Public Forum Debate
April Topic: The United Nations should grant India permanent membership on the security council
Q Are Plans and Counterplans allowed? A No. In Public Forum Debate, a plan or counterplan is defined by the NFL as a formalized, comprehensive proposal for implementation. Neither the pro or con side is permitted to offer a plan or counterplan; rather, they should offer reasoning to support a position of advocacy. Debaters may offer generalized, practical solutions. Q Are kritiks banned? A Yes. Kritiks, which are off topic arguments, are not allowed. Public Forum Debate should stick to issues within the proposition -- not outside issues.
Q What is crossfire? A Both debaters "hold the floor." But the first question must be asked by an opponent to the speaker who just finished speaking. After that question and answer, either debater may question and/or answer at will. Debaters should stand during regular Crossfire.
Q How can students be taught cross examination skills? A Read James Copeland's book Cross Examination in Debate, National Textbook Co.; read pages TA7 and TA8 of the NFL Manual; read John Munkman, The Technique of Advocacy, Butterworth (U.K.); read the Lost Art of Cross Examination by J. W. Ehrlich, Dorset Press; read the Art of Cross Examination by Francis L. Wellman, Dorset Press [check for used copies at abebooks.com. The Munkman is British so Amazon.com (U.K.) might be best]. Also, check your library.
Q What can a student study to be successful? A Students and coaches may wish to read Public Argument by Robert O. Weiss, University Press of America, or the long essay by Bill Davis in the November Rostrum, The A-Ha Experience
TFF.PFD.Apr.19.pdfApril PF briefs and cases