Content is the strength of the argumentation presented. covers the quality of the rebuttal and ability to defeat opposing arguments. A speaker with a high content mark will present arguments that are highly relevant, with clear explanations and flag the impacts of their arguments. They will be consistent and thorough in their explanation of why their set of beliefs are the strongest arguments in the debate.

Style is the ability to deliver your arguments persuasively. There is no one particular style that will be appropriate for all speakers and all debates just as there is no one set of arguments that will win all debates. It does however encompass a number of general elements that improve the impact of a speech. These including how a speaker uses their voice, their use of gestures, their use of rhetorical techniques and their engagement with the audience.

Strategy encompasses three things. The first is their structure and timing, the second is their understanding of the issues of the debate, and the third is flow and links. Structure and timing refers to a speaker who fills their time and does not under or over speak.

Understanding the issues of the debate follows on from this clear sense of understanding what the key issues in any given debate are. There should be a clear link between points made by a speaker and also from one speaker to the next e.g. adding a team tagline.