The Judge’s Role
A speech or debate judge not only provides sound, educational feedback for students’ presentations but they also supervise every round, ensuring that it proceeds in a smooth manner. As a judge you are responsible for fairly evaluating the contestants and for creating a positive, learning environment for every student involved.
Before the Round Begins
Professionalism
1.
Be professional in dress and behavior.
2.
Check in at the “Tab” room or ballot table. This is usually right outside the library of the school.
3.
Bring materials, including: a digital stopwatch, paper, pens, and the judging manual. You may also want to bring a book or something to occupy you when you aren’t judging a round.
4.
Arrive on time and attend the judge’s meeting (if one is scheduled).
5.
Review the rules of each event prior to judging each round.
Judging Assignments
1.
Never judge students you know personally. If you are assigned to a round where a student you know is participating you must return to the ballot table immediately.
2.
Do not trade ballots with other judges.

3.
Be prompt for judging assignments and begin the round on time.
4.
If you aren’t given an assignment right away, stay close as ballots may be reassigned.
5.
DO NOT watch other rounds.
6.
If you need to leave before the tournament is over, please contact Camilla Boylan at 761-
4579.
When You Enter the Room
1.
Students should not enter the room before you arrive. If they do, write down their names and submit to the ballot table after the round.
2.
Control the room setting. Be aware of observers and ask anyone being distracting to leave.
Remind students to be quiet in the halls once the round is over.
3.
Call roll by student code to establish who is present. Do not ask students where they are from.
4.
If students ask for a Judging Paradigm or Philosophy give a brief statement about what you like to see in a debate round. Make sure all debaters are present before giving paradigm.
Usually, only Policy and LD debate will ask for a paradigm
During the Debate/Speech Round
1.
You are the official time keeper. Give debaters time signals and review the time signal regulations for individual speech events before each round. Some require signals and others don’t.
2.
Listen and pay attention. Take good notes.
3.
Do not interrupt a speaker to ask questions or make comments.
4.
Be aware of the specific rules of the tournament and event you are judging.
5.
Remain fair and objective. Do not let your own personal preference on the topic determine the winner of the round.
After the Round is Over
1.
Do not disclose your decision (tell the debaters who won) or give verbal comments of criticism or praise.
2.
Fill out the ballot with all required information.
3.
Provide written suggestions for improvement and identify areas where they have done well.
Be specific about the arguments the debater made.
4.
Return ballots to the tournament desk promptly and wait for it to be checked. Do not keep ballots for more than one round or leave the tournament with a ballot.

5.
Report rule infractions to tournament officials and make a note of the violation on the ballot.
You should not discuss the round with judges or competitors.
6.
In the event a rules violation will determine the outcome of the round, go to the tournament desk before filling out the ballot.
Debate Event Rules
POLICY DEBATE
1. Policy debate, also known as CX, is made up of evidence-based argumentation between two teams of two members each. The debate is like a trial, but an idea or proposal is being tried rather than a person.
2. There are two sides to a debate - affirmative which attempts to show something is wrong with the present system (status quo) and thus a change is needed, and negative which usually takes the position that the present system is acceptable, that no problem exists to an extent that warrants or justifies a change.
3. It is the obligation of the affirmative to debate the topic and offer reasonable solutions. The negative can argue that the status quo is preferable or that a minor change is all that is needed to fix the problem. (The negative may use a counter plan in JV or Varsity.)
4. Novice debaters are limited to affirmative plans from a designated case list.
5. The affirmative team should sit on the judge’s left and the negative on the judge’s right, whenever possible.
Time Limits for Policy Debate
8 minutes Affirmative constructive
3 minutes cross-examination
8 minutes Negative constructive
3 minutes cross-examination
8 minutes Affirmative constructive
3 minutes cross-examination
8 minutes Negative constructive
3 minutes cross-examination
5 minutes Negative rebuttal
5 minutes Affirmative rebuttal
5 minutes Negative rebuttal
5 minutes Affirmative rebuttal
5 minutes down time per team (can be used throughout the debate)
Suggested Paradigms:
Communication
– Focuses on good communication
Stock Issues – Focuses on Harms, Inherency, Plan, Solvency, Advantages, Disadvantages, Topicality
Policy Maker – Focuses on the round as if it were a policy proposal – Disadvantages vs. Advantages
Tabula Rasa – Clean Slate, will focus on whatever is key in the round.
Hypothesis Tester – Sees the resolution as a hypothesis to be proven true or false
Lay – A judge that wants no debate jargon, no technical debate, just the stories.

Policy Debate Ballot
Round
Affirmative Code
Room
Negative Code
Judge
Fill in all blanks – Write numerical evaluation in the box next to each category. Do not announce your decision.
5=Superior 4=Excellent 3=Good 2=Fair 1=Fair Highest possible totals: 40 points per debater. 80 points per team.
1 st Affirmative 2 nd 1 st Negative 2 nd
Analysis of Proposition
Use of Evidence
Logical Development (organization)
Refutation
Cross Examination
Rebuttal
Courtesy and Ethics
Delivery
TOTALS
Team Total (Do not average)
Rank each debater in order of excellence (1 for best, 2 next best, etc.)
Team Total (Do not average)
Ranking should be consistent with debater points.
1 st
Neg. Name _______________________________
1 st Aff. Name _______________________________
2 nd
Aff. Name
_______________________________
2 nd
Neg. Name _______________________________
Decision based on: (considerations may include, topicality, significant harms, inherency, solvency, advantages, disadvantages, etc.)
Decision in favor of: AFF NEG Team Code
(circle)
_______________________________________
Judge’s Signature
Debate Code Violation?**
*If an Idaho Debate Code violation is impacting your decision, please see the tab room before completing the ballot.

1. Lincoln-Douglas debate is a “one-on-one” argumentation where the debaters attempt to convince the judge of the acceptability of their side of a proposition of value. A proposition of value is a statement about the qualities we assign to a given object as something we are favorable toward, or the opposite, as something we are not favorable toward. Value resolutions take several forms: a. Moral value resolutions - state that something is good or bad in an ethical sense. b. Artistic value resolutions - state that something is pleasing or displeasing to our senses. c. Political value resolutions - state preferences in political philosophies.
Some Lincoln-Douglas debate propositions are worded to offer two conflicting values while some LD propositions regard the acceptability of a single value.
2. Format: Each speaker in the debate has an equal amount of time to persuade the judge.
3. Duties of the Speakers: a. The Affirmative speaker is required to uphold an analysis of the value(s) implied in the resolution. b. The Negative speaker may choose:
1. To uphold a countervailing analysis of the value(s) implied in the resolution OR
2. To offer a straight refutation of the Affirmative position OR
3. To offer a combination of counter analysis and refutation c. Both speakers bear the burden of clash in rebuttal speeches; that is, each must speak to his/her opponent’s position in the debate.
4. The affirmative should sit on the judge’s left and the negative on the judge’s right, whenever possible.
Time Limits for Lincoln-Douglas Debate
6 minutes affirmative constructive speeches
3 minutes cross-examination by negative
7 minutes negative constructive speeches
3 minutes cross-examination by affirmative
4 minutes affirmative rebuttal
6 minutes negative rebuttal
3 minutes affirmative rebuttal
4 minutes down time (can be used throughout the debate)

Round
Affirmative Code
Negative Code
Affirmative
Negative
Lincoln-Douglas Debate Ballot
Room Judge
CIRCLE THE APPROPRIATE NUMBER
Superior Excellent Good
40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32
40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32
Case & Analysis
Affirmative Negative
Case & Analysis
Support of Issues Through Reasoning & Evidence Support of Issues Through Reasoning & Evidence
Delivery Delivery
Decision based on:
Decision in favor of: AFF NEG Code
(circle)
_______________________________________
Judge’s Signature
.

Public Forum Debate is audience friendly debate that focuses on advocacy of a position derived from the issues presented in the resolution, not a prescribed set of burdens. Public Forum tests skills in argumentation, cross-examination, and refutation.
Beginning Procedure: Prior to EVERY round and in the presence of the judge(s), a coin is tossed by one team and called by the other team. The team that wins the flip may choose one of two options: EITHER the SIDE of the topic they wish to defend (pro or con) OR the SPEAKING
POSITION they wish to have (begin the debate or end the debate). The remaining option (SIDE
OR SPEAKING POSITION) is the choice of the team that loses the flip. (Please keep in mind that the debate may begin with a con speech.)
Public Forum Timing Schedule
First Speaker - Team A = 4 Minutes
First Speaker - Team B = 4 Minutes
Crossfire = 3 Minutes ( The two debaters who have just given speeches stand and participate in a question and answer period. In "crossfire" both debaters "hold the floor". However, the first question must be asked by the speaker who spoke first. After that question, either debater may question and/or answer at will .)
Second Speaker - Team A = 4 Minutes
Second Speaker - Team B = 4 Minutes
Crossfire = 3 Minutes ( Between the two debaters who just spoke using the crossfire procedure discussed above .)
Summary - First Speaker - Team A = 2 Minutes
Summary - First Speaker - Team B = 2 Minutes
Grand Crossfire = 3 Minutes ( All four debaters will remain seated and participate in a three-minute "Grand
Crossfire" in which all four debaters are allowed to cross-examine one another. The first question must be asked by the speaker who gave the first summary speech .)
Final Focus - Second Speaker - Team A = 2 Minutes
Final Focus - Second Speaker - Team B = 2 Minutes
Prep Time (per team) = 2 Minutes (can be used throughout the debate)
Plans/Counterplans: In Public Forum Debate, a plan or counterplan is defined by the NFL as a formalized, comprehensive proposal for implementation. Neither the pro or con side is permitted to offer a plan or counterplan; rather, they should offer reasoning to support a position of advocacy.
Debaters may offer generalized, practical solutions.

Public Forum Debate Ballot
Round Room Judge
Before EVERY round, flip a coin to determine the side and speaking order of the debate. The winner of the flip has the option of choosing either the side (Pro or Con) or the speaking order (1st or 2nd) in the round. The team that loses the flip makes the remaining choice, either side or speaking order. After this is determined, record the names of the competitors. Please note that new arguments in the Final Focus are to be ignored. The Final Focus must be based on arguments and issues previously addressed in the debate.
Please do not fill out this ballot until after the coin toss has been completed and the debaters have determined side/speaking order.
Code
Speaker 1
Speaker 3
Side
Code
Speaker 2
Speaker 4
Side
Team Points
Judge Signature:
Team Points
The team that won this debate is
(Code)
Comments to debaters:
These are the reasons for my decision:
29-30 Outstanding
27-28 Above Average
24-26 Average
20-23 Below Average
representing the PRO / CON (circle the winning side)
Comments to debaters:
Order/Time Limits of Speeches
Speaker 1
Speaker 2
Crossfire (1&2)
4 min
4 min
3 min
Speaker 3
Speaker 4
Crossfire (3&4)
4 min
4 min
3 min
Speaker 1 Summary 2 min
Speaker 2 Summary 2 min
Grand Crossfire (all) 3 min
Speaker 3 Final Focus 2 min
Speaker 4 Final Focus 2 min
2 minutes of Prep Time per Side
IDAHO DEBATE CODE

The IDC is to clarify debate rules and format and is specifically applied to district and state tournaments. It may also serve as a guide for the invitational season. Violations of IDC rules could result in loss of the ballot or disqualification.
1. There shall be no scouting by a coach, judge, or contestant in order to obtain advance information of an opponent’s case. Prior to break rounds, observers must be affiliated with one of the participating schools or obtain permission from the tournament manager. There shall be no heckling, distractions or flowing of the debate.
2. It is illegal to falsify evidence. Any evidence used in a debate must be available for inspection by the opposition or the judge. A judge may examine evidence only if the issue of falsification occurs during the round.
3. A five-minute preparation time is allotted for each Policy team to be used at their discretion, except during speeches. A three-minute preparation time is allotted each LD debater. A two-minute preparation time is allotted each
Public Forum team. The timekeeper, designated by the judge, will keep track of this time.
4. The first affirmative must define the terms of the proposition either literally or operationally. The first negative may either accept or reject the definition of terms. Any topicality arguments must be initiated in the first negative constructive speech.
5. The affirmative must present the plan, or a reasonable outline, during the first affirmative constructive speech.
6. In a counter plan case, or where a specific minor repair is advanced by the negative, the negative must present the proposal during the first negative constructive speech. The negative must not implement the resolution advanced by the affirmative.
7. In cross-examination for Policy and LD debate: a. The questioner controls the time, and may interrupt the witness to request shorter answers or indicate that the answer given is sufficient. b. Each speaker on a team must ask questions.
The team may determine the order in which each team member asks questions. c. Where appropriate, the witness may clarify his or her answer. The witness must answer any legitimate question to which an answer can be given. d. The witness shall not ask questions of the questioner except for the purpose of clarification. e. The witness must answer without consultation, aid or instruction from his/her colleague. f. Only the person being examined or the examiner may speak.
8.
During cross examination, constructive and rebuttal speeches, the speaker’s partner may not verbally assist or interrupt.
9. The judge is ultimately responsible for times in the round. Debaters are responsible for timing their speeches and staying within the allotted times. A road map is included in the speakers allotted time.
10. New issues shall not be advanced in rebuttal speeches; however, additional evidence and extensions on previous arguments are appropriate.
11. Evidence in Policy must be identified by author, title, date of publication and page number.
Subsequent reference can be abbreviated.
12. Permission to record a debate must be obtained from all coaches and debaters involved.
13. Contestants shall receive no outside assistance once the round has begun.

Duo Interpretation
Time: 10 min. maximum Time signals: not provided
Presentations will be from memory and without the use of physical objects or costumes. Selection must be a cutting from a single work of literature: one novel, one short story, one play, or one poem. Recorded material that is not printed and published is prohibited. Each of the two performers may play one or more characters so long as performance responsibility remains as balanced as possible. If the selection is prose or poetry and contains narration, either or both of the performers may present the narration. During the presentation, the team must name the author and the book or magazine from which the cutting was made. Focus may be direct (performers may look at each other) during the introduction, but must be indirect (off stage) during the performance itself.
Expository Speech
Time: 7 min. maximum Time signals: not provided
An expository speech is an informative speech that explains an idea, process, or theory. It should be delivered with or without the use of a 4 x 6 note card. Visual and/or audio aids are permitted. Visual aids may not include an outline of the speech, and any labeling and/or titling should be concise and assist in the demonstration of the idea, process, or theory.
Extemporaneous Speaking
Time: 7 min. maximum Time signals: provided Draw Event Topics selected/prepared in draw room
Topics will be chosen from those provided by the NFHS during the three months prior to State. Each contestant draws three topics and selects one. He/she will have 30 minutes to prepare, and may use an index and research periodicals during this time. Resource materials will not be provided by the tournament. During the presentation, the contestant may use a 4 x 6 note card written on one side. The topic will be handed to the judge before the contestant speaks and returned to the tab room by the judge at the conclusion of the round. The speech should be a synthesis of fact and opinion on the topic - not a memory test of any particular magazine.
Panel Discussion
Time: 40 min. round Time penalties: not assessed
Event Procedure: Panel members do not make formal speeches, but remain seated and discuss the topic informally.
Prepared notes or materials are not allowed, but notes may be taken during the discussion. Emphasis is on problem solving through group consensus. Panelists should be familiar with the topic and be prepared to discuss facts and opinions.
Radio Speaking
Time: 5:30-6:00 Time Signals: not provided
Draw Event Material prepared in draw room. All contestants use the same material provided by the tournament management. The contestant is allowed a 30 minute period to prepare a news broadcast from the material provided. The speech must include a minimum of three pieces of news. The speech shall be a news broadcast with an original commercial of not fewer than 30 seconds and an editorial commentary about a news item covered in the provided material.
The editorial commentary, which shall be an original extemporaneous editorial reflecting the opinion of the contestant on a news story used in the presentation shall consume between 1-2 minutes of the total speech and shall be presented in the last half of the broadcast . Students shall enter the room one at a time while other contestants wait outside. Contestants shall sit with their back toward the judge. Emphasis should be placed on presentation of the news stories, commercial and editorial commentary. Note this is not an interpretation event. Contestants may time themselves, but may not have another person assist with timing.
Retold Story
Time: 6 min. maximum Time signals: provided Draw Event Stories selected/prepared in draw room
Contestants will select a story from a group of three elementary level books provided by the tournament and in 30 minutes, be prepared to retell the story as if they are presenting in front of an elementary-age audience.
The story shall be retold without notes, but must not be memorized. The same book may be presented only once by a contestant.

Retold Event Procedure: Contestants will enter the round in staggered intervals and will hand the selected book to the judge before starting his/her presentation. Note: The judge will return books to the tab room after each round, but will not read each book while contestant is retelling the story.
After Dinner Speaking
Time: 4 - 6 minutes Time signals: not provided
This event should imitate a banquet situation. The group (real or fictional) being addressed should be clear. The intent of ADS is to entertain, but the speaker must also develop an idea. Material presented must be original. Delivery may be through memorization or use of notes on one side of a 4 x 6 card, but a text may not be used. Emphasis should be placed on the concept of “speech”. While humorous quips and jokes are appropriate, they must have purpose and fit the occasion.
Humorous / Serious Interpretation
Time: 10 min. maximum Time signals: not provided
These events include an introduction, prose and/or poetry selection(s) from one or more authors with appropriate transitions based on a theme. Selection(s) may be read from a text, or may be memorized. Materials must be from a printed or published source with an ISBN number. An original source without an ISBN number may be used provided it is published and available at the tournament. Recordings or videos may not be used as the source.
Impromptu Speaking
Time: 2 - 4 minutes Time signals: provided
Draw Event Topics drawn/prepared in contest room
Contestants will draw three topics, choose one, and may use 60 seconds preparation time. The contestant may take notes during the preparation time, but may not refer to the notes during the presentation. Topics will be news items for one round, abstract words for one round, and quotations for one round. In semi and final rounds the contestant will receive one news item, one quotation, and one abstract word.
Oratorical Analysis
Time: 10 min. maximum Time signals: not provided
The contestant will present a non-original speech, portions thereof, or cuttings of various speeches by one "real life" speaker. The intent of this event should be the analysis (not interpretation) of the oratory or speech. The speech should not be from fiction, but from an actual address by a person of significance either past or present. The contestant will analyze the oratory selection(s) for approximately 50% of the presentation. The speech may be presented from memory or by use of a text.
Original Oratory
Time: 10 min. maximum Time signals: not provided
This is an original, memorized persuasive speech. A maximum of 150 words of quoted material may be used in the oration. The purpose of original oratory is to persuade in order to accomplish a response of feeling, belief, or action.
Salesmanship
Time: 3-7 minutes + 2 min. questioning by judge only Time signals: not provided
The purpose of this event is to sell a legitimate product. "Services" are not considered legitimate products. The actual product (not a model) must be displayed and/or demonstrated. Presentation may be memorized. Notes on one side of a 4 x 6 card may be used, but texts are not permitted. Video/audio aids are optional. In order to demonstrate the function of a product, that product may be put on as the demonstration begins and then removed following the demonstration. The contestant may not wear the product into the room, nor leave it on once the demonstration of that product is concluded. Additional items of clothing that might serve to enhance the visual effect of the product are considered costuming and are prohibited.

Judge_______________________________________________
A Events
Duo Interp
(Circle Event)
B Events
After Dinner
Humorous Interp
Expository
Extemporaneous
Impromptu
Oratorical Analysis
Panel Discussion Original Oratory
Radio Speaking
Retold Story
Salesmanship
Serious Interp
Code ______________ Selection ________________________________________ Round __________
Rank Contestants 1,2,3,4,4,4,4,4 (1 goes to best speaker). Only rank of 4 may be given to more than one entry.
Rank: (circle one) 1 2 3 4
Rating: (circle number)
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3
Superior Excellent Average Below Average
Polished presentation Skilled presentation Adequate presentation (NOT USED
which demonstrates that could be improved (Do not use rate below 6 AT STATE)
mastery of skills with further polish in semis or finals at State)
COMMENTS: Timing: Minutes________ Seconds________
Judge's Signature________________________________________________

Basic Forensic Terminology
Affirmative – the team or competitor arguing in favor of adopting the resolution.
Ballot – the piece of paper on which judges write comments, rankings, and the decision of the speech or debate round.
Blocking
– any movements made during an interpretation performance
(to) Break
– to advance to the next round
Burden of Proof
– the affirmative’s responsibility to that the resolution is true. If the affirmative fails to prove the resolution, they ought to lose the debate.
Clash – Direct responses to an opponent’s arguments (See refutation) .
Comparative Advantage – a type of affirmative case which shows that the resolution will have significant and unique advantages over the status quo.
Constructive Speech
– the first speech given by each debater (both teams) in a round, used to build a case. New arguments are permitted during constructive speeches, which distinguishes them from rebuttals (wherein new arguments are not allowed).
Contention – claims made for or against the resolution, often stated in one declarative sentence. A debate case may be organized into main contentions.
Cost Benefit Analysis
– one of the most common ways to decide a debate round, this philosophy requires a judge to analyze the benefits of a policy versus the cost. In other words, does the proposal do more harm or good?
Counterplan
– the negative admits the present system should be changed, but argues that the negative team’s proposal (plan) is better than what the affirmative has offered.
Criterion – standards, rules, or tests on which a decision or judgment is based. In value debate, the basis for establishing or evaluating policy (i.e., net benefits). In value debate, the criterion is the method by which the value is assessed (i.e., the value of “safety” can be measured in terms of freedom from harm – in other words, a person is safe when he/she is not being harmed, and that’s how you know that safety is occurring).
Cross Examination
– period of time during which competitors ask each other questions. Also called cross ex or cx.
Disadvantage (DA) – a negative argument based on the possibility that if enacted, the plan will introduce serious problems. The affirmative must demonstrate that the DA will not occur or that the benefits, or advantages, of the case will outweigh the additional problems caused.
Double Entered
– entered in more than one event in a pattern of speech.
Ethics
– rules or standards that govern conduct; in this instance, during a speech tournament.
Extemporaneous – speaking without the benefit of a prepared or memorized manuscript. Notes are often used.
Finals
– elimination rounds involving the top two teams in debate or (usually) the top six competitors in individual events.
Flowing
– note-taking during a debate, accurately recording the most important arguments and rebuttals. The paper on which this note taking occurs is known as a flow.
Inherency
– the reason a problem still exists. Also understood as the barrier to solvency.

Introduction
– The opening of an interpretation piece; often referred to as an “intro,” which is written by the competitor and (usually) memorized or (sometimes) given extemporaneously.
Should include the title and author.
Judging Paradigms
– the judge’s educational philosophy, the model or view that guides his or her decision. In other words, what a judge does or does not want to hear in a round.
Lay Judges
– judges who are unfamiliar with debate theory, your average person off the street.
Negative
– the side that defends the present system and argues against the resolution.
Novice – a competitor in their first year of competition (used at tournaments) or a division in a tournament involving only first year competitors.
Octa-Finals
– Elimination rounds comprised of the top 16 debate teams/competitors
Open
– a division in which all levels of experience will be competing with each other (used at tournaments).
Patterns
– different groups of events. Events are divided into “Patterns” and run at different times.
Usually there are three patterns in a tournament: Pattern A speech events, Pattern B speech events, and Debate.
Piece
– the literature selection (title and author) being performed in interpretation events: DI, HI,
DUO, Prose, and Poetry.
Posting – the piece of paper on which the speech or debate round competitors and room assignments are listed.
Power Matching
– a system of ranking in out rounds wherein teams with equal records debate each other
Rebuttal speech – speech which rebuilds arguments after attacks, refutes arguments of the opposing team, and summarizes the debate. Generally, no new arguments are allowed in rebuttal speeches.
Refutation
– directly attacking the opposing teams’ arguments (Also known as clash).
Resolution
– the proposition or subject offered to debate
Round(s)
– a complete debate or section of individual events.
Semi Finals – Elimination rounds consisting of the top four teams
Status Quo
– the current state of affairs, the present system.
Time Signals
– hand signals showing how much time a competitor has left to speak in a limited preparation or debate event. Time signals are not given for interpretation or platform speaking events.
Topicality
– an argument which says that a competitor has misinterpreted a word in the resolution.
Usually found in policy rounds – less common in value/public forum rounds.
Value – a concept, standard, or ideal in value debate rounds. Something which, according to the debater, should be upheld, i.e. justice, freedom, equality, etc.
Visual Aids
– often called V.A.’s, they are only allowed in Expository and Salesmanship speaking.
Voting Issues
– the key points in a debate that are crucial to the outcome, reasons why the judge should give the decision to a team.

Case/Analysis/Reasoning Case/Analysis/Reasoning
Good organization! Thank you for numbering your arguments.
Good use of examples/analogies/quotations/statistics to support your main points.
Excellent source citations, thank you for including expert opinions.
Very persuasive arguments.
Good explanation of your Contentions /Value/ Criteria, etc.
Excellent support of the topic, I understood your reasoning very well.
Good use of time. You balanced your arguments and clashing with their arguments very well.
Good extensions of points made earlier in the round.
Wonderful research, I can tell you have spent a lot of time familiarizing yourself on the topic.
Good refutation of the points your opponent made – very clear clash with their arguments.
Very good rebuttal speech, you really crystallized the main voting issues of the debate for me.
Delivery & Appearance
Wonderful, persuasive speaking style.
Good eye contact and audience engagement.
Nice incorporation of inflection and pauses to help make your point.
Very polite and courteous, thank you for your display of ethics.
Excellent professional appearance.
Good rate of speaking, you were very clear and easy to understand.
Great confidence!
Please number your main points to help judges follow along, organization is key!
Try to incorporate more examples/analogies/ quotations/statistics to fully support your main points.
Don’t forget to cite your sources, tell the judge where you got your information.
I was confused about some of your main points [list which ones specifically] please explain those concepts more clearly.
Don’t forget to define complex ideas and/or the words in the resolution to make for a less confusing debate.
I didn’t fully understand your approach to the topic, why are these issues the most persuasive? I think _______ & ______ might be more persuasive arguments.
Try to use all of your time – you had __:__ remaining in your speech. Develop your contentions more thoroughly or add additional arguments.
Work on time management; you ran out of time before you got to address some key issues.
I think you may benefit from additional research on the topic, you seemed confused at times.
Directly refute the arguments your opponent made – tell me why they are wrong.
In your rebuttal speech you need to outline the main voting issues you want me to consider in making my decision.
Delivery & Appearance
Work on developing a more persuasive speaking style.
Try to make more eye contact so you can draw the audience in.
Your presentation was monotone; try to develop inflection and pauses to persuade your audience.
You were rude/discourteous/inappropriate. This is a professional activity with standards of behavior.
If possible, please dress more professionally. Ask your coach if you need help acquiring dress clothes.
Your rate of speech is too fast. Please slow down so I can understand you clearly.
Try to relax! Your level of confidence says a lot to the judge!
Cross Examination/Crossfire
Good questions, you were very thorough.
Good concise answers, thank you for directly responding.
Wonderful courteous cross x/crossfire thank you for being respectful of one another.
Cross Examination/Crossfire
Try to develop more questions to help your side of the issues.
If you are unsure of the question, ask them to repeat or rephrase it.
Do not be rude when asking/answering questions. Work on diplomacy.
Try not to cut off your opponent – give them a chance to answer.

Don’t let your opponent dominate the time, make sure you get a few words in/
Good preparation, there were no memory slips.
Excellent characterization – I felt like you really captured this character.
Wonderful emotional levels. This story takes me through a range of feeling.
Excellent job remaining “in-character” throughout the performance.
Good use of time.
DUO – Good coordinated gestures/dialogue.
Platform/Limited Preparation
Great attention-getter, you captured my interest at the very beginning.
Good, clear thesis statement.
Thank you for previewing your main points in the introduction.
Your main points do a great job supporting your thesis.
Wonderful use of examples/analogies/quotations/statistics to prove your points.
Good organization, I understood why you structured your speech in this way.
Good solid conclusion that really wrapped the speech together.
Well written presentation, good use of vocabulary.
Great professional speaking style.
Nice incorporation of gestures and movement for emphasis of important concepts.
Good memorization/preparation, the speech was very fluent.
Interpretation (HI/DI/Duo) & Retold
Great selection of literature, very engaging.
Good physical movement & gestures, they helped to bring the literature to life.
Great facial expressions.
Good inflection and pauses, I appreciate that you vary the tone/rate/volume to match the emotions in the scene.
Great eye contact!
Interpretation (HI/DI/Duo) & Retold
I am not sure this piece of literature allows you to display your full talent.
Try to become more familiar with the material so you can really engage the audience.
The character seems one dimensional; really try to make them a complex human being with a range of feelings.
Develop a range of emotional levels, don’t be the same level of angry/happy/sad/surprised, etc. throughout the entire presentation.
Work on incorporating physical movement and natural gestures. Really think about how this character would stand, motion, and physically react to the situation.
Incorporate facial expressions – they are a tool for characterization and emphasis.
Find places within the literature to add inflection and pauses.
Vary the tone/rate/volume to create an appropriate representation.
Try not to fidget/shuffle feet/ sway back and forth or otherwise distract the judge from the meaning of your presentation.
The selection was very short/overtime. Please adjust it.
DUO – Coordinate your movement/dialogue – identify ways to create a more unified presentation.
Platform/Limited Preparation
Work on developing a more captivating opening statement to grab my attention at the very beginning.
Your thesis was not clear, have a clear statement of purpose.
Preview your main points in the introduction to give your audience an outline of where you are going.
Your main points are unrelated/inconsistent with your thesis
(or the topic). Try to make it less confusing.
Incorporate examples/analogies/quotations/statistics to prove your points.
The organization of your speech needs work; try to transition smoothly between your main points.
End the speech with a solid conclusion that wraps the whole speech together.
Your speech would benefit from some editing there were grammatical errors and repetition in words/phrasing.
Develop a professional speaking style, be confident!
Incorporate gestures for emphasis on important concepts OR
Don’t overdo the hand gestures, place them for specific emphasis.
Get your presentation memorized [or work on fluency for limited prep] so you don’t have stumbles or awkward pauses.
Give your audience the benefit of eye contact – really draw us in!

Good balance of time throughout the speech.
Use your time wisely, balance time within your main points so it isn’t lopsided / use more time / don’t go overtime.
Avoid fidgeting/foot shuffling/nervous movements.