Analysing body language during the Presidential debate
The recent debate between Biden and Trump provoked arguments on all levels. My interest, apart from the obvious content, is analysing the body language of both candidates.
The debate enforced my research and beliefs that body language maketh the man – or in this case ‘un maketh the candidate.’
The first 30 seconds of their appearance on stage, set the scene of how they would tackle the debate.
- Biden arrived with a slow stride, rigid in posture with almost no expression.
- Trump showed up as the Ying to Biden’s Yang – an assertive stride, confident, and energetic.
The contrast between the two men became obvious.
- Biden, with almost no expression (some experts blame it on too much Botox), had a slight surprised look on his face, he fluttered his eyelids when he made a mistake (making him look like a Mills and Boon heroine), hardly a look for a presidential candidate.
- Trump came across as confident, lots of dynamic gestures. His flickering of eyelids suggested disdain, as did the puckering of his lips.
Biden had almost no illustrators, his breathing was shallow, his voice hoarse, he held on to his pen for anchorage or emotional support.
Without analysing their content, only focusing on the body language it was no wonder Biden has been asked to step down. As much as my dislike of Trump clouds my judgement – I have to concur that he came across as a confident leader. I wonder when Biden’s communication coach was fired.
