Public Forum Debate Program
What is PF
Public Forum (PF) Debate is a team-based competitive debate format designed to be accessible and audience-friendly. In PF debate, two teams of two debaters argue for or against a resolution that typically addresses a current events topic. The debate emphasizes clear communication, logical reasoning, and persuasive argumentation over technical jargon or speed.
Unlike some other formats, PF debate features crossfire questioning, where debaters directly engage with one another, and a summary and final focus structure that highlights strategic argument development. Judges are often laypeople, so clarity, persuasion, and effective delivery are especially important.
Public Forum is widely practiced in high school debate circuits across the United States and internationally, and it's known for helping students develop public speaking skills, critical thinking, and a strong understanding of global issues.
Coach Ishan
Head Public Forum Coach | Strake Jesuit
Ishan is the Head Public Forum Coach at Strake Jesuit and a highly sought-after private debate coach. In his first year, Strake Jesuit:
- Achieved the highest total TOC bid count nationwide
- Won the 2024 Tournament of Champions (TOC), and had the most elimination round participants
- Won the 2025 Tournment of Champions (TOC), and had the most elimination round participants
- Had the most PFG elimination-round participants at TOC
In 2025, his team again led the nation in TOC qualifications.
His students—both at Strake Jesuit and YHL—have won or earned top speaker awards at every major national PF tournament from September to January.
Competitive Background
As a debater, Ishan earned a record 36 TOC bids, won 15 national tournaments, and two round robins. He is:
- A 2-time Barkley Forum champion
- 2nd place finisher at TOC as a junior
- The only 2-time TFA state champion in PF
- Ranked #1 nationally in PF by the NSDA during both his junior and senior years
Ishan combines elite-level experience with proven coaching results, making him one of the most respected figures in the PF debate community.
Public Forum Debate Program Outline
Level 1: Foundations of Public Forum (Beginner)
Goal: Build core skills in PF structure, speech formats, and basic argumentation.
Level 2: Strategic PF Debating (Intermediate)
Goal: Strengthen technical strategy, comparative analysis, and in-round adaptability.
Level 3: Competitive Mastery (Advanced)
Goal: Prepare students for high-level competition and national circuit performance.