Speaking with Confidence
You can have the strongest arguments in the room, but if you don’t deliver them with confidence, they won’t matter. Debate is about persuasion, and persuasion isn’t just what you say - it’s how you say it.
Great debaters know how to command the room. They make eye contact, use clear vocal delivery, and engage their judges. They don’t just read speeches; they perform them.
The Problem with Laptops in Debate
Back in the old days, debaters used a lectern and note cards. This forced them to look up, make eye contact, and connect with the judge. Today, more and more debaters rely on laptops during their speeches, and it’s hurting their communication.
When speakers stare at a screen, they lose their connection with the room. They get trapped in their notes, mumbling into their keyboards instead of projecting to their audience. Judges notice this - and it makes it harder for them to stay engaged.
Panther debaters should not use laptops during speeches. If possible, their use in rounds should be eliminated entirely. Laptops are for preparing cases, not delivering them. If you want to stand out, focus on actual communication - not reading off a screen.
How to Speak with Confidence
Confidence in debate doesn’t come from luck - it comes from preparation and technique. Here’s how to improve your delivery:
Make Eye Contact - Your judge is your audience. Look at them. If you need notes, use a printed version with minimal text so you’re not tempted to stare at them.
Project Your Voice - Speak loudly enough that the person in the back of the room can hear you easily. A weak voice makes you sound unsure of your argument.
Control Your Pace - Nervous speakers rush. Confident speakers control the speed of their delivery. If you speak too fast, your judge won’t follow. If you speak too slow, you’ll lose their attention. Find a rhythm.
Use Strategic Pauses - A well-placed pause gives weight to your words. It also gives your judge time to absorb what you’re saying.
Gesture Naturally - Your hands should emphasize points, not distract from them. Avoid stiff movements or over-exaggerated gestures.
Stand with Authority - Good posture shows confidence. Don’t slouch, and don’t shift nervously. Plant your feet, stand tall, and own the space.
Practice the Right Way
Confidence in speaking doesn’t just happen. It takes practice. But not all practice is equal.
Practice Out Loud - Reading your case in your head won’t help. Say it aloud. Record yourself if needed.
Practice Without Notes - Once you’re familiar with your speech, practice without reading it. This will help you rely less on notes during the round.
Rehearse in Front of Others - Even if it’s just a friend or family member, practicing in front of an audience will make you more comfortable for the real thing.
Use a Mirror - Watching yourself speak will help you catch nervous habits like pacing, swaying, or looking down.
The Bottom Line
Speaking with confidence doesn’t mean you have to be the loudest or the most dramatic. It means being clear, composed, and engaging. Ditch the laptop, connect with your judge, and deliver your speech like you mean it. That’s how you stand out in a round.