Bill Clinton and Glasses

Sep 9 2009
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who serves as the United Nations special envoy for Haiti, speaks at the Security Council as Haitian Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis (R) looks looks on September 9, 2009 in New York, New York. Clinton visited the fledgling Caribbean country in July to assess how best to support the government in its recovery efforts and its national development. With an annual estimated gross domestic product (GDP) of 390 U.S. dollars per person, Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Glasses are considered props in the body language world. Props are an inanimate object that can build image, is something that we can hide behind, and is generally an accessory.

Now Bill is no spring chicken anymore and does have to use reading glasses, but everybody has a way with reading glasses. Some put them on and off only when they are reading, others will play with them, or excessively clean them, and still others, like Bill leave them on all the time.

When you see someone remove his or her glasses, and repeatedly wiping the lenses when her glasses are not needing cleaning, you may be right in thinking that he or she is stalling for time.

If he or she then sucks or chews on the earpiece, she’s unconsciously indicating that she’s seeking reassurance.

I think Bill does so because studies have shown that people wearing glasses, whether male or female, are perceived as intelligent, knowledgeable, conservative, and genuine.

Bill has consciously created a perfect post presidency image that positions himself as an advisor and statesman who can give speeches, attend symposiums, and help all around the world.◦

Bill Clinton and Glasses