Bush & Kerry's body language

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Registered: 08-05-2004
Bush & Kerry's body language
Fri, 10-01-2004 - 10:12pm
Here's the orginial link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3708330.stm

Bush and Kerry's body language

Democratic candidate John Kerry was more presidential in his demeanour than incumbent George W Bush during their first debate on Thursday, a US body language expert says.

Patti Wood, an Atlanta-based consultant, told BBC News Online that Mr Kerry appeared more respectful and in control.

Mr Bush sounded arrogant and unable to control his emotions, especially in the latter part of the debate, she contends.

However, Ms Wood says, Mr Bush at times radiated warmth in a way that Mr Kerry could not emulate.

Bush's 'arrogance'

The president looked most at ease during the first 30 minutes of the debate, according to Ms Wood.

"He was warmer, more confident, he spoke from his heart, smiled and looked into the camera," she says.



When you hear the same words with more frustrated body language, the message sounds like a lie

Patti Wood

Body language expert

But in the remaining hour, Mr Bush sounded increasingly angry and repeated many of his answers, she adds.

The constant use of statements - such as "the war was hard work" - showed that he was speaking form a script, she says.

"When you hear the same words with more frustrated body language, the message sounds like a lie."

Ms Wood said the president's frustration was especially visible when Mr Kerry was speaking.

"In reaction shots Bush was arrogant, smirked and shook his head and looked disgusted in a childish way.

"This indicates immaturity - which is not presidential. He should have been more in control," Ms Wood said.

Kerry 'cold'

Mr Kerry, by contrast, would look at Mr Bush and appeared more respectful.

However at his best Mr Bush can still project a more comfortable image than his challenger, Ms Wood notes.

"If Kerry is to win, he has to look at the public though the camera when he speaks," she adds.

Mr Kerry needs to take a leaf from the president's book, lean forward and speak warmly, Ms Wood says.

Instead of using the classic debating technique of looking at his opponent, he should look at the public through the camera, she suggests.

Ms Wood made clear body language would not influence committed supporters of either candidate.

But, she went on, "it is going to make a difference for anybody who has not made up their minds who they are going to vote for".