Ensley,Xavier

High School: College Park '10 College: University of Arkansas '14

My experience is in LD debate. My paradigm is pretty much the same as everyone else's on the national circuit. I can flow speed as long as it is clear, but slow down especially on //__taglines & authors__//. If this is your first time debating on the national circuit then I would suggest that you read the __"Long Version"__ to increase your chances of me voting for you in the round.
 * __ Short Version __**

__** Long Version **__
 * Speed:** __SLOW DOWN FOR TAGLINES/AUTHORS/SHORT ANALYTICs__, speed is ok **(No stumbling or awkward gasp for air)**. Personally speed is something you train your self for and not all debaters are equipped with the proper skill to pull it off. Anyways, I will yell clear until you are clear but your speaks will suffer after the first time (see "Speaks" for more details).


 * Speaks**: More than likely fall in the 25-29 range.....only few will receive a 30.


 * Cross-examination**: CX is binding typical Q&A session for both debaters....period (I will do no intervening or interpretations of this). I will reward debaters (Increase your speaker points by __//.5- 2 pts//__) who are clear and smart in CX. I think that the winner in the CX often wins the round.


 * Standards:**While I'm not particularly attached to the Value/Value Criterion structure. I do prefer that each debater advocate a standard by which I can evaluate the round. Absent a clear standard being won in the round, I will default to a net benefits calculus. Also, if you are running a standard that just functions underneath a broader evaluative standard, I will buy arguments that link to the broader standard as offense. This means that a standard of minimizing torture or maximizing soft power that appeals to a broader standard of consequentialism can't be used to exclude other impacts to consequentialism in front of me. That being said, __it doesn't make much of a difference to me who is winning the Value or the Standard. I look to whomever best meets that standard. How the debaters can do that, is entirely up to the debaters.__


 * Extensions:** Arguments always need to have a **__claim, warrant, and impact__** (Without it LD debate will be just B.S. debate), and so do extensions. If you are just extending the claim and impact in your speeches, don't be surprised when I don't evaluate the argument at all. However, arguments that get dropped need less time investment when getting extended (but you still need to be extending a warrant). Additionally, if an argument shifts when you make the extension, I won't evaluate it so clearly label your arguments. This means that if there are like 4 unlabeled framework arguments in the AC, and you extend them in the 1AR as apriori reasons to affirm, I won't vote for them.


 * Evidence:** __I will call for evidence after the round.__ Any cards that become important I will look at to make sure that the cards are lined correctly which includes leaving out modifiers. I will not vote down a debater for having bad evidence, but I will completely disregard the claim linked to the evidence being made. __Please have citations for everything you read. If your opponent requests to look at the evidence you are reading, you have to show him/her.__


 * Critical lit:** The rule about confusing rhetoric still applies. There's absolutely no reason to hide your arguments (or typically lack of warrants) in impenetrable dialogue and I will lower your speaks if you do it (25 and lower).

Last Updated: **07/01/2012**
 * Theory:** Theory is an issue of competing interpretations, unless you demonstrate otherwise. If a theory debate occurs, I will vote against the debater who violates the best rule for debate. Theory arguments should be in a complete shell with a positively worded interpretation. The interpretation should specify what each side must or may do. If you initiate a theory debate without an explicit interpretation, I will default to your opponent's counter-interpretation if offered.
 * Always before or after the round feel free to ask any additional questions you may have.**
 * Have fun and good luck!**