Debating & Public Speaking at Elphin Community College
Find your voice. Build your confidence.
Debating and public speaking give students the opportunity to speak up, think deeply, listen respectfully and engage with the issues that shape our world.
At Elphin Community College, students are encouraged to develop their confidence, communication skills and leadership through debating, public speaking, presentations and participation in programmes such as the Concern Debates.
Why Get Involved?
Debating is about much more than winning an argument. It helps students learn how to research carefully, build a strong case, listen to different viewpoints and communicate ideas clearly and respectfully.
Public speaking also helps students grow in confidence. These skills support learning across all subjects and are valuable for interviews, college, work and life.
Confidence
Students learn to speak clearly in front of others and become more comfortable sharing their ideas.
Critical Thinking
Debaters examine evidence, question assumptions and learn how to build balanced, logical arguments.
Teamwork
Students prepare together, support one another and learn how to play their part within a team.
Global Awareness
Concern Debates encourage students to explore major global issues, including poverty, equality, climate, conflict, development and human rights.
Concern Debates
The Concern Debates is Concern Worldwide’s flagship education programme for schools. It has been running for more than 40 years and has engaged more than 85,000 people.
The programme gives post-primary students the opportunity to research, explore and debate some of the defining issues of today. Each year, more than 150 schools take part.
Elphin Community College has a strong tradition in this competition, with school teams progressing to the knockout stages in recent years. We are proud of all students who represent the school and take on the challenge of debating important local and global issues.
How the Concern Debates Work
The Concern Debates programme runs over several stages during the school year.
Concern Debates programme stages
| Stage |
What Happens? |
| League Phase |
Schools take part in three debates, usually between September and December. |
| Knockout Stages |
The top 64 schools progress to knockout rounds from January onwards. |
| Quarter Finals |
The top teams progress to quarter finals, which are usually held in person at mid-way venues arranged by Concern. |
| Semi-Finals and Final |
The strongest teams progress to the later stages of the competition. |
What Skills Will Students Develop?
- researching reliable information;
- planning and structuring speeches;
- using evidence to support arguments;
- speaking with clarity and confidence;
- listening carefully to opposing views;
- responding through refutation and rebuttal;
- working as part of a team;
- thinking critically about global issues.
Roles in a Debate
Students can contribute to debating in different ways. Not every role involves being the main speaker at first.
Student roles in debating
| Role |
What the Student Does |
| Speaker |
Delivers a prepared speech, presents arguments and responds to the opposing side. |
| Researcher |
Finds facts, examples, statistics and case studies to strengthen the team’s argument. |
| Rebuttal Support |
Helps the team identify weaknesses in the opposing argument and prepare responses. |
| Timekeeper |
Helps speakers practise timing and supports the smooth running of practice debates. |
| Chairperson |
Introduces speakers and helps manage the formal structure of a debate. |
Public Speaking Opportunities
Public speaking is an important skill across school life. Students may have opportunities to develop these skills through class presentations, assemblies, Student Council, school events, competitions, ceremonies and leadership roles.
Students who practise public speaking often become more confident in expressing ideas, asking questions, giving presentations and speaking in front of groups.
Tips for New Debaters
- Start with the motion. Make sure you understand exactly what is being debated.
- Research both sides. Good debaters understand the arguments for and against.
- Use evidence. Support your points with facts, examples and real-world information.
- Structure your speech. Begin clearly, make your main points, and finish strongly.
- Listen carefully. Strong rebuttal comes from understanding what the other side has said.
- Practise aloud. Confidence grows when you rehearse your speech and timing.
Issues Students May Debate
Concern Debates often encourage students to think about major global and social issues. Topics may include:
- climate change and environmental responsibility;
- poverty and inequality;
- human rights and social justice;
- education and opportunity;
- conflict, migration and humanitarian crises;
- technology, media and young people;
- global citizenship and sustainable development.
How to Get Involved
Students interested in debating or public speaking should speak to their English teacher, Year Head, Student Council representative or the school office.
Students do not need to be experienced speakers to get involved. Enthusiasm, curiosity, teamwork and a willingness to practise are what matter most.
Useful Concern Debates Links
Need More Information?
Students, parents or guardians who would like to find out more about debating and public speaking at Elphin Community College can contact the school office.
Email: info.elphin@gretb.ie
Phone: 071 9635031
Accessibility Statement
If you require information from this page in an alternative format, please contact the school office and we will be happy to assist.
Elphin Community College has always had a strong tradition in this competition over the last number of years with teams reaching the knock out stages.
