Revised November 2026. A practical guide to Public Forum debate for students and coaches, supplied as an editable Word document and a ready-to-print PDF. The PDF is 43 pages.

Twelve chapters follow preparation and a complete round: case construction, research and evidence, the first crossfire, rebuttal, the second crossfire, summary, grand crossfire, final focus, preparation time, judge adaptation, and a practice workshop.

Worked examples show how to build connected arguments, evaluate sources, answer opposing claims, extend reasoning across speeches, and compare the arguments that remain. Eleven chapter practices and four workshop activities provide structured classroom and team practice, with an answer guide, models, and evaluation guidance.

The guide also includes a glossary and source and rule references. Check the rules of your own tournament before competing. This digital download contains the guide in Word and PDF formats; page count refers to the supplied PDF.