DB8 Speech & Debate Academy
Unit 6 · Lesson 3 4 min

Reading Judge Paradigms

Every judge decides rounds differently. Read their paradigm before you speak.

Communication judges

Want clarity, confidence, persuasion. Less weight on framework tricks. Lean into clean delivery.

Policy / flow judges

Track arguments line-by-line. Drop nothing. Signpost everything. Tech > truth.

Tabula rasa

Will vote on whatever framework you set up. Free real estate if you frame the round first.

Quick Check
  1. 1. A 'tab' (tabula rasa) judge will:

Answer all 1 to check.

Takeaway

Adapt to the judge — same case, different framing per paradigm.