Lincoln-Douglas (LD):
Lincoln-Douglas debate is a one-on-one format focused on values and philosophy. Debaters argue what ought to be true using ethical frameworks, weighing concepts like justice, morality, and rights. It relies more on logic and philosophical reasoning than on large amounts of evidence, and rounds tend to be less technical than Policy but more abstract than Public Forum.
Policy Debate:
Policy debate is a two-on-two format centered on whether the United States federal government should take a specific action. The affirmative team proposes a detailed plan, while the negative team presents counter-plans, disadvantages, or critiques. It is fast-paced, highly technical, and heavily reliant on evidence, with an emphasis on strategy, depth, and complex argumentation.
Public Forum (PF):
Public Forum is a two-on-two format designed to be accessible and persuasive to a general audience. It focuses on current events and practical issues, combining evidence with clear, understandable arguments. PF emphasizes real-world impacts, communication, and weighing arguments in a way that a “lay judge” could easily follow.