Body Language In The Final Presidential Debate

  There were many people who kept commenting on the body language in the first debate. Many were claiming Obama wasn’t giving Romney the attention or respect he deserved and he kept looking down at his notes. Some people argued that he was directing his attention at the audience and ‘America’. After so many comments from the nation about body language, I took a moment and decided to pay closer attention to president Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

            Firstly, body language is a non-verbal communication we make both consciously and unconsciously. Body language is important (especially in an election during debates) because it’s how we judge one another. Some studies suggest over 50% of our judgments are visual.

            The third debate was a close tie on who had the better body language. Both candidates were behind a desk, which gave the audience more of a clear vision of their facial expressions. Personally on this debate I think Obama looked more comfortable and sure of himself. His smile looks genuine, which is a big likeability quality. Romney also did well, definitely more centered (not much swaying).  However, Romney looked more stressed. He stammered more than Obama did and didn’t seem to have that confidence he did on other debates. All-in-all both candidates did well in presenting themselves.

Brittany Aho