Public Forum
Dive into public forum debate, where you research, work with a partner, and respond to complex topics. Perfect for students who enjoy collaboration and critical thinking.
Public Forum (PF) debate is a dynamic, team-based format, most popular in middle and high school, that emphasizes engaging with current events and making arguments accessible to a general audience. Teams of two debate contemporary resolutions, arguing either for (Pro) or against (Con) the given topic, with the goal of persuading a judge - who may not have extensive debate experience - that their arguments are stronger. Unlike some other formats, PF topics change frequently, typically every month or two, which requires continuous research and adaptation. The debate is structured with timed speeches, including constructive speeches where teams build their cases, rebuttal speeches to address opponents' arguments, and "Crossfire" periods for direct questioning. The format encourages teamwork, research, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills, making it a highly accessible and impactful form of competitive debate.