Writing a Strong Final Focus
Your final speech is your last chance to convince the judge to vote for you. By this point, all the arguments have been made, the clash has happened, and the judge has heard both sides. Now, your job is to simplify the debate and make their decision easy.
A strong final focus doesn’t introduce new arguments. Instead, it refines what has already been said, emphasizes your best points, and clearly explains why you’ve won the round.
Step 1: Collapse the Debate
You don’t have time to address everything. Pick the most important arguments and focus on them. If you try to respond to every single point, you’ll run out of time and weaken your overall impact.
Ask yourself:
Which arguments have the biggest impact? The judge should remember these above all else.
Which of my opponent’s arguments are already weak? If they failed to defend something, don’t waste time on it.
What will make the judge’s decision easiest? Give them a clear path to vote for you.
Instead of debating every detail, narrow the focus to the key issues that will decide the round.
Step 2: Weigh Arguments Clearly
A great final focus explains why your arguments matter more than your opponent’s. The judge has heard both sides—now, you tell them why your position is stronger.
Impact: Show why your argument has the biggest consequences.
Probability: Prove that your argument is more likely to happen.
Magnitude: Demonstrate that your argument affects more people.
Example: "Even if my opponent’s argument about economic harm is true, my argument about protecting fundamental rights is more important. Economic conditions change, but rights are permanent. If we allow AGI to develop without oversight, we risk irreversible damage to human dignity."
This tells the judge exactly how to weigh the debate in your favor.
Step 3: Control the Narrative
By the final speech, the judge may be leaning toward one side, but they might not be fully convinced. Your goal is to frame the debate so that their decision feels obvious.
Use decisive language: Instead of “I think I won this debate,” say, “The decision is clear—here’s why I’ve won.”
Eliminate doubt: If there’s any uncertainty, clarify it.
End with a strong voting issue: Make the judge feel confident in choosing your side.
Example:
"At the end of this round, the key issue is justice. My opponent’s case relies on speculation, while I have provided clear reasoning and evidence. The only way to protect human rights and uphold fairness is to affirm. That’s why you should vote for me."
The Bottom Line
The final focus isn’t about making more arguments—it’s about making the right arguments. Collapse the debate to its key issues, weigh arguments effectively, and frame the decision so the judge knows exactly why you’ve won.