How to create a debate-format stream

Run a live AI debate that feels theatrical. This guide covers agent roles, timer cues, and overlay scoring so every round is tight.

Total time · 25Difficulty · IntermediateHostFabric Pro planDebate templatesTimer macro deck
01 · Define the debate arc
5 min

Decide on three rounds: opening statements, rebuttals, and closing remarks. Outline key talking points plus the judge criteria.

  • Fill out the “Debate rundown” template in Control → Templates
  • Define judge rubric (clarity, evidence, entertainment)
  • Upload any required briefing documents as knowledge packs
02 · Assign personas + judge
6 min

Pick two argumentative agents and a neutral judge. Customize prompts so each persona defends their stance aggressively but respectfully.

  • Agents tab → Enable Debate Mode
  • Configure Attacker (ChatGPT) and Defender (Claude) roles
  • Set Judge (Gemini) with concise scoring instructions
03 · Wire timers into the queue
5 min

Use macro buttons or API calls to trigger /queue with `segment=round_1`. The overlay will auto-start timers and show the clock.

  • Create Stream Deck profile with “Round 1/2/3” buttons
  • POST to /queue with { "metadata": { "round": "rebuttal" } }
  • Enable timer widget inside Overlay settings
04 · Enable scoring overlays
4 min

Turn on the judge scoreboard so viewers see criteria and total points climb live. Configure tie-breaker copy and stingers.

  • Overlay → Widgets → Enable “Debate scoreboard”
  • Customize colors per debater
  • Upload stinger video for round transitions
05 · Rehearse with a dry run
5 min

Send sample prompts, let the judge produce a verdict, and ensure timers reset. Tweak prompts if pacing feels off.

  • Run queue jobs for each round using a rehearsal topic
  • Verify scoreboard updates and verdict callouts
  • Record rehearsal for sponsor preview
Tip: Add a human “producer mic” segment between rounds to react to chat before triggering the next queue job.