The Nixon Kennedy Debate

The 1960 NIXON-KENNEDY debate was the first-ever election debate to be televised. And for the first time in history, the nation was divided in their opinions on who would win, depending on whether it was seen on the television or heard on the radio. The discrepancy was due to how the candidates were perceived nonverbally.

Nonverbal Communication and Vocal Delivery

Nonverbal communication isn’t only about body language. Facial expression and vocal delivery are also significant components. Vocal delivery communicates much more than just words. It includes subtle nuances in speed, pitch, intonation, inflexion and volume, to name just some. It includes anything that isn’t an exact word. Even ums and ahs are considered nonverbal. These nuances provide clues into how people feel about their topic, their emotional state and even their health.

Nixon came across better on the radio, his speech is slower, more controlled and authoritative. Whereas, Kennedy came across better on the television, with Nixon's body language and appearance, leaving a lot to be desired.

The Nixon Kennedy Debate Video

You only need to watch the first few seconds of the Nixon Kennedy debate video clip to see two very obvious nonverbal communication cues that let Nixon down from the start. Nixon’s first impression, a split second opportunity for success, failed him.

While there are many more nonverbal cues, these two are very visible to an untrained eye. 

1. Feet Direction

I mentioned in an earlier post, how important feet direction is. Here, we see Nixon's feet positioned in the runner’s stance, with one placed in front of the other as if he's ready to flee. This is not something we want to see in a leader.

2. Eye Gaze Direction

Nixon looks towards Kennedy for a prolonged period of time. This feels awkward to watch. We typically look towards our superiors, so in the context of a presidential debate, Nixon would be perceived as subordinate to Kennedy. We certainly don't want to be led by a subordinate. 

What other nonverbal communication cues (body language, expression and vocal delivery) can you spot?

The controversial divide in opinions created fear in future political candidates, due to a lack of understanding of nonverbal communication. So much so, that it was another 16 years before the next debate was televised. This was a turning point in the history of body language, sparking an increase in interest and research into an area that was little understood and giving us a better understanding of nonverbal communication today. 

Election Debates and Body Language

You can read more about body language and election debates here in my article for The West Australian newspaper: 2019 Australian Federal Election Debate:Body Language Analysis