Introduction: How to start a Debate Speech for School or Competition
Hi there! If you’re a student preparing for a debate, you’ve probably asked yourself this important question: “How do I begin a debate in school or on stage?”
Well, you’re not alone.
From my research and experience as a debate coach and writer, I’ve learned that a powerful debate introduction can shape the way judges and the audience view your entire argument. It’s the first impression—and it must be strong, clear, and confident.
Whether you’re looking for a “how to begin a debate speech first speaker example,” a sample debate script introduction, or tips on how to start a debate greeting in class, this article will guide you step by step. You’ll learn how to structure your opening, greet the audience, introduce your team’s side, and present your argument in a way that captures attention from the very first line.
This isn’t just a basic guide. It’s a full resource you can bookmark, print (how to begin a debate PDF), or use when writing your next debate essay or preparing for a live school competition.
By the end, you’ll have:
- 8 ready-to-use debate opening examples
- Step-by-step techniques on how to introduce a debate effectively
- Tips that apply to both formal and informal school debates
In short, this blog will help you answer all questions about how to start a debate
Why Is the Debate Introduction So Important?
Your debate introduction is like the opening scene of a movie—it sets the tone, introduces the main characters (you and your team), and grabs the attention of your audience.
If you don’t know how to begin a debate speech, you may lose the audience before your actual points are even made.
A great introduction should:
- Clearly state your team’s stance
- Acknowledge the other side politely
- Provide a brief summary of your upcoming points
- Use proper greeting and tone
- Sound natural, persuasive, and professional
That’s why in debate competitions, judges pay close attention to how you start your debate—especially if you’re the first speaker.
Let’s now look at 8 powerful examples you can use to start a debate or adapt depending on your topic, role, and audience.
Also Read: Debate: Teachers are Better than Doctors (30 Unique Points)
8 Ways to Start a Debate Speech (With Examples)
Here are sample intros and greetings you can use for how to begin a debate for students, school events, or speech competitions. Each sample includes the opening greeting, team introduction, motion (topic), and the side you support.
1. The Formal First Speaker Introduction
Good day Mr. Chairman, Panel of Judges, Accurate Timekeeper, Co-debaters, and Audience.
My name is Amina Yusuf, the first speaker for the proposition. We strongly support the motion which states that: “Social Media Has Done More Harm Than Good.”
In this debate, my team and I will show clearly why social media’s dangers—such as misinformation, addiction, and mental health issues—outweigh its benefits. As the first speaker, I will define key terms and present our first argument. My second speaker will expand on the societal harms, while our third speaker will summarize and defend our stance.
Now, to begin…
2. The Creative & Engaging Hook
Imagine a world where everyone gets their news from gossip. That world exists today, and it’s called social media.
Good day Mr. Chairman, Panel of Judges, Co-debaters, and Audience. I’m Abdulrahman Buhari, first speaker for the opposition, and I stand firmly against the motion that “Social Media Has Done More Harm Than Good.”
We believe social media has empowered voices, created global communities, and helped in emergency response. In this speech, I’ll prove our point with clear examples and facts. Stay with us.
Great for: Capturing attention early and showing confidence.
3. For Junior Students – Simple and Polite
Good morning everyone. My name is Chidinma Okafor, and I’m the first speaker for the proposition.
We believe that teachers are more important than doctors, and I will explain why. I will define key words and give examples. My teammates will also support this argument clearly.
This is best way to begin a debate for students in primary or junior secondary school.
4. Debate Script Style Introduction
Good day, esteemed judges, my worthy opponents, and the ever-attentive audience.
Welcome to this exciting debate. The motion before us today is: “Boarding Schools Are Better Than Day Schools.” I am the first speaker for the proposition, and I will be setting the stage by defining our key terms, outlining our stand, and presenting our main argument.
Let the facts speak!
5. Argument-Focused Opening
Ladies and gentlemen, today we’re debating a matter of serious importance: “Should Exams Be Scrapped?”
I am Deborah Eze, and I speak for the proposition. Exams cause anxiety, fail to measure real understanding, and promote cramming over creativity. My team believes strongly that it’s time to explore alternative assessments.
Here’s why…
Strong for persuasive and emotional debate topics.
6. Friendly Conversational Start
Hi everyone! Thanks for joining us today. I’m Michael from the opposition team.
We’re discussing whether school uniforms should be banned. I’ll be honest—we don’t think so. Uniforms reduce peer pressure, keep students focused, and promote equality.
Let me tell you why we believe uniforms matter.
7. With Definition of Terms
Good day Mr. Chairman, respected judges, co-debaters, and audience.
Today’s motion is: “Teachers Are More Important Than Doctors.”
Teachers are individuals who impart knowledge and shape minds. Doctors are health professionals who treat diseases. We, the proposition, argue that teachers are more important because without them, there would be no doctors.
Here’s our case…
Best used when the motion involves abstract terms that need clarity.
8. Inspired by Famous Quotes
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela once said that, and we believe it.
Good day to everyone present. I am Ayo, the first speaker for the proposition. We’re here to prove that education—represented by teachers—is more impactful than medicine, which is the realm of doctors.
Perfect for: Inspirational opening or senior-level debates.
How to Start a Debate Speech – First Speaker Example
When you’re the first speaker in a debate, all eyes and ears are on you. Your job is to set the tone, introduce the topic, and lay a solid foundation for your team’s arguments. Many students struggle with how to start a debate speech first speaker example, so I’ll walk you through everything you need—from greetings to defining the motion, all while making a strong impression.
Step-by-Step Format for the First Speaker:
- Start with a Formal Greeting (How to start a debate greeting):
Example:
“Good day Mr. Chairman, panel of judges, accurate timekeeper, my fellow debaters, and the esteemed audience…” This is the traditional Nigerian or Commonwealth-style greeting, which works especially well if you’re learning how to start a debate in school or how to introduce a debate in a formal setting. - Introduce Yourself and Your Team
Example:
“I am [Your Name], the first speaker of the proposing/opposing team. With me are [Name of Second Speaker] and [Name of Third Speaker]. We will be speaking for/against the motion that states…” This is useful if you’re wondering how to begin a debate for students, as it teaches you professionalism and order. - State the Motion Clearly
You must clearly say what the debate is about.
Example:
“The motion before the house today is: ‘Teachers Are Better Than Doctors.'” - Define Key Terms
This is often skipped by students but very crucial.
Example:
“By ‘Teachers,’ we mean individuals involved in the formal transmission of knowledge. By ‘Doctors,’ we mean licensed medical professionals. ‘Better’ means more beneficial to society in terms of impact, longevity, and influence.” - Present Your Team’s Stance
Tell the audience where your team stands.
Example:
“We believe that teachers are indeed better than doctors, and we stand to support this motion with logical arguments and real-life examples.” - Outline Your Team’s Points
A good first speaker gives a roadmap.
Example:
“I will be speaking on the role of teachers in nation-building and their long-term impact. The second speaker will address economic and social contributions, while our third speaker will rebut the opposing side’s points and conclude.” - Deliver Your Main Argument (1–2 points only)
This is where you give your well-researched arguments.
Use facts, quotes, or rhetorical questions.
Example:
“Without teachers, there would be no doctors. Every doctor was taught to read and write by a teacher. From my research, over 95% of professionals attribute their early success to a teacher. Clearly, their foundational role makes them more essential.” - Wrap Up Confidently
You can say:
“With these points, I strongly affirm that teachers are better than doctors. Thank you.”
Pro Tips:
- Practice your speech in front of a mirror or classmates.
- Memorize the greeting and motion definition.
- Use persuasive tone and simple language.
- Always stay calm and avoid rushing your words.
Mastering how to start a debate speech first speaker example makes a huge difference in how judges and audience perceive your team. If you get this right, you’ve already won half the battle!
How to End Your Debate
Knowing how to end your debate effectively is just as important as the opening. Your conclusion is the last thing the judges hear, and it often sticks with them. Whether you’re the last speaker or simply concluding your part of the debate, your job is to summarize powerfully and leave a lasting impression.
Tips for Ending a Debate
- Signal Your Conclusion Clearly
Say something like:
“In conclusion…” or “To round up my points…”
This helps the audience and judges know you’re summarizing. - Briefly Restate the Motion
Example:
“We were tasked to debate whether teachers are better than doctors.” - Summarize the Key Points
Go over the most persuasive arguments.
Example:
“We have shown that teachers shape every profession, including doctors. We also highlighted their role in social development and education, which is the foundation of society.” - Anticipate the Opponent’s Counterclaims (if applicable)
Example:
“Even though the opposing team may argue that doctors save lives, we have proven that teachers make lives meaningful and create the very doctors they speak of.” - Call for Agreement
Politely push the judges or audience to your side.
Example:
“For these reasons, I urge everyone here today to support our stance.” - Deliver a Memorable Closing Line
You want to close with confidence.
Example:
“Doctors may save lives, but teachers create them. Thank you.”
Emotional Appeals & Rhetoric
To make your conclusion stronger, use rhetorical devices:
- Repetition: “Teachers build, teachers inspire, teachers create.”
- Contrast: “Doctors treat symptoms, teachers cure ignorance.”
- Quote: “As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ That power lies in the hands of teachers.”
Also Read: Private Schools Are Better Than Public Schools – Debate Points for Students
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ending too abruptly without summarizing
- Adding new points at the end
- Using casual or informal language
- Forgetting to thank the audience
The goal of a debate conclusion is not just to end your speech but to convince the audience one last time that your side is the right one. Whether you’re writing a debate script, a debate essay, or preparing for a debate in school, the way you finish can either elevate your message or make it forgettable.
Conclusion
Learning how to start a debate for students isn’t hard—you just need structure, practice, and the right phrases. With these 8 examples and helpful tips, you now have a full toolkit to begin any debate confidently, whether in school, online, or in competition.