Pro Speaker

Pro Speaker
I’m a reply speaker (Pro) in a debate. What should I say?

I know I should say the reply speech. But what is the reply speech about? What should it contain? What preparations should I do? What should I observe during the debate proper?An example can also be a big help.

Our debate’s on August 2. T_T

As a reply speaker, your job is to reply to the argument of your opposition. Obviously, you won’t know what they’re going to say until they say it, so you’ll have to think on your feet. Some suggestions:

1) Prepare as thoroughly as you can, as though you were going to give the principal argument yourself. Since you don’t know what you’ll be countering, you need as many facts as you can pull together.

2) When the con speaker(s) are talking, listen VERY carefully. Take notes. Begin formulating your response before they finish speaking. They may say something at the end that makes you change your mind about how to respond, but that’s ok – most of the time, what you come up with while they’re speaking will still help in the rebuttal.

3) Avoid attacking the speakers personally. That’s called an “ad hominem” argument, and those never win debates except in US Presidential campaigns.

4) Whatever you end up saying, say it with confidence. In fact, the less certain you are about what you’re saying, the more confidently you should present it. The best defense is a good offense.

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