Parent Volunteer

I am a parent volunteer whose student is in her second year of debate/forensics. I have also been a volunteer judge for the past two years. I am an education professional, having spent 12 years in Higher Education Administration and six in Corporate Learning. I currently lead all Supply Chain Training for a Fortune 10 Company.

While I do not have formal debate experience, my professional experience includes conducting speeches and presentations and succinctly sharing my position, always grounding it in a solid argument. These professional skills and experiences have been imperative to my career success. For example, during my time in higher education, I presented to thousands of students, specifically employing techniques of persuasive speech. Now, in corporate education, my communication skills continue to be integral to my work, such as in advancing projects and bringing my suggestions to all levels of associates – from entry-level to chief executive officers. Possessing the abilities to speak articulately; research; and advance a thoughtful argument and rebuttal is the cornerstone of success in any field.

Most of my communication experience is in speech. Speaker points are important to me. Sloppy or disorganized speeches can cost you the round. I expect students to know their content – not just read to me. I want to observe your speaking and delivery skills as much as I want to hear and understand your arguments.

More specifically, I expect solid speaking skills. I prefer that you not speak too fast or too slow. Please enunciate clearly. If you do speak quickly, make sure your words and ideas are clear. If I miss your argument because you are unclear or are speaking too quickly, it could cost you the round.

Your content is also integral to your success. Back your claims and counterclaims with solid arguments. Your claims should be supported with more than your own opinion. I want to feel confident that you have done your research and are prepared to present to someone who does not know the content as well as you do. Make your points clear and understandable.

Be sure to read arguments that have a clear link to the resolution and framework. If I don't understand the argument itself or don't understand how it links, there is no way for me to evaluate it.

Keep it professional. A true debater is able to give their points without sounding demeaning or disrespectful. Any such behavior will cost you the round with me. Learn to disagree respectfully.

Since I am a newer judge, do not use debate jargon in these rounds. Speak to me as if I have never heard the word debate before.

Avoid arguments that are homophobic, sexist, racist, or otherwise offensive. Be respectful of your opponent and judge. Use professional language at all times.

And finally, this is your debate, so have fun with it! Best of luck to you!

Volunteer

This is my third time judging a debate. I do have additional exposure to debate through my daughter, now in her third year of debate/forensics. My education is in business however I have spent the last 10 years of my career in Higher Education.

I will do my best to judge each round fairly and to do that I expect the following from you.

-- I am newer so please don’t use any debate jargon as it may be lost on me.

-- Provide clear and understandable arguments and supporting evidence.

-- Please speak at a reasonable speed and enunciate clearly. If I miss your argument because you're not clear, it could cost you the round.

-- Keep it professional and respectful. Any demeaning or disrespectful behavior could cost you the round.

-- Have fun and good luck to each of you!

Thank you so much for this opportunity to see you in this arena.

I am a parent volunteer, but I bring a background of performing arts, writing and literature, marketing, and education as a foundation for my judging. I am seeking out training and feedback to better ensure my service to students as a judge is the best it can be.

FOR SPEECH

As I become more familiar with structures of the various styles, I will provide more specific feedback on those. But for now, my perspective will be based on the following:

-elements of performance such as volume, tone, inflection, clarity, and characterization

-organization of material (All things contain ethos, pathos, and logos, and all communication is persuasive and informative and argumentative.)

-audience considerations including the piece selected and interaction with the audience (where applicable)

-choices the performer makes to further the effect of the performance

I love careful consideration of the audience and the piece as well as the performer's skill with intention and nuance. I love people stepping outside the safe zone and really bringing it home. It's a risk, but so is playing it safe.

Especially in issues where argument or information is forefront (extemp, impromptu), verbiage that marginalizes the audience, belittles other viewpoints, etc. will result in lower ranking/score. Examples include:

-using religious perspectives in the argument where not specifically warranted

-using phrases like "pipedream," "ridiculous," and other phrases that are more subjective and belittle others rather than creating a relevant argument

-microaggressions, ableist language, etc.

These are tactics used by many news outlets and their followers, so it may be your influences will make it seem like these are ethical ways for argument, but they are not. They, in fact, weaken your own argument when in the presence of logical debate.

FOR DEBATE

As I become more familiar with structures of the various styles, I will provide more specific feedback on those. But for now, my perspective will be based on the following:

-clarity of speech

-organization

-logic of argument, avoidance of fallacies

-completion of argument

-ethics of argument

-general civility to opponents and other viewpoints

Verbiage that marginalizes the audience, belittles other viewpoints, etc. will result in lower ranking/score. Examples include:

-using religious perspectives in the argument where not specifically warranted

-using phrases like "pipedream," "ridiculous," and other phrases that are more subjective and belittle others rather than creating a relevant argument

-microaggressions, ableist language, etc.

These are tactics used by many news outlets and their followers, so it may be that your influences imply these are ethical ways for argument, but they are not. They, in fact, weaken your own argument when in the presence of logical debate.

I did three years of high school debate last century; CX, which is now called Policy?  Or maybe it always was, but my mind is just gone.  Anyway, I know enough to make me dangerous, but if you start getting too technical, I may get a glazed look in my eyes, which means I went to my happy place.  Emphasize logic and reasoning as to why your argument is superior.  Evidence is good, but I don’t want to listen to article after article of fake news. (Just kidding.  Don’t go running off to your coach and tell on me.  I am not getting paid for this, so getting fired wouldn’t really hurt.  I would probably still have access to the judges lounge and all the free snacks.  Security is pretty lax.)

As you can tell, I have a sense of humor, and a pretty good one at that.  All my kids laugh at my jokes.  Then they ask me for money.  I will not give you money.  You will not give me money; unless it is off school property and I have my cardboard sign with me.  It’s okay to joke around, but it won’t help you win the debate.  It will help make life easier though.  After all, if we can’t laugh at others, who can we laugh at?

Okay, seriously, Confucius say good arguments are better than many arguments. (Don’t look that up, pretty sure he didn’t say that.)  I will flow to the best of my ability, but make sure to pull arguments even if they aren’t addressed.  If you fail to emphasize a winning argument in your closing, that means you probably didn’t identify it as important, which is a failure on your part.

I would prefer you speak clearly over quickly, but if you can do both, do it.  It’s probably a super power or some mutated DNA.  Just don’t crush my head with your mutant mind powers when you realize you are about to lose.

Have we reached the end of this already?  As a legal disclaimer, all the above is satire.  You can’t sue me because of it. It does have some pearls of wisdom, but it is up to you to dig them out and clean off the slimy, goopy stuff.  I don’t mind if you ask questions before the round, but no compliments, unless you really like the haircut.  Covid was hard on me.

I have my worldview, but it will only affect my judging in that I will honestly choose the team who I believe won the argument, even if I know that they are wrong.  In closing, as Patrick Swayze emphasized in Road House, “Be nice.”

I was an English major for my undergraduate degree and appreciate logical and well-expressed arguments.

Some general preferences:

No theory arguments. Debate the given topic.

Be considerate and polite in Cross Examinations.

Speak at a rate that can be reasonably understood.

Discriminatory/demeaning arguments or expressions will NOT be tolerated.

Me: 

1st-Year Debate Coach

14-Year High School English Teacher (English 10 and Honors English 10)

Judging for Debate: 

Congress is what I have the most experience with outside of my English classroom. I like arguments that cite sources; some first-hand accounts are fine in supporting your case, but you need to have secondary sources that are timely and relevant. 

Speed of speaking - please keep it reasonable; fast is okay, but not to the point that it becomes difficult to understand the words you're saying. 

Clash and questioning - I love it when debaters show they are listening to what their opponent is saying by citing part of their opponent's speech in their questioning. Solid questioning that is open-ended and goes beyond a "yes" or a "no" answer helps to keep the debate flowing. 

Organization of speeches - Keeping the points clear and in the same order as listed in your claim. Just having a well-organized speech that doesn't veer off on tangents or unrelated concepts is always a plus. 

In general, showing respect to your opponent and using the experience to learn and grow as a debater. 

I am a parent judge with little experience judging debate. I will base my evaluation on the guidelines of the National Speech and Debate Association, utilizing judging tips provided by the association.

Current Debate Coach at Bentonville High School. Forensics competitor in high school 2008-2012. Debate (mostly IPDA) competitor in college 2014-2016.

Debating should be fun! We should always seek to be respectful and friendly.

Especially for LD, I heavily weigh rounds on value/framework- do not drop this. If your opponent has a different framework than you do, I expect to see clash on this.

Impact calculus is critical. I expect to hear this throughout the round- not just last speeches

Spreading is fine! I expect to have your case shared with me so I can follow.

Overall ability to persuade/obviously being the stronger debater will 80% of the time win you the round. If I am more convinced, I simply have to vote for you. There are endless tools to be able to do this- effective & dominate speaking ability, emotion, stronger clash, Ks, etc. It is difficult to be convinced by a team that is obviously not as strong in persuasion, but of course that can happen and I will write my explanation on ballots. Definition debates are my least favorite thing ever! Clash with the content of your cases!

I judge primarily as tech over truth. If you say something that is outright NOT true, I cannot overlook that, but I leave my bias/knowledge at the door as much as is appropriate & will judge simply on what happens in-round.

Don't be afraid to make me laugh!! Bachelorette/Survivor references are always appreciated.

I am a relatively new speech and debate judge. I judged a few competitions in 2018 and 2019 but have not judged anything since then. Because I am still relatively new, I don’t understand all of the debate jargon. If you feel like you have to use some “insider” term, make sure I understand what you are talking about. Think of it as trying to explain your position to your parents, not your experienced debate coach!

One thing that I know from my limited prior experience is that I do not like spreading. When I judge, I listen for the points that you make in your arguments, but I also listen for how you articulate them. That means I need to understand what you are saying. Speak clearly and distinctly. Don’t go so fast that your points get lost in the shuffle. I can’t judge what I can’t understand. I would prefer to hear fewer, well-articulated justifications for your arguments rather than a word salad of ideas. Make sure that your arguments are related to the resolution and the framework. If I don’t understand the argument or can’t figure out how it relates to the resolution, it’s hard for me to evaluate it.

I also expect courtesy and respect from both sides in an argument, not just toward me but also toward your opponent(s). When your opponent is speaking, you should be listening to them to understand their points so that your rebuttal is as effective as possible. Do not spend the entire rebuttal period with your head buried in your notes or talking to your partner. It is disrespectful to your opponent and to me, especially if your chatter becomes a distraction.

Hello everyone! I am not the most experienced at judging forensics and debate events but I participated in speech and debate all four years of high school so I am pretty well versed in the format. For my paradigms, I would appreciate it if you could provide a road map of your main points before you start your speech. I also require all of the people that I am judging to treat their competitors with the utmost respect and kindness. But my most important paradigm is for the competitors to have fun.

Hello, Debaters, Speakers, and Interpreters! I'm Tonya Reck, and I'm a debate coach at Arkansas School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Hot Springs, AR. I've taught Theatre, Communication, Speech, and Debate in public school for nine years (plus a lot more) in Texas and Arkansas.

For Tabroom:

I have experience judging most events, and I'm willing to judge any debate, congress, or forensics event style. I'm glad to hear all students and support their progress and achievements.

Students:

First, let me say how glad I am that you are participating in a Speech and Debate tournament. I am here to help you advance in life and public speaking. I am also here to celebrate your accomplishments! Win or lose your round, there is so much to gain by participating in debate, and I hope I can help to move you forward.

Are you new to debate?

If you are a novice debater- have no fear! I hope I can help you recognize your strengths and help you get to the next level. EVERYONE starts somewhere. Huge props for stepping into debate! Pretty much everyone starts learning from zero. All that is expected of you is to be the best you can be here today, right, now, just as you are. You don't have to be like anyone else. Just bring your best and do that. And then don't stop. Keep learning and don't give up. You will get better every time.

Are you an experienced Debater?

If you are experienced and ready to try new things- OK. I want to support students who are trying new things, taking intellectual risks, and learning new ways of doing things. Stay intellectually humble and gracious to all your opponents. Learn something new from every judge and every competitor. Keep growing. Keep it fresh. Listen to yourself- are you repeating debate clichés? Using jargon? Would the average person in Wal-Mart on Saturday night understand you? Are you persuading and compelling the judge9s)? Is this an info dump? Are you making the most of every round? What are your debate goals? What do you need to do to get there? Are you doing it?

Are you nervous?

Be prepared. Be rehearsed. Be well-researched. Be organized. Put your energy into your debate.

What do I like to see from you in a round?

Give me the best you've got. This round is for you to shine and grow. Follow the rules, but otherwise, go for it.

I think we are all here to learn. I'm still learning, too! So, seek first to understand. Then be understood.

I like to think that this is a marketplace of ideas. So, if you are reading this a few days ahead- take this debate topic to the dinner table; to people who see life a little differently from you. Talk to children. Have honest conversations with real people. Find out how they think. How do they see your ideas? If it doesn't work on the street-- it might not fly in the round either.

How important is professionalism?

Very. Sportsmanship, kindness, humility, integrity, understanding. All of these will get you a long way in life and in debate. Ask yourself some questions. Who have I enjoyed debating against the most? Who has treated me the best as an opponent? What do I expect of myself? How can I raise the level of the round and the tournament?

What about Debate Ethics and Equality?

How you treat others says a lot about you. Experienced debaters and congressional debaters, please note. Even small behaviors that might mean to diminish another will actually diminish yourself. Be mindful of your humility. Be mindful of the humanity of others. Realize that you come into every round as equals with equal chances.

Does nonverbal communication matter?

Absolutely. So often, it's not what we say but how we say it. True in life and debate.

Do I have pet peeves?

Of course.

Talking too fast, debate jargon, lack of humility.

Cardinal sins?

Yes. Play by the book. Don't falsely accuse your opponent of breaking the rules. It's OK to be on the offense and be forward. But don't get out of bounds or run over people to get to the top of the heap. This applies to life as well as debate. I often quote from the rules and official ballots in the comments.

Speech and Interpretation

Give us the very best that you've got. If you are reading this well in advance of the tournament, start quality pieces of literature for interpretation. Then be true to what is going on in the piece, and above all, be true to yourself. The best pieces create the illusion of the first time. Something that seems effortless, genuine, and sincere. Well-rehearsed in a way that doesn't seem like something that was ever rehearsed. These pieces will always take the 1 on the ballot. Likewise, pieces that still are shaky on the memory work, awkward in blocking, unclear in characterization, etc., will not pull out a miracle. Hard work ahead of time - investing in yourself and your work- will pay off.

New to Speech and Interp

The very best thing you can do is just to get in there and start doing it. Of course, no one is perfect the first time(s) they try something. We just keep working and getting better and better. The best have learned from the best. Make a note of what people are doing and how that is working for them. Find things - every time- that you can do. There is so much to matching the piece to the performer. Every minute you spend finding and cutting a piece for your talents is well invested. Keep growing. Don't let the initial bumps discourage you. It's not where you start that matters.

Finally

In short, do all the good things your teacher taught you. Bring the very best you can, and I will do my best for you to walk away with some solid advice to move forward as a debater.

I'm pulling for each of you and wish you the best in the tournament and life! Good luck!

Bentonville High School Alum, class of '02. I am new to judging as well as Debate. 

Fan of conversation in general, but I do have a hard time being too serious for too long and inevitably feel the need to make a joke. 

I love to laugh

-Roadmap before you begin and signpost as you go through your speech. If you don't tell me where it goes, I'll put it off to the side until you do.

-If you are speaking too fast for me to flow, I will put my writing utensil down. If it goes down, that is your sign to slow down.

-Be civil, especially during cross examination time. It stinks to lose because you were equally matched, but one team was too snippy.

*No ad hominem attacks, purposeful misgendering, racist language, etc.

-Use your weighing mechanism or framework throughout the debate, not only at the beginning and only at the end.

*On that note, it is not in your best interest to waste time arguing framework or weighing mechanism unless the framework first provided is unfair. If you ask me to judge using both frameworks/weighing mechanisms, I will, but make sure you tell me how your case fits both.

I am a newer parent judge who has enjoyed this responsibility over the last year. I will listen to both arguments and make a fair and unbiased opinion based on the facts, and who seems to have the better argument. I expect participants to be respectful to one another while expressing their opinion and being passionate about it. I expect that you will be prepared for the debate and not fumble through the presentation. Bonus points for those that show evidence to their argument and can prove it relates to the topic at hand. If a participant makes a false statement, I expect the other side to argue and point it out in cross examination. If you speak to fast that i can't understand you, then you will lose the round. Please stay within the time allow, and if you go over excessively each time, I will count it against you.

Hey guys, I'm a sophomore at UARK and you can call me Judge, Brice, Judge Witt, Mr. Guy Man, whatever, honestly. I've competed in PF and Congress, both in-state and out-of-state, and went to NSDA Nationals my sophomore and senior years. I've also dabbled in CX a little. LD is what I'm least familiar with but I can comprehend arguments, will flow, and will make the most fair decision.

All Styles minus Congress:

I am a flow judge meaning I will base my decision off the flow, nothing else. I will listen to cross-examination, if I hear something interesting, incorrect, or otherwise, I will write it down, but it shouldn't effect my decision (unless your opponent calls you out for something you said in cross in a speech).

SPEED. I am fine with some speed, no spreading though, but if you're talking a bit faster be clear. If you are not clear or are speaking too fast, I will put my pen down, will not flow, and will then not be able to judge you properly. In summary, PLEASE BE CLEAR.

WEIGH. If you don't weigh for me, I will end up weighing myself and you may or may not like the outcome.

EXTENDING AND DROPS. If you don't extend evidence for me, I will point it out on my flow and if your opponent points it out and tells me why that matters, you won't be able to win it. Shadow extending is risky, I may flow it and let it slide, but don't count on it occurring. If you drop something, I point it out on my flow, and your opponent discusses it and why it matters, I will give them the argument as long as they extend.

EVIDENCE. If an opponent asks for a card, please be able to supply it in a timely manner, if not I will resort to running some of your prep time. I don't expect to ask for a card after the round, but I will do so if my decision comes down to it or a competitor specifically asks me to call for the evidence in a speech (or I just wanna see it hehe).

Policy Specific:

I don't think I will ever judge this, but if I do, I'm sorry and I will try my absolute best. If you spread, I may miss some things but I don't think it'll be too bad.

PF Specific:

Ah PF, my main style. I am fine with either paraphrasing or carded evidence, however, if you paraphrase, you'd better have the carded, properly cited, properly highlighted evidence if I call for it. I will be very displeased if you make me search through an article or tell me "control f this..." just cut the evidence.

I personally enjoyed progressive argumentation in PF, meaning things like K’s, theory, etc., but because those can make the debate unfair to an unprepared opponent, I will ask that if you plan to run something like this, ask your opponents before the round if it’s okay. 

I do not allow for either sticky offense or sticky defense. This just means to be sure to cover both sides when being the first speaker.

First rebuttal, answer AND interact with your opponents case, use all of your time, even if you have to restate your own case. If you want to weigh at the end you can, weighing earlier makes my decision easier.

Second rebuttal, answer AND interact with your opponents case, answer what they said on yours, and use all of your time. If you want to weigh at the end you can, weighing earlier makes my decision easier.

Summary, group arguments and answer what your opponent said. You have 3 minutes so use it wisely, extend, and weigh at the end or throughout. Set your partner up in the FF, it's like an alley-oop, you set your partner up for the dunk.

FF, VOTERS. Just tell me reasons why you win the debate, offer me some weighing and DUNK THAT THANG.

Congress Specific: There’s not really much I should need to say here, but just speak well, follow parliamentary procedure, don’t just read a speech, and speak eloquently and with conviction.

LD Specific:

I've only ever judged LD and have never debated in it, however, I will be able to judge properly if I am your judge.

I can evaluate K's somewhat as I did run them here and there, just please not overly complicated ones.

Make sure you give your value and value criterion so I know how to judge.

Please ensure you extend, go line-by-line, and relate what you're discussing to the value and value criterion.

Speaker points:

Use good word economy. I won't be mean when it comes to speaks, ever. That being said I also won’t inflate them and everyone will start off at a 28.

Ways to increase speaker points:

Be polite, courteous, etc.

Have good time management, organization, and line-by-line.

Be efficient and make sure you’re clear, especially if online.

If you tell me a good joke before the round I will increase your speaks by .2. If it's not good I will reduce your speaks by .2. Choose wisely.

Ways to lose speaker points:

Being inefficient with and/or not using all of your time, not knowing your case/evidence.

Being rude, disrespectful, demeaning, etc. *Note this does not mean you cannot get into a back and forth with your opponent during cross, because, if done right, it’ll enhance the quality of the debate.

If you are a(the) superior debater(s), showing humility will go a long way, however, not will cause you to lose speaker points.

Ways to automatically lose the round, get a 25 speaker point score, and have me talk to your coach/tab:

You are explicitly racist, bigoted, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, etc. Debate is supposed to be a safe place for all individuals, let’s keep it that way, please.

If there’s an email chain I would like to be on it: lolwhatsacp@gmail.com

If you have any questions before the round, please ask and I’ll be more than happy to answer, but if you ask me what my paradigm is, I will first ask if you checked on tab and if you say no, I will not tell you everything, and maybe nothing.

Good luck to everyone! You’re all talented and I hope I get to judge you!!