Averill,+D

As an MFA Coach for more than seven years, I have judged all categories of debate, speech and student congress. As a coach I also taught Public Forum. For Public Forum I believe evidence is the key and that evidence should be succinctly cited. As a Library/Media specialist I encourage and am impressed with the use of valid sources and not by Fox News or CNN. I do pay attention to whether or not teams have addressed the arguments of their opponents but I expect teams to identify when the opposing team has not responded to an argument. I adhere to the rule that new arguments may not be introduced in the summary or final focus. I expect all speakers to be civil and professional in their demeanor and, while dress is not paramount, I expect that a student's dress will not distract anyone from their arguments. For LD I expect to hear a clear value clash supported by evidence that presents examples. For both PF and LD I appreciate signposting and an organized case. Sentences may be finished after the time allotted but not paragraphs. In Policy I want to hear a plan that could actually work to solve the problem presented at a rate that allows me to get it down. Debate is a speaking competition and as such should be as eloquent and understandable as possible. I am not impressed by "squirrel" cases intended to confound and curtail argument. I do flow during the round.