Debate · lesson 10 of 24 · free

Speaker roles and order — Debate and group discussion

In our 3-a-side school format, the sides take turns and the proposition starts: P1, O1, P2, O2, P3, O3. So the kth proposition speaker speaks in place 2k − 1 and the kth opposition speaker in place 2k. The first speaker sets up the case (definitions, team line, who covers what, the first argument); the second speaker brings the main new arguments; the third speaker answers the other side and sums up — no brand-new arguments. A chairperson runs the debate, a timekeeper keeps time and judges decide.

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Debater's tip

Take turns, proposition first — “odd places for the proposition, even places for the opposition”

  1. Order: P1, O1, P2, O2, P3, O3. Proposition speaker k is at place 2k − 1; opposition speaker k is at place 2k.
  2. Speaker 1: definitions, team line, split, first argument. Speaker 2: main new arguments with fresh evidence. Speaker 3: answers the full case and sums up, with no new arguments.
  3. Chairperson calls speakers, timekeeper rings bells, judges decide the winner.

Use it for: Planning your team, knowing when you speak and what your job is.

Worked example: 🎤 A debate has 3 speakers on each side. The sides take turns and the proposition starts. In which position does the second opposition speaker speak? → 4

  1. The order is P1, O1, P2, O2, … — the opposition speakers are at even places: 2 × 2.
  2. So the second opposition speaker speaks in position 4.

Check: Practise aloud: as a first speaker, say the team line and who will cover which point for “Every school needs a garden” ✓

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🏁 Lesson 10 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Debate Worksheet: Speaker Roles

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