The summary speech, given by the 2 constructive speakers, is given to both reinforce arguments and to refute their opponents, as well as to try and tell the judge which points the debate should be judged on. The summary is often referred to as the most important speech.

How do public forums flow in debate?


Quote from video: Each piece of paper the first column will be used for the constructive speech a second for rebuttals from the other side the third for defense rebuttals.

Is Public Forum debate hard?

Well, basically because PF is a difficult event. For starters, the topic changes almost every month, so while debaters and coaches are involved with tournaments on one topic, they are preparing for the next month.

Who goes first in a Public Forum debate?





A Public Forum debate round consists of two Pro debaters debating against two Con debaters. 2. The Pro side will always begin the debate.

How do you format a Public Forum debate case?

Quote from video: The simplest way to structure your case is to have three contentions that is three reasons why your site is right each contention will be about a paragraph or around 150. Words in length.

How long does a PF round take?

Individuals give short (2-4 minute) speeches that are interspersed with 3 minute “Crossfire” sections, questions and answers between opposed debaters. The winner is determined by a judge who also serves as a referee (timing sections, penalizing incivility, etc).

What is the final focus in public forum debate?



The final focus in Public Forum (PF) is the last speech that each side gives in the round. Importantly, it is the last speech the judge hears before they make their decision, so ending on a good note is critical. The final focus is also the shortest speech in the debate, clocking in at just two minutes.

How do I speak to a public forum?

5 Public Speaking Tips From the Pros



  1. Kill the Slides. “Think of the greatest speeches of all time,” says Mike Michalowicz, OPEN Forum contributor and author of Profit First. …
  2. Think Outside the Traditional Lecture. …
  3. Connect with the Audience. …
  4. Embrace the Power of Improv. …
  5. Understand the Audience’s Perspective.


What is an example of a public forum?

Examples of designated public forums include municipal theaters and meeting rooms at state universities.

How does a debate work?

A debate is a discussion or structured contest about an issue or a resolution. A formal debate involves two sides: one supporting a resolution and one opposing it. Such a debate is bound by rules previously agreed upon. Debates may be judged in order to declare a winning side.

What defines a public forum?



Legal Definition of public forum



: a place that has a long-standing tradition of being used for, is historically associated with, or has been dedicated by government act to the free exercise of the right to speech and public debate and assembly — see also limited public forum.

How do you prepare for a public speech?

How to prepare for a public-speaking event

  1. Know your audience. …
  2. Familiarize yourself with the environment. …
  3. Outline the main points. …
  4. Have someone review your speech. …
  5. Practice on your own. …
  6. Incorporate your hands. …
  7. Use a mirror. …
  8. Record yourself practicing.

What should you not do in public speaking?

10 mistakes to avoid when speaking in public

  • Don’t start your speech with ‘thank you’ …
  • Don’t read your speech word by word. …
  • Don’t pull out your technical dictionary. …
  • Don’t imitate famous speakers. …
  • Don’t leave them with nothing. …
  • Don’t beat around the bush. …
  • Don’t speak too fast or too slow. …
  • Don’t speak too loudly or quietly.

What are the 4 types of public speaking?

The 4 Types Of Public Speaking

  • 4 Types Of Public Speaking.
  • Ceremonial Speaking. Ceremonial speaking is when you give a speech on a special occasion. …
  • Demonstrative Speaking. If you are a manager or aspire to be one, demonstrative speaking is a skill you will want to cultivate. …
  • Informative Speaking. …
  • Persuasive Speaking.



What are the 5 steps in a debate?

The five steps are as follows:

  • Introduction. Express your message and why it’s important to your audience, as well as yourself.
  • Statement of fact. Break down the general thesis of your argument into smaller parts. …
  • Confirmation, or proof. …
  • Refutation. …
  • Conclusion.


Who speaks first in a debate?

1. The first persons to speak will be the first speaker for the affirmative side. 2. That person will be allowed up to seven minutes to present his or her case.

How do you properly do a debate?

Public Forum Debate Structure

What is public forum discussion?



What Is a Public Forum? In a public forum, also referred to as a town meeting, community members discuss a wide range of important issues. They are often held to identify and solve problems.

What is considered a public forum?

Legal Definition of public forum



: a place that has a long-standing tradition of being used for, is historically associated with, or has been dedicated by government act to the free exercise of the right to speech and public debate and assembly — see also limited public forum.

What is an example of a public forum?

Examples of designated public forums include municipal theaters and meeting rooms at state universities.

What is public forum debate NSDA?

Public Forum Debate is a two-on-two team debate. Teams debate each other on a predetermined resolution that is based on current events. Designed to be accessible to the public, the goal for each team in Public Forum is to convince the judge that their side of the debate is preferable.

How do I speak to a public forum?



5 Public Speaking Tips From the Pros

  1. Kill the Slides. “Think of the greatest speeches of all time,” says Mike Michalowicz, OPEN Forum contributor and author of Profit First. …
  2. Think Outside the Traditional Lecture. …
  3. Connect with the Audience. …
  4. Embrace the Power of Improv. …
  5. Understand the Audience’s Perspective.


Is speech and debate good for college?

Speech and debate teaches teamwork, organization, notetaking, active listening skills, and many more–it is simply the most comprehensive, educational co-curricular activity a student can engage in. Third – Speech and debate prepares a student to engage in a democratic society.

How will you prepare yourself in a debate?



How to Prepare For a Debate

  1. Be a Team: Work Together. Remember that you are on a team and that means you work together. …
  2. Write Individual Speeches. Before you come together, break off individually and have each person brainstorm on their own. …
  3. Analyze the Evidence. …
  4. Arguments for Both Sides. …
  5. Prepare Your Speeches. …
  6. Be Confident.


What are the rules of a debate?

Each team has two or three constructive speeches, and two to three rebuttal speeches. The affirmative gives the first constructive speech, and the rebuttals alternate: negative, affirmative, negative, affirmative. The affirmative has both the first and last speeches of the debate.

What is the main purpose of debate?

The main goals of classroom debate and inter-school debate tournaments are to encourage youth participation in debate, help students develop their communication and listening skills and ability to draw from given information, as well as to make and defend against arguments with logical and rational thinking.

Which three groups are needed for a debate?

A formal debate usually involves three groups: one supporting a resolution (affirmative team), one opposing the resolution (opposing team), and those who are judging the quality of the evidence and arguments and the performance in the debate.

What are the benefits of debate?

Learning to Debate and Public Speak reaps life long benefits.

  • Develop excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Develop excellent critical thinking skills.
  • Develop effective tools for research, organization and presentation.
  • Develop strategies to overcome fears of public speaking.

How do you win a debate?

Tips For Winning Debates and Arguments

  1. Decide On a Position You Feel Capable Of Defending. …
  2. Become Well-Informed About Both Your and Your Opponent’s Positions. …
  3. State a Thesis At the Beginning. …
  4. Listen Carefully To Your Opponent’s Response. …
  5. Do Not Forego the Objections That Your Opponent Raises.