“Seeing comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak.”
Image can be considered as a representation of identity. 93% of
communication is Nonverbal Communication, or in other words, body language.
So political candidates see the value in effectively communicating their
image to the public.
Why can we say that body
language in politic is essential and how can we read it to understand beyond
words?
How to read body language?
Many different elements can help to understand a politician beyond the
words: body, gestures, norming, facial expression, voice…
According to Karla Reed we can read body language whit : eyes (blinking
slowly indicates lost of interest, contact), arms (arms crossed in front of
body provides self comfort), hands (wringing of the hands indicates
insecurity), foot and legs, body structure, eyeglasses,
Body Language in France:
For Stephen Bunard[1],
thousands of other gestures are the key to understanding what is really going
on into the minds of the candidates: "There
is a gap between what is shown … and what is being said.".
Nicolas Sarkozy is considered as very expressive. He used the pointed
forefinger and the shoulder raise, which indicates he “will to perform”.
However, insecurity can still come though, particularly in the form of scratching
around the nose. His gesture is often used by people trying to convince others
of something that is not entirely true
 |
| François Hollande et Nicolas Sarkozy |
In the case of François Hollande, Burnard explains that he has borrowed
the gestural repertoire of the Socialist candidate of 1981
and 88. "He apes Francois Mitterrand," Finger-pointing, grasping of
both hands, shaking of fists… Bunard notes that Hollande’s right hand is
"omnipresent … He's obviously still very controlled."
Marine Le Pen, according to Burnard, has been using "unconscious
codes of seduction", and Melenchon’s movements can describe him as "a
little autocratic side"- person.
To
conclude, as Body’s Language can help to understand politician’s mind beyond
words we can imagine, that Nonverbal communication will be more important in
the future.
Video : Successful Public Speaking : Body Language in Public Speaking
Sourcing
:
- “Watch the lip: the body language of the French
election candidates” The Guardian, French Election Blog 2012 , Lizzy Davies, Sunday 8 April 2012
- “Body Language in
Politic”, By Pam Andes, Campaign 2008, Professor Moran
