Insider's Guide to Public Forum Debate

Public forum debate is one of three popular subcategories of debate, the others being Lincoln Douglas(used in presidential debates), and Policy debate. Public Forum as a style focuses on teamwork, critical thinking, and most importantly, clear and effective communication. It allows students to discuss important topics in front of judges and audiences, while getting educated on wide ranges of topics. For this experience, AI images generated by ChatGPT, are used to show, rather then tell the complex nature key components of public forum debate requires .

Introduction to the Debate Community

Public forum debate brings together a large and diverse group of people globally, with wide ranges of ages from students from entering the third grade and adults near college graduation, in classrooms to participants at national tournaments.Even during most debates at younger levels, judges are usually impartial parents of other youth in the competition. These parents usually arent as privy to the current event as the debaters. Thus, leave with more educated on the topics and the arguing capabilities of middle-school students.

Topics Cover Many Issues

Public forum debate covers a wide range of topics, such as global issues, environmental challenges, ethical questions, and economic strategies. The most recent topic for public forum from the National Speech and Debate Association is "Resolved: The United States should substantially reduce its military support of Taiwan." The debators then take their partners and make two cases, one affirming or agreeing with the resolved and the other negating or disagreeing with the resolved.During competitions, debators are randomly assigned a side using a coin flip, then it begins.

Constructive Speeches

Every debate starts with four minute constructive speeches, where debaters present their main arguments and evidence. The pro and con constructive debator speaking is considered to be the first speak. Both first speakers have a crossfire, will then ask questions about their cases in attempts to demolish their argument. This is when the other two speakers will do rebuttal speeches and then also have a crossfire leading to.......

The Grand Crossfire

The Grand Crossfire is one of the most exciting parts of public forum debate. In this phase, all four debaters speak at the same time, asking questions, responding, and challenging each other’s ideas. Which ever team speaks the most, usually dominates the debate overall during this section. After this, the second constructive/rebuttal speakers will do a summary explain why they won and then round's fate is left to the judge.

The Role of the Judge

Judges are a key part of public forum debate. They listen to all the arguments and carefully evaluate how well the debaters present their cases. However, most judges rules are unique to their debate experience, resulting in differing decisions. The best way to guarentee a win is to completely refute the oponnents arguement, using a framework or laying foundation in your first constructive for how the debate should be judged and proving why the opponent failed this.

Celebrating the Win

Winning a debate is a big accomplishment that reflects all the hard work, preparation, and teamwork that went into it. Usually, teams can tell who the judge is going to side with yet, it is still very suspenseful in the minutes before the judge makes their final decision. When the judge rules in your favor, you and your partner will shake hands with your defeated oponnent and celebrate together..... while heading to round two.

About Author

Christian Marie Brown is a college freshman at Syracuse University, enrolled in the Maxwell School for Law, Society, and Policy. Originally from Hughesville, Maryland, she has a strong background in law-related activities, including serving as a Senate Page on Capitol Hill and interning for Congressman Steny Hoyer as well as a local State Senator. A former student at St. Mary’s Ryken High School, Christian excelled in leadership roles,founding two debate team with ten years of debate and public speaking experience, and founding the Association of Future Political Leaders. She is now a proud member of the U.S. Army Reserves and participates in the Army ROTC program at Syracuse. With a passion for debate and public speaking, Christian is preparing for a future in law and policy, driven by her experiences and diverse skill set.