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ISDA Formats
ISDA Formats
The ISDA specializes in competitive speech & debate formats at all levels - from introductions to advanced classes. ISDA specailizes in Public Forum Debate, World Schools Debate, Speech, and Public Speaking formats.
Public Forum Debate
Public Forum Debate
Public Forum is one of the most popular formats in the United States and is rapidly expanding globally due to its clarity, relevance, and team-based structure. Public Forum values real-world research, clear communication, teamwork, and rhetorical adaptability. It balances formal debate structure with accessibility for new students, making it ideal for programs seeking to scale quickly or reach diverse student populations.
Public Forum is well-suited for students with any level of experience or involvement because it allows for a combination of public speaking, topic research, and audience persuasion.
Structure of a Public Forum Round:
Two-person teams
Alternating constructive, rebuttal, summary, and final focus speeches
Crossfires (questioning periods) between speeches
World Schools Debate
World Schools Debate
World Schools Debate is the flagship international format used in the World Schools Debating Championships and many cross-cultural events. It offers a blend of British Parliamentary and American debate styles. World Schools Debate emphasizes well-rounded speaking—blending logic, style, and global awareness. It values persuasive delivery, logical consistency, and the ability to respond respectfully and quickly.
World Schools is particularly well-suited for international programs because it levels the playing field across educational systems and allows for both content depth and stylistic flexibility.
Structure of a WSD Round:
3 speakers per team (although the team may include up to five students), each giving an 8-minute speech concluding with four-minute speeches from both sides.
Alternating government and opposition speeches
No formal cross-examination: instead, Points of Information (POIs) may be offered during opponent speeches during which students may interrupt to ask questions. POIs are not required to be answered.
Original Oratory
Original Oratory
In Original Oratory, students craft and deliver a 10-minute persuasive speech on a topic of their choice. The speech must be memorized, original in content, and supported by evidence and personal insight. Topics range from social justice and mental health to cultural phenomena or education policy. Students are judged on argument construction, organization, delivery, and emotional engagement. Original Oratory values originality, storytelling, and performance.
Original Oratory is well-suited for students with a passion for performance, research, and public speaking.
Structure of an OO Round:
Students compete individually against other students in a room with a judge who ranks speakers at the conclusion of the round.
Each student delivers a speech no longer than 10 minutes in length.
Impromtpu Speaking
Impromtpu Speaking
Impromptu Speaking is a limited preparation event in which students receive a prompt—typically a quote, word, or abstract concept—and have only 7 minutes (often 2 minutes prep, 5 minutes speaking) to organize and deliver a speech. This format encourages quick thinking, creativity, and structure under pressure. Impromptu is especially useful in training students for real-world communication scenarios like interviews, classroom discussions, or civic engagement. Impromptu is well-suited for students interested in improving their critical thinking and public speaking skills.
Structure of an Impromptu Round:
Students compete individually against other students in a room with a judge who ranks speakers at the conclusion of the round.
Each student generally has 7 minutes to prepare and deliver a speech - often broken down into 2 minutes prep, 5 minutes speaking.
Extemporaneous Speaking
Extemporaneous Speaking
Extemporaneous Speaking is a speech event in which students research and prepare a seven minute speech after 30 minutes of preparation. During the "draw" prior to prep time, students receive three potential topics about foreign and domestic events. Once students choose a topic, they begin to prepare. This format encourages critical thinking, research, effective delivery, and maintaining structure under pressure. Extemp is useful in training students for research presentations and communicating complex and nuanced ideas to a wide variety of audiences. Extemp is well-suited for students interested in current events and public speaking.
Structure of an Extemp Round:
Each student draws a topic and then has 30 minutes to prepare.
Students compete individually against other students in a room with a judge who ranks speakers at the conclusion of the round.
Public Speaking
Public Speaking
Public Speaking helps students develop clarity, confidence, and presence—skills that matter in school, in future careers, and in everyday life. By learning how to communicate ideas effectively and connect with an audience, students build the essential toolkit that underpins all competitive speech and debate events. This foundation makes it easier to transition into formats like Oratory, Impromptu, Public Forum, and World Schools Debate with stronger skills and greater confidence.
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