PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE

1. PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE 9 9.1 What is Public Forum Debate? 9.2Speeches and Time Limits 9.3Crossfire Techniques and Teamwork

2. 9.1WHAT IS PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE? GOALS Appreciatethe unique aspects of Public Forum debate. Know how to successfully participate in Public Forum debate.

3. TERMS • Public Forum debate • citizen judge • plan • crossfire • grand crossfire • status quo

5. Overview of Public Forum Debates • Public Forum debates • Combine the speaking skills used in forensic speech events with the research and argumentation skills used in other debates • This is a relatively new NFL debate. • It focuses on controversial issues that apply to the real world in current times.

6. Public Forum vs. LD and CX Debates • Public Forum debates • Two teams debate a resolution • Each team has two members • Lincoln-Douglas debates • Individuals debate • Public Forum debate • Emphasizes speaking style over heavy research and evidence

7. Citizen judge • An adult member of the community who is a judge for a debate • Not a professional debate judge

8. Lincoln-Douglas debates • Focus on the value of the resolution • Cross-examination debates • Focus on a plan to solve the problem • Public Forum debates • Focus on promoting a position of the resolution

9. During the cross-examination periods of both LD and CX debates • One person from one team questions a member of the other team • During a Public Forum debate • Both debaters ask and answer questions during cross-examination

10. Plan • A “formalized comprehensive proposal for information” • A specific solution or proposal • Crossfire • Cross-examination in Public Forum • Both debaters can ask questions • Grand crossfire • All four debaters ask and answer questions at once

11. History of Public Forum • Public Forum debate was • Created in the 2002-2003 debate season • Introduced in 2003 as a trial event • Designated as an official event in 2004 • Previously referred to as Controversy debate

12. Resolutions • Public Forum resolutions focus on current events. • Resolutions need to be understood by the general public. • Status quo • Keeping things as they are

13. Public Forum debates last about 35 minutes. • A new resolution is announced on the first day of every month. • The NFL National tournament topic is announced annually on May 15.

15. Successful Public Forum Debating • You need very strong, clear, and precise speaking skills. • Organize your ideas and communicate your arguments in a professional manner. • Do not be condescending. • Show respect for your judge. • Enunciate your words. • Use critical thinking skills to present your case.

16. 9.2SPEECHES AND TIME LIMITS GOALS Understandhow to make decisions related to the coin toss. Obtain knowledge about the various speeches of a Public Forum debate.

17. TERMS • advocating • hard evidence • soft evidence • summary speech • final focus

19. Coin Toss • The decisions made during the coin toss in Public Forum debates make it unique. • The team who wins the toss makes the first decision. • The team who loses the toss gets to make the decision not made by the first team.

20. The effects of the coin toss include • The negative team may be the first to present their case. • Both teams must fully prepare in advance to argue both sides of a resolution. • You and your debate partner will need to consider what strategies to use when making coin toss decisions.

21. Speeches • The first speech could be either an affirmative constructive speech or a negative constructive speech.

23. Prep Time • You will be given only two minutes of preparation time. • You may use it all at once. • You may wish to break it up into smaller increments.

24. Constructive Speeches • Four minutes • Advocating • Arguing the affirmative side • Prior to the debate • You and your partner should determine who will present which speeches. • Teams should focus on the quality of the arguments. • Not the quantity

25. Hard evidence • Statistics, facts, and quotations from experts • Soft evidence • Persuasive stories, personal narratives, comparisons, and examples

26. Crossfire • During the first crossfire periods • Speaker 1 from each team can ask and answer questions about the cases. • Be polite yet firm. • Both speakers ask and answer questions.

27. Rebuttals • Speaker 2 of each team must make the rebuttals. • Each rebuttal speech is four minutes. • Consider addressing some or all of the following during your rebuttal: • Attack opponents’ arguments and supporting evidence. • Defend attacks against your constructive speech. • Extend a point that was discussed during crossfire.

28. Second Crossfire Period • Speaker 2 from each team participates. • Speaker 2 from Team A asks the first question. • After that, either debater may ask questions in any order.

29. Summary Speeches • Summary speeches • Similar to rebuttals • Two minutes long • Focus on the most important aspects of your case and your opponents’ case. • Summarize the top one or two important arguments that you are winning. • Quickly attack a key argument of your opponent.

30. Grand Crossfire • All four debaters ask and answer questions at one time. • Three minutes long • Know your teammate’s and your own strengths and weaknesses. • Ask and answer questions accordingly.

31. Final Focus • Final focus • One-minute long • This speech is your last chance to tell the judge why you won the debate. • Make persuasive statements. • You may present new evidence.

32. 9.3CROSSFIRE TECHNIQUES AND TEAMWORK GOALS Useappropriate behavior and successful techniques in Public Forum debate. Learn to work as a successful team.

33. TERMS • dominate • filibustering

35. Crossfire Behavior and Techniques • Subtle behaviors can help you become a more professional debater. • Some techniques used during crossfire periods may help you to improve.

36. Appropriate Behavior during Crossfire • You should attack your opponents’ case. • You should never attack or mistreat your opponent.

37. Don’t be rude to your opponent. • Be firm but polite. • Dominate • Control • Don’t interrupt excessively. • Filibustering • Giving a long answer or making a long speech with the purpose of delaying • Pay attention to the rules of the debate.

38. Crossfire Techniques • Show the judge that you and your partner work well as a team. • Learn when to speak and learn when to listen. • Don’t let your opponent off the hook if they can’t answer a question.

39. Be sure to answer your questions with confidence and persuasion. • Prepare in advance questions as well as answers to questions that you know your opponents are likely to ask. • Ask questions that only require brief answers. • Answer questions with brief, to-the-point answers. • Don’t rush your questions and answers.

40. Teamwork • Great teamwork is achieved when the accomplishments of the team surpass what the individuals could do alone.

41. Strengths and Weaknesses • For both you and your partner, determine each person’s • Strengths • Weaknesses

42. Ask yourselves some of the following questions: • Are you better at asking or answering questions? • Are you a better speaker or listener? • Do you have strong research skills? • Do you have strong organizational skills? • Can you think on your feet or do you need time to prepare in advance? • Do you like to write arguments independently or do you like to brainstorm?

43. Communication • Determine the goals of your team. • Present a unified front. • Much of the communication between partners occurs during the preparation phases before a debate. • Work on improving your skills each time you debate.