Debate Delivery

In Presidential debates, candidates spend a great deal of focus on the methods of delivery.  Aside from the words coming out of their mouths, people are watching their appearance and gestures.  These non-verbal aspects are critical in the way others perceive debaters.  This perception, in addition to a strong argument can make a debater quite convincing.

Let's look at the points:

Manner

Manner is essentially all of the points combined.  This includes, verbal and non-verbal aspects of the debate delivery.  Verbal includes - pause, pitch, rhythm, tone,...  Non-verbal includes - gestures, eye contact, posture, ...  By combining these together, your manner shows your confidence, conviction and most of all in a debate, believability.

Gestures

Many great speakers use some form of hand gestures.  These gestures help the impact of the words.  For example, if you are counting numbers, you can gesture the amount with your fingers.  In addition to hand gestures, we utilize other parts of out body.  Such as the shoulders, head and face.  These gestures help the overall appearance of the debater's manner.

Eye Contact

It is important to maintain eye contact with your audience.  In a debate setting, you also want to keep eye contact with the judges.  If you don't maintain eye contact, this can be a sign of fibbing or not believing in what you are saying.

Posture

Having a good posture is important for your manner.  Standing tall and proud, instead of slouching, increases the conviction in your words.  Don't stand uncomfortably tall or unnatural, just try to have your shoulders back and head held up high.