What’s Different? Public Forum vs Policy

Both events

Debate an assigned topic (resolution).

Have assigned sides.

• One team affirms (supports) the resolution.

• One team negates (opposes) the resolution.

Have a judge vote for which team did the better debating.

Use research to support arguments.

Require a FULL CITATION for all sources.

Follow an assigned speech structure.

Have the “Pro” / Affirmative speak first.

Have debaters ask and answer questions.

Policy

Policy has a year-long resolution.

Policy focuses on government policy.

• The Affirmative proposes a plan.

• The Negative defends either the status quo or a competitive policy.

Judges in policy debate vote “for” or “against” the plan.

• They tend to be more experienced and technical.

Policy debate uses a formal evidence structure (“cards”).

• “Cards” are extended block quotes with a formal citation.

• Most speeches heavily rely on reading, extending, or comparing “cards.”

Policy debate has longer speech times.

• Both sides have two constructives and two rebuttals.

• The Negative speaks back-to-back (the “Block”).

Policy Debate has cross-examination.

• After a constructive, ONLY the opposing team asks questions.

Public Forum

Public Forum topics change.

• Fall Semester topics change every 2 months.

• Spring Semester topics change every month.

Public Forum focuses on current events.

• The “Pro” side defends the resolution as a whole.

• The “Con” side opposes the resolution.

Judges in Public Forum decide if the topic is generally a good or bad idea.

• They tend to be less experienced (lay) and focus on the big picture.

Public Forum uses less formal evidence structure.

• Sources may be quoted or paraphrased (like a school essay or research paper).

• Students do their OWN research.

• A “packet” is NOT provided.

Public Forum has shorter speech times.

• Both sides have one constructive and one rebuttal.

• The Summary & Final Focus speeches focus on the “big picture.”

Public Forum has crossfire (mutual cross-examination).  

• After each cycle of speeches, excluding the final focus cycle, BOTH teams ask and answer questions.