How to Write a Debate Speech: Best Tips to Follow

econtentsol Published: February 2, 2024 11 min read

Table of Content

Learn How to Write a Debate Speech by Following Important Steps
What is a Debate Speech?
How to Write a Debate Speech: Important Points to Follow
Final Words

Learn How to Write a Debate Speech by Following Important Steps

Many people often ask how to write a debate speech perfectly. It is a question that is mostly asked by the students, researchers, and more others. This is quite a different speech as compared to other conversations in which you engage with the audience. It not only requires a perfect throw of tone, but also facts and figures that can get the attention of the listeners. If you do not have an idea how to write a debate speech comprising of these elements, then you will struggle a lot. The knowledge of these points is important, because they make your speech impactful, allowing users to understand your whole idea perfectly.

A lot of times, people think that debate speeches can also be written using the same concept of valedictorian speeches. Well, it is a wrong approach because there are lot of differences between these two speeches. A debate speech requires a more conversational tone that can interact with the audience directly. If you know how to create a content according to it, then your debate speech can work anywhere. However, if you do not know how to make it conversational, then your debate speech will not make enough impact in front of the audience.

Generally, these mistakes are done by the students, as they do not know how to write a debate speech perfectly. It is best advised to them to take professional speech writing services to get this job done. It will help them to craft a strong speech that can hook the attention of their listeners quickly. However, if they want to learn something about it seriously, then this article will also help them to grasp some key speech writing concepts. It will define some important points that will clear their mind, helping them to understand the process of writing a debate speech properly.

Let us firs start from the basics understanding what is a debate speech, and why it is different from the other speeches.

What is a Debate Speech?

Public debate

A debate speech is a structured and formal presentation where individuals or teams argue a specific point of view or proposition in a competitive setting. Debates are common in various academic, political, and public forums, and they serve as a means of conveying persuasive arguments and critical thinking. A typical debate speech follows a specific format, which includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speaker aims to persuade the audience and judges by presenting well-researched and logically sound arguments while countering the opposing side’s points.

In the introductory part of a debate speech, the speaker presents the topic, defines key terms, and outlines the position they will take. This is often known as the “opening statement.” The body of the speech is where the speaker presents their arguments and supporting evidence. This section usually includes multiple points, each supported by relevant facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions.

Additionally, the speaker may also anticipate and counter potential objections or opposing arguments. The concluding part, often called the “closing statement,” summarizes the key arguments made and reinforces the speaker’s position, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and judges. Usually, this part is small, but its perspective is very strong creating a perfect conclusion for the speech.

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How to Write a Debate Speech: Important Points to Follow

Writing a debate speech is not difficult if you have got the basics of speech writing covered. However, this is the exact part that is often found missing in any people, especially in students. They do not know the steps that should be followed while writing a debate speech. They try to create it without any plan, which is something not recommended for any type of content material.

If you are also one of them having no clue how to write a speech properly, this article is precisely written for you. Take a look at the points defined below to understand how a debate speech should be written perfectly.

Make a Strong Opening

Debate stage

A compelling opening statement is the foundation of any effective debate. When tackling emotionally charged subjects, which are often the case in debates, commencing with an equally emotional opener is your best approach. This is a crucial tactic to swiftly capture the audience’s attention and pique their interest in the speech’s content. If the opening of your speech will look tame, then you won’t be able to garner much attention, no matter how creatively you try to portray facts in front of the audience.

For instance, when advocating for measures to combat the escalating corruption problem with authorities, you might begin with, “Have you ever considered the profound impact of mounting corruption on our progress? It’s the very force impeding our nation’s potential.” It’s vital to recognize that facts and emotions aren’t entirely separate entities.

Incorporating a potent statistic into your opening statement can be just as effective. If your topic lacks immediate emotional appeal, introducing a surprising or worrisome statistic can still infuse some sentiment into your initial remarks. The objective is to have your audience and the adjudicator sit up a bit straighter in their seats.

Briefly Define the Topic

Next up, you have to briefly define the topic on which your debate speech is based on. This is one of those parts that is often ignored by the speakers. They try to build the conversation without simply telling what is the subject of the debate is all about. Due to this, many listeners often remain confused, as they do not understand the main central idea of the debate speech. It is therefore recommended to make your topic clear at the start, so that everyone can get on the same page.

It’s imperative to ensure the clarification of key terms within your chosen topic. This doesn’t necessarily involve presenting a strict dictionary definition; rather, it can encompass your interpretation of the term within the context of the topic or the broader issue. While it may appear meticulous, this step is vital to establish a common understanding between you and your opponent. Engaging in a debate becomes exceedingly challenging when there are conflicting interpretations of the topic’s meaning.

If you are not the initial speaker in the debate, you should utilize this opportunity to either endorse or challenge the definition provided by your opponent. In cases where your opponent has not provided a definition, you are encouraged to offer your own interpretation, as if you were the first speaker.

Use Signposting

Public speaker

Signposting is a crucial organizational technique used in the context of persuasive speech and debate. It involves the explicit and strategic use of markers or transitional phrases to guide the audience through the structure and content of a speech. Think of it as a verbal roadmap that informs the listeners about the main points, sections, or arguments that the speaker intends to cover. These markers serve to orient the audience, making the speech more coherent and comprehensible. In essence, signposting acts as a signpost on the path of your argument, helping the audience navigate and engage with your message effectively.

The importance of using signposting in a debate speech cannot be overstated. Firstly, it enhances the clarity of the argument. By providing a roadmap of the speech’s structure, the audience can easily follow along, understanding the progression of ideas and the relationships between different points. This clarity is vital in a debate, where complex arguments and rebuttals are presented, as it ensures that the audience remains on track and can discern the key components of each side’s position.

Secondly, signposting is essential for maintaining a structured and organized argument. Debates require speakers to address multiple points, counterarguments, and evidence. Effective signposting ensures that these elements are presented in a logical and orderly manner, making it easier for the audience to evaluate the strength of the argument.

Define Key Statistics

Using statistics in a debate speech holds significant importance for several compelling reasons. Firstly, statistics provide a solid foundation for your arguments, lending credibility and authority to your position. When you back your claims with well-researched and reliable data, you demonstrate that your argument is grounded in facts and not merely based on opinions or anecdotal evidence. This empirical support makes your case more persuasive, as it assures your audience that your assertions are rooted in reality.

Secondly, statistics can help make your arguments more compelling and relatable to the audience. Human beings tend to connect with concrete numbers and data. When you present statistics, you’re not just making a vague assertion; you’re providing quantifiable evidence that can be understood and evaluated. This helps your audience grasp the scale and significance of the issue at hand, making your points more persuasive and memorable.

Statistics also allow you to engage in effective rebuttal and refutation of your opponent’s arguments. By having data on hand, you can directly address and challenge your opponent’s claims, demonstrating where they may be misinterpreting or misrepresenting the facts. This enhances your ability to counter opposing arguments effectively and sway the audience in your favor.

Solidify Arguments

Presidential debate

It is a known fact that debates do involve a lot of arguments. The two parties that are engaged in a debate precisely know about this thing. They build their conversation plans according to that, including different points that can help them in rebuttal. However, those who are going in for the debate for the first time, often do not know about this part. As a result, they do not prepare their demonstration speech according to that, which is why their opponents gets an edge over them.

So, it is quite important to curate your debate speech keeping some strong points of argument. You need to prepare yourself for the debate having all the bases covered. If you will showcase some sort of gap in your preparation, then your debate presentation will ultimately fail. It will give the other party a chance to score over your speech, and get the results in their favor.

In order to make your debate speech powerful, try to include arguments based on the real world facts. It gives your speech a strong base to build an impact quickly. The arguments made with real facts often gets more attention, no matter how small or big they are. It eradicates the chances of rebuttal, because real evidences cannot be denied by anyone.

Use Easy to Understand Examples

Another thing that could make your debate speech impactful is the usage of examples. It is a common psychic of human that he understands things better with an example. It works like a sample that defines the pros and cons of a product that has become a subject of debate between the people. If the example is easily relatable with the events of real life, then everyone can understand your whole point of view. That is how good speakers attract attention, encouraging people to believe on what they are saying in the hall.

To add examples in your speech, you need to first research the market clearly for easy demonstration speech ideas. This will give you an opportunity to find good examples that relates with your subject. Once you find a couple of attractive examples, move towards the next phase of finding a section for them. These examples can not be just stated randomly. Instead, they need to be defined at a particular points where strong justifications are required.

Ideally, you can state these examples in the middle of the speech. It is up to you to choose how many examples should be defined in the speech. You can generally go with two to three examples, as it is considered more than enough for any debate speech. However, make sure that these examples are to-the-point, defining the exact context of the speech.  

Final Words

That sums up our entire article in which we have discussed how to write a debate speech by following some key points. It is commonly seen that people commit different types of mistakes while writing a debate speech. They either do not know about its structure or try to write it randomly without knowing the key principles. This blog is therefore written to help them out in writing a debate speech perfectly. It has defined some key points that should be included in the debate speech to make it impactful for the listeners.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for a professional agency that could help you to write quality debate speeches, get in touch with us today. We will assist you to create engaging speeches that can hook the attention of your people quickly. 

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