IT was the highly anticipated leaders debate between Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten but just how did they rate when picked apart by body language and fashion experts.

Michael Kelly, a body language and speech expert and Donny Galella, a Sydney fashion designer give their verdicts.

BODY LANGUAGE

TURNBULL 8/10

Malcolm Turnbull won on matching strong statements with strong body gestures.

He came out strong and confident and definitely connected more with the crowd asking questions.

His best use of body language came in the fact that he looked his questioners in the eye.

SHORTEN 6/10

Bill Shorten had some good energy to his voice, he can sometimes be a bit flat and whiny as he was in last week’s Budget reply speech, but tonight he picked up.

He did however lose points for the fact he was taking notes when the questions were being asked, that shows a lack of confidence.

And he wasn’t using hand gestures very well to support the points he was making.

media_camera Experts rated Malcolm Turnbull’s use of body language higher than Bill Shorten. Picture: Pic Lyndon Mechielsen/News Corp

DRESS

TURNBULL 9/10

The Prime Minister went for a traditional Liberal blue tie, with a micro print detail. Prints ties are on trend. Malcolm’s blue suit is reflective of a strong trend for men to wear blue suits.

It’s important that leaders dress in character and that’s exactly what Mr Turnbull did, in a crisply fitted shirt and lace up brogues.

SHORTEN 8/10

Bill Shorten’s tie was a bit too long as ideally it should finish just on the belt line. Orange is an interesting colour choice, but black suits are a bit boring and can look too formal.

He looked very professional and with his RM Williams-style boots he definitely dressed in character, however, he lost points for his shirt being a little too big around the collar.

Bill Shorten: Labor is absolutely opposed to getting rid of the bulk billing incentives Bill Shorten stated that Labor's position would not change on bulk billing, but when pressed on the freeze, said he would unveil a health plan 'very soon' Courtesy: Sky News

DELIVERY

TURNBULL 7.5/10

The Prime Minister was far more confident and won on believability for that reason.

Mr Turnbull in general had a more statesmanlike, polished delivery, listening to the person he was talking to and not looking at his notes.

He was in the moment and that made him the winner in this department and certainly his speech was delivered in a manner more consistent with a leader of state.

SHORTEN 6.5/10

Bill Shorten lost points for note taking when he was asked a question which gives the impression that he can’t process the question and come up with an answer at the same time.

That may be why he seemed to be giving a more rote response.

He needs to trust himself to give an off the cuff answer as relying on notes gives off the air of schoolboy debater.

FOCUS

TURNBULL 8/10

Both leaders started off nervous and were rushing a bit but the Prime Minister seemed to shake his nerves first.

He was able to steer the conversation smoothly back to the points he wanted.

He stayed on message and made no mistakes, so top marks for fluency.

SHORTEN 7/10

When Bill Shorten really believes in what he is saying he’s most engaging and in form and this was most evident when he was answering questions on superannuation and privatisation — clearly things that echo his own beliefs rather than scripted responses.

He was at all times a politician delivering the messages he wanted to but it was most effective when he was talking about the things he believes in.

Originally published as Turnbull, Shorten put under microscope