UIL Speech Judges

If you have corrections, questions or comments regarding this information, please notify The UIL Speech and Debate department at speech@uiltexas.org or 512-471-5883.

Kathryn Hamilton

Current high school:
Rusk

Currently coaching?: Yes

Conference: 4a

Number of years coached: 4

Number of tournaments judged: 2

High school attended:
Lamar Senior High School

Graduated high school: 1998

Participated in high school: Yes

Participated in college: No

Judging qualifications:
I classify myself as a "Tab" judge when evaluating speakers in Policy, Congress, and Extemp events, though I do fall back on policy paradigms when structure and rules of engagement are fundamental to the debate style. I have coached an active but small Congress team for 4 years, and I have assisted in coaching CX, LD and Extemp for 4 years as well. I have judged at the state level for CX once, Regional Congress, District and Invitationals. (My record on tabroom is incomplete for some reason). I am an AP Language and Composition teacher, and I focus on rhetoric and persuasive speaking. My degree is in English Literature and Secondary Education. I tend to focus on the speech content and quality of evidence over performance and delivery.

Judging Philosophy

CX

Rounds judged: n/a
Judging approach: Other (please explain below)
Policy priority: Resolution of substantive issues is more important than communication skills
Evidence philosophy: Quantity of evidence and quality of evidence are of equal importance
Paradigm: Per state UIL rules, I believe teams should follow the set standards of formality. This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining a timely debate, not facing the opposing team during Cross Examination, and refraining from any implication of perceived abuse towards another speaker or the judge. Additionally, a copy of a team's case or citation cards should be presented to the opposing team upon request, or as the contest rules require. I believe that "rapid fire" or "spreading" with the delivery of excessively fast speeches inhibits effective communication. The research you have done, and positions you present are irrelevant if no one can understand you, or keep up with your reasoning. In terms of Topicality, I believe that there is room to allow some deviation from the original language of resolutions and bills for the purpose of providing metaphorical and anecdotal evidence to support a position within reason, and without veering into sensationalist or unrealistic arguments. Proof that the affirmative's plan is not in line with the intent of the resolution will be held to a high standard, especially when a Neg argument relies on a base strategy of poking holes in the Aff case to win a debate.

LD

Rounds judged: n/a
Approach: Resolution of substantive issues is more important than communication skills
Philosophy:
Per state UIL rules, I believe teams should follow the set standards of formality. This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining a timely debate, not facing the opposing team during Cross Examination in Policy Debate, and refraining from any implication of perceived abuse towards another speaker or the judge. Additionally, a copy of a team's case or citation cards should be presented to the opposing team upon request, or as the contest rules require. I believe that "rapid fire" or "spreading" with the delivery of excessively fast speeches inhibits effective communication. Speakers using this strategy and style will be penalized. The research you have done, and positions you present are irrelevant if no one can understand you, or keep up with your reasoning. In terms of Topicality, I believe that there is room to allow some deviation from the original language of resolutions and bills for the purpose of providing metaphorical and anecdotal evidence to support a position, within reason, and without veering into sensationalist or unrealistic arguments. Proof that the affirmative's plan is not in line with the intent of the resolution will be held to a high standard, especially when a Neg argument relies on a base strategy of poking holes in the Aff case to win a debate.

Contact Information

email: kathryn.hamilton@ruskisd.net
cell: 936 6527117
office: 903 683-540

Availability Information

Meet types:
Invitational District Regional CX State State Meet Congress Region Congress State

Qualified for:
CX
LD
Extemp
Prose/Poetry
Congress

Travel

Region of residence:
5

I will travel to: 1 3 5 6