Being assigned as the third speaker in a public speaking event or debate can be both an honor and a challenge. As the third speaker, you have the unique opportunity to sum up your team’s arguments and add further weight to them while providing a satisfying conclusion to your audience. However, this responsibility also demands exceptional organization, creativity, and persuasion skills. Here are three ways to help you write an effective speech if you’re the third speaker:

1. Structure your speech strategically

To ensure your speech is engaging and impactful, it’s essential to follow a clear structure. Typically, the third speaker should start by summarizing the main points made by their team while refuting any counterarguments presented by the opposition. You can break down your speech into three major sections:

a) Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and set the stage for your arguments. Use a hook to capture your audience’s attention – this can be an interesting fact, anecdote, or thought-provoking question.

b) Body: This is where you’ll summarize your team’s main points and rebuttals. Divide your body into sub-sections based on each argument, beginning with the strongest one. Be concise but compelling in asserting how your team has demonstrated its claim more effectively than the opposition.

c) Conclusion: Bring all your points together and provide a strong closing statement that emphasizes why your team’s stance is the most persuasive one.

2. Make use of persuasive techniques

Utilizing persuasive techniques can significantly enhance the impact of your speech. Apply these strategies to emphasize your points:

a) Emotive language: Use powerful words that trigger emotions like happiness, anger, optimism, or concern. This will help build rapport with your audience and develop their emotional connection with your argument.

b) Rhetorical questions: Pose questions that do not require answers but encourage reflection on your points. By prompting your audience to think more deeply about the topic, you increase the likelihood of them accepting your viewpoint.

c) Tripling: Present your arguments or examples in groups of three, as the human brain tends to remember information better when it’s organized this way.

d) Evidence and statistics: Use credible sources to back up your claims and demonstrate that your team’s arguments are based on facts.

3. Engage with your opposition

As the third speaker, it’s essential to address the opposition’s arguments and counter them effectively. This aspect makes your speech more dynamic and establishes a strong case for your team. Some tips to engage with the opposition include:

a) Acknowledge their arguments: Show respect to your opponents by recognizing their points before debunking them.

b) Use logic and analysis: Refute your opposition’s claims by pointing out flaws in their logic, providing counterexamples, or challenging their source credibility.

c) Stay respectful: Keep a polite tone while countering opposing views. Avoid personal attacks or mocking language, as this can alienate your audience.

In summary, when writing a speech as the third speaker, focus on structuring it strategically, using persuasive techniques, and engaging with the opposition. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver a powerful and memorable speech that captivates your audience and reinforces your team’s arguments.