What is a good example of an opening statement for a debate?

Asked by: Daphne Monahan  |  Last update: November 6, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (72 votes)

Each side in a debate is called the “position.” 1)​ Your first line should state exactly what your side is arguing: “We believe the colonists should remain loyal to Britain and not seek independence,” or: “We believe we, the colonists, have a right to seek our independence from Britain.”

What is a good opening sentence for a debate?

``Today, I stand before you to affirm that (state your position on the topic). I firmly believe that (briefly explain your main argument).'' Provide a compelling statistic or relevant quote: Share a statistic or a quote from a credible source that highlights the significance or impact of the topic you are debating.

What is an example of a good opening statement?

Often, the easiest way to present a coherent theme is to state it in a straightforward manner as your introductory sentence: “Ladies and gentlemen, this case is about unfair competition by the defendant.” In other situations, the theme may come out more subtly, as you tell a story that slowly unfolds.

How do you start a debate statement?

If it is a conventional debate, one way to start would be with an assertion for your side of the motion, followed by your personal introduction and that you're arguing for/against the motion. Mention the motion. This ensures you have the attention of the audience right from the start.

How to start an opening statement?

Introduction: Begin with a strong opening that grabs attention. This could be a compelling fact, a thought-provoking question, or a brief anecdote related to the case. Case Overview: Provide a concise summary of the case, introducing the main parties involved and the core issues at hand.

How to Write an Opening Statement in Mock Trial ⏤ 3 Steps for Writing Great Openings

28 related questions found

What is a catchy opening statement?

A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab the reader's attention so that they want to read on. It can be done by using a few different types of hooks, which are a question, quote, statistic, or anecdote.

Which opening statement is first?

Generally, the party who bears the burden of proof ( plaintiff in a civil case or prosecution in a criminal case ) begins the opening statements, followed immediately after by the adverse party ( defendant ).

How do I introduce myself in a debate?

For instance, "My name is [Your Name], and I am honored to stand before you today to discuss [topic]." - If applicable, state your affiliation or the position you are representing. For example, "I am representing [School/College/Team Name], and I will be arguing in favor of/opposing [your stance on the topic]."

What is an example of an opening statement for a debate?

Each side in a debate is called the “position.” 1)​ Your first line should state exactly what your side is arguing: “We believe the colonists should remain loyal to Britain and not seek independence,” or: “We believe we, the colonists, have a right to seek our independence from Britain.”

How to be a good first speaker in debate?

Method/Structure
  1. Give a hook. ...
  2. Introduce yourself and your stance, or what you are trying to prove.
  3. Define the topic, using a definition or a model, and accept or reject this definition on the negative side. ...
  4. Introduce the model, explaining how it will work.

What is a strong opening sentence?

Start with the chase. A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don't think you can say, but you still want to say. Like, “This book will change your life.”

Which statement makes a good opening?

Your opening statement should start with a hook that grabs your reader's attention and makes them curious about what's to come. A hook can be a surprising fact, an intriguing question, or a vivid description.

What is a general opening statement?

The opening statement at the beginning of the trial is limited to outlining facts. This is each party's opportunity to set the basic scene for the jurors, introduce them to the core dispute(s) in the case, and provide a general road map of how the trial is expected to unfold.

How to start a debate in class?

How to Conduct a Class Debate
  1. Introduce the topic. All debates start with a topic, or resolution. ...
  2. Assign the Affirmative and the Negative. There are two sides to any debate. ...
  3. Give Time to Research the issue. ...
  4. Keep Track of Time. ...
  5. Make a Judgment.

How do you start a debate phrase?

Introducing arguments:
  1. Let me come to my first/second/…/next argument: [concise label of argument]
  2. My first/… argument is:
  3. The first/… reason why we're prop/opposing this motion is: explaining arguments:
  4. [rather abstract explanation on how the argument should work]

How to debate like a pro?

Here are 11 debate techniques and how you can use them in a professional context:
  1. Define your audience. ...
  2. Commit to a single claim. ...
  3. Structure your argument around your claim. ...
  4. Incorporate research. ...
  5. Anticipate opposing claims. ...
  6. Address your argument's flaws. ...
  7. Ask questions. ...
  8. Answer questions directly.

What is the best opening line for a debate?

You can start your speech with a powerful quote. It will hook the audience instantly. Or you could start with introducing yourself like "Hello/Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen", "Welcome to this side of the house", then you can present the motion of your debate. The audience must understand the topic of your debate.

What are some good opening statements?

Some examples:
  • “This is a case about taking chances.”
  • “Mary Jones had a dream and a plan.”
  • “Revenge. That's what this case is all about.”
  • “This is also a case about pain. Mr. Johnson's only companion today is constant pain.”
  • “This is a case about police brutality”

What is the opening statement of a debate?

Opening statements should contain an explanation of the topic, acknowledgment of the opposing team's concerns and directly address those concerns.

How do I introduce myself?

Introduce yourself with your full name as it appears on your certificates. You can share some background information about where you were born and raised. For instance, you can say, “I am Himadhar Mahajan, and I come from Mumbai. I was born in Bangalore but went to schools across the country as my dad is in the army.

What are sentence starters for debate?

  • I agree ... because/due to the fact that... ...
  • I am sure... I wonder... ...
  • I agree with... and I want to add... Building on from what... said... Adding to what...said... ...
  • I can see your point, but... Whilst I understand what you're saying, I also think... ...
  • I know... ...
  • I haven't decided because.. ...
  • Did you know that... ?

How do I start my opening statement?

When structuring an opening statement, first tell the jury who you are, why you are there and what the jury will decide. “Frame your issues,” Soto said. “Keep it simple and tell a compelling story. Make it easy for the jurors to understand.

Who speaks first in opening statements?

An opening statement is made by the attorney for the plaintiff. The attorney for the defendant may then make an opening statement. The purpose of opening statements is to outline to the jury what each side contends the evidence will establish.

How to do an open statement?

  1. An Introduction: Attorney identifies themself (or not) ...
  2. A brief overview (story) of what the evidence will show. Presented from your side's perspective. ...
  3. A brief explanation of what has to be proved. ...
  4. Identify the witnesses. ...
  5. Tell what the key testimony of each witness will be. ...
  6. A conclusion.