Political campaigns provide plenty of fodder for learning about the “look and sound” of success or leadership.  A defining moment that illuminates this, for those of us old enough to remember, was the Kennedy-Nixon debates of 1960.  Those watching on television thought Kennedy won the debate — he looked more like a leader than Nixon.  Those listening on the radio gave Nixon the nod — they thought he sounded more like a leader.  One of the things the Clinton campaign struggles with and continues tweaking is what this country wants a woman President to look and sound like.  There are no precedents to follow. 

Something most of the candidates are doing that detracts from their credibility is smiling when they deliver scathing attacks on their opponents.  If you were to turn off the sound and watch the candidates during a debate their smiles would make you think it was a pleasant exchange.  In other words, their facial expressions and the content of their messages don’t match.  When a candidate smiles when sticking the knife into an opponent it makes him or her seem disingenuous and smug.  Not traits I want to see in a President.

So remember – if you want to deliver an effective message your verbal and nonverbal behaviors have to match.  Although women are often guilty of delivering serious messages with a smile that undermines their credibility,  men do the same particularly when they’re uncomfortable.  On the other hand, there’s no need to put a stamp on with a steam roller — know when levity is appropriate and will actually enhance your communication. 

TAGS: look and sound of leadership, nonverbal communication, Political debates