Debate speech template: build your case on cue cards
A general debate case on cue cards: hook, definitions, team line, two or three arguments with evidence and impact, rebuttal space and a strong close. Works for most school formats.
Speech9 cardsAbout 5 min to speakBeginnerSchool
First speaker affirmative debate speech template
Cue cards for the first affirmative or proposition speaker: set the context, define the motion, present the team line and split, and deliver the first arguments with impact.
Free to use, edit, print and study. No account needed: your set stays on this device.
The cards
- 1
Your job as first speaker
- Set up the debate so everyone knows what it is about
- Define the motion fairly
- State the team line and case split
- Deliver your share of the arguments
You have no one to rebut yet, so your clarity sets the tone for the whole round.
- 2
Opening
[Formal greeting for your format.]
"Today's motion is [read the motion]. Our team strongly believes this is true."
Context sentence: "Right now, [describe the current situation the motion would change]."
- 3
Definitions
- "By [term], we mean [plain-language meaning]."
- "By [term], we mean [___]."
Model or mechanism (if the motion asks for action): "We propose that [who] would [do what], starting [when], paid for by [how]."
- 4
Team line and split
"Our team line is: [one memorable sentence]."
"I will present [argument 1] and [argument 2]. My second speaker will present [argument 3]. Our third speaker will [rebut and summarise]."
- 5
Argument 1
Claim: "My first argument is that [___]."
Why: [explain the cause and effect]
Example: [a real case you have checked]
So what: "This means [who benefits and how]."
- 6
Argument 2
Claim: "My second argument is that [___]."
Why: [___]
Example: [___]
So what: [___]
- 7
Anticipate the negative
"The negative team may tell you that [their likely main concern]."
"We agree that [concession], which is why our model includes [safeguard]."
Short and confident. Save detailed rebuttal for later speakers.
- 8
Clarity checklist
Before the round, check you can answer yes to each:
- Could someone new to the topic understand my definitions?
- Does each argument explain why, not just what?
- Have I said who is affected and how much?
- Can my teammates repeat the team line?
- Do I finish inside the time limit with a few seconds to spare?
- 9
Summary and hand-over
"In summary, I have shown that [argument 1] and [argument 2]."
"My second speaker will now show you [argument 3]."
"For these reasons, I am proud to affirm."
How to use this template
The first affirmative or proposition speaker opens the whole debate, which makes this the most structured speech in most formats. Before any arguing begins, you must give context, define the key terms of the motion and, if the motion calls for a policy, outline how it would work. Then you state the team line and case split so the adjudicator knows which speaker will prove what. These cards follow that order and then give space for your two arguments, each written as claim, explanation, example and impact. A short card anticipates the negative's main concern without spending too long on it. Finish by summarising and handing over to your second speaker. Check your league's preferred greeting and timing.
Tips
- Write definitions that a reasonable person would accept. Unfair definitions invite a definitional challenge and waste the round.
- If your motion needs a model, keep it to three or four parts: who, what, when and how it is funded or enforced.
- Make the team line short enough that your teammates can repeat it word for word.
- Practise saying the case split without notes so it sounds organised and confident.
- Leave about 30 seconds for your summary; adjudicators often note the final words.
- Choose your two strongest arguments for yourself. The first speeches set first impressions, and a weak opening argument is hard for teammates to recover.
Make it fit
- For first negative or opposition, add a card responding to the affirmative's definitions and model, then rebut their first arguments before your own.
- In a two-speaker team, present two arguments and say your partner will add one and rebut.
- For a value motion ('this house believes...'), replace the model card with the criteria you will use to judge the debate.
- For a short classroom debate, keep only the opening, definitions, one argument and the summary.
Updated October 28, 2026