First Speaker

• While there are numerous formats for debating, the standard for competitive debating involves teams comprised of three speakers, each with a defined role and purpose. The first speaker on each side is the team leader. He introduces the argument and explains his team's overall position and how they are going to argue the point. He will introduce each team member and summarize what the audience will hear from him. He will then give their team's opening argument.
  
  

Second Speaker

• The second speaker is the first to speak after a member of the opposition has spoken. He therefore must respond to the points made and try and rebut them. He should reaffirm their leader's main point and advance the team's overall argument significantly. Rebuttal can be done at any stage but it usually comes at the beginning of the second speakers turn.
  
  

Third Speaker

• The third speaker plays a vital role because this person is the last member of the team to speak. Therefore it is important that a large amount of his time is devoted to rebuttal. He must also create a lasting final impression among audience members or judges as the debate draws to a close. This speaker should also support and affirm the two team mates who spoke before him and summarize his team's overall argument.
  
  

Closing

• At the end of the debate the leader of each team gets a final opportunity to address the audience before judges vote on the winner. These closing addresses could play a vital role in determining the winner. The main responsibility at this juncture is to summarize and "sell" his team's overall argument while simultaneously rebutting and undermining the other team's points. After this the debate is declared closed and the judges deliberate before declaring a winner or the audience may decide the winner by a show of hands.