Public Forum Debate

What is debate?

What is Public Forum (PF)?

Public Forum Debate (PF) is a debate format in which a resolution is affirmed or negated

Resolutions

The clash of ideas has to be relayed clearly to a non-specialized audience

Debate arguments must

• Be soundly logical
• Be clearly reasoned
• Be deep in analysis
• Use but not abuse evidence
• Clash - Ideas must be met with counter-arguments
• Communicate clearly and professionally while keeping decorum

Topics are presented as resolutions. Teams must demonstrate the advantages of a side without going deeply into solutions

Topics are generated by National Speech and Debate Association -National Forensic League (NFL)

Case development
Pro and Con

Coin Toss

The winner selects either side or turn

Structure of PF
(Video)

First pro constructive
____

Builds. Presents arguments in favor

First Con constructive
____

Builds. Presents arguments against

Third and fourth constructive
______
Refutes arguments. Finishes case

“summaries”
______

Debaters summarize the State of the Case

“final focus”
____
Debaters go back to their framework and remind judges how their arguments have fared. Ultimately demonstrates how case has been won

Components of Argument

• Claim - Argument per se
• Evidence
• Warrant

Crossfire

In "Crossfire" teams have a chance to question each other's arguments and ideally show the weaknesses of the opponents arguments

Prep Time
____
2 minutes. Highly strategic time

Presentation and body language
-
presentation is key to an effective case before a Public Forum Audience

PF Video

Other things to consider

Assessment and judges

Etiquette

Impacts

Weigh-in

Advanced debate

• Fallacy
• Abusive definitions
• Databas
• Judge profiling
• Opponent team strategy
• Common cases

Practice

Cambridge, Mass. Harvard Forensics Tournament 2016

Lexington, Kentucky. Tournament of Champions 2016

Georgetown 2016

Public Forum Debate