The document discusses the key components of a public forum debate, including that the topic is presented as a resolution to advocate for establishing a position to solve a problem. Teams must agree on definitions, especially for ambiguous terms. The goal is to have a clear clash between the pro and con sides, with research done to support both perspectives using high-quality, convincing evidence focused on facts but possibly including anecdotes. Time limits require the first pro speaker to set up arguments for the resolution's worthiness, while the first con speaker shows its disadvantages to set up their case.

1. Public Forum Debate

2. The Topic

3. The Topic
Worded as a resolution: advocate solving a
problem by establishing a position

4. The Topic
Worded as a resolution: advocate solving a
problem by establishing a position
definitions: teams must agree on and understand
terminology

5. The Topic
Worded as a resolution: advocate solving a
problem by establishing a position
definitions: teams must agree on and understand
terminology
especially important if term or word has more
than one definition

6. The Topic
Worded as a resolution: advocate solving a
problem by establishing a position
definitions: teams must agree on and understand
terminology
especially important if term or word has more
than one definition
because of time limit, don’t get hung up on
definitions--only clarify if it will improve
understanding

7. Clash

8. Clash
Debates need a clash

9. Clash
Debates need a clash
Compromise isn’t the point

10. Evidence

11. Evidence
Research should be done on both sides of the
issue

12. Evidence
Research should be done on both sides of the
issue
Due to short rounds, Public Forum thrives on
quality rather than quantity

13. Evidence
Research should be done on both sides of the
issue
Due to short rounds, Public Forum thrives on
quality rather than quantity
select the best, most convincing evidence

14. Evidence
Research should be done on both sides of the
issue
Due to short rounds, Public Forum thrives on
quality rather than quantity
select the best, most convincing evidence
focus on the facts

15. Evidence
Research should be done on both sides of the
issue
Due to short rounds, Public Forum thrives on
quality rather than quantity
select the best, most convincing evidence
focus on the facts
but personal experiences and anecdotes may be
included

16. Time Limits

17. First Speakers

18. First Speakers
The first Pro speaker’s speech sets up the pro side

19. First Speakers
The first Pro speaker’s speech sets up the pro side
they are arguing the worthiness of the
resolution

20. First Speakers
The first Pro speaker’s speech sets up the pro side
they are arguing the worthiness of the
resolution
The first Con speaker’s speech shows disadvantages
of the resolution

21. First Speakers
The first Pro speaker’s speech sets up the pro side
they are arguing the worthiness of the
resolution
The first Con speaker’s speech shows disadvantages
of the resolution
this is the constructive phase--they are setting
up their case