Public Forum

“PF, or Public Forum Debate, is a partner-debate event in which competitors discuss current event topics, the possible outcomes of hypothetical government actions, and evaluating the benefits and harms of specific legislation and events. The resolution changes every one/two months, and can range from international geopolitics, domestic affairs, military conflicts, climate change, and many more. Rounds typically range from 30-50 minutes, and each partner gives a total of 2 short (2-4 minute) speeches. One of the unique elements of PF is its 3 minute crossfires, in which competitors ask and answer questions to one another. Public Forum is designed to be accessible to the average citizen, and is focused on both arguments and how they are presented. It is the most popular debate event in the nation”

Here is the Structure of a PF round!

“A PF round consists of 8 speeches, 3 crossfires, and 3 minutes of prep time. On each time there is a first and second speaker, with the first speaking partner giving the constructive and summary speeches, and the second speaking partner giving the rebuttal and final focus speeches. 

The order is as follows:

Constructive speeches (4 minutes) 

The first speech from both teams is pre-written and presents the team's "contentions," arguments either supporting or opposing the resolution. These contentions are backed up by warrants, evidence in the form of quotes, or citations from sources. The two first speakers from each team who presented cases then participate in a 3-minute crossfire. The first speaker asks the first question in the crossfire, and the rest of the crossfire consists of each speaker asking their opponent questions. 

Rebuttal speeches (4 minutes) 

The first refutation speaker refutes the constructive speech for the opposite side (that is, the second constructive speech). Parts of this case are sometimes pre-written and are known as "answers to" (A/2s or ATs) or "blocks". The second refutation speaker refutes the first constructive speaker, but must also defend the arguments of the second constructive speaker, which have just been refuted by the first refutation speaker. The two speakers then engage in crossfire. 

Summary speeches (3 minutes) 

The summary speech, given by the 2 constructive speakers, is given to both reinforce arguments and to refute their opponents, as well as to try and tell the judge which points the debate should be judged on. The summary is often referred to as the most important speech. Competitors "weigh" their points in comparison to their opponents to explain why it is more important through the framework of scope, magnitude, prerequisite, etc.) The summary speeches are followed by the grand crossfire, a crossfire between all speakers. 

Final focus speeches (2 minutes) 

The final focus, given by the 2 refutation speakers, is 2 minutes and is used to explain to the judge why the speaker's team should win the debate. Final foci must not bring up new material. 

Prep time (3 minutes)

Teams may take as much of their allotted 3 minutes either before or after speeches in order to prepare for their following speech or for partners to discuss strategy. The majority of prep time is used for rebuttal and summary speeches, but can be used to prepare for any speech.”

Practice Schedule