2025 Frank-ly Paine-ful Speaking IPDA Tournament and IE Swing (1st Half)

College of DuPage - Jan 17-18 | Status: Completed | 12:02 PM Central

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Judge Philosophies

Bill Lucio - Harper College

DEBATE

To me, a good debater can adapt to any style of debate and is aware of the differing styles each form of debate utilizes. For instance, I believe debate jargon has value in rounds of Parli and LD, as those are specific styles of debate that include a unique type of rhetoric and vernacular in which all speakers have learned and been coached on. On the flip side, it is my belief that a more common style of debate, like IPDA, should focus on the bare bones structure of argumentation.

IPDA should be accessible to anyone, anywhere, regardless of their experience. In face, public is in the name. The second speakers start using debate jargon in IPDA, they have already lost me as a judge. I think that one of the reasons why debate is dying, is because its getting too niche focused IPDA is an amazing gateway event that should welcome newer, first-time debaters into the family, and bringing in styles reserved for other forms of debate can be hard on beginners.

I value humanity and humility. I much prefer speakers refer to each other by their names, rather than, my opponent. I dont like aggressive questioning, passive aggressiveness, and boastful or cocky presentations. I dont appreciate speakers telling me how I will vote give me all the tools I need to make an informed decision, but dont tell me what I am going to do or not do. Remember that there is a fine line between enthusiasm and volume. Remember that there is a difference between passion and pace. Make sure you find that happy medium of ethos, pathos, and logos, as speakers who priorities one heavily over the other two will not be rewarded.

At the end of the day, I value debaters who treat the round like three friends having a conversation over coffee. Lets remain friends by the end of this thing, yea?

PLATFORM EVENTS

Regarding individual events, speakers should engage in appropriate delivery strategies when performing Platform events, such as proper pronunciation and clarity of words, a wide range of vocal variety, and natural use of gestures. While the overall delivery of a speech weighs heavily in my decision, I also tend to prioritize organization and flow, as well as creativity in topic choice. I'm a firm believer in creative content, but also respect solid and identifiable transitions. Do not go overtime.
INTERP EVENTS
In other individual events, such as Interp, I expect the speaker to fully embody their characters. Take risks, think outside of the box, and use your body and movement in ways that aren't necessarily obvious or overdone. While the argument articulated in an introduction does play a major role in my overall decision, I value a performance that takes me out of this world and puts me into a new one, so really become your character and "own" the world in which they live in. Do not go overtime.
Lastly, regarding Limited Prep events, I really respect a good, clean delivery, that utilizes all the tools of basic public speaking (organization, variety of examples/sources, confidence in speaking voice, engagement with the audience, etc.). I do not want to hear a "canned" speech, challenge yourself! If I feel like I have heard your speech before, or that the interpretation of your quotation is too much of a stretch, I will most likely reward the other speakers who placed a more creative emphasis on their speech. Students competing in LP events should be constantly reading the news and searching for examples, so i want to see some interesting things I haven't seen before. Do not go overtime, ESPECIALLY if I am giving you time signals throughout the entire speech.

Bill Rogalla - Hired COD

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Bonnie Gabel - McHenry

Don't be technical, be structured, and ask questions that challenge. I expect the debate to have civil discourse but passionate convictions can be present. Using jargon will count against you, using language creatively (analogies/metaphors) will count in your favor.

Brenna Bretzinger - NIU

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Brian Birkland - COD

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Carolyn Clarke - Highland

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Cassandra Wingert - Hired COD

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Cecilia Burke - Hired COD

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Cri Cox - Harper College

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David DePino - Noctrl

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Dominic Johnson - Hired COD

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Emma Swanson - Hired COD

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Gavin McDonnell - Hired COD

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Gee Baldino - DePaul

IPDA Philosophy:

  • I coach IPDA and Parli, so I know the jargon, but I believe your case should not have to rely on it or technicalities. If you can argue a topicality case without being abusive and have a good justification for, I will listen to it, but it won't automatically win the round. Also, don't spread. I will not reward you for having ten contentions I could barely flow.
  • Treat your opponent with respect. If you are rude or disparaging, I will dock your speaking points.
  • I will do my best to take my opinion out of the equation, but if you don't give me a weighing mechanism/way to judge the resolution and abide by it, I will default to what I think.
  • Having a roadmap and sticking to it will go a long way. An organized case will always get points in my book, and if the round is really close, I will give it to the person who was easier to follow.
  • Don't assume I will connect the dots for you. I will flow the round, but if it is not said, it won't be judged.
  • Pet Peeve: don't tell me how to vote (i.e. "You will vote for me because...") As a former debater, it will put me on the defensive, and I don't appreciate it.

Extemporaneous

  • A well-researched and well-thought-out extemp will win my ballot in every round. I understand you only have 30 minutes, use your time as you see fit.
  • While delivery is important, I will rank a shaky speech that has thoughtful analysis over a well-delivered speech that only scratches the surface of the issue.

Impromptu

  • It is generally more important to me that you have a clear argument and reasoning than perfect examples. I don't care if you talk about an anime or a moral philosophy argument as long as they serve to advance your reasoning.

Interp

  • Make your time count. The best interp is one where I am engaged from start to finish. While each event is a little different, I generally think that characters are what make or break a piece.
  • I am not as concerned with the unspoken "rules" of an event if what you are doing is enhancing your piece. I am probably one of the best judges for experimenting.

Isaiah Carrington - Harper College

Hello, my name is Isaiah Carrington. I am new to the world of forensics so I am not overly well versed in debate jargon. Please take some time to give a clear roadmap and definitions. What I appreciate most is a well-structured argument and for you to be very explicit in what your argument is. I also prefer for debate competitors to be friendly and kind in their delivery. Ideally for me, IPDA rounds feel like a conversation more than a competition. Good luck!

Jason Ertz - Hired COD

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Jeff Przybylo - Harper College

Public debate should be accessible by any member of the public. To observe or adjudicate, audience members do not need to possess any special knowledge or experience in debate. IPDA is designed to be observed by the public.
In all forms of debate, eloquence in delivery is important.
I believe debaters should speak to each other with respect, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude toward debating ideas.
Debate is an exercise in presenting and supporting ideas. It is not a war.
Debates should be focused on the positive exchange of ideas. I find debates about debate utterly boring.
For individual events, I value creativity. Go ahead and break the "rules." As long as what you are doing serves the literature/topic I value what you are doing. I believe that public performance is art. Let your creativity flow!
Public address events should be well organized, well researched, creative, and eloquently delivered.
Interp events are creative performances. I do not believe that there necessarily needs to be a stated "argument." I believe that performances that portray strong characters and evoke an emotional response have great value. I value an emotional journey and entertainment over the presentation of some sort of overtly stated "argument." As I stated above, public performance is a form of art. What you make me FEEL and what I learn about the human condition is much more important to me and following through on a contrived "argument" stated in your introduction. Be artistic.
In the limited preparation events and debate, I value eloquent delivery, supported claims, and an organized message. The format or approach is less important to me. As long as what you are doing is clear and makes sense, I promise to have an open mind.

Jeff Stein - Hired COD

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Jim Snyder - COD

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Johanna Kando - Hired COD

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Joshua Green - Prairie State

In terms of debate I'm looking for well evidenced argumentation. Clearly defined adherence to structure and flow. Reasoned logical argumentation. Civility in terms of tone and delivery.

Judy Santacaterina - NIU

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Kathryn Burke - Hired COD

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Kelly Oswald - Hired COD

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Kevyn Sutter - Highland

I look for the following in IE: clear, concise speech, believable and natural speaking pattern, and a variety of emotion. In IPDA, I look for logical arguments delivered in respectful and courteous manners.

Kimberly Valencia - Hired COD

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Kolden Severson - UW-W

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Lauren Morgan - COD

The most important criteria for me is good argumentation/persuasion that employs a balance of ethos, logos, pathos appeals with reasoning. Often in debate, I find speakers do not provide sufficient reasoning to support their point. Be sure that you employ solid reasoning. In parli, use of the weighing mechanism is also paramount; if it is the criteria by which you are asking me to judge the debate, then I expect you to use it to show me why your position best fulfills the criteria by which you've asked me to judge the debate.

I expect all debaters to be competent communicators and use decorum. There is no need to devolve into ad hominem attacks, especially when thinly veiled. Both verbal and nonverbal communication matter.

I believe in trichotomy, so not every debate is a policy debate and sheer amount of evidence (cut cards) is not sufficient for me to vote for you. I am not opposed to T arguments, but if it appears you are running it as a matter or protocol or to turn the debate into the one you would like to have rather than the one you've been provided, that will not be in your favor. How you communicate is as important as what you say.

I am not a fan of speed/spread nor overuse of technical elements. Create clash on the topic you've been provided, and debate it.

Liz Fritz - COD

The biggest things I look for in any type of debate:

1. Logic that is clearly linked and supported by evidence (note: evidence, not just sources).

2. Arguments that are impacted back to the resolution/weighing mechanism.

3. Direct clash/direct responses to opponents arguments.

4. Respect to each other and the round.

Things that do not bode well with me:

1. Hostility towards opponent(s). Yes, even if they started it. If you respond to hostility with hostility, then you will receive a hostile ballot.

2. Telling me I have to do something (That is why AFF wins/that is why you should vote for AFF - fine; that is why you must vote for AFF/why NEG must lose - nope)

3. Trying to use what are courtesies, not rules, as reasons why your opponent should lose.

4. Lying about facts/statistics/evidence. I wont always know if you are lying, but you dont know when I know you are. So dont.

I will gladly consider all arguments brought to the flow in both IPDA and parli, but they must have a reason for being there. If you do not explain the reason for an argument and why it matters to the debate (top of case issues, non-unique, etc. ESPECIALLY) then it is like they do not exist.

Ultimately, this is your debate. I want to give both sides the room to be able to create argumentation unique to the topic and round. Just keep it civil, logical, and on topic.

Margaret Bilos - Harper College

I believe an IPDA debate should be a structured discussion between two people who may disagree about a topic but are respectful, thoughtful, friendly, and conversational.�  It should be viewed more as a well-reasoned, well-delivered philosophical disagreement that anyone can judge rather than a highly specialized format.�  I would rather hear you disagree over the arguments and claims rather than hear you debate about debate.� � 

I like to imagine that we all went out to dinner and cracked open a fortune cookie.�  One of you agreed and the other disagreed and you talked and argued, bringing up examples and points.�  After fifteen minutes or so, I said one of you won and we all enjoyed dessert.

In public address, I am looking for connection to audience, an interesting topic, solid delivery, convincing research, and credible support.� 

For interpretation events, I am hoping to be drawn into the story, the drama, and the character that you are creating.�  The best performers might not teach us a lesson, but they can sweep us up into a beautiful moment.�  I am less concerned with rigid rules and conventions if what you're doing makes sense and adds something to the piece and character.� � 

In limited preparation events, I am looking for a speech with good structure, interesting arguments, and eloquent delivery.�  If you are thoughtful and clean, I am hoping to learn something new or see it in a new way.

Overall, be creative, be friendly, be conversational, be expressive, be in the moment!� � I'm looking for creativity, passion, energy and for you to put me at ease.�  My favorite speakers, in all events, makes the audience feel like a valued part of the conversation.� � If you are having a good time- we will have a good time!

Matt DuPuis - NIU

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Mia Poston - Hired COD

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Mike Sherman - Highland

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Mylo Caluza - Hired COD

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Natalie Jurcik - MVCC

I competed in Interp and have judged Limited Prep. So, for IPDA, I'm looking for clear, organized, cited, and intentional arguments/points. I want to see how each point reflects or supports your answer to the question. Be concise and clear. Please do not use debate jargon or tell me who should win the round. I don't appreciate being petty, rude, or condescending. However, I enjoy when competitors have fun, are passionate, speak clearly, and have well thought our arguments.

Nick Steinmetz - ILSTU

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Ricky Lopez - Hired COD

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Sophie Stern - NU

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Steve Thompson - Hired COD

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Tia Collins - UIC

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Vance Pierce - UIC

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