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Nonverbal communication -

Nonverbal communication makes up the majority of all communications, totaling about two-thirds. More than half of nonverbal communication is conveyed through body language. Another significant portion is conveyed through tone of voice, while words themselves are estimated to contribute to less than 10% of communication, as reported by Psychology Today.

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What’s the psychology behind it? -

Joe Navarro, a former FBI Special Agent and author, explains it as follows:  “Our needs, feelings, thoughts, emotions, and intentions are processed elegantly by what is known as the "limbic system" of the brain. It doesn't have to think, it just reacts to the world in real time and our bodies show how we feel.”

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Why nonverbal cues are important in politics -

The Huffington Post reports that individuals have approximately 30 seconds to make a good first impression. This holds significant importance in politics, where media interactions are frequently brief.

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The importance of body language in politics -

According to body language expert Mark Bowden, all body language is either a demonstration or a reaction to power. He also emphasized that people base their decisions on trustworthy and dependable behavior, rather than just words.

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Posture -

Executive coach Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., shares her advice to politicians with Forbes. She recommends keeping your arms at waist height and making gestures within that horizontal plane to help both you and the audience feel centered and composed.

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Hand gestures -

Hands hold special significance to us because our brains are naturally wired to be cautious and alert to potential threats. Not being able to see someone’s hands can trigger a sense of unease in us. Politicians use a diverse array of hand gestures to communicate various messages, yet the fundamental principle remains unchanged – hands should remain visible at all times.

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Waving -

Waving is a method to establish a bond with an audience. It sends a message of popularity and makes politicians look friendly and approachable, notably through small waves.

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Precision grip -

This hand gesture is widely employed by politicians worldwide. It serves as an impactful and emphatic way to convey a message while speaking to an audience.

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"A-OK" -

The impact of this hand gesture is comparable to the precision grip, yet it lacks widespread popularity in North America.

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Palms down -

This action signals confidence and control, but it can also show dominance or rebellion. Turning the palms down can also be an effort to silence a crowd.

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Open palms at an angle -

Forbes reports that this action suggests transparency, as politicians try to display to the audience that they aren't hiding anything. 

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Open hands -

According to Nicolas Fradet, an author and body language expert, this gesture makes a positive impression. When one's palms are facing upwards, particularly when accompanied by extended arms, it signifies a sense of openness, honesty, and acceptance Nevertheless, if the fingers are spread widely and arm movement is limited, it can convey a pleading stance.

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Tight fists -

This action shows determination and a "let's get it done" mindset. Nonetheless, if the politician firmly grasps an item or clenches their hands into fists, it may indicate annoyance or rage.

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Hand on chest -

Politicians employ this gesture to elicit the belief of their audiences, presenting a facade of heartfelt sincerity. In doing so, they seek public faith and ask for acceptance.

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Chopping movements -

This is usually done to emphasize a point. It demonstrates that politicians are sure about a certain topic and that they are not going to change their mind.

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Finger pointing -

The meaning of this action can vary depending on the situation. Pointing a finger at someone is commonly used as a form of reprimand and can be quite confrontational, even aggressive. A politician may employ this gesture to signify that they are losing control of a debate and resorting to immature behavior.

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Finger pointing -

Pointing fingers in a lighthearted manner can signal recognition or endorsement. Politicians often raise their fingers upwards, a gesture associated with confidence.

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Hand steepling -

This hand gesture signifies confidence and a deep understanding of the subject being discussed.

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Head up -

Bowing one's head is a display of submission, which a politician aims to avoid. By keeping their head and chin up, they project power and control, hoping to appear authoritative.

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Smile -

According to Science of People, politicians who want to appear serious often smile less since smiling is seen as a sign of submission.

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Handshake -

Politicians often engage in handshakes as a customary practice. They typically have a strong shake and attempt to assert dominance by positioning their hand slightly above the other person's. Nonetheless, most politicians maintain an equal up-and-down motion while shaking hands.

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First presidential debate on TV -

In 1960, the first-ever presidential debate occurred between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Viewers watching on TV perceived Kennedy as the victor, whereas radio listeners believed Nixon had won, as revealed by Forbes.

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Why did this happen? -

Kennedy used nonverbal communication techniques to secure victory in the debate. The youthful contender applied makeup, maintained eye contact with the camera during responses, and exuded an air of serenity and self-assurance. In contrast, Nixon, appearing unshaven and pallid, visibly perspired as Kennedy applied pressure by addressing various concerns.

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Martin Luther King Jr. -

When analyzing the famous 'I Have A Dream' speech of the renowned civil rights activist, it becomes apparent that he maintained a positive attitude and expressed his disagreement by shaking his head several times throughout the entire speech. Body language specialist Michael C. Anthony refers to this as a "head shake of injustice and determination" and elaborates by stating that “His quest for change is supported with a subtle righteous anger that must be heard.”

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Nelson Mandela -

Mandela's sincere smile was arguably his most powerful form of nonverbal communication. His warm and trustworthy appearance was enhanced by his slightly closed eyelids, pinched cheeks, and relaxed forehead.

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Fidel Castro -

The former Cuban president was famous for his hand gesture that featured the shape of a "double L." This gesture denoted a sense of skepticism towards the individual he was conversing with, as if implying, “I’m not sure I believe what you’re saying."

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Adolf Hitler -

According to Business Insider, the well-known leader of the Nazi party would practice hand gestures and body language for his speeches.

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Adolf Hitler -

According to Body Language Project, Hitler would practice his facial expressions and gestures in front of a mirror. He would also analyze them later with the help of a photographer.

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Donald Trump -

According to body language and communications expert Mary Civiello, Trump's well-known hand gesture, which forms an "L shape and pinch," conveys a sense of precision. Civiello explains that it displays confidence and decisiveness, or as he puts it, “not wishy-washy, he’s got this nailed!”

See also: Donald Trump's funniest social and political gaffes.

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