What Do Tony Blair, Charles Kennedy and Michael Howard Have In Common?

A Clear Use of Body Language

-- What Politicians Do Could Be of Benefit to Business People --

London , 12 April 2005 – Business leaders can learn a lesson from the politicians as they turn up the heat in their bid to win votes by watching the campaigners closely. The voting public will cast their votes based on policy and personality. Part of personality is communicated via body language (non-verbal language is part of the makeup of what attracts the public to a candidate). Just as a politician’s personal presence (or lack thereof) can make and break elections, sometimes body language can make or break a business deal.

Blair, Howard and Kennedy have almost perfected the use of body language by gesturing with their hands, direct eye contact and their posture. These are traits everyday business people can use to help obtain a greater presence amongst their employees, colleagues, associates and business peers.

“Body language is just as important as verbal communication,” said Mary-Louise Angoujard, CEO and Founder of Rapporta Limited, an executive coaching and training company. “Whilst speech presents the message in words, non-verbal communication can either make your verbal message ring true or not. In business, relationships can be built faster and more effectively when the nonverbal is congruent with strong, positive verbal messages.”

Here are some examples of nonverbal communication Angoujard has noted the politicians display, related to business situations.

THE DOs

Tony’s Eyes

Tony Blair, when questioned, will look directly into the eyes of the interviewee or those who have asked a question in the “town hall” meetings. It is a strong trait to possess. Direct eye contact is important in business, but do not stare without blinking. Blinking regularly helps to communicate that you are listening. When people stop listening (either losing themselves in their own thoughts, or in aggression) they stop blinking or blink much less.

Howard’s Carriage

Mr. Howard stands with shoulders back and upright displaying great posture. Good posture appears more confident, positive and powerful than poor posture (i.e. slumped shoulders, rounded back etc.)

Kennedy’s Sale

Mr. Kennedy uses hand gesturing to his benefit and it helps him “sell” his point. Using gestures to get a point across can be a valuable asset when used with the right expressions – used correctly, gestures create the perception of action and purpose.

THE DON’Ts

Tony’s Tight Fists

Prime Minister Blair in many instances stands with his hands clenched. This can appear a bit uncomfortable and project a sense of tenseness (and is sometimes interpreted by others as aggressive). Instead, one should stand with a firm posture with hands should remaining open and relaxed, to demonstrate a sense of ease and openness.

Michael’s Pointing

Mr. Howard on several occasions has pointed his finger directly at a fellow politician and at journalists. First off, pointing at someone is rude. In Michael Howard’s case, he seems to have a tendency of pointing at people when he becomes defensive. When one is feeling defensive in a business situation, it is important to remain calm and non-aggressive in your communication as this will command more respect and less defensiveness in turn.

Charles’ Script

When Charles Kennedy delivered his election campaign speech on 11 April, he constantly looked down at his script. While it is not necessary (or indeed, recommended) to memorise an entire speech by rote, it is important when delivering a message to be able to engage with the audience. As mentioned above, eye contact is important and helps to underline your own belief in your message (thereby making it more believable to others) as well as to engage with your audience.

Here are other simple rules one can follow for more positive body language in both personal and business life:

“Stand up straight”– good posture communicates more positive energy, confidence, purposefulness and strength than poor posture.
(When presenting) Avoid shifting your weight from one foot, or hip, to the other as this appears less authoritative and can be distracting to others
Really engage with people – put them at ease with you by expressing interest (ask open questions), meet their eyes and genuinely listen to them.
Remain open in terms of body language as much as possible, since this helps to prevent others becoming defensive or aggressive in their turn.
When shaking someone’s hand, it is important the handshake is firm but not bone-crushing.
When speaking one-on-one and face-to-face, don’t invade someone’s personal space by standing too close. Personal zones can differ (from about 1.5 up to 3 feet, based on different cultures and personal relationships, so it’s best to be sensitive to the other person’s reactions and act accordingly.

There are many other subtle, yet powerful nonverbal messages relayed by head positioning, facial expression, tone of voice, energy and movement.

Body language definitely either reinforces or detracts from your verbal communication and personal presence, so it pays to ensure you are projecting the right messages nonverbally. At the same time, remember to ask good quality, open questions -- there is nothing like them for increasing understanding and rapport between people.”

For further information or to arrange an interview with Mary-Louise Angoujard, please contact Kenneth Hooper, 0208 996 9545 or press@cherishpr.com.

About Rapporta Limited

Rapporta Limited specialises in working with clients to develop greater positive impact whenever they are communicating directly with others in business. This specifically relates to leadership, consultative selling, people management and presentation skills.

Rapporta’s trainers and executive coaches help improve business results in many aspects, including:

Increased time efficiency
Improved sales results and bottom-line profitability
Better communication and relationships with customers
Understanding customer decision making processes
Greater self confidence; awareness of personal and professional strengths
How body language affects mental attitude, confidence and rapport with others.

Rapporta Limited can be found online at www.rapporta.com

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