1. Public Forum Debate Format

2. Resolution
Resolved: To alleviate income inequality in the United States, increased spending on public infrastructure should be prioritized over increased spending on means-tested welfare programs.
You need to break down the resolution before you can argue it. What does it actually say?? What words do you need to define? What has acutally been resolved?

3. Coin Toss Every round starts off with a coin toss
Whoever wins the coin toss decides on one of the following – never both:
If they are first or second to speak
If they are pro or con
The team that loses the coin toss may choose whatever is left

4. Constructive Speech
You have 4 minutes to present your constructive case
Completely prepared in advance – you want to be as close to 4 minutes as possible.
This is NOT where you tell why your opponents case is wrong – this is where you tell why your side is the best side

5. Constructive
Before the debate you and your partner need to determine who will give this speech
You will speak first for your team
Make a statement that catches the attention of the judge
Define any confusing terms
State the resolution
Presents argument (these are called contentions)
Present evidence to support your contentions
Be sure to use legitimate sources for your evidence

6. Crossfire Debaters ask and answer questions during crossfire
The person who spoke first gets to ask the first question
After this the debaters may ask questions in any order
It is at this point that you ask for clarification on anything, ask about anything you are confused about, or ask them to give you evidence to support what they have said.

7. Rebuttal 2 minutes for rebuttal
This is why you need to know what your partner’s speech says
During your rebuttal you want to address some or all of the following
Flaws in opponents’ arguments and supporting evidence – present your own evidence that refutes what they have said.
Refute attacks against your constructive speech – present more evidence or examples that strengthen your argument and nullify their attack. Give reasons why your opponent is wrong and then rebuild your case
Clarify a point that was discussed during crossfire

8. Rebuttal
You can prepare some of this in advance – by doing research, you can anticipate some or all of the arguments that your opponent will use
If time allows, present a brief summary of how your case is better than your opponents’.

9. Summary Speeches
Only 2 minutes
Focus on the most important aspects of your case and your opponent’s case
Point out why you are right and attack key arguments of your opponents case
You may not present NEW arguments (contentions), but you may present new evidence

10. Final Focus 2 minutes Last chance to tell the judge why you should win
This is your last shot to tell the judges the strengths of your case
Here is where you are most likely to lose a debate

11. Final Focus You also want to point out why the other team lost
Point out weaknesses
Stress an important argument of yours
Stress an argument that relates to the judge

12. Flow
What is flowing??
It is the technique used to take notes in debate rounds