Public Forum Debate The Rules in Brief

Pre-Debate Two people debate two people. One team flips a coin and the opposing team calls heads or tails. Whoever wins can choose from two options: -To debate the pro or con side -To speak first or second The losers of the coin flip choose from the remaining option.

This is not what we do!

Debate Setup Team A: First Speaker: Opening Statement 4 minutes Team B: First Speaker: Opening Statement Crossfire (A1 vs. B1) 3 minutes Team A: Second Speaker: Rebuttal Team B: Second Speaker: Rebuttal Crossfire (A2 vs. B2) Team A: First Speaker: Summary (Rebuttal) 2 minutes Team B: First Speaker: Summary (Rebuttal) Grand Crossfire (A1 and A2 vs. B1 and B2) Team A: Second Speaker: Closing Statement 1 minute Team B: Second Speaker: Closing Statement

More in Depth The Opening Statements (“Constructive Speeches”): Team A- since they go first it consists of the main arguments for their side. Team B-  their opening statement should consist of their team’s main arguments as well as some references/rebuttal to the arguments they just heard.

More in Depth First Crossfire: Now the two first speakers from Teams A and Team B begin their 3 minute crossfire. In theory, A1 asks the first question. In practice, however, B1 may do this. They ask questions back and forth, revealing weaknesses in each others arguments. Questions can be relevant to arguments made by the opponent during first speech or something you want to trap your opponent on

More in Depth The Rebuttal (for debaters A2 and B2): Team A- Second speaker gives a 4 minute speech which presents new arguments but also rebuts arguments made by the other team in first crossfires/speeches. Team B- Second speaker does the same as above. Following this is the 3 minute Crossfire between the two second speakers....exact same procedure as the first crossfire.

More in Depth Summary Speech: Team A- First speaker (A1) gives a two minute summary speech of the debate with: this is mostly a re-statement and a chance to add facts, examples, and new arguments; as well as a chance to rebut. Team B- First speaker (B1) does the same as above for two minutes.

More in Depth Grand Crossfire!! This is the source of Public Forum’s surging popularity among debate formats. It’s very similar to the other crossfires but this one includes all 4 team members together. The speaker that gave the first summary begins the grand crossfire by asking the first question. Grand Crossfire lasts the same amount of time as the other crossfires, three minutes. Avoid the urge to have one partner or the other dominate: try to present a balanced attack. Also...AVOID YELLING!!...although the Grand Cross may get heated, screaming will only cost your team valuable points!

More in Depth The Final Focus: The second speakers of each team give a one minute persuasive speech to explain why his or her team should win the round (their strengths or the other side’s weaknesses). A2 goes first, then B2. No new arguments are allowed in the Final Focus!

Prep Time/ Preparedness Each team gets a total of two minutes’ preparation time, which they can use before any rebuttal or crossfire round, if needed, in increments as small as 30 seconds. When it’s a debater’s turn, though, he/she must be ready. Debaters may take notes during their opponents’ arguments, as long as they are listening to them. Debaters may not interrupt or heckle, nor should they make silly or dismissive faces/ gestures…ever! Politeness is rewarded in scoring, and the line between aggressiveness and rudeness varies from judge to judge.