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PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE

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Public Forum Debate

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  • A Public Forum Debate debates the validity of an idea.

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Resolution

  • The resolution is the topic being debated.
  • The Pro Team is attempting to solve a problem.
  • RESOLVED: LPS should adopt a year round school schedule.

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The Case

  • Develop both the Pro and Con case.
  • Support your claims with evidence and research.
  • Have arguments prepared on both sides of the issue being debated.
  • Use a persuasive tone.

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1ST Pro Speech

  1. Establish there is a problem.
  2. Convince the judge that there is a need for change.
  3. Give a brief introduction to the team’s case.
  4. Provide definitions if needed.
  5. State claims with evidence
  6. Now provide the Why? and Because?
  7. Conclude with a summary of points discussed.

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1st Con Speech

  1. Show disadvantages of resolution.
  2. State why the change should not be adopted.
  3. Emphasize that your team has experience. (Status Quo)
  4. Prove that change is unnecessary and could lead to negative effects.

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Crossfire

  • This is the “clash” between the teams.
  • Equal access
  • Debater who just finished must ask first question.
  • Loss of points to a team who dominates or is rude
  • Ask brief questions.
  • Answers must match with the question asked.

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2nd Pro & Con Speeches

  1. Refute other team’s arguments.
  2. Find flaws in the opposing team’s case.
  3. Attack by turning to fit your side, but please back with evidence.
  4. “Destroy” or at least “reduce” the opposite team’s claims.
  5. Point out inconsistencies.
  6. State why the other team is “wrong.”
  7. Use this time to rebuild your team’s case.
  8. End with a quick summary of points made.

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Summary Speeches

  • Delivered by 1st Pro & Con.
  • Explain what has been said.
  • Provide new evidence but no new arguments.
  • Discuss 1-2 issues brought up by your team and 1-2 issues brought up by the opposing team.
  • Use a quote, fact or story to tie into each point mentioned.

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Grand Crossfire

  • All participate
  • Same rules apply as in the crossfire.
  • You will remain seated.

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Final Focus Speeches

  • 2nd Pro & Con
  • Explain why your team has won.
  • Do not introduce new arguments.
  • Pick one single argument for this speech.
  • Select the most important point and twist it to benefit your side.

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Speech Order & Time Limits

Opening Remarks

(1) Pro #1 -- 4 minutes

(2) Con #1 -- 4 minutes

Crossfire

(1) Pro & Con #1 -- 3 minutes

Constructive Speeches

(1) Pro #2 -- 4 minutes

(2) Con #2 -- 4 minutes

Crossfire

(1) Pro & Con #2 -- 3 minutes

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Speech Order & Time Limits

Summary

(1) Pro #1 -- 2 minutes

(2) Con #1 -- 2 minutes

Grand Crossfire

(1) All Four Speakers -- 3 minutes

Final Focus

(1) Pro #2 -- 1 minute

(2) Con #2 -- 1 minute

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Prep Time

  • 2 minutes of prep time is allowed for each team to use. (Like a “time out” in sports.)
  • When to use the time is your choice.
  • It is recommended to wait until the team is ready for the summary or final focus speeches.

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PEEL - CEW

  • P – Point
  • E – Evidence
  • E – Explanation
  • L - Link

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  • C – Claim
  • E – Evidence
  • W – Warrant (Why does this matter?)

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Warrant / Explanation

  • “Crucial” part of the case
  • Provide experience
  • Share personal stories
  • Connect to the judges
  • “Go in for the kill.”
  • “Bring it home.”