"Description: Public Forum Debate uses current controversial subjects as topics (resolutions) to be debated. Research can be achieved by watching TV news programs, reading new magazines or ordinary search engines such as Google or AOL. Topics are brief, require no plan, and are debatable."

"Research: To understand a topic, one must read current material about it. Such current material may be found by searching both electronically or by print means."

"Format: The first speaker for each position usually has a prewritten case which provides reasons for affirming or negating a topic. After both speakers have stated their cases a cross-fire session occurs. In cross-fire both speakers ask and answer questions in a civil manner. The second speaker for each position generally attempts to refute the points of the opposing side and can also provide additional reasons to vote for their position. The second speakers conduct a cross-fire session in the same manner the first speakers did. The speech that follows is the summary in which the first speakers of both positions summarize their points and the opposing sides points and try to show the judges why their points still stand or why the opposing team's points fall. Following this speech is a grand cross-fire, a cross-fire session that is conducted sitting down and includes all four speakers. The final speech for both sides is a last shot in which the second speaker for each team provides one main reason why the judges should vote for their position on the resolution."

Saint Louis Hawaii Speech and Debate,
Public Forum Debate Description