Ancient World:
* Socrates: The ancient Greek philosopher is famous for his Socratic method, a form of inquiry and debate designed to elicit truth.
* Demosthenes: A renowned Athenian orator who is considered one of the greatest speakers of all time. He was known for his powerful speeches against Philip of Macedon.
* Cicero: A Roman statesman and orator who was known for his eloquence and mastery of rhetoric.
Modern Era:
* Abraham Lincoln: Known for his powerful speeches during the Civil War, particularly the Gettysburg Address.
* Winston Churchill: A British statesman and orator who was famous for his stirring speeches during World War II.
* Malcolm X: A charismatic and influential African-American Muslim minister known for his powerful and often controversial speeches.
* Martin Luther King Jr.: A civil rights leader known for his powerful and nonviolent speeches, including his "I Have a Dream" speech.
* Barack Obama: The former president of the United States was known for his eloquent and inspiring speeches.
Contemporary:
* Stephen Fry: An English actor, comedian, and writer known for his quick wit and sharp intellect, often displayed in debates and discussions.
* Noam Chomsky: An American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and political activist known for his sharp intellect and articulate arguments on a wide range of issues.
* Bill Maher: An American comedian and political commentator known for his often controversial and provocative views expressed in his HBO show "Real Time with Bill Maher."
It's important to remember that debating is a broad field with many notable figures. These are just a few examples of individuals who have made significant contributions to the art of debate.