Paradigm

Alex Pham
AW Dreyfoos School of the Arts

I am a UF Media Production, Management and Tech major on a Media & Society track. I've competed in both speech and debate events throughout high school, and ever since graduating in 2023, I've judged a couple of tournaments for both. I want to clarify that no matter the event I've competed in, I've always preferred to have developed arguments, structure, and evidence over the big flashy presentation you often find in speech. Thus, that will play a role in how I evaluate you during rounds.

Try not to spread. I've noticed it tends to degrade the quality of arguments since the speaker is spending less time developing anything.

Some speed is tolerable, but if you are too fast, I notice that I'll stop typing and look at you.

A good framework and clearly stated and emphasized warrants will make you stand out as a speaker.

Signpost please!

Being firm in CX is fine, but I don't welcome aggression. Don't interrupt each other either.

Weigh. Do it.

If you extend, do it thoroughly. Not just a short sentence or remark. Otherwise, I won't consider it on the ballot.

Keep the technical jargon to a minimum.

I will not disclose unless the tournament requires it.

While I said I don't value presentation over arguments, I will stay pay attention to your body language and facial expressions to some extent. If you are making too many faces or showing too much contempt (eye rolling, glaring, offended expressions), it will affect how I view you as a speaker. I don't believe it's necessary for these kinds of things.

If you prefer sending cases prior to the round, a good email for me is alexisqpham@outlook.com