Student Engagement
YouDebate
Debating & Public Speaking Competition
YouDebate 2026
YouDebate is an international debating competition, organised by AUF and Speaking Schools Australasia (SSA), designed to develop confidence, critical thinking, and public speaking skills in students from Years 5-10. Through structured training, competitive debates, and a public speaking, students learn how to construct arguments, respond to opposing ideas, and communicate effectively.
Overview
Program Structure
YouDebate is delivered across the school year in three stages:
1. Training Sessions
Students are introduced to:
- The fundamentals of debating
- Speech structure and argument development
- Rebuttal techniques
- Public speaking skills
2. Debate Competition Rounds
Students compete in structured debates within their year division:
- Prepared debates (topics released in advance)
- Impromptu debates (limited preparation time)
3. Public Speaking
A showcase event where students demonstrate their skills in front of peers, teachers, and adjudicators.
Divisions
YouDebate is divided by year level: Primary ( Years 5/6), Secondary (Years 7/8/9/ 10)
All teams compete within their own division.
Schedule
Key Dates (2026)
Years 7-9 Online Program
- Training: Wednesday 29 April (12:00-2:00 PM)
- Year 7: Tuesday 19 May (10:00 AM-4:00 PM)
- Year 8: Wednesday 20 May (10:00 AM-4:00 PM)
- Year 9: Thursday 21 May (10:00 AM-4:00 PM)
- Public Speaking Gala Day: Wednesday 3 June (10:00 AM-4:00 PM)
Year 10 Program (Sydney)
- Training: Wednesday 5 August (12:00-2:00 PM)
- Competition Day: Friday 4 September (9:00 AM-4:00 PM)
- Sydney Sightseeing Day: Saturday 5 September
Years 5-6 Online Program
- Training: Wednesday 21 October (12:00-2:00 PM)
- Year 5: Wednesday 11 November (10:00 AM-4:00 PM)
- Year 6: Thursday 12 November (10:00 AM-4:00 PM)
- Public Speaking Gala Day: Wednesday 18 November (10:00 AM-4:00 PM)
Rules & Mechanics
Format
- Teams consist of up to 3 students
- Each student delivers one speech
- Debates follow a structured format with timed speeches
- Both prepared and impromptu rounds are included
If a team has only 2 students due to unforeseen circumstances, one student may deliver two speeches.
Duration
Speaking Times
- Years 5-6:4 minutes
- Years 7-8:5 minutes
- Years 9-10:6 minutes
Each speech includes warning and final bells to guide timing.
Assessment Criteria
How Students Are Judged
Adjudicators assess students across three key areas:
Matter
strength of arguments and rebuttal
Method
structure, organisation, and clarity
Manner
delivery, confidence, and engagement
Debates are primarily decided on the quality of arguments .
Guidelines
Rules & Expectations
Writing Speeches
- -Speeches must be handwritten (palm cards or paper)
- -No use of typed notes or electronic devices during delivery
Preparation
- -Prepared debates allow research (no AI tools permitted)
- -Impromptu debates: No research, No devices, Only a dictionary allowed.
Debate Rules
- -Third speakers cannot introduce new arguments
- -Rebuttal and comparison are allowed
Online Debates (if applicable)
- -Cameras must remain on
- -No outside assistance
- -Teachers supervise all sessions
Conduct
Students are expected to:
- -Show respect to opponents and adjudicators
- -Avoid personal attacks
- -Maintain professionalism at all times.
Benefits
Why Participate?
YouDebate helps students:
- -Build confidence in public speaking
- -Develop critical thinking skills
- -Learn structured argumentation
- -Engage in healthy, respectful discussion.