KCKSNCFL Spring Qualifier
2019 — Overland Park, KS/US
Public Forum Debate
Event Description:
PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE (PFD) EVENT GUIDELINES
1) Public Forum Debate is a team event that advocates or rejects a position posed by the resolution. The focus of the debate is a clash of ideas in a persuasive manner that can be understood by a “lay” judge. Good debaters should display logic and analysis. They should use evidence when needed. They should win their case and refute that of their opponents. They should communicate effectively, using the fundamentals of good speaking. There are no burdens on either side.
2) Order of the Debate
First Pro Constructive: 4 minutes
First Con Constructive: 4 minutes
Crossfire: 3 minutes
(Note: The Con asks the first question; thereafter, either debater can ask questions)
Second Pro: 4 minutes
Second Con: 4 minutes
Crossfire: 3 minutes
(Note: the Pro asks the first question; thereafter, either debater can ask questions).
First Pro Summary 2 minutes
First Con Summary 2 minutes
Grand Cross Fire 3 minutes
(Note: one member of the Pro team asks the first question; thereafter, any debater may ask questions).
Second Pro Final Focus 1 minute
Second Con Final Focus 1 minute
Prep Time: 2 minutes/team
3) In making the decision, the judges should ask the following questions:
Which team is more persuasive? Did the debaters back up their assertions with logical thinking and evidence when needed? Were the debaters fair in their interpretation of the resolution and one another’s statements? Were the arguments intelligent? Did the debaters try to use many weak arguments instead of a few solid ones? Did the debaters speak in such a way that their ideas were understandable? Were the debaters courteous and professional?
4) Judges may not discuss the debate either with each other or with the debaters.
5) The judges should distance themselves from the content of the debate. Personal values should not influence the decision.
6) Rules regarding the use of computers, electronic storage and retrieval devices, etc. default to the current rules established for the NCFL Grand National Tournament.