Paradigm

Max Marko
Samuel W Wolfson High School

Judge Paradigm

Hi, debaters and speakers! I’m looking forward to a great round. Here’s what I prioritize when judging:
1. Confidence & Command of the Topic – I appreciate debaters who clearly know their material and present their arguments with conviction. If you sound unsure of your own case, it weakens your position. Own your arguments and speak with authority.
2. Engagement & Eye Contact – Debate is about persuasion, and that means keeping me engaged. Maintain strong eye contact, vary your tone, and make your speech feel intentional rather than robotic. Simply reading off a script or speaking in a monotone voice won’t be effective.
3. Energy & Presence – If you sound like you’re just trying to get through your speech, I will notice. Be dynamic, passionate, and make your words count. A strong presence can make a good argument even more compelling.
4. Clarity & Structure – Your arguments should be easy to follow and well-supported. Make sure you’re not just running through points quickly—explain them thoroughly and connect them to the broader debate.

At the end of the day, I want to see a debater who is knowledgeable, engaging, and confident. Keep me interested, and you’ll have a much better shot at winning my ballot. Good luck!