Reply speeches are final summaries of your team’s case. Your team may only choose either the first or second speaker to be the reply speaker. A reply speaker’s job is to explain why the team wins. They must deliver this in four minutes—no POIs, no new rebuttals or arguments. This is why the debate community likes to say a reply speech is just a biased adjudication. Imagine how your adjudicator would explain why your team wins all the clashes.
Many people underestimate this role, because you’re not allowed to bring new analysis. However, a reply speech well done, although just a repetition of your case, can be a turning point for a losing team! Trust me, been there. That’s why you have to take note of these handy tips.
Do’s and Don’ts
Reply Speakers Do’s:
- Summarize the debate with the common keywords used by both teams
- Give reasoning as to why your team wins and why your opponent loses
- Make a comparison that favors your team
- Mention important points from your own team
Reply Speakers Don’ts:
- Rebut the 3rd Speaker or your opponent’s Reply Speaker
- Talk about your opponent’s point too much (you might actually help their team with this method as opposed to helping your team)
- Bring new examples, new points, and new rebuttals
Clashes
Clash is a term for clashing assertions from both teams. The reply speech’s structure consists of clashes; oftentimes you repeat the titles of the clashes your whip has brought if they’re already correct. You want to make these clashes much shorter though, as you only have four minutes in total. There are usually 2-3 clashes, each 1-2 minutes long.
For example: “This House would abolish homework”
- Team GOV’s assertion: How abolishing homework will make students more productive
- Team OPP’s assertion: How homework makes students more productive
In this case, the clash’s assertion can be: How homework disincentives or incentivizes students
In each of the clashes, you want to list reasons why your team won that clash. Was it a lack of response from the opponent? Was it because of your opponent’s issue being less urgent? Find reasons and flag them out clearly so the judge considers them when making their call.
That’s all for reply speeches! The next time you’re chosen to take this role, know that you have the power to change judges’ decisions and deliver your speech with the belief that you actually won.
One reply on “Debate 101: Reply Speaker”
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