how to write a negative constructive speech debate

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Building a Case

Now that you have learned how to cut a card, it is time to put this skill to the test by building a case (which consists of multiple cards)! Each time a new topic is released, be prepared to build both an Aff and a Neg case – you will have to defend both sides each tournament, usually alternating each round. That is to say that even if you feel strongly for or against a particular side, you must advocate for both. This truly shows the beauty of debate, focusing on honing researching abilities, improving speaking skills, and trying new things rather than being a space to solely express personal political beliefs (although these may be incorporated to a certain extent)!

An LD case is somewhat of a reflection back on what has already happened in the world, drawing connections as to what may happen in the future as a result. The debater acts sort of like an observer or commentator. The goal of LD is to determine which side accurately represents what we believe or value. Thus, people sometimes refer to it as a “value debate”. LD debaters are in the round to debate whether the resolution is good or not as a whole. The judge votes for the debater who has best proved the validity of their side of the resolution. This is in contrast to another style called Policy debate, in which debaters mimic real-life policy-makers and try to pass the resolution as a piece of legislation or policy. In Policy debate, the judge votes for whoever has proven the best policy action to be enacted. Although, there are some aspects of Policy that LD adopts, such as passing a plan or counterplan (policies), but stay tuned for a future lesson on that.

In LD, if we were to Affirm “Resolved: the appropriation of outer space by private entities is unjust” , we would be saying that the resolution is correct and accurately describes what we value, due to reasons of e.g. space debris and other contention(s) explaining the unjust actions that private entities have done in outer space, as well as what will happen in the future as a result of these actions.

This section will cover how to make a case for both Aff and Neg sides. I would highly suggest that you read through this section and compare the components to the example cases attached (minimize tabs into split screen or have 2 devices [the ideal sweaty online debate setup] in front of you). Otherwise, go through it once and check out the cases attached. Either way, the use of examples can help strengthen one’s understanding.

1AC – Aff Constructive Case

Here’s the Microsoft Word version of an example Aff case I will be referring to:

I would recommend using Word, but if it doesn’t work, here’s the PDF:

Statement of the Resolution

Starting with “I affirm…” followed by the resolution word for word (“Resolved: …”) can help to clarify the topic for your judge and opponent. This is useful especially at the beginning of the month when a new topic is first used at tournaments, so your judge knows what everyone is talking about.

Definitions

Next, you as the Aff want to briefly define important words in the resolution. Using the JanFeb 2022 example, “Resolved: The appropriation of outer space by private entities is unjust”, we need to know what this cluster of jargon means. Using sources such as Dictionary.com, Merriam-Webster, or other dictionaries and academic literature, search up the meaning of the nouns and verbs of the resolution. Then, cut some cards from these sources (check the attached doc “Space Aff Example Case”).

Otherwise, sometimes when you don’t define words, your opponent can easily work around your nonexistent boundaries, twist the entirety of your case, or run something called “theory”, which will make you lose because you didn’t define words in the resolution – something you were expected to do as a valuable norm in debate. In general, just include definitions, even if briefly, and be prepared to defend them with credible evidence.

What follows directly after definitions is the mention of your framework , where you basically explain to the judge from what perspective they should view the round, a.k.a. what matters under the topic. The framework consists of two parts: a value and a value criterion .

Firstly, your value is an ultimate goal that is good, which you want to achieve. The two most commonly used are morality and justice , though it doesn’t really matter what value you end up choosing. You just have to choose a subjective quality that can be at-large agreed upon. When presenting it in-round, just say something like “My value is justice”. You don’t have to define it, because the main focus of the framework is to be able to justify and defend your value criterion.

Next, your value criterion (or just “criterion” for short) is most vital to outlining and describing your position. It is usually a short phrase such as “My value criterion is to maximize human well-being” or “My value criterion is to act in accordance with international law” (followed by evidence of why we should prefer it). Basically, the criterion is the method you believe is best able to achieve the value (justice or morality) that you previously mentioned.

In the situation that you and your opponent agree on value criterion, there is no need for a clash of frameworks (or “ framework debate “). For our purposes, we will be focusing on debates centered around utilitarianism (nicknamed “util”), or the philosophy that the greatest pleasure for the greatest amount of people is the most moral / just (the previous example of “maximizing human well-being”). This criterion says that in order to achieve justice, we must act in a way that provides the greatest possible pleasure/well-being to everyone involved. Utilitarianism is the most basic and intuitive criterion out there, yet a majority of rounds often use utilitarianism as the framework and therefore center around which side provides the greatest pleasure for society. Criterions, such as util, are often also called “frameworks” for simplicity (e.g. “util framework”) since the criterion is basically the only thing that matters for the entirety of the framework.

Aside from util debates, the framework that the Aff introduces may be contested by the Neg, thus the debate being centered around the clash of ideals between two very different criterions. We will go through different frameworks and their interactions through framework debate in a future unit! For now, util debates are our focus.

For a util debate to occur, the Aff would introduce their criterion of “maximizing human well-being” or something similar, and have evidence (ideally in the form of a card) to back up the reason why this round should be evaluated as such. The reasoning could be anywhere from how it is a natural survival instinct for humans to seek pleasure and avoid pain, moral uncertainty (preventing human extinction is key to surviving and having more time to figure out the true meaning of morality), and how policymakers have to justify their actions to the public thus the need to act in the overall best interest of the population. Next, the Neg would agree with the util framework of the Aff (by just saying a single sentence “I concede to the Aff framework, moving on…”), but we’ll get to that later when discussing the 1NC in-depth.

In the attached “Space Aff Example Case”, the Moen 16 evidence explains how justice is achieved by maximizing well-being. It states that we know inherently how pleasure is good and pain is bad. Util believes that striving for pleasure and avoiding pain are the end goals for humans, as shown in our daily activities and long-term aspirations. Thus, the round should also be determined according to util.

Contentions

After the Aff reads definitions and framework, they get to the main part of util debates: contentions! A case typically involves 2-3 contentions, although sometimes just 1 is sufficient if truly well-explained. Any more than 3 contentions risk being under-explained and will be easier for your opponent to take down, so it is not recommended.

A contention is one point or justification to Affirm/Negate, which operates under your framework. Because your framework alone cannot prove why you should win, you must describe examples and instances which support the validity of the resolution, using studies, predictions, and trends. For example, “Contention 1: Space Debris Collisions” explains how private companies are polluting outer space with debris, which is bad because it causes collisions and hence countries may go to nuclear war over confusion as to why their nuclear early-warning satellites are being destroyed. Nuclear war will take many lives, thus it connects to your value criterion (util), and hence your value (justice). Only after all of this explanation does your framework make sense in the context of Affirming the resolution.

The basic structure of a single contention can be thought of as divided into three main parts:

• Claim (a title or sentence to introduce the contention)
• Warrant (a long chain of logic, connecting the resolution to the impact )
• Impact (the benefit / harm / end goal – why does this contention matter?)

The claim can be thought of as an initial statement to introduce the contention, although this usually comes in the form of a title. For example, “Contention 1: Space Debris Collisions” as a header is sufficient.

Jumping all the way down to the impact , it is basically a single card that explains a catastrophic or horrible outcome that proves the resolution in favor of the Aff. At the very end of each contention in the example Aff case, this is exactly what Witze 20 (nuclear war) and Krosofsky 21 (climate change) seek to do. They outline horrible humanity-ending / extinction scenarios that will happen if you don’t vote Affirmative, explaining why the Aff position is important to prevent this disaster, as well as its relevancy to the util framework. Bear with these overdramatized impacts: debaters need to make their impacts matter. Preventing extinction is the most important thing under a utilitarian framework, therefore this choice is strategic and recommended if you want to outdo your opponent and win. Notice how this outdoing of large-scale disasters only occurs under utilitarianism, because the framework states that it matters to maximize pleasure and minimize pain – the logic is that there is nothing worse than the pain of mass extinction and death. Nuclear war and climate change are the most popular extinction impacts, but others include artificial intelligence apocalypse (extinction at the hands of AI), a large-scale deadly pandemic as a result of bioterrorism, terrorism (which eventually leads to nuclear war), etc.

The most important takeaway and clarification is to keep in mind that when debaters say “the impact is nuke war” or “climate change”, their whole point is to try to prevent something bad from happening. Rather than introducing a proactive / positive impact (like generating happiness or handing out free fried chicken buckets to everyone), it’s usually about preventing something SUPER TERRIBLE from happening (that being humanity-ending disaster). In more utilitarian words, debate cases explain how to prevent pain rather than create pleasure .

Now that we understand the utilitarian impact as an extinction event, how do we get from allowing private companies into outer space to the end of humans? This is where the warrant of the contention comes in to fill the gaps.

Right after the title/ claim , you would jump straight to reading cards (tagline -> author -> highlighted text). The warrant of a contention is the longest part, consisting of multiple cards which thoroughly explain how you get from Affirming the resolution to a specific benefit (the impact , e.g. preventing nuclear war). Think of the resolution as “Point A” and the impact as “Point B”: the warrant acts as a path that connects Point A to Point B. The warrant consists of multiple internal links , which are individual cards that build atop the one before it, until the contention’s story is fully coherent and complete with the impact. These multiple internal links come to form a link chain (literally a chain of internal links), a.k.a. link story , or just story .

Referring to the cards of the first contention, let’s take “Space Debris Collisions” as an example of the link chain / warrant leading up to the impact :

• Daehnick and Harrington 21 establishes that private companies are going to outer space and launching thousands of satellites right now. These satellites will remain up there for many years as “space debris”, and the card goes on to explain how unmanageable this problem is becoming.
• Ramanathan 21 expands on space debris, stating how private company satellites are involved in multiple near misses frequently, implying that collisions will increase as a result of private companies in outer space.
• Johnson 13 describes how more space debris buildup is created as a result of collisions, creating a cascading effect (known as the “Kessler Effect” or “Kessler Syndrome”), which fills Earth’s orbit full of debris.
• Graham 05 shifts over to describe how unreliable Russia’s space-based nuclear early warning satellite system is, and reinforces this with a recent example of miscalculation by Russian officials.
• Barrett 16 is the final piece in the puzzle (that is the warrant), explaining that space debris may destroy a Russian early warning satellite. Russia may mistake this as American aggression and decide to strike first. The outcome is Russia launching nukes as an ensuing nuclear war follows.
• Finally, Witze 20 is the nuclear war impact card, giving a concrete description of how devastating a nuke war between countries would be.

The second contention, “Rocket Launch Pollution”, is shorter than the first. Therefore, it can be more simply explained:

• Ben-Itzhak 22 establishes private space companies’ commercial endeavors.
• Piesing 22 explains how practices of private space companies, such as space tourism, mean launching rockets. These rockets produce large amounts of greenhouse gases and pollute Earth’s environment.
• Krosofsky 21 is the climate change impact, describing the consequences of global warming several years later (extinction, extreme weather, fewer resources, etc).

The strength and credibility of the warrant are at many times a deciding factor in the round, rather than whose extinction impact is the biggest: we don’t have to worry about nuclear war if the evidence presented isn’t that solid to support it. This is why spending time cutting good cards and truly understanding the link chain story is necessary!

1NC – Neg Constructive Case

What the Negative case introduces is much the same as the Affirmative case, although having the advantage of being reactionary to the Aff and knowing the opponent’s case already, thus being able to adapt strategy accordingly. The Negative constructive case is followed by a rebuttal section (1NC + 1NR), as previously explained in the Speech Order unit, therefore the time that Neg uses to introduce definitions, framework, and contentions will be less than the Aff (likely 4 to 4.5 minutes). This part will mainly cover how to fill those few minutes of the first half of this Neg constructive speech.

Again, same with the Aff, this step is optional. Since the Aff likely already introduced the resolution and spent 6 minutes on a case already, everyone should have a good idea of what the round is about.

“I negate the resolution. I will agree with their definitions and framework. Moving on to Contention 1…” is usually sufficient, that is, if there isn’t anything to contest. You would hope that the Aff definitions are reasonable and not (in the odd case) ridiculous, but that is up the Neg to determine and have a debate about definitions. For example, take a topic about nuclear proliferation: if they define “nuclear” as the center of a cell, and “arms” as in human limbs, “nuclear arms” would mean something completely different from what the topic is trying to get at. Therefore, this would require you to justify why your definition(s) should be preferred over the Aff’s.

Next, the Neg would decide whether to contest (disagree with) or concede (agree with) the Aff framework. In the case of contesting framework, Neg would have to put some work into introducing and justifying a new framework completely different from the Aff’s (again, covered later on – for now, util debates are our focus). On the other hand, conceding to the util framework of the Aff just requires you to indicate so with one sentence. Afterwards, you may jump straight to reading contentions.

Contentions recommendations are the exact same as the Aff ones, except Neg spends slightly less time on them to make way for the rebuttal part of the speech.

Contention 1 talks about asteroid mining:

• Garretson 21 establishes how private companies innovate for space faster, better, and cheaper than governments.
• Krishnan 20 says that space mining by private companies is underway and will be full-scale soon.
• Britt 21 further explains how mining asteroids is sustainable and safe, while reinforcing the idea that private entities will be the ones to do this and listing examples of specific companies making progress.
• MacWhorter 16 points out the large amount of pollution occurring as a result of mining operations on Earth. The logic is that private companies will extract resources from outer space, resulting in less pollution happening near or on Earth, contributing to less global warming. Simultaneously, these resources may become more accessible over time, compared to a finite Earth supply.
• Krosofsky 21 is the same impact card from the 2nd Aff contention about climate change.

Contention 2 is somewhat of a unique contention, as its impact refers to multiple Earth-extinction events collectively being able to wipe out humanity rather than just one, but nonetheless follows the same format:

• Brown 22 states that private entities, such as Musk’s SpaceX, have the motivation and infrastructure to set up colonies in outer space, namely Mars.
• Dorrier 14 explains that humanity placing all its bets on Earth’s survival is a bad choice, in case an unexpected extinction event suddenly wipes us out.
• Rincon 18 further describes Stephen Hawking’s view that the probability of catastrophe adds up and becomes certain over an extended period of time, hence needing to quickly spread out to more planets as a species in order to counter that threat.

Previous: Formatting Evidence

Next: rebuttals.

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101: Introduction to LD

What is Lincoln-Douglas (LD)

How to win a LD Debate Round

How to Judge a LD Debate Round

LD Speech Format

First Affirmative Constructive (1AC)

Cross examinations, first negative constructive (1nc), first affirmative rebuttal (1ar), second negative rebuttal (2nr), second affirmative rebuttal (2ar), 102: beyond the basics.

Constructing a Case

Framework vs. Contentions

Mastering the Constructives

Mastering the Rebuttals

Final Speeches

Lincoln-Douglas (LD) Debate Format

The following table details the speech names, lengths, and the side responsible for giving the speech.

This is the first speech of the debate and is known as the “AC” or “1AC.” Here, the Affirmative (Aff) will present their prewritten case for 6 minutes. They will have a “Framework” (setting up a philosophical way to view the round) and “Contentions” (arguments about the topic that connect back to their framework).

There are two cross-examinations in a debate. The Neg cross-examines the Aff after the 1AC, while the Aff cross-examines the Neg after the 1NC. Each cross-examination is 3 minutes long.

Following the Neg’s cross-examination, the Neg gives their First Negative Constructive (also known as the “NC” or “1NC.” The speech is 7 minutes. Here’s the Neg has two jobs – presenting their own case and answering the Aff’s case. For their own case, in a traditional round the Neg will present their own Framework and their own Contention(s) before moving onto the Aff’s case. In a more “circuit” round, however, the Neg might read multiple “off-case” positions, such as Kritiks, Counterplans, Disads, and Procedurals. They are then reading multiple cases, in essence. In dealing with the Aff’s case, the Neg will want to have a combination of offense and defense, seeking to defeat the Aff’s contentions. They also might contest the Aff’s Framework, if the two teams have read different Framework arguments.

The First Affirmative Rebuttal (1AR) is 4 minutes long. Since it has to cover the long 1NC, it is the hardest speech in the debate. The Aff has two jobs – rebuilding (“extending”) their case and attacking the Neg’s positions. The Aff will typically spend around 2 minutes on their case and 2 minutes on their opponent’s positions. Given the short speech, the Aff has to be efficient. An argument not addressed by the 1AR is known as “dropped” and cannot be brought back in the Second Affirmative Rebuttal.

This is the Second Negative Rebuttal (“2NR” or “NR). It is 6 minutes long. Here, the Neg needs to defeat the 1AR, rebuild their own positions, and also crystallize the round for the judge (it is their final speech). Given how much the Neg needs to accomplish, the Neg will often “collapse” down to one core position and spend time explaining a couple of central arguments. They will also consolidate down to a couple of core attacks on the Aff’s case. The 2NR is not allowed to make new arguments – if the argument was not in the 1NC, it cannot be made in the 2NR, although there is leeway in answering new 1AR arguments.

The Second Affirmative Rebuttal, or 2AR, is 3 minutes long. It is the final speech of the debate. Here, the 2AR must reply to the 2NR and summarize the round. Judges typically apply a strict standard of new-ness to the 2AR – arguments not in the 1AR are strictly forbidden in the 2AR, since the Neg does not get a 3NR to reply. The Aff will give “voting issues” often (reasons why the Aff wins) and make sure to rebuild their case and answer the 2NR.

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How to Write a Debate Speech

Last Updated: August 25, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,528,439 times.

So, you've joined debate, and it's time to write a debate speech. There are some tried and true methods to writing an effective debate speech. If you understand them, and the components that make up a standard debate speech, you will increase your chances of success.

Sample Speeches

Preparing for the Debate Speech

• You may be asked to stand affirmative or negative. In LD (Lincoln-Douglas debate), the first affirmative speech will be at most 7 minutes long, and the first negative speech will be at most 6 minutes. [1] X Research source
• The speakers then present arguments against the earlier affirmative or negative speech that was just read. Speakers must listen carefully and be able to counter arguments. There are two segments involving cross-examination (CX), in which the debaters are allowed to ask questions and openly debate the topic. This is most often called cross-examination, or cx for short, and occurs after the first affirmative speech, and the first negative speech.
• The best thing you can do to better understand LD/PF/Policy debate is practice and research.

• Brainstorm the topic, and research it before you sit down to write. Write out a list of key components for both sides of the issue. If you are on a debate team, do this together. Each member could discuss the key component list, in order to figure out which issues you want to cover in each speech.
• Spend some time at the library or on the Internet using credible sources to research the key reasons that seem strongest. Use books, scholarly journals, credible newspapers, and the like. Be very cautious about unverified information bandied about on the Internet.
• You will also want prepare to deal with the strongest arguments your opponent(s) might make. Ignoring the other side’s best arguments can weaken your rhetorical appeal.

• A basic debate outline should contain six parts: An attention-getter, your stated stance (aff or neg)/ restatement of the resolution, your definitions, your value, criterion, and contentions.
• You can break each of those six parts into subcategories. It’s often a good idea to write the contentions last, focusing on the value and criterion to hold it up first.

Writing the Debate Speech

• You should address the jury or audience with formal salutations. For example, you could say something like, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.” Debates are very formal in tone.
• Making a good first impression with the judges is very important. This leads judges to assume the debater is persuasive. One technique to write a strong introduction is to contextualize the topic, especially in relation to real world events. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Bar Association Leading professional organization of lawyers and law students Go to source
• Introductions can also focus on prominent examples, quotations, or on a personal anecdote that can help establish a rapport with the audience and judges. Be careful using humor; it involves risks and can lead to awkward silences if not done right. Find a relevant specific that illustrates the underlying point.

• Don’t muddle your position. It needs to be extremely clear whether you affirm or negate the resolution, so don’t hem and haw and contradict yourself. The audience also should not have to wait until the end to find out. Make your stance very clear, and do it early on
• For example, you could say, “my partner and I firmly negate (or affirm) the resolution which states that unilateral military force by the United States is justified to prevent nuclear proliferation.” [7] X Research source

• A good rule of thumb is to back up your position with 3-4 strong points of supporting argumentation. You definitely need to have more than 1 or 2 key points to back up the stance you have taken.
• The body of the speech – the key points and their development – should be, by far, the longest part of the debate speech (perhaps 3 ½ minutes to 30 seconds for an opening and for a conclusion, depending on the rules of the debate you are doing).

• Focus on the causes of the problem, the effects of the problem, expert opinion, examples, statistics, and present a solution. Try to use visual images, not just generic terms – show don’t tell, and illustrate a point with details.
• Appeal to the motives and emotions of the listener with a light touch. Appeal to their sense of fair play, desire to save, to be helpful, to care about community, etc. Ground examples in how people are affected.
• Try using rhetorical questions, which make your opponents consider the validity of their point; irony, which undermines their point and makes you seem more mature and intelligent; simile, which gives them something to relate to; humor, which gets the audience on your side when done well; and repetition, which reinforces your point.

• Aristotle believed that speakers were more persuasive if they combined elements of logos (persuasion by reasoning) with pathos (having an element of emotional appeal) and ethos (an appeal based on the character of the speaker) - for example, that they seem intelligent or of good will.
• There are two ways to use logic – inductive (which makes the case with measurable evidence like statistics or a specific anecdote or example) and deductive (which makes the case by outlining a general principle that is related to the specific topic to infer a conclusion from it - as in, I oppose all wars except those involving imminent self defense; thus, I must oppose this one because it's a war that was not in imminent self defense, and here's why). Or the reverse.
• You should use pathos sparingly. Emotional appeal on its own can be dangerous. Logos - the appeal to reason - should be at the core. However, logical appeal without any pathos at all can render a speech dry and dull. Consider what you are trying to make your audience feel. Explaining how a topic affects real people is one way to use pathos well.

Concluding the Debate Speech

• One strong way to conclude a debate speech is to bookend the conclusion with the opening, by referring back to the introduction and tying the conclusion into the same theme.
• Quotations can be a good way to end a speech. You can also end with a brief summation of the key arguments of the speech to ensure they remain fresh in judges’ minds.

• Use a clear , loud voice, and be careful to watch pacing. You don’t want to speak too loud or too slowly. Remember that confidence goes a long way toward persuasion.

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• Never add new points in your speech because you still have time, as you might not present it in the best way. When you are nervous, you might even say an argument in favor of the other side and you don't want that. Thanks Helpful 32 Not Helpful 2
• Never degrade your topic. Thanks Helpful 33 Not Helpful 3
• Don't use all your points in your debate- in an actual debate, it is sometimes useful to have other information to cite if the argument starts going their way Thanks Helpful 30 Not Helpful 3

Tips from our Readers

• You can make a sample opening and closing speech beforehand so you can focus more time on developing your arguments during the actual debate.
• Make sure to include rebuttals in your speech, as they are just as important as your main arguments.
• Practice as much as possible — it will make you more confident and help you maintain eye contact.
• Imagine you're just practicing with a friend rather than performing in front of an audience.
• Take deep breaths before starting to ease nerves.

• Remember, just because you can write a debate speech, it doesn't mean you can say a debate speech effectively. Practice! Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 5

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.learndebating.com/english/DEBATING.pdf
• ↑ https://guides.lib.uw.edu/research/faq/reliable
• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/how-to-outline-a-speech
• ↑ https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/resources/newsletters/trial-evidence/five-tips-engaging-opening-statements/
• ↑ https://www.oxfordsd.org/Page/5582
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/argument/
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/persuasive-speaking
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/speech-anxiety

About This Article

To write a debate speech, start by researching the topic thoroughly with credible and scholarly sources, and make an outline of your argument including an introduction, thesis argument, key points, and conclusion. Write the thesis argument and develop 3-4 strong points of argumentation. Be sure to clearly state your stance, and utilize expert opinions, statistics, and examples to support your opinion. To finish the speech, write an interesting introduction that incorporates your thesis and a brief conclusion that summarizes your main points. If you want to learn more, such as how to make your debate speech persuasive, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Constructive Speech

Phee paradise.

During a policy debate, a speaker takes a position for or against a proposition and uses a constructive speech to argue his side of the issue. Both the affirmative team and the negative team give constructive speeches. The first affirms the resolution and calls for change; the second challenges the affirmative position. Affirmative speeches begin the debate, while negative speeches respond to the assertions of the affirmative speaker. The two speeches are structured in slightly different ways.

Gather research that supports your position. Organize it sequentially, so that as you write your speech one point will follow from another. Support every point in the speech with facts from the research. If you are writing an affirmative speech, follow steps 3 and 4. If you are writing a negative speech, follow steps 5 and 6.

Begin a positive constructive speech introduction with an attention-grabber and follow it with a restatement of the proposition or resolution. Complete the introduction by listing the reasons you agree with the proposition.

Define the terms you are using in your speech, then give the reasons why you are calling for change; list them one by one. Follow this with a clear explanation of the planned change. Conclude with a call for support of the affirmative position.

Remember that a negative constructive speech is a response to the affirmative speech. State the reasons you are against your opponent's plan and why your opponent's points are wrong. Follow this with a counter-plan and explain why it is more suitable than the affirmative plan.

Disagree with the definitions given by your opponent and offer your own definitions. State the flaws in the proposed change one by one: its disadvantages, negative consequences and faulty assumptions. Conclude with a statement that the affirmative plan must fail or offer a plan of your own.

• Policy debate is carefully structured by several associations. Many high schools and colleges offer coaching and instruction on all aspects, including speech writing.
• 1 "Writing an Affirmative Constructive Speech"; James F. Ackerman; Purdue University Center for Democratic Citizenship; New York

About the Author

Phee Paradise began writing professionally in 1996 when she covered town government for "The Sentinel," a weekly newspaper in Belchertown, Mass. She has written how-to manuals for student leaders and currently writes book reviews for a writers' blog. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from San Diego State University and a Master of Arts in communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

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Constructive Speeches Reading

The four-minute constructive speeches are written out before the start of the debate. If spoken at conversational speed, the speeches will be 600-700 read words. The constructive speech begins with a statement in favor of the resolution.  For example, students may start the debate by saying, “We support the resolution, Resolved: The United States federal […]

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Instant Debate Speech Maker Online

Debates are an excellent opportunity to develop many personal skills, become a more open-minded person, and learn new information. Through this activity, students improve critical thinking, public speaking, teamwork skills, increase their self-esteem, and learn to disagree with others.

Preparing for a debate can take a lot of time, which is why our team has created this tool and guide for you. With our debate speech maker, you no longer have to sit for hours and think about how to formulate your argument correctly! Also, on this page you will learn many useful facts about debates and get tips for preparing for them.

• 📢 Introduction to the Tool

🗣️ What Is a Debate?

👍 debate maker benefits, ✏️ how to write a debate speech, 🔗 references, 📢 debate script maker: an introduction.

If you’ve decided to participate in a debate, you probably know that this activity requires a lot of preparation. Sometimes, you may receive the topic of your debate in advance so that you have time to prepare thoroughly for it. But also, you may be given the subject on the day of the debate, and then you’ll have much less time to prepare. In either case, our debate maker will be an indispensable assistant!

When comparing AI vs human writers, artificial intelligence excels in the speed of content creation, although it loses in creativity. Unlike when using other AI chat bots, you don't have to bother with creating successful prompts. Using this tool is simple - to instantly make a speech, you’ll need to take these four steps:

• Type in the topic of the debate.
• State your position and audience.
• Indicate whether you are replying to an opponent.
• Click “Generate” and get your result!

A debate is a structured and formalized argumentative exchange between two or more opposing sides . While this practice is usually associated with the election season , it can also be often found in schools or colleges. Participants, categorized as either the “pro” or “con” side, systematically present and defend their perspectives on a given topic. They use evidence to back up their claims and. Each side takes turns articulating arguments and responding to their opponent's points.

The primary objective of a debate is persuasion - convincing the opposition and the audience. Although debates often lack a declared winner, they may conclude with a vote or judgment from adjudicators in formal settings. Informal debates can persist until one side concedes.

Debate Terminology Examples for Students

Here, you can become familiar with the basic terms. It’ll be beneficial for you to learn them to make it easier to grasp the debate structure further.

• Adjudicator - An impartial observer who evaluates the debate. Such moderators provide feedback on the quality of arguments and overall performance. Also, they can contribute to determining the winner in formal debates.
• An affirmative - A team or speaker supporting the motion in a debate. Affirmatives present arguments in favor of the proposition. They aim to convince the audience or adjudicators of the motion's validity.
• Motion - The central topic, idea, or statement being debated. The motion frames the discussion and determines the stances of the affirmative and opposition sides. Debaters construct arguments either in support or against this subject.
• Chairperson - The person responsible for moderating and overseeing the debate. Their goal is to maintain order and ensure adherence to the rules. The chairperson may introduce speakers and the motion.
• Card - A card is a paragraph or several paragraphs taken from an authoritative journalistic or scholarly source that proves the validity of a particular argument. It should be a verbatim quotation without additions or paraphrasing. It is important to explain the quote and how it relates to the argument.
• Floor - The general audience or participants who are not actively engaged in the debate but may have the opportunity to pose questions. They can make contributions during designated segments. The floor adds an interactive element to the discussion.
• Opposition/a Negative - A team or speaker taking an opposing stance on the core topic. The opposition presents arguments countering the proposition. Such arguments should demonstrate flaws in the affirmative's position and persuade the audience that the motion is unsupported.
• The first speaker - The initial speaker of a team. They introduce and establish the main arguments supporting or opposing the motion. Their speech should set the tone for the team's position and outline the critical points to be developed by subsequent speakers.
• The second speaker - The second speaker introduces additional evidence and reinforces the team's position. They aim to strengthen their affirmative/opposing case and respond to the arguments from the other team.
• The third speaker - The last speaker should summarize the team's key points. They may also respond to opposition’s reasons raised during the debate. The goal is to leave a lasting impression on the adjudicators before the discussion concludes.
• Reply speeches - Reply speeches are the concluding words from both the affirmative and opposition sides. These speeches are often shorter, not more than three minutes. Such speeches are the last chance to influence the overall impression, so they should strongly support your ideas.

What Does the Maker of the Argument Do in a Debate?

In a debate, the first speaker, whether on the affirmative or opposition side, should:

• Formulate a clear and concise stance on the motion.
• Organize arguments logically, presenting a structured case.
• Support points with relevant facts and examples.
• Convince adjudicators and the audience of the credibility of their position.

The Structure of a Debate

Whether an academic debate or a parliamentary one, the structure and ground rules essentially remain the same.

In this section, we'll briefly explain how your proceedings are going to look like:

• Gathering the sides . At this stage, you should determine the teams and their participants. They are divided into affirmative and negative sides. As a rule, the debates should include three speakers , who will take turns and, at each stage, strengthen their position. All participants should meet 15 minutes before the start to prepare materials .
• Starting the debate . Participants should determine the debate’s time limit, as speeches cannot last nonstop. Usually, each speaker is given a maximum of 3 minutes for their presentation. At the beginning, the speakers should introduce themselves. The duration of the answer is regulated by the timekeeper , who should give a bell 30 seconds before the end of the speaker's time to start summarizing.
• Debating the topic . The core of the debate involves a structured exchange between the sides. The first speaker for the affirmative introduces the motion, presenting key arguments. The opposition's first speaker responds, presenting counterarguments. This pattern continues with subsequent speakers building upon and responding to the points raised. The debate format could also include cross-examination or questioning segments.
• Finishing the debate . Both sides deliver final counter-speeches summarizing key arguments. The adjudicators then assess the overall performance of each side. The persuasiveness of the arguments presented assists in the audience’s decision-making. Participants may engage in discussions and receive feedback . After the debate, each team is given the opportunity to thank everyone in attendance.

As you've probably already realized, getting ready for such a significant event will take a lot of time. You'll need to gather your thoughts, stay level-headed, and be assertive in your stance. This preparation process can be quite overwhelming. That's why our debate script maker is the perfect solution!

This debate writer has many advantages:

• Time-saving . This AI tool will speed up the process of creating a script. You won't have to worry about the structure and arguments.
• Inspirational . Our maker will allow you to explore different points of view, and you may look at your discussion topic from a new angle that will inspire you.
• Free . You can use the debate generator without prepayments and subscription fees. Besides, our tool does not have any limit on the number of requests.
• Online . Finally, thanks to online access, you don't need to download any apps, so that you can use our speech maker anytime from any device.

Our tool is a great way to save time and get that initial burst of inspiration for your debate. However, that is just the beginning. You will still need to edit and finalize this speech. Additionally, you may find it helpful to learn how to write one yourself.

The following steps will show you how to improve your speech and prepare you for your future debates:

• Compelling beginning . The opening of your speech is of the utmost significance. Your task is to captivate the audience and create the overall atmosphere of the speech. We suggest using a hook at the very beginning. It can be a question or a fact intended to capture the attention of your opposition and the audience. You could also use a quote from a famous person, an interesting statistic, a rhetorical question, or even a relevant personal anecdote.
• Presenting your arguments . This is the time to talk about your position on the topic. Be sure to formulate a concise thesis statement . After that, you should provide the arguments that support it. Explain each point clearly to avoid misunderstanding among the audience.
• Explaining the position . Follow a structure where each of your arguments is followed by evidence and then justification. Proof builds credibility and engages the listeners. Ensure that you have data only from relevant and reliable sources.
• Summarizing . In the concluding part of your persuasive speech, you should reiterate your thesis and essential arguments. Emphasize the value of your position. It’s your last opportunity to impress the judge and the listeners. Round it off by offering a provocative question, a recommendation, or talking about your predictions for the future of the subject.
• Confidence and consistency . After writing your speech, you should refine its structure so that you have smooth transitions from one idea to the next. Use connecting words to tie your arguments together. Afterward, practice your speech and make sure it's clear . Your gestures, facial expressions, and intonation are ways to communicate with listeners. Be convincing but not pushy, and use a moderate pace.

We wish you good luck in your debates! And if you need to create a different kind of speech, try our informative speech generator .

Updated: Jan 26th, 2024

• What is a debate? – Vanesa Velkova, European Commission
• How debating works – Law Society of Scotland
• Debating: A Brief Introduction for Beginners – Debating SA Incorporated
• Debate Timing & Structure - Debating Matters
• How do you structure your debate speech to capture the attention and interest of your audience? - LinkedIn
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IvyPanda's debate speech maker tool is the solution for those who wish to craft that ideal response to their opponents. Easily generate a speech on any topic and wow the audience with compelling arguments that strengthen your position.

Debate Writing

Debate Speech

A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing and Delivering A Debate Speech

Published on: Mar 9, 2022

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

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Whether you are a student, a policymaker, or a business leader, the ability to debate effectively can be a game-changer. 

Debate speeches are important for anyone wanting to persuade others. However, writing and delivering a debate speech isn’t easy, especially if you are new to the process. 

This guide explains simple steps on how to write and deliver an excellent debate speech. It covers everything from preparing your arguments to delivering your speech with confidence and conviction.

So dive in to learn!   

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What is a Debate Speech?

A debate speech is a structured argument on a specific topic that is presented in a formal setting.  

The main purpose of debate speech is to:  

• Express your point of view persuasively and effectively
• Convince the opposition that you are right.
• Change the people's point of view on a particular topic.

In a debate speech, the speaker presents their argument in a clear, concise, and convincing manner. Debate speeches have a set time limit, and the speaker must use their time effectively to make their case and address counterarguments. 

Preparing for a Debate Speech 

You can only win your debate if you have spent time preparing it well. Follow the steps below to be prepared for your next debate speech.

Understanding the Debate Format 

It's essential to understand the format of the debate in which you want to participate. Different debate formats have specific rules and guidelines that you need to follow to succeed. 

Some popular types of debates include parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas, and policy debates.

• Parliamentary debate is a format where two teams of two or three members argue for or against a motion. It is presided over by a moderator. In this format, debaters have limited preparation time to gather information and construct their arguments.
• Lincoln-Douglas debate is a one-on-one debate where debaters argue for their positions on a specific topic. This format usually involves a value system and a criterion that the debaters must uphold and defend.
• Policy debate is a format where two teams of two members argue for or against a specific policy proposal. This format requires in-depth research and analysis of the policy and its potential implications.

Selecting a Position

Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you feel strongly about. Once you have chosen a topic, narrow it down to a specific aspect that you can argue for or against. 

The clearer your position, the easier it will be to research and prepare your arguments.

Need some good debate topic ideas to get started? Check out our list of interesting and engaging debate topics to help you out!

Researching and Gathering Information

Once you have selected your topic, research it thoroughly. Gather as much information as you can from credible sources such as academic journals, news articles, and government reports. 

Take detailed notes, and make sure to record the sources you use so that you can reference them later.

Understanding Both Sides of the Argument 

To write a persuasive debate speech, it is important to understand both sides of the argument. 

Consider the arguments that your opponents might make and anticipate counterarguments. This will help you to strengthen your own arguments and address potential weaknesses in your position.

Organizing Your Arguments 

Once you have gathered all of the information you need, organize your arguments in a clear and logical way. 

Start by outlining the main points you want to make and then add supporting evidence to each point. Make sure that your arguments flow logically and build on each other.

Practicing Your Delivery

Finally, practice your delivery. Read your speech out loud several times to get a feel for how it flows. 

Time yourself to make sure that you can fit all of your arguments into the allotted time. Consider practicing in front of a friend or family member to get feedback on your delivery.

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How to Present a Debate Speech?

This type of speech requires some essential components. Here are the major components you need to present an effective debate speech. 

1. Catchy Introduction

The first important step is starting the debate with a compelling introduction. You can begin with a question, a quote, or a statistic related to the topic.

Moreover, your introduction should state your stance on the topic and provides a preview of your arguments. 

2. State the Problem & Define Key Terms

Define key terms in your speech that are important to your argument. This helps to ensure that your audience understands the meaning of the words you use.

3. Present Your Arguments

Present your arguments in a clear and logical order. Start with your strongest argument and provide evidence to support it. Then, move on to the weaker arguments and provide evidence for each one.

A good argument often follows the PEE structure, which means "Point, Evidence, Explanation (PEE)".

• Point or Reason: This is where you state your main idea or argument, providing a concise and clear statement of your position. The point should be specific, focused, and relevant to the topic at hand. It serves as the foundation for your argument
• Evidence: Here, you provide supporting evidence to bolster your argument. This can take the form of examples, statistics, or any other relevant information that helps illustrate your point. 
• Explanation: In this part, you elaborate on how the evidence you provided supports your point. This is where you explain the relationship between your point and the evidence, highlighting its significance

4. Rebuttals 

Address counterarguments by acknowledging the opposing viewpoints and refuting them with evidence. This is called a rebuttal. 

It shows that you have considered both sides of the argument and strengthens your own position. Addressing counterarguments through rebuttals is a vital aspect of constructing a well-rounded and persuasive argument. 

Rebuttals involve presenting evidence that challenges the opposing counter-arguments and weakens their validity. Additionally, it is crucial to explain the flaws or fallacies in the opposing arguments during the process of rebuttal.

5. Conclusion

End your speech with a strong conclusion that summarizes your arguments and restates your stance on the topic. You can also end with a call to action, encouraging your audience to take action based on your argument.

Tips for Presenting a Debate Speech Effectively

The above steps will help you prepare and present an acceptable speech, but you can improve it even more with the tips below.

• Use Clear and Concise Language

Speak clearly and use language that is easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or complex words that might confuse your audience.

• Emphasize Key Points

Highlight the key points of your argument by using vocal inflection and tone. Emphasize important words or phrases to help your audience remember your key arguments.

• Use Body Language and Gestures

Body language and gestures can help to reinforce your arguments and make your speech more engaging. Use hand gestures to emphasize key points, and vary your posture and movement to keep your audience interested.

• Maintain Eye Contact

Maintain eye contact with your audience throughout your speech. This will help to establish a connection with them and make them feel more engaged with your argument.

• Use Vocal Variety and Tone

Vary your vocal tone and pace to add interest and emphasis to your speech. Use pauses and changes in pace to emphasize important points, and vary your volume to make your arguments more impactful.

• Use the Debate Speech Checklist

Here is a checklist that can help you evaluate your debate.

• Does your speech cover your opinion about the topic?
• Does your speech start with a catchy hook?
• Does your speech cover all the main points?
• Does your speech provide sufficient counterarguments?
• Does your speech contain enough evidence?
• Does your speech provide a call to action to the conclusion?

Debate Speech Examples 

Here are some examples to help you prepare and present your debate speech better. 

Debate Speech Structure

Debate Speech Template

Debate Speech Sample

Writing and delivering a successful debate speech requires careful planning, research, and effective communication skills. 

By following the steps and tips provided above, you can persuade your audience effectively and make a lasting impact. Remember to practice, rehearse, and be confident in your abilities. 

Still need expert help in writing your speech? We've got you covered! 

CollegeEssay.org is here to assist you. We are an expert speech writing service with a team of experienced professionals. 

Our AI essay writing tools can help you at every step of the speech-writing process, from selecting a topic to gathering evidence.

We provide customized, high-quality writing services at an affordable price. You can also take advantage from our AI essay writer tool to improve your writing skills.

So why wait? Contact our professional essay writing service and impress your audience with an amazing speech!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 types of debate.

The four main types of debate are: 

• Parliamentary Debate 
• Lincoln-Douglas Debate 
• Cross-Examination Debate 
• Academic Debate 

What are the 2 sides of a debate called?

The opposition and proposition are the two sides of a debate. 

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How to Write a Winning Debate Speech

What is a Debate?

A classroom debate involves students delivering persuasive speeches to present and support their opinions on a given subject. This activity helps develop critical thinking and communication skills, enabling students to gain a more comprehensive grasp of various topics.

Debate speeches are written according to a set of rules so a moderator can assess their effectiveness and allow others to question or challenge their statements within a formal debate.

A classroom debate is not an unruly fight or pointless argument but a structured formal conversation on a chosen topic in which two teams argue for or against it to convince the neutral moderator that they hold the stronger position.

Debating is a form of persuasive communication, and while we will be sticking to the fundamentals of how to write a debating speech, we also have a great guide to persuasive essay writing that elaborates on specific persuasive techniques.

Complete Teaching Unit on Class Debating

This unit will guide your students to write excellent DEBATE SPEECHES and craft well-researched, constructed ARGU MENTS ready for critique from their classmates.

Furthermore, this EDITABLE UNIT will provide the TOOLS and STRATEGIES for running highly engaging CLASSROOM DEBATES.

How To Run A Classroom Debate

Before jumping in headfirst to write your debating speech, ensure you understand how a debate is run to maximise your strategy and impact when it counts.

Debates occur in many different contexts, such as public meetings, election campaigns, legislative assemblies, and as entertainment on television shows. These contexts determine the specific structure the debate will follow.

This guide provides a basic step-by-step debate structure we can comfortably run with students in a classroom. By familiarizing students with this structure, they will effortlessly transition to other debate frameworks.

Running a classroom debate can be an engaging and educational activity that helps students develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to organize and facilitate a successful classroom debate:

1. Choose a Topic For Your Debate.

Also called a resolution or a motion , the topic is sometimes chosen to debate. This is usually the case in a school activity to practice debating skills. 

The resolution or motion is usually centered around a true or false statement or a proposal to change the current situation. Often, the motion starts, ”This House believes that….”

Select a topic relevant to your curriculum and the students’ interests. Ensure that it is debatable and has multiple perspectives. Further down this article, you can find a list of popular classroom debating topics.

2. Form Two Debating Teams

Two teams of three speakers each are formed. These are referred to as ‘ The House for the Motion ’ or the ‘ Affirmative ’ team and ‘The House Against the Motion ’ or the ‘ Negative ’ team.

Preparation is an essential aspect of debating. The speech and debate team members will need time to research their arguments, collaborate, and organize themselves and their respective roles in the upcoming debate.

They’ll also need time to write and rehearse their speeches. The better prepared and coordinated they are as a team, the greater their chances of success in the debate.

3. Assign Roles to Students.

Each team member should have a specific role, such as speaker, researcher , or rebuttal specialist . This encourages teamwork and ensures that each student is actively involved.

4. Research and Preparation:

• Allocate time for teams to research and prepare their arguments. Encourage students to use multiple sources, including books, articles, and reputable websites. Make sure you read our complete guide to powerful student research strategies.

5. Set Debate Format:

• Define the debate format, including the structure of each round. Common formats include opening statements, cross-examination, rebuttals, and closing statements.

6. Establish Rules:

• Set ground rules for the debate, such as time limits for each speaker, etiquette, guidelines for respectful communication, and consequences for rule violations.

7. Conduct a Practice Debate:

• Before the actual debate, conduct a practice round. This helps students become familiar with the format and allows you to provide feedback on their arguments and presentation skills.
• On the day of the debate, set up the classroom to accommodate the format. Ensure that each round has a clear structure, and designate a timekeeper to keep the debate on schedule.

9. Facilitate Q&A Sessions:

• After each team presents their arguments, allow time for questions and cross-examination. This encourages critical thinking and engagement among the students.

10. Evaluate and Debrief:

• After the debate, provide constructive feedback to each team. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments, presentation skills, and teamwork. Also, please encourage students to reflect on what they learned from the experience.
• Have a class discussion about the debate, exploring different perspectives and opinions. This can deepen students’ understanding of the topic and enhance their critical thinking skills.

Consider integrating the debate topic into future lessons or assignments. This reinforces the learning experience and allows students to delve deeper into the subject matter.

Remember to create a supportive and respectful environment throughout the debate, emphasizing the importance of listening to opposing views and engaging in constructive dialogue.

Each speaker takes a turn making their speech, alternating between the House for the Motion, who goes first, and the House Against the Motion. Each speaker speaks for a pre-agreed amount of time.

Ensure your debate is held in front of an audience (in this case, the class), and occasionally, the audience is given time to ask questions after all the speeches have been made.

Finally, the debate is judged either by moderators or by an audience vote. 

Download our Debate Organizer

Stay fousssed with this handy template to keep all your ideas organized.

How To Write A Debate

How to start a debate speech.

In highly competitive speech and debate tournaments, students are only provided the topic on the day, and limited time is allowed for preparation, but this is not recommended for beginners.

Regardless of the stakes of your classroom debate, the speechwriting process always begins with research. Thorough research will provide students with both the arguments and the supporting evidence for their position on a topic and generate forward-thinking about what their opponents might use against them.

Writing Your Introduction

The purpose of the introduction in a debate speech is to achieve several things:

• Grab the attention of the audience,
• Introduce the topic
• Provide a thesis statement
• Preview some of the main arguments.

Grab The Attention Of Your Audience With Strong Hooks

Securing the audience’s attention is crucial, and failure to do this will have a strong, negative impact on how the team’s efforts will be scored as a whole. Let’s explore three proven strategies to hook your audience and align their thinking to yours.

Introduce Your Topic With Efficiency and Effectiveness

Once the audience’s attention has been firmly grasped, it’s time to introduce the topic or the motion. This should be done straightforwardly and transparently to ensure the audience understands the topic of the debate and the position you are approaching it from.

For example, if the topic of the debate was school uniforms, the topic may be introduced with:

Provide Your Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a concise declaration summarizing the points and arguments of your debating speech.

• It presents a clear stance on a topic and guides the reader on what to expect in the content.
• A good thesis statement is debatable and allows for opposing viewpoints and discussion.
• It serves as a roadmap for the writer, ensuring coherence and focus in the piece.
• It helps the audience understand the purpose and direction of the work from the beginning.

The thesis statement should express the student’s or the team’s position on the motion. Clearly explaining the speaker’s side of the debate. An example can be seen here.

Provide A Preview Of Your Arguments

The final part of the introduction section of a debate speech involves previewing the main points of the speech for the audience.

There is no need to go into detail with each argument here; that’s what the body of the speech is for. It is enough to provide a general thesis statement for each argument or ‘claims’ – (more on this to follow).

Previewing the arguments in a speech is especially important as the audience and judges only get one listen to a speech – unlike a text, which can be reread as frequently as the reader likes.

debate introduction examples for students

Attention grabbers task.

After explaining the different types of attention grabbers and the format for the rest of the introduction to your students, challenge them to write an example of each type of opening for a specific debate topic. 

When they’ve finished writing these speech openings, discuss with the students which one best fits their chosen topic. Then, they can continue by completing the rest of the introduction for their speech using the format described above.

You might like to try a simple topic like “Homework should be banned.” you can choose from our collection further in this article.

Writing T he Body of the Speech

The body paragraphs are the real meat of the speech. They contain the in-depth arguments that make up the substance of the debate, and How well these arguments are made will determine how the judges will assess each speaker’s performance, so it’s essential to get the structure of these arguments just right.

Let’s take a look at how to do that.

How to structure an Argument

With the introduction out of the way, it’s time for the student to get down to the nitty-gritty of the debate – that is, making compelling arguments to support their case.

There are three main aspects to an argument in a debate speech. They are:

• The Warrant

Following this structure carefully enables our students to build coherent and robust arguments. Ttake a look at these elements in action in the example below.

Brainstorming Arguments

Present your students with a topic and, as a class, brainstorm some arguments for and against the motion.

Then, ask students to choose one argument and, using the Claim-Warrant-Impact format, take a few moments to write down a well-structured argument that’s up to debate standard.

Students can then present their arguments to the class. 

Or, you could also divide the class along pro/con lines and host a mini-debate!

Concluding a Debate Speech

The conclusion of a speech or a debate is the final chance for the speaker to convey their message to the audience. In a formal debate that has a set time limit, the conclusion is crucial as it demonstrates the speaker’s ability to cover all their material within the given time frame.

Avoid introducing new information and focus on reinforcing the strength of your position for a compelling and memorable conclusion.

A good conclusion should refer back to the introduction and restate the main position of the speaker, followed by a summary of the key arguments presented. Finally, the speaker should end the speech with a powerful image that will leave a lasting impression on the audience and judges.

Examples of strong debate Conclusions

The Burden of the Rejoinder

In formal debates, the burden of the rejoinder means that any time an opponent makes a point for their side, it’s incumbent upon the student/team to address that point directly.

Failing to do so will automatically be seen as accepting the truth of the point made by the opponent.

For example, if the opposing side argues that all grass is pink, despite how ridiculous that statement is, failing to refute that point directly means that, for the debate, all grass is pink.

Our students must understand the burden of the rejoinder and ensure that any points the opposing team makes are fully addressed during the debate.

The Devils Advocate

When preparing to write their speech, students should spend a significant proportion of their team collaborating as a team. 

One good way to practice the burden of the rejoinder concept is to use the concept of Devil’s Advocate, whereby one team member acts as a member of the opposing team, posing arguments from the other side for the speaker to counter, sharpening up their refutation skills in the process.

20 Great Debating Topics for Students

• Should cell phones be allowed in schools?
• Is climate change primarily caused by human activities?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Is social media more harmful than beneficial to society?
• Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be embraced or rejected?
• Is the death penalty an effective crime deterrent?
• Should schools implement mandatory drug testing for students?
• Is animal testing necessary for scientific and medical advancements?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory?
• Is censorship justified in certain circumstances?
• Should the use of performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
• Is homeschooling more beneficial than traditional schooling?
• Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
• Is nuclear energy a viable solution to the world’s energy needs?
• Should the government regulate the fast food industry?
• Is social inequality a result of systemic factors or individual choices?
• Should the consumption of meat be reduced for environmental reasons?
• Is online learning more effective than traditional classroom learning?
• Should the use of drones in warfare be banned?
• Is the legalization of marijuana beneficial for society?

These topics cover a range of subjects and offer students the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking debates on relevant and impactful issues.

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO DEBATING

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Debating strategies for students.

Research and preparation are essential to ensure good performance in a debate. Students should spend as much time as possible drafting and redrafting their speeches to maximize their chances of winning. However, a debate is a dynamic activity, and victory cannot be assured by pre-writing alone.

Students must understand that the key to securing victory lies in also being able to think, write (often in the form of notes), and respond instantly amid the turmoil of the verbal battle. To do this, students must understand the following keys to victory.

When we think of winning a debate, we often think of blinding the enemy with the brilliance of our verbal eloquence. We think of impressing the audience and the judges alike with our outstanding oratory.

What we don’t often picture when we imagine what a debate winner looks like is a quiet figure sitting and listening intently. But being a good listener is one of our students’ most critical debating skills.

If students don’t listen to the other side, whether by researching opposing arguments or during the thrust of the actual debate, they won’t know the arguments the other side is making. Without this knowledge, they cannot effectively refute the opposition’s claims.

Read the Audience

In terms of the writing that happens before the debate takes place, this means knowing your audience. 

Students should learn that how they present their arguments may change according to the demographics of the audience and/or judges to whom they will be making their speech. 

An audience of retired school teachers and an audience of teen students may have very different responses to the same arguments.

This applies during the actual debate itself too. If the student making their speech reads resistance in the faces of the listeners, they should be prepared to adapt their approach accordingly in mid-speech.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The student must practice their speech before the debate. There’s no need to learn it entirely by heart. There isn’t usually an expectation to memorize a speech entirely, and doing so can lead to the speaker losing some of their spontaneity and power in their delivery. At the same time, students shouldn’t spend the whole speech bent over a sheet of paper reading word by word.

Ideally, students should familiarize themselves with the content and be prepared to deliver their speech using flashcards as prompts when necessary.

Another important element for students to focus on when practising their speech is making their body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures coherent with the verbal content of their speech. One excellent way to achieve this is for the student to practice delivering their speech in a mirror.

And Finally…

Debating is a lot of fun to teach and partake in, but it also offers students a valuable opportunity to pick up some powerful life skills.

It helps students develop a knack for distinguishing fact from opinion and an ability to assess whether a source is credible or not. It also helps to encourage them to think about the other side of the argument. 

Debating helps our students understand others, even when disagreeing with them. An important skill in these challenging times, without a doubt.

Debating Teaching Strategies

Clearly Define Debate Roles and Structure when running speech and debate events: Clearly define the roles of speakers, timekeepers, moderators, and audience members. Establish a structured format with specific time limits for speeches, rebuttals, and audience participation. This ensures a well-organized and engaging debate.

• Provide Topic Selection and Preparation Time: Offer students a range of debate topics, allowing them to select a subject they are passionate about. Allocate ample time for research and preparation, encouraging students to gather evidence, develop strong arguments, and anticipate counterarguments.
• Incorporate Scaffolded Debating Skills Practice: Before the actual debate, engage students in scaffolded activities that build their debating skills. This can include small group discussions, mock debates, or persuasive writing exercises. Provide feedback and guidance to help students refine their arguments and delivery.
• Encourage Active Listening and Note-taking during speech and debate competitions: Emphasize the importance of active listening during the debate. Encourage students to take notes on key points, supporting evidence, and persuasive techniques used by speakers. This cultivates critical thinking skills and prepares them for thoughtful responses during rebuttals.
• Facilitate Post-Debate Reflection and Discussion: After the debate, facilitate a reflection session where students can share their thoughts, lessons learned, and insights gained. Encourage them to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments and engage in constructive dialogue. This promotes metacognitive skills and encourages continuous improvement.

By following these tips, teachers can create a vibrant and educational debate experience for their students. Through structured preparation, active engagement, and reflective discussions, students develop valuable literacy and critical thinking skills that extend beyond the boundaries of the debate itself.

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