UIL Speech Judges

Judging qualifications:
I've been judging speech events regularly since I was in college back in the 90s. I really enjoy these tournaments as debate has taught me speaking and critical thinking skills that have carried me through high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional life. The structure of an argument is important. Link, Brink, Impact, Harms, Inherency, Plan, Solvency, Advantages, Disadvantages, Topicality, K, and many others I'm sure I have missed while writing this are all voters for me. While I'm a tabula rosa judge, not all arguments are created equal, and not all arguments in the round result in a win for one side or the other. Sometimes, an argument in the round is not persuasive, logical, or supported - in that case, the argument results in a no-decision, and neither side wins that argument. I am fine with all types of speaking speeds. If I don't flow it, it doesn't count. I do not flow CX time. Time is the most critical resource in a round - use it wisely. The only thing more beautiful in this world than a properly executed Neg Block is a well-refuted first affirmative rebuttal. If you are rude or disrespectful to the opposition in any form or fashion, you will lose the round. I've voted down highly decorated varsity speakers who decimated novices on the sheer grounds they were outstandingly rude in the round during their speaking time and CX time. Hope this helps, Ryan