Duran,+Michael

It seems that credentials are in order so here goes. I debated what is called policy now at Claremont H.S. in Claremont CA my Senior year. Our team spread and we got pretty good at it.

I competed in Exemp and Impromtu my first two years of college and did well.

I judged while in law school but did not start judging on a regular basis until 08-09.

I have been a trial lawyer since 1986 and still am. My work and my IE expereince contribute to the following strong preferences: 1) I do not like to have debaters spread and if you do, it will cost you speaks. Ten lousy arguments are not better than two or three great ones. I want to understand you and your arguments. I want to understand your evidence, if any, and why it is as good if not better than your opponents; 2) Your job is to persuade me so presentation is important; 3) If you have a topicality argument, please state it and then move on. Endless hair splitting and abuse charges do not make for great debate; 4) I understand this is a competitive activity but there is no excuse for bad manners. Courtesy costs nothing and in the real world is an essential.

I find extending arguments from the AC and NC to be more persuasive than merely repeating your tags in rebuttal. I can and do flow. So long as it is fairly done, the better you are at this the better you will do in the round.

I enjoy the clash of minds and wills that debate represents. I look forward to seeing some great debating.