It is no secret that modern culture is always changing, embracing changes in everything from the environment to fashion trends to restaurant menus, school curricula, and the dynamics of major and small businesses.
There are no exceptions to this feature in all societies. Debate is one of the fields that has seen such drastic transformations. Positive changes have happened in the greetings used during debates, as contrasted to the conventional methods.
I remember struggling to come up with a good debate greeting for my secondary school debate team. There are various factors to consider before initiating an argument, as a great start can lead to a gratifying end.
An outstanding argument greeting can also have an impact on your audience when they are in the mood to listen closely.
Read Also:Â WASSCE Summary Writing: Acceptable English Sentences Guide
Let’s go over the fundamentals of argument before we get into the best ways to begin a debate greeting.
Debate Greetings in Schools
-
Debate requires making convincing arguments for or against an issue.
-
The ability to convince others is critical to its success.
-
Debates are successful if you can persuade the audience to agree with your point of view on the matter.
As I mentioned at the start, there has been a noticeable improvement in the quality of discussion greetings in schools.
In traditional debates, speakers typically greet the moderator, judges, timekeeper, co-debaters, and audience.
I am here to propose/oppose the motion that affirms “(States motion)” with the following arguments:…”
Because it was the norm, this clichéd greeting provided little room for individuality or independence.
Any speaker who did not meet (or exceed) this threshold was immediately labeled a horrible speaker before they even began arguing. However, this is no longer the standard.
How to Start a Debate Greeting: Examples
A debate greeting is always necessary during a debate since it demonstrates your confidence in the issue and the argument you are presenting.
A debate greeting shows respect not only for the audience and judges but also for everyone else present in the room.
It should state your purpose and your thoughts on the subject. It should also include a set of general arguments that can be utilized to persuade the audience.
Your introduction should be as brief as possible. If you read it aloud, it should take no more than twenty to thirty seconds, and the wording should be engaging.
The following are some of the best ways to start a debate greeting in school.
Debate Greeting Examples
“Good afternoon, respected judges, distinguished opponents, faculty members, and audience members.
I (NAME) would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your interest in the (SUBJECT).
I like to begin by stating my support [for/against] the motion, and if it’s okay with you, I’d like to declare that….'” Good afternoon, distinguished judges, members of the opposing team, Chairlady, and audience.
I lead the affirmative team.
Today’s motion focuses on…
I greet the eminent jury members, the esteemed instructors, and my fellow competitors with a hearty “good morning” (if it is morning).
Today, I’d want to share some of my opinions in support of (if you agree with) or opposition to (if you disagree with) the motion.
Good day to the judges, my competitors, and the spectators.
My name is ****, and I’ll be explaining why I’ve decided that “MOTION” is a topic I must address with “NO (If you are against it)/YES (If you are in support).”
Debate Etiquette
Remember that greetings are only the beginning of the process of winning an argument at school.
In a debate competition, you want to exude confidence without appearing arrogant. Instead, you want to come across as friendly, firm, courteous, and eager to understand your opponent.
When employed correctly, a sense of humor can be quite beneficial. Team members should communicate softly with one another so as not to disturb the presenter or the audience.
There should be no timidity in body language, gestures, or note-taking. When speaking at your table, you should project confidence while being focused.
An approachable, honest, and conversational tone is ideal. The official discussion will not begin until the chairman has finished reading the resolution to the crowd. After that, they’ll present the speakers, judges, and timekeeper.
The chairman will then ask the first speaker to begin the discussion by stating their position.
After the first debater has completed speaking, the remaining participants will rise in the order they were called and make their points.
Debaters can address their colleagues by name, such as “Henry” or “my comrade,” and their opponents as “my opponent” or “the first speaker for the positive/negative.”
How do you start a debate greeting for students?
This section will teach you everything you need to know about how to start a debate greeting in secondary school, from writing your opening line to commanding the stage with style.
1. Understanding the significance of a debate greeting.
Consider your argument greeting to be a handshake—it is the first encounter you will have with your audience. A pleasant, confident start can quickly capture their attention and trust. It’s your time to demonstrate that you’re prepared, respectful, and willing to participate.
2. Why First Impressions Matter
You know the adage, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”? It applies here. Within the first 30 seconds, your audience selects whether to listen intently or zone out. That’s why your greeting needs to be bold, clear, and engaging.
3. Common Debate Formats in Secondary Schools.
Determine your greeting’s format before writing it. Common ones include:
-
British Parliamentary (BP)
-
Asian Parliamentary
-
Lincoln-Douglas
-
Public Forum
Each format differs slightly in how you address the audience. Understanding the setting allows you to adapt your greeting accordingly.
4. Elements of a Strong Debate Greeting
A debate greeting typically includes:
-
Salutation: A respectful greeting to the audience and panel (e.g., “Good morning, respected judges, teachers, and fellow students”).
-
Introduction: State your identity and role (for example, “I am Jane Doe, the first speaker of the proposition”).
-
Topic/Motion: Make a clear statement of the motion being debated.
-
Roadmap (Optional): Briefly describe your strategy or what you’ll be discussing.
5. Greeting Etiquette: Who Should You Acknowledge?
Always begin with the highest authority in the room.
-
Judges
-
Teachers and Principal
-
Opponents
-
Fellow Students and Audience
A sample line:
“Good afternoon respected judges, honorable teachers, worthy opponents, and dear classmates.”
6. Formal versus Informal Debate Greetings
A formal welcome is appropriate for inter-school competitions: “Good morning, esteemed judges, respected teachers, worthy opponents, and everyone present.” “My name is Joseph Kalu, and I am the proposition’s first speaker.”
For classroom practice debates, an informal greeting is acceptable, such as “Hi everyone, I’m Joe, and I’ll be kicking off the case for the proposition today.”
7. Creating the Perfect Opening Line
Avoid sounding robotic. Instead, attempt to arouse curiosity or make your audience ponder.
Compare the following:
“Today I will speak about…”
“Imagine a world where students wear uniforms every day—sounds neat or dull?”
Start with a quotation, question, or short narrative. It draws the audience in right immediately.
8. Adding a Touch of Personality
Don’t be scared to let your personal style shine. Are you passionate, calming, witty, or dramatic? Use it! Your greeting should sound natural and not like a script from a textbook.
9. Handling Nervousness Like a Professional
Yes, nerves are natural. Even professionals get them. The trick is to convert that energy into enthusiasm.
10. Body Language and Vocal Tone
The way you say it matters:
-
Stand tall and confident.
-
Make eye contact!
-
Speak clearly and change your tone.
-
Avoid fidgeting.
11. Mistakes to Avoid in Debate Greetings
Avoid these common traps:
-
Speaking too fast or mumbling
-
Forgetting to mention the motion
-
Being too casual in formal debates
-
Not acknowledging the audience properly
12. Sample Debate Greeting You Can Use
“Good morning, distinguished judges, respected teachers, deserving opponents, and fellow students. I am [Your Name], the first speaker from the opposition. The motion before the house today is, ‘This house feels that social media does more harm than benefit.’ I am firmly opposed to this motion. Today, I will discuss the major drawbacks of censorship, the benefits of digital connectivity, and why the opposition feels social media empowers rather than endangers.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, debate is an interesting competition in schools. If you get your audience attention in the first few seconds of discussion, you stand a higher chance of winning the debate. Therefore, spend some time working on yourself, creating pain points and a wonderful opening.
