Debate rounds serve as a wonderful public relations vehicle for forensics. Public debates in front of students, faculty, and community members require little explanation and result in increased support and respect for participants. Parliamentary debate is an impetus to awareness of current events. Since resolutions change every round, students are compelled to keep current. Similar to extemporaneous speaking, students wishing to succeed in parliamentary debate would do well to read newspapers and magazines throughout the season.
Parliamentary debate encourages study and knowledge of the Bill of Rights and political philosophy.
As resolutions so often concern fundamental questions concerning human nature, political philosophy, and competing values, debaters become aware rather quickly that familiarity with the foundations of government and civilization is a necessity for success. Successful parliamentary debaters are conversant in the foundations of civilization and timeless controversies. Parliamentary debate's format produces a level playing field. Massive backfiles and access to electronic databases are unnecessary to be competitive in this activity. This serves to level the playing field for small schools and community colleges alike.