Actions really do speak louder than words.
The smaller field in Wednesday night’s Republican presidential debate allowed all five candidates more speaking time to get their message across — which was helped, or hindered, by their gestures and other nonverbal communication.
DC-based body language expert Chris Ulrich broke down the heated debate and provided The Post with an exclusive analysis of what he gleaned from what happens when debaters don’t speak.
Haley confronts Ramaswamy
In perhaps the most memorable moment of the night, former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, 51, slammed entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy as “scum” after he mentioned his daughter’s use of TikTok.
During the heated exchange, Haley turned her entire body towards Ramaswamy to emphasize her anger at her rival.
“We see a turn and a full confrontational engagement at this odd moment,” Ulrich said. “It’s very conflict-oriented.”
The five candidates stand side by side before Wednesday night’s debate in Miami. AP During the heated exchange, Haley turned her entire body towards Ramaswamy to emphasize her anger at her rival.REUTERS
Ulrich said Haley then showed “huge hatred on her face,” as her nose wrinkled, “her teeth came out and she pointed at him and said, ‘You left my daughter out of your voice.'”
“I think he’s angry, so ‘get out of your mouth’ is probably where he’s going with it, but I mean, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “The point is, those are some major engagements.”
Overall, Ulrich noted that Haley “struggled out of the gate a bit” during her opening remarks, but soon “found her footing as the debate progressed,” pointing to her poise and confidence in answering tough foreign policy questions.
Nikki Haley’s facial expression shows “huge disgust” as her nose twitches and her “teeth grow.”
‘Calm down’ DeSantis
In previous debates and public engagements, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has faced criticism and ridicule for his seemingly forced facial expressions and less-than-natural body language.
But by Wednesday night, Ulrich said, DeSantis “did his homework” and came out prepared.
“Obviously he’s calmer — he looks into the camera when he delivers his opening. His body language was congruent,” said Ulrich.
Ron DeSantis looked calmer and showed less forced facial expressions than his previous debate appearances, according to Ulrich.AFP via Getty Images
“You can tell in his preparation from past debates, he really likes being at home.”
But as the night wore on, DeSantis’ polish seemed to wear off as some of the subtle changes he made to his debate performance wore off — like his tendency to resemble a bobblehead doll, according to Ulrich.
“One of the things he does when he’s really excited, he uses his head to emphasize the eyes,” Ulrich said. “He emphasizes so much with his head that it becomes like he’s swinging and weaving … and I think it can be a distraction to a very polished message.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks with Vivek Ramaswamy during a break in the debate on Wednesday, Nov. 9.AP
By the time he gave his closing remarks, the Florida governor appeared tired and deflated in his gestures and facial expressions — and with thick sweat forming on his lips in the final hour of the debate.
“At the end he looked a bit lethargic. He was sweating on his upper lip, which is a sign of stress,” said Ulrich. “That’s nothing against him, but how does it play on TV? It’s annoying – just like a fly [former Vice President Mike] Pence’s head.”
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie made his point effectively — with the help of a brief pause, Ulrich said.Getty Images
Christie’s use of pauses
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie made his point effectively — with the help of a brief pause, Ulrich said.
“Different [Sen. Tim Scott] with Chris Christie’s slow speaking style, which I think is a masterful use of pauses to deliver his message effectively,” he said.
“Whether you agree with Chris Christie or not — and I don’t think the Republican Party — I think he’s effective out of the gate.”
Senator Tim Scott had the longest time at the microphone, 19 minutes, but time is not a good thing.REUTERS
Timing is not everything
While Scott (R-SC) led the board with nearly 19 minutes at the microphone — more than 3.5 minutes longer than DeSantis or Christie — Ulrich said he was weakest in delivering points.
“He has the most time, but is he using that time effectively to deliver a message that will resonate saying, ‘Tim Scott is someone I should look at again as a potential candidate for the presidency if I’m looking for an alternative to Donald Trump’ ?” he said.
“He seems to be talking in passing sometimes [allotted time] windows and doesn’t use messaging that helps you understand why you should choose Tim Scott — that gets lost in the words of Tim Scott’s monologue.”
Regardless of the candidates’ nonverbal performances Wednesday night, Ulrich said it’s important to remember that “these are human beings under a lot of pressure.”
Vivek Ramaswamy speaks as Tim Scott looks on during the third Republican presidential debate in Miami on November 9, 2023. AFP via Getty Images
“We have to give them all the credit for pulling this off, and these are the people who put themselves under the spotlight to pursue the most stressful jobs out there,” he said.
“I often say when we talk about body language, what if a giant mirror came down from the sky and we saw your body language?” Ulrich said. “Does your body language support your message, enhance your message, help you come across in the best possible way?”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
