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Body Language and the Second Republican Debate

Jeffrey Davis • Sep 17, 2015

Last night’s Republican debate displayed a number of jarring contrasts in body language . Let’s look at three examples:

First, Chris Christie:

Governor Christie is a strong debater. He has a firm command of policy and he answers questions with confidence and finesse. I think his non-verbal communication is not helping his cause, however. He has a tendency to lean on the side of the podium as if he was saddling up to a bar. Clearly, he is trying to play up his image as a maverick. His casual body language is inappropriate when he speaks about such weighty issues as nuclear proliferation or abortion rights. It reeks of arrogance.

Next, (of course) Donald Trump:

Ahh Donald. Of course, Mr. Trump has a commanding presence. But he can barely control his contempt for his fellow candidates. He often rolls his eyes and smirks while other candidates speak of him. He has terrible posture. He scowls. His body language suggests intense disgust for people and ideas that are foreign to him, and I predict this will eventually be his downfall.

Finally, Mark Rubio:

I like the way Senator Rubio projects himself on the stage. He has an upright bearing, crisp diction, and a confident delivery. He makes direct eye contact with the camera, and by extension, the home viewers. He also manages to smile on occasion! It seems ironic that this debate, with all its rage and righteous indignation, should take place at the Ronald Reagan Library, an institution named after a man who won debates with folksy charm. In any case, I think Rubio’s command of basic public speaking craft will propel him forward in the polls, and bode well for his chances at the nomination.

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AOC and the Art of Public Speaking

By Jeffery Davis • 16 Dec, 2019

AOC does not become a victim of her adversary's expectations for her English or her intellect. It fires up her public speaking craft. Does inequality fire you up to prove your adversaries wrong? For more on how AOC handles public speaking challenges, click here.