DELIVER AN EFFECTIVE DEBATE AND SPEECH WITH THIS 5-STEP STRATEGY
Delivering a debate and speech is actually different from just writing your debate speech. This is why some people can actually prepare outstanding content for their debate speech and still not ace it, not because there was a lack of quality material but because the debate and speech wasn’t effectively presented.
A poorly researched debate and speech that is well presented will not earn you an absolute win but effective delivery is very essential. The combination of a well-researched debate topic and an effective delivery method is the ultimate combination. A well-researched topic may bring forth sound insight, but an effective presentation will convey the intended message as well as convince the judges or the audience.
What is a debate speech?
Basically, a debate speech is a speech prepared and presented to stand for or oppose a view in the context of two opposing views. In some situations, the debate speaker examines the pros and cons of the two opposing views and takes a side with a particular view. In some contexts, the debate speaker takes sides with just one opposing view and brings forth convincing views why he or she is standing for the view and wants the audience to take
This is one of our posts on the types of speech series, should you be interested in learning about other types of speeches, please click on of the links below when you are done reading this article.
Part I. 8 Persuasive Speech Techniques & Topics
Part I. 8 Persuasive Speech Techniques & Topics
Part II. 9 Tips for Writing and Amazing Informative Speech and 120+ Topic Ideas
Part III. 5 Quick Tips on how to Give an Effective Motivational Speech
Part IV. 15 Demonstration Speech Ideas and Techniques
Part V. How to Give an Effective Special Occasion Speech?
Part VI. 6 Key Tips for a Memorable Entertaining Speech + Topics and Ideas
Part VII. Explanatory Speech: 7 Key Tips to Help You Deliver an Effective Speech
Part VIII. 5-Step Strategy for an Effective Debate and Speech Delivery
Part IX. 7 Oratory Secrets: How to Deliver Effective Oratorical Speeches
Part X. Public Speaking Contests: 7 Ways to Nail at Forensic Speech Competitions
Part XI. 80+ Impromptu Speech Topics & 7 Ways to Nail One
Part XII. 13 Ways to Effectively Deliver Pitching Presentations
Part XIII. Farewell Speech – An 8-step guide to help you deliver a Memorable one
Part XIV. Eulogy Guide: How to Give a Heartfelt Funeral Speech (with 4 Eulogy examples)
HOW TO GIVE EFFECTIVE DEBATE AND SPEECH
The debate and speech does not begin from the stage where it is presented. Long before the moment when the debate speech is presented. Specialists in the general field of public speaking have it that victory in the public is preceded by private victories.
It is a well-known fact that good background work sets the pace for a favorable outcome. Therefore, no debate speaker leaves the background work undone and still expect to be successful. Proper consideration must be given to these elements if a debate speech is to be considered good.
- Research the topic effectively
- Logically present your argument with conviction
- Clearly express your views
- Present your ideas without a paper and avoid pitfalls that may make your debate speech look weak
- Have a solid final delivery
Let us, therefore, begin to examine these elements step by step.
1. RESEARCH YOUR TOPIC EFFECTIVELY
Quality of content is very essential because no amount of boldness during the presentation of an unresearched topic can make the content excellent in the ears of an audience as there is no substitute for a well-researched debate topic. Confirm every fact you will be using for the debate topic. No audience will easily forgive distorted or unverified facts.
It is also very vital that you have a good knowledge of the audience you’re presenting your debate topic to as your delivery method largely depends on the audience.
2. LOGICALLY PRESENT YOUR ARGUMENT WITH CONVICTION
While a powerful debate speech is absolutely beautiful, it must be delivered with utmost conviction. There is no doubt that the audience would develop a deep connection with the conviction with which the topic is delivered.
A good introduction involves presenting the hook of the debate speech. It is preferred that you put your best points forward so as to hold the attention of every individual.
While presenting your facts, it should be done with simplicity while ensuring that the audience will understand. Acknowledge the opposing views and take a very convincing stand.
3. CLEARLY EXPRESS YOUR VIEWS
Nothing beats the debate of a confident debate speaker who clearly expresses his views. The ear has been proven to be a less patient organ, hence the ability of the debate speaker to clearly express his views and take his stand has an overwhelming effect on the entire debate speech.
These are a few tips to help the speaker clearly express his views:
- Ensure that there has been enough preparation
- Ensure the topic is clearly understood by you so you don’t confuse your audience.
- Speak fluently in everyday language
- Ensure people can easily relate to your use of language
4. PRESENT YOUR IDEAS WITHOUT USING A NOTE
The audience will believe you and become more connected to your presentation when you don’t have to use a written note.
Merely using a note for your debate presentation makes the presentation look weak. Holding a paper will make the audience see you as an unprepared debate speaker.
To avoid using a note, it is required that you fully memorize the prepared speech. The preparation given to the presentation can extensively reduce fear and likewise increase confidence.
5. SOUND FINAL DELIVERY
There are two parts of any speech that everyone watches out for, the first being the beginning, and the second being the end of the speech. However, in a debate speech, the opening is just as important as the closing.
The audience may forget some other part of the debate speech but they will not forget the closing remarks you gave. Therefore, giving a summary of the most powerful points will be required as you close the debate speech.
RELATED ARTICLE: 6 REMARKABLE WAYS TO END YOUR SPEECH
Make careful eye contact with people letting them into your speech and emotionally drive in your last words. Don’t forget to say thank you at the end of the speech.
12 IDEAS OF SPEECH AND DEBATE TOPICS YOU CAN USE:
SPEECH AND DEBATE TOPICS IN EDUCATION
- A certificate is not a guarantee for a successful life.
- Private schools are better than public schools.
- Learning a second language should be compulsory for high school students.
- The educational system should be privatized.
SPEECH DEBATES TOPICS IN POLITICS
- Religious organizations should pay taxes.
- The high and rich entrepreneurs should pay higher taxes.
- Political service years for political office holders should be two years and not four years
- Voting should be made compulsory for all eligible citizens.
TECHNOLOGY DEBATE TOPICS
- Technology is reducing human and social connections.
- Social media has done more harm than good.
- Artificial intelligence will take jobs from human to robots.
- Does social media improve or impede business?
Now that we have carefully observed the elements for debate and speech, it is imperative that the speaker becomes familiar with these elements and practically uses the guides to carefully avoid pitfalls. Therefore, I’d like to shed some light on common mistakes we should avoid while engaging in a debate and speech delivery.
4 COMMON PITFALLS TO AVOID DURING THE DEBATE AND SPEECH DELIVERY
· Use of filler words. Examples are erm., uh.., umm…
The use of filler words reveals to your audience that you are not a clear thinker. It is acceptable that you may make mistakes during your presentation, but however, a continuous repetition of filler words sends bad signals to your audience. Filler words can be minimized by mastering the use of silence.
· Avoid the usage of everyday cliché words:
Regular cliché words and statements make your audience perceive you as repetitive and this may be a turn off for your audience. Cliché statements may be a distraction to your power to hold the audience spellbound.
· Minimize the use of a lot of body movements:
While body movement is very essential to buttressing your point, and keeping the audience glued to you as the debate speaker, using too much of body movement can become a distraction. A steady walking pace can no doubt suggest confidence to your audience, but this beautiful hack in a debate speech can also become distracting to the listeners.
RELATED ARTICLE: TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE BODY LANGUAGE FOR SPEAKERS
· Speaking too fast:
Speaking too fast may be a sign of anxiety and it is not a good sign for a debate speaker. It is understandable that debate speakers may have ideas and are pressed for time but it is preferable if your few points are clearly heard and understood rather than speaking too fast and pouring out a lot of points.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
https://owlcation.com/academia/100-Debate-Topics
