posted 19th January 2026
Getting the basics right is the first priority when you start anything new. It shouldn’t stop when you become more experienced; you should be constantly checking in on them.
So here’s a checklist for a successful debate speech. (It is for the opening two speeches in Extended Mace, the opening three in British Parliamentary - for summary speeches see how to be a whip.)
Argument
1. Were all the arguments clearly explained and thoroughly developed?
2. Were they given in order of strength, strongest first?
3. Did the speaker use PEEL structure for each argument: Point (argument in one sentence); Explanation (expansion in more detail); Example (supporting evidence); Link (summary sentence, bringing back to motion)?
4. If the first speaker for the proposition, did they start by defining the motion and giving a mechanism?
Rebuttal
1. Did the speaker (unless first speaker) start by rebutting the last speech?
2. Did the speaker take at least one point of information, but no more than two?
3. Did the speaker’s rebuttal engage with the other side’s points fairly and fully - responding to the arguments as they are, and replying in detail?
Structure
1. Did the speaker use three arguments (for a five minute speech) / two arguments (for a three minute speech)?
2. Did they introduce their arguments at the start of their speech?
3. Did they sum their arguments up at the end of their speech?
4. (If first speaker) did they introduce their partner’s arguments?
5. Did they spend no more than a minute on rebuttal at the start of their speech?
6. Did they spend approximately one minute on each argument?
Style
1. Did the speaker vary their pace and tone?
2. Did they speak clearly and audibly?
3. Did they look at their notes as little as possible?
4. Did they make eye contact?
Print this list out and keep it to hand.
Coaches Check which of the things on the list your debaters are doing; point out to them what they are not doing.
Judges Use this checklist as a shorthand when marking debates.
Debaters Keep this on the desk in front of you as you are speaking to remind you.
