here - College of Arts & Sciences - Bethel University

I'll evaluate the round however you tell me to. Tell me how to evaluate the framework
debate, too.
Relative importance of presentation/communication skills to the critic in decision-making
:
If a team convinces me that I should look to something other than the arguments, then I
suppose I'll look to something other than the arguments. I'm fine with grouping, crossapplying,
and any number of tricks that let slower teams beat faster teams, but don't
expect me to vote for you because you're prettier. Debate isn't a beauty contest, otherwise
we'd all be losers. Not that we aren't all losers anyways.
Relative importance of on-case argumentation to the critic in decision-making:
It can be very helpful for you. It's as important to my decision as you make it.
Openness to critical/performative styles of debating:
I'm happy to hear it. Ideally there's a framework for evaluation, but if you don't want to
make one explicit, that's your call.
Any additional comments:
Everyone says this at the end of all their philosophies, but seriously, pay attention this
time. HAVE FUN. This is your debate, I'll try to evaluate it as fairly as possible, and if
you want to know what I'd like to see, it's good arguments run by people enjoying
themselves. It should be your spring break. You should be making bad life decisions on a
beach in Mexico. But you're here instead because there's something you like about this
activity.
straub, sara
University of the Cumberlands
Background of the critic:
High school L/D for 3 years. In college competed in L/D 1 year; Parli 4 years. Assistant
coach 3 years. I am probably the youngest ‘old school’ judge around.
Approach of the critic to decision-making (for example, adherence to the trichotomy,
stock-issues, policymaker, tabula rasa, etc.):
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