On September 26, 1960, the United States of America witnessed an epochal political debate. It was the first televised Presidential debate in the history of America. The race was between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. History told how Nixon appeared ungroomed following a knee injury.
Kennedy on the other hand was cool, calm, confident and calculated. For those who listened on radio, Richard Nixon was the winner. But those who watched both gentlemen on television gave victory to Kennedy simply because they did not get positive cues from Richard Nixon’s body language.
As the planned political debate in Nigeria draws near, may I remind political aspirants in my dear country Nigeria, that voters still take decisions based on appearances, countenances, convictions and gestures.
The question is ‘if 10% communication is spoken words, then what do we hear or perceive from our politicians, what are they saying to us?
In other words, facial expressions, voice tone and body language are crucial, especially as they make media appearances.
Thinking, practicing and articulating correct body language along with the statements are salient to successful political campaign.
Dear politician, your body speaks. Your body speaks volume about you. Did you know that there are a number of characteristics that portray a particularly successful communicator? Again, do you realize that good communicators are good leaders?
Can you enumerate some postures, gestures and countenances that send positive messages without distorting the information?
What is most important to you? Your words, the tone of your voice, listening or your body language?
Many politicians erroneously believe that once you have the words , your mission is accomplished. The truth is that it must be a total package. Your verbal, non-verbal, paraverbal cues and listening(feedback) must be synchronous. Otherwise, while you are talking, your body speaks and betrays your inner thoughts and feelings. Unfortunately, this remains one of the reasons why many citizens do not trust some of their political leaders.
Matters are made worse in this part of the world where some office holders rub it in that they do not write their own speeches. They lack patience to even rehearse such scripts hence, unspeakable consequences.
At the point of delivery, the script becomes a barrier rather than an aid. They bury their faces in their scripts while they throw ‘missiles’ at their audience.
They stand like Benin-carved images while they ‘recite’ the content of the script. Some even appear in dark eye glasses and further distances themselves from their would-be electorates. Your goal is not to stir suspicion but to garner support and trust.
Here are some more points for you to take note of.
1.Your Hands. Research has shown that our brains tend to pay more attention to hands. When you cannot see a speaker’s hand, you feel threatened and unsafe. You may begin to wonder whether the person has a weapon. Some of our politicians allow their ‘agbada’ to hide their hands. Keeping your hands free and visible will boost your likeability.
2.Your fingers. What you do with you fingers is easily noticed. Whether you are giving a thumb up, waving or giving other signs, avoid using the accussing finger. People may feel threatened, offended and attacked.
3.When you fold your hands across your chest , it shows that you are defensive, detached and blocking off any form of contact. Except in cases where you are visibly feeling cold or sick.
4.Holding something with both hands especially when you can do same with one hand indicates insecurity.
You can observe some ladies at political gatherings holding their bags with two hands. Their male counter parts adjust cufflinks or ‘agbada’ incessantly. Both ladies and gentlemen equally hold their microphone with both hands. All these and even more are insecured behavior.
5.Rubbing of hands is an unconscious way of saying “ I am exonerating myself”. Some unknowingly strive to show their innocence and honesty by showing their palms while speaking.
6.Both hands behind the head, especially during party meetings should be avoided. The interpretation is that you are arrogant. You assume to know more than others.
Closely related to this is both hands on your head. In many cultures it is an indication of a misfortune, a taboo or a fatal occurrence.
7.Touching Your Nose: This could just be a dirty habit which may include ‘cob-webbing’ the nose in public. However, when you touch and scratch your nose, it implies that you are uncomfortable or worse still, telling a lie!
8.Touching your ear has to do with your perception of what you are listening to. It implies that you either want to hear more of what is being said or you do not like or believe it at all.
9..Tugging the neck shows that you are lying, frustrated or tired.
10.Biting a pen, eyeglasses e.t.c., indicate that you need reassurance as well as some time to make a decision.
Suffice to say that different people from different enviroment and culture can intereprete body language differently.
To develop a positive body language, you need to note the following:
1. Posture: Learn to maintain good body position. Stand tall with your shoulder up and square. Head up, chin up and always be centered. Standing or sitting up erect shows that you are comfortable and you know what you are saying.
2. Gesture: The movement of the different parts of your body such as your hands, should convey authority and strength. Exude calm and stability. You should have stage presence as well as presence of mind. This enables you to motivate people with your authentic passion.
3. Eye Contact: You should never fail to establish eye contact with your receiver or audience. This creates room for telepathy. Most importantly,In a face- to- face conversation, always maintain eye contact. It reflects interest, respect, intergrity, sincerity and so much more.
Good leaders are sensitive to good communication. Good communicators are sensitive to body language. Sincerity and integrity count in effective communication, so it is in governance.Say what you mean and mean what you say. Good luck.
CHIAMAKA BOBBY-UMEANO
