Public Forum Debate
Public Forum (PF) debate is a team-based format with two teams consisting of two debaters each. One team represents the affirmative side (PRO) and the other represents the negative side (CON) of a given resolution. PF aims to simulate discussions on current events and public policy issues, emphasizing real-world applications and the clash of ideas in a manner accessible to a broader audience. Judges are not expected to have prior topic knowledge.
WACFL tournaments use PF topics chosen by the National Speech and Debate Association. Topics change throughout the competition year. In the fall, topics change every two months. Starting in January, PF topics change monthly. At WACFL preliminary tournaments, students debate twice as PRO and twice as CON.
Public Forum debate is designed to promote effective communication, critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to articulate complex issues to a general audience. It encourages students to stay informed about current events, engage in evidence-based analysis, and develop persuasive arguments based on logic and reasoning.
Sequence of speeches and timing in a Public Forum debate round
| Speech | Time Limit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| PRO 1st Constructive | 4 minutes | Present the team's case and opening arguments. |
| CON 1st Constructive | 4 minutes | Present the team's case and opening arguments. |
| Crossfire | 3 minutes | First PRO and CON speakers alternate asking and answering questions |
| PRO 2nd Constructive | 4 minutes | Refute the CON team's arguments |
| CON 2nd Constructive | 4 minutes | Refute the PRO team's arguments |
| Crossfire | 3 minutes | Second PRO and CON speakers alternate asking and answering questions |
| PRO Summary | 3 minutes | Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round |
| CON Summary | 3 minutes | Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round |
| Grand Crossfire | 3 minutes | All four debaters engage in asking and answering questions. |
| PRO - Final Focus | 2 minutes | Explain reasons that PRO should win the round |
| CON - Final Focus | 2 minutes | Explain reasons that CON should win the round |
Each team is entitled to 3 minutes of preparation time during the round.
Summary of Judging Criteria
At a high level, the judge serves three primary purposes during each debate round.
- Determine the winner and assign speaker points. In most cases, you will be the only judge in the competition room.
- Provide constructive feedback. Students will want to know why you voted the way you did. You should comment on areas of strength and weakness, with the goal of helping competitors improve.
- Tournament official. You will keep time for the speeches and prep time. Judges also ensure tournament rules are followed and keeps the experience positive for both students and the host school.
Judges should also bring the following to the tournament
- Notepad and pen/pencil. You'll use these to keep track of arguments during the debates.
- Laptop or tablet computer. You'll need this to access Tabroom.com, which is where you will enter your decisions, speaker points and comments to the debaters.
Want more details on how to be a great debate judge? First time judges should read this document for more information on judging.