The Toppenish Talkathon

2024 — Toppenish, WA/US

• Invite
• Pairings
• Results

Open Public Forum

Event Description:

Public Forum (PF) is a two-on-two debate in which competitors will use a new resolution every one to two months. Unlike other debate events, PF teams will not know which side or order they are debating in a particular round until a coin flip is conducted before the debate.

Public Forum Debate
1. Resolution: Resolved: The United States federal government should repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
2. Entries: An entry is comprised of two students from the same school; each debating both sides of the resolution and
advancing on its own record. No substitution is permitted once the tournament has begun.
3. Procedure and Order of Speeches: Prior to EVERY round and in the presence of the judge(s), a coin is tossed by one
team and called by the other team. The team that wins the flip may choose one of two options: EITHER the SIDE of
the topic they wish to defend (pro or con) OR the SPEAKING POSITION they wish to have (begin the debate or end the
debate). The remaining option (SIDE OR SPEAKING POSITION) is the choice of the team that loses the flip. Once
speaking positions and sides has been determined, the debate begins (the con team may lead, depending on the coin
flip results). Following the first two constructive speeches, the two debaters who have just given speeches will stand
and participate in a three-minute "crossfire". In "crossfire" both debaters "hold the floor." However, the speaker who
spoke first must ask the first question. After that question, either debater may question and/or answer at will. At the
conclusion of the summary speeches, all four debaters will remain seated and participate in a three-minute "Grand
Crossfire” in which all four debaters are allowed to cross-examine one another. The speaker who gave the first
summary speech must ask the first question. The speakers from each team will continue to ask and answer questions.
Teams should alternate asking and answering questions rather than allowing one team to dominate so that a balance
between teams is achieved. All speakers are encouraged to participate in the Grand Crossfire. Speakers should listen
respectfully to opponents’ questions and answers.
In 2020, the Board of Directors voted to add one additional minute to each summary speech and one additional
minute to each team’s preparation time.
First Speaker - Team A 4 minutes
First Speaker - Team B 4 minutes
Crossfire 3 minutes
Second Speaker - Team A 4 minutes
Second Speaker - Team B 4 minutes
Crossfire 3 minutes
Summary - First Speaker - Team A 3 minutes
Summary - First Speaker - Team B 3 minutes
Grand Crossfire 3 minutes
Final Focus - Second Speaker - Team A 2 minutes
Final Focus - Second Speaker - Team B 2 minutes
Prep Time 3 minutes per team
4. Plans/Counterplans: In Public Forum Debate, the Association defines a plan or counterplan as a formalized,
comprehensive proposal for implementation. Neither the pro or con side is permitted to offer a plan or counterplan;
rather, they should offer reasoning to support a position of advocacy. Debaters may offer generalized, practical
solutions.
5. Prompting Philosophy: Oral prompting, except time signals, either by the speaker's colleague or by any other person
while the debater has the floor, is discouraged though not prohibited and may be penalized by some judges. Debaters
may, however, refer to their notes and materials and may consult with their teammate while they do not have the
floor and during the Grand Crossfire.
6. Use of Electronic Devices: The use of internet-enabled devices and internet is permitted at the National Tournament.
The use of internet-enabled devices and internet at the qualifying tournament will be the autonomous decision of
National Speech & Debate Association • © 2023-2024 High School Event Rules Manual 26
each district. Laptop use must comply with the “Guidelines for Use of Internet-Enabled Devices in Debate Events.”
7. Timing: Timekeepers are an option but not required. If no timekeeper is used, debaters may time for their partners or
the judge may keep time. Prep time for each team is three minutes.