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There are three key roles on a debate team: first speaker, second speaker and third speaker. While the first and second speakers concentrate on building a substantive case, the third speaker has a unique job in that they must use their time to attack their opponent's case. This guide will help you create an outline for your argument if you are the third speaker on your debate team.
Steps
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Create a list of key points from your first and second speaker so that you have them ready when it comes time to give your closing summary. If you cannot prepare this in advance, take notes while the first and second speakers are talking.- Make a list of the main arguments of first and second speakers on your team. Use the notes to rebut arguments of the opposing side.
- Throughout the debate, note down key clashes and the main arguments of the opposing side. [1] X Research source
- State the clashes and explain/analyze why your side has won in each clash.
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Draft a persuasive closing statement. You can make changes to your statement throughout the debate, if need be, after taking notes on your challenger's arguments. [2] X Research source
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Restate your team's position. -
Rebut the opposition's arguments. While it may seem redundant with some of the work the first or second speaker has done, this is an opportunity for a new angle to be presented (e.g. impact on individual vs. impact on society). Take notes while you listen to the first speakers on the opposing side so that you can appropriately rebut key points they've made. [3] X Research source -
Defend your affirmative arguments with supporting examples. Prepare different cases than your first and second speaker so that you are not just repeating previous examples. -
Provide a concise summary of your case by listing arguments from your first and second speaker and any strong, supporting examples they may have used. [4] X Research source -
End your speech with your closing statement. [5] X Research source
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Rebut the proposition's arguments by using a new and different angle for your argument. You should complement the work the first and second speakers have done, while keeping the argument fresh. You do not want your argument to get stale. -
Defend negative arguments by using appropriate supporting examples. [6] X Research source- It is important to note that if you are a third speaker on an opposing team, you are not creating a constructive argument. Presenting a new argument at this time would not allow the proposing team to rebut. The arguments you are defending are arguments that have already been made by your first and second speakers.
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Provide a concise summary of your case by listing arguments from your first and second speaker and any strong, supporting examples they may have used. -
End your speech with your closing statement.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I rebut what the second speaker has already rebutted?Community AnswerYes, if you are a third speaker. Make sure to cover as many of the 'big' or 'major' rebuttals your other team members have rebutted.
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QuestionIs it okay for a third speaker to introduce new information in a debate?Community AnswerNo! Third speakers are forbidden to introduce new arguments, but you can present the first and second's in a new light.
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QuestionDoes the third speaker begin by rebutting the opposing team, or summarizing their own team's arguments?Community AnswerRebutting. You still haven't finished your argument until after you rebuttal, so you certainly don't summarize yet.
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Tips
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- Start research on your position early so that you are adequately prepare to write a proper speech.Thanks
- Take notes and adjust your speech as you listen to each speaker.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rIANDXXu-k
- ↑ https://www.theclassroom.com/write-good-closing-argument-4659.html
- ↑ https://www.dav.com.au/resources/itd_speaker_roles.php
- ↑ https://www.dav.com.au/resources/itd_speaker_roles.php
- ↑ https://www.dav.com.au/resources/itd_speaker_roles.php
- ↑ https://www.dav.com.au/resources/itd_speaker_roles.php
- ↑ https://virtualspeech.com/blog/guide-to-debating
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you’re the third speaker on your debate team, you’ll need to write a speech that attacks the opponent’s case. Before the debate, make a list of key points from the first and second speaker so you have them ready when it’s time for your closing summary. You can add to these notes during the actual debate so you can incorporate information about your challenger’s arguments. To make your proposition, restate your team’s position and rebut the opposition’s arguments. Then, defend your affirmative arguments with your own, unique supporting examples. Finally, end your speech with your closing statement. To learn how to give your opposition, keep reading!
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