Debate Tools - how to start debate speech?

Providing students with the following tools for effective debating will help to ensure that the discussion remains focused and productive.

Signposting: Signposts are just labels for each idea in a speech and give clarity to any sort of oral communication. In debate they are especially important because they help the audience understand how the argument is put together. You can be a little more obvious about your signposting in debate than you would in a typical speech to make sure people are following it. It’s perfectly acceptable to say “My first point is…”

Consistent vocabulary: Use the same word each time you refer to a particular concept. If you use synonymous words or phrases when referring to the same concept, some members of the audience may think you are embarking on a new and different concept. Likewise, highlight subtle differences between concepts by using different vocabulary when speaking about them.

Listening: When you debate you will spend as much or more time listening as you spend speaking. It is your listening skills, not your speaking skills that will determine the quality of your performance in the round. You will need to listen actively to understand your opponent’s argument so that you can develop a proper response.
Some elements of active listening:
* Come to group prepared
* Listen for the main ideas that organize each speech
* Distinguish between the content of the speaker’s argument and the logical structure of the argument
* Take notes
* Ask yourself how each part of a person’s speech supports (or does not support!) their thesis
* Identify gaps in your understanding of the speaker’s argument. Are they due to incomplete understanding on your part? Are they due to flaws in the speaker’s reasoning or communication?
* Wait until the speaker has completed a thought before you evaluate it
* Give great attention to the particular words a speaker chooses. The meaning of vocabulary chosen by the speaker can have great effect on the meaning of an entire argument
* At the end of each speech ask yourself whether the speaker supported all the claims they made in their thesis
* Demonstrate that you are listening attentively by making eye contact and responding, (verbally or non-verbally), where appropriate.


Debate can be a powerful teaching and learning method if used properly. Key elements to the debate include:
* The goal/rationale for the debate in the context of class content (why are you doing the debate – what do you want the students to get out of the debate)
* A clear topic/resolution for debate
* Clear debate structure procedure (length of debate and pro/con speeches)
* Time for proper research and position development
* Time for debriefing, discussion, reflection, etc.

 so, Debate not just for the student (debater) but also for the coach/teacher/adviser.
Let us learn togethe.

http://plato-philosophy.org/resources/guidelines-for-dialogue-writing-and-debates/