In this series titled ‘Myths & Misconceptions’, we will address the myths surrounding each speaker role. In this article, we’ll be looking at Speaker 2.
‘Don’t rebut’
Similar to what we discussed in the previous article: many 2nd speakers leave the role of rebuttal to 3rd speakers. However, we must clarify that rebuttal is one of the most important components to a 2nd speaker’s speech. Opening your speech with rebuttal puts pressure on the opposing team while also reaffirming the strength and composure of your side.
‘Don’t waste time on what your first speaker said’
Time is a scarce resource in debating, and though we encourage you to be wary of it, do not let yourself be scared by it. Younger debaters have a much more panicked attitude towards time in debates, and therefore feel that need to ration all their points. This may result in what can, in the big picture, look like a disconnected and scattered team argument.
Strong second speakers are able to take the initial point mentioned by their first speaker and build on it, adding different threads of logic, different interpretations, or even new evidence to help prove the argument. Either way, the key point to take away is to follow up on your first speaker.
‘Say all your team’s points’
Similarly to the last point, trying to stuff as many points as you can into your speech will not earn you more credit. The phrase ‘quality over quantity’ is most true in this scenario. Try and break up your argument into different themes and key concepts, and start working from there. Breaking one point up into several threads of reasoning is much more credible and persuasive than several points explained in less detailed ways.
Disclaimer: This purpose of this article is solely to analyse debating technique through a certain perspective.
Produced by Nikola Pandurovic (Chief Editor at DebatePro)
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