I am an experienced parent judge (3+ years) and most familiar with traditional debate but if it is within the rules I will do my best to judge it fairly. I am interested in hearing what debaters have to say so please be mindful of your speed. If one debater’s argument goes unchallenged then I will assume it is valid. You'll get dropped and the appropriate tournament officials will be notified if you say anything racist, homophobic, sexist, ableist, etc. Good luck and have fun!

Current School Affiliation

Speech & Debate Program Coordinator, Randolph County Schools

Elkins High School (Elkins, WV)

2016-present

Elkins Middle School (Elkins, WV)

2019-present

Experience as a Competitor

I did not participate in speech and debate activities until I was in college. The program at Davis & Elkins College was primarily focused on public debates and less so on competitive speech and debate. My time at D&E lead me to see the value of debate to shape and improve public discourse. Additional details about my experience are below.

Davis & Elkins College (2013-2016)

Public Debate (debates on campus and in the community, Madison Cup @ James Madison University, iDebate Rwanda)

College Forensics Association (Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Parliamentary Debate, Poetry Interpretation, Prose Interpretation, Communication Analysis, Informative Speaking, After Dinner Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking)

Lincoln-Douglas Philosophy

Overview I'm a traditional coach in a traditional circuit that has a general knowledge of progressive LD. However, I am willing to accept CPs, DAs, and Ks, but please be mindful of your opponents/judges ability to adapt. However, I am not likely to vote on theory arguments unless the violation is very abusive.

Speed I'm cool with speed, but be aware of how technology impacts how you are heard.

TL;DR I vote on impact. I want to hear why your argument matters. I will give preference to the debater that does the best job of showing the impact of negating or affirming the resolution.

I am new at judging, this will be my first time. I am mindful that this may also be many of the debaters first competitions as well, and will consider that while making any decision.

In general, please speak at a conversational speed so that I can keep up and be considerate of your teammates, opponents, and judges. Please be clear, concise, and as organized as possible.

I will flow the best I can and evaluate your arguments fairly.

More than anything, be confident and enjoy yourself!

Hi Debater,

I am looking forward to judging. I am a new judge and would appreciate if the presentation is clear to assist me in doing the judging.

Appreciate the help.

Thanks

Nehal

I prioritize the clarity and structure of the case. Be clear when defining terms that will be the basis for values, criteria and considerations. Particularly if using jargon, but even when using “lay terms”, if there is any ambiguity in how the term could be interpreted, be clear about the definition you will use. If you choose to use spreading, be aware that the speed of speech might make it more challenging for me to identify the key components of your case. Prioritize the Considerations that best support the connection from your Criterion to your Value - the quality of your case is not primarily based on its density or overly complex flow.

I am tabula rasa; did policy debate in HS and college. Fine with speed and K.

Use respectful language and behaviors between debaters

Speak at a nice pace - not too fast, not too slow

Clearly state contentions/arguments

Demonstrate keen listening abilities by challenging/addressing opponents contentions directly

Stay on topic

Demonstrate good time management skills

Organize thoughts/points to build a coherent narrative

1. Clarity of thought and how you make your point.
2. Eye-contact: maintain good contact with all involved and not talk to one person.
3. Tone- should be assertive and not aggressive.
4. Overall body language/ gestures when in debate- avoid being dismissive about your opponent.
5. Time management.

LD and PF: Although I list myself as "Traditional," I am open to different arguments as long as they are explained well and related to the resolution. I believe that we are debating the resolution, not fixing society's ills. Yes debate will enable us to fix society's ills but a competition round is not where that will occur. Debate theory can be interesting to judge, but again, needs to still be connected to the resolution. Also, be sure that the theory you're arguing is correct and logical. In terms of speed, to me it's not speed it's clarity. If you are going 97 miles per hour and have to constantly repeat yourself because you trip over words, maybe going 60 is better.

Congress: As a scorer or Parli, I look for good speeches with good evidence and analysis, but also continuous participation. I believe Congress is an overall package, including activity with questioning, motions and amendments. PO's should be able to move the chamber along smoothly, and fairly. However, they must also recognize that sometimes this may be a new experience for someone in the chamber, and be sure that everyone understands how the PO is maneuvering the chambers, not just assume that it's just standard operating procedure for everyone. Be good to each other and you will often stand out from the competition.