Introduction to Public Forum Debate (Secondary, Google Slides & Printables)

Conducting in-class (or virtual) debate rounds is a great way for students to develop their research, organization, writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills. Using the rules for public forum debate as outlined by the National Speech and Debate Association, “Introduction to Public Forum Debate” has everything you and your secondary students need to learn the basics of this popular style of debate and outline their affirmative or negative cases.

*Due to upper-level vocabulary and length of debate rounds, this is best suited for secondary students, grades 7-12.

Included in this digital activity:

-Google Slides notes presentation

-Google Slides clickable fill-in notes for students

-Constructive speech outline/template (PDF document)

-Debate round format with explanations of each speech (PDF document)

Check out the PREVIEW to get a sneak peek!

Information about the digital notes:

*A link to the digital files will be provided on a PDF document. After clicking the student notes link, you will be prompted to “Make a Copy.”

*The notes slideshow presentation is a view-only file (not editable).

*When posting the clickable student notes on Google Classroom, be sure to select “make a copy for each student.”

*Perfect activity for distance learning! No printing necessary—simply post the documents and slides on a platform such as Google Classroom.

*Debates can be held online using Zoom or another virtual meeting site.

*Please only share this digital activity with your students.

Feel free to ask questions before purchasing!

**Pair this activity with my other debate and public speaking resources. Click the links below!**

Building Arguments with Sticky Notes

50 Debate Topics

3 Parts of a Debate Argument

Debate Word Wall

Weighing Standards for Impacts

Public Speaking Awards

Weighing Both Sides of an Issue

Debate Format Posters

Public Speaking Word Wall