Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Virginia Rep. Tom Perriello Holds Contentious Town Hall...

Virginia Rep. Tom Perriello Holds Contentious Town Hall On Health Care

FORK UNION, VA - AUGUST 17: U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA) listens during a town hall meeting on universal health care at Fluvanna Middle School August 17, 2009 in Fork Union, Virginia. Congressional members from across the country have returned to their own district to listen to voters' opinions on healthcare reform. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

This is interesting. Does he look confident? Is he happy? Is he paying close attention? Is he comfortable?

Answers: NO, NO, YES, NO.

Holding a pen- props give comfort. Arms closed and fold in front of him- creating a barrier and giving himself comfort. The angle of his face is downward, which is not a high confidence posture.

One of the hardest things for politicians to learn, and practice, is to always remain in a high confidence pose regardless of what is going on around you. It is human nature to mimic emotion and for politicians it is twice fold because in many ways they attempt to be a chameleon and agree with what is being said; We have all seen those uncomfortable moments when a politician is being confronted by a non supporter and for several seconds he/she agrees with the non supporter until the brain catches up with what is going on.

What people remember: the first part of the speech/meeting; the last part of the speech/meeting; and any highly emotional incident- it is important for the politican to be a confident leader during these times and make the most of their body language, tone, and image.◦
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