Body Language in Politic: French example

 “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

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[1] Stephen Bunard, a French body language expert