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Debate & Persuasion
⚖️ For, Against, Switch!
Argue one side of a harmless topic—then switch and make the other side sound just as convincing.
What you need
Fun motions: three-day weekends, school uniforms, pets in offices, dessert before dinner.
How to play
- Choose a motion.
- List three reasons for it.
- List three reasons against it.
- Choose which side was harder and explain why.
See one in action
Motion: “Everyone should have a four-day workweek.”
For: workers get more recovery time, which may improve focus and reduce burnout.
Against: some businesses need coverage five or seven days a week, so fewer workdays could increase scheduling pressure.
After arguing one side, switch and make the other side sound genuinely persuasive.
For: workers get more recovery time, which may improve focus and reduce burnout.
Against: some businesses need coverage five or seven days a week, so fewer workdays could increase scheduling pressure.
After arguing one side, switch and make the other side sound genuinely persuasive.
10 ideas to try
Choose any one of these prompts and use the activity steps above:
- School should start at 10 a.m.
- Everyone should have a four-day workweek.
- Dessert should be served before dinner.
- Pets should be allowed in every office.
- Students should be allowed to choose their own homework.
- All meetings should be limited to 20 minutes.
- Cities should make public transportation free.
- People should be required to take one screen-free day each week.
- School cafeterias should serve breakfast all day.
- Everyone should get their birthday off from work or school.
Make it harder / funnier
After you finish, defend the side you personally disagree with.
Why it helps
Builds argument flexibility, empathy, rebuttal preparation, and understanding both sides.
Ready to use this skill?
Try it in Debate Practice →Take the activity into a full SpeakCoachLab practice session.