Public Forum Debate (Overview)
QUICK REFERENCE FOR JUDGES
TOOLS: [DICE] or [COIN], & [TIMER].
COIN FLIP: The winner gets first choice…
Pick the side or speak first or second…
Note: Sometimes CON goes first.
SPEAKING TIMES (Approximately 45 min):
1. Coin Flip = ASAP (be efficient)!
2. First Speakers Speeches = 4 min.
3. First Speakers Crossfire = 3 min.
4. Second Speakers Speeches = 4 min.
5. Second Speakers Crossfire = 3 min.
6. First Speakers [Summary] = 3 min.
7. “Grand” Crossfire = 3 min.
8. Second Speakers [Final Focus] = 2 min.
9. Judge makes the [Decision] = 1 min.
10. Feedback = 2-3 min total.
JUDGE FEEDBACK: Please give some feedback.
I liked how you… [explain],
and I would like it more if… [explain].
FIRST SPEAKER DUTIES
Opening Speeches (4 min):
First Speakers present their arguments (aka Case).
Speeches = Introduction + Arguments x2 (or x3).
Summary/Rejoinder Speeches (3 min):
First Speakers defend arguments (aka Rejoinders).
Speeches = Introduction + 4-Step Refutation.
CROSSFIRES (All)
First Speakers Crossfire (3 min):
After presenting the arguments, both first speakers will argue back-and-forth for 3 min to clarify issues.
First Speakers Crossfire (3 min):
After refuting arguments, second speakers will argue back-and-forth for 3 minutes to clarify the issues..
Grand Crossfire (3 min):
All four debaters will argue back-and-forth to clarify issues and gain credibility over the opposing team.
SECOND SPEAKER DUTIES
Rebuttal Speeches (4 min):
Second Speakers refute their opponent’s arguments.
Speeches = Introduction + 4-Step Refutation.
Final Focus/Voting Issues Speeches (2 min):
Second Speakers refute the opponent’s rejoinders and then presents the voting issues.
PREPARATION TIME
Each team shares 3 minutes of preparation time.
Each team has three minutes of ‘shared’ prep time to use between speeches. Judges record the time spent prepping and if one person uses prep time then their partner can use the remainder. This continues until all the prep time is used or the debate has ended.
IMPORTANT: This is the time that people should ask to see evidence (as needed).