speech meaning debate

Debate Writing

Debate Speech

A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing and Delivering A Debate Speech

Published on: Mar 9, 2022

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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 peopleâs 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 âPoint, Evidence, Explanation (PEE)â.

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.

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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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Debate vs. Speech

What's the difference.

Debate and speech are both forms of public speaking, but they differ in their purpose and structure. A debate involves two or more individuals or teams presenting arguments and counterarguments on a specific topic. It requires participants to research, analyze, and defend their positions while also refuting their opponents' arguments. Debates are interactive and often involve questioning and rebuttals. On the other hand, a speech is a one-sided presentation where an individual shares their thoughts, ideas, or opinions on a particular subject. Speeches are typically prepared in advance and delivered to an audience without any direct opposition or debate. While both debate and speech require effective communication skills, debates focus on presenting arguments and engaging in a back-and-forth exchange, while speeches emphasize delivering a persuasive or informative message to an audience.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Debate and speech are two distinct forms of communication that are often used in various settings, including educational institutions, political arenas, and public speaking events. While both debate and speech involve presenting arguments and ideas to an audience, they differ in terms of structure, purpose, and delivery. In this article, we will explore the attributes of debate and speech, highlighting their unique characteristics and discussing their respective advantages and disadvantages.

One of the key differences between debate and speech lies in their structure. A debate typically follows a structured format where two opposing teams or individuals present arguments and counterarguments on a specific topic. Each team or individual is given a set amount of time to present their case, followed by a cross-examination period where they can challenge their opponents' arguments. On the other hand, a speech is a more individualistic form of communication where a single speaker presents their ideas or opinions without direct opposition or cross-examination.

In a debate, the structure often includes an opening statement, rebuttals, and a closing statement. The opening statement allows each team or individual to present their main arguments and set the tone for the debate. Rebuttals provide an opportunity to challenge the opposing side's arguments and offer counterarguments. Finally, the closing statement allows each team or individual to summarize their main points and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

On the other hand, a speech typically follows a more linear structure, starting with an introduction to grab the audience's attention, followed by the main body where the speaker presents their ideas or arguments in a logical sequence, and concluding with a memorable ending that reinforces the main message. Unlike a debate, a speech does not involve direct opposition or cross-examination, allowing the speaker to focus solely on presenting their ideas in a persuasive and engaging manner.

Another important aspect to consider when comparing debate and speech is their purpose. Debate is often used as a means to explore different perspectives on a particular topic and to engage in a structured argumentative discussion. It aims to provide a platform for individuals or teams to present their viewpoints, challenge opposing arguments, and ultimately persuade the audience to adopt their position. Debates are commonly used in educational settings to enhance critical thinking, public speaking skills, and the ability to construct persuasive arguments.

On the other hand, the purpose of a speech is typically to inform, inspire, entertain, or motivate the audience. Unlike a debate, a speech is not focused on direct opposition or convincing the audience of a specific viewpoint. Instead, it aims to convey a message, share personal experiences, or deliver a compelling narrative. Speeches are commonly used in various contexts, such as graduation ceremonies, political rallies, or TED talks, where the speaker's goal is to captivate the audience and leave a lasting impact.

The delivery of a debate and a speech also differs significantly. In a debate, the emphasis is placed on effective argumentation, logical reasoning, and the ability to counter opposing arguments. Debaters must be skilled in presenting their points clearly and concisely, while also being prepared to respond to challenges from their opponents. The delivery in a debate often involves a more formal and structured approach, with a focus on persuasive language, evidence-based arguments, and the ability to think on one's feet.

On the other hand, the delivery of a speech is more focused on engaging the audience through effective storytelling, emotional appeal, and rhetorical devices. A speaker must possess strong public speaking skills, including voice modulation, body language, and the ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level. Unlike a debate, a speech allows for more creativity and personal expression, as the speaker has the freedom to use anecdotes, humor, or powerful metaphors to convey their message.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Both debate and speech have their own advantages and disadvantages. One of the advantages of debate is that it encourages critical thinking and the ability to analyze different perspectives. Debaters learn to research, gather evidence, and construct well-reasoned arguments. Additionally, debates provide a platform for individuals to develop their public speaking skills, as they must present their arguments in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner. However, a disadvantage of debate is that it can sometimes become overly competitive or confrontational, focusing more on winning the argument rather than fostering constructive dialogue.

On the other hand, one of the advantages of speech is its ability to inspire and motivate the audience. A well-delivered speech can leave a lasting impact on listeners, evoking emotions and encouraging positive change. Speeches also allow for more personal expression and creativity, as speakers can share their own experiences and perspectives. However, a disadvantage of speech is that it lacks the structured opposition and critical analysis found in debates. Without direct challenges or cross-examination, the speaker may not face rigorous scrutiny of their ideas, potentially leading to a less balanced or thorough exploration of the topic.

In conclusion, while both debate and speech involve presenting arguments and ideas to an audience, they differ in terms of structure, purpose, and delivery. Debates follow a structured format with opposing teams or individuals presenting arguments and engaging in cross-examination, aiming to persuade the audience to adopt their position. Speeches, on the other hand, are more individualistic, focusing on conveying a message, inspiring the audience, or sharing personal experiences. Both forms of communication have their own advantages and disadvantages, and their suitability depends on the specific context and goals. Whether engaging in a lively debate or delivering a powerful speech, effective communication skills are essential for success.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

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Complete Guide to Debating: How to Improve your Debating Skills

August 1, 2018 - Gini Beqiri

Debating can look intimidating from the sidelines, with speakers appearing confident, passionate and unwavering, but it consists of skills that anybody can learn. Debating may not be something that you encounter in your everyday work but these skills can be incredibly valuable. In this article we provide a guide to the basics of debating.

What is debating?

A debate is a structured contest over an issue or policy. There are two sides – one supporting, one opposing.

Benefits of debating include:

Allowing you to think about aspects and perspectives you may not have considered.
Encourages you to speak strategically.
Improving public speaking skills .
Learning how to create a persuasive argument.
When you have to argue against your personal view you realise that there are two sides to the argument.

Debating examples

The U.K. Prime Minister, Theresa May, answers questions:

This example video shows Theresa May answering questions from MPs in the House of Commons. Notice her strong debating skills and how she answers difficult questions under pressure.

Watch the full video here: Prime Minister’s Questions: 16 May 2018

Debate structure

There are multiple formats a debate can follow, this is a basic debate structure:

A topic is chosen for each debate – this is called a resolution or motion. It can be a statement, policy or idea. The motion is usually a policy which changes the current state of affairs or a statement which is either truth or false. The motion typically starts with “This House…”
The Affirmative team support the statement
The Negative team oppose the statement
Sometimes you will be asked to take a position in the debate but in other debates you will be allocated your position.
Teams are provided with time to prepare – usually one hour
Each speaker presents for a set amount of time
Speakers alternate between the teams, usually a speaker in the Affirmative team starts, followed by a Negative speaker, then the second Affirmative speaker presents, followed by the second Negative speaker etc.
The debate is then judged.
There may be an audience present but they are not involved in the debate

Once you have learned how to debate in one format you can easily switch to another.

Roles of the speakers

Each speaker must typically do the following:

First Affirmative

Contextualise the debate – clearly set out your team’s interpretation of the topic and the significant issues they disagree with.
Provide definitions if necessary.
Outline the team line and the team split – this is where you outline your team’s case and summarise the way your arguments have been divided between your speakers.
Provide 2-3 arguments supporting the motion.

First Negative

Clearly state your definition
Provide your arguments as to why this is the superior definition
Rebut the Affirmative’s arguments supporting their definition
Outline a team line and team split.
Rebut the arguments made by the First Affirmative.
Deliver 2-3 arguments against the motion.

Second Affirmative

If needed, resolve any definitional issues.
Rebut the First Negative’s arguments.
Deliver 2-3 arguments supporting the motion.

Second Negative

Rebut the arguments made by the Affirmative team up to this point, with a focus on the Second Affirmative’s arguments.

Third Affirmative

Rebut specific issues raised by Second Negative and defend any other important attacks on your team’s case.
Conclude your speech with a brief summary (1-2 minutes) of your team’s case. You should include the key issues which you and the Negative team disagreed on during this.
You can introduce new material but this is interpreted as poor team planning.

Third Negative

This is the same structure as the Third Affirmative.

There are many variations of the three against three debate, a commonly known one is Points of Information. This is used a lot in university debates . During a speech the opposition is allowed to ask a question or make a point.

They stand up and say “point of information” or “on that point” etc. The speaker can choose to accept or reject the point. If accepted, the point of information can last around 15 seconds and the speaker can ask for it to stop at any time.

Debate definitions

Younger debaters tend to waste time defining terms so you must first decide whether you need to define a term. Ask yourself: will my speech be confusing if I don’t define this term? Could the opposition misinterpret what I mean without a definition? For example, the motion could be “we should ban plastic straws”. It’s clear what “plastic straws” are but what does “ban” mean?

Two factors which determine the definition of the debate:

1. Context – what is happening in the area that relates to this issue? For example, maybe the government of a country is debating banning smoking in public buildings and you decide to define the term “passive smoking” during the debate. If a significant event related to the topic has occurred then it should be the focus of the debate, for instance, a shocking report may have recently been revealed in the media showing the widespread effects of second-hand smoking.

2. Spirit of the motion – topics are chosen for a reason so what sort of debate was imagined when the topic was chosen? Looking at the spirit of the motion will ensure that you pick a definition that will produce a well-balanced and important debate.

If the topic is vague then you will have more choice of definitions. You have a duty to pick a clear definition and one that will create a good debate. If not, this may cause a definitional challenge which will ruin the debate and frustrate the judges.

For example, the topic may be “we spend too much money on the stars”. Stars can refer to celebrities or astronomy so you need to choose a definition.

Look at the context and see if there has been a recent significant event related to either topics – the media is the best place to look.
Then apply second test – which definition will lead to the best debate, which will be more interesting and debatable?

If one answer passes both tests then that’s your definition. If they tie then either is a good definition.

When providing your definition explain the context used to form the definition. This is important because your understanding of the context may be different from others due to various factors, such as, religion, culture, gender etc.

Learn more about using AI to practice your debating skills .

Basic argument structure

There are various ways of dividing up cases according to groups of arguments, such as, social/economic/political etc. You could assign each speaker to handle a group.

Place the most important arguments first, for example, “The media has more influence on self-esteem than anybody else. This is true for three reasons. Firstly (most important argument)… Secondly…, Thirdly (least important argument)…”

To structure an argument follow these steps:

Claim – present your argument in a clear statement. This claim is one reason why you’re in favour of/against the motion.
Evidence – the evidence supporting your claim, such as, statistics, references, quotes, analogies etc.
Impact – explain the significance of the evidence – how does this support your claim?

Arguments are weakest at the evidence stage as it’s easy to argue against, for example, the evidence may consist of isolated examples or there may be counter evidence. But it’s not a good technique because the opposition can provide more evidence or rebut your criticisms.

It’s difficult to rebut claims because they are usually reasonable but if you can attack a claim then that speaker’s whole argument falls apart. So if you think a claim is vulnerable then rebut it but you will need a strong explanation to show why it doesn’t matter.

European human rights debating for sixth form students from across London.

There are common flaws you can look for to form a rebuttal:

1. False dichotomy – this is where the speaker is trying to falsely divide the debate into two sides even though there are more alternatives than they state. It’s likely the speaker is doing this on purpose but in some cases they do not understand the debate.

2. Assertion – this is when a speaker presents a statement which isn’t actually an argument because there is no reason to believe that the statement is valid. It may just be an assumption. You can point out that there has not been enough examination to prove this validity and then give a reason why the assertion is (probably) not valid.

3. Morally flawed – arguments can be morally flawed, for example, “All criminals given a prison sentence should be given the death penalty instead, this will save the country money and space.” What has been argued is true but it’s clearly morally flawed.

4. Correlation rather than causation – a speaker may suggest a link between two events and suggest one led to the other. But the speaker may not explain how one caused the other event which can make an argument invalid.

5. Failure to deliver promises – sometimes a speaker might fail to complete a task they promised to deliver. For instance, they may state that they will provide evidence supporting a certain claim but they may lose track of what they have said and not actually do this.

6. Straw man – the opposing team introduces an argument and then rebuts it. They may use an extreme example of your proposal or perhaps they were hoping that you would make this argument.

7. Contradiction – an argument the other team presents may contradict one of their previous arguments. You must point out that the arguments cannot be true simultaneously and then explain how this reduces their case’s credibility.

8. Compare the conclusion to reality – think “what would happen if what they (the other team) are suggesting is implemented right now?” This usually shows that it’s more complicated than they have suggested and the changes can cause secondary problems.

Judges generally score the speakers looking at this criteria:

Content / Matter – What the debaters say, their arguments and evidence, the relevance of their arguments.
Style / Manner – How the debaters speak, including the language and tone used.
Strategy / Method – The structure of the speech, the clarity and responding to other’s arguments.

Debating event at the Oxford Union

Important skills for debating

To meet the judges criteria you will have to develop certain skills, consider the following:

You points must be relevant to the topic.
Provide evidence whenever you can and not your personal opinion.
You must put aside your personal views and remain objective when you debate so your argument remains logical. You can be passionate about a topic but interest can turn into aggression and passion can turn into upset.
Consider the audience’s attention span – make it interesting, for example, don’t just present lots of complicated statistics.
Ethos – the ethical appeal
Pathos – the emotional appeal
Logos – the logical appeal
Use notes but keep them brief and well organised. Use a different piece of paper for rebuttals.
Similar to looking at conclusions to create rebuttals, think comparatively by asking yourself “How does my plan compare to what’s happening now/what would happen in the world if the other team won?” You can win the debate if you can make comparative claims about why your arguments matter more than the other team.
Only tell jokes if you’re naturally good at it otherwise this can backfire.
Flexibility is important because you might get allocated the side of the argument you don’t agree with. You’ll have to work hard to overcome your views. Also use this insight to think of the potential arguments you might make and then plan for counter arguments.
Speak clearly and concisely.
You must talk fast enough to have the time to deliver your speech but slow enough so you can be understood.
Project your voice to the back of the room.
Incorporate dramatic pauses.
Emphasise important words and vary your tone appropriately.
Have a relaxed pose and posture.
Avoid filler words.
Know your material.
Emphasise using gestures and avoid nervous gestures.
Maintain eye contact with the audience.
Keep your language simple to avoid confusion.
Refer to the opposite side as: “My opponent”.
When making a rebuttal say: “My opponent said…, however…”
Don’t exaggerate – avoid the words “never” or “always” etc.
Avoid saying that a speaker “is wrong”, instead say that “your idea is mistaken”.

What to avoid

Falsifying, making up or altering evidence.
Publicly disagreeing with the judges’ decision.
Attacking a speaker rather than an idea.
Acting aggressively or offensively towards debaters, judges, audience etc.
Interrupting other debaters as this can suggest that your argument isn’t very strong.
Disagreeing with facts or obvious truths.

British Parliamentary debating

British Parliamentary debating is a popular form of debating so we will briefly explain it: There are four teams made up of two speakers each. Two teams are on the government’s side and the other two teams are the opposition but all the teams are trying to win rather than one side. The motion is given 15 minutes before the debate begins and teams are assigned to positions randomly. They alternate their speeches, with the government’s side starting. Speeches are usually 5-7 minutes.

The first two speakers on the government side are called the “opening government” and the first two speakers on the opposition’s side are called the “opening opposition”. The last two speakers on the government’s and opposition’s side are called the “closing government” and “closing opposition” correspondingly.

British MPs debate a petition seeking to ban Donald Trump from entering the U.K.

The speakers’ roles in the opening half of the debate are similar to the roles of the first and second speakers in the three against three debate described previously. The only difference is that the second opening government and second opening opposition speakers include summaries at the end of their speeches – this is because they will also be competing with the teams in the closing half of the debate.

The closing government and closing opposition aim to move the debate on but not contradict their side’s opening team. As well as rebuttal, the majority of the third speaker’s time consists of presenting either: new material, new arguments, a new analysis from a different perspective or extending previously presented arguments. This is called an “extension” which must be something that sets their team apart and makes them unique.

The last two speeches of the closing teams are summary speeches – they summarise the debate and disagreements between the team. Their most important goal is to explain why their side has won the debate. They are not allowed to present new arguments but they can present new evidence and rebuttal.

During the speeches points of information are offered regularly. Speakers should only accept a maximum of two points of information. The first and last minute is protected time where points of information cannot be offered.

Rather than a side trying to win, all the teams are trying to win – this allows different perspectives to be explored. The teams are then ranked 1st to 4th in the debate.

Debate topics

Almost anything can be debated, here are some popular topics – these have been written as questions but they can be easily adapted into statements:

Is animal experimentation justified?
Should we legalise the possession of cannabis for medicinal use?
Should we recognise Bitcoin as a legal currency?
Is torture acceptable when used for national security?
Should mobile phones be banned until a certain age?
Does technology make us more lonely?
Should guns be banned in the U.S.?
Should we make internet companies liable for illegal content shared on their platforms?
Will posting students’ grades publicly motivate them to perform better?
Should animals be used for scientific testing?
Do violent video games make people more violent?
Should the death penalty be stopped completely?
Should smoking in public places be completely banned?
Should doping be allowed in professional sports?
Should all zoos be closed?
Should consumers must take responsibility for the plastic waste crisis?
Is euthanasia justified?
Is the boarding school system beneficial to children?

Debate topics for children

If you’re trying to think of debate topics for a classroom, consider the following:

Should mobile phones be allowed at school?
Is global warming a problem?
Should violent video games be banned?
Is school detention beneficial?
Are celebrities good role models?
Does social networking have a beneficial effect on society?
Are single sex schools more effective than co-ed schools?
Do celebrities get away with more crime than non-celebrities?
Is cloning animals ethical?
Are humans to blame for certain animal extinctions?

Debating societies

If you’re interested in debating consider searching for a society or debating events near you:

Most universities have a debating society and their webpages usually contain lots of useful information and tips.
Toastmasters
Use Meetup to find debates close to you

Specific to the UK:

Sylvans Debating Club
The Association of Speakers Clubs

Debate Writing

Debate Speech

Debate Speech - Ultimate Writing Guide for Students

What Is A Debate Speech?

A debate speech is a formal presentation where you argue for or against a specific topic.

It involves structured arguments presented in different sections, aiming to persuade the audience with facts and convincing points. It's a way of discussing and trying to show why your side is the right one on a particular subject.

Key Elements of A Debate Speech

A debate typically includes several essential elements to effectively communicate your position and persuade the audience. These elements form the building blocks of a strong debate speech:

Opening Statements: These kick off the debate, presenting the main arguments for your side or against the motion. It sets the tone for the discussion.
Rebuttals: In this stage, you respond to the arguments made by the opposing side, highlighting weaknesses or presenting counterpoints.
Summary: Towards the end of the debate, a summary is provided to reinforce your main arguments and explain why your perspective is stronger. This section aims to leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Use of Evidence: Supporting your arguments with evidence, facts, and examples strengthens your position and makes your speech more convincing.
Logical Reasoning: Presenting arguments in a clear, logical sequence enhances the coherence and persuasiveness of your speech.
Rhetorical Appeal: Adding appeals like ethos, pathos and logos to your speech can engage the audience, making your points more relatable and impactful.

How To Prepare For Debate Speech?

Creating a compelling debate speech requires a methodical approach that ensures a clear, convincing, and organized presentation. Let's delve into the detailed steps for an effective preparation:

Choosing a Position

Start by selecting a clear stance or position regarding the debate topic. Decide whether you are arguing for or against the motion. Understanding and committing to your position forms the foundation of your speech.

Conducting Thorough Research

Gathering information for your debate speech is really important. Look at different sources like books, reliable websites, and experts' ideas.

Find facts, numbers, and real stories that support what you want to say. It's key to use strong and trusted information that backs up your side of the argument.

When you collect different types of information, it makes your speech stronger and more convincing. This way, you'll be well-prepared to explain your ideas during the debate.

Structure The Key Points

After research and collecting points, organize your main arguments in a clear and logical manner to effectively convey your position in the debate. Set sufficient time to each key point to ensure they're adequately developed and presented.

You can do this by following a debate format. Here is a standard debate speech format for a 20-15 minutes long debate:

How to Start a Debate Speech

Crafting a compelling opening for your speech involves capturing the audience's attention while introducing key points of discussion.

You can achieve this by using attention-grabbing techniques such as sharing an eye-opening fact, a powerful quote, or a personal anecdote related to the topic.

Additionally, it's beneficial to briefly outline the key areas of discussion that you'll cover in your speech. By providing a sneak peek of the main points, you offer the audience a roadmap of what's to come.

This not only piques the audience's interest but also helps them anticipate and follow the structure of your speech.

Structure Your Arguments

Structuring arguments in the debate speech means organizing your ideas in a way that makes sense to others.

A well-structured argument often uses the P-E-E format, which stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation (P-E-E):

Point or Reason: Begin by stating your main argument or reason. This is the central idea you want to convey in support of your position.
Evidence: Provide evidence, facts, or examples that support your point. This evidence should be reliable and back up what you're saying.
Explanation: Explain how your evidence supports your point. Make it clear to your audience why this evidence is important and how it links to your argument.

This structure helps make your arguments more persuasive and clear. It enables you to present your points effectively, support them with evidence, and explain why that evidence matters in the context of your argument.

Address Counterarguments (Rebuttals)

Addressing counterarguments involves anticipating the opposing viewpoints and crafting responses, known as rebuttals , within your speech. A rebuttal is a persuasive counter-argument that challenges or opposes the points raised by the other side.

By thinking ahead and having strong responses, you showcase a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

This approach makes your argument stronger and shows your skill in defending your position, boosting your speech's credibility.

How to End a Debate Speech

Concluding your debate speech effectively is as important as starting it strong. Here are two impactful ways to conclude your speech:

Summarize Key Points with a Call to Action Example: "In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the idea that [your stance on the topic]. As we leave here today, let's not merely acknowledge the importance of [debate topic] but commit to [call to action], ensuring a brighter future for all."
End with a Powerful Quote or Statement Example: "As [relevant figure] once wisely said, '[insert impactful quote].' Let these words guide us in our understanding of [debate topic]. Together, we can [highlight the desired outcome or change]."

Review And Practice

The last step is to review and practice a lot. Read through your speech to make sure it all makes sense and fits the time limit.

Practice how you talk, how fast or slow, and how you use your body while speaking. Also, be ready to answer questions or handle different arguments.

Do a few final practice rounds to feel more confident and comfortable. This way, you'll be well-prepared and ready to deliver a strong debate speech.

Debate Speech Examples for Students

For students, understanding how to structure and present a debate speech is crucial. Here are some debate speech samples to help you grasp the basics of debating:

First Speaker Debate Speech Example

2nd Speaker Debate Speech Example

3rd Speaker Debate Speech Example

Short Example Of Debate Speech

Debate Speech Structure

Examples can serve as a great starting point. Check out more expertly crafted debate examples for inspiration!

Tips for an Effective Debate Speech

Crafting a persuasive and impactful debate speech requires careful consideration and strategic planning. Here are key tips to enhance the effectiveness of your presentation:

Tailor language to match the audience's demographics and interests.
Strengthen arguments with credible sources and diverse perspectives.
Organize with a clear introduction, well-developed body, and strong conclusion for a logical flow.
Capture attention with a compelling quote, question, or anecdote.
Support arguments with relevant statistics, examples, and real-world scenarios.
Anticipate opposing viewpoints and incorporate strong rebuttals.
Clearly articulate and repeat key ideas to reinforce your stance.
Maintain a dynamic and engaging delivery by varying tone and pace.
Pay attention to body language, eye contact, and gestures.
Allocate time wisely for each speech segment to ensure a well-paced presentation.
Be prepared to adapt to unexpected changes during the debate.
Practice multiple times to enhance clarity, emphasis, and pacing, boosting confidence.

Need to polish your debate? Have a look at this in-depth blog on debate techniques and get effective tips!

Debate Speech Topics

Here are some unique topic ideas for you to write a debate on.

Credit cards are more harmful than debit cards.
We are becoming too dependent on technology.
Marriage is an outdated concept.
Homework is necessary with regard to the learning process.
Being a college graduate in the United States is necessary for a successful career.
It is a good idea to have laptops in classrooms.
Facebook is a better social platform than Twitter.
Cell phones can be used as educational tools.
Junk food must be banned in high schools and colleges.
The Prime Minister of any state enjoys more power than the president.

Can’t pick a topic? Check out this extensive blog with multiple debate topics and get unique ideas!

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Public Speaking

How to Write a Debate Speech

Last Updated: April 12, 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 1,495,115 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.

Step 2 Research the topic very thoroughly with credible information.

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

Step 1 Write an introduction that is catchy and interesting.

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.

Step 2 Outline where you stand very clearly.

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

Step 3 Make key points to back up your stance.

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.

Step 5 Understand the art of persuasion.

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.

Step 2 Work on your delivery from beginning to end.

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 31 Not Helpful 2
Never degrade your topic. Thanks Helpful 32 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 29 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 22 Not Helpful 5

↑ http://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/
↑ http://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 Debate: Mastering the Art of Persuasive Discourse

A debate is a form of persuasive communication involving two sides arguing for and against a specific position. The exercise is structured with many rules and conventions that a debater must follow. Knowing how to debate is crucial for success.

Being able to engage in a spirited debate is an essential skill in today’s complex and interconnected world. Whether in academic settings, professional environments, or personal conversations, the ability to present and defend your ideas effectively significantly affects your reputation and influence.

This article explores key principles and practical tips to develop your debating prowess , enabling you to articulate your views persuasively, handle counterarguments gracefully, and foster a constructive exchange of ideas. With these tools at your disposal, you’ll be ready to navigate the realm of debates with confidence and intellectual agility.

Table of Contents

What Are The Five Types Of Debates?

Debating is more than just expressing your opinion; it involves the art of persuasive discourse, where logical reasoning, compelling evidence, and respectful communication converge.

Here are five common types of debates:

Policy debates focus on analyzing and evaluating specific courses of action or proposed policies. Participants delve into the potential benefits, drawbacks, and impacts of different policy options, often employing research and evidence to support their arguments.
Value debates revolve around discussing and weighing moral, ethical, or philosophical principles. Participants explore abstract concepts such as justice, liberty, or equality to establish which values should be prioritized and why.
Fact-based debates center on examining empirical evidence and verifying the truth or accuracy of a given statement or claim. Participants present data, research, and expert opinions to support their arguments, often engaging in a rigorous analysis of facts and evidence to determine the most accurate interpretation.
Team debates involve groups of participants working collaboratively to present arguments and counterarguments. Typically structured as a competitive event, these debates require coordination and strategy, with each team member contributing their unique perspective to put forward a cohesive and persuasive case.
Formal debates adhere to specific rules and protocols, often following established formats such as parliamentary or Lincoln-Douglas debates . These debates emphasize structured discourse, timed speeches, and strict guidelines for rebuttals and cross-examinations.

What Are The Three Main Parts Of A Debate?

The three main parts of a debate are the opening statements, the rebuttals, and the closing statements.

The opening statement s serve as the foundation of a debate. Each participant or team presents their initial arguments and outlines their main points. This is the opportunity to establish a clear position, provide supporting evidence, and capture the audience’s attention.
Opening statements should be concise, persuasive, and set the stage for the rest of the debate.
Rebuttals are the heart of a debate, where participants directly address and challenge the arguments put forth by their opponents. During this phase, debaters critically analyze the opposing views, identify flaws or weaknesses, and present counterarguments supported by evidence and logic.
Rebuttals require quick thinking, effective communication, and the ability to dismantle opposing claims while maintaining a respectful tone .
The closing statements are the final opportunity for participants to leave a lasting impression. In this phase, debaters summarize their main points, reiterate their strongest arguments, and emphasize why their position is superior.
Closing statements should leave the audience with a c ompelling reason to support the debater’s position. You must also reinforce the key points and provide a sense of closure to the debate.

What Are The Five Basic Debating Skills?

Researching and gathering relevant information is a fundamental debating skill. It involves conducting thorough investigations, analyzing sources critically, and understanding different perspectives to develop well-informed arguments supported by evidence.
Critical thinking is crucial for effective debating. It encompasses evaluating arguments objectively, identifying logical fallacies, spotting inconsistencies, and constructing well-reasoned counterarguments. Developing necessary thinking skills enables debaters to approach complex topics with analytical precision and form persuasive responses.
Debating necessitates clear and articulate communication skills. Debaters should be able to express their ideas coherently, use appropriate language and tone, and engage the audience. Active listening and responding thoughtfully to the points raised by opponents are also key components of effective communication in debates.
Persuasive speaking is the art of influencing the audience and convincing them of the validity of one’s arguments. Debaters should employ rhetorical devices, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, to appeal to their listeners’ emotions, credibility, and logic.
Time management is critical in debates with limited time constraints. Debaters must learn to structure their arguments effectively within the given timeframe, allocate appropriate time for each point, and deliver concise and impactful speeches.
Skillful time management ensures that debaters make their strongest case while leaving sufficient time for rebuttals and closing statements.

How To Debate Step By Step?

Understand the topic: Familiarize yourself with the subject matter, including key terms, concepts, and relevant arguments.
Research and gather evidence: Conduct comprehensive research to support your position. Collect data, facts, examples, and expert opinions that strengthen your arguments.
Structure your arguments: Organize your thoughts by outlining your main points and supporting evidence. Ensure a logical flow and coherence in presenting your ideas.
Engage respectfully: Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor throughout the debate. Listen actively to your opponents, address their points directly, and avoid personal attacks.
Deliver compelling speeches: Use clear and persuasive language to present your arguments confidently. Employ rhetorical devices, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, to appeal to the audience’s emotions, credibility, and logic.
Rebut opposing arguments: During rebuttal, deconstruct and challenge your opponents’ arguments. Offer counterarguments supported by evidence and logical reasoning.
Stay focused and concise: Remember time constraints and prioritize your strongest points. Keep to the topic at hand and avoid digressions.
Adapt to feedback: Pay attention to comments from the audience, judges, or moderators. Adjust your approach, if necessary, and address any weaknesses or gaps in your arguments.
Conclude with impact: Summarize your main points and reiterate the strength of your position in the closing statement. Leave a lasting impression on the audience and reinforce the key takeaways from your arguments.
Reflect and improve: After the debate, analyze areas for improvement, learn from your experiences, and continue to develop your debating skills.

How Do You Begin A Debate?

To begin a debate, start with a compelling opening statement that captures the audience’s attention. Clearly state your position or proposition and briefly summarize your main arguments.

Hook the audience by using a thought-provoking question, a powerful statistic, or a relevant anecdote to establish the importance and relevance of the topic.

How Do You Structure A Debate?

When structuring a debate, begin with an introduction that clearly defines the topic and provides context for the discussion. Next, present your main arguments logically, ensuring each point builds upon the previous one.

Different Roles

High school students often find themselves as debate team members, taking on different roles such as the first affirmative, second speaker, or third affirmative.

In a parliamentary debate, the first speaker, often the prime minister, sets the tone by introducing the debate topic and outlining the team’s case. This crucial role requires thorough research, brainstorming new arguments, and presenting them coherently.

Affirmative And Negative Teams

Once the affirmative team presents its arguments, it’s time for the negative team to respond. The negative speaker must listen attentively, analyze their opponent’s arguments, and provide strong refutations.

Avoid constructing straw man arguments and instead engage with the core of the affirmative team’s points. To strengthen their position, the opposing team uses analogies or points of information to challenge the other side effectively.

Speakers use transition phrases to smoothly guide the audience from one point to another, concluding the debate by summarizing key points and reiterating their position.

How Does Teamwork Function In A Debate?

Teamwork plays a vital role in public speaking.

The affirmative speaker should work seamlessly with their team, ensuring a well-structured, logical debate. Each team member contributes to the overall coherence and success of the discussion, taking turns to present their viewpoints and fill any gaps in the team’s arguments.

Collaboration and effective time management, facilitated by the timekeeper, are key elements in achieving a strong performance.

What Should Be Your Goal In A Debate?

Ultimately, the goal of a debate is to persuade the adjudicator and the audience. Debaters should adopt a clear and confident point of view while presenting the team’s case.

They can build a solid foundation by analyzing the opponent’s argument and offering well-reasoned refutations. Avoiding filler and staying focused on the main points ensure a persuasive and impactful performance.

Mastering the art of persuasive discourse in debates requires dedication and practice . Aspiring debaters should embrace teamwork, understand the debate structure, and hone their research, refutation, and public speaking skills.

How Do You Debate Successfully?

Thorough preparation is the key to defeating your opposing team! Conduct research and gather evidence to support your arguments. Develop strong critical thinking skills to evaluate and respond to opposing viewpoints effectively.

Communicate confidently and respectfully, utilizing persuasive speaking techniques and positive body language (make eye contact!) to engage the audience and convey the strength of your position.

Adam Howarth

Adam covers the topic of Public Speaking for Digital Authority. From his first experience of oratory with his school debating society to his more recent experiences of promoting the local business scene in Wrexham, Wales, he has always been involved in public speaking.

Debate — Questions, Structure, and Topics

What is a debate?

A debate is a form of public discourse that presents organized arguments by two opposing sides. In a typical debate, two sides (affirmative and negative) are given a proposition to debate using a structured format that differs based on the type.

The affirmative side advocates for the proposition, providing supporting evidence and explanation, while the opposing side refutes the resolution. Therefore, the affirmative wants to convince the audience to adopt the resolution, while the opposition side wants them to reject it.

The audience varies depending on the topic of the debate. Consider the following examples:

Political: Voters

Policy: Lawmakers

Trial: Jury

Public Debate/Forum: Community members

Debate questions

The basis of a debate stems from the resolution, a declarative statement determined by a question. The resolution contains the claim the two sides will debate. These statements derive from debate questions:

Structure for debate

The specific structure depends on the form of debate. However, every formal debate contains a judge, opposing sides, speeches, and a decision.

Debates are set up to persuade a panel of judges rather than the opponent.

There are always two sides in a debate – one that agrees with the resolution (affirming) and one that disagrees (opposing).

Each debate includes rounds of speeches that present the side’s argument. The placement of the speech in the debate impacts its purpose.

The constructive speech is each team’s first speech to build their case.

Rebuttals provide the opportunity for both sides to discredit their opponent’s argument.

Cross-examination allows each side to question the other side.

The period where speakers from both sides can ask and answer each other’s questions is called crossfire . The grand crossfire functions in the same way, except all four speakers participate.

Closing statements offer each side a final opportunity to present their argument.

Upon conclusion of the debate, the judge(s) or moderator decides the winning side.

Types of debates

Team policy, Lincoln-Douglas, spontaneous argumentation, public forum, and parliamentary are the most common types of debates.

Team policy debates consist of two teams of two who take a position concerning a predetermined policy. One team argues to enact the policy while the opposing team members offer reasons to reject it.

Policy debates are structured as follows:

Lincoln-Douglas debates consist of one speaker debating against another speaker and are a common form of high school debates. The topic typically concerns social and philosophical issues with questions concerning ideas such as morality, justice, democracy, etc. They focus on determining if certain thoughts or actions are good or bad, right or wrong, and moral or immoral. Presidential debates typically look most like Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Spontaneous argumentation (SPAR) is a quick and simple type of debate. It typically involves two debaters given a topic right before the debate, allowing only a few minutes for preparation.

Public forum debates feature two teams with two speakers each who debate a topic regarding a current event.

A parliamentary debate includes two teams with two speakers each. The affirmative team is often referred to as the government and is trying to uphold the resolution, whereas the negative team (the opposition) opposes the government’s viewpoint. The government identifies a problem and offers a solution, while the opposition argues against that solution. The rules for this type of debate originated from British parliamentary procedure.

Debating tips

When debating, the following strategies can positively affect the outcome:

While some debate formats allow for a limited amount of preparation time, utilize the time provided. It is best to take as much time as possible to formulate an argument. Going into a debate unprepared not only impacts the argument but can negatively influence body language, eye contact, volume, pacing, etc.

Focus and stay on topic. Make sure each sentence has a purpose and supports the argument.

Use good public speaking skills like appropriate eye contact, volume, pacing, intonation, inflection, posture, etc., which show the speaker’s confidence. Sometimes the presentation can be as important as what is presented.

Debates provide speakers with the opportunity to respond to their opponent’s argument. Focus on actively listening to the opposing side. While it is possible to predict their argument, providing a direct response to something they said is much more persuasive than moving forward as if there is no opposing side.

The point of a debate is to attack the argument , not the opponent.

Debate topics

The following are example topics for each main type of debate:

Team Policy Debate

The United States federal government should substantially increase its protection of its water resources.

The United States federal government should substantially increase its security cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity.

New York should offer universal healthcare to its residents.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

In a democracy, a free press ought to prioritize objectivity over advocacy.

Radicalism is preferable to incrementalism to achieve social justice.

Civil disobedience in a democracy is morally justified.

The actions of corporations ought to be held to the same moral standards as the actions of individuals.

Spontaneous Argumentation (SPAR)

Lying is sometimes justified.

High schools should require uniforms.

Voting is a duty and not a right.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

Money can buy happiness.

Public Forum Debate

Japan should revise Article 9 of its Constitution to develop offensive military capabilities.

The United States should establish a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement with Taiwan.

Parliamentary Debate

In the US criminal justice system, truth-seeking ought to be valued above attorney-client privilege.

Chain stores are detrimental to the best interests of the American public.

The United States Senate should eliminate the filibuster.

How to Write a Debate Speech in English | Format, and Examples

Every student has to write a debate at some point in school, college, or university and if you don’t know about the methods and steps to write a debate speech, you won’t write an effective debate speech to increase your chance of success. Following a proper structure and format in debate writing is essential for a good debate to convenience the audience. There are some tips and methods to write an effective debate speech and by setting a tone and correct words choice and sentences, you can grab the judge’s and the audience’s attention. So, are you searching for pro tips on how to write a debate speech in English? Let’s dive into this article and get complete knowledge about debate writing.

Before diving into the steps of debate writing, it’s necessary to understand debate speech definition and debate speech format.

Debate Speech Definition

A debate speech is a formal discussion on a specific topic between two opposing sides or groups. One side discusses in a favor of the given topic or title, while the other side speaks against it or disagrees with the first side. The main purpose of a debate speech is to convince the judges and audience that your opinion is right. In debate speech, you need to express your views in a specific format and make your opponents impress by good debate writing skills.

Debate Speech Format

You can follow the following pattern for a debate speech.

Opening Statements and Explanation

This section consists of the opening sentences by using three arguments with explaining questions.

Pro Tema – Up to 5 minutes
Con Team – Up to 2 minutes
Con Team – Up to 5 minutes
Pro Team – Up to 2 minutes

Rebuttals (No new Arguments Here)

In this section, the debaters repeat the deponent arguments and evaluate what is wrong with his/her position.

Pro Team – Up to 3 minutes
Con Team – Up to 3 minutes

Debate Summary

In the summary, debates summarize their positions after detailed arguments and discussions with the opponents. In addition, the debaters also say why their position is the best.

Finally, each group will be assumed to answer the questions up to 20 minutes long session. For instance, you can look at the following debate speech template to get an idea of the debate speech structure.

Debate Speech Format PDF

How to Write a Debate (6 Steps)

Structuring and writing your debate correctly will increase your chance of success. By following the 6 easy steps below will help you win the debate competition. Without further ado let’s dive into the following steps.

Begin With a Strong Opening Lines
Define the Topic
Signposting

Step #1: Begin With a Strong Opening Lines

Every good speech and discussion starts with a strong sentence. Remember the first impression is the last impression, hence start your debate with a strong opening line that can help you impress the audience and the judge immediately. For example, you can start your debate by asking an open-ended question, tell a story, state an amazing fact or say a powerful quotation.

Step #2: Define the Topic

When you started your debate with a strong sentence and catch the audience’s attention, in the next step you need to make the subject clear to your listeners. You need to state the topic and your group’s position on the topic to help the audience comprehend the side you are going to argue about.

For Example:

“Ladies and gentlemen, today I would like to talk to you about the education system. The education system that we have followed in our country has been reformed many times. Computer literacy at the age of 13 can help in the child’s future studies. Here, I will argue that the problem is the pandemic, besides being stressful, are indecisive in assessing student learning.”

Step #3: Signposting

Signposting may seem irritating and avoidable. If you are word-addict it can even seem like it’s confusing the flow of your otherwise clear and lyrical speech. However, it’s totally important in the format of a good debate speech. You might think that you write a good debate speech, but remember the audience isn’t you to judge. They don’t how much idea about the topic as you have and they might get bored for a few moments in your introduction and then get completely lost. This is why signposting is necessary for debate.

This is a good way to remind your audience of what you are discussing and where you are up to in your speech. Hence, after your introduction add a few points that tell the audience that how many points you are going to deliver and in what order you are delivering them.

Also Read : Essential Transition Words and Phrases for Writing

Step #4: Rebuttal

Have you heard that sometimes the best offense is a good defense? In a professional debate, the most compelling part is usually when one side takes one of the arguments of the opponent and then cuts it to pieces. Indeed, it’s the most difficult part of any debate speech to finish correctly. In a debate speech Rebutting arguments forces you to think thoroughly on the spot. You have a little time like 30 to 40 seconds to take arguments that your opponent has spent a lot of time researching and edging and convincingly oppose it.

There are some approaches that you can use while rebutting in a debate speech and make the challenge a little less dismay. These include the following:

Pre-research thoroughly
What’s the point
Economic Challanges
Say your own arguments

Step #5: Arguments

The argument is the most significant part of a debate speech. To make it clear for you, we have divided this down into four simple subtopics.

1. Decide what to argue:

If you have researched the topics and have good information, then a lot of arguments will come to your mind. It always requires good research to come up with talking points. Consider the issue. You can research online, read books and novels for good ideas. When you have good knowledge of the topic then the right arguments will come to your mind no matter how strong your position is.

2. The Layout :

Writing an argument is the same as writing a body paragraph for an essay. You can start each argument by signposting for instance, “Initially, I want to argue….” and then follow up with a sentence shortly. After this, you need to talk in detail about the topic by giving some facts and statics to constitute what you are saying, and then at the end link neatly back to the title of the debate to make clear to the audience that you are not only giving a passionate rant but instead making a carefully calculated point that related in with a general thesis statement.

3. Find Evidence:

Embedding the right evidence into your debate speech makes you more conceivable, but using the wrong and irrelevant evidence from a wrong source leaves you vulnerable to be attacked by the opposition. Hence, it’s necessary to search beforehand and find the right evidence.

4. Persuasive Strategies:

Remember you can be as persuasive and colorful in debate as you write a persuasive piece. Don’t use harsh words or insult your opponents and don’t use the sense of humor where it’s not important, but other than the obvious limitation you can use as many persuasive strategies as you can.

Step #6: How to Conclude

The conclusion is the result of your writing and is one of the most important parts of a debate speech. It should sum the points you have written in the whole parts of your writing, and by delivering the conclusion of your debate the listeners or readers should feel as if they have gained the result of whatever you have written in the body.

Writing a conclusion for a debate speech is the same as writing a conclusion for an essay. In the link below you can read more about how to conclude a debate.

How to Write the Best Concluding Paragraph

Debate Speech Sample in English

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The Power of Speech & Debate Education

Debate is a valuable activity for students of all skill levels. Debate teaches useful skills for other academic pursuits and life more generally. Most obviously, debaters build confidence speaking in public and expressing their ideas eloquently. That comfort speaking in front of others is useful in so many areas of life, from interviews to school presentations to discussions in college seminars.

But the benefits of debating are not limited to the skills built while students are speaking—the preparation for competition teaches critical thinking and research skills, as well. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” Debate tests and builds that ability by forcing students to see both sides of issues. Debaters flex their analytical muscles, learning to find the weak points in opponent’s arguments. They learn to explain their own ideas and assess different viewpoints, whether in a debate round, a political discussion, a classroom, or a written essay. And debate requires students to research their ideas and support them with evidence, teaching them to conduct research and assess sources. According to Arne Duncan, then-Secretary of Education , debate is “uniquely suited” to build skills required of a modern citizen, including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Those skills help students express their thoughts better in their academic work and their college applications (not to mention around your dinner table!). The College Board recently revamped the SAT test to focus more on exactly the sorts of skills debate teaches. As the New York Times explained , students taking the new version of the test must write “a critical response to a specific argument” based on analysis rather than personal experience. Debaters are used to responding to unfamiliar arguments in time-sensitive situations; thinking critically about a written passage on the SAT is not so different from responding to an opponent’s argument in a debate round. Debaters likewise outscore non-debaters on every section of the ACT . Studies across the country have found that high school debate improves reading ability, grades, school attendance, self-esteem, and interest in school. Duffin, Frank, Latitudes in Learning, “Debate Across the Curriculum Results” (2005). Many universities even offer scholarships specifically for college debaters .

For those who commit to speech and debate, it offers a lifetime of benefits. Forbes published an article titled “How to Find the Millennials Who Will Lead Your Company,” suggesting that the leaders of the future are ex-debaters. As that article notes, debate teaches “how to persuade, how to present clearly, and how to connect with an audience,” exactly the skills businesses look for in their young employees. You’ll find ex-debaters in every area of public life, from Bruce Springsteen to Oprah Winfrey to Nelson Mandela. 60% of Congressional representatives participated in debate, as well as at least a third of the Supreme Court. There are ex-debaters excelling in business, law, politics, academia, and many other fields.

Perhaps most important of all, debate is fun! You may have to cajole your son or daughter to go to their test prep class or do their homework, but debate makes learning a game; students build their critical thinking and speaking skills without it ever feeling like work. Debate gives students a rare opportunity to take ownership over their own intellectual development. And throughout the years of practice and competition, debate builds lifelong friendships and community, teaching teamwork as well.

For help getting started with competitive speech & debate, please visit our how to select the right program & format guide .

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Home > News and views > What is Debating? The ESU’s complete guide to the history and development of debating

What is Debating? The ESU’s complete guide to the history and development of debating

What is debating dr. matt hilborn guides you through its history, structures, roles and rules .

So, you want to debate? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This ‘What is debating?’ explainer sets out the fundamentals of this artform, including its history, varieties, techniques and benefits to students of all ages. The English-Speaking Union has been running public speaking competitions and in-school workshops like Discover Your Voice for several decades. Let us walk you through the steps, explaining the basics of debating and oracy in the classroom, teaching space, lecture theatre, and beyond.

What is debating? A beginner’s guide

A debate is an organised argument or contest of ideas in which participants discuss a topic – usually philosophical, social, and/or political in nature, and often a pressing matter in current affairs – from two opposing sides in a controlled, civil setting.

At their best, debates teach us that the best way to address a poor or reprehensible argument is to put it on a platform and, using all the intellectual, forensic, and rhetorical skills at one’s disposal, expose its incoherence and/or dishonesty. The way to become accomplished at this is precisely to interact with positions, ideologies and worldviews different from one’s own, on the basis of what the Bible, of all places, calls ‘iron sharpening iron’.

This is crucial firstly to enable anticipation of the other perspective – the better to rebut it – but also to enable a shift or modification in one’s own view, precisely by virtue of having been exposed to alternative arguments that challenge one’s own prejudices and presuppositions. That is the essence of what Socrates, according to Plato, called the ‘examined life’ – or of what we today call critical enquiry.

Before we get into how you can hone your debating skills, let’s jump back in time and learn more about how debating came about.

The history of debating

Debating in various forms can be traced back to intellectual sparring matches waged between the world-famous philosophers of Ancient Greece or the scholars of Ancient India.

The Greek philosopher Socrates (c. 470-399 BC) sought to understand the world by teasing out the assumptions and principles that, often unwittingly, lay beneath the reasoning of his interlocutors, thus exposing self-interest, deception and false reasoning for the smokescreens they were.

In 63 BC, the orator and philosopher Cicero was famed for his ability to detect weaknesses in contemporary Roman government, most famously in his blistering, unrestrained attack on the aristocrat Catiline. That said, debating can be a perilous intellectual pursuit: both men paid for such effrontery with their lives (see later section ‘Keeping It Civil’).

Moving forward to 1858, the debates for an Illinois Senate seat between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas were celebrated for their rhetorical skill and precision. Their verbal jousting inspired a whole form of modern debating, now a common sight in every election cycle across the world.

Though the first televised debate was broadcast in 1956 between representatives for President Eisenhower and his Democrat challenger, Adlai Stevenson, the centrepiece debate before the 1960 US Presidential election is now more famous. Those who tuned in via radio thought Richard Nixon had won, while who watched on television believed the more charismatic John Kennedy had emerged victorious. Kennedy’s eventual triumph in the polls is often attributed to his charm and strength of character, proving the importance of body language when establishing an emotional connection with one’s audience.

Where debates take place today

Many people think that debates take place in traditional settings such as university chambers, boardrooms and the Houses of Parliament. They do, but they happen everywhere, from dinner tables to TikTok comment sections to, increasingly, primary school classrooms right across the world!

Debating delivers a whole host of benefits including sharpening your critical thinking, improving your public speaking and boosting your self-confidence and teamwork, so there has never been a better time to get involved.

Isn’t debating just arguing?

A debate resembles a game in that both involve teams, rules, and adjudication. Like sports, debates can be held competitively or more casually, and debaters require both training and practice to reach their full potential.

That said, debating is not the same as arguing. Why? Because each side is given equal time to build their case, respect is the order of the day, and listening is just as important as speaking.

Debaters know that however bombastic, intimidating, or fiercely intelligent the other opposition speaker may seem at first glance, every speaker will have exactly the same amount of time to deliver their case. So, take heart: your voice matters, and here’s how to use it.

A debate is structured around a proposed statement, which, in debating terminology, is called a Motion. Fittingly, those who propose the Motion are called the ‘Proposition’ side, while those who oppose or disagree with it are the ‘Opposition’ side.

Each team delivers a series of speeches, trying to convince the audience and judges that their side has made the most persuasive case. They do this by marshalling their points with skill and poise, sniffing out specious arguments in the opposing side, and using examples and evidence to support their ideas while working towards a cogent, coherent conclusion.

Motions are usually structured in the format ‘This House believes that…’, ‘This House would…’, or ‘This House prefers…’, with the ‘House’ – a convention deriving from debates in Parliament – meaning the group of people in the room whom you are trying to convince. For example, ‘This House would support children striking on Fridays in protest against climate change’, ‘This House believes that pupils should elect their own Head Teacher’, or ‘This House prefers a world where it is impossible to tell lies’.

Making a speech

First things first: to debate, you need a speech. Speeches are a little like essays that you read aloud. The ESU recommends the PEEL structure : Point, Explanation, Example, Link.

For instance:

– Point: We should ban timed exams because they test only a few hours on one day of a pupil’s life, not true effort or ability.

– Explanation: Formal educational assessments should evaluate a broader range of abilities and skills across a longer time period. By testing only one snapshot, in truth they assess cramming, memory retention, and writing speed, not creativity, imagination, or problem-solving. And if you’re not feeling 100 per cent on the day itself, tough luck! The vast majority of tasks that students will face in the workplace, as adults, require thoughtful, patient, long-lasting collaboration with colleagues, not the capacity to craft a tricky essay on Hamlet in 30 minutes flat. No world-expert on Shakespeare writes a book in such a short space of time – they write them over several months, if not years!

– Example: A friend of mine felt ill one day during his A-level French exam and, though she did her best, did not achieve her predicted, required result. She was a first-rate student throughout the year, yet due to this one disappointing mark, failed to get into her first-choice university, with long-lasting repercussions.

– Link: Timed exams should be banned because schools should be testing a balance of skill sets across the year, not one, unreliable hour.

Now, a speech is just one of these expanded PEEL structures connected to another, then another, and so on. Stick an introduction at the beginning and a conclusion at the end, and, hey presto – you’ve got yourself a speech.

So, if the Motion were ‘This House would close all zoos’…

Team Proposition could argue the following points, developing each fully:

– It is barbaric and unnatural to keep animals in cramped cages, far from their natural habitats

– Zoos’ raison d’être is to exploit vulnerable animals for profit, which is cruel

– If people see animals in zoos, they assume that that species is doing fine out in the wild, and may therefore care less about animal conservation

– It is wrong to trap beleaguered animals behind glass windows simply for our entertainment (i.e. seal/dolphin shows), not a world away from bearbaiting and cockfighting – which are rightly banned

Meanwhile, the Opposition could argue that:

– Zoos are a useful educational tool, encouraging children and adults alike to learn more about animals and endangered species even if they are from countries far away from our own

– Zoos provide a fun, edifying, (mostly) outdoors day out for all the family, which is surprisingly hard to find these days – much better and healthier, for instance, than spending all day watching screens

– Animals don’t have it easy out in the wild: every day they face predators, food shortages, extinction, etc. In zoos, on the contrary, everything is provided for, giving them a peaceful, satisfying life. (In Yann Martel’s 2001 novel Life of Pi , the protagonist mounts a potent defence along these lines.)

– Zoos help with important conservation and scientific research initiatives, ensuring that animals under threat due to poaching don’t become extinct

Add an intro that anticipates each point, and a conclusion that draws them all together, and that’s it – you’re ready to rumble.

Remember that while flair, passion, and drama in your delivery are important, don’t sacrifice substance for style. Give us the sizzle, by all means – but don’t forget the steak.

In ordinary life, it would be pretty rude to interrupt someone mid-speech by standing up and yelling ‘POINT!’. In debating, however, this is par for the course – in fact, it’s encouraged. Often shortened to ‘Point’ or ‘POI’ (pronounced pee-oh-eye), points of information are brief (10 seconds or less) interjections made by one speaker to any member of the opposing side, midway through their speech.

Often phrased as questions rather than comments (i.e., ‘Hasn’t the speaker considered the economic impacts? Margaret Thatcher famously said that there’s no such thing as public money, only taxpayers’ money – it seems unjust to expect the hardworking electorate to fund such non-essentials…’), a POI tries to derail an opponent’s argument by pointing out a fatal flaw or addressing a key omission.

Once a POI is offered, the main speaker must immediately say ‘Accept’ or ‘Decline’, or ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ (or equivalent), whereupon the POI-maker gives their POI (or not). The speech then carries on as normal, with the speaker expected to respond directly to that POI.

Don’t go overboard, though – give too many , or fail to wait a respectful number of seconds/minutes between your team’s POIs, and this is called barracking.

Oh, and to misquote Napoleon Bonaparte, ‘Never interrupt your opponent when s/he is making a mistake.’

Rebuttal is where you point out – and, most importantly, explain – the flaws in the opposing team’s argument. Key tips:

– Attack any logical fallacies, e.g. red herrings or straw-manning, which is where a speaker attacks the weakest possible version of the other side’s argument, thus easily tearing it down. FUN FACT: The opposite of this is called steel-manning, a rhetorical technique whereby a speaker charitably constructs the strongest possible version of the counterargument, patching up any flaws or inadequacies, in order to improve the overall quality of the debate and illustrate that, even then, their own arguments stand up to scrutiny

– If the Proposition proposes a change (e.g. legalising cannabis), a good starting-point for rebuttal is to ask precisely how this would be enacted in a practical sense, and why, if it’s so wonderful, it hasn’t been done already

– Use reliable evidence, data, and statistics to support your position – and call out your opponents if what they are saying is hearsay, conjecture, or just isn’t backed up (like yours should be!)

– For instance, if the other side argue that videogames increase violent behaviour amongst children, a good rebuttal could stress that vanishingly few peer-reviewed studies have proven a cause-and-effect relationship between the two. Mistaking correlation for causation would be erroneous

Keeping it civil: improving your debating skills

infographic of two men looking at a number 6/9

The ESU believes that debating is a fundamental democratic good, a robust exchange of ideas that brings rational dialogue to a wider audience. A well-turned speech can double as a magnanimous act of teaching, modelling not what to think but how to think. It builds bridges of good-faith discussion, showing that it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable.

That said, anyone acquainted with the yah-boo politics of PMQs or the BBC’s Question Time k nows that debating can become a combative bear-pit, a spectator sport for a baying audience that , ironically, can threaten to undermine the very idea it purports to elevate.

During one university debate, I was assigned to propose the motion ‘This House believes that we should all be vegetarians’, despite not being one myself. After some respectful to-ing and fro-ing, team Opposition promptly claimed that they had seen me ‘tuck into a juicy lamb burger over lunch’, which was true, but, as I then pointed out, both irrelevant and a prime example of ad hominem : attacking the person making the argument, not the argument itself.

Here at the ESU we strive to keep debating civil, open-minded and well-mannered. The exercise should facilitate listening, collaboration, cooperation, and a deeper respect and appreciation for one another’s ideas; to quote English philosopher John Stuart Mill, ‘He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that’.

What is debating in 2022?

Debating empowers us all to assess the various lenses through which a single story might be recounted and reinterpreted, cultivating curiosity regarding the nuances of language, rhetoric, persuasion, and politics and building empathy for and understanding of different points of view.

The importance of debating has been proven time and again over recent years. Covid-19 ripped up the rulebook regarding state intervention, forcing politics ‘out there’ into the private lives of every single citizen. Governments refurbished huge, state-of-the-art hospitals in days, restricted supposedly freedom-loving folk to their homes, forcibly closed the economy – yet brought millions onto the public payroll in ways that would, in normal circumstances, be almost unthinkable.

How administrations allocate resources to protect and support their citizens… that’s the nitty-gritty of debating. No time is more relevant for this vital, lifelong skill.

The ESU has lots of ways in which you can get involved in debating and public speaking. Our Discover Your Voice Workshops are designed for primary and secondary schools, no matter whether your students are beginners or advanced. Our Schools’ Mace debating competition , aimed at students in Years 7-13, hones their debate skills in a fun, competitive environment. And adults can get involved too by attending, or even speaking at some of our show debates at Dartmouth House. Keep an eye on our What’s On page to keep up-to-date with the latest opportunities!

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Difference Between Speech and Debate

• Categorized under Language , Words | Difference Between Speech and Debate

A speech, or a debate, is a formal manner of addressing a group of people. The most obvious difference between the two forms of address is, a speech follows one opinion, while a debate is between two people on two opposing sides. Each side of the debate gives an opposing opinion. The debaters are either for or against the topic debated. The audience listening to the debate may decide which side of the debate they will be supporting. A speech on the other hand gives one opinion, or views, on a topic that is presented to an audience. The audience may agree or disagree with the speaker. The debate and the speech are forms of academic discussion or testimonies to the art of speaking in public. Both of these oratory forms require a speech to be made.

What Does Speech Mean?

A good speech needs preparation and delivery. The speaker presents his or her thoughts on a particular subject to an audience. The audience may be made up of students in an educational environment or it could be of political origin. A speech can be made to academic circles or at social events like weddings, special birthdays and other occasions. A speech can be informal, creating awareness over a social issue, or more formal in front of an audience. The speaker is usually giving an opinion on a given topic. The audience may have empathy with, or may need conversion to, the speaker’s project or cause. A speech involves more individual performance around the chosen topic to keep the audience captivated and listening to the speaker.

How Speeches are Defined?

By presentation:

Speeches are made by an individual to a group or to a larger audience. Speeches can be broadcast to reach an even wider audience.

By content:

Speeches can be used to edify particular like minded groups. The content would be social, political or educational topics needed for the group’s edification or development. The content of a speech may be required to reach a particular group. Someone passionate about a particular topic may choose to speak in a public place on their topic. Their speech may reach anyone who may be passing by.

Different types of speeches serve their different groups of listeners on different occasions. There are inaugural speeches, official ceremonial speeches, lectures, and formal occasions when a speech is required at the event – a wedding for example.

By contribution:

The contribution of the speech is the given topic and the input required to make the speech appropriate. A wedding speech for example would require the family connection and information to make the speech appropriate. A speech at a lecture for students would require the correct academic information.

What is Debating?

Although debating requires public speaking, the concept of a debate is different. The purpose of the speakers in a debate is to present opposite sides of a topic that can be argued in a for or against manner. Debating sets out formal routines for the process of the debate. The speaker for the topic speaks followed by the speaker against the topic. There may be more than one speaker in each debating team in some situations. The audience listens to the two sides to the debate and will form an opinion based on the speeches. Basically a debate is an extended formal argument. The advantage of listening to a debate is both sides of the argument are presented for the audience. Debating has rules and definition. There are different types of debates and some educational institutions have debating societies. Prior to a debate it is important to set down the rules by which the debate will be conducted. Some debates are judged and there is audience participation. Generally there are two teams, one is the team in favor of the topic and the other team against the topic. Most debates have different members assigned to the sides of the debate. An exception to this is a debating style called ‘Turncoat debate’ and in this situation one person takes both sides of the argument and delivers a solo performance.

How Debates are Defined?

By presentation:

Two teams present the arguments for or against a topic. The rules of the debate are pre determined by the debating society. Audience participation is encouraged and a judgment proclaimed at the end of the debate to determine which side was the most convincing.

There are many topics used for debate. The subject matter could depend on the group of people the debate is presented to. School debating societies would have a variety of challenging topics relative to student debates. Parliamentary debate would be political or an opportunity for opposing parties to debate worthy causes. Political debate is part of a democratic society.

Debating has a format and regulations that should be agreed upon prior to the debate. The number of members to the team and times for the speakers to present their arguments are all part of the method in managing a debate. It is a controlled presentation of opposing ideas to a group of listeners who may participate through questions and receiving answers. Judgment is placed at the end to declare a winner in competitive debate. In some cases of parliamentary debate legislature may be discussed and proposals for and against regulations presented.

By contribution:

A debate may have a number of contributors, but the manner of debating dictates that there is always a motion for or against the topic under debate. The team may consist of three members to each side or in the case of a ‘turncoat’ debate the whole debate is carried out by one person but there will always be two sides to the argument presented.

Differences between Speech and Debate

People participating;.

The essential difference is a speech is made by one person while a debate involves two sets of people in order to present the argument for and against. During a speech the audience do not generally take an active role, however they may be invited to ask questions by the speaker. The questions would be around the topic that was spoken about. In a debate the audience will participate and question each side of the debating team to expand the decision making process involved in judging the content of the debate.

Content of the speech or debate:

The content of the speech may vary according to the occasion and the information that is being shared. A debate will have varying topics, but the overall statement of the debate will give rise to two opinions. Controversial topics make for lively debates.

Audience participation:

Audience participation differs slightly because of the argumentative structure of a debate as opposed to the presentation of ideas made in a speech. The audience expects to take part in a debate as there are two sides to an argued topic. A speech is a more passive experience and the delivery of the speech covers one source of opinion that the audience is listening to.

Delivery of the message:

A speech is delivered to an audience by the speaker who has prepared the topic to suit the audience. It may be educational, political or social in contest. A debate is delivered by two opposing sides of the debated topic. Each side gets a chance to deliver their side of the topic. It is a formal style of arguing a given topic.

The outcome of both a speech and a debate is to enlighten the audience on a particular topic. A speech presents the information or experience from the speaker’s point of view. While a debate has two points of view. The audience decides which point of view they support and after a question and answer time they can decide on the point of view they agree with.

Speech Vs. Debate: Comparison Chart

Summary of Speech and Debate :

The fundamental difference between a speech and a debate is the purpose of the activity. Although both forms of public speaking deliver a message via a speech making process the speech is geared towards edifying a group through one person’s point of view. A debate however, presents two sides of an issue and the speakers put across their different point of view. A debate has a more competitive element as there is a judge deciding on the side of the debate that was most convincing. Speeches and debates are driven by the audience support and often entertain their listeners. In our society today, where freedom of speech is encouraged, both the speech and debate have a relevant place in oratory circles.

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Cite APA 7 Wither, C. (2019, June 5). Difference Between Speech and Debate. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-speech-and-debate/. MLA 8 Wither, Christina. "Difference Between Speech and Debate." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 5 June, 2019, http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-speech-and-debate/.

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What is Debating

This is a brief overview for students and teachers who are new to debating. Don't worry if some of the terms are unclear; they are explained in other parts of this site.

What is a debate ?

A debate is an argument about a topic or resolution. It is conducted according to a set of rules designed to give each side a fair chance. Commonly there are two debaters in favour and two debaters against, although some styles have 3 debaters on each side and some have 2 two-person teams on each side.

What is parliamentary debate ?

A parliamentary debate is a debate that follows rules similar to those used in parliament. It also uses terms similar to thos in parliament such as the PM, the Leader of the Opposistion, and the Government. They are not in any way the current federal or provincial governments -- debaters just use those names. The rules are available at this link .

What is Canadian National debate style?

Canadian National Debate stye is similar to parliamentary debating but simplifies the terms. The side in favour is called the Proposition and consists of the 1st Proposition speaker and the 2nd Proposition speaker . The side against is called the Op position and consists of the 1st Opposition speaker and the 2nd Opposition speaker . In the Junior category, the speeches are normally a maximum of 6 minutes long and in the Senior category, the speeches are normally a maximum of 8 minutes long. Points of Information (i.e. standing to see if you can ask a question when the other side is speaking) are allowed. The detailed rules are ava ilable using this link.

What is cross-examination debate ?

A cross-examination or CX debate is quite different from teh other forms of debtae in Canada. The most important difference is that, at the end of their speech, each debater is questioned by one of their opponents. It uses somewhat different terms from a parliamentary debate. The side in favour is called the affirmative while the side against is called the negative, rather than government and opposition. Points of Information are not allowed in cross-ex debate. It is not often used in Canada anymore, although a version of it is very commonly used in the US. The detailed rules are available at this link.

What is a definition ?

The definition is a statement of what the resolution actually means. For example in the resolution "Hockey is the best sport", "Hockey" could mean professional hockey or amateur hockey or high school hockey, and "best" could mean most enjoyable to watch or most enjoyable to play. In order to have a good debate both sides must be arguing about the same thing, so it is essential to define the resolution. This should be done at the start of the Prime Minister’s speech. A good definition is one which defines all of the terms and which is debatable, i.e. not unreasonable or a truism (i.e. something which is obviously true). You should define in parts, i.e. break the resolution up into at least two words or groups of words and define each separately. For example in the resolution "Hockey is the best sport", you should break the phrase up into two parts, i.e. you could define "Hockey" and then " "is the best sport". You should then put the two parts together and paraphrase your definition to make it absolutely clear.

How should I deliver my speech ?

There are four keys to good delivery. The first is that you should have good eye contact, which means looking up at your audience. The second is that your voice should be effective. This means that your tone and pace should be appropriate and should vary. The third key is that you should stand straight and should not shift from foot to foot or wave a pen around. The final and most important key is that you should sound and look confident, even if you do not feel confident — you will be amazed at how many people you can fool.

How should I come up with my arguments if I am the government ?

If you are arguing in favour of a resolution, just ask yourself the question "Why". The answers will be your reasons. Each debater should try to have two to three reasons. You should then come up with two examples or pieces of evidence for each reason. Examples can be real or hypothetical stories that should contain a lot of detail. The detail will mean that they will be more effective and will help to make your speech longer. Evidence can be statistics, facts or quotes. You should always state the source of your evidence. Good sources include magazines, books and interviews with experts.

How should I come up with my arguments if I am the opposition ?

If you are arguing against a resolution, the process is similar to arguing in favour of the resolution but you should ask yourself "Why not" rather than "Why". When you are the opposition you do not need to prove the opposite of the resolution, although of course that would disprove the resolution. You only need to prove that the resolution is not generally true (i.e. that it is not true for some people or in some circumstances), or that the government’s reasons are not valid.

How can I refute my opponent’s arguments ?

The first thing that you should do is to go back to the definition and consider what the debate is actually about. If you do this you may see that your opponents have missed some important aspect or area of the resolution. The second way to attack their argument is to attack their reasons and show that they are irrelevant or insufficient (i.e. even if true, they are not significant enough to prove the resolution) or questionable (i.e. they are not true or are unproven). You can also refute them by showing that they are outweighed by more important considerations such as cost, principles (e.g. freedom of speech, justice, equality).

What should I do in my speech ?

All speeches should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. In the introduction, you should state what the your side must prove ( if you are the 1st Proposition, you MUST define the resolution) and summarize the reasons presented by both sides so far. In the body you should first refute your opponents' arguments, as well as defending your partner's, and then explain your own. In the conclusion you should explain why your side has won, given all of the issues that have been raised -- this may involve boiling the debate down to 1-3 key issues.

What do I do in a rebuttal ?

In a rebuttal you are not allowed to introduce new arguments. You may only bring up arguments that have already been made by either side. This is to ensure that the person who speaks last does not have an unfair advantage. You should summarize and refute your opponents’ arguments and restate your strongest reasons, or you should point out the key issues in the debate and explain why your side has won them. .

Speech and Debate Glossary

As with any specialized activity, jargon and abbreviations pervade speech and debate activities. This guide covers some of the most essential terms of art that will alleviate your uncertainty as a new coach, as well as the hesitancy any students new to speech and debate may feel.

Propositions in Debate Definition and Examples

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

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An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

In an argument or debate , a proposition is a statement that affirms or denies something.

As explained below, a proposition may function as a premise or a conclusion in a syllogism or enthymeme .

In formal debates, a proposition may also be called a topic, motion , or resolution .

Etymology From the Latin, "to set forth"

Examples and Observations

"An argument is any group of propositions where one proposition is claimed to follow from the others, and where the others are treated as furnishing grounds or support for the truth of the one. An argument is not a mere collection of propositions, but a group with a particular, rather formal, structure. . . .

"The conclusion of an argument is the one proposition that is arrived at and affirmed on the basis of the other propositions of the argument.

"The premises of an argument are the other propositions which are assumed or otherwise accepted as providing support or justification for accepting the one proposition which is the conclusion. Thus, in the three propositions that follow in the universal deductive categorical syllogism, the first two are premises and the third the conclusion :

All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Socrates is mortal.

. . . Premises and conclusions require each other. A proposition standing alone is neither a premise nor a conclusion." (Ruggero J. Aldisert, "Logic in Forensic Science." Forensic Science and Law , ed. by Cyril H. Wecht and John T. Rago. Taylor & Francis, 2006)

Effective Argumentative Essays

"The first step in arguing successfully is to state your position clearly. This means that a good thesis is crucial to your essay. For argumentative or persuasive essays, the thesis is sometimes called a major proposition , or a claim. Through your major proposition, you take a definite position in a debate, and by taking a strong position, you give your essay its argumentative edge. Your readers must know what your position is and must see that you have supported your main idea with convincing minor points." (Gilbert H. Muller and Harvey S. Wiener, The Short Prose Reader , 12th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2009)

Propositions in Debates

"Debate is the process of presenting arguments for or against a proposition. Propositions for which people argue are controversial and have one or more individuals presenting the case for the proposition while others present the case against it. Every debater is an advocate; the purpose of each speaker is to gain the belief of the audience for his side. Argument is the core of the debate speech—the superior debater must be superior in the use of argument. The chief means of persuasion in debate is the logical mode." (Robert B. Huber and Alfred Snider, Influencing Through Argument , rev. ed. International Debate Education Association, 2006)

Clarifying Propositions

"[It often requires] some work to extract a clear representation of an argument from any given prose passage. First of all, it is possible to express a proposition using any kind of grammatical construction. Interrogative, optative, or exclamatory sentences, for example, can, with appropriate contextual stage setting, be used to express propositions. In the interests of clarity, therefore, it will often be helpful to paraphrase an author's words, in expressing a premise or conclusion, into the form of a declarative sentence that transparently expresses a proposition. Second, not every proposition expressed in an argumentative prose passage occurs within that passage as either a premise or a conclusion, or as (a proper) part of a premise or conclusion. We'll refer to these propositions, which are neither identical with nor embedded in any premise or conclusion, and to the sentences by which they are expressed, as noise . A noisy proposition makes a claim that is extraneous to the content of the argument in question." (Mark Vorobej, A Theory of Argument . Cambridge University Press, 2006)

Pronunciation: PROP-eh-ZISH-en

Definition and Examples of Conclusions in Arguments
Premise Definition and Examples in Arguments
Definition and Examples of Valid Arguments
What Is an Argument?
What Is Deductive Reasoning?
Enthymeme - Definition and Examples
Definition and Examples of Syllogisms
Reductio Ad Absurdum in Argument
AP English Exam: 101 Key Terms
Contradictory Premises in an Argument
Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
Positive Rhetoric: Affirmative Sentences
How to Prove an Argument Invalid by a Counterexample
Definition and Examples of Propaganda
Quoting Out of Context Fallacy
Definition and Examples of Dialectic in Rhetoric

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

PDF Speech and Debate Glossary
Record:in debate, the win-loss ratio, or in speech, the total ranks; a general standing of success. Round:an individual heat of competition, where students are matched to (an)opposing contestant(s)in a particular room with a particular judge or panel of judges. Rounds are sometimes divided into flights.
How to Prepare and Present a Debate Speech + Tips & Examples
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 peopleâ s point of view on a particular topic.
Debate vs. Speech
In conclusion, while both debate and speech involve presenting arguments and ideas to an audience, they differ in terms of structure, purpose, and delivery. Debates follow a structured format with opposing teams or individuals presenting arguments and engaging in cross-examination, aiming to persuade the audience to adopt their position.
Speech vs Debate: Fundamental Differences Of These Terms
Speech and debate are two distinct forms of communication with different goals and objectives. Speech is used to inform, persuade, or entertain, while debate involves presenting arguments and counterarguments to support a position. Both forms of communication require effective language use and grammar skills.
PDF The Debating Cheat Sheet
Manner is how you deliver your speech. It will include anything that enhances you presentation and makes it more engaging: the tone and volume of your voice, how quickly you speak, hand gestures, eye contact, your stance, and how you use your notes (always use palm cards - NEVER an A4 sheet of paper!). Method: How you organise it.
Complete Guide to Debating: How to Improve your Debating Skills
A debate is a structured contest over an issue or policy. There are two sides - one supporting, one opposing. Benefits of debating include: Allowing you to think about aspects and perspectives you may not have considered. Encourages you to speak strategically. Improving public speaking skills. Learning how to create a persuasive argument.
How to Write a Debate Speech
A debate speech is a formal presentation where you argue for or against a specific topic. It involves structured arguments presented in different sections, aiming to persuade the audience with facts and convincing points. It's a way of discussing and trying to show why your side is the right one on a particular subject.
How to Write a Debate Speech
1. Understand how debates work. You will be given a debate topic - this is called a "resolution." Your team must take a stance either affirmative or negative to the resolution. Sometimes you will be given the stance, and sometimes you will be asked to take a position. You may be asked to stand affirmative or negative.
How To Debate: Mastering the Art of Persuasive Discourse
Structure your arguments: Organize your thoughts by outlining your main points and supporting evidence. Ensure a logical flow and coherence in presenting your ideas. Engage respectfully: Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor throughout the debate. Listen actively to your opponents, address their points directly, and avoid personal ...
Debate
A debate is a form of public discourse that presents organized arguments by two opposing sides. In a typical debate, two sides (affirmative and negative) are given a proposition to debate using a structured format that differs based on the type. The affirmative side advocates for the proposition, providing supporting evidence and explanation ...
How to Write a Debate Speech in English
Debate Speech Definition. A debate speech is a formal discussion on a specific topic between two opposing sides or groups. One side discusses in a favor of the given topic or title, while the other side speaks against it or disagrees with the first side. The main purpose of a debate speech is to convince the judges and audience that your ...
The Power of Speech & Debate Education
The Power of Speech & Debate Education. Debate is a valuable activity for students of all skill levels. Debate teaches useful skills for other academic pursuits and life more generally. Most obviously, debaters build confidence speaking in public and expressing their ideas eloquently.
What is debating? History, developments, relevancy
What is debating? A beginner's guide. A debate is an organised argument or contest of ideas in which participants discuss a topic - usually philosophical, social, and/or political in nature, and often a pressing matter in current affairs - from two opposing sides in a controlled, civil setting.
Difference Between Speech and Debate
A speech, or a debate, is a formal manner of addressing a group of people. The most obvious difference between the two forms of address is, a speech follows one opinion, while a debate is between two people on two opposing sides. Each side of the debate gives an opposing opinion. The debaters are either for or against the topic debated.
CanDebate
A parliamentary debate is a debate that follows rules similar to those used in parliament. It also uses terms similar to thos in parliament such as the PM, the Leader of the Opposistion, and the Government. They are not in any way the current federal or provincial governments -- debaters just use those names. The rules are available at this link.
What is Debate?
A debate is an organized argument or contest of ideas in which the participants discuss a topic from two opposing sides. Those who agree with this statement or idea are the "Pro" side. Those who will not agree with this statement or idea are the "Con" side. Each side will show in an organized and clever way why they believe to have the right ...
Debate Definition, Techniques & Examples
A debate can be defined as a generally formal and often public discussion of a topic, during which persuasive arguments from differing sides of an issue are presented. This definition of what a ...
Speech and Debate Glossary
Speech and Debate Glossary. Download: As with any specialized activity, jargon and abbreviations pervade speech and debate activities. This guide covers some of the most essential terms of art that will alleviate your uncertainty as a new coach, as well as the hesitancy any students new to speech and debate may feel. Connect.
Debate Definition & Meaning
debate: [noun] a contention by words or arguments : such as. the formal discussion of a motion (see 1motion 3a) before a deliberative body according to the rules of parliamentary procedure. a regulated discussion of a proposition (see 1proposition 1b) between two matched sides.
Basic Definitions
Rebuttal Speech. The last speeches in a debate, where debaters summarize arguments and draw conclusions about the debate. Resolution. A specific statement or question up for debate. Resolutions usually appear as statements of policy, fact or value. Statement of policy. Involves an actor (local, national, or global) with power to decide a course ...
Propositions in Debate Definition and Examples
In an argument or debate, a proposition is a statement that affirms or denies something. As explained below, a proposition may function as a premise or a conclusion in a syllogism or enthymeme . In formal debates, a proposition may also be called a topic, motion, or resolution . Etymology. From the Latin, "to set forth".

A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing and Delivering A Debate Speech

What is a Debate Speech?

Preparing for a Debate Speech

Understanding the Debate Format

Selecting a Position

Researching and Gathering Information

Understanding Both Sides of the Argument

Organizing Your Arguments

Practicing Your Delivery

How to Present a Debate Speech?

1. Catchy Introduction

2. State the Problem & Define Key Terms

3. Present Your Arguments

4. Rebuttals

5. Conclusion

Tips for Presenting a Debate Speech Effectively

Debate Speech Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 2 sides of a debate called?

Keep reading

Debate vs. Speech

Further Detail

Advantages and Disadvantages

Complete Guide to Debating: How to Improve your Debating Skills

What is debating?

Debating examples

Debate structure

Roles of the speakers

First Affirmative

First Negative

Second Affirmative

Second Negative

Third Affirmative

Third Negative

Debate definitions

Basic argument structure

Important skills for debating

What to avoid

British Parliamentary debating

Debate topics

Debate topics for children

Debating societies

Specific to the UK:

Debate Speech - Ultimate Writing Guide for Students

What Is A Debate Speech?

Key Elements of A Debate Speech

How To Prepare For Debate Speech?

Choosing a Position

Conducting Thorough Research

Structure The Key Points

How to Start a Debate Speech

Structure Your Arguments

Address Counterarguments (Rebuttals)

How to End a Debate Speech

Review And Practice

Debate Speech Examples for Students

Tips for an Effective Debate Speech

Debate Speech Topics

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How to Write a Debate Speech

Sample Speeches

Preparing for the Debate Speech

Writing the Debate Speech

Concluding the Debate Speech

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