Worksheet:
Public Forum Debate involves opposing teams of two, debating a topic concerning a current event.
Proceeding a coin toss, the winners choose which side to debate (PRO or CON) or which speaker position
they prefer (1st or 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Students present cases, engage
in rebuttal and refutation, and also participate in a “crossfire” (similar to a cross-examination) with the
opportunity to question the opposing team. Often, community members are recruited to judge this event.
As a team event, students who compete in Public Forum need to be able to work well with a partner.
Balanced teams, both in terms of preparation before debates and contributions within a debate, helps
provide a competitive advantage during tournaments. PF looks at current event topics. Students who do
Public Forum must be prepared to debate in front of judges who have not had any formal debate training.
Being able to persuade a range of judges is a central component to this event. Additionally, PF is focused
upon debating varying resolutions that change frequently, which exposes students to a variety of topics
during a singular competitive season.
Discussion Questions
Note that the answers will vary. You can go directly over the answers on the worksheet, but it will be just as
beneficial to go over some of these questions where you will pick up the worksheet material.
• Both speakers had great opening speeches. Which one was better? Use the word “claim” when you
give your answer.
• If you could ask any of the debaters a question, for clarification or to try to exploit a problem with
what they have said, what would you ask?
• What is one thing you wish was clearer in their speeches? Was there any part that you didn’t
understand?
• Who was stronger during crossfire?
• Who was stronger with their cards / warrants / sources?
• Ask to see the hands of people who thought that the first speech was better. Remind them that they
have to be able to analyze and debate both sides of an issue, and now ask them specifically what they
liked about the second speaker.
• Give me one reason why a judge would like the pro team, whether you liked the pro or the con better?
• We saw some great debating style here. What did these debaters do as far as style that you liked or
didn’t like?