There are as many possible formats as there are debates. More often than not, each format has advantages and disadvantages, and the choice that is ultimately made is usually the format that best minimizes perceived disadvantages.

Options include:

• Moderator poses all questions to the debaters (Moderator as Questioner)
• Moderator administers the debate and questions are posed by a selected panel or solicited from the floor (Moderator as Traffic Policeman)
• Both moderator and panellists pose questions (Hybrid)

Within these general formats, debaters may also be permitted to pose a limited number of questions to each other, or to include questions emanating from the general public through such vehicles as the internet or via telephone or text messaging.