Loden,+Megan

West, Megan (Formerly Loden) Director of Forensics at Cypress Bay High School (Weston, FL) since 2010

I was an LD debater on the Texas and national circuit for four years in high school (2000-2004), and a parli debater for four years in college (2004-2008). While debating in college I attended the NPDA, earning a top speaker award in 2005. I previously coached the college team at Cal State Long Beach (2008-2010). This is my fourth year serving as the DOF at Cypress Bay High School in Weston, FL where I coach all events, but am desperately trying to revive the South Florida policy scene.
 * Experience **

My "old school" LD training combined with my parli success during my undergraduate career (and my now marriage to a policy debater) has left me eagerly learning all of the intricacies of technical debate. I am open to whatever kind of position you would like to run, but clarity and weighing is essential in flushing-out arguments and my decision-making process. That being said, I do appreciate when debaters explain complex theory arguments. As a communication scholar, I obviously grasp and enjoy K debate...but, I also appreciate additional explanations and clarity. Just make sure you tell my WHY YOU WIN THE ROUND.
 * General Paradigm**

I think speed has a place in debate, and I can follow/flow teams at //almost// any delivery rate they choose. That being said, I am much happier with a mid-speed round than a super fast round where I miss a few things. If I am having trouble, my non-verbals will probably tell you. I also think persuasiveness, narratives, and vocal emphasis are always welcome elements. Oh, and you obviously don't need to stand-up (or sit-down/handstand) and look a certain way; I love comfort about as much as I love debate.
 * Speed/Delivery**

I think that speaker points are unnecessarily arbitrary; I also know that giving every debater in a round 30s skews results. As such, I use speaker points as a rank. If you are the best debater in the round, you will get 30 points, second best, 29.5 points, third, 29, and worst, 28.5. I will only give you below a 28.5 in a round if I am offended about an argument or action during the round.
 * Speaker Points**

The transition to paperless debate has been a stressful one for me to watch. I hate that debaters rarely flow 1ACs and flash files as a substitute for answering difficult questions. That being said, I do understand the cost, convenience, and even educational benefits of technology in a debate round. My preference is just that (a) flashing, etc. happens as quickly as possible, and most importantly, (b) you remember that I am not looking at the same materials.
 * Technology**

Oh, and have fun. Isn't that why we all do this?