What body language revealed in the Raleigh mayoral debate

What did body language tell the voters in the recent debate between Raleigh mayoral candidates Nancy McFarlane and Charles Francis as they sought to persuade voters before the upcoming runoff election on Nov. 7? Body language can tell us so much and is often weighted heavier than words, especially if the body language is perceived to be negative or not in sync with the speaker’s words.

Think about negative body language that you remember from previous elections. Remember the footage of the elder Bush looking at his watch during the presidential debate? Remember the photos of Michael Dukakis bouncing along, a tiny body looking more like a small child than a leader, in the unfortunate photos of him riding in a tank? It takes a well-thought-out moment where the emotional pitch is powerful and on point, where the words are emphasized, where there is a pause, an emphasis of body language, and a vision in the eyes of the speaker to make that moment memorable and persuasive. Remember the footage of Martin Luther King giving his “I Have a Dream” speech? This moment was so effective in emotion, body language and words that it has become a moment in history.

So what body language did the voters see in the Oct. 20 debate? Negative body language can often sway voters more than positive body language, and McFarlane’s body language included flitting her hands and fidgeting, tell-tale signs of nervousness. Crossing her arms in front of her body while she waited to speak is body language suggestive of needing protection, the opposite of inviting others in. McFarlane missed an opportunity to bring her viewers in and connect when she spent time while speaking looking at her opponent rather than the audience. Also, her answers were occasionally too full of detail to grasp easily, which could lead the audience to tune out and parse her body language for clues, compounding the weight of any negative body language.

When looking toward Mr. Francis while speaking, McFarlane tilted her head back, which gave the appearance of looking down at Mr. Francis, body language that could be interpreted as arrogance or dismissiveness. Nostrils flaring at times, she gave the impression of irritation, perhaps dismissiveness, or anger toward her opponent. Had she looked directly in the camera fairly exclusively while speaking and tilted her head slightly, she would have pulled the audience into her message, connected with them and appeared to be listening to their concerns. During her final remarks, her body language changed dramatically, her smiles seemed genuine, and she looked directly in the camera. But the stark contrast with her earlier body language made her final remarks seem rehearsed, something disconcertingly less than genuine.

Charles Francis had pretty consistent body language. While waiting to speak, he sat calmly with hands clasped securely in front of him, rarely varying his pose or showing nervousness, suggesting he knew what he thought and did not have to switch his views around. When speaking, he looked directly into the camera, with the occasional tilt of the head, allowing the audience to feel connected to him and his message and allowing the audience to focus on his points, which were put simply and succinctly. His use of hands and arms while speaking was consistent – generally, his hands were thrust out in a forward manner with the energy, intensity and shape of determination.

But what Charles Francis lacked was the vision in his eyes. For an audience to believe that a speaker has a clear vision, the audience needs to see the speaker seeing his vision in front of his eyes. In his body language, Charles Francis conveyed a calm, confident demeanor and intense determination to make the changes he proposes. However, what was lacking was body language that would suggest a clear vision forward.

Marlene Jones is an expert in the use of body language and emotion to achieve goals and overcome challenges. She is a professional speaker, humorist and storyteller, owner of Stone Meadow Coaching and lives near Chapel Hill.

This story was originally published November 1, 2017 at 9:11 AM with the headline "What body language revealed in the Raleigh mayoral debate."