F.A.Q.

What is the goal of Public Forum Debate?

How does the round work?

What is the "constructive"?

What are "crossfires"?

What should the second speaker address in the rebuttal?

Are "summaries" just like "rebuttals," but shorter?

How do you say anything meaningful in the "final focus"?  It's only two minutes!

What is "flowing"?  How do I do it?

Should I bring hard copies of my evidence to rounds?

What do I do when my opponents use sketchy evidence?

How should I use prep time?

What do judges look for in a round?

How should I research the resolutions?

What is the goal of Public Forum Debate?

Public Forum Debate centers on convincing your judge that the resolution is either true or false, depending on your side in the round. Each month’s resolution will concern national or international current events. Staying up-to-date with important national and international issues is your best preparation for PF.

Check out this video on the National Forensic League's website.

How does the round work?

Before each round, each team must choose a side and whether they want to speak first or second. The judge will flip a coin, and the winner of the coin toss can choose either their side (pro or con) or their speaking order. The other team chooses the remaining option.

After filling out the information on the judge’s ballot, the round begins. Speeches progress as following:

Each team also two minutes of “prep time” which they can use whenever they wish. Remember to notify the judge if you plan on using any of your prep time.

What is the “constructive”?

The “constructive” is the initial speech of each side in the round – it should include reasons why that side is the correct side, thus “constructing” the framework for the rest of the debate. In simpler terms, this speech presents the main argument for the team, the main reason they believe they are right.

What are “crossfires”?

Crossfires are three-minute question-and-answer periods between the teams. Any debater in a crossfire can either ask or answer questions. Questions should be clear and concise. Use them to clarify opponents’ arguments or point out major flaws in opponents’ case. Do not attempt to dominate the crossfire or refuse to allow your opponent to speak. Crossfires should be civil and professional, not hostile and chaotic. Remember, judges like to see debaters who can make their point politely and charismatically!

What should the second speaker address in the “rebuttal”?

The main purpose of the rebuttal is to refute your opponents’ arguments. If you have time, you can also defend your own points against your opponents’ attacks. Be prepared for what the other side might argue, but avoid "canned" speeches. A "canned" speech is a prepared speech which the debater has written before the round.  Rebuttals should be improvised speeches based on the discussion from previous speeches.

Are “summaries” just like “rebuttals,” but shorter?

Basically. The summary should usually both defend your own case and attack your opponents’ claims. You only have two minutes, so concentrate on what’s most important.

How do you say anything meaningful in the “Final Focus”? It’s only two minutes!

The most common mistake that PF teams make is to refute arguments point-by-point in the Final Focus. Don’t fall into the trap! The Final Focus is the last word the judge will hear before deciding who won the round, so make it count. Since you only have two minutes, don’t go for specific points; concentrate on the largest and most important issues in the round. Broaden the issues and hit a rhetorical “home-run” with the judge!

What is “flowing”? How do I do it?

Flowing is essentially taking notes of everything that is said during a round. How you flow is a personal choice (don’t laugh). Different styles work for different people. Some like to divide their paper into columns, some like to draw boxes, some like not to organize their paper and just draw arrows. Whatever works for you. You should try to flow everything your opponents say, plus crossfires that you’re not participating in. If you want, you can flow your partner’s speeches if it’s not a speech with a pre-written speech. The bottom line: flow in whatever way works for you that allows you to keep track of what your opponents say during the round.

Should I bring hard copies of my evidence to rounds?

Absolutely. PF teams sometimes fabricate evidence (don’t do it!), and thus, there is a requirement to produce hard copies of your evidence when requested. Bring a hard copy of every piece of evidence you might need. Use a binder, accordion file, or whatever you feel comfortable with. Be prepared to cite the source of your evidence in crossfire, and the title of article/book, author (with credentials if available), and date in the very next speech if requested.

What do I do when my opponents use sketchy evidence?

In crossfire, simply ask for a source citation (politely). If the citation seems sketchy as well, ask for a hard copy. Be careful, being overly stingy here can annoy a judge, so do this with care and only when absolutely necessary.

How should I use prep time?

Use prep time to plan speeches, find specific pieces of evidence, and communicate with your partner. You only have two minutes, so don’t waste it. Again, the way you use your own prep time is up to you. If you find that you need detailed notes with which to speak, use prep time to plot your speeches. If you find that you’re a good impromptu speaker but can’t remember your evidence very well, use prep time to list the evidence you want to cite. Remember, the two minutes is for your team, so don’t use all of the time on your speeches.

What do judges look for in a round?

Most judges want to see a blend of sound reasoning, logic, evidence, and speaking skills. They also want to see debaters conduct themselves calmly and professionally, so don’t get into yelling matches.  At the beginning of each tournament, tournament organizers will instruct judges to judge the round based on the debating, not on what they personally believe.  This means that the judge will look for which team won the key arguments in the round.  Be sure you address the points of contention in the round and explain clearly why you have won them.

How should I research the resolutions?

Basic internet search engines (i.e. Google, Yahoo, etc.) will provide a wealth of information. Depending on the resolution, you may want to consider trying the library to see if there are any books available on the topic. Books will give you a greater depth of knowledge than most internet articles. You can also try searching scholarly journals with Google Scholar, or through the database of a professional organization relevant to the resolution. Watch/listen to the news, and you may hear an expert provide useful information. And of course, that’s just a beginning to all the different types of research you can do!