Body language

Body language is an important factor in communication. It has even been said that politics has become 93% body language, and 7% politics. During the Nixon Kennedy Debate in the 1960, the first ever televised debate, the rules of politics has changed in such manner. After the debate, polls from the television audience indicated a landslide victory for Senator Kennedy. On the contrary, polls from the radio audience showed a landslide victory for Senator Nixon. It was said that Senator Nixon was sweating and looked in doubt during the debate. This proves how important body language has become.

In the video above we notice how politicians have been trained with body language skills to better present themselves. First, we notice Hilary Clinton, during a Q&A session during the presidential election campaigns. Here, we can see how she uses her body and her arm gestures to portray her confidence after being thrown with an uncomfortable question. She raises her voice, her arms are let forward, giving her the more 'in control' position. She stands up straight with her shoulders back, showing confidence in taking the question.

Next, a short clip showing Bill O' Reilly is shown. Notice how his lips are pressed together indicating a firm stand against the audience that are opposing his views or are in line with Hilary Clinton's. He does a 'bouncy' movement, as illustrated on the clip above, it further enhances his firm stand that he isn't backing down from his question, and maintains a confident stance. He puts his hands behind and puts his chin up, further proving this point.

Another interesting clip to note is Senator McCain's interview. Notice how he takes a more friendly stance (as mentioned by the illustrators) by leaning forward and giving that genuine smile. Just by doing that, he changes his stance and tries to win votes from a different perspective. This proves the importance of body language, even more so for politicians.

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Written by,
Goh Keng Yu @ Daniel.