Analysts examine debate nuances

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Wednesday, Oct 5, 2000
By L.C. Greene, Staff Writer

Presidential candidate Gov. George W. Bush needs to loosen his shoulders and load up on specific ideas, while Vice President Al Gore should lower his chin and speak in more general terms.
A day after the first of three presidential debates, San Dimas based non-verbal communications expert Janet Larsen Palmer and acclaimed Loyola Marymount College debate coach Steven Combs had plenty of advice for the two men who would be president.

How the candidates behave and sound cannot be underestimated, said Palmer, president of the Communication Excellence Institute, a firm that advises candidates and corporate leaders.
“Research shows that 93 percent of the impression made is non-verbal,” Palmer said.  Based on that assumption, Palmer said Gore won Tuesday’s debate. “Ironically, Gore had better body language” she said. “Gore came off less stiff than Bush.  ”Bush also failed the eye blink test, she said, blinking 80 times a minute to Gore’s 55 to 60 times .“Blinking is related in perception to deception, deceit or discomfort,” Palmer said.  However, Bush won the voice contest, Palmer said.
“Both accented their speech well, but Bush did a very good job in speaking in short sentences, using short quips and barbs.  ”Combs agreed non-verbal communication is critical, but lowered its importance to around 60 to 70 percent.  When Bush was on the attack, for example, Gore was making visual points. “The background shots with Gore looking incredulous, when he would wince and grimace, that was a big hit.  ”With two debates left to go, declaring a winner is premature, Combs said. The debate coach offered recommendations for both candidates.  Gore successfully communicated his agenda and the supporting information in the first debate, Combs said.
“Now he should start using slogans and general themes people can get excited about,” he said.  Bush succeeded in looking presidential. “The object of the next debate is to start impressing people with his command of information,” said Combs.  Palmer offered her non-verbal recommendations for the debaters.

Bush should laugh more fully, she said. Leaning forward ever so slightly would add to the Texas governor’s warmth, Palmer said.  Gore needs to work On his chin — it’s slightly too high.  “Your chin should be parallel to the next horizontal surface, otherwise you look down your nose at someone,” she said. “It means arrogance or disconnection.  ”L. C. Greene can be reached by e-mail at l_greene@dailybulletin.com or by phone at (909) 483-9337.