What Is a Reply Speech?

The reply speech is a shorter summary speech delivered at the end of a debate in Australs and WSDC formats. Unlike substantive speeches, the reply speech does not introduce new arguments. Instead, it provides a "bird's-eye view" of the debate, identifying the key issues and explaining why your team has won them. It is the last chance to shape how the judges see the debate.

Who Delivers the Reply?

In most formats, the reply speech is delivered by either the 1st or 2nd speaker on each team (not the 3rd). The order is reversed — the opposition replies first, and the proposition (or affirmative) gets the final word. Reply speeches are typically 4–5 minutes, compared to 7–8 minutes for substantive speeches.

Structure of a Reply Speech

An effective reply speech follows a specific structure that is quite different from a substantive speech:

1. Opening Frame (30 seconds)

Begin with a clear statement of the debate's central question and your team's answer to it. This should be a one-sentence thesis that captures the essence of your case. For example: "This debate comes down to whether the state has a greater obligation to protect individual liberty or collective welfare — and we have shown convincingly that liberty must take priority."

2. Issue Identification (1 minute)

Identify the 2–3 most important clashes or issues in the debate. These are the fundamental questions that the debate revolved around. Explicitly name them: "There were three key clashes in this debate: first, whether the policy would work in practice; second, whether it is principled; and third, who bears the burden of proof."

3. Clash Analysis (2–3 minutes)

For each key issue, explain:

  • What your team argued
  • What the opposing team argued
  • Why your team's position is more persuasive

This is the core of the reply speech. You must be fair in characterising the opposing team's arguments — straw-manning them will damage your credibility — but then demonstrate why your team's analysis was superior.

4. Closing Statement (30 seconds)

End with a concise, powerful summary of why your team won the debate overall. Bring it back to the big picture and leave the judges with a clear narrative.

What Makes a Great Reply Speech

The best reply speeches share these characteristics:

  • Objectivity: Great reply speakers sound like fair analysts rather than partisan advocates. They acknowledge the other side's arguments before explaining why their team's are stronger.
  • Selectivity: You cannot cover everything in 4 minutes. Choose the 2–3 issues that matter most — the clashes that, if won, should determine the judge's decision.
  • Synthesis: Do not simply repeat what your speakers said. Synthesise — show how your team's arguments work together to form a coherent, compelling case.
  • New framing (not new arguments): You can offer a new way of looking at the debate — a framework for weighing the issues — as long as you are not introducing new substantive material.

Common Reply Speech Mistakes

  • Introducing new arguments: This is the cardinal sin of reply speeches. New arguments will be struck by judges, and you will lose credibility.
  • Rehashing every argument: A reply speech is not a summary of every point made. It is a strategic overview of the most important issues.
  • Ignoring the opposition: If you do not address the best opposing arguments, judges will assume you could not respond to them.
  • Poor time management: Spending 3 minutes on the first issue and 30 seconds on the rest leaves an unbalanced impression of the debate.
  • Reading off notes: Reply speeches should feel dynamic and responsive to the actual debate that occurred. Reading a pre-prepared speech sounds disengaged.

Preparing the Reply During the Debate

Since the reply speaker is either the 1st or 2nd speaker, they have already delivered a substantive speech and must prepare their reply while listening to the remaining speeches. Practical tips:

  • Take a separate set of notes specifically for the reply speech — identify key clashes as they emerge
  • After the 3rd speakers finish, you have a few minutes to outline your reply structure
  • Coordinate with your team — your 3rd speaker can signal which issues to emphasise in the reply
  • Have a "reply speech template" in your head: opening frame → 2–3 issues → closing

Practice Drills

To improve your reply speeches:

  • Watch and reply: Watch a recorded debate and deliver a 4-minute reply speech for one side. Compare your reply to the actual one (if available).
  • Speed summaries: After any practice debate, give an impromptu 2-minute summary of the key issues and why one side won. This builds the analytical muscles needed for replies.
  • Framing exercises: Take a completed debate and try framing it from three different angles — which framing makes your side sound strongest?