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Public Forum is a type of debate where you work with a partner against another pair to prove why or why not the resolution should be approved. In Public Forum, all of the teams are given one resolution that they have to write a 4 minute speech debating both sides of the argument. The nice thing about Public Forum is that you have someone to be by your side to help you throughout the debate.
In the debate, the schedule goes as shown in the image along with what each speech's purpose is. In Public Forum, you will have 3 debates in the morning until they release the finalists. Whoever moves on goes to quarter-finals, semi-finals, and lastly finals. Each team has 3 minutes of prep time. Prep time allows the team to talk amongst themselves and prepare for anything coming up. Before your debate, you will have time to organize and set up but I would advise having some things ready beforehand. Each debate roughly lasts for 45 minutes to an hour.
When selecting partners you need to keep in mind what your jobs will be. The first speaker is the salesperson while the second is the scientist. It is up to the first speaker to try and persuade the judge with the first constructive speech. The second speaker delivers more factually and attacks their opponent more in the rebuttal speech. Both must be willing and able to ask and answer questions during crossfire. Both will also need to know key debating elements for Summary and Final Focus.
To dive into the speeches a little more, the first constructive speech is really meant to highlight your side's arguments. Some teams will have a framework which is a one word or phrase that encompasses your argument. Popular ones include utilitarianism, human dignity, and global progress. You will also have 2-3 contentions which are your arguments. Inside these contentions are your points, evidence, warrants, and impacts.
The Rebuttal Speech usually starts by attacking your opponent's case (if Team A) or attacking and defending. (if Team B) Then you will extend your own case with more points. Attacking is done by either weighing elements (impacts/framework/points), turning your opponents points to your side, refuting your opponents points, etc. Defending is rebutting any attacks your opponent has made.
Summary is meant to highlight the main arguments from the round and explain why you win. You cannot bring up new evidence and you cannot drop big points, attacks, etc. or else they are gone and conceded. Weighing is done and explanation to why your side wins.
Final Focus is the closer and finishes the round's arguments with why you end up winning. How has your opponent lost? How have you dominated and worthy of having the better argument? Extend the points and point out what your oppoent has dropped.
Crossfire and Grandcross are basically the same format and serve the same purpose. You can ask clarifying questions, questions to attack your opponent, and try to trip up your opponent. You must stay respectful, however,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUnyLbeu7qU