DEBATE

PUBLIC FORUM

Public Forum 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 of 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Student 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.

Structural Components
Team A Speaker 1 – Constructive, 4 Min, Proof: Present the team’s case
Team B Speaker 1 – Constructive, 4 Min, Proof: Present the team’s case
Crossfire, 3 Min, Speaker 1 from Team A&B alternate asking and answering questions
Team A Speaker 2 – Rebuttal, 4 Min, Refutation: Refute the opposing side’s arguments
Team B Speaker 2 – Rebuttal, 4 Min, Refutation: Refute the opposing side’s arguments
Crossfire, 3 Min, Speaker 2 from Team A&B alternate asking and answering questions
Team A Speaker 1 – Summary, 2 Min, Rejoinder: Defends the team’s case from opponents’ rebuttals
Team B Speaker 1 – Summary, 2 Min, Rejoinder” Defends the team’s case from opponents’ rebuttals
Grand Crossfire, 3 Min, All four debaters involved in a crossfire at once
Team A Speaker 2 – FInal Focus, 2 Min, Voting Issues: Provide reasons that your team wins the round
Team B Speaker 2 – Final Focus, 2 Min, Voting Issues: Provide reasons that your team wins the round

Each team is entitled to two minutes of prep time during the round.

LINCOLN DOUGLAS

In this one-on-one format, students debate a topic provided by the National Speech & Debate Association. Topics range from individual freedom versus the collective good to economic development versus environmental protection. Students may consult evidence gathered prior to the debate but may not use the internet in round. An entire debate is roughly 45 minutes and consists of constructive speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examination.

Structural Components
Affirmative Constructive, 6 Min, Proof: Present the affirmative case
Negative Cross-Examination, 3 Min, Negative asks questions of the affirmative
Negative Constructive/Negative Rebuttal, 7 Min, Proof & Rebuttal: Present the negative case and refute the affirmative case
Affirmative Cross-Examination, 3 Min, Affirmative asks questions of the negative
First Affirmative Rebuttal, 4 Min, REbuttal & Rejoinder: Refute negative case and defend affirmative case
2nd Negative Rebuttal, 6 Min, Rejoinder & Voting Issues: Refute affirmative case, defend the negative case, offer reasons that the negative should win the round, commonly referred to as voting issues
2nd Affirmative Rebuttal, 3 Min, Rejoinder & Voting Issues: Address the negative voting issues and offer reasons for why the affirmative should win

PARLIAMENTARY

Two-on-two debate with a limited to prepare (typically 20 minutes). Topics are often taken from current events. Debaters ask points of information during opponents’ speeches, rather than traditional cross-examination. Students must organize their cases on a topic they just heard a few minutes prior-no coaching is allowed, so students work on their own once the debate prep-time is started.

Structural Components
First Proposition, 7 Min
First Opposition, 7 Min
Second Proposition, 7 Min
Second Opposition, 7 Min
Opposition Rebuttal, 5 Min
Proposition Rebuttal, 5 Min

POLICY

A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. Policy debate involves the proposal of a plan by the affirmative team to enact a policy, while the negative team offers reasons to reject that proposal. Throughout the debate, students have the opportunity to cross-examine one another. A judge or panel of judges determines the winner based on the arguments presented.

Structural Components
1st Affirmative Constructive, 8 Min
Cross-Exam of 1A by 2N, 3 Min
1st Negative Constructive, 8 Min
Cross-Exam of 1N by 1A, 3 Min
2nd Affirmative Constructive, 8 Min
Cross-Exam of 2A by 1N, 3 Min
2nd Negative Constructive, 8 Min
Cross-Exam of 2N by 2A, 3 Min
1st Negative Rebuttal, 5 Min
1st Affirmative Rebuttal, 5 Min
2nd Negative Rebuttal, 5 Min
2nd Affirmative Rebuttal, 5 Min

Each team gets 5 minutes of prep time for the entire round.