Opening Statements
Preparing for the Mic Drop
Task:
Pick a current event that you would like to talk about and write a short opening statement for a debate on that topic using each of the methods below.
Types of Debate Openers:
Tell a Story
- Related to the topic
- About you that ties into the topic in some way
- A person involved in the topic
Attention Getter
Any statement that makes the audience want to hear more!
- "I'll never forget when..."
- "You'll never believe when..."
Strong Opinion
Give your opinion in a firm manner; make people want to respond!
- "I firmly believe that..."
- "There is only one logical explanation..."
Question
Ask a question the audience want to hear the answer to... and will continue to listen order to hear what your answer may be
State a Fact
Something that ties into your thesis statement
- "Most people would be surprised to learn that..."
- "It is sad but true that..."
Give a Stat
Use numerical data to introduce your topic