Public Forum Debate

INTRO TO PUBLIC SPEAKING & PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE

Open to New & Experienced Debaters
(3 Groups: 4-5th / 6-8th / 9 -12th Grade in the 2022-2023 School Year)

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 or 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Students 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. Often times community members are recruited to judge this event.

Available Courses:

PF 101, PF 102, PF 103
(Beginners Level: New Students)

PF 201, PF 202, PF 203
(Intermediate Level: 1-2 Years)

PF 301, PF 302, PF 303
(Advanced Level: 2-3+ Years)

Dates:

You may register for
multiple weeks

Week 1: June 27-July 1
Week 2: July 11-15
Week 3: July 18-22
Week 4: July 25-29
Week 5: August 1-5
Week 6: August 8-12
Week 7: August 15-19

Times: Eastern Time

Choose morning or
afternoon session

9-12pm
(Morning Session)

1-4pm
(Afternoon Session)

Recommended Course Series:

Students typically register for 2-4 weeks of debate camp.

For Beginners
Week 1 - PF 101
Week 2 - PF 102
Week 3 - PF 103

For Experienced
Week 1 - PF 201 or 301
Week 2 - PF 202 or 302
Week 3 - PF 203 or 303

Typical Virtual Summer Debate Camp Schedule:

Students will be actively engaged in all of the activities from the beginning of the session to the end.

9:00-9:40 am
Activity #1 (The Power of Public Speaking & Debate)

9:40-10:30 am
Activity #2 (Breaking down the Debate roles and responsibilities)

10:30-10:40 am
Snack/Break

10:40-11:10 am
Activity #3 (Group prepping for the debate)

11:10-12:00 pm
Activity #4 (Practice debates)

Sample Video of Public Forum Debate

This video is from NSDA Nationals 2018 - PF Debate Final Round

The resolution is "Resolved: On balance, the benefits of United States participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement outweigh the consequences."