BEGINNING AND ADVANCED PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE (BPFD & APFD)
Description: As a team event, students who compete in Public Forum need to be able to work well with a partner. Balanced teams, both in terms of preparation before debates and contributions within a debate, provide a competitive advantage during tournaments. Public Forum Debate is the newest form of debate and looks at current event topics. Competitors of Public Forum Debate must be prepared to debate in front of judges who have no formal debate training. Being able to persuade a range of judges is a central component to this event. Additionally, Public Forum Debate is focused on debating varying resolutions that change frequently, which exposes students to a variety of topics during a single season
Public forum debate focuses on advocating a position derived from issues presented in the resolution, not a prescribed set of burdens. Neither the affirmative nor negative side is permitted to offer a plan or counterplan; rather, both teams should provide reasoning to support a position of advocacy. Debaters may offer generalized, practical solutions.
Debate should emphasize clear communication. Debates must involve the denial or minimization of the opposition’s main arguments (i.e., clash). Competitors will not be rewarded if they makle speeches that ignore their opponent’s arguments. Cross-examinations/crossfires should be used to clarify, challenge, and/or advance arguments. Arguments will be on clarity and comprehension. Competitors should display civility and professionalism throughout the debate.
Procedure: In Public Forum Debate, prior to every round and in the presence of the judge(s), a coin is tossed by one team and called by the other team. The team that wins the flip may choose one of two options: EITHER the SIDE of the topic they wish to defend (i.e., affirmative or negative) OR the SPEAKING POSITION (i.e., begin the debate or end the debate). The remaining option (SIDE OR SPEAKING POSITION) is the choice of the team that loses the flip. Once speaking positions and sides have been determined, the debate begins
Following the first two constructive speeches, the two debaters who have just given speeches will stand and participate in a three-minute crossfire. In crossfire both debaters “hold the floor;” however, the speaker who spoke first must ask the first question. After that question, either debater may question and/or answer at will. At the conclusion of the summary speeches, all four debaters will remain seated and participate in a three-minute “Grand Crossfire” in which all four debaters are allowed to cross-examine one another. The speaker who gave the first summary speech must ask the first question.
Format: The times and speaking orders of the speeches are listed below:
| Speech | Time Limit | Purpose |
| Team A, Speaker 1–Constructive | 4 minutes | Present the team’s case |
| Team B, Speaker 1–Constructive | 4 minutes | Present the team’s case |
| Crossfire | 3 minutes | Speakers 1 from Team A and B alternate asking and answering questions |
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| Team A, Speaker 2–Rebuttal | 4 minutes | Refute the opposing side’s arguments |
| Team B, Speaker 2–Rebuttal | 4 minutes | Refute the opposing side’s arguments |
| Crossfire | 3 minutes | Speakers 2 from Team A and B alternate asking and answering questions |
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| Team A, Speaker 1–Summary | 2 minutes | Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round |
| Team B, Speaker 1–Summary | 2 minutes | Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round |
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| Grand Crossfire | 3 minutes | All four debaters involved in a crossfire at once |
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| Team A, Speaker 2–Final Focus | 2 minutes | Explain reasons you win the round |
| Team B, Speaker 2–Final Focus | 2 minutes | Explain reasons you win the round |
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| *Each team is allotted 2 minutes of prep time | ||
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Debate Ballot
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