A RG EN T I N E D EB A T I N G A SSO C I A T I O N

A S O C I A C I O N D E D EB A T E A RG EN T I N A

STRUCTURE AND ARGUMENTATION

An important aspect of public speaking is making what you are saying very clear. To this end, you
should always provide a clear structure to your speech, so your audience (and your judge) can follow
what is being said, and where your argument is going.

The second thing we will look at today is how to make arguments a bit more rigorous. Frequently,
new speakers make arguments only very briefly, without explaining why what they are saying is true
or important. Learning how to make arguments more rigorous in this way is key to improving and
winning debates.

1. Structure

a. Structure of the Entire Speech (Macro Structure)

This is important; judges like it so are more favourable to you, and it helps them to follow your
arguments. Judges take notes of what you are saying, and these are easier to both take and re-read
when there’s a clear structure. Perhaps more importantly, it can help you follow your arguments,
understand what you’re saying and help organise the disparate strands of argumentation into a
unified whole.

The exact structure of the speech will depend on which speech you are giving, and in what format
you are speaking. However, the following is a useful general rule.
In some speeches, other aspects may be important; things like rebuttal, or the definition of the
debate. Other speeches are less argumentative, and focus more on summarising. Nonetheless, this
basic structure is helpful.

b. The Internal Structure of an Argument (Micro-Structure)

While the above is helpful, having a structure for each of your individual arguments helps a judge
follow your claims, and breaks them down into a logical order.

There are various ways to break down arguments, and they differ by situation. You may wish to
break down arguments into certain categories, to compare two different sides. Or, you may wish to
follow the “Now – Action – Then” framework. Whatever its format, an argument may look like this:

Summarise the Claim

A piece of rebuttal may look like this:

You can then fit these smaller pieces of structure into the larger structure of the speech.

2. Argumentation

Your arguments need to be two things broadly to be persuasive; true and important. Demonstrating
an argument is true is necessary to make the consequences you’re claiming will come about, and
depends on using evidence (logical arguments or actual evidence) to demonstrate claims.
Demonstrating an argument is important to make someone care about your claims, and show that
they have an impact in the real world.

True

To show an argument is true, you need to analyse it. Perhaps ask yourself “Why is this true?” after
each claim, and give that reason.

Important

To do this part, you need to show that people should care. Ask why it matters, and give that answer
in your speech.