An Outline for Student Congress Speeches

By Harold C. Keller
Clerk of the Congress for the National Forensic League
Used with his permission

I. Introduction: (:15 to :30 second maximum)
A. If an authorship speech, one should have a guaranteed three minute speech and a two minute cross examination period.
B. Regardless of the speech, expect and/or relate to the ideas that are or might be stated
1. Use a quote
2. Use an analogy
3. Use evidence to get the attention and to relate to the expected or the real flow of the legislative debate.

II. Purpose or thesis: (:10 seconds maximum)
A. Make sure you have a purpose and that you know the purpose of your speech.
B. Make sure you have a purpose for the speech other than simply trying to earn NFL Speaker Points.

III. Body: (2:00 minutes maximum)
A. Clash!!!
1. State the debate issues on the floor
2. State your point(s) in conflict
3. Prove your point with evidence or logic but prove your point with something and know in your own reasoning that you proved your point
4. Tell the assembly the impact of your point---tell them why you gave your speech---do something more than just talk
B. Present a challenge to the opposition---challenge them to answer an issue---leave them hanging

IV. Conclusion: (:30 seconds approximately)
A. Summarize your key issues of clash
B. Summarize your key points
C. Allow yourself to be vulnerable---allow for cross examination. Pay attention to the time keeper or check your own watch or arrange for a team member to give you cues (allow a minimum or :15 to :30 seconds for cross examination.) Remember that authorship speeches are followed by a two minute cross exam period.

Return to Student Congress Index