Moderator Script & Cues
1. Opening by Moderator (after MC finishes)
Say with energy:
“Thank you, MCs. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2025 Student Council
Leader Debate. Today is not just about answering questions — it’s about showing
who has the courage, ideas, and leadership to guide us. As your moderator, I’ll make
sure the debate is fair, sharp, and full of real discussion. Candidates, be ready to
defend your ideas and challenge each other with respect. Audience, your role is to
listen carefully — because soon, you’ll decide who deserves your vote.”
Action: Make eye contact with audience, then turn confidently to candidates.
2. Explain Rules (2 minutes)
Say:
“Here’s how the debate will go:
Each candidate will take turns picking a question at random.
After reading the question, you get 30 seconds of silent thinking time.
You then have 90 seconds for your main answer.
After that, the other candidates will respond — and we’ll have short rebuttal battles
between you. Each rebuttal session lasts 150 seconds, and I will strictly control the
time.
Finally, everyone will give a 2-minute closing statement.
Respect the time, respect each other, and respect the audience. No personal attacks, no
interruptions. If time is up, I’ll stop you. Are we clear?”
Action: Look at each candidate, wait for a nod or “yes.”
3. Candidate Turns (repeat for each)
Say (for Candidate 1):
“Candidate [Name], it’s your turn. Please pick a question.”
(They pick → you read it aloud → hand to them.)
Say:
“You have 30 seconds to think. Your time starts now.”
(Wait silently, keep the atmosphere tense — use a bell or raise your hand to signal
when 30 seconds is over.)
Say:
“Time’s up. Please deliver your answer in 90 seconds.”
(When 80 seconds pass, raise your hand as a warning. At 90, cut politely: “Thank
you, your time is over.”)
Rebuttal sequence:
“Now Candidate 2, you may respond or challenge Candidate 1’s answer.”
(After they finish:)
“Candidates 1 and 2, you now have 150 seconds for back-and-forth rebuttal. Time
starts… now!”
(When it’s heating up, encourage energy but control interruptions. If they talk over
each other: “One at a time, please. Candidate 1, finish your sentence, then Candidate 2
responds.”)
Then move to Candidate 3 rebutting Candidate 1. Repeat the same rhythm.
4. Making It Hot 🔥
Throw in prompts if it feels flat:
“Candidate 2, you said X, but Candidate 1 says Y. Who’s convincing us better?”
“That’s a bold claim — can you give one concrete example?”
“Candidate 3, do you agree or disagree? Be honest.”
Use humor to lighten moments:
“Remember, this is a debate, not a rock concert — no shouting over each other.”
“Your time is up… save that passion for your campaign poster!”
5. Closing Statements
Say:
“We’ve come to the final round. Each candidate has 2 minutes to convince the
audience why they are the right choice to lead. Candidate 1, please begin.”
(Then Candidate 2, then Candidate 3.)
6. Call to Vote & Closing
Say:
“Thank you, candidates, for your energy and ideas. And thank you, audience, for
listening carefully. Now, it’s time for you to do your part. Use your vote wisely,
because this isn’t just about choosing a leader — it’s about choosing the future
direction of our school. Voting will be held [explain place & time].
That concludes our 2025 Student Council Leader Debate. Let’s give all the candidates
a big round of applause!”
🎯 Moderator Tricks for “Attractive” Debate
Be the timekeeper + hype man: enforce rules firmly, but add energy with tone.
Balance seriousness and fun: tease candidates lightly but never mock.
Keep tempo sharp: transitions must be quick so no “dead air.”
Control tension: when it gets heated, step in with authority but playful language.