First Speaker

In a debate first (1st) speakers play out an important role in any debating team. The position of first speaker is a key one in winning any debate. As the first speaker of their side in the debate, the first speaker must discuss the status quo, (i.e., the present system-its problems or success depending on what side of the topic they are on) put forward a definition and, in normative debates, a model, and prove the most important arguments in a debate to be true. Furthermore, first speakers (when on the negative team) have the first response to their opposition’s major arguments-a response that will likely shape the way the debate evolves. First speakers are largely substantive or constructive speakers, building up their own team's case, but the first negative speaker must also respond to their opposition's case. This first response is crucial.

Arguments
In most debates, first speakers use set arguments that can be relatively easily predicted. These arguments, in a normative debate, progress as follows:
 * 1) The imperative argument-for the team advocating for a change, this is the time to discuss the problems seen in the status quo. For the team advocating against a change, instead argue that the current system in place has succeeded.
 * 2) The effectiveness argument-how the model put in place will/won't solve the problem in the status quo. This argument needs to be directed towards the largest stakeholder in a debate; as such, it may seem obvious, but it still needs proof.
 * 3) The principled argument-this argument is often present, based on either a right, a government responsibility, or a principle of our society. The principled argument is related to, but distinct from the effectiveness argument-it deals with the basic morality of one side's model.

Method/Structure
First speaker structure is often rigidly set, as first speakers need to lay out clearly the parameters for the debate and outline the shape it will take. This means they must:
 * 1) Give a hook. Something short and quick about your points that will make the judges interested immediately.
 * 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. You do not need to say that you agree if you are on the negative side.
 * 4) Introduce the model, explaining how it will work.
 * 5) Clash the opposition's key arguments as a first negative speaker. Point out the issues in the proposition's speech.
 * 6) Allocate arguments to different speakers.
 * 7) Do PAEIL. Point, analysis, evidence, impact, and then link all of it back to the topic. Don't base your point off of purely evidence. Explain the point then add some examples. Say why it matters and bring it all back to how this relates to the topic.
 * 8) Summarize what you talked about in this debate

This structure needs to be followed closely for a speaker to be sure that they have included all the groundwork for the rest of the debate.