how to write conclusion for debate speech

How To End a Debate: Learn to Conclude and Make a Closing Statement

• Post author: Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC
• Post published: December 25, 2021
• Post category: Scholarly Articles

How To End a Debate (Closing Statement): A debate speech is a well-written argument that seeks to refute an opponent’s claim while elaborating on your own. Debating may help you improve your critical thinking abilities, teamwork abilities, public speaking abilities, and persuasive abilities. Arguing with someone and winning may also be enjoyable. Some debates enable you to question your opponents while they are speaking.

You must wait for your turn to speak in other forms. Depending on the debate’s format, each debate is separated into several speeches. Simply review the debate rules ahead of time and practice debating in that format. When finishing your debate speech, you have the opportunity to reiterate your most important points, conclude your arguments, give the judges something to think about, and ultimately deliver a logical conclusion.

Recommended: How to Start a Debate Introduction

Table of Contents

Components Of Debate

a. Introductory Statements : Opening remarks are crucial to a successful discussion because they allow both sides – those in favor of a position and those opposed to it – to capture the attention of the audience. The positive side, also referred to as the side that supports the topic or circumstance, is always the first to make a comment.

Opening statements in structured talks have a limited time for both the positive and negative sides to express their cases. The opening words establish the tone for the dialogue and should include the viewpoint, claim, or notion you wish to defend as well as a brief summary of your supporting evidence.

Following the opening speeches, each party delivers its arguments in further depth, using statistical data, examples, and expert opinions to back up its claims. Once again, the positive side makes their case first.

2. Rebuttals: After both sides have clearly identified and explained their points, each side has the chance to indicate why they feel the other side’s arguments are weak or incorrect – this is known as the “ rebuttal .” The opposing party is the first to respond.

You may begin your response by saying, “ My opponent’s statements are incorrect for various reasons .” “ My study demonstrates that my opponent’s opinions lack credibility ,” for example.

Following each side’s rebuttal, and depending on the moderator or judge’s format for the debate, each side may be given another opportunity to offer a rebuttal – properly known as a “ second rebuttal .” During the rebuttal, neither side is permitted to offer fresh evidence to bolster its argument.

Also see: How to speak in public without fear

3. Sessions for Questions and Answers: Some debates include a question-and-answer session in which each side queries the other party. According to the International Debate Education Association, the objective of cross-examination is to explain your opponents’ arguments, push them to commit to a definite viewpoint on unclear matters, bring out any fallacies or flaws in their arguments, and examine deficiencies in their evidence.

Cross-examination usually occurs after each party has presented its arguments but before the rebuttal stage. Inquire with your teacher or the debate host about when and whether a question-and-answer session will take place.

“ May you perhaps restate and explain your initial argument? ” you could begin your cross-examination. “ Could you perhaps clarify where you obtained the statistical data to support your findings? ”

A Q&A session’s purpose is to guarantee that both parties fully comprehend the opposition’s arguments so that they can formulate and explain their best defense.

Also see: Famous Scientists and their Discoveries in the field

4. Statements of Closure: Closing speeches allow each side to summarize their significant arguments and highlight their most relevant issues. They also allow you to draw attention to your opponent’s flaws in front of the judges.

They have the benefit of making their closing arguments first. The goal is to persuade your audience that you have solid evidence to back up your statements and that your opponent’s ideas are inadequate. To make a lasting impact, conclude with an intriguing example of an eye-catching analogy. Include any negative consequences of your argument not being taken seriously or accepted.

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Interesting Ways to End a Debate

1. Use of quotation : If you have a quotation that wraps up your final argument or provides closure to your case, use it. Check your notes to ensure that you have addressed all of your opponent’s arguments and that you have concluded your case.

If you discover an unaddressed argument by your opponent, address it before concluding your speech.

2. Explain the most important points: An overview for your judges describes the most important points in your case. This can be accomplished by restating each of your main points or by making a general statement about your case.

For example, if you are arguing for basic human rights over national interests, you may want to make a quick general statement about the importance of human rights and society’s responsibility to prioritize them.

While your speech addressed this general statement with more specific information, the general statement shows your judges that you understand your issue and are concerned about your overall case.

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3. Sing Song Ending: Request that the audience repeats a phrase from your speech that you used multiple times. Assume your slogan is “ Together, we can win. ” You keep repeating that sentence.

Then, right before you finish, you remark, “I know that all of you are brilliant, and all of you are determined.” I know none of us can accomplish it alone, but (pause) together (pause) we can (pause until the audience responds.)

4. Use specific vocal inflections: Use certain vocal inflections to indicate that you are nearing the end of your speech. While giving a summary of your case and explaining the holes in your opponent’s argument, move your notes away from you and gaze straight at the judges.

Speak slower than you did throughout your real speech, exploiting the difference in speed to make your final comments stay in the minds of your assessors. As you make your closing remarks, practice your final inflection, dropping your voice and slowing your words.

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5. Third Party Close: The Third-Party close elevates the usage of a quote. Make use of a quotation in the context of your message.

Use the idea of that quotation to frame your conclusion so that it functions as a launching pad to elevate your message high enough for the audience to completely comprehend it.

6. Inform your judges on how to vote : Inform your judges on how to vote. Make a simple statement like, “ After reviewing the information about this topic, you must vote to affirm the topic. ” Continue by elaborating on the specific flaw in your opponent’s argument.

“ Our opponents today failed to contend with our most important point, about the value of human rights and their essential place in a virtuous society, ” for example. Be specific about which points your opponents did not address and emphasize the significance of these issues.

Also see: Causes, Effects and Solutions to low self-esteem

7. Connect the primary points to the core message: It is critical to plan out the primary concepts you will discuss at the start of your presentation. An audience that is unaware of the stages of the journey you are going to take them on will be less relaxed than one that is aware of what is to come.

At the end of your presentation, go through everything you’ve discussed, but don’t just list the many concepts you developed; illustrate how they are linked and how they support your primary thesis.

8. Thank the audience: After you’ve completed presenting the substance, the easiest approach to close a speech is to say, “ thank you .” This has the advantage of being understood by everybody.

It’s an excellent technique for anyone to indicate to the crowd that it’s time to applaud and then go.

Also see: Tips on how to improve your emotional intelligence

Your closing words should make it clear that your debate presentation is coming to an end. The audience should be able to read it and respond quickly. As previously stated, saying “ thank you ” is a good way to conclude. If there is no acclaim, stand tall and wait. Don’t wiggle, and don’t even bother to mumble, ‘ And that just about covers it .’ Thank you very much.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.

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How to End a Debate: Top 7 Best Expert Examples

Debates are a common and valuable form of communication, providing a platform for people to express and defend their opinions.

However, debates can become contentious, leading to increased tension and frustration. dictionary

Knowing how to end a debate is a crucial skill that can help to maintain healthy relationships and prevent conflicts from escalating.

In this blog post, we will explore practical tips for ending a debate in a respectful and productive manner.

Whether you are debating with a friend, or coworker, or in a group setting, these tips can help you to navigate difficult conversations with ease and confidence. (if you missed our previous post on Top Best 50 Debate Topics for Secondary Schools in Nigeria , do well to read it.)

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Table of Contents

Explanation of what a debate is

A debate is a formal or informal discussion where individuals or groups present arguments and counter-arguments on a specific topic or issue.

The purpose of a debate is to persuade others to accept or reject a particular point of view, and it often involves presenting evidence, logical reasoning, and critical thinking.

Debates can occur in various settings, such as classrooms, political campaigns, business meetings, or social gatherings.

They can also cover a wide range of topics, from politics and social issues to scientific research and philosophical concepts.

Debates can be a powerful tool for expanding knowledge and promoting understanding, but they can also become heated and emotional if not conducted in a respectful and constructive manner.

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Importance of knowing how to end a debate

Knowing how to end a debate is essential for several reasons. Firstly, debates can often become contentious, leading to negative emotions and strained relationships. By ending a debate on a positive note, you can maintain a respectful and amicable relationship with the person you were debating with, even if you don’t agree with their position.

Secondly, ending a debate can help to prevent conflicts from escalating into more significant problems.

If a debate continues without resolution, it can lead to frustration, resentment, and even anger.

By effectively concluding a debate, you can prevent these negative emotions from escalating into more significant conflicts that may be difficult to resolve.

Finally, knowing how to end a debate can help you to hone your communication and critical thinking skills.

By practicing effective debate techniques, you can learn to articulate your position more effectively, listen actively to opposing viewpoints, and find common ground with others.

These skills are essential not just in debates but in all areas of life, including personal relationships, work environments, and social interactions.

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A brief overview of tips for ending a debate

Here is a brief overview of some practical tips for ending a debate in a respectful and productive manner:

• Set clear rules and expectations: Establish clear guidelines for the debate and ensure that everyone understands what is expected of them.
• Listen actively: Listen carefully to the other person’s arguments and try to understand their perspective without interrupting or dismissing their points.
• Identify common ground: Look for areas where you and the other person may agree, and use these points of agreement as a foundation for finding a resolution.
• Stay focused on the topic: Avoid getting sidetracked by irrelevant or emotionally charged issues. Stay focused on the primary topic of the debate.
• Use facts and evidence: Support your arguments with credible sources and facts, and encourage the other person to do the same.
• Be willing to compromise: Recognize that compromise is often necessary for reaching a resolution and finding common ground.
• End on a positive note: Conclude the debate with a positive statement or expression of appreciation, even if you do not agree with the other person’s position.

By following these tips, you can effectively end a debate in a way that respects both your own and the other person’s viewpoints, reduces tension and conflict, and fosters productive and respectful communication.

See Top Best 50 Debate Topics for Secondary Schools in Nigeria

• Set clear rules and expectations

One of the most important steps in ending a debate is to set clear rules and expectations from the outset.

This can help to ensure that the discussion remains respectful, productive, and focused on the topic at hand. Here are some tips for setting clear rules and expectations for a debate:

• Establish the purpose of the debate: Make sure that everyone understands the goal of the debate and what you hope to achieve.
• Determine the format: Decide on the format of the debate, such as a structured or informal discussion, and ensure that everyone understands the format.
• Set time limits: Agree on the length of the debate and set time limits for each speaker to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to present their arguments.
• Agree on the ground rules: Establish ground rules for the debate, such as taking turns to speak, avoiding personal attacks, and maintaining a respectful tone.
• Choose a moderator: Consider having a neutral third-party moderator to keep the discussion on track and ensure that everyone follows the established rules.

By setting clear rules and expectations, you can help to create a productive and respectful debate environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their views.

This can help to reduce tension and ensure that the debate remains focused on the topic at hand.

Importance of setting rules and expectations

Setting clear rules and expectations is essential for several reasons when it comes to debates. Here are a few reasons why:

• Establishing a common understanding : By setting rules and expectations, everyone involved in the debate can have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. This can help to ensure that the discussion remains on track, productive, and respectful.
• Creating a fair and balanced debate: Setting time limits, ground rules, and choosing a moderator can ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to express their views and that no one dominates the conversation or monopolizes the discussion.
• Maintaining a respectful and productive environment: Clear rules and expectations can help to create a respectful and productive environment for debate, where everyone feels comfortable expressing their views and listening to others’ perspectives. This can help to reduce tension and prevent the discussion from becoming personal or hostile.
• Encouraging effective communication: By setting clear expectations, the debate can encourage effective communication, critical thinking, and active listening. This can help to promote understanding, foster mutual respect, and lead to a more productive discussion.

Overall, setting clear rules and expectations is essential for creating a productive, respectful, and fair debate environment.

By establishing guidelines and expectations, you can help to ensure that the discussion remains focused on the topic at hand, promotes effective communication, and leads to a positive outcome.

Examples of guidelines to set

Here are some examples of guidelines that you can set to ensure a productive and respectful debate:

• Respectful language: Ensure that all participants use respectful language and avoid personal attacks. Encourage them to focus on the issues and ideas rather than attacking individuals.
• Listening actively: Encourage all participants to listen actively and carefully to each other’s arguments. Ask them to avoid interrupting each other and to acknowledge the points made by others.
• Time limits: Set time limits for each speaker to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to express their views. This can also help to keep the debate on track and prevent it from dragging on for too long.
• Sticking to the topic: Encourage all participants to stick to the topic at hand and avoid getting sidetracked by irrelevant issues or tangents.
• Use of evidence: Encourage all participants to use credible sources and evidence to support their arguments.
• Avoiding assumptions: Encourage all participants to avoid making assumptions about others’ viewpoints and instead seek to understand their perspectives.
• Agreeing on the outcome: Agree on the desired outcome of the debate beforehand, such as reaching a compromise or finding common ground.

By setting guidelines like these, you can create a productive and respectful debate environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their views and listening to others.

These guidelines can help to reduce tension, ensure that the discussion remains focused on the topic at hand, and lead to a positive outcome.

See How To Conduct Debate Competition

How setting rules and expectations can reduce tension

Setting rules and expectations can reduce tension in a debate in several ways:

• Promoting clarity: By setting clear guidelines, all participants will have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. This can help to reduce misunderstandings and prevent any unnecessary tension that may arise due to a lack of clarity.
• Encouraging mutual respect : When the ground rules are established, they promote an atmosphere of mutual respect. This means that each participant is aware of the other’s boundaries and limitations, and they will act accordingly. It can help to prevent personal attacks and create a more amicable environment for discussion.
• Focusing on the issues: Setting expectations for the debate helps to ensure that everyone focuses on the issues being discussed. This reduces the likelihood of personal attacks, and it prevents the debate from becoming derailed by irrelevant topics.
• Reducing ambiguity: By setting expectations, there will be less ambiguity about what the participants are supposed to do, say, or contribute. This clarity can help to reduce tension by giving everyone a sense of purpose and direction.

Overall, setting rules and expectations for a debate can reduce tension by promoting clarity, mutual respect, and focus.

These guidelines can help to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their views, and where the discussion remains productive and respectful.

• Listen actively

Active listening is an essential aspect of ending a debate. Here’s how active listening can help you bring a debate to a productive close:

• Demonstrate respect: When you actively listen to someone, you show that you respect their opinion, even if you don’t necessarily agree with it. This can help to reduce tension and promote a more respectful debate.
• Gain understanding : Active listening helps you gain a better understanding of the other person’s point of view. This can help you to identify common ground and areas of agreement, which can help to bring the debate to a close.
• Reframe the debate: When you actively listen, you can also reframe the debate to focus on the underlying issues or concerns. This can help to bring the debate to a more productive conclusion and identify solutions that address the underlying problems.
• Encourage others: When you actively listen, you can encourage others to do the same. This can help to promote a more respectful and productive debate where everyone feels heard and valued.

Overall, active listening is an essential tool for ending a debate. It can help to reduce tension, promote understanding, and identify common ground. By actively listening, you can help to bring the debate to a close and find a productive way forward.

Explanation of active listening

Active listening is a technique that involves fully concentrating on what someone is saying and showing that you understand their point of view.

It’s more than just hearing what someone is saying – it’s about being fully present at the moment and giving the speaker your undivided attention.

Here are some ways to actively listen during a debate:

• Focus on the speaker: Give the speaker your full attention. Avoid distractions like your phone, computer, or other people in the room.
• Don’t interrupt: Allow the speaker to finish their point before responding. Interrupting can derail the conversation and make the speaker feel unheard or disrespected.
• Show interest: Show the speaker that you are interested in what they have to say. Make eye contact, nod, and ask follow-up questions to show that you understand their perspective.
• Paraphrase: Summarize what the speaker has said in your own words to ensure that you have understood their point correctly. This also shows the speaker that you are actively engaged in the conversation.
• Reflect on your own response: Take a moment to reflect on your own response before speaking. This can help you to respond in a more thoughtful and respectful manner.

Active listening can help to promote a more respectful and productive debate environment. By fully engaging in the conversation and showing that you understand the other person’s perspective, you can reduce tension and find common ground.

Benefits of active listening

Active listening has several benefits that can help in various situations, including debates. Here are some of the benefits of active listening:

• Builds rapport and trust: Active listening can help to build rapport and trust between individuals by showing that you value their opinions and are interested in their perspectives.
• Improves communication: Active listening can help to improve communication by reducing misunderstandings and promoting a clearer understanding of the issues at hand.
• Increases understanding: Active listening can help to increase understanding by allowing you to gain insight into the other person’s point of view and identify areas of agreement.
• Reduces conflict: Active listening can help to reduce conflict by promoting mutual respect and understanding. It can also help to de-escalate tense situations and find common ground.
• Promotes empathy: Active listening can help to promote empathy by allowing you to see things from the other person’s perspective. This can help to build stronger relationships and resolve conflicts more effectively.

Overall, active listening is a valuable skill that can help to improve communication, build relationships, and reduce conflict.

It is an essential tool for anyone who wants to end a debate in a productive and respectful manner.

Tips for practicing active listening during a debate

Here are some tips for practicing active listening during a debate:

• Stay focused: Focus your attention solely on the speaker and what they are saying. Avoid distractions like your phone, computer, or other people in the room.
• Avoid interrupting: Let the speaker finish their point before you respond. Interrupting can derail the conversation and make the speaker feel disrespected.
• Show interest: Show the speaker that you are interested in what they have to say by making eye contact, nodding, and asking follow-up questions.
• Clarify: If you don’t understand something the speaker has said, ask for clarification. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and promote a clearer understanding of the issues.
• Stay neutral: Avoid making judgments or reacting emotionally to what the speaker is saying. Instead, try to stay neutral and objective.

By practicing active listening, you can improve communication, build trust, and reduce conflict during a debate. It’s a valuable skill that can help you to bring a debate to a productive close and find common ground.

• Identify common ground

Identifying common ground is an important step in ending a debate because it helps to find areas of agreement between the parties involved.

Here are some tips for identifying common ground during a debate:

• Listen for common interests: Listen for common interests, values, or goals that you share with the other party. This can help you to find common ground and build a shared understanding of the issues.
• Focus on underlying needs: Focus on the underlying needs or motivations that are driving the debate. By understanding these needs, you can find common ground and identify solutions that meet the needs of both parties.
• Look for compromise: Look for areas where you can compromise to find a solution that works for both parties. This can involve finding a middle ground or making concessions on certain issues.
• Identify shared values: Identify shared values that both parties hold. This can help you to find common ground and build a shared understanding of the issues.
• Find a common language: Try to find a common language that both parties can use to describe the issues. This can help to reduce misunderstandings and promote a clearer understanding of the issues.

By identifying common ground, you can find areas of agreement and work towards a solution that meets the needs of both parties. This can help to end the debate in a productive and respectful manner.

Explanation of why identifying common ground is important

Identifying common ground is important during a debate because it helps to build mutual understanding and find areas of agreement between the parties involved. Here are some reasons why identifying common ground is important:

• Builds trust: By finding areas of agreement, you can build trust and establish a foundation for future collaboration. This can help to reduce tension and promote a more productive debate.
• Encourages collaboration: Identifying common ground can encourage collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. This can help to promote a more positive and productive debate.
• Reduces conflict: By finding areas of agreement, you can reduce conflict and promote a more constructive conversation. This can help to prevent the debate from becoming heated or unproductive.
• Increases understanding: Identifying common ground can help to increase understanding and build a shared understanding of the issues at hand. This can help to promote a more productive debate and lead to more effective solutions.
• Encourages creative problem-solving: By finding common ground, you can encourage creative problem-solving and identify solutions that meet the needs of both parties. This can help to end the debate in a productive and mutually beneficial manner.

Overall, identifying common ground is an important step in ending a debate because it helps to build mutual understanding, reduce conflict, and promote a more positive and productive conversation.

Examples of areas where common ground may exist

Here are some examples of areas where common ground may exist during a debate:

• Shared values: Even if parties disagree on specific issues, they may share underlying values such as fairness, justice, or equality. Identifying these shared values can help to find common ground and build a shared understanding of the issues.
• Common goals: Parties may have different ideas about how to achieve a common goal, but they may agree on the importance of the goal itself. Identifying these common goals can help to find common ground and promote a more productive debate.
• Facts: Parties may disagree on the interpretation of facts, but they may agree on the facts themselves. Identifying areas of agreement around facts can help to build a shared understanding of the issues and promote a more constructive debate.
• Priorities: Parties may have different priorities or preferences, but they may agree on the importance of certain issues or concerns. Identifying these shared priorities can help to find common ground and build a shared understanding of the issues.
• Desired outcomes: Parties may have different ideas about how to achieve a desired outcome, but they may agree on the outcome itself. Identifying these shared desired outcomes can help to find common ground and promote a more productive debate.

By identifying areas of common ground, parties can work towards a more constructive and productive debate.

It can help to build mutual understanding, promote collaboration, and lead to more effective solutions.

Strategies for identifying common ground

Here are some strategies for identifying common ground during a debate:

• Focus on interests: Try to understand the underlying interests or needs of each party. This can help to identify areas of common ground and find solutions that meet the needs of both parties.
• Look for shared values: Identify shared values or principles that both parties hold. This can help to build mutual understanding and identify areas of agreement.
• Ask questions: Ask open-ended questions to better understand the other party’s perspective. This can help to clarify their interests, values, and priorities and identify areas of common ground.
• Use active listening: Practice active listening to fully understand the other party’s perspective. This can help to identify areas of agreement and build mutual understanding.
• Consider multiple options: Be open to considering multiple options or solutions. This can help to find a compromise that meets the needs of both parties.
• Stay focused on the goal: Keep the focus on the common goal or desired outcome. This can help to find common ground and promote a more constructive conversation.

By using these strategies, you can identify areas of common ground and work towards a more productive and mutually beneficial debate.

• Stay focused on the topic

Staying focused on the topic is an important aspect of ending a debate. It helps to ensure that the conversation remains productive and on track toward a resolution.

Here are some reasons why staying focused on the topic is important:

• Increases clarity: Staying focused on the topic helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and has a clear understanding of the issues at hand.
• Prevents distractions: Focusing on the topic helps to prevent distractions and side conversations that can derail the debate.
• Promotes a more productive debate: By staying focused on the topic, parties can have a more productive and constructive debate that leads to a resolution.
• Saves time: Staying on the topic can help to save time by preventing the debate from going off on tangents that do not lead to a resolution.
• Demonstrates respect: Focusing on the topic demonstrates respect for the other party’s time and perspective. It shows that you are willing to engage in constructive and respectful debate.

Overall, staying focused on the topic is an important aspect of ending a debate. It helps to ensure that the conversation remains productive and leads to a resolution that meets the needs of both parties.

Importance of staying focused

Staying focused during a debate is critical for several reasons. Here are some of the most important reasons:

• H elps to reach a resolution: When people stay focused, they are more likely to get to the root of the problem and find a solution that works for everyone.
• Avoids misunderstandings: When the debate stays on topic, it helps to avoid misunderstandings or confusion. This is because everyone is clear on what is being discussed and what needs to be resolved.
• Saves time and resources: When people stay focused during a debate, they can save a significant amount of time and resources. This is because they are not wasting time discussing unrelated or irrelevant topics.
• Demonstrates respect: When people stay focused, they are showing respect for the other participants in the debate. This is because they are taking the time to listen and engage in constructive conversation.
• Promotes learning: When people stay focused, they have a better opportunity to learn from one another. This is because they can fully explore the topic at hand and gain insights that they might not have otherwise discovered.

Overall, staying focused during a debate is essential for reaching a resolution that meets everyone’s needs.

It helps to avoid misunderstandings, saves time and resources, and promotes respect and learning among participants.

Common distractions during a debate

Distractions during a debate can come in many forms. Here are some of the most common distractions that can derail a debate:

• Personal attacks: When people resort to personal attacks, it can be distracting and counterproductive. It can also create an atmosphere of hostility and defensiveness.
• Tangents: Going off on tangents or discussing unrelated topics can be a major distraction. It can also make it harder to stay focused on the main issues at hand.
• Interruptions: Constant interruptions can disrupt the flow of the conversation and prevent people from fully expressing their ideas.
• Emotions: Strong emotions, such as anger or frustration, can make it difficult to stay focused and can create an adversarial atmosphere.
• Technical difficulties: Technical difficulties, such as poor sound quality or connection issues, can disrupt the conversation and make it harder to communicate effectively.
• Lack of preparation: When people come to a debate unprepared, they can struggle to stay focused and contribute meaningfully to the conversation.

By being aware of these common distractions, participants in a debate can take steps to avoid them and keep the conversation on track.

This can help to ensure that the debate remains productive and leads to a resolution that meets everyone’s needs.

Tips for staying on topic

Staying on topic during a debate is essential for reaching a resolution that works for everyone. Here are some tips for staying on topic:

• Set clear goals and objectives: Before the debate begins, it is important to set clear goals and objectives. This will help everyone to stay focused on the main issues at hand.
• Define the scope of the discussion: Be clear about what is in and out of the scope of the debate. This will help to avoid tangents and keep the conversation on track.
• Avoid personal attacks: Personal attacks can be a major distraction and can derail the debate. Focus on the issues, not the people involved.
• Use evidence and facts: Using evidence and facts can help to keep the conversation grounded and prevent it from veering off into speculation or opinion.
• Listen actively: Listening actively can help to keep the conversation focused and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
• Be respectful: Being respectful and courteous to all participants in the debate can help to maintain a positive and constructive atmosphere.
• Use a facilitator: A facilitator can help to keep the conversation on track and ensure that everyone has a chance to participate.

By following these tips, participants in a debate can stay focused on the main issues and work towards a resolution that meets everyone’s needs.

• Use facts and evidence

Using facts and evidence is essential for a productive and effective debate. Here are some reasons why:

• Supports your arguments: Using facts and evidence to support your arguments can strengthen your position and help you persuade others.
• Establishes credibility: By using reliable and verifiable sources of information, you can establish your credibility and demonstrate that your arguments are based on sound reasoning and research.
• Helps to avoid logical fallacies: Logical fallacies are common mistakes in reasoning that can weaken arguments. By using facts and evidence, you can avoid fallacies and present a more persuasive case.
• Facilitates informed decision-making: When everyone in the debate uses facts and evidence, the discussion can be more productive and lead to informed decision-making that takes into account all relevant information.
• Encourages a respectful and constructive atmosphere: When people use facts and evidence to support their arguments, it can create a more respectful and constructive atmosphere. This is because people are less likely to resort to personal attacks or emotional appeals when they have solid evidence to back up their claims.

Overall, using facts and evidence is an important part of any productive and effective debate.

By doing so, participants can strengthen their arguments, establish their credibility, avoid logical fallacies, facilitate informed decision-making, and encourage a respectful and constructive atmosphere.

Importance of using facts and evidence

Using facts and evidence in a debate is crucial for several reasons:

• Establishes credibility: Presenting reliable and verifiable information from credible sources can help establish your credibility as a knowledgeable and well-informed participant in the debate.
• Strengthens your argument: Using facts and evidence to support your position can help to strengthen your argument and make it more persuasive to others.
• Fosters critical thinking: By presenting and analyzing facts and evidence, participants in the debate are encouraged to engage in critical thinking, which can lead to more insightful and informed conclusions.
• Avoids fallacious reasoning: Reliance on fallacious reasoning or faulty logic can weaken an argument and damage the credibility of the person presenting it. Using facts and evidence helps to avoid these pitfalls and build a stronger case.
• Promotes productive discussion: When everyone in the debate is using facts and evidence to support their arguments, the discussion is more likely to be productive and constructive, as opposed to devolving into personal attacks or emotional appeals.

In summary, using facts and evidence in a debate helps to establish credibility, strengthen arguments, foster critical thinking, avoid fallacious reasoning, and promote productive discussion.

Examples of credible sources

Credible sources of information are those that are trustworthy, accurate, and based on factual evidence. Here are some examples of credible sources that you can use in a debate:

• Academic journals : Peer-reviewed academic journals are an excellent source of credible information on a wide range of topics. They are written by experts in their fields and undergo a rigorous review by other experts before publication.
• Government publications: Government agencies often produce reports, statistics, and other data on a variety of topics, such as public health, economics, and the environment. These sources can be valuable for providing accurate and reliable information.
• Expert opinion: Expert opinion can be a valuable source of information in a debate, especially when it is based on factual evidence and supported by research. Experts can include academics, researchers, scientists, and other professionals with specialized knowledge and expertise.
• Books: Books can be a great source of information for debates, especially if they are written by credible authors with expertise in the relevant field. Look for books published by reputable publishers and written by experts in the field.
• News outlets: Reputable news outlets, such as major newspapers and television networks, can be a valuable source of information for a debate. Look for news sources that are known for their journalistic integrity and accuracy.

When using sources in a debate, it is important to evaluate their credibility and reliability.

Look for sources that are based on factual evidence, written by experts in the field, and have been reviewed by others in the field.

By using credible sources, you can strengthen your argument and build your credibility as a participant in the debate.

How to incorporate facts and evidence into a debate

Here are some tips for incorporating facts and evidence into a debate:

• Gather relevant information: Before the debate, do some research on the topic and gather relevant facts and evidence. Make sure the information you use is accurate, reliable, and credible sources.
• Organize your information: Organize your facts and evidence in a clear and concise manner. Use bullet points or a numbered list to make it easy to follow.
• Use examples: Use specific examples to support your argument. This will help to make your points more tangible and relatable to the audience.
• Be prepared to defend your sources: Be prepared to defend the credibility of your sources if challenged. Make sure you are able to explain why your sources are reliable and trustworthy.
• Use visuals: Consider using visuals, such as graphs or charts, to help illustrate your points. This can be a powerful way to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Use language that is easy to understand: Avoid using technical jargon or complex language that may be difficult for the audience to understand. Use language that is clear and concise, and make sure your argument is easy to follow.

Remember, the goal of using facts and evidence in a debate is to strengthen your argument and make it more persuasive to the audience.

By using relevant and credible information, you can build your credibility as a knowledgeable participant in the debate and increase the likelihood that others will be persuaded by your arguments.

• Be willing to compromise

When it comes to ending a debate, being willing to compromise can be an important strategy. Here are some reasons why:

• Finding common ground: By being willing to compromise, you may be able to find areas of agreement with the other person. This can help to reduce tension and create a more positive atmosphere for the discussion.
• Resolving conflict: Compromise can be a powerful tool for resolving conflict. By finding a middle ground that both parties can agree on, you can work towards a solution that is acceptable to everyone.
• Building relationships: By being willing to compromise, you can demonstrate that you are open to working with others and finding solutions that work for everyone. This can help to build trust and strengthen relationships over time.

Here are some tips for being willing to compromise during a debate:

• Be open to new ideas: Be willing to listen to the other person’s perspective and consider their ideas.
• Focus on common goals: Identify common goals that both parties share, and work towards finding a solution that achieves those goals.
• Be flexible: Be willing to adjust your position if necessary in order to find a solution that works for everyone.
• Communicate effectively: Communicate clearly and respectfully with the other person, and be open to feedback and suggestions.

Remember, compromise is not about giving up your position or sacrificing your beliefs. Rather, it is about finding a solution that works for everyone involved.

By being willing to compromise, you can help to create a more positive and productive environment for debate and discussion.

Importance of compromise

Compromise is important in many aspects of life, including debates. Here are some reasons why compromise is important:

• Finding a solution : Sometimes, a debate can become so polarized that it becomes difficult to find a solution that works for everyone. The compromise allows both parties to find a middle ground and work towards a solution that is acceptable to everyone.
• Building relationships: In a debate, it can be easy to become entrenched in your own position and dismissive of others. By being willing to compromise, you can demonstrate that you are open to working with others and finding solutions that work for everyone. This can help to build trust and strengthen relationships over time.
• Encouraging collaboration: Compromise encourages collaboration and teamwork. By working together towards a common goal, both parties can share their knowledge and expertise, and come up with a solution that is stronger and more effective than anything they could have achieved alone.
• Encouraging creativity: Compromise encourages creativity and innovation. By being willing to consider new ideas and approaches, both parties can come up with unique and effective solutions to complex problems.

Benefits of compromise

Compromise has many benefits in various situations, including debates. Here are some of the benefits of compromise:

• Finding a solution: Compromise allows both parties to find a middle ground and work towards a solution that is acceptable to everyone. This can help to resolve the issue at hand and move forward.
• Encouraging collaboration: Compromise encourages collaboration and teamwork. By working together towards a common goal, both parties can share their knowledge and expertise and come up with a solution that is stronger and more effective than anything they could have achieved alone.
• Reducing tension: In a debate, tension can quickly escalate and make it difficult to find a solution. By being willing to compromise, you can help to reduce tension and create a more positive atmosphere for the discussion.

Tips for finding common ground and compromising

Here are some tips for finding common ground and compromising during a debate:

• Listen actively: Listen to the other person’s arguments and try to understand their perspective. Be open-minded and avoid interrupting or dismissing their points.
• Identify shared values: Look for shared values or goals that both parties can agree on. Focus on these shared values as a starting point for finding a compromise.
• Brainstorm solutions: Brainstorm solutions that address both parties’ concerns. Be creative and think outside the box. Try to come up with multiple solutions that could work for everyone.
• Be willing to give and take: Compromise requires both parties to give a little and take a little. Be open to making concessions and finding a solution that works for everyone.
• Find a middle ground: Look for a middle ground that both parties can agree on. This may require both parties to adjust their position slightly, but it can lead to a solution that is acceptable to everyone.
• Keep the discussion respectful: Remember to keep the discussion respectful and avoid personal attacks. Stick to the issues at hand and avoid making it personal.
• Consider the long-term: Think about the long-term implications of the compromise. Will it work for everyone involved in the long run? Will it address the underlying issues that led to the debate?

End on a positive note

Ending a debate on a positive note is important because it can help to promote a sense of closure and leave a lasting impression on the participants. Here are some tips for ending a debate on a positive note:

• Recap the main points: Take a few minutes to recap the main points of the debate. This can help to reinforce key arguments and remind everyone of the issues that were discussed.
• Express appreciation: Take the time to express appreciation for the other person’s participation in the debate. Thank them for their time and for sharing their perspective.
• Find common ground: Look for areas of common ground that were identified during the debate. Highlight these areas and acknowledge the progress that was made.
• Offer a solution: If possible, offer a solution or compromise that everyone can agree on. This can help to end the debate on a positive note and provide a sense of closure.
• Stay respectful: Remember to stay respectful and avoid personal attacks or negativity. Even if you don’t agree with the other person’s perspective, you can still end the debate on a positive note by acknowledging their participation and staying polite.

By following these tips, you can help to end a debate on a positive note and leave a lasting impression on the participants.

This can help to promote a sense of goodwill and encourage future discussion and collaboration.

Examples of positive ways to end a debate

Here are some examples of positive ways to end a debate:

• “Thank you for your perspective on this issue. I appreciate your time and effort in this debate, and I think we were able to make progress by finding some common ground.”
• “I think we’ve had a really productive discussion today. Even though we may not agree on everything, I appreciate the opportunity to learn from your perspective and have a respectful conversation.”
• “Let’s focus on the things that we can agree on and work together to find a solution. I believe that if we continue to have these types of discussions, we can make a positive impact.”
• “I want to thank everyone for their contributions to this debate. It’s important that we have these types of conversations to better understand different perspectives and find solutions.”
• “Although we may have different viewpoints, I think it’s important that we respect each other’s opinions and continue to have productive discussions. Let’s keep an open mind and work towards finding common ground in the future.”

See Jamb Result Checker

How to express appreciation and optimism for future collaboration

Here are some ways to express appreciation and optimism for future collaboration after a debate:

• Thank the other person for their time and for sharing their perspective. Express appreciation for the opportunity to have a meaningful discussion.
• Highlight areas of agreement or progress that were made during the debate. This can help to reinforce positive aspects of the conversation and provide a foundation for future collaboration.
• Emphasize the importance of continuing the conversation and finding common ground. This can help to promote a sense of optimism and encourage future collaboration.
• Offer to stay in touch and continue the conversation at a later time. This can help to keep the lines of communication open and provide an opportunity for further collaboration.
• End on a positive note by expressing confidence in the potential for future collaboration. This can help to promote a sense of goodwill and encourage future engagement.

By expressing appreciation and optimism for future collaboration, you can help to promote a positive and productive dialogue. This can help to build relationships and create opportunities for collaboration and problem-solving.

In conclusion, ending a debate can be a challenging task, but by following these tips, you can help to ensure that the conversation ends on a positive and productive note.

Setting clear rules and expectations, practicing active listening, identifying common ground, staying focused on the topic, using facts and evidence, being willing to compromise, and expressing appreciation and optimism for future collaboration can all help to promote respectful and productive dialogue.

By working together to find common ground and build relationships, we can create opportunities for collaboration and problem-solving that can lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved.

Remember, the goal of a debate is not to win or lose, but to have a meaningful conversation and find solutions to complex problems.

See WAEC Timetable

Summary of tips for ending a debate

To summarize, here are the tips for ending a debate:

• End on a positive note by expressing appreciation and optimism for future collaboration

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that the conversation ends on a positive and productive note.

Whether you are debating with a colleague, friend, or family member, practicing these skills can help to promote a respectful and productive dialogue.

Encouragement to practice effective debate skills

I would like to encourage you to practice these effective debate skills in your daily life. By becoming skilled in ending debates, you can help to promote positive and productive conversations that can lead to meaningful outcomes.

Whether you are engaging in a debate with colleagues, friends, or family members, these tips can help you to navigate difficult conversations in a respectful and productive manner.

Remember, the key to an effective debate is not to win or lose but to have a meaningful conversation and find solutions to complex problems.

By practicing these skills, you can help to create a better future for yourself and those around you.

Final thoughts and call to action.

In conclusion, effective debate skills are important for promoting positive and productive conversations.

By setting clear rules and expectations, practicing active listening, identifying common ground, staying focused on the topic, using facts and evidence, being willing to compromise, and ending on a positive note, we can help to ensure that difficult conversations end in a constructive and respectful manner.

I encourage you to practice these skills in your daily life and to share them with others. By doing so, we can create a culture of constructive dialogue and problem-solving that can lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved.

Let us work together to promote effective communication and build stronger relationships so that we can create a better future for ourselves and those around us.

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How to Write a Winning Debate Speech

What is a Debate?

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

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

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

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

Complete Teaching Unit on Class Debating

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

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

How To Run A Classroom Debate

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

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

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

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

1. Choose a Topic For Your Debate.

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

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

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

2. Form Two Debating Teams

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

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

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

3. Assign Roles to Students.

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

4. Research and Preparation:

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

5. Set Debate Format:

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

6. Establish Rules:

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

7. Conduct a Practice Debate:

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

9. Facilitate Q&A Sessions:

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

10. Evaluate and Debrief:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download our Debate Organizer

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

How To Write A Debate

How to start a debate speech.

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

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

Writing Your Introduction

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

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

Grab The Attention Of Your Audience With Strong Hooks

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

Introduce Your Topic With Efficiency and Effectiveness

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

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

Provide Your Thesis Statement

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

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

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

Provide A Preview Of Your Arguments

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

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

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

debate introduction examples for students

Attention grabbers task.

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

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

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

Writing T he Body of the Speech

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

Let’s take a look at how to do that.

How to structure an Argument

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

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

• The Warrant

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

Brainstorming Arguments

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

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

Students can then present their arguments to the class. 

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

Concluding a Debate Speech

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

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

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

Examples of strong debate Conclusions

The Burden of the Rejoinder

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

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

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

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

The Devils Advocate

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

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

20 Great Debating Topics for Students

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

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

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO DEBATING

The Ultimate Guide to Opinion Writing for Students and Teachers

Top 5 Persuasive Writing Techniques for Students

5 Top Persuasive Writing Lesson Plans for Students and Teachers

23 Persuasive writing Topics for High School students

How to Write Perfect Persuasive Essays in 5 Simple Steps

Debating strategies for students.

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

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

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

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

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

Read the Audience

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

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

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

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

Practice, Practice, Practice

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

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

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

And Finally…

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

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

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

Debating Teaching Strategies

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

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

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

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9 Closing a Speech: End with Power and Let Them Know It is Time to Clap

Open Your Speech With a Bang Close It With a Slam-Dunk Westside Toastmasters

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending,” according to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The first few words of your speech make the audience want to listen and the last few sentences help them decide what they feel about you and your topic. In this chapter, I will explain the function of a conclusion, the format of a conclusion, and I will give you numerous examples of ways to end your speech. Most of this chapter is dedicated to showing you good examples of different types of speech closings. Let’s get started by talking about the purpose of the closing.

A Strong Closing Does Many Things

• Summarizes the points. By restating your points your audience is more likely to remember them.
• Tells the audience when to clap. Let’s face it, it is so awkward when you are done with your speech, and no one claps. Being clear the end is near, relieves the audience of the pressure of wondering if they are clapping at the right time.
• Provides resolution. Your speech should give the audience a sense of resolve or a sense of being challenged.

The Formula for Closing Most Speeches

• Transition statement to ending.
• Review the main points–repeat the thesis.
• If it is a persuasive speech, tell the audience what you want them to do or think.
• Provide a closing statement.

Restate the Thesis

Tell them what you are going to say, say it, tell them what you have said. This speech pattern is useful in most types of speeches because it helps the speaker to remember your key points. As you build your closing, make sure you restate the thesis. A good rule of thumb is to write it in such a way that if the audience were asked to restate the main points, their answer would match closely with your thesis.

EXAMPLE Watch as Stella Young gives her thesis and then restates her thesis at the end of the speech as she wraps up. The thesis of the talk in the introduction: We’ve been sold the lie that disability is a Bad Thing, capital B, capital T. It’s a bad thing, and to live with a disability makes you exceptional. It’s not a bad thing, and it doesn’t make you exceptional. Restates the thesis of the talk at the closing: Disability doesn’t make you exceptional but questioning what you think you know about it does.

Stella Young, I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPGrLoU5Uk

This next example is from a student’s speech. It is easy to pull out one sentence that clearly summarizes the main points of her speech. Following her summary, she winds the speech down into a thoughtful conclusion and ends with three powerful words.

Now is the time to separate the war on drugs from the war on addiction. T oday you’ve heard the problems, impacts, and solutions of criminalizing addictions. Bruce Callis is 50 years old now. And he is still struggling with his addiction. while you all are sitting out there listening to this, I’m living with it. Bruce Callis is my father and for my entire life, I have watched our misguided system destroy him. The irony here is that we live in a society where we are told to recycle. We recycle paper, aluminum, and electronics. But why don’t we ever consider recycling them most precision think on Earth– the human life. Student Tunnette Powell, Winner of the 2012 Interstate Oratorical Association Contest.

Closing Phrases

After you restate your thesis, you should carefully deliver your closing phrases.  Your closing should provide a resolution to your speech and/or it should challenge the audience. Frantically Speaking writer Hrideep Barot suggests  “a conclusion is like tying a bow or ribbon to a box of your key ideas that your audience will be taking along with them.”

A speech closing is not just about the words you say, but it is also the way you say it. Change the pace near the end of your speech. Let your tone alone should signal the end is near. It is about deliberate voice control, don’t let your voice weakly away.

In the next section, I will cover these ways to end your speech:

End with powerful words End with a quote End with a graphic End with parallel construction End on a positive note End with a challenge End with a question End with inspiration End with well-wishing End with humor End with a call to action End with a feeling of resolve End with a prop

The best way to teach you about advanced closings is to show not tell. For this section, I will briefly explain each type of closing and then provide a video. Each video is queued so you can play the video and watch the closing statement.  I included a transcript under each video if you want to follow along.  It will be most beneficial for you to watch the clip and not just read the text. By watching, you will have a chance to hear the subtle changes in the speaker’s voice as they deliver their closing statements.

End with Powerful Words

As you design your closing, look at the last three to five words and examine them to see if they are strong words. Oftentimes, you can rearrange a sentence to end with a powerful word. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Watch this clip for how BJ Miller ends with a powerful thought and a powerful word. 

Parts of me died early on, and that’s something we can all say one way or another. I got to redesign my life around this fact, and I tell you it has been a liberation to realize you can always find a shock of beauty or meaning in what life you have left, like that snowball lasting for a perfect moment, all the while melting away. If we love such moments ferociously, then maybe we can learn to live well — not in spite of death, but because of it. Let death be what takes us, not lack of imagination. BJ Miller, What Really Matters at the End of Life

End by Circling Back to the Opening

Another type of ending is to circle back to what you said in the beginning. You can revisit a quote, share the end to an illustration that was begun in the beginning, or you can put away a prop you got out in the beginning.

Watch this clip for how Zubing Zhang begins and ends with the same quote to circle back around to the main idea. 

She starts by telling a story of bungee jumping off the world’s highest platform and how she saw a sign with a quote that says, “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.” After telling her own story about pushing her emotional limits, she circles back around at the end by saying, “As the words said high on the bungee platform, “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.”

Yubing Zhang, Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone. 

End With Quote

If you end your speech with a quote, attend to the following.

• Always say the author of the quote before the quote for example, “I want to leave you with a leadership quote ‘What you do has far greater impact than what you say,’ Steven Covey.” The problem with this ending is that “Stephen Covey” are the last two words of the speech and that is boring. Consider instead this ending. “I think Robin Sharma said it best ‘Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.'” In this arrangement, the last three words are powerful–influence and inspiration.
• Provided context for the quote before or after. Make sure the quote is meaningful and not just an easy way to end.

Watch this clip for how Sir Ken Robinson ends with a quote. Notice how he says the author and then the quote.

Also, notice how he then ties his speech to the quote with a final few sentences and ends with the powerful word–“revolution” and how he uses a strong vocal emphasis as he says his last word. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

There’s a wonderful quote from Benjamin Franklin. “There are three sorts of people in the world: Those who are immovable, people who don’t get it, or don’t want to do anything about it; there are people who are movable, people who see the need for change and are prepared to listen to it; and there are people who move, people who make things happen.” And if we can encourage more people, that will be a movement. And if the movement is strong enough, that’s, in the best sense of the word, a revolution. And that’s what we need.

Sir Ken Robinson, How to Escape Education’s Death Valley. 

End with a Graphic

You might want to use a visual to make your final point. Bringing in a picture, graphic, or object, reengages the audience to pay attention to your final ideas.

Watch this clip for how Barry Schartz uses the magic words “so to conclude” and then he creatively uses a picture of a fishbowl to narrow in on his point. Notice how his final word is spoken with urgency as he says “disaster.” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

 So, to conclude. (He shows a picture of fish in a fishbowl) He says, “You can be anything you want to be — no limits.” You’re supposed to read this cartoon and, being a sophisticated person, say, “Ah! What does this fish know? Nothing is possible in this fishbowl.” Impoverished imagination, a myopic view of the world –that’s the way I read it at first. The more I thought about it, however, the more I came to the view that this fish knows something. Because the truth of the matter is, if you shatter the fishbowl so that everything is possible, you don’t have freedom. You have paralysis. If you shatter this fishbowl so that everything is possible, you decrease satisfaction. You increase paralysis, and you decrease satisfaction. Everybody needs a fishbowl. This one is almost certainly too limited –perhaps even for the fish, certainly for us. But the absence of some metaphorical fishbowl is a recipe for misery and, I suspect, disaster. Barry Schwartz, The Paradox of Choice

End with Parallel Construction

Parallel construction is a series of repeated phrases. It can be a powerful tool to use in a persuasive speech as it creates a feeling of importance.

Watch this clip for how Malala Yousafzai ends with a series of parallel statements to build momentum. Notice how her pace perfectly matches her words and you feel her strength when she ends with “education first.” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that millions of people are suffering from poverty, injustice, and ignorance. We must not forget that millions of children are out of schools. We must not forget that our sisters and brothers are waiting for a bright peaceful future. So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education First.

Malala Yousafzai,  United Nations Youth Assembly

End on a Positive Note

Audiences are constantly evaluating a speaker to determine their attitude and motivation. As you consider your speech closing, ask yourself what type of impression do you want to leave?  Do you want to leave them with depression or hope? Sadness or promise? Most of the time, audiences will receive messages that end positively better than speeches that end negatively.

In this speech sample, Hans Rosling showed the audience some hard statistics and he even pointed fingers at the audience as part of the problem. To help them hear his main point, he wisely ends on a positive note.

Watch this clip for how Hans Rosling ends this thought-provoking talk on a positive note. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Now, when thinking about where all this leaves us, I have just one little humble advice for you, besides everything else, look at the data. Look at the facts about the world and you will see where we are today and how we can move forwards with all these billions on our wonderful planet. The challenge of extreme poverty has been greatly reduced and it’s for the first time in history within our power to end it for good. The challenge of population growth is, in fact, already being solved, the number of children has stopped growing.  And for the challenge for climate change, we can still avoid the worst, but that requires the richest, as soon as possible, find a way to use their set their use of resources and energy at a level that, step by step, can be shared by 10 billion or 11 billion by the end of this century. I’ve never called myself an optimist, but I do say I’m a possibilist and I also say the world is much better than many of you think.

Hans Rosling, Facts about the Population.

End with a Challenge

Leave the audience with a doable personal challenge. Help them mentally make sense of all the information that you shared by helping them know how to file it away and how to use it.

Watch this clip for how Melissa Butler ends with a challenge. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

So, I challenge each of you, when you go home today, look at yourself in the mirror, see all of you, look at all of your greatness that you embody, accept it, and love it. And finally, when you leave the house tomorrow, try to extend that same love and acceptance to someone who doesn’t look like you . Melissa Butler, Why You Think You’re Ugly. 

Watch this clip as Darren LaCroix literally falls face down to anchor the point that when we fall, we “fall forward.” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Darren LaCroix talks about taking risks and falling down and getting back up, he literally and purposefully falls down during his speech and ends this way: What’s your next step… take it. I didn’t want to look back at my life and say you know I never did try that comedy thing, but I died debt-free. All of us are headed toward that goal we are going to teach a point where we get stuck and our feet are like in cement and we can’t move but we’re so afraid of that ouch but we forget that if we lean forward and take a risk–(He falls face down) and we fall on our face. When we get up, notice, you still made progress. So please, with me, go ahead and fall. But fall forward. Darren LaCroiz, Winning Speech delivered at National Speech Association

End with a Question

Asking a question at the end is one way to reengage the audience. It helps them think about what your topic might mean for them.

Watch this clip for how David Eagleman reminds us about why his topic is important and then ends with a question. Notice how he pauses before his final question and how he changes the pace of his speech for the final sentence. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

So I think there’s really no end to the possibilities on the horizon for human expansion. Just imagine an astronaut being able to feel the overall health of the International Space Station, or, for that matter, having you feel the invisible states of your own health, like your blood sugar and the state of your microbiome, or having 360-degree vision or seeing in infrared or ultraviolet. So the key is this: As we move into the future, we’re going to increasingly be able to choose our own peripheral devices. We no longer have to wait for Mother Nature’s sensory gifts on her timescales, but instead, like any good parent, she’s given us the tools that we need to go out and define our own trajectory. So the question now is, how do you want to go out and experience your universe?

David Eagleman, Can We Create New Senses for Humans? 

Watch this clip for how Lera Boroditsky ends with a personal note and a  powerful final question. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

I want to leave you with this final thought. I’ve told you about how speakers of different languages think differently, but of course, that’s not about how people elsewhere think. It’s about how you think. It’s how the language that you speak shapes the way that you think. And that gives you the opportunity to ask, “Why do I think the way that I do?” “How could I think differently?” And also,  “What thoughts do I wish to create?” Lera Boroditsky, How Language Shapes the Way We Think

End with Inspiration

“Inspiring your audience is all about helping them see their own vision, not yours.”

You may want to end your speech with inspiring and encouraging words. Pick words that resonate with most of your audience and deliver them in such a way that your audience feels your lift in emotion.

Watch this clip for how Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ends with an inspiring final note and a powerful last few words “regain a kind of paradise” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity.

I would like to end with this thought:   That when we reject the single-story,   when we realize that there is never a single story   about any place,   we regain a kind of paradise.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,  The Danger of a Single Story  

Watch this clip for how Dan Pink ends with an inspiring final note. (I have the video cued to play just the closing) Let me wrap up. There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does. Here is what science knows. One: Those 20th century rewards, those motivators we think are a natural part of business, do work, but only in a surprisingly narrow band of circumstances. Two: Those if-then rewards often destroy creativity. Three: The secret to high performance isn’t rewards and punishments, but that unseen intrinsic drive– the drive to do things for their own sake. The drive to do things cause they matter.

And here’s the best part. We already know this. The science confirms what we know in our hearts. So, if we repair this mismatch between what science  knows and what business does, if we bring our motivation, notions of motivation into the 21st century, if we get past this lazy, dangerous, ideology of carrots and sticks, we can strengthen our businesses, we can solve a lot of those candle problems, and maybe, maybe — we can change the world. I rest my case. Dan Pink, The Puzzle of Motivation

End with Well Wishing

There are several types of closings where the speaker wished the audience well.

The Benediction Close: M ay God bless and keep you…. The Presidential Close: God bless you and may God bless the USA The Congratulatory Close: I congratulate you on your accomplishment and wish you continued success. 

End with Humor

You can end on a fun lighthearted note. It is important to always run your humor by a variety of people to make sure you are funny, and your humor is appropriate.

Watch this clip for how Andrew Dunham uses humor throughout his speech and ends with a funny one-liner. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

I wish you all the best as we begin this journey on our paths and I sincerely hope and pray that your time and success have proven to be as memorable and spiritually rewarding as mine. If not, there’s always summer school.

Andrew Dunham, Valedictorian Comes Out As Autistic During Speech

End with a Call to Action

If you are delivering a persuasive speech, let the audience know exactly what you want them to do.

End with a Feeling of Resolve

Paul Harvey made famous the line “And now you know…the rest of the story.” Your closing should allow us to know the rest of the story or to know how a situation was resolved.

Watch this clip for how Lucy Hone ends this tough but inspiring talk with a feeling of resolve (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

https://youtu.be/9-5SMpg7Q0k?t=913 If you ever find yourself in a situation where you think there’s no way I’m coming back from this, I urge you to lean into these strategies and think again. I won’t pretend that thinking this way is easy and it doesn’t remove all the pain. But if I’ve learned anything over the last five years, it is that thinking this way really does help. More than anything it has shown me that  it is possible  to live and grieve at the same time. And for that I will be always grateful. Lucy Hone, The Three Secrets of Resilient People

End with a Prop

Nancy Duarte says you should give your audience, SOMETHING THEY  will ALWAYS REMEMBER–S.T.A.R. One way to do that is with an action or statement that will have the audience talking about it for a long time. President Obama did it with a mic drop.

Memorize Your Conclusion

End on time.

Do not diminish the effect of a great speech with a bloated, aimless conclusion. Dan Rothwell.

“Times about up.”

Don’t end with any references to time. It is like a giant stop sign saying, “stop listening.”  Don’t highlight that you ran over time or that it is almost time for lunch. You want them to think about your speech, not the clock.

“Any Questions?”

You want them to feel a sense of closure for your speech.  End with something powerful and let them applaud.  After the applause, you can offer to answer questions. Similarly, projecting your last slide with the words, “Any Questions” is a weak ending.

“Let Me Add This Point I Missed”

If you forget something in the body of your speech, it is usually best to leave it out.  Most of the time you are the only one who will miss it.

“Thank You to the Team”

There is a time to thank the organizers and those who helped you but it is not at the end of your speech. Your focus should be on your audience and what they need and what they need to hear is your idea.  Send a thank you letter to the team if you want them to feel your appreciation.

“I’m Sorry”

“Sorry again for the technology issue,” “I apologize for going over time, ” “I regret I have no answer to this.” These are all negative phrases.  Keep to your topic that is what they need to hear and stay focused.

“I’ll Close with this Video”

No, you should close with talking about the big idea.

If you don’t have a plan at the end, you will ramble. “Steer clear of meandering endings they kill a story,” according to the Moth Storytelling website. “Your last line should be clear in your head before you start. Yes, bring the audience along with you as you contemplate what transpires in your story, but remember, you are driving the story, and must know the final destination. Keep your hands on the wheel!”

To Thank or Not to Thank, That is the Question

There is a debate amongst speech professionals, speech teachers, and speech coaches about whether or not you should thank the audience. Here are their main arguments.

Why You Should Not Say Thank You

• You want to end with powerful words. “Thank you” are not strong words.
• The recency effect suggests they will remember the last words you spoke. You want them to remember more than just “thank you.”
• It is not a very creative way to end.
• It can be a sign of a lazy speaker, “I have no idea how to end this, I’ve run out of good things to say so I’ll say ‘Thank you’ so you will clap now.”

Why You Should Say Thank You

• It has come to be the expected ending in many settings. Violating their expectations can cause them to have a negative reaction.
• It clearly signals you are finished so the audience knows when to clap. The relieves the pressure from both you and the audience.
• It expresses gratitude.

I will leave it up to you to decide what works for you. As for me, I plan on trying to find more creative ways to end other than just saying “thank you.”

Maximizing the Primacy Recency Effect

If I were to read you a list of thirty things on my grocery list and then asked you to list all that you can remember, chances are you would remember the first times on the list and the last items on the list ( and any ones you found interesting from the middle). When people engage in listening, they tend to remember the first and last things they hear, it is called the primacy-recency effect. T his is just one more reason that your introduction and conclusion should be so well planned out. It is those first words and last words that the audience is going to remember. 

The primacy recency effect influences, not only what people pay attention to in a speech, but also which speech we pay the most attention to in a series of speeches. For example, if there is a lineup of six speakers, the first and last speakers tend to get the most attention.

As a speaker, you can use this information to your advantage by volunteering to go first or last. If you are giving a long presentation, you can break it up by allowing the audience to move around or talk to a neighbor. When you come back from break, you have re-engaged that primacy effect and moved them back to a high state of attention.

Do You Have Everything You Need for a Strong Closing?

• Have I signaled my speech is coming to an end with my words or my voice?
• Have I restated my main points?
• If I am persuading my audience, do they know what I want them to do or think?
• Have I written the last three to five words in such a way that I end with powerful words?
• Have I memorized my closing?

Getting Off the Platform is Part of Your Closing

Plan on making a strong exit. Whether you are stepping off a stage or simply going to your seat, you should consider that the audience is watching you.

I have had students who finished their speech and then walked over to the trashcan and in a large, exaggerated movement, they threw their notecards in the trash. In our minds, we threw their message away with those cards. I’ve seen speakers, sit in their chairs and then announce, “I can’t believe my hands were shaking so much.” I’ve sat there and thought, “I didn’t notice.” I then realized that the comments they made influenced my perception of them and my perception of their topic.

You said your last word and the audience is applauding, now what? Look at your audience and smile and nod in appreciation before walking off the stage. If you will be answering questions, wait until after the applause stops to begin your question and answering period.

When practicing your speech, it is a good idea to start from your chair, walk up to a spot and then give your speech, and then walk back to your chair and sit down. Your “speech” impression begins and ends from your chair.

Key Takeaways

Remember This!

• A speech closing should include a review of the main points and a purposeful closing sentence.
• Persuasive speech endings should tell the audience specifically what they should do or think about.
• The recency effect suggests that people remember the most recent things they have heard which is one reason the closing is so important.
• Chance the pace of your speech and the tone of your voice to signal the end of the speech.

Please share your feedback, suggestions, corrections, and ideas.

I want to hear from you. 

Do you have an activity to include? Did you notice a typo that I should correct? Are you planning to use this as a resource and do you want me to know about it? Do you want to tell me something that really helped you?

Click here to share your feedback. 

Adichie, C.N. (2009). The danger of a single story. [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg Standard YouTube License.

Anderson, C. (2016). TED talks: The official TED guide to public speaking. Mariner Books.

Barot, H.  Fifteen powerful speech ending lines (and tips to create your own). Frantically Speaking. https://franticallyspeaking.com/15-powerful-speech-ending-lines-and-tips-to-create-your-own/

Boroditsky, L. (2017). How language shapes the way we think.  https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think  Standard Youtube License. 

Butler, M. (2018). Why you think you’re ugly. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imCBztvKgus  Standard YouTube License. 

Dunham. A. (2019). Valedictorian comes out as autistic during speech. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPGrLoU5Uk  Standard Youtube License. 

Eagleman, D. (2015). Can we create new senses for humans?[Video]. YouTube  https://youtu.be/4c1lqFXHvqI  Standard YouTube License. 

Hone, L. (2019).  The three secrets of resilient people. [Video]. YouTube  https://youtu.be/NWH8N-BvhAw  Standard YouTube License. 

Jeff, P. (2009). Ten ways to end your speech with a bang. http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/10-ways-to-end-your-speech

Jobs, S. (2005). You’ve got to find what you love. https://news.stanford.edu/2005/06/14/jobs-061505/

Khanna, P. (2016). Let the head of TED show you how to end your speech with power. https://www.fastcompany.com/3059459/let-the-head-of-ted-show-you-how-to-end-your-speech-with-p

Karia, A. (2013). How to open and close a TED talk (or any other speech or presentation). https://akashkaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HowtoOpenandCloseaTEDTalk.pdf

LaCroix, D. (2001). World champion of public speaking. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUDCzbmLV-0  Standard YouTube License. 

Mandela, N. (2011). Speech from the dock in the Rivonia trial.[Video]. YouTube https://www.nelsonmandela.org/news/entry/i-am-prepared-to-die  Standard YouTube License. 

Mandela, N. (1994). Presidential Inaugural Speech. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/nelsonmandelainauguralspeech.htm  Standard YouTube License. 

Miller, B.J. (2015). What really matters at the end of life. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.ted.com/talks/bj_miller_what_really_matters_at_the_end_of_life?language=en  Standard YouTube License. 

Moth. (2021). Storytelling tips and tricks: How to tell a successful story. https://themoth.org/share-your-story/storytelling-tips-tricks 

Obama, B. (2016). White House correspondents dinner. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxFkEj7KPC0  Standard YouTube License. 

Pink, D. (2009). The puzzle of motivation. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_the_puzzle_of_motivation  Standard YouTube License. 

Rothwell, D. (2014). Practically Speaking. Oxford University Press.Robinson, K. (2013). How to escape education’s death valley. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX78iKhInsc  Standard YouTube License. 

Rosling, H. (2014). Don’t Panic-Hans Rosling showing the facts about population.[Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FACK2knC08E  Standard YouTube License. 

Schwartz, B. (2005). The paradox of choice. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_the_paradox_of_choice  Standard YouTube License. 

Toastmasters International. (2016). Concluding your Speech. https://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Concluding-Your-Speech

Young, S. (2014). I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPGrLoU5Uk  Standard YouTube License. 

Yousafzai, M. (2013). Malala Yousafzai addresses United Nations Youth Assembly. [Video]. YouTube https://youtu.be/3rNhZu3ttIU  Standard YouTube License. 

Zhang, Y. (2015). Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmN4xOGkxGo  Standard YouTube License. 

Media Attributions

• Audience clapping © Alex Motoc is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license
• jose-aragones-81QkOoPGahY-unsplash © Jose Aragones is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license

Advanced Public Speaking Copyright © 2021 by Lynn Meade is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Write a Debate Speech

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,547,643 times.

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

Sample Speeches

Preparing for the Debate Speech

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

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

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

Writing the Debate Speech

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

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

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

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

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

Concluding the Debate Speech

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

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

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• Never degrade your topic. Thanks Helpful 37 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 33 Not Helpful 3
• 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 34 Not Helpful 4

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 24 Not Helpful 5

You Might Also Like

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

About This Article

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

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How To Deliver a Debate Final Focus

The Final Focus speech is quite similar to the Summary speech in that they are both short speeches which aim to boil down the round and provide clear reasons that the judge should vote for your side. Thus, many of the Tips provided in Five Big Tips For The Summary Speech will be applicable here as well.

Instead of repeating those points, this article will go into the Five Main Differences Between Summary and Final Focus before offering Three Final Focus Tips.

Five Main Differences Between Summary and Final Focus

Difference #1 : purpose.

The purpose of the summary speech is to set your partner up to give a killer final focus. This means figuring out which points to go for, extending the right pieces of evidence, and effectively responding to your opponent’s main offense. The purpose of final focus, however, is to “write the judge’s ballot for them.” Final focus is the last speech in the round and is thus most likely to stick in the judge’s mind as they are writing their ballot.

Consequently, the final focus is often the most important speech in the round for a lay judge, while the summary is often the most important speech in the round for a flow judge.

Difference #2 : Length

Whereas you get 3 minutes to give a Summary, you only get 2 minutes to deliver your Final Focus. This means the final focus speaker must have impeccable word economy. The summary speaker does have more to cover, but gets that extra minute for explanation. The final focus speaker will not have the opportunity to hit all the points covered in summary, and will have to strategically prioritize.

Difference #3 : Amount of Defense

The summary speech requires more defense than the final focus speech. The summary speaker may not drop important evidence in the opposing case or relevant turns delivered in rebuttal, as the final focus is too late to first address something so major.

The final focus speaker will really want to focus on driving home their main narrative, instead of wasting time on the opponent’s offense.

Difference #4 : Amount of Weighing

In the summary speech, it is important to introduce the judge to a couple of weighing mechanisms, or at least provide them a working framework by which to evaluate which arguments matter most. However, the final focus speaker is the one that needs to weigh heavily, making crystal clear why the judge should vote their way.

However, the job of the final focus speaker is not to just rattle off weighing mechanisms. Instead, the final focus should be inspirational, should connect to the judge emotionally, and urge the judge to subconsciously want you to win. If the judge wants you to win, they will find a way to make that happen regardless of what was actually said.

Difference #5 : Necessity of Strong Rhetoric

A strong summary maximizes coverage and clarity; a strong final focus maximizes strong rhetoric and eloquence.

Three Final Focus Tips

Tip #1 : allow yourself to be passionate.

Throughout the case, rebuttal, and summary speeches, there are many technicalities you have to hit. The case should have claim, logic, impact; the rebuttal needs to be numbered responses; the summary needs to extend the right points and cards.

Technicalities apply to the final focus as well but can be forgone in the place of passion in certain circumstances, like if you have a lay judge and the round has been very confusing to this point. Regardless, this is your last chance to make an impression with the judge and you want to go out with a bang.

Tip #2 : This is Not The Time To Get Creative

Did you just think of the killer point in the middle of Grand Cross that you just know will destroy your opponent’s argument? Great! Write it down and think through it after the round; this not the time to do a 180. Judges want to see consistency between summary and final focus, and not how arguments build off of each other from speech to speech. The final focus is simply too late to make new arguments, both because you don’t have the time to explain them and because it’s not fair to your opponent who has little to no time to respond.

This isn’t to say you should repeat your partner’s Summary word for word – it is important to point out the specific nuances that make your argument pop that your partner may not have had enough time to explain. But when it comes to new arguments altogether? Make them early or don’t make them at all.

(Note: there is one situation in which you can get creative, and that is the situation in which you know you are losing and you need something dramatic to win the round. However, just know that this usually doesn’t work and you would be better served highlighting the nuances you spent weeks preparing as opposed to coming in guns ablazing with new arguments in the last speech.)

Remember: the team that won on the flow doesn’t always win the round. If you can smile, sound confident, and speak with conviction, you have a good shot at winning even if you are worried you lost on the flow.

Tip #3 : Hammer Home Your Narrative

The final focus is the perfect speech to focus on your narrative. Do not be afraid to repeat points made in your or your partner’s previous speeches; in fact you likely will need to do this and the judge will thank you. Re-explain them fully and clearly, from start to finish. While you have been preparing this argument for weeks if not months, the judge only just heard it 45 minutes ago. They will need a refresher, and if you have practiced re-explaining your arguments efficiently in front of the mirror or your teammates, this is the time you will thank yourself.

While some summaries will use a Defense/Offense approach, just trying to cover enough of the flow to ensure no arguments are dropped, the final focus must tell a story. Ideally the summary will too but it is absolutely necessary in the final focus.

Pretend the judge has forgotten everything. If your speech would make sense to someone who didn’t listen to any of the other content of the round, you are on the right track. If it is filled with “blippy extensions” and jumps from topic to topic without providing closure, you will want to rethink how you give Final Focuses.

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101: Introduction to PF

What is Public Forum?

How to Win a PF Debate Round

How to Judge a PF Debate Round

How to Prepare for a PF Tournament

Speech Types & Lengths in PF

The Case: Constructive

The Rebuttal Speech

The Summary Speech

The Final Focus

102: beyond the basics.

Constructing a Case

Mastering the Constructives

Mastering the Rebuttals

Final Speeches

The final focus in Public Forum (PF) is the last speech that each side gives in the round. Importantly, it is the last speech the judge hears before they make their decision, so ending on a good note is critical. The final focus is also the shortest speech in the debate, clocking in at just two minutes. This means that efficiency will largely determine how effective your speech will be. For those trying to improve their final focus skills, I would strongly recommend efficiency-based re-dos, where the debater re-does a speech again and again, under increasingly harsh time constraints. For new second speakers, this is a great way to get used to the time constraints in the final focus.

What makes a good final focus? This speech will need to accomplish many of the same items as the summary. Extending your argument, frontlining your argument, and weighing your argument must all occur in the final focus speech. Additionally, the speaker should leave some time to address their opponent’s case and explain why they have failed to win their argument. However, there are some notable differences between the summary and the final focus. First of all, the final focus must crystallize and more heavily prioritize important points than the summary speech, which can afford to cover more arguments because the summary is a minute longer than the final focus. Especially for newer debaters, I would suggest collapsing on no more than one offensive argument in the final focus, and dedicating the rest of the time to weighing & beating back your opponent’s case.

Because the final focus is the last speech in the round, it is critically important that you help write the ballot for the judge in this speech. Point out positions that your opponents dropped/undercovered and places where you are clearly ahead in the debate. Then, explain why the areas you’re winning were the most important points in the debate. Keep in mind you should not be presenting any new arguments in the final focus. The only exception is that first final focus can make new weighing arguments (while second final focus cannot).