
How do you write a constructive speech in a debate?
Write a Constructive Speech. During a policy debate, a speaker takes a position for or against a proposition and uses a constructive speech to argue his side of the issue. Both the affirmative team and the negative team give constructive speeches. The first affirms the resolution and calls for change; the second challenges the affirmative position.
Who is the affirmative in a debate?
National Speech & Debate Association: Speech and debate GloSSary2 Speech anD Debate GloSSary debate terMInoloGy affirmative/pro: the team or competitor who argues in favor of adopting the resolution. burden of proof: the affirmative’s responsibility to prove that the resolution is true.
What is a debate speech?
A debate speech is a formal discussion on a particular topic between two opposing sides. One side speaks in favor of the given topic, while the other one speaks against it. The main aim of a debate speech is to convince the audience that your opinion is right. Also, the two main factors that determine the definition of a debate speech are:
How to conclude Your Speech&Debate?
It includes an attention-grabbing sentence and a thesis statement that connects the entire speech. Also, summarize the main body by adding emotion and drama to our words. It is good to conclude your speech & debate with a message or quote that clarifies your position and arguments to the judges.
What is negative constructive speech?
How to write an affirmative speech?
What is class in policy debate?
About this website

What does constructive mean in debate?
A constructive discussion, comment, or approach is useful and helpful rather than negative and unhelpful.
How do you write a constructive speech in a debate?
A constructive speech should always accomplish the following: It will present your primary arguments. It will provide support for those arguments in the form of evidence and reasoning. It should be persuasively written (should include introduction, transitions, and a conclusion)
How do you conclude a constructive speech in a debate?
Conclude with a call for support of the affirmative position. Remember that a negative constructive speech is a response to the affirmative speech. State the reasons you are against your opponent's plan and why your opponent's points are wrong.
Who speaks first in the constructive round of a debate?
The affirmativeThere are two teams, each consisting of two or three speakers. 2. Each team has two or three constructive speeches, and two to three rebuttal speeches. The affirmative gives the first constructive speech, and the rebuttals alternate: negative, affirmative, negative, affirmative.
How do you start a constructive argument?
How to have a constructive argumentListen to what other people have to say. In the heat of the moment – desperate to get our own point across – we can refuse to listen to other opinions. ... Try to feel empathy. ... Repeat what the other person has said.
What are the 2 sides of a debate called?
The proposition side is called the Affirmative or Aff, and the opposition side is called the Negative or Neg. Each side is a team composed of two debaters, so that there are four people participating in the debate (not including the judge and audience).
What is a good closing statement for a debate?
Closing Argument Outline Restate your claim: What is the main idea of your argument? Remind your audience of the evidence. Explain how each piece of evidence justifies your claim.
What to say before starting a debate?
As previously stated I am hereby standing FOR/AGAINST the motion and if I have your permission I would like to begin by saying that……' “Good afternoon, honourable adjudicators, members of the opposing team, chairlady and audience. I'm the Captain of the affirmative side. Today, our motion is ______________.”
How do you write a constructive essay?
How to Write a Good Essay: Constructive Advice to FollowEffective Prompts on How to Write a Good Essay Properly. ... What to Concentrate Your Essay On. ... Select a Great Topic. ... Begin the Writing Process. ... Prepare a Thesis Statement. ... Determine the Essence of Your Topic. ... Write an Introductory Part. ... Create the Main Body.More items...
How long should a constructive speech for debate?
Each debater will make an opening presentation, laying out the arguments and reasons to prefer their side of the resolution. These are called the Constructive speeches, and they are five minutes long. The Affirmative side will always speak first.
How long is a constructive speech?
In high school, all four constructive speeches are generally eight minutes long and all four rebuttal speeches are four or five minutes in length depending on the region; in college they are nine and six minutes long respectively. All cross-examination periods are three minutes long in high school and in college.
Whats the order of a debate?
A formal debate usually involves three groups: one supporting a resolution (affirmative team), one opposing the resolution (opposing team), and those who are judging the quality of the evidence and arguments and the performance in the debate.
What to say before starting a debate?
As previously stated I am hereby standing FOR/AGAINST the motion and if I have your permission I would like to begin by saying that……' “Good afternoon, honourable adjudicators, members of the opposing team, chairlady and audience. I'm the Captain of the affirmative side. Today, our motion is ______________.”
How do you write an opening statement for a debate?
Opening Statement ChecklistState your theme immediately in one sentence.Tell the story of the case without argument.Persuasively order your facts in a sequence that supports your theme.Decide whether to address the bad facts in the opening or not.Do not read your opening statement. ... Bring an outline, if necessary.More items...•
How do you write a first affirmative speech for a debate?
The first affirmative's role is to set out their team's interpretation of the topic (the contention/team case), define the topic, outline the team split, and present arguments. The first task of the first affirmative speaker is to define the topic.
How do you start a first speaker in a debate speech?
First Speaker (Affirmative): The first affirmative must introduce the debate as a whole, not just their team's side. This means that they need to provide a DEFINITION (that is, defining the key terms and the topic as a whole in the MOST REASONABLE way).
SAMPLE NEGATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE - National Speech and Debate Association
125 Watson Street, PO Box 38, Ripon, WI 54971-0038 (920) 748-6206 ¥ www.speechandebate.org SAMPLE NEGATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE Resolved: Civil disobedience in a democracy is morally justified.
Negative Constructive Speech School Uniforms Example - Storyboard That
Negative Constructive debate speech example: School uniforms CLASH DEFINITIONS If the Negative side does not accept the Affirmative's definitions, outline
First Negative Constructive Speech - E-portfolio
Description: Students need to find the other student's first affirmative constructive speech in order to refute it. I am on the negative side and refute my classmate, Alex's, first affirmative constructive speech, "People Should Have the Right to Die". The first article is Alex's, and the second one is my first negative constructive speech.
What is an overview in a debate?
Overview. The overview is a technique more commonly used from the Second Speaker onwards, although the First Opposition Speaker may also use it. Here, the Debater makes a critique of the approach being taken by the opposing team. This is an attack on the opposing team which goes beyond a mere rebuttal of a point.
Why is the conclusion of a speech important?
The conclusion to a speech is just as important as the introduction. The judges will be close to making up their minds on the score to be given to the speakers and a strong finish could assist in pushing the score a little higher. Thus, speakers should get rid of bad habits such as panicked and rushed endings or incomplete conclusions trailing off as they return to their seats. Instead, they should allocate some time at the end of their speeches for a strong and effective conclusion.
Why do debaters use "furthermore"?
For instance, some Debaters merely use“furthermore” as a transition maker to move from one rebuttal to the next. However, because it is an indistinct marker, the judges are uncertain if the speaker was providing multiple rebuttals to one argument or had different responses to multiple arguments.
What is the meaning of signposting in speech?
Signposting refers to the Debater signaling to the judges on what the various components of the speech are. Specifically, this refers to the Debater declaring what component is about to be delivered before the delivery itself.
Why is anecdote important in debate?
This technique is especially useful in establishing a rapport with the judges and the audience. This allows the debater to create some differentiation from the rest of the speakers while making the topic a little more interesting . Ideally, the anecdote should be related to the motion.
How do the first speakers of both teams use contextualization?
This technique is commonly used by the First speakers of both teams. The speakers open their speeches by contextualizing the motion in real world events. This shows the judges that the speakers understand the relevance of the motion and why the motion is being debated. The contextualisation also provides the speakers with an opportunity to make their stance as sympathetic as possible.
Why is it important to make a good introduction to a debate?
Many debaters, however, will merely launch into the speeches’ contents, which makes the remarks appear more utilitarian. A good introduction is thus essential in raising the expectations of the judges.
What is the purpose of a debate speech?
The main aim of a debate speech is to convince the audience that your opinion is right. Also, the two main factors that determine the definition of a debate speech are: Context - It identifies the happenings in the area related to the topic. Spirit of the Motion - It tells how your debate is going to be.
How to End a Debate Speech?
It is better to end your debate speech by identifying whether you have incorporated all the elements. Here is a checklist for you to access your speech with the help of the following questions.
Why is it important to summarize your position after a debate?
It allows the debaters to summarize their positions after detailed arguments with the opponents. Moreover, they will also explain why their position is the best.
What is the body paragraph in a debate speech?
Debate Speech Body Paragraphs. The body paragraphs are the main section of your debate speech . Here the judges will take notes of your significant arguments to compare it with the opponents at the end. Each paragraph must include a statement to discuss the ideas that you want to make.
Why do debaters share their opinion?
Lastly, a debater must share his opinion on the topic while starting a debate speech. It will help the audience to comprehend the side we are going to argue about.
How can a debater give a clear picture of the main argument?
A debater can give a clear picture of the main argument by stating a problem.
Why do debates start with questions?
Starting a debate speech with a question will engage people and make them think in a specific mind frame.
What is a constructive speech?
Constructive Speech. The first speeches in a debate, where the debaters “construct” their cases by presenting initial positions and arguments.
What is the definition of debate?
Debate. A deliberative exercise characterized by formal procedures of argumentation, involving a set resolution to be debated, distinct times for debaters to speak , and a regulated order of speeches given.
What is a rebuttal speech?
Rebuttal Speech. The last speeches in a debate, where debaters summarize arguments and draw conclusions about the debate.
What is affirmative pro?
Affirmative/Pro. The side that “affirms” the resolution (is “pro” the issue). For example, the affirmative side in a debate using the resolution of policy, Resolved: The United States federal government should implement a poverty reduction program for its citizens, would advocate for federal government implementation of a poverty reduction program.
What is the negative side of a resolution?
Negative/Con. The side that “negates” the resolution (is “con” the issue). For example, the negative side in a debate using the resolution of fact, Resolved: Global warming threatens agricultural production, would argue that global warming does not threaten agricultural production.
What is an argument?
Argument. A statement, or claim, followed by a justification, or warrant. Justifications are responses to challenges, often linked by the word “because.” Example: The sun helps people, because the sun activates photosynthesis in plants, which produce oxygen so people can breathe.
What is a topic?
Topic. A general issue to debate. Topics could be “The Civil War,” “genetic engineering,” or “Great Books.”
What happens if the affirmative fails to prove the resolution?
If the affirmative fails to prove the resolution, they ought to lose the debate. burden of rejoinder: the negative’s responsibility to disprove the affirmative case. If the negative fails to disprove the resolution, they ought to lose the debate . clash: Direct responses to an opponent’s arguments.
Where do judges write the results of an individual round of competition?
ballot: the sheet of paper or online location where judges write the results of an individual round of competition, which they submit to the Tab Room or online tabulation system.
What is a ballot in college?
ballot: the sheet of paper or online location where judges write the results of an individual round of competition, which they submit to the Tab Room or online tabulation system. break:(v.)advancing to the next level of competition; (n.)break rounds—also called elimination (elims)or out rounds—are much like “playoffs,” with certain numbers of students eliminated at the end of each heat. The last break round of a tournament is the final round, or “finals,” featuring two opposing debate teams or six speech contestants. Also see “posting.” code: many tournaments use a code system to keep the identity of contestants—and their schools—anonymous. Codes are often a combination of numbers and letters, which designate school, event, and sequence (how many students from a particular school are in a given event). divisions: categorizations of competition at a tournament, such as “varsity,” “junior” or “JV,” “novice,” and “open.” Flight: due to room or time constraints, tournaments will sometimes schedule back-to-back contests in the same room during a single round’s timeframe. Forensics: overarching term for speech and debate, though it sometimes connotes speech competition, particularly in states with split debate and speech seasons. Judge(or adjudicator): an adult who evaluates a round of competition. Judges are drawn from educators, former competitors, and business professionals. Judges drawn from members of the local community, including parents are considered lay judges, for their lack of technical understanding of competition standards. Judges should be equipped with a timing device, writing utensils, and paper. prelims: guaranteed preliminary rounds at a tournament, before competition breaks to elimination rounds. posting:(v.)process or (n.)location of prelim schematics or list of contestants breaking to elims. record: in debate, the win-loss ratio, or in speech, the total ranks; a general standing of success. round: an individual heat of competition, where students are matched to (an)opposing contestant(s)in a particular room with a particular judge or panel of judges. Rounds are sometimes divided into flights. Schematics(or “schem,” “schemats”): matrix that assigns students to compete in particular rooms with particular judges for each round. In debate, these are often called “pairings.” These can be physically hung at tournaments or released online. tab room(or Tab): short for tabulation, this is the tournament headquarters, where results are computed. To protect the integrity of competition, there are usually protocols about seeking permission to enter the tab room. tabroom.com:(or tabroom): An online tournament software hosts can use for registration, creating rounds, and results calculation.
Which case was the speech and debate clause extended to protect congressional aides?
502 (1972), the Court distinguished between “purely legislative activities,” which the Speech and Debate Clause protected, and merely political activities, which it did not. In Gravel v . United States (1972), the Supreme Court extended the speech and debate clause to protect congressional aides, described as “alter egos,” for work in connection with such speeches, but limited the privilege to “legislative activity.”
What did Bob Menendez argue about the speech and debate clause?
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez argued the speech and debate clause shielded him from prosecution on bribery and fraud charges related to gifts and campaign donations he accepted. But the lower courts did not agree with his arguments and the Supreme Court declined to review the case.
What case allowed defamation?
In Hutchinson v. Proxmire (1979), the Court permitted a defamation suit against a senator for derogatory comments made in a newsletter and in forums other than the Senate floor.
Which amendment has the speech and debate clause?
The speech and debate clause, which appears in Article 1, section 6, of the U.S. Constitution, was written before the First Amendment and has a more limited scope.
Which case ruled that the lower courts did not have jurisdiction in a claim against a U.S. senator?
Hanson (2007), the Court ruled that lower courts did not have jurisdiction in a claim against a U.S. senator’s office by a former employee. The senator’s office had sought immunity under the speech and debate clause.
What clause protects Congress from lawsuits?
The speech and debate clause of the Constitution protects Congress members from lawsuits for what they say during legislative activity. The Supreme Court held that the remarks of U.S. Sen. William Proxmire (pictured here) in a newsletter criticizing a behavioral scientist's work as a waste of taxpayer dollars was not protected under ...
What is negative constructive speech?
Remember that a negative constructive speech is a response to the affirmative speech. State the reasons you are against your opponent's plan and why your opponent's points are wrong. Follow this with a counter-plan and explain why it is more suitable than the affirmative plan.
How to write an affirmative speech?
The two speeches are structured in slightly different ways. Ga ther research that supports your position. Organize it sequentially, so that as you write your speech one point will follow from another .
What is class in policy debate?
CLASS. During a policy debate, a speaker takes a position for or against a proposition and uses a constructive speech to argue his side of the issue. Both the affirmative team and the negative team give constructive speeches. The first affirms the resolution and calls for change; the second challenges the affirmative position.

Introduction
- There is more to a debate speech than the mere delivery of arguments and rebuttals. No doubt these two elements form the backbone of a debate speech. However, the following elements are crucial in making a speech interesting, memorable and easy to follow for the judges. When the judges have an easy time following a Debater’s speech, they will always be more inclined to give …
The First Impression
- It is critial that Debaters make a good first impression on the judges within a debate. Making a good impression straight away leads the judges to believe that the debater is capable of making a good speech to follow and induces them to give higher scores if the debater is able to fulfill this potential. Many debaters, however, will merely launch into the speeches’ contents, which makes …
Finishing Strong
- The conclusion to a speech is just as important as the introduction. The judges will be close to making up their minds on the score to be given to the speakers and a strong finish could assist in pushing the score a little higher. Thus, speakers should get rid of bad habits such as panicked and rushed endings or incomplete conclusions trailing off as they return to their seats. Instead, they …
Ease of Tracking
- Signposting
Signposting refers to the Debater signaling to the judges on what the various components of the speech are. Specifically, this refers to the Debater declaring what component is about to be delivered before the delivery itself. For instance, instead of launching directly into a rebuttal, the … - Transition Markers
Transition markers inform the judges that one particular argument or rebuttal has been concluded and that the speaker has moved on to another component. This simple step alerts the judges that a new argument or rebuttal is about to be delivered and allows them to prepare accordingly. For …
Word Choice
- The words used by Debaters are the vehicles for the ideas that they wish to convey. Debaters need to ensure that the words that they use are effective and that no wasted words are used within that limited time frame. Debaters should keep the following elements in mind when selecting the words they use for their speeches.