A vote of thanks speech at debate competitions tests public speaking abilities differently than regular debate rounds. These closing remarks give speakers one last chance to make an impression on judges, participants, and guests. Successful speeches balance appreciation and grace while keeping the competitive energy from the debates.
Creating an excellent vote of thanks requires specific skills and regular practice. The sample speeches below show different ways to express appreciation at debate competitions. Each one uses a unique approach, making them good starting points for creating personal closing remarks that stick with listeners.
Vote of Thanks Speeches for Debate Competitions
These six vote of thanks speeches suit various debate competition scenarios and settings.
Speech 1: Traditional Academic Setting
Respected judges, distinguished guests, fellow debaters, and friends:
Your presence and participation made this debate competition truly special. Each participant showed incredible talent and preparation through their discussions. Our esteemed judges maintained the highest standards through their expert evaluation and careful attention. Special thanks go to our organizing committee who handled countless tasks behind the scenes.
The support staff deserves recognition for their commitment to this event’s success. From the technical team managing the sound system to the volunteers guiding participants between rounds, your efforts made a difference. To my fellow debaters, your researched arguments and respectful conduct showed the best qualities of academic debate.
Thank you all for joining this educational experience. We look forward to seeing you at future competitions where we can keep learning from each other through meaningful discussions.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A formal and structured speech that maintains a professional tone while acknowledging all key participants. Best suited for university-level competitions or formal academic settings where traditional etiquette matters greatly.
Speech 2: High School Competition
Dear friends and debate enthusiasts:
This day brought exciting discussions and interesting arguments! Each debate round showed new ideas and pushed us to consider different viewpoints about important topics. Our judges gave helpful feedback that will make everyone better debaters.
The organizing team deserves much praise for running everything so smoothly. From sign-ups to keeping time between rounds, everything worked perfectly. Thanks to all the parents and teachers who helped us prepare and came here to support us.
To my fellow debaters, great job presenting your strongest arguments. Everyone learned something valuable here. See you at the next competition!
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: An energetic and warm speech that shows youthful enthusiasm while staying appropriately formal. Perfect for high school competitions or debates with younger participants.
Speech 3: Regional Championship
Honorable judges, fellow competitors, distinguished guests:
This competition added another achievement to our regional debate circuit. The arguments presented during this championship showed how much debate skills have grown in our area. Each team offered different viewpoints that expanded our knowledge of various topics.
The organizing committee deserves high praise for creating a fair and competitive setting. The schedule worked well, the location served us perfectly, and the technical support ran without problems. We especially thank our sponsors whose generous support made this championship happen.
Our moderators kept discussions on track and useful throughout each round. The timekeeper’s exactness helped debates flow well. The administration staff handling sign-ups and organization made everything work efficiently.
Fellow debaters, your preparation and enthusiasm lifted this competition’s quality. Whether you’re going to nationals or planning for next year, may these experiences help you grow in competitive debate.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A solid speech that notes the good effects of regional competitions while keeping competitive spirit high. Great for big regional championships or tournaments with many schools.
Speech 4: Online Debate Competition
Dear virtual participants, judges, and tech support team:
Though screens separate us, technology helped us share an outstanding day of online debating. The smooth exchange of arguments proved that good debates work well in online spaces. Our tech support team deserves special praise for keeping connections stable and fixing technical problems quickly.
To our judges who worked well with this online format, your detailed feedback through digital channels kept our standards high. Fellow debaters, you showed great skill by debating effectively through screens while handling any technical issues.
Thanks to everyone who joined this online debate experience. Your participation showed that physical distance can’t stop us from sharing ideas and knowledge.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A modern speech that recognizes online debate features while highlighting connection despite distance. Fits perfectly for online competitions or mixed online-offline events.
Speech 5: International Debate Forum
Distinguished international delegates, respected adjudicators, and fellow debaters:
These debates connected different cultures and brought varied viewpoints to important issues. Participants from many countries shared ideas shaped by their backgrounds. This sharing of views across cultures shows what makes international debate competitions valuable.
Special thanks to our translators and language helpers who kept communication clear across language differences. The organizing committee did great work coordinating different time zones and making everyone feel welcome.
To my fellow international debaters, you showed respect for different views while embracing cultural variety, making this event special. Let these connections grow into lasting friendships and future work together.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A culturally aware speech highlighting global connections and variety. Works best for international competitions or events with participants from many countries.
Speech 6: Themed Debate Competition
Respected judges, fellow debaters, and distinguished guests:
Your discussions about environmental sustainability showed how much young speakers care about everyone’s future. Each team brought well-studied ideas that helped create meaningful talks about practical answers.
Thanks to our expert environmental scientists who judged the debates and shared specific knowledge that improved our understanding. The organizing committee picked great topics that connected debate skills with real problems.
To all participants, your interest in environmental protection came through clearly in your arguments. These debates showed that young people can handle big challenges through organized discussion and shared thinking.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A focused speech connecting debate goals with bigger social aims while keeping thankfulness at its center. Fits themed competitions about specific social issues or academic subjects.
Wrap-up
These speeches help speakers create their own closing remarks. Success comes from understanding the audience, matching the event’s style, and adjusting the message to fit. A good vote of thanks makes everyone feel valued while showing why competitive debate matters.