Federal election 2022: Body language experts give their verdicts on debate of ‘rabble’

Australian body language experts reveal who triumphed from the second leaders’ debate, although both agreed their performance was less than impressive.

Australian body language experts were divided on who triumphed from the second leaders’ debate, although both agreed their performance was less than impressive.

Michael Kelly described it as an “unenviable exhibition of political leadership”, while Dr Louise Mahler said the debate became a “rabble” by the end.

“Assessing both I am a bit like the nation – surely we can do better than the both of them when it comes to leading the nation,” Dr Mahler said.

“By the end the moderator lost control and the debate became a rabble, Mr Morrison seemed intent on exposing Mr Albanese’s lack of detail – calling the Chinese leader ‘she’ was not a good look. The aggression at the end did not serve either leader well.”

Mr Kelly said that leaving aside the value of the leaders’ policies and reading their non-verbal communication, he believed Mr Albanese had won the debate by a nose.

He gave Mr Albanese a 6.6 out of 10, and Mr Morrison a six.

“No one pulled ahead. They both undermined a statesmen-like behaviour by interjecting into the other’s delivery, and arguing back and forth,” he said.

Mr Kelly had some advice for both leaders at the next debate, urging them both to resist interrupting each other.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Scott Morrison started their debate on live television with a handshake, but the smiles didn’t last. Picture: Alex Ellinghausen – Pool/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Dr Mahler called the debate for Mr Morrison.

“He was comfortable with questioning around the economy and was clean clear and on message trying to use left brain logic of a ‘a choice’ and showing he is across topics through the use of figures,” she said.

“He kept an open posture throughout and came across as solid on his feet.”

She had less praise for Mr Albanese’s body language.

“Mr Albanese hid his hands behind the lectern to start, a move that can undermine trust, unlike Morrison Mr Albanese looked sterner as he began,” she said.

“His hands remained in the centre of his body and at times leaning on his hands on the desk reflecting powerlessness and stress.”

Dr Mahler also criticised a question from journalist Chris Uhlmann.

“Chris Uhlmann’s condescending question to Mr Albanese on his character and Mr Albanese’s panicked response showed he had not learnt lessons from through the campaign when challenged,” she said.

“Through the debate there was a level of disdain from the panel with Mr Albanese at times pointing at them in what seemed frustration.”

“Mr Albanese continued to become became angry when engaged with Morrison, pointing and raising his voice – issues that occurred in debate one – at times Mr Morrison seemed to be attempting to bait him.”

Things get heated between Opposition leader Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: Alex Ellinghausen – Pool/Getty Images

She said the tables seemed to have turned for the leaders this time around.

“Mr Morrison was far clearer, more factual with clearer messages, Mr Albanese struggled with confidence, fell off message and became aggressive and confrontational,” she said.

“Mr Albanese looked more worried and less powerful this time around, fell too often into aggression, details are an issue, and he used a set gaze.

“Mr Morrison seemed confident and very much across the issues without reverting to his oft-seen condescension, although the smirk continued to appear.”

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Originally published as Federal election 2022: Body language experts give their verdicts on debate of ‘rabble’