Paradigm

Sarah Bell
Miami Country Day School

I am a lay judge and focus on the following:

Clarity & Organization: I prefer arguments that are well-structured and easy to follow. You don’t need to use complex jargon, but your points should be clear, concise, and well-explained.

Evidence: I will consider the quality of the evidence you provide. Credible sources, data, and facts are important. Just make sure to explain the relevance/impact of the evidence you present.

Logical Reasoning: Show me how your arguments connect logically. I am looking for strong reasoning and how you tie evidence to the points you make.

Speaking Style: Communication matters. I value debaters who speak clearly and make it easy for me to follow their arguments. Be respectful, avoid talking over each other, and try not to rush through your speeches.