are dropped without being addressed, I tend to weigh that against the team. Delivery and style are important but secondary to the debate.
2.Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?I appreciate well-structured speeches that are easy to follow, and I prefer debaters who remain respectful and nonaggressive throughout the debate. I encourage you to emphasize quality over quantity in your arguments. Please ensure your reasoning is well-explained, especially if complex terms or ideas are involved, as I prioritize understanding over technical speed.
Debate Judging Experience:
I have judged debate for more than a year but Public Forum for less than a year.
Debating Experience:
I have debated other formats for more than a year but not Public Forum.
Speaking Speed Preference:
Conversational speed (120-150wpm).
Knowledge about the Topic:
I regularly read news about this topic. It’s an interest of mine.
Frontlining in Second Rebuttal:
Yes, if the second rebuttal doesn’t respond to the first rebuttal, I consider it a dropped argument.
Importance of Flow (Notes) in Decision Making:
It’s somewhat important. I use my notes to aid me in making my decision.
Judge Philosophies
1.Judge’s Name Lin He
2.Tell us about your debate judging experience.
I have never judged debate before.
3.Tell us about your debating experience.
I have debated other formats for more than a year, but not Public Forum.
4.What is your speaking speed preference?
Conversational speed (120-150wpm)
5.How much do you know about the topic?
I pay attention to this topic, but I don’t go out of my way to know about it.
6.Do you think the second rebuttal speaker should be expected to respond directly to the first rebuttal speaker (frontlining)?
No, the second speaker rebuttal is only responsible for answering the first constructive
7.How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?
It’s somewhat important. I use my notes to aid me in making my decision.
8.What factors go into your decision as to who wins the debate?
Constructive speech with enough reasoning and impact
Crossfire win is the most important metric in my judging
I prefer debaters do rebut more smartly by knowing what you say and based on what you’ve researched.
9.Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?
no
Judge Philosophies
1.Judge’s NameElaine Hu
2.Tell us about your debate judging experience.
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.â
e.I have judged Public Forum debate for more than a year.
3.Tell us about your debating experience.
a.I have never debated competitively before.
b.I debated Public Forum for less than a year.â
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?
a.Deliberate speed (100-120wpm)
b.Conversational speed (120-150wpm)â
c.TED talk speed (150-200wpm)
d.Fast speed (200+wpm)
5.How much do you know about the topic?
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.â
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)?
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 constructiveâ
c.I’m not sure.
d.Other (please specify)
7.How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?
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.â
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?
Constructive speech with enough reasoning and impact
Crossfire win is the most important metric in my judging
I prefer debaters do rebut more smartly by knowing what you say and based on what you’ve researched.
9.Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?
no
1. Judge’s Name Reine Huang 2. Tell us about your debate judging experience.
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.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?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?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)?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)
7. How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?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?Engagement; Clearity; Comparison and characterization; Logical linkage/mechanism/impact of the argument/contention itself.
9. Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?Nothing.
Judge Philosophies
1.Judge’s Name:NDUMISO ENOCK LANGA
2.Tell us about your debate judging experience.
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.
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?
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?
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)?
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)
7.How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?
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?
As much as every part of the round structure is important I tend to discover the strength or weakness of the debaters during the cross fire and rebuttal speech,the dynamics in responding to questions asked and the comprehensive skills to your opponent’s arguments (this depicted by crushing points in reference to your opponents information presented which further depicts exceptional memory and logic reasoning).I love eloquent speakers who rely less on notes/reading,debators who know what they talk about and base their evidence on latest information.Team work is key,a team with the same energy and that blends perfectly without one outshining the other or one evidently lagging behind.
Some of the key elements to assist debaters:
Confidence
Preparation
Background research of the topic
Art-use of gestures,emotions where needed,facial expressions,Voice projection,movements,boldness,emphasis on key points,eye contact with the adjudicators.
9.Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?
I’m very friendly and accommodative ,debaters can consult me anytime if they need oral feedback or if they have any queries regarding the scoring or the notes on the rfd.I would love to assist where I possibly can .
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.ea.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?ba.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?da.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)?aa.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)
7.How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?ba.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 winner should be able to give a relevant, complete and clear argument, and be able to rebut or compare important ideas of the opponents’.
I expect debaters to give relevant arguments that solves the issues raised by your topics/motions. The way you present your arguments should be structured and clear. It's most important that your arguments are about the most important matters, the largest or most vulnerable groups, or have the most extensive impacts. It would be better if you could respond/rebut your opponents' arguments. When both sides reach similar levels in argumentation, I expect you to compare and weigh your arguments for me.
9.Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?I do not prefer speakers who read their texts toooo fast...it’s hard for me to catch their ideas (sorry!)
Judge Philosophies
1. Judge’s Name
Dingxin Lu
2. Tell us about your debate judging experience.
I have judged debate for less than a year and this is my first time judging Public Forum.
3. Tell us about your debating experience.
I have debated other formats (BP) for more than a year, but not Public Forum.
4. What is your speaking speed preference?
Conversational speed (120-150wpm)
5. How much do you know about the topic?
I pay attention to this topic, but I don’t go out of my way to know about it.
6. Do you think the second rebuttal speaker should be expected to respond directly to the first rebuttal speaker (frontlining)?
No, the second speaker rebuttal is only responsible for answering the first constructive
7. How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?
It’s somewhat important. I use my notes to aid me in making my decision.
8. What factors go into your decision as to who wins the debate?
Constructive speech with enough reasoning and impact
Crossfire win is the most important metric in my judging
I prefer debaters do rebut more smartly by knowing what you say and based on what you’ve researched.
9. Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?
No
- Judge’s Name Jonathan Matthews
- Tell us about your debate judging experience.
- I have judged Public Forum debate for more than a year.
- Tell us about your debating experience.
- I have never debated competitively before.
- What is your speaking speed preference?
- TED talk speed (150-200wpm)
- How much do you know about the topic?
- I coach debate and have researched this topic
- Do you think the second rebuttal speaker should be expected to respond directly to the first rebuttal speaker (frontlining)?
- Yes, if the second rebuttal doesn’t respond to the first rebuttal I consider it a dropped argument
- How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?
- It’s very important. I take lots of notes and make my decision based almost entirely based on my notes.
- What factors go into your decision as to who wins the debate?
I look at substantive arguments presented by both sides, weigh which arguments were successfully rebutted and those that were not, and then look at the impacts of the remaining arguments to judge which side wins the debate. I do not factor in speaking style, so long as I can understand the speaker. My main focus is on the logical clash of ideas.
- Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?
I have been coaching debate for ten years both public forum and world school format. I like to see organized debates where both sides understand the importance of framing their arguments clearly.
I've judged debates and speeches at various levels, including high school and college competitions. My experience spans different formats, such as Public Forum debates, as well as individual events like original oratory. In judging, I prioritize clarity, logical consistency, and effective communication, providing detailed feedback to help participants improve. My background in these areas has given me a deep understanding of argumentation, rhetoric, and the importance of presenting ideas persuasively and coherently.
1. Judge’s Name
Charles Junior Mupotaringa
2. Tell us about your debate judging experience.
a. Ihave 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.
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?
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?
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)?
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)
7. How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?
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?
Clarity, evidence, logic and persuasiveness, those are the four main factors i consider when evaluating arguments from each team. I also look at the presentation style, organization and structure, speaking skills and demeanor from the debaters of each team for me to be able to make my final decision.
9. Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?
I appreciate clarity,professionalism,respectful behavior and debaters who adhere to the debate rules. Fairness and open mindedness are my approach to each and every argument that is presented by the debaters, hence with this i can say my judgement to each team is without bias.
Name : Judge Carlton
I am Judge Carlton, a dedicated adjudicator with a solid foundation in critical thinking and articulate debate, honed from my early years participating in debates during both primary and high school. These formative experiences installed in me the ability to analyze complex issues, construct well-reasoned arguments, and maintain a balanced perspective—qualities that have become integral to my approach as a judge. My academic and extracurricular background in debate has not only sharpened my verbal advocacy skills but also reinforced my commitment to fairness, clarity, and precision in legal reasoning.
Over the past three years, I have accumulated valuable adjudicating experience in diverse speech and debate environments, having served two years as a judge in South Africa and one year in China. In these roles, I have presided over a variety of cases, consistently demonstrating impartiality, respect for legal principles, and cultural sensitivity. My international judicial experience has enriched my understanding of different legal systems and the importance of maintaining a global perspective in the pursuit of justice.
NB
Public Forum Debate and Junior Debate
As an adjudicator look for the following qualities in debates and speeches
- Clear communication and pronunciation.
- Well-structured arguments that are logical
- Use of credible sources and evidence to back up arguments.
- Effective counterarguments and rebuttals.
- Effective questioning and responses during cross-examination.
- Ability to persuade the audience and judges
- Coordination and collaboration between team members.
- Confidence, poise, and body language.
- Timing: Adherence to time limits and effective time management.
Original Oratory
- Original, interesting, and meaningful content.
- Clear and logical organization of the speech.
- Clear pronunciation and enunciation.
- : Confident, engaging, and dynamic presentation.
- Ability to connect emotionally with the audience.
- Effectiveness in persuading the audience.
- Effective use of language, including vocabulary and rhetorical devices.
- Appropriate and effective use of gestures and body language.
- Speech should be memorized, not read.
- Adherence to time limits and effective pacing.
Impromptu Speech
- Clear understanding of the given topic.
- Clear and logical structure despite limited preparation time.
- Clear communication and pronunciation.
- Confidence, poise, and dynamism in delivery.
- Original and creative approach to the topic.
- Relevant, coherent, and substantive content.
- Ability to engage with the audience.
- Effectiveness in convincing the audience.
- Appropriate use of gestures and body language.
- Adherence to time limits and effective time management.
I am comfortable with speed up to 200 words per minute.
I certainly will do background and basic argument research before tournament but will prevent coming to my own conclusion on arguments. I’ll only judge based on points directly discussed in this debate by competitors . Innovative points with complete logic links are welcomed.
Will Scott
Academic Director, TOC Asia
Coaching (primarily PF and OO) in China for over 9 years, Debated policy debate at Liberty for 3 years (2009-12: Nukes, Immigration, Democracy Assistance topics), coached policy at James Madison for 2 years(2013-2015). Did speech in high school (Primarily OO and Extemp).
PF:
-Speed is ok if you are clear. I still flow by hand, so I need pen time. If you speak really fast and don't make it clear when you are changing contentions/cards, you run the risk of me missing it on the flow.
-If it's not in the final focus, I won't vote for it.
-If there's nothing in the summary I can connect the final focus argument to, I'm very unlikely to vote for it.
-If it's only in crossfire and never explained in a speech, I'm very unlikely to vote for it.
-If there's a clear framework, I will evaluate the debate based on that framework. That doesn't mean you automatically win the round because you win the framework, just that I will look at the round through the lens of that framework.
-If the ballot is supposed to be something other than who wins the largest impact make sure I am aware of what you want me to do with the ballot.
-Stealing prep annoys me. Your speaker points will suffer.
-I don't have a defined preference as far as 2nd rebuttal frontlining the 1st.
OO/Informative
-You're not gonna change what you do for me. Speak clearly, do what you do, and have fun!
-If you're looking at this before the tournament, know that one of my biggest things is that I look for a preview in speeches. I will tend to write down the preview and use that to follow the body. If the speech has a clear preview that it actually follows then I will be very happy.
Extemp:
-I expect to see a clear structure and a clear thesis. While I generally keep up with current events, you should assume I have less knowledge than you on your topic and should explain thusly.
Policy:
I've been out of policy debate for about a decade. I have students who've gone on to compete in policy and am aware the community has changed over the past decade, but I haven't judged a policy round since the CEDA final round in 2015. My flowing speed probably isn't what it used to be. I'm also a dinosaur that flows on paper so I will need time to write. I'm going to need you to slow down a bit and make sure I'm following. It's unlikely I'm going to follow along in your speech doc- I'm gonna write what I'm hearing and then use the speech doc to help me resolve disagreements you have in the round that are close enough for me to go to the doc.
Argument-wise, I'll be open to what you ask me to vote on provided it's not an argument that involves denigrating the debate community or those in the activity. That is VERY DIFFERENT from criticizing and calling out problems in debate. When I debated policy I ran different styles of argument. My first couple years it was policy affs and a mix of neg strategies, and my third and last year we ran a planless kritikal aff and one-off race-based arguments. I'm sure there are things that have changed in debate style over the past decade, so my best advice for you is to do what you do, do it well, and be sure to explain what you're doing so I know what to do with my ballot.
Judge's name：ANNA
Judging experience: Guided the Training of Chinese and American Friendship City Debate Competition in the Shuangliu Middle School.
Debating experience: The Second Place of the 2025 FLTRP English Debating Open (East China Region)；won the best speaker in FLTRP English Debate Novice Championship 2023； won the First Prize in FLTRP English Debate Novice Championship； won the Second Prize in FLTRP English Debate Open Western China Universities Championship and The 11th “Silk-Road League Cup “English Debating Competition; won the Second Prize in 2024 FLTRP English Debate Open·GBA Championship, the 3rd Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Greater Bay Area Universities Debating Championship; won the Champion and Grand Prize in Campus Selectiob in the 26th “FLTRP·ETIC Cup" National English Debating Competition; won the Best Speaker and the first prize in Campus Seletion in the 26th “FLTRP·ETIC Cup" National English Debating Competition; won the FIRST PRIZE and BEST SPEAKER in the qualification trail of Chengdu University Of Technology in China Universities Debating Championship 2023; won the RUNNER-UP and BEST SPEAKER in the trail of Chengdu University of Technology Universities Debating Championship 2024;
Judge preference:
Speaking speed preference: TED talk speed.
I have researched this topic.
I believe the second speaker is expected to respond directly to the first rebuttal speaker, and that's quite important.
I prefer to use note for my decision.
I would like to vote for the side which has a more clear structure and better logic links.
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.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?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?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)?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)
7. How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?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 effectiveness of your own case—comprising the clarity of your claim, the coherence of your mechanism, and the significance of your impact. Equally crucial is your engagement with your opponents' case, including rebuttals, weighing etc. Lastly, the adequacy and quality of your evidence—encompassing its truthfulness, authority, importance, and influence.
9. Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?I firmly believe that it's essential to respect your opponents in a debate, steering clear of any aggressive intentions or actions, and instead opting for a polite and courteous approach.
Judge Philosophies
1. Judge’s Name：Frederic
2. Tell us about your debate judging experience.
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.
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?
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?
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)?
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)
7. How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?
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?
Strength of Arguments:
The quality of arguments presented by each side plays a significant role. Strong arguments are those that are logically sound, supported by evidence, and relevant to the topic.
Rebuttal and Counterarguments:
Debaters should anticipate and address opposing arguments effectively. This involves providing counterarguments and refuting opposing points with evidence and logic.
Logical Reasoning:
Debaters must demonstrate logical reasoning by making coherent points and drawing valid conclusions. Logical fallacies weaken an argument and can sway the outcome against the debater who commits them.
9. Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?
No more.
QWQ
Judge Philosophies
1.Judge’s Name Tongyu Zhang
2.Tell us about your debate judging experience.
I have never judged debate before.
3.Tell us about your debating experience.
I have debated other formats for more than a year, but not Public Forum.
4.What is your speaking speed preference?
Conversational speed (120-150wpm)
5.How much do you know about the topic?
I pay attention to this topic, but I don’t go out of my way to know about it.
6.Do you think the second rebuttal speaker should be expected to respond directly to the first rebuttal speaker (frontlining)?
No, the second speaker rebuttal is only responsible for answering the first constructive
7.How important is the flow (your notes) in making your decision? What do you write down in your notes?
It’s somewhat important. I use my notes to aid me in making my decision.
8.What factors go into your decision as to who wins the debate?
Constructive speech with enough and clear reasoning and impact
Crossfire win is the most important metric in my judging
I prefer debaters do rebut more smartly by knowing what you say and based on what you’ve researched and exactly what the other side say.
9.Is there anything else you would like the debaters to know about you?
no