Debate Update:  I just finished a live interview with Newstalk 1010 Toronto, analyzing the body language of the Ontario premier leaders debate.  Here are the short notes just on body language for each of the 3 debaters:

Dalton McGuinty:
Negatives:
Looking at notes way too often; seemed every 5th word he was looking down!  Not a good way to build trust and rapport with your audience (i.e. voters).

Had his left hand in his pocket again, a few times, but at least he didn’t keep it there as long as usual.  Never put your hands in your pockets!

Showed contempt and anger on his face when challenged too much, especially near end of debate.  His patience was wearing thin and you could see his lip curl.

Positives:
Used his nice smile

Had dynamic gestures – some say over the top, but definitely attention-grabbing!

Tim Hudak:
Negatives:
Couldn’t find any real problems with body language

Positives:
Great at ‘facing his accuser’, using strong eye contact, slight smile, and open body language.  He actually stepped away from the podium to expose his belly (weak area) and no one else did that.

Showed emotions when he almost welled up when talking about his daughter being sick.

Andrea Horwath:
Negatives:
Didn’t look into the camera most of the time – seemed to have trouble knowing where to look

Had inconsistent hand gestures

Positives:
Showed ‘stability’ when she had hands gently clasped (palms together) and in front of her body in a symmetrical fashion

Overall Grades for effective body language (only) during this Sept 27th debate?
McGuinty gets a B-, Hudak gets a B+, and Horwath gets a C.

What do you think?