Attack on Titan
2026 — Salt Lake City, UT/US
Public Forum
Event Description:
Speaker Points and the Win/Loss of a debate are two different things.
In Public forum teams are not assigned sides. They flip at the beginning of the round and the winner of the flip gets to choose whether they want to go AFF or Neg or 1st or 2nd. Then the loser of the coin flip then choose whatever the winner doesn’t.
This means that you must correctly put in the online ballot which side a team is on and whether they go first or second. Take time to clarify this with the teams and also write it into their comments which side and speaker they are along with a descriptor of the team. IE: Wearing blue ties, etc…(these should be respectful and gender neutral identifiers)
All debate events have a unique order to the round, divided into three parts: speeches, cross-examination, and prep time. Speeches are where the bulk of the debating is done, with each team presenting and reinforcing their arguments while refuting their opponents. It is common for judges to flow a debate, which means the judges will take notes about the speeches in order to keep track of the debate.
Cross-Examination is a period of time where debater’s can ask each other questions. There are some differences between kinds of debate, but, the purpose of cross-examination remains the same; asking questions that will allow the debater to make stronger arguments. It is up to you whether or not to flow this part. Typically, this is not a time for debaters to be making arguments, instead, it is to clarify their opponents position’s.
Each event gives debaters a set amount of prep time, where competitors can take a moment to prepare for the next part of the debate. Competitors can take prep time between speeches and should notify the judges when they begin and end prep.
The judge will watch the entirety of the debate and then decide which side won. RFD: Reason for decision: You must write at least 10 words explaining why the winning team won based on the Rubric. Low Point wins are allowed IF explained as to why in the RFD.
USE THE RUBRIC FOR SPEAKER POINTS
Skill
Clarity/Organization: (4 5 6) Arguments are presented in a manner that is clear and understandable to the judge.
Delivery: (4 5 6) Presentation, style, poise, articulation/enunciation, and inflection are effective in
delivering the arguments and responding to the opponent.
Evidence and Logic: (4 5 6) Cites credible sources and warrants claims that are relevant and support their position. The nature of proof should be in the logic and the ethos of a student's analysis and/or authoritative opinion.
Cross Examination: (4 5 6) Cross-examination should clarify, challenge, and/or advance arguments.
Overall Presentation: (4 5 6) Behavior is ethical, respectful of topic, opponent, and judge in manners and tone.
Choosing a Winner - The Pro side more efficiently argues for the resolution, using evidence to support their rationale OR The Neg side more effectively argues against the resolutions, using evidence to support their rationale.
Submit ballots on tabroom immediately after round to keep things moving. You can enter comments later.
Points should be between 20-30 points. This can be a comparison:
A: 29-30
B: 27-28
C: 25-26
D: 23-24
F: 20-22
Handbook:
https://utahdebatecoaches.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Utah-Debate-Judges-Handbook.pdf