I value

1. a fluent delivery style with good eye contact.

2. good speech structure

3. all sources cited with source name and date

4. clash

5. depth of ideas and analysis

6. richness of language

7. smooth handling of questions

8. consistently active in the chamber

9. change agents--students who are not following a "herd" mentality, but who look for opportunities to make things happen and change things up a bit.

CONGRESS:

Make sure to keep good eye contact, speak clearly and at a good pace, and don't rehash (bringing up the same points that have been brought up over and over again in the debate). Make sure to be original in your argument, reference other speakers by name, and cite your sources. Good luck!