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General Definition: The substantive aspects of an argument; the “Warrants”. This is distinct from the stylistic delivery of a speech.

• Public Forum: In PF, judges vary on how they weigh substantive versus stylistic aspects of the debate, although they should focus on argument quality and engagement, with weak arguments penalized and strong arguments rewarded. Debaters should ask the judge about this before the round as part of learning the judge’s “Paradigm”. 
• World Schools Debate: In WSD, this is 40% of a judge’s ballot. Judges should penalize weak arguments and reward strong arguments. Competitors can receive between 24 – 32 points in this category for any given speech in the constructives, rebuttals, and summaries, and between 12 – 16 for replies.
• British Parliamentary: In BP, judges vary on how they weigh substantive versus stylistic aspects of the debate, although they should focus on argument quality and engagement with other teams, with weak arguments penalized and strong arguments rewarded.
• Canadian National Debate Format: In CNDF, judges vary on how they weigh substantive versus stylistic aspects of the debate, although they should focus on argument quality and engagement, with weak arguments penalized and strong arguments rewarded.