Ron Paul Needs a Body Language Expert

[gravesdav]

Ron Paul definately needs stronger body language, especially during the debates. For smarter people who already support him, the message is good enough. However, as I was watching the debates he was fingering his pen, karate chopping, and pointing (i think it was a little better in the CNN debate than the FOX one). These are all horrible body language gestures which makes him come across as nervous, violent, and nuts.
For a person who is getting their first impression of Paul this could be important for them making a decision in voting for another candidate or not voting at all. The message is great, he just has to show strength, that he can lead and be a president.

 

[kylejack]

I agree.

 

[peruvianRP]

I would not say violent or nuts but I would say nervous. most of us here knows that his been improving as he is getting used to this mass of people. I would not worry too much but it would be a good addition to have some pro give him an advice.

 

[beermotor]

This is a difficult issue. It's part of his charm. Not sure which way I fall on this. They talk about this crap in law school a lot, but it is 100% dependent on your personal style. I think his personal style comes across pretty well... i.e. he is projecting "I am not a polished politician schmuck."

 

[lucky]

Yes

I have seen him do the nervous/excess energy things before also. I do the same things and it makes me identify with him more. Have to be very careful he doesn't seem too polished. He oozes sincerity and that has people drawn to him.

 

[Revolution9]

I think he is a natural. He needs no coaching. That will only make a fellow like him stiffen. he is the Man of The People. I do not want to see slick and polished. I have been around actors, entertainers and musicians for a few decades. I want to see him acting naturally..not acting. Romney has been coached. Ghouliani too. They are not top tier due to their coached manner... In fact they are plastic wind up sockpuppets to the human sensibility.

I am tired of slick presentation. Mind you I hate building vanilla/manilla envelope corpoarte crap in my profession as well..but I guarantee you there are alot of folks like me in this who would be disappointed if RP stiffened. He is an intellectual.. The body language issue will divert his mind from sifting through reams of data for the right response. You want good answers or good hair? You want straight talk or straight psoture? He always keeps his hand visible when seated opposite an interviewer. The polished ones [crooks] clasp their hands.. He discusses issues like a Doctor...not a Lawyer. A patina of superficiality is not what is needed here..

Best
Randy

 

[jon_perez]

Ron Paul definately needs stronger body language, especially during the debates. For smarter people who already support him, the message is good enough. However, as I was watching the debates he was fingering his pen, karate chopping, and pointing (i think it was a little better in the CNN debate than the FOX one). These are all horrible body language gestures which makes him come across as nervous, violent, and nuts.

If you were talking about when Hannity was grilling him, I think it was a natural reaction because Hannity was being extremely pushy and rude.

For a person who is getting their first impression of Paul this could be important for them making a decision in voting for another candidate or not voting at all. The message is great, he just has to show strength, that he can lead and be a president.

I actually find Ron Paul's body language to be very effective at conveying his points across. In one of the New Hampshire Town Hall forum videos, he was trying to explain how ineffective FEMA was in dealing with a particular disaster and the expression on his face conveyed exactly how fed up the people were with how FEMA approached their task.

 

[tnvoter]

Send in the suggestion to the campaign.

 

[mdh]

I like the idea. Ron Paul is a doctor, not a "career" politician really, so he probably doesn't know a lot of this stuff. It's silly, but it's a good point. To be honest, I hadn't noticed the fidgeting when he was not speaking. I think his body language is fine when he's speaking casually (like on TDS with Jon Stewart), but I'd say he should be a bit more aggressive, assertive in larger forums such as the debates where there's a lot of room and stuff. Step up to the camera like you're *getting in the face of your opponents*, y'know...

 

[wecandoit]

He doesn't need to change anything..just my two cents.

 

[Dave]

Ron Paul is comfortable in his own skin. I am comfortable with him.

I want his focus on his message, not worrying about superficial nonsense.

Why try to turn Dr. Paul into someone else?

Ron Paul is the candidate. We are the supporters.

 

[kylejack]

Ron Paul is comfortable in his own skin. I am comfortable with him.

I want his focus on his message, not worrying about superficial nonsense.

Why try to turn Dr. Paul into someone else?

Ron Paul is the candidate. We are the supporters.

Watch the Fox debate again. He fiddles with his pen and looks very nervous. These kinds of things have an effect on how people view him.

 

[angelatc]

Sadly, I have to agree. Kennedy proved that television is a visual medium.

 

[Delivered4000]

But the whole idea behind Ron Paul is that he is authentic, he's not a fake like Romney or the others

 

[gravesdav]

I sent a letter to the campaign. I can see how many of you feel. I don't want a fake politician either. But Ron Paul will never be fake. I think using better body language would make him seem strong and presidential. This coupled with real answers to questions and true discussion on the issues would make him seem as the strong straight-shooting president most people want.

 

[kylejack]

But the whole idea behind Ron Paul is that he is authentic, he's not a fake like Romney or the others

Many people can't see past it, though. Using body language does not make Ron fake as long as his message remains genuine. It can only benefit him.

 

[lucky]

No

I know that some think they are helping RP and that is great but leave the man alone. He has ignited mnay of us across party lines by his sincere body language and his awesome ideas. He has come a long ways from when he started.

He had no idea that when he started I am sure that his message would play like it has so fast and so far and so deeply. I have seen this man quickly move into a role that most people would crumble under but he just smiles and carries on. At the end of the NH debate when he stood and walked to the front of the stage and said what he thought about the morals of the country and bitch slapped the candidates was so awesome that I will now follow this man through to the end no matter what. Now at that time showed the most confidence anyone could show and also showed us all that he is ready to carry on.

He just needs us to help carry the message to as many people as possible and get as many donations as possible for this upcoming battle that is so uphill that I wouldn't even consider trying. With all of us though he may make it.

Stay focused on our duties and what needs done. Ron Paul will be just fine.

 

[Mattsa]

Ron Paul definately needs stronger body language, especially during the debates. For smarter people who already support him, the message is good enough. However, as I was watching the debates he was fingering his pen, karate chopping, and pointing (i think it was a little better in the CNN debate than the FOX one). These are all horrible body language gestures which makes him come across as nervous, violent, and nuts.
For a person who is getting their first impression of Paul this could be important for them making a decision in voting for another candidate or not voting at all. The message is great, he just has to show strength, that he can lead and be a president.

I disagree. He comes across as a real person. He speaks the truth.......unscripted! something none of the others can do.

I couldn't give a damn if he fiddles with his pen!

Reminds me of our old PM Harold Wilson who used to smoke his pipe while addressing the people on television! LOL!

 

[1k9]

This is a difficult issue. It's part of his charm. Not sure which way I fall on this. They talk about this crap in law school a lot, but it is 100% dependent on your personal style. I think his personal style comes across pretty well... i.e. he is projecting "I am not a polished politician schmuck."

Couldn't agree more.

 

[Carl_S]

Just hire a consultant - PLEEEEEASE!

I agree. Speaking on camera is just a skill that is learned. It has nothing to do with who you are. Paul just needs to spend a couple of days with a good PR coach. I've done it and there really is not that much to it. Just some simple guidelines on what to do with your hands, body position, tone of voice and how to handle aggressive interviewers. Most importantly, learn and practice how to get your message across in a clear and concise statement -- then shut up.

Paul is making really obvious and amateur presentation mistakes. I think he likes to keep a lean and mean staff, what 5 or 6 people? Half of those are lawyers. Spending some of that donation money on a good coach will absolutely improve his presentation.

I think this is THE ISSUE for Paul. His message is good. His presentation is not, and that's what makes the first impression.