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Atlanta Urban Debate League
Public Forum Curriculum
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twitter.com/atlantadebatePublic Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
Table of Contents
Contents
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................................. 2
What Is Public Forum? ...................................................................................................................................... 3
What’s New?: An Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3
What Is Public Forum? ................................................................................................................................ 3
Who Should Debate In Public Forum? ........................................................................................................ 3
Which Is Better: Policy or Public Forum? .................................................................................................... 3
What’s Different?: Policy v. Public Forum ....................................................................................................... 4
Topic Release (Calendar) ........................................................................................................................... 5
Sample Resolution ...................................................................................................................................... 5
How Do I Debate?: Speech Times & Speaker Positions ................................................................................. 6
What Is My Role?: Sides & Speaker Positions ............................................................................................... 7
Choosing Sides ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Choosing A Speaker Position ...................................................................................................................... 7
Asking & Answering Questions: What Is Crossfire? .................................................................................... 8
What Is Crossfire?....................................................................................................................................... 8
Which Debater(s) Participate In Crossfire?.................................................................................................. 8
What Is A Good Crossfire? How Does It Help Me Win? .............................................................................. 8
Writing A Case .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Case Structure ............................................................................................................................................... 9
The Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Framework .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Contentions ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Sample Case................................................................................................................................................ 10
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Framework ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Contentions ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Research & Evidence ................................................................................................................................... 12
Evidence & Public Forum .......................................................................................................................... 12
Getting Started .......................................................................................................................................... 12
2Public Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
What Is Public Forum?
What’s New?: An Introduction
Beginning in SY 2021 – 2022, the Atlanta Urban Debate League will offer Public Forum (PF), a new event for
High School competitors. The goal is to provide an accessible, audience-friendly alternative to policy
debate!
What Is Public Forum?
Public Forum is an audience-friendly, partner event where participants debate a series of month(s)-
long topics (resolutions) focused on current events. Unlike Policy Debate, where competitors debate
the merits of a plan, Public Forum debates whether the resolution is on-balance a good or bad idea.
Competitors in Public Forum should expect:
➢ Month(s)-Long Topics (Resolutions)
➢ Partner Debate (2 v. 2)
➢ Shorter Speech Times
➢ Audience-Friendly Style
➢ Lay (Less Experienced) Judging
Who Should Debate in Public Forum?
Any high school student participating in a high school debate tournament can debate in Public
Forum! Since Public Forum has monthly topics and lay (less experienced) judging, it is an ideal event
for students who:
➢ Want To Try Debate
➢ Are Novices / Learning Debate
➢ Have Seasonal / Outside Commitments (e.g. Student Athletes)
➢ Prefer An Audience-Friendly Public Speaking Style
➢ Prefer A Less Formal Argument Structure
Which Is Better: Policy or Public Forum?
Neither! All debate is good debate. Public Forum and Policy Debate are different events with different
goals.
➢ Public Forum mimics a public debate on current events. The goal is to persuade an
average person to support (or not support) a given topic.
➢ Policy Debate mimics the technical, evidence-based approach of government decision-
making. The goal is to persuade a policy expert to support (or not support) a government
policy.
3Public Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
What’s Different?: Policy v. Public Forum
Policy Debate v. Public Forum
Both Events Policy Debate Public Forum
Debate an assigned topic Policy has a year-long Public Forum topics change.
(resolution). resolution.
➢ Fall Semester topics
change every 2 months.
➢ Spring Semester topics
change every month.
Have assigned sides. Policy focuses on government Public Forum focuses on current
policy. events.
➢ One team affirms
(supports) the resolution. ➢ The Affirmative proposes a ➢ The “Pro” side defends the
➢ One team negates plan. resolution as a whole.
(opposes) the resolution. ➢ The Negative defends ➢ The “Con” side opposes
either the status quo or a the resolution.
competitive policy.
Have a judge vote for which team ➢ Judges in policy debate ➢ Judges in Public Forum
did the better debating. vote “for” or “against” the decide if the topic is
plan. generally a good or bad
➢ They tend to be more idea.
experienced and ➢ They tend to be less
technical. experienced (lay) and
focus on the big picture.
Use research to support Policy debate uses a formal Public Forum uses a less formal
arguments. evidence structure (“cards”). evidence structure.
Require a FULL CITATION for all ➢ “Cards” are extended block ➢ Sources may be quoted or
sources. quotes with a formal paraphrased (like a school
citation. essay or research paper).
➢ Most speeches heavily rely ➢ Students do their OWN
on reading, extending, or research.
comparing “cards.” ➢ A “packet” is NOT
provided.
Follow an assigned speech Policy debate has longer speech Public Forum has shorter speech
structure. times. times.
Have the “Pro” / Affirmative speak ➢ Both sides have two ➢ Both sides have one
first. constructives and two constructive and one
rebuttals. rebuttal.
➢ The Negative speaks ➢ The Summary & Final
back-to-back (the “Block”). Focus speeches focus on
the “big picture.”
Have debaters ask and answer Policy Debate has cross- Public Forum has crossfire
questions. examination. (mutual cross-examination).
➢ After a constructive, ONLY ➢ After certain speeches,
the opposing team asks BOTH teams ask and
questions. answer questions.
4Public Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
What’s The Topic?: Topic Areas & Rotation
Unlike Policy Debate, Public Forum has a series of month(s)-long resolutions (topics). Each topic can be
divided into two parts:
➢ Topic Area: A general research area released prior to the school year.
o In the Fall Semester, topic areas cover a two-month cycle.
o In the Spring Semester, topic areas cover a one-month cycle.
o Each resolution during the cycle will fall within the assigned Topic Area.
o This IS NOT the resolution debaters affirm or negate.
➢ Resolution: A specific premise that debaters affirm or negate.
o In the Fall Semester, resolutions are on a two-month cycle.
o In the Spring Semester, resolutions are on a one-month cycle.
o Each resolution is announced one month prior to being debated.
▪ For example, the resolution for March would be released on February 1st.
➢ All Topic Areas / Resolutions can be found on the National Speech & Debate Association website
(www.speechanddebate.org/topics/)
Topic Release (Calendar)
➢ Summer: All topic areas and potential resolutions are released following the conclusion of the
National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament.
o Topic Areas are decided prior to the start of the school year and will not change.
o The Public Forum Wording Committee assigns a set of two potential resolutions to each
topic area.
➢ Early August
o September / October Resolution Released
➢ October 1st
o November / December Resolution Released
➢ December 1st
o January Resolution Released
➢ January 1st
o February Resolution Released
➢ February 1st
o March Resolution Released
➢ March 1st
o April Resolution Released
➢ May 1st
o National Speech & Debate Tournament Resolution Released
Sample Resolution
➢ Resolved: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization should substantially increase its defense
commitments to the Baltic States.
o The Topic Area (Europe) was released in June 2021.
o The Resolution (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was released on August 8, 2021.
o The word “should” indicates desirability.
▪ The Pro side will argue NATO should INCREASE its defense commitments.
▪ The Con side will argue that NATO should NOT increase its defense commitments.
o There are NO PLANS. Each side must defend the resolution is generally (or on-balance) a
good or bad idea.
5Public Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
How Do I Debate?: Speech Times & Speaker Positions
Public Forum Speech Times
Speech Length Speaker Purpose
Constructive (Pro) 4:00 1st Speaker (Pro) ➢ The Constructive Speeches lay the
Constructive 4:00 1st Speaker (Con) foundation for the debate.
(Con) ➢ Each side will make 2 – 3 arguments
(Contentions) in favor of (Pro) or
against (Con) the resolution.
➢ This speech is researched and
written prior to the tournament.
Crossfire 3:00 1st Speaker ➢ The 1st Speakers from each team
(Pro & Con) ask and answer questions.
➢ A Crossfire is like cross-examination,
except each debater can BOTH ASK
and ANSWER questions.
Rebuttal (Pro) 4:00 2nd Speaker ➢ The Rebuttal Speeches answer the
Rebuttal (Con) 4:00 2nd Speaker arguments made by the other team
during its Constructive.
➢ A good rebuttal speaker will both
DEFEND his or her “case” and
ANSWER the other team’s
arguments.
Crossfire 3:00 2nd Speaker ➢ The 2nd Speakers from each team
(Pro & Con) ask and answer questions.
Summary (Pro) 3:00 1st Speaker (Pro) ➢ The Summary Speech “summarizes”
Summary (Con) 3:00 1st Speaker (Con) the debate.
➢ A good summary focuses on
defending (or answering) the most
important arguments and tells the
judge how they should be evaluated.
➢ Debaters should NOT try to answer
every argument made during the
Rebuttal.
Grand Crossfire 3:00 All Speakers ➢ ALL SPEAKERS ask and answer
questions.
➢ A good Grand Crossfire focuses on
the arguments made in the Summary
Speeches.
Final Focus (Pro) 2:00 2nd Speaker (Pro) ➢ The Final Focus focuses the debate
Final Focus (Con) 2:00 2nd Speaker (Con) on 1 – 2 arguments.
➢ Impact Calculus is a must. Write the
ballot for the judge.
Preparation Time 3:00 ➢ Each team is assigned three minutes
of preparation time.
6Public Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
What Is My Role?: Sides & Speaker Positions
Like policy debate, each debater will have a side (Pro / Con) and a Speaker Position (1st / 2nd).
Choosing Sides
➢ Each team will either affirm or negate the resolution.
o The team that affirms the resolution is the “Pro” team.
o The team that negates the resolution is the “Con” team.
➢ When pairings for a round are released, each team will be assigned the Pro or Con side.
o Each team will affirm and negate the resolution twice, for a total of four rounds.
➢ In League tournaments, the speaking order and sides are chosen for you.
o Each team will be assigned a side on the pairing before the debate.
o The “Pro” speaks first and the “Con” speaks second.
o Non-League tournaments may flip a coin for sides and speaking order.
▪ This IS NOT the case for tournaments hosted by the AUDL.
Choosing a Speaker Position
➢ Before the tournament, each team will need to decide who is the 1st / 2nd Speaker for EACH side.
➢ The 2nd Speaker is the “Captain” of the team. They are responsible for:
o Writing & Researching the Constructive Speech
o Giving the Rebuttal & Final Focus Speeches
o Making In-Round Decisions
o Assisting the 1st Speaker with the Constructive & Summary Speeches
➢ The 1st Speaker “assists” the 2nd Speaker. They are responsible for:
o Learning & Delivering the Constructive Speech
o Giving The Constructive & Summary Speeches
o Assisting the 2nd Speaker with The Rebuttal & Final Focus Speeches
➢ To keep things equal, speaker position should VARY by side.
o Example: Cayden and Simion are debating.
▪ On the Pro side, Cayden is the 2nd Speaker and Simion is the 1st Speaker.
▪ BUT, on the Con side, Simion is the 2nd Speaker and Cayden is the 1st Speaker.
7Public Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
Asking & Answering Questions: What Is Crossfire?
What Is Crossfire?
➢ Crossfire is a form of mutual cross-examination in which debaters BOTH ask and answer questions.
➢ Crossfire takes place after each set of speeches except the Final Focus.
o After the Constructives & Rebuttals, the debaters who just spoke will participate in a “Crossfire.”
o After the Summary Speeches, ALL debaters will participate in a “Grand Crossfire.”
➢ In Crossfire, each side will ask and answer questions about the debate.
o The team who spoke last (the “Con”) asks the first question.
o Both teams alternate asking and answering questions.
o Example
▪ Cayden (Pro) and Simion (Con) just finished the Constructive Speeches.
▪ Since Simion spoke last, he asks the first question.
▪ Cayden answers the question, then asks a question of his own.
▪ Both Cayden and Simion alternate until time expires.
Which Debater(s) Participate In Crossfire?
➢ Crossfire (1 v. 1) takes place after both the Constructives and Rebuttals.
o The two debaters who just spoke participate in Crossfire.
o The debater who spoke last (from the “Con” side) asks the first question.
➢ Grand Crossfire (2 v. 2) takes place after the Summary Speeches.
o ALL debaters participate in the Grand Crossfire.
o The team who spoke last (the “Con) asks the first question.
o The 2nd Speaker of each team takes the lead for his / her side.
What Is a Good Crossfire? How Does It Help Me Win?
➢ Crossfire has three goals:
o Get information from the judge.
o Get information from your opponents
o Defend your arguments (or attack those of your opponent)
➢ An excellent Crossfire helps you win by defending / attacking key arguments in the debate. To do this,
Crossfire must be ORGANIZED and MAKE ARGUMENTS.
o To ensure Crossfire stays organized, your team:
▪ Should NOT talk over the other team
▪ Should NOT ask excessive follow-up questions
▪ Should BE RESPECTFUL of the other team
▪ Should ALTERNATE asking and answering questions
▪ Should ANSWER questions precisely and concisely
o To ensure Crossfire makes argument, your team:
▪ Should ASK clear, specific questions related to key arguments in the debate.
▪ Should FOCUS on one or two arguments. Time is short!
▪ Should REFERENCE evidence / research that supports your argument
▪ Should AVOID open-ended (or Yes / No) questions
➢ For more tips, check our policy debate curriculum on atlantadebate.org! All the tips for a good Cross-
Examination apply to Crossfire.
8Public Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
Writing a Case
Case Structure
A Public Forum case consists of four parts: Introduction, Framework, Contentions, and Conclusion.
The Introduction
➢ An Introduction identifies the resolution, identifies the side (“Pro” / “Con”), and presents a thesis
that previews the arguments of the Constructive.
o Reading the resolution helps the judge know what the topic is!
o Identifying your side (“Pro” / “Con”) tells the judge what position your team will take.
o A clear thesis previews your contentions.
➢ An Introduction should take no more than 15 – 20 seconds.
Framework
➢ Framework tells the judge how to evaluate the arguments in the debate.
o Framework often refers to the wording of the resolution.
o Common Frameworks include:
▪ Cost-benefit analysis: The judge should weigh the costs and benefits of the topic.
▪ Utilitarianism: The judge should prioritize the greatest good for the greatest number.
▪ Human Rights: The judge has a moral obligation to uphold human dignity.
▪ National Security: The judge should prioritize the national security of the United States.
• This is common on topics of government policy.
➢ Framework should take no more than 15 – 20 seconds. Framework arguments will develop during the
debate.
Contentions
➢ Contentions are arguments for or against the resolution. Most cases have 2 – 3 contentions.
➢ A Contention is structured like a paragraph. It includes:
o A topic sentence identifying the argument.
o Research / evidence proving the argument is true.
o A concluding statement restating the argument or explaining why it’s important (the impact).
➢ Contentions should take up MOST of the speech.
Conclusion
➢ The Conclusion summarizes your contentions, restates your thesis, and urges the judge to vote
for your side.
o Summarizing your contentions helps the judge identify your arguments
o Restating your thesis crystallizes your position.
o Urging the judge to vote for your side is a no-brainer. It’s why they’re there!
➢ A Conclusion should be no more than 15 – 20 seconds. It’s very short.
9Public Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
Sample Case
Introduction
Hello! I’m Clay, and today I’ll be affirming the resolution, Resolved: The North Atlantic Treaty
organization should substantially increase its defense commitments to the Baltic states. Today, the Pro team
will prove that increased NATO defense commitments to the Baltics are necessary to deter Russian
aggression.
Framework
The Framework for today’s debate is National Security. Since the Declaration of Independence,
sovereignty and national security have gone hand in hand. As Edwin Meese, a Fellow at the Heritage
Foundation, explains: “The Declaration of Independence announced the sovereignty of the United States and,
with it, the ‘full Power to levy War.’ Accordingly, the Constitution’s Framers viewed the security of the nation to
be the foremost responsibility of the federal government.”1
Contentions
Contention One Is Russian Aggression.
Sub-Point A is The Past: Russia has a history of unjustified, aggressive policies in the region. Consider,
for example, the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia, which forced thousands of ethnic Georgians from their
homes. Similarly, the 2014 invasion of Crimea resulted in an ongoing civil war between Russian-backed
separatists and government forces that resulted in over 40,000 casualties. As Radio Free Europe reports,
“Some 13,000 people have been killed, a quarter of them civilians, and as many as 30,000 wounded in the
war in eastern Ukraine since it broke out in April 2014.”2 From the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia to the 2014
invasion of Crimea, it is clear that Russian military aggression is not a bug, it’s a feature. As Matt Cesare, an
analyst with the Foreign Policy Research Institute, explains: “The West has seen military exercises led by
Russia turn into full-blown interventions before. The invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 is one such example…
That same logic could be partly applied to the Baltic states.”3
Sub-Point B is The Present: Unfortunately, the invasion of Ukraine was only the beginning. As Paul
Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress, concludes: “Since the attack on Ukraine began in 2014,
Russian’s revisionist campaign of aggression has gone global. Moscow has conducted assassinations,
cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and a range of other provocations in Europe, North America, and
beyond.”4 In fact, the threat of Russian invasion is so likely that, according to Sarah White, a Senior Research
Analyst at the Lexington Institute, “[t]he Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – have been one of the
most commonly identified future hot spots and a particularly disastrous area for conflict to break out.”5
1 Meese, Edwin. Ronald Reagan Distinguished Fellow Emeritus At The Heritage Foundation. Who Is Responsible For
America’s National Security?. The Heritage Foundation. August 19, 2011. https://www.heritage.org/the-
constitution/report/who-responsible-americas-security
2 Miller, Christopher. Journalist For Radio Free Europe. Death Toll Up to 13,000 In Ukraine Conflict, Says U.N. Rights
Office. Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty. February 26, 2019. https://www.rferl.org/a/death-toll-up-to-13-000-in-ukraine-
conflict-says-un-rights-office/29791647.html
3 Cesare, Matt. Fall 2020 Intern With The Eurasia Program At The Foreign Policy Research Institute. Russian
Encroachment in the Baltics: The Role of Russian Media and Military. December 14, 2020. Foreign Policy Research
Institute. https://www.fpri.org/article/2020/12/russian-encroachment-in-the-baltics-the-role-of-russian-media-and-military-2/
4 Grod, Paul. President of the Ukrainian World Congress. NATO must stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression.
The Atlantic Council. June 12, 2021. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/nato-must-stand-with-ukraine-
against-russian-aggression/
5 White, Sarah. Senior Research Analyst At The Lexington Institute. Russian Aggression In The Baltic Will Not Look Like
Crimea. Real Clear Defense. May 21, 2021.
10Public Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
Contention Two Is Deterrence:
The threat of Russian invasion if real; the only question is what the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
can do about it. Increased NATO defense commitments are vital to deter Russian aggression.
Sub-Point A Is Alliances: Consider, for example, the statements of our allies, who are calling for
increased commitment. As Lithuanian Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis told Defense News, “[The] U.S. is
the most powerful ally and its deterrent effect is not comparable to other allies. I am convinced that Russian
would not dare to test NATO if U.S. military units are deployed on [a] persistent basis in the three Baltic
states.”6 This is not an isolated statement. Poland, for example, recently offered to pay the U.S. over two billion
dollars to host forward deployed forces.
Sub-Point B Is Permanent Presence: NATO has bolstered its presence in the Baltics since 2014. For
example, NATO recently introduced Enhanced Forward Presence (or eFP) units to the region. However, as
Sally Painter, a Senior Adviser to the Atlantic Council, concludes: “[T]he non-permanent nature of these
programs is not sufficient to guarantee the full military capabilities of the Baltics nor to bring peace of mind to
its citizens. Given increased Russian presence in the region, each country must rely heavily on the collective
defense agreement of the North Atlantic Treaty if it hopes to stand a chance… The United States together with
its European partners… must do more.”7 Permanent presence is the key. Our allies, like Lithuania and Poland,
are asking for permanent commitments. NATO must follow-through.
Conclusion
The conclusion, then, is clear. To prevent Russian military aggression in the Baltics, NATO must
increase its defense commitments to include a permanent military presence. Vote “Pro” to deter Russian
aggression and protect U.S. national security.
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/05/21/russian_aggression_in_the_baltics_will_not_look_like_crimea_778
176.html.
6 Judson, Jen. Journalist For Defense News. Do The Baltics Need More U.S. Military Support To Deter Russia?. Defense
News. July 16, 2019. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/07/15/do-the-baltics-need-more-us-military-support-to-
deter-russia/
7 Painter, Sally. Senior Adviser to the Atlantic Council. U.S. Must Remain Committed To NATO and the Baltic States.
September 8, 2020.
11Public Forum Curriculum
Atlanta Urban Debate League
Research & Evidence
Public Forum is open evidence. While the League provides a “packet” for policy debate, competitors in Public
Forum must research and write their own cases.
Evidence & Public Forum
➢ Public Forum has different evidence standards than policy debate. While policy debate uses
long, extended block quotes (“cards”), Public Forum is similar to an essay / research paper for
school. This means that you can:
o Paraphrase Sources
o Quote Short Phrases AND / OR Full Sentences
o Use Ellipses
➢ You must provide a FULL CITATION for any source referenced or paraphrased. This citation
should include:
o Author Name (First / Last)
o Author Qualifications
o Title
o Publication Name
o Publication Date
o URL (If Website)
o The above elements must be available somewhere in the students’ cases, but they do NOT
need to be formatted based on any formal citation style (e.g., MLA, APA).
Getting Started
Doing research can be intimidating. However, Public Forum topics are based on current events. If you
watch the news (or even browse Reddit), then you probably have a head start! To get started, do the following:
➢ Step #1: Background Reading.
o Take 15 – 20 minutes to Google key words from the resolution. Write down any topic words /
phrases that keep coming up.
➢ Step #2: Narrow Your Search
o Using the “key words” you wrote down from your initial search, focus on specific ideas to
learn more about.
▪ For example, I googled “NATO,” “defense commitment,” and “Baltic states.” My
results often included words like “Russian aggression,” “encroachment,”
“deterrence,” and “Ukraine.”
▪ By doing more searches with the above key words, I found articles on the history of
Russian involvement in the Baltics and opinion pieces about NATO. This let me write
the sample Public Forum case!
o When you find a good quote, a qualified source, or anything you want to put in your case,
bookmark it!
➢ Step #3: Save & Insert
o Repeat Steps 1 & 2.
o Once you have a critical mass of articles (10 -15), start writing your case!
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