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.
Deidra Dallas
Current high school:
Ballinger
Currently coaching?: Yes
Conference: 2A
Number of years coached: 10
Number of tournaments judged: 0
High school attended:
Duncanville High School
Graduated high school: 2005
Participated in high school: Yes
Participated in college: No
Judging qualifications:
As a UIL Speech judge, I evaluate students based on the skills specific to their event while emphasizing clarity, preparation, organization, effective communication, and audience engagement. In LD and CX debate, I value well-developed arguments, quality evidence, direct clash, effective refutation, cross-examination, and clear weighing of why one position should prevail. In Prose and Poetry, I value thoughtful literature selection, strong interpretation, characterization or emotional connection when appropriate, vocal variety, pacing, physical expression, and purposeful delivery that enhances the literature. In Extemporaneous Speaking, I value a clear thesis, relevant and credible information, organization, analysis, and the speaker's ability to explain why an issue matters rather than simply report facts. In all events, I judge the performance presented in the round—not the student, school, reputation, or my personal agreement with a position—and I reward students who communicate with purpose, demonstrate understanding, respond effectively to others, and make the round or performance easy to follow and evaluate.
Judging Philosophy
CX
Judging approach: Tabula Rasa
Policy priority: Communication skills and resolution of substantive issues are of equal importance
Evidence philosophy: Quality of evidence is more important than quantity of evidence
Paradigm: I evaluate the debate based on the arguments, evidence, analysis, and refutation presented in the round. I value clear organization, strong research, credible and relevant evidence, logical reasoning, effective cross-examination, direct clash, and comparative weighing. Evidence is important, but cards do not speak for themselves; debaters should explain what their evidence proves, how it supports their argument, and why it matters to the ballot. I reward teams that directly engage their opponents' arguments rather than simply repeating their own case. Cross-examination should be strategic and should produce information, concessions, or analysis that advances the team's position. I will not make arguments for either side or fill in missing warrants, impacts, or connections. If an argument is dropped, conceded, or insufficiently answered, I will evaluate it as presented unless another argument adequately responds to it. I am not looking for a particular style or argument; if you can clearly explain why your arguments matter and why they outweigh your opponent's, you give me a reason to vote for you. Ultimately, I want the ballot to reflect the team that best demonstrated, through the arguments made in the round, why its position should prevail.
LD
Approach: Communication skills and resolution of substantive issues are of equal importance
Philosophy:
I place significant emphasis on the philosophical framework, as the value and criterion should provide a clear standard for evaluating the resolution and the arguments within the round. Debaters should not simply present a framework, but explain why it is preferable and engage directly with competing frameworks. I highly value clash, clear refutation, logical analysis, and comparative weighing. Debaters should respond directly to their opponent's arguments and explain not only why those arguments fail, but why their own position better satisfies the appropriate framework. I will not make arguments or connections for either side; I evaluate the arguments, warrants, impacts, and analysis presented in the round. Ultimately, I ask which debater provides the most compelling framework for evaluating the resolution and does the better job of defending their position through direct clash, analysis, and weighing
Contact Information
email: deidra.dallas@ballingerisd.net
cell: 972 7542652
office: 325 3653547
Availability Information
Meet types:
Invitational
District
Regional
State Meet
Qualified for:
CX
LD
Extemp
Prose/Poetry
Travel
Region of residence:
8
I will travel to: 1 8
