I was shocked to watch the nonverbal communication--particularly the body language in the Presidential debates. The mistakes were bi-partisan--both the Republican and Democrat candidates exhibited weakness in their postures. While the candidates sparred on the issues, bickered in an unpresidential way, or talked above one another, I watched their body language. Those are more extended topics for another day. I want to talk today about those rare opportunities of seeing their nonverbal communication when they would emerge from behind their podiums. Mostly--because I can't help myself it is what I do--I wanted to see what they were doing with their hands.
While offering themselves up as candidates for the next leader of the free world--most of their postures did not suggest the intestinal fortitude for the job. Instead of exuding a confident and credible energy, most adopted the vulnerable position of both hands clasped in front of their crotches. Research has identified the posture--known as the fig leaf--as a protective gesture. Regular people like you and me perceive this pose as showing fear and conveying weakness.
See "Without Saying a Word" - Understanding Body Language
Here are the original fig leafers as depicted in a catacomb mural.
Further information about the archaeology behind this work and similar discoveries can be found at Bible Study Resource.
Most people have difficulty figuring out what to do with their hands when standing in uncomfortable public settings. But you would think—when you’re running for President—you would not exhibit the telltale clues of someone who might be out of their element.
Here are the Republicans, at least in this snapshot of time.
Of those remaining--at least as of this date--Businessman (what else do I call him?) Trump and Governor Kasich--not Senator Cruz--have been taught to look most like a "decider." I'll cut Cruz a little slack here--but just a little. He spent years arguing as an appellate lawyer with his hands on a podium. But look at the three onstage who have abandoned the campaign trail, Ben Carson is the only one adopting a strong, Presidential posture. Both Senator Rubio and Governor Bush look just a little uncomfortable. But maybe it's a Florida thing.
But the Dems faired no better. When there were five, it looked like this:
But you can see from this snapshot of a moment in time that two of the three (does anyone remember any of their names?) stand in a manner befitting a strong, confident leader of a great nation--and leaving the field to the two candidates who continue to exhibit weak body language.
From this pose, neither one appears ready to take the POTUS reins.
You might be thinking--great--I will just stay behind the podium. Au contraire, mon frere! You can make a lot of mistakes that inhibit the effective communication of your message from behind a podium. First, you are behind a podium. Just being behind the podium is counterintuitive to thousands of years of human interaction. Early man was right to wonder whether the next humanoid they encountered was friend or foe. Showing of the hands and an open palm was a friendly sign indicating no weapons. The open gesture left the belly exposed and was perceived as honest. The original meaning of that gesture remains true in today's society. More at Psychology Today.
You hide yourself and your motives behind a podium, even if you have the opportunity to use your hands effectively--and most people grip the podium too tightly and don't know how to make effective use of it. But what you can do from a podium (or in its general vicinity) is also a topic for another day. In all fairness to Senator Cruz, we will look at what he does with this hands in that context.
Instead, let's return to the real question at issue: what to do with your hands when you come out from behind the podium? The best position is that which comes natural to you. But the fig leaf position does not put you in the most confident light. I will repeat what you should adopt as your mantra to improve your vocal and physical persuasion skills--"practice, practice, practice to be natural!"
Try practicing with hands at your side. If it becomes comfortable for you, employ that useful posture. But try to stay away from the fig leaf. For women as well as men, that position "comes across to other people that you are unimportant. You should stand in a power stance with your hands at your side."
"5 Poses That Can Sabotage Success"
If you are not comfortable with your hands at your side, even after practicing, try resting them on an imaginary shelf created at your belt buckle--you can also lightly touch fingertips if you like or create an egg or oval-shaped figure with your fingertips. Whatever you do, stay away from the fig leaf. Nurses are taught to avoid the fig leaf position because "...you look smaller. Your body is saying, 'I’m harmless,' 'I’m shy' or 'I’m afraid.' No matter how confident you feel or how much you know, the fig leaf pose says, 'I’m trying to be small.' ”Body Language Cues for Nurses". We should all follow the prescription of those medical professionals.
Similar body positions or language can lead to your nonverbal communication inhibiting the delivery of your message or affecting the way you are perceived. Here are three to remember:
Don't self-touch your hair or your face or well, anything on yourself.
Don't have "happy feet," instead plant your feet before delivering your message, engage in purposeful movement, and don't shift your body weight back and forth when planted.
Don't turn your back on your audience. But if you do--where you must glance away to peak at your Power Point slide or for any other reason--do not resume speaking until you have turned back to your audience and re-engaged and re-established eye contact.
Use a mirror and watch yourself; Take video of yourself--or let me help you make that video, find your areas for improvement, and make you a more persuasive speaker. Okay, so that is more than three tips. Depending on your habits, maybe that is all you need. Just "practice, practice, practice to be natural" and implement those changes.
If you lack confidence, Harry can give you the tools to gain confidence--if you are already good, he can work with you to get better--and if you are very good, you appreciate that the combination of vocal and physical persuasion skills make you a more effective communicator and want to be even better. For more tips, go to TheActingAttorney.com.
If you want to do the work needed to improve:
Individuals can contact me at Harry@TheActingAttorney.com today and set up an in-person meeting or a Skype session--or call me directly at (505) 293-6859.
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