Public Speaking 911 Blog

Finally, the last presidential debate is over and this long election is about to come to an end.  Yes, it was nice being able to observe how the professionals communicate, both in their stump speeches, convention speeches, and debate styles.  But, now it’s time to move on.

But, before we move on…  Maybe there’s one more communication-related lesson you can take away from this presidential election season.  And that lesson is–body language.

If you watched the debate last night between Barack Obama and John McCain you may have noticed the liberal use of facial expressions, eye movements and sighs from conservative John McCain.  And, if you watched any of the post-debate discussions that followed you heard how this may not play well to many voters out there.  Remember Al Gore and the sighs and facial expressions during his debates with George Bush?  Some say his sighs and body language may have lost him the debates.

Body language and facial expressions are important.  They may convey nervousness, anger, deceit, etc.  And, when you’re giving a presentation, the last thing you want is for your audience to get the wrong message from your speech, or to be distracted from your message because of your body language.

How do you find out more about body language and how it can hurt or help your speeches or presentations?  Go to our page on body language examples on our website.