A relatively new event at the national level, Public Forum (or PF) Debate will be offered for the first time this season to Webster Club students. Like Policy Debate, Public Forum is a two-person, switch-sides event that pits two teams against one another in tournament competition. Topics change each month to reflect newsworthy issues and the event emphasizes persuasive public speaking rather than in-depth research and analysis.
Created in 2002 and modified in 2003, Public Forum Debate trains students to quickly and concisely communicate their arguments to an untrained audience. With a much lower barrier to entry, PF Debate allows students to participate in local competitions without sacrificing other extra-curricular activities or interests. Public Forum is offered primarily for Hilltoppers who would like to reap the benefits of Webster Club participation but who cannot dedicate the time and effort required by Policy and Lincoln-Douglas Debate, but regional and national travel opportunities are available to those who excel at the activity.