Speech & Debate Writing
Speeches are written to be heard. Use a strong hook, clear structure, and persuasive language devices to win your audience.
Audience and purpose
Assembly
Broad audience; use inclusive language and school values.
Debate
Opposing side; anticipate counterarguments; prioritise evidence.
Campaign
Motivate action; strong call to action and memorable slogan.
Structure
- Hook (story, question, striking fact)
- Position/claim
- 3 key points with evidence/examples
- Counterargument + rebuttal
- Conclusion with call to action
Persuasive devices
Rhetorical questions
Rule of three
Repetition for effect
Statistics & facts
Appeal to values
Logos, ethos, pathos
Logos (logic)
“A 10% increase in study time is linked to higher grades (DfE, 2023).”
Ethos (credibility)
Show experience, cite reputable sources, acknowledge limits.
Pathos (emotion)
Use brief stories and vivid images—avoid manipulation or exaggeration.
Signposting and evidence
Signposts: Firstly, furthermore, however, therefore, in conclusion.
Integrating evidence: “According to Place2Be (2022), one in six children has a diagnosable mental health condition; therefore,…”
Explain the significance of every fact; do not drop statistics without commentary.
Example opening
“Every day, we waste hours waiting in lines that could be shorter. What if ten minutes saved at lunch became ten minutes more for sport, music, or rest? Today I’m proposing a simple system to fix our queues.”
Example body paragraph
Firstly, queue‑monitor volunteers would direct pupils to the shortest line, which, according to last term’s data, reduced waiting times by 30% during trials. Not only would this improve punctuality to lessons, but it would also reduce crowding at the entrance, improving safety.
Rebuttal strategies
Acknowledge then refute
“Some argue that volunteers are hard to find; however, a rota of prefects ensures coverage without extra cost.”
Offer an alternative
“If scanners are too expensive, staggered lunch times achieve a similar effect.”
Effective closings
“Let’s stop wasting time in queues and start investing it in our learning. Support the trial next week—arrive five minutes early and choose the shortest line. Together, we can make lunchtimes work for everyone.”
Practice: mini speech
Write a 90‑second speech supporting or opposing homework. Include a hook, one statistic, and a clear call to action.
Challenge
Prepare opening and rebuttal for the motion: “This house would ban phones during school hours.” Include one counterargument and a concise refutation.