st
1
Constructive
The first impression could be the
most lasting!!!
Paragraph 1
~Introduction~
 THE “GRABBER”
…something to get the
audience’s attention!!!
 It’s the equivalent to a “warm-up”
 It’s boring to just start with the topic
 A “Grabber” can be any of these…
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A quote…(with a little explanation)
A anecdote (story regarding you topic)
A list of shocking statistics (w/ explanation)
A rhetorical question to the audience (w/explanation)
Paragraph #1 (cont.)
 THE PROPOSITION
 After getting the audience’s attention it’s time
to let them know what the debate is
 AND…what side you are on; Affirmative or
Negative
 “Today’s proposition is (whatever it is)…and
we (I) are on the (whatever side you are on.)
 Important Point: Make sure there is a link
between the Grabber and the Proposition
Paragraph #2
~Defining Key Terms~
 Go through your proposition and pick out the key
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words in it
Get real definitions of those words from a
credible source
Make sure that you say what that credible
source is
Find the definitions that play to the strength of
your case
Don’t define every single word, just the ones you
have to
Paragraph #3
~Criteria~
 We already went over this…but here are some
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reminders…
Start with the words “In order for…”
Base it off of your Major Arguments
At first, it should be general…don’t mention what
or who you are fighting for
Discuss each “value” in detail
You have the option of incorporating your subject
into the criteria at the end of the paragraph
Paragraph #3 (cont.)
Example of Criteria
 Proposition: Mr. B is the best-looking teacher in VHS.
 “In order for one teacher to be considered the
best-looking in a school, he or she would have
to look professional, have a variety of chic
clothing, and have outstanding physical
features. Looking professional is important
because… Clothing matters because… Having
outstanding physical features… Mr. Baumann
clearly exceeds his colleagues in all three of
these areas. (Explain a little bit…)
Paragraph #4
~The Preview~
 Your side should have three major arguments
 At this point, you should give a brief preview of
each argument
 Start by saying that you will be giving the first one
 Then mention your teammate and the two arguments
he or she will be presenting ***
 Say something in regards to how each of you
will prove your case
 ***you may not have a teammate, so just say
that later on you will be giving the 2nd & 3rd args.
Paragraph #5
~The 1st Major Argument~
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Reintroduce your first main argument
Make sure your argument is well-founded
Know what you are talking about
Feel free to verbally cite a source to give
yourself more credibility
 Don’t do an improvisation routine (I can usually
tell)
 Find the just the right amount of material to
present (the three bears rule…juuussst right)
 Make sure you bring closure to your topic
Paragraph #6
~Conclusion~
 Even though it’s not the end of the debate,
it is the end of your speech and you have
to provide closure
 Make sure you reiterate the main points of
your speech
 Tell the audience that there is more to
come…mention your partner and his or
her arguments (again)
 “Thank You.”
Things to Note
 Repetition – I know there is a lot, but
remember, you’re giving a speech, so
want people to remember the important
parts
 A good criteria is important – it is the basis
for your argument
 Each paragraph serves a specific
purpose…don’t skip any