Student Congress and Speech Outline

So you can have a structure to develop your speeches for Student Congress debate, here is an outline to assist you:

I. Introduction--Use quote, definition, story or joke to open your speech. May also reference quotes or comments from a previous speaker.

-Transition to Thesis

Thesis: I stand today in support/opposition to the bill for two basic reasons: 1.____________________ and, 2._______________________.

II. First Major Argument (Think of a topic sentence to a paragraph)

--Consider referencing previous speakers' arguments

A. Subpoint--(Insert Evidence here including a claim, data, and warrant)

B. Subpoint--(Insert Evidence here including a claim, data, and warrant)

--Summarize First Major Argument

--Transition to Second Major Argument

III. Second Major Argument (Think of a topic sentence to a paragraph)

--Consider referencing previous speakers' arguments

A. Subpoint--(Insert Evidence here including a claim, data, and warrant)

B. Subpoint--(Insert Evidence here including a claim, data, and warrant)

--Summarize Second Major Argument

--Transition to Conclusion

IV. Conclusion

-Repeat Thesis

--Consider using strong quote to support your point


Keep in mind the maximum time for a speech is three minutes with a one minute question period.