Body Language In American Politics
Body language plays a big part in all communication. We can hardly say anything without expressing more through the movements of our faces and bodies. It's no wonder, then, that body language has been displayed in American Politics.
When George Washington crossed the Delaware, according to the famous painting, he was showing a body language stance of confidence. He did this by standing erect with his hands on his hips. There is evidence of the same stance by Woodrow Wilson during a time when he was lecturing at a university and by Walter Mondale during his presidential campaign.
Many presidents and presidential hopefuls have shown body language signs of confidence and dominance. In the 1992 presidential debates, much of this was going on. Former President Bill Clinton, Ross Perot, and former President George Bush were all showing a palms down gesture that symbolized their belief in their superiority.
Another nonverbal cue of body language is a way you tilt your head back and hold it there. This has shown up in speeches by Mussolini, Roosevelt, George Wallace, and even Al Gore. It symbolizes a feeling of being disdainful, arrogant, and superior.
Sometimes, body language shows how uncomfortable a politician is. In 1988, former Vice President Dan Quayle was speaking in a televised debate. His opponent came out with a rather cutting remark, and Quayle's response was an immediate "Adam's apple jump." This is a classic sign of nervousness.
The angle that you put yourself in relationship to others is a part of body language. Former President Richard Nixon was known for being uncomfortable around people. This was shown in the way he set himself at a ninety degree angle to others he was dealing with.
Much has been made of a 1988 Time magazine cover photo. It shows Jesse Jackson, who was making a run for president at the time. He is standing with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Some say this is a classic defensive pose. This may or may not be a correct interpretation of his body language.
A tense, pouting mouth can show uncertainty, frustration, and sadness. Photos were taken of former President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky ordeal. In them he is often displaying such a form of body language.
Former President Ronald Reagan and the Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev had important matters to discuss at summit. There were times when they didn't agree. However, when they did agree, their body language showed it. At such times, they would face each other. They would also sit in similar postures.
A Republican pollster, R. Teeter, did an experiment about body language in politics. He showed people visual footage of politicians campaigning. They were doing their usual speech-making, hand shaking, and the rest. There was no sound, only video.
As it turned out, those who had only the body language of the candidates to read rated them the same way as those who knew their politics and views. It was shown that a lot is determined about choice of candidate by body language alone.
Body language has played a part in American politics and will continue to do so. As long as Americans can see who they're voting for, they will watch as much as they will listen. Thanks to body language, leaders are easier to judge.
Body Language
Help With Understanding Body Languages
Public Speaking And Body Langauge
Body Language Magic Some Of The Commonly Observed Gestures During A Conversation:
The Magic Of Body Languages And How We Talk
Body Languages: When To Use Or Avoid
The Magic Of Listening To The Body's Language
The Secrets And Tips In Body Language
Body Language
Some Common Body Language Signals
... with your eyes closed you might feel a negative evaluation. Making a decision might come when you are stroking your chin. Indecision could be shown by your body language when you tug at an ear. If you stand with your hands on your hips, your body language indicates that you are at the ready, and maybe ...
Flirting With The Body To Express Languages Through Magic
... moves up closer to you, leaning in as you speak, thus he is showing a sign of interest. Men will also show signs of interest by fondling their jewelry, your jewelry or cigarettes. This means he is ready to become intimate with you in more ways than one. If a man slowly and in a lower tone speaks to you, ...
Using Body Language In A Job Interview
... and your body moving with ease and assurance. Don't be apologetic by your body language about the way you do it. Before you start the interview, you should shake the interviewer's hand. Give a firm, but not overpowering, shake. Always shake hands with your palm up. If your palm is down, it will imply ...
... body sits it will most times sit in an upright position with the knees bent, legs crossed and likewise. Men often place their hands over their chest while resting in a chair, which is a sign of comfortableness. Some people even prop their knees and legs up with one leg spread and the other leg firmly ...
Constructional Signals In The Magic Of Body Languages
... the stomach means the action is too low. If the fingers are briefing the chin at a level angle thus the person is telling you the project is leveled. Another of the moves signaled in these kinds of jobs include the karate chop, or palms open, fingers extending out, and fingers flicking outward. This means ...