Public Forum Debate — Glossary

A period in Public Forum debate where opposing teams ask each other questions directly to clarify or challenge arguments.

A question asked during the crossfire period aimed at clarifying or challenging an opponent’s argument.

The final focus is the last speech that summarizes key arguments and explains why a team should win the debate.

The last speech in a Public Forum debate that summarizes key arguments and explains why your side wins.

Framework establishes the lens or standard through which arguments should be evaluated in a debate round.

A segment in Public Forum debate where all four debaters question each other simultaneously to test arguments.

The interpretation and explanation of the debate resolution to establish the framework for argumentation.

A Public Forum debate speech that reviews and compares major arguments to clarify the round for judges and prepare for final focus.