North Allegheny
2025 — Wexford, PA/US
Public Forum
Event Description:
PUBLIC FORUM
Public Forum is a team event focused upon debating varying resolutions that change frequently, which exposes students to a variety of topics during a singular competitive season.
Judges should decide the round as it is debated, not based on their personal beliefs. Debaters should advocate or reject the resolution in manner clear to the non-specialist citizen judge (i.e., jury). Clash of ideas is essential to debate. Debaters should display solid logic and reasoning, advocate a position, utilize evidence, and communicate clear ideas.
NA's Public Forum Debate follows the National Speech and Association Guidelines
https://www.speechanddebate.org/
Neither the pro nor con is permitted to offer a plan or counterplan, defined as a formalized, comprehensive proposal for implementation. Rather, they should offer reasoning to support a position of advocacy. Debaters may offer generalized, practical solutions. Crossfire time should be dedicated to questions and answers rather than reading evidence. Evidence may be referred to extemporaneously. No new arguments may be introduced in the Final Focus; however, debaters may include new evidence to support prior arguments.
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.
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
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.
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.