1. Clarify the debate format and task first
Check the exact wording of the topic, which side you are expected to argue, the speaking time, the question-and-answer period, and source citation requirements in the organizer’s instructions. Rules may vary by event, so do not assume that the speaking times or order from another debate example apply to your event.
For example, the Lincoln-Douglas guidelines prepared for a course at Longwood University define the speaking order, times, constructive speeches, and rebuttals separately. The format in that document belongs to that course; it is not a general rule for all debates (Longwood University: Presentation: Lincoln-Douglas Debate). Ursinus College’s document titled “Presenting a Debate Topic” is also among the sources; however, because the excerpt provided does not present the document’s technical content in a readable form, this guide does not use it as support for any specific rule (Ursinus College: Presenting a Debate Topic).
2. Make your claim testable and measured
Write the debate topic as a question or a clear claim. Then state your main argument in a single sentence and identify the reasons that will support it. For each reason, ask: What exactly does the claim say? What evidence supports it? Does the evidence actually support the claim, or is it merely related to the topic?
Finding a source does not, by itself, mean that a claim has been proven. Examine the period, group, and conditions covered by the evidence. If a source presents a limited finding, narrow the claim in your presentation to match that limitation; do not draw a universal conclusion from a single example. Explain in your own words how the claim connects to the evidence.
3. Use evidence in a traceable way
You can review research that directly addresses the topic, official reports, and publications by expert organizations. Check the source’s author or institution, publication date, methodology, and relevant section. When possible, trace a claim you encountered in another text back to the source where it was first published.
Keep a brief record for each source, including its title, author or institution, date, link, and the section you plan to use. Citing the source visibly on the slide where you use a factual claim or research finding helps the audience trace where the information came from; you can also include the full citation on the final slide. If you cannot verify the relevant data or passage, do not present it as evidence. If your competition or class requires a particular citation style, follow those instructions.
4. Prepare slides using a claim–evidence–response sequence
The following sequence is a starting point; adapt it to your event’s timing and rules:
- Topic and position: State the debate question and the side you are arguing.
- Main claim: State in one sentence the key argument you want the audience to remember.
- Reasons and evidence: After each reason, explain the relevant finding and how it supports your argument.
- Counterargument and response: Present a potentially strong objection accurately, then respond to it to the extent that the evidence allows.
- Conclusion and references: Briefly tie together your main argument and show your sources.
Give each slide a single purpose wherever possible. Rather than putting the full text of the evidence on a slide, shorten the relevant finding without changing its meaning; keep detailed quotations or explanations in your speaker notes. If your time is limited, decide which claims are necessary to the debate instead of adding more slides.
5. Hypothetical example: Phone-free time in schools
Topic: “Should phone-free time be introduced during certain classes in schools?” The argument below is fictional and is intended to demonstrate slide structure; it is not a verified research finding.
- Slide 1 — Question and position: Clearly state the debate question and your team’s side.
- Slide 2 — Main claim: “A clearly defined policy limiting phone use during class may support classroom attention.” Use this statement only to the extent that the sources you have researched support it; narrow the claim if necessary.
- Slide 3 — Evidence: Present a relevant finding from your own research, along with the sample, date, and source. Do not add these details as though they were in the source if they are not.
- Slide 4 — Connection: Do not simply repeat the finding; explain how it supports your argument and what limitations it has.
- Slide 5 — Objection and response: Possible objection: “Phones can be learning tools in some classroom activities.” Base your response on your chosen sources and the scope of your proposal; do not assume that all classes are the same.
- Slide 6 — Conclusion and references: Summarize your strongest reason and list the sources you used.
Do not present the argument in this example as a factual conclusion. In a real presentation, verify every research claim against your own source.
6. Test the other side’s argument in advance
Write a reasonable, strong objection to each of your main claims. Investigate the assumption, different evidence, or difference in scope on which the objection is based. Respond to the point your opponent actually argues without distorting it. If your evidence addresses only part of the objection, frame your response accordingly.
During the debate, you can organize your notes into columns by speaking order to track which response addresses each claim. The Longwood guidelines also recommend this kind of note-taking structure for matching debate points across speeches; this is a study recommendation in the guidelines for that course, not a required method for every format (Longwood University: Presentation: Lincoln-Douglas Debate).
7. Final checklist and frequently asked questions
Before submitting or presenting your presentation:
- Compare the topic wording and the side you are arguing with the instructions.
- Check the source and relevant passage behind every factual claim.
- Narrow or remove generalizations that go beyond the scope of the evidence.
- Review source names, dates, and links.
- Rehearse the presentation aloud; time it according to your event’s limit.
- Make sure the counterargument is represented accurately and the response is evidence-based.
Should I cite sources on every slide? It is helpful to show the source visibly on any slide containing a factual claim or research finding. Include the full citation on the final slide as well. If your event requires a different format, follow its instructions.
How much evidence should I use? There is no single number that applies to every debate. Depending on your time and the rules, choose directly relevant evidence that is sufficient to explain your argument and respond to important objections.
What should I do if a source does not support my claim? Narrow the claim to match the source’s finding, look for more direct evidence, or remove that point. Do not attribute a conclusion to a source that it does not make.
Related how-to guides
You can develop the relevant step in this work in more detail with the guide Preparing a presentation for food service. You can develop the relevant step in this work in more detail with the guide Preparing a presentation about essay-writing skills.
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