Module 1

Local, National and International News

Expository Techniques

“Forum”

By: Prof. Rhonaldo Rodríguez

 About this presentation

This presentation is a collection of information gathered from different sources.

Content and ideas have been adapted to meet the purposes of the course. Credits
and references are placed at the end of this presentation.
 Forum

A forum is a place, situation, or group in which

people exchange ideas and discuss issues,

especially important public issues (Source: Online

Collins Dictionary). Picture: Vail Valley Partnership

 Types of Forum

Community Forum
It can be a “one-off” event, organized to discuss an important new opportunity, need or
problem in a local scale.

Candidate Forum
It is an event hosted by a community or political group to engage political candidates in a
discussion about issues important to its members before an upcoming election.
Hosting a Candidate Forum
 Components

 Sponsors
 Place
 Candidates
 Volunteers
 Staff and logistic
 Publicity
 Moderator
 Timekeeper
Photo: Lynnwood City Council
 Audience
 Basic Guidelines

 The forum should cover a broad range of issues.

 Moderator explains the forum format, rules and audience’s role.
 Candidates should have equal time to present their views.
 The candidates are asked about issues, but not asked to pledge to or agree
with specific positions of the sponsoring organizations.
 The moderator stays neutral and does not imply approval or disapproval of the
candidates.
 Format

1. Equal Time Q&A

An impartial moderator and panelists question the candidates, who are allowed equal
response time. Traditionally, the candidates are unaware of the exact questions.
Candidates may answer the same questions or may be asked different questions, as long
as each is given equal time to present their point of view.

2. Follow-Up Q&A
In this approach, the moderator and/or panelists ask the candidates questions. To get
clarifications and more specific answers, follow-up questions are permitted.
 Format

3. Town Meeting Q&A

Members of the audience ask all questions. Questions should be screened by a
staff member of your organization in order to avoid partisan questions and to
facilitate substantive dialogue. The audience members asking questions will
educate the candidate on the concerns of the constituency.
 Day of the Event

1. Complete set-up at forum facility

2. Have staff or volunteers greet audience and candidates
3. Setup a Head Table
4. Welcome, thank participants and review the ground rules for the forum. This is
moderator’s role.
5. Develop the forum format by following the set rules.
REFERENCES

AOPA. (n.d.). AOPA'S GUIDE TO CANDIDATE FORUMS. AOPA AIRPORT SUPPORT

NETWORK.

Pillsbury, G. (n.d.). HOSTING A CANDIDATE FORUM. A Step-by-Step Nonprofit’s Guide

to Planning, Publicizing and Hosting a Candidate Forum. USA.

Speakers' Corner Trust and The New Economics Foundation. (n.d.). A guide to organising

a Community Forum. The Community Forum Where Everyone Has a Voice.