The Show Me Forensics Institute was one of the first institutes nationally to introduce a Public Forum workshop, beginning in 2003. Housed in a comprehensive institute that includes individual events, Lincoln-Douglas debate, and a kick-starter program for beginning debaters, the Public Forum program plays an important part in our curriculum. The workshop is directed by Jacob Stutzman, a PhD student at the University of Kansas and a former national champion in parliamentary debate. Additional lectures are provided by Dr. Kevin Minch, Truman State University’s Director of Forensics and the President of the National Parliamentary Debate Association. The Associate Director of SMFI, Don Crabtree, is Vice-President of the National Forensic League and played a role in the initial implementation of Public Forum as a national event. His presence at the Institute exposes students to some valuable perspectives on the origin and development of the activity.

The two-week institute session in Public Forum Debate runs from July 9-23. Students wishing to enroll at cheaper rates should early register by June 5. Students registering after that date will see an increase in tuition. Nonetheless, students will find that the Truman option is one of the most economical Public Forum options for its combination of length, cost, and quality. Some scholarship opportunities are available.

Students who are entirely new to debate, and not sure whether they are ready for a two-week experience, should consider the institute’s Kick-Starter debate workshop which teaches fundamental skills of argumentation, organization, and presentation.