By Kacie Hu, Make a Statement Curriculum Team member
What is Public Forum?
Public Forum is a team event that advocates or rejects a position posed by the monthly resolution. The ideas from both sides must be presented in an organized manner to the non-specialist, the judge. The debate should present arguments supported by logic and evidence, present a clash with refutations, and communicate ideas clearly and eloquently.
Basics
Topic is worded as a resolution that advocates solving a problem by establishing a position (Affirmative supports, Negative is against)
A team consists of 2 debaters - first and second speaker
Each team needs to develop both an AFF case and a NEG case
A case centers around 2-3 quality arguments supported by reasoning and evidence
Evidence can include: facts/stats, quotes, studies, and anecdotes
Each time will have 2 minutes of prep time total
Speeches
Tips
Use evidence when refuting - this strengthens the quality of your refutations
Make your case easy to follow and understand so the judge doesn’t get confused
It is best to use your prep time before the Summary and Final Focus
Use Google Scholar when looking for evidence - this gives you more professional studies & credible sources
Take advantage of crossfire to enhance your arguments or weaken your opponents
Practice debating against another team for each side of the topic - this gives you an idea of what to expect and also helps you become more familiar with your case
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