PUBLIC FORUM

WHAT IS PUBLIC FORUM (PF)?

TYPE OF DEBATE: team debate (two-on-two)

TOPICS: current event/national issues

WHEN ARE TOPICS ISSUED: topics for PF change every month

FROM THE NATIONAL SPEECH & DEBATE ASSOCIATION:

Public Forum debate involves opposing teams of two, debating a topic concerning current event. Proceeding a coin toss, the winners choose which side to debate (PRO or CON) or which speaker position they prefer (1st or 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Students present cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and also participate in a "crossfire" (similar to a cross examination) with the opportunity to question the opposing team. Often times community members are recruited to judge the event.

Ms. Diane Holland