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Public AddressIndividual
Pro Con Challenge
One speech, both sides: present the strongest pro case and the strongest con case on a controversial topic, back to back, from memory. Intellectual honesty as a competitive event.
Time
10 minutes total · each side 3–5 minutes
Prep
N/A (prepared)
Format
Individual
Round structure
Introduction
Frame the controversy and why it divides reasonable people. Preview both sides.
Pro case (3–5 min)
The strongest honest case for the proposition — argued like you believe it.
Con case (3–5 min)
Pivot cleanly, then argue the other side with equal conviction and equal quality.
What judges look for
- Balance — neither side reads as a strawman
- A clean, marked pivot between sides
- Equal evidence quality in both cases
- Conviction in delivery on both sides
- Time discipline: both sides within 3–5 minutes
Ballot criteria
BalanceCritical
Both sides argued with equal strength and honesty.
Argument qualityCritical
Evidence and reasoning on each side.
OrganizationHigh
Framing, pivot, and internal structure.
DeliveryHigh
Conviction and clarity throughout.
Practice tips
- Research the side you disagree with first — it needs the head start.
- Rehearse the pivot sentence until it's automatic.
- Have a friend guess which side you actually hold; if they can, rebalance.
- Time each side separately in every practice run.
Common mistakes
- A persuasive speech with a token opposing section
- Lopsided timing (a 6-minute pro and 3-minute con breaks the rules)
- Signaling your personal side through tone
- Repeating the same evidence in both cases
Sample topics / sparks
- Should college athletes be paid salaries?
- Should the United States adopt a national school-choice program?
- Should self-driving cars be allowed without human backup drivers?
Drills for this event
Balanced researchSteelmanningOrganizationPersuasion