After MC finishes & before debate begins
“Thank you, MCs. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2025 Student Council
Leader Debate.
Today, our candidates will not only answer questions — they will show their vision,
their leadership, and their courage to stand in front of you.
My role as moderator is to keep this debate fair, orderly, and of course, lively.
Candidates, remember: this is your chance to convince the audience that you are the
right leader for our school. Audience, listen carefully — because at the end, the
choice is in your hands.”
Explaining the Rules (2 minutes)
“Before we begin, let me explain the rules of this debate:
Each candidate will take turns picking a question at random.
After reading the question, the candidate has 30 seconds of silent thinking time.
The candidate then has 90 seconds to give their answer.
After that, the other candidates will respond. We will then have a rebuttal session
where they go back and forth for a total of 150 seconds.
This process will be repeated until all candidates have answered one question.
At the end, each candidate will have two minutes for a closing statement.
Time will be strictly managed. When your time is almost up, I will signal. When time
is over, you must stop immediately.
We expect all candidates to show respect — no personal attacks, no interruptions, and
no offensive language. Audience members, please stay silent during the debate,
except during applause when permitted.
Are the rules clear to everyone?”
(Pause, wait for candidates to nod or say yes.)
“Great. Then let’s begin.”
Turn: Candidate 1
“Candidate 1, please step forward and pick your question.”
(Wait until candidate picks; you read the question out loud.)
“Your question is: [read question].
You now have 30 seconds of silent thinking time. Your time starts… now.”
(Wait silently, then signal when 30 seconds is up.)
“Time’s up. Candidate 1, you have 90 seconds for your answer. Please begin.”
(Signal when time is nearly finished, then cut politely.)
“Thank you, Candidate 1. Time is up.”
Rebuttal
“Now, Candidate 2, you may respond or challenge Candidate 1’s answer.”
(Let Candidate 2 speak briefly, then continue.)
“Candidates 1 and 2, you will now engage in a rebuttal session for 150 seconds. Your
time starts now.”
(Keep watch, step in if needed: ‘One at a time, please. Candidate 1, finish your
thought, then Candidate 2 responds.’ End exactly on time.)
“Now, Candidate 3, you may respond or challenge Candidate 1’s answer.”
(After Candidate 3 finishes:)
“Candidates 1 and 3, you now have 150 seconds for rebuttal. Time starts now.”
(Keep track, enforce time.)
Turn: Candidate 2
“Candidate 2, please pick your question.”
(Read it aloud.)
“Your time to think is 30 seconds, starting now.”
(Wait, then cut.)
“Time’s up. Please deliver your answer in 90 seconds.”
(Enforce timing.)
“Thank you, Candidate 2.”
Rebuttal:
“Now Candidate 1, you may respond or challenge Candidate 2’s answer.”
(After response:)
“Candidates 2 and 1, you have 150 seconds for rebuttal. Time starts now.”
(Enforce order, then end.)
“Now Candidate 3, please respond or challenge Candidate 2’s answer.”
(After response:)
“Candidates 2 and 3, you now have 150 seconds for rebuttal. Time starts now.”
Turn: Candidate 3
“Candidate 3, please pick your question.”
(Read it aloud.)
“Your 30 seconds of thinking time starts now.”
(Wait, then cut.)
“Time’s up. Please deliver your answer in 90 seconds.”
(Enforce timing.)
“Thank you, Candidate 3.”
Rebuttal:
“Now Candidate 1, you may respond or challenge Candidate 3’s answer.”
(After response:)
“Candidates 3 and 1, you now have 150 seconds for rebuttal. Time starts now.”
“Now Candidate 2, you may respond or challenge Candidate 3’s answer.”
(After response:)
“Candidates 3 and 2, you now have 150 seconds for rebuttal. Time starts now.”
Closing Statements (6 minutes total)
“We are now moving to the final round — closing statements. Each candidate will
have 2 minutes to give their final words and convince the audience why they should
lead our school.
Candidate 1, please begin.”
(After time ends:)
“Thank you, Candidate 1. Now Candidate 2, your closing statement.”
(After time ends:)
“Thank you. Finally, Candidate 3, your closing statement.”
(After time ends:)
“Thank you.”
Call to Vote
“Ladies and gentlemen, the debate has ended. Thank you to our candidates for their
ideas and passion. Now, it’s time for you — the students — to decide.
Voting will take place [explain procedure, place, and rules]. Remember: leadership is
not just about speaking, but about action. Choose wisely — your voice matters.”
Closing
“That concludes the 2025 Student Council Debate. Thank you, candidates. Thank
you, audience. Let’s give them one last round of applause!”
(Step back, smile, lead applause, then hand over to MC.)
⚡ Tips while using this script:
Keep a stopwatch or bell in your hand — time is your biggest weapon.
Use your voice dynamically: slower during rules, sharper during debate,
warmer at closing.
Smile often, but cut time firmly so candidates respect the rules.