Before the round
1. Confirm what you are joining.
Read the resolution, confirm your side and role, and check the speaking order and time limits. Ask the host how the result and feedback will work. In a team round, agree who covers each point.
Join or arrive early. For an online round, check your microphone, camera, connection, and the timer before speaking. Tell the host if something is not working.
2. Prepare two reasons and one question.
Write a short outline: your position, two reasons to support it, the evidence or example behind each reason, and the strongest objection you expect. Prepare one genuine question for the other side. Check your sources and keep them where you can find them.
Your preparation sheet
Complete these five lines: My position is… My two reasons are… My sources or examples are… The strongest objection is… One question I want to ask is…
Show practice hints
- Explain why each source supports your claim.
- Separate a verified fact from an assumption.
- Keep notes short enough to use while listening.
See a practice example
Resolution: This city should keep public libraries open until 9 p.m.
Possible case: Later hours could help people who work during the day and students who need a study space. Find the current hours and evidence of local demand before claiming those benefits.
Objection to prepare for: Extra staffing costs may outweigh the use of those hours.
Question to ask: What level of evening attendance would justify the added cost?
This is a practice scenario. It makes no claim about a particular city’s demand or budget.
During the round
3. Give the room a clear opening.
State your position, preview your reasons, and develop them one at a time. Explain the connection between your evidence and your conclusion. Glance at the timer and leave time to finish your point.
An opening you can adapt
4. Listen, ask, and answer directly.
Note the other side’s main claim and the reason behind it. In a question turn, ask one clear question and let them finish. In your response, restate the strongest objection fairly, then explain your answer. Acknowledge a valid point or correct a mistake when needed.
If you lose your place
5. Close on the deciding disagreement.
Choose the one or two issues that matter most. Compare both sides using the same standard, and explain why your reasons should carry more weight. Summarize what the round established without introducing a new case.
A closing you can adapt
What do the speech names mean?
- Constructive
- Build your side’s case with reasons and support.
- Cross-examination
- Ask direct questions that clarify or test the other side’s argument.
- Rebuttal
- Answer objections and compare the arguments that remain.
Organizers can change team sizes, speech order, and timing. Follow the schedule for your event.
See the SuperDebate formatAfter the round
6. Choose one thing to improve.
Thank the other side and listen to the feedback. Ask a judge or partner: “Was my main point clear, and which objection needed a better answer?” Write down one specific change to try next time, such as naming your evidence or giving a shorter close.
Your first round gives you a starting point. Practice that one change, then join another round when you are ready.
Checking saved progress…