Steve Clemmons
Macalester College
3 years judging 20 rounds on this topic
Things you may want to consider if you have me as your judge:
1) While I am open to almost any kind of argument, I expect it to be
exactly that--not a claim dressed up to look like an argument.
2) Rudeness is not a hot-button issue for me--unless it is unleashed
in a
personal manner.
3) Last rebuttal strategic clarity is key--don't whine about a
seemingly
"interventionist" decision, unless you have synthesized the
intersection
of both sides' arguments.
4) I virtually never read evidence, unless a fact about the specific
piece
of evidence is being contested.
5) In an effort to avoid my "debating" the round for you, I make my
decisions very quickly (usually less than 10 minutes). Don't mistake
this
for indifference. It is just that I never liked judges reconstructing
my
strategies, so I trust that you want me to consider yours as you
presented
it.
I also dislike rambling, self-indulgent judging philosophies.
Accordingly, if you want to know something specific, just ask me.