Shorthand: CD.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and debate Association): Congressional Debate is a group debate event simulating the U.S. legislative process. Students meet in chambers of approximately 10 to 25 participants and debate legislation over a session typically lasting two to three hours. Speeches are up to three minutes in length followed by a questioning period. An elected student participant serves as the presiding officer, managing the flow of debate using parliamentary procedure. 

Congress is ideal for students who are interested in lawmaking, policy, and persuasive public speaking. Competitors must prepare for multiple topics, extend debates with new analysis, and refute opposing arguments effectively. A successful debater brings strong research, logical reasoning, effective note-taking, and a confident speaking style, while also demonstrating collaboration and respect within a group setting.

Shorthand: LD.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Lincoln-Douglas Debate is a one-on-one debate format in which students argue a topic voted on by the membership. Topics focus on questions of morality, philosophy, and justice, often exploring the tension between competing values such as individual freedom versus the collective good or economic development versus environmental protection. Each round includes constructive speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examination and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Students may use evidence prepared in advance, and internet access is permitted during the round unless otherwise specified by the tournament. 

This event appeals to students who enjoy in-depth analysis of how society ought to function and who prefer individual competition to team formats. Lincoln-Douglas is often referred to as a “values” debate because it emphasizes ethics, principles, and philosophical reasoning.

Shorthand: PF.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Public Forum Debate is a two-on-two debate that focuses on current event topics. Resolutions change frequently throughout the season, exposing students to a wide range of timely issues. Each round begins with the team that won the coin toss selecting either their side (Pro or Con) or speaker position (first or second), and the opposing team selects the remaining option. Debaters present constructive cases, engage in refutation and rebuttals, and participate in “crossfire,” a questioning period similar to cross-examination. Internet access is permitted unless otherwise specified by the tournament. 

As a team event, PF requires strong collaboration between partners. Balanced preparation and shared in-round contributions give teams a competitive edge. Students must be able to adapt their arguments for a wide range of audiences, including judges who may not have formal debate training. Persuasion, clarity, and accessibility are key.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): SPAR Debate is a one-on-one debate event in which students are presented with a new resolution each round and have 30 minutes to prepare before delivering arguments, refutation, and rebuttals. Unlike traditional debate events, which focus on a single topic throughout a tournament, Extemp Debate introduces a variety of resolutions, testing students’ adaptability and critical thinking across a broad range of issues. The use of evidence is permitted, but due to the short preparation time, the event emphasizes reasoning, structure, and effective delivery over detailed research. 

This event appeals to students who enjoy thinking quickly, tackling a wide range of topics, and engaging in real-time argumentation. While students with experience in debate or speaking extemporaneously may feel right at home, public speakers and interpers who are thoughtful, quick-witted, and curious can also find this format exciting and rewarding.