“Sex and the City” made its debut last week (no doubt you heard about it!) but “what’s your point, honey? ” also opened.  Yes, the crowd admittedly was smaller but no less enthusiastic.

The independent film, written, directed and produced byAmy Sewell and Susan Toffler is insightful, powerful and funny.  It tells the stories of seven young women who were selected by CosmoGirl magazine as possible candidates for the White House in 2024 - the contest was designed to create more interest in politics among young women.  These young women are diverse and engaging; they are candid about their personal lives and professional aspirations and I don’t think you can watch the movie without liking each and every one of them. 

Adding to the movie’s charm are the hard hitting “documentary” style questions posed by three younger girls, for example, “Why don’t we have a woman in the White House?” and, “Would you vote for a qualified woman?”

Not surprisingly, Sewell and Toffler weren’t able to secure big studio money to back the film - F-word movies (”feminist” that is) don’t do well, Sewell was told.. So their plan is to distribute the film via DVD (available via their website) and encourage people to invite guests to watch with them. 

As far as I’m concerned, either before or after your girls’ field trip to see “Sex and the City”, stay home with your friends to watch the feel good movie of the year.  The shoes won’t be as fashionista but the ideas will definitely get you talking!

TAGS: Cultural diversity, dealing with family expectations, look and sound of leadership, Political debates, Politics, Raising Girls, Self-trust, women, women role models

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