Getting Started – Why Your PM Speech is the Key to Success
As the Prime Minister (PM) speaker, you’re the first one up for your team! This means it’s your job to set the stage, introduce your team’s plan, and make sure everyone understands what the debate’s all about. To do this, there are a few key steps you’ll need to cover: define important terms, explain what’s happening now, identify the problem, and present your team’s solution, also called the “model.”
Step 1: Define the Motion – So Everyone’s on the Same Page
Definitions are like the ground rules for the debate. You’ll want to make sure everyone knows what each key term means so no one’s confused about the topic.
Sentence Starters:
“In this debate, we define ‘[term]’ as…”
“For the purposes of this debate, ‘[term]’ means…”
Example: If the topic is “This House Would Ban Fast Fashion,” you could say, “For this debate, we define ‘fast fashion’ as low-cost, trendy clothes made quickly and often thrown away.”
Step 2: Explain the Status Quo – What’s Happening Right Now?
Once you’ve defined everything, explain the current situation. This helps everyone understand why this issue is important and needs to be debated.
Sentence Starters:
· “Right now, the situation is that…”
· “Currently, it’s common to see…”
Example: “Right now, the situation is that fast fashion is causing tons of waste and pollution, and a lot of these clothes end up in landfills.”
Step 3: Identify the Problem – Why Does This Matter?
Here’s where you highlight why the status quo isn’t great. Explain the issues with the current situation and why it’s a big deal.
Sentence Starters:
· “The problem with this is that…”
· “This creates a major issue because…”
Example: “The problem with this is that fast fashion is harmful to the environment and unfair to workers, who are often underpaid.”
Step 4: Present Your Model – Your Team’s Big Solution!
Your model is the solution your team proposes to fix the problem. Think of it as the game plan to make things better.
Sentence Starters:
· “Our model suggests that…”
· “We believe the best solution is to…”
Example: “Our model suggests banning fast fashion and encouraging people to buy sustainable brands, which reduces waste and supports fair treatment for workers.”
Step 5: Show Solvency – How Does Your Solution Solve the Problem?
Solvency is all about showing that your model will make things better. Explain why your solution actually works!
Sentence Starters:
· “This model will fix the problem by…”
· “Our solution works because…”
Example: “This model will fix the problem by reducing demand for disposable clothes, which means less waste and fewer environmental issues.”
Step 6: Explain the Burden – What Do We Need to Prove to Win?
The burden is what your team has to prove to win. Tell the audience what your team will show by the end of the debate to convince them your solution is the best one.
Sentence Starters:
· “Today, our goal is to prove that…”
· “We have to show that…”
Example: “Today, our goal is to prove that banning fast fashion leads to a cleaner environment and fairer treatment for workers.”
Time to Unleash Your Best Arguments!
Once you’ve set up the topic and model, it’s time to bring out your best arguments and end with a powerful conclusion! Each argument you make should link back to your model so that the audience understands exactly why your solution is the best one. Wrap it all up with a memorable conclusion that leaves everyone confident in your team’s victory!
What Makes a Winning PM Performance?
Being a great PM speaker isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about how you say it! Imagine yourself as a mix of a storyteller and a superhero. Great PMs use eye contact, strong gestures, and a clear voice to keep everyone engaged. Add a bit of humor and energy to show you’re confident and passionate about your points. Winning points come from smooth flow, clear explanations, and an energetic delivery. So, stand tall, get excited, and make your PM speech one to remember!