De+La+Cruz,+Laura

I debated at Mayde Creek high school in Katy, Texas from 2000-2004. I taught at UNT for several summers following my graduation.

I haven’t been very active in debate over the last few years so should adjust accordingly. I would recommend the following things:


 * 1) Don’t speak at your top speed. I’m not philosophically opposed to spreading but I will have a hard time keeping up as I am a bit rusty. You won’t be voted down for exceeding my preferred rate but I will have a difficult time voting for arguments I don’t have on my flow.
 * 2) Go easy on the debate jargon. Once again, I’m not opposed to the use of jargon but you might lose me if you are throwing around terms that I don’t understand.
 * 3) Focus on winning substance. I’m most comfortable evaluating arguments that are clearly impacted back to a justified value criterion. I prefer not to vote on things like theory or presumption triggers.

Feel free to ask me questions before the round. Have fun.