🎤 Debate Format with Moderator
📌 Participants:
Moderator (neutral facilitator)
Affirmative Team (supports the motion)
Negative Team (opposes the motion)
🧾 Structure and Time Allocation:
Segment Speaker Time
1. Opening Remarks Moderator 2 minutes
2. First Affirmative Constructive Affirmative Speaker 1 3-4 minutes
3. First Negative Constructive Negative Speaker 1 3-4 minutes
4. Second Affirmative Speaker Affirmative Speaker 2 3-4 minutes
5. Second Negative Speaker Negative Speaker 2 3-4 minutes
6. Rebuttal (Affirmative) Affirmative Speaker 1 3 minutes
7. Rebuttal (Negative) Negative Speaker 1 3 minutes
8. Audience Q&A (optional) Moderator-led 4–6minutes
9. Closing Statement (Negative) Negative Speaker 2 2-3 minutes
10. Closing Statement (Affirmative) Affirmative Speaker 2 2-3 minutes
11. Final Remarks Moderator 2-3 minutes
🧭 Roles of the Moderator:
Introduce the motion and speakers.
Keep time and ensure rules are followed.
Moderate audience questions if allowed.
🧠 Debate Tips:
Affirmative team must clearly define the motion and set the scope.
Negative team should refute definitions (if needed) and challenge the logic or
evidence.
Both teams should back arguments with facts, logic, and examples.
Rebuttals must directly address key points made by the other side.
Closing should summarize key arguments and leave a strong final impression.
🧾 Debate Rules
1. General Rules
Each team must consist of 2 to 3 members.
The motion/topic will be provided in advance.
Affirmative team supports the motion; Negative team opposes it.
All participants must maintain respectful conduct at all times.
2. Speaking Rules
Speakers must speak only when it is their turn.
Each speaker is allowed to speak within their allotted time.
A timekeeper or moderator will give time signals (e.g., 1-minute left, time’s up).
No interruptions are allowed during speeches (unless the format allows Points of
Information).
3. Content Rules
Arguments must be relevant to the topic.
No personal attacks, hate speech, or use of vulgar language is allowed.
Speakers must rely on logical reasoning, evidence, and examples.
Plagiarism or presenting false information is strictly prohibited.
4. Rebuttals & Crossfire (if allowed)
Rebuttals should focus on countering the arguments presented by the opposing
team.
If a crossfire segment is included, both teams can ask and answer questions under
the moderator’s control.
Personal opinions should be framed respectfully and supported by reasoning.
5. Audience Interaction (Optional)
If allowed, the audience may ask short, respectful questions during the Q&A
portion.
The moderator will manage the questions and give speaking turns.
🎭 Sample Debate Script
Motion: “Social media does more harm than good.”
Roles:
Moderator
Affirmative Speaker 1 & 2
Negative Speaker 1 & 2
🎤 Moderator’s Opening
Moderator:
“Good day, everyone, and welcome to today’s debate! Our motion is: ‘Social media does
more harm than good.’
On the Affirmative Side, we have [Name 1] and [Name 2].
On the Negative Side, we have [Name 3] and [Name 4].
Each speaker will have 3 minutes to present their arguments, followed by rebuttals and
closing statements. Let’s begin!”
✅ Affirmative Constructive – Speaker 1
Affirmative Speaker 1:
“Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we stand in firm support of the motion ‘Social media
does more harm than good.’
Firstly, social media negatively affects mental health. Studies show increased rates of
depression and anxiety, especially among youth, due to unrealistic comparisons and
cyberbullying.
Secondly, social media spreads misinformation. During elections and pandemics, false
information spreads faster than the truth, leading to confusion and even harm.
Finally, social media reduces real-life social interaction, causing social isolation. We believe
these harms outweigh the benefits. Thank you.”
❌ Negative Constructive – Speaker 1
Negative Speaker 1:
“Thank you. We respectfully disagree.
First, social media connects people globally—it strengthens personal and professional
relationships. Families separated by distance now communicate instantly.
Second, it empowers movements. Social justice campaigns like #MeToo and Black Lives
Matter gained strength through social media.
Third, it democratizes information—giving voice to the voiceless and access to diverse
knowledge.
We acknowledge challenges, but we believe the good far outweighs the harm. Thank
you.”
✅ Affirmative Constructive – Speaker 2
Affirmative Speaker 2:
“Thank you. In addition to the points made, let us highlight the addictive nature of social
media. Platforms are designed to keep users scrolling, leading to lost productivity and poor
sleep.
Moreover, children are especially vulnerable to exploitation and online predators. Regulation
is weak, and harm is widespread.
Yes, social media connects people, but at what cost? The connection often lacks depth,
replacing genuine human interaction. Thank you.”
❌ Negative Constructive – Speaker 2
Negative Speaker 2:
“Thank you. We admit that social media has risks—but that’s true of any technology.
The solution lies in digital literacy and regulation, not abandoning the platforms. Schools
now teach safe online behavior.
Social media is also a learning tool, especially during the pandemic. Students and teachers
relied on it to stay connected and informed.
Let us not ignore the empowerment, education, and expression it brings. Thank you.”
🔁 Rebuttals
Affirmative Rebuttal – Speaker 1:
“We appreciate the other side’s points, but empowerment means little when misinformation
and toxicity dominate. Social media’s negative impact is measurable—increased suicide
rates, fake news influence, and broken attention spans. The risks are not just potential—they
are real and current.”
Negative Rebuttal – Speaker 1:
“Thank you. The Affirmative side overlooks the adaptability of users and platforms. New
tools combat misinformation, and users are more aware than ever. Blaming the platform
instead of user behavior is unfair. Let’s not throw out the good with the bad.”
🙋 (Optional) Audience Q&A – Moderator-led
Moderator:
“Thank you to both sides. We’ll now take a few short questions from the audience. Please
state your name and direct your question clearly.”
(Moderator selects and manages questions. Each side responds briefly.)
🎯 Closing Statements
Negative Closing – Speaker 2:
“To conclude, social media is a tool—its impact depends on how it’s used. It brings
connection, education, and empowerment. Rather than banish it, we should learn to use it
wisely.”
Affirmative Closing – Speaker 2:
“We stand by our case: social media’s negative psychological, social, and informational
effects outweigh the benefits. Until platforms are truly safe, we cannot claim that the good
prevails.”
🏁 Moderator’s Closing
Moderator:
“Thank you to both teams for their insightful arguments. This concludes our debate. The
judges will now deliberate and announce the winner shortly. Let’s give all speakers a round
of applause!”
