Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten’s body language reveals errors in Sky News, Courier Mail People’s Forum

Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten’s body language in the People’s Forum showed they would make “quite good mayors of a city”, but they lacked the standard of any international leader.

Exclusive: Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten’s body language in the Sky News-Courier Mail People’s Forum showed they would make “quite good mayors of a city”, but they were not up to the standard of any international leader.

Body language expert Dr Louise Mahler told News Corp the debate enabled the leaders to be far more engaging as they were standing up — but this also led to their pitfalls.

She said Mr Shorten stood on one leg and wriggled when Mr Morrison was talking, which was “disrespectful and distracting” to watch.

“He leans from side-to-side and his eye were going everywhere as his mouth was a-symmetrical and was clenched,” she said.

“He also put his hands to his chin. This is something leaders like Barack Obama and John McCain never do.”

As the Labor leader talked about the “lack of civility” in public debate, she said his voice was sharp and he pointed at the audience.

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The Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Opposition Leader Bill Shorten during the Sky News/Courier Mail People's Forum in Brisbane. Picture: Gary Ramage/News Corp Australia

“This is incongruent with his message, he uses techniques to connect with his words, talks of giving and love, but then he raises his voice,” she said.

“He doesn’t get the musicality of speech. He doesn’t listen and has his own opinion.”

She said Mr Morrison did not appear 100 per cent engaged, and at one point he put his hand in his pocket as Mr Shorten answered a question.

“Hands are a major tool of trust, you’ll see it with Donald Trump, he shows the palms of his hands all the time,” she said.

“Leaders never put hands in their pockets … it’s too casual, and this debate covered important topics where there’s no opportunity for that.

“I don’t think Mr Morrison is on fire here, the forum is not his weapon.”

While both leaders had improved since their first debate, Dr Mahler said Mr Shorten was slightly ahead.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten during the Sky News/Courier Mail People's Forum in Brisbane. Picture: Gary Ramage/News Corp Australia

“I give im brownie points for enthusiasm,” she said.

As for their attire, GQ Australia Editor Mike Christensen told News Corp Scott Morrison has remained consistent, almost identical to Monday.

“Same shirt, same lapel pin, same tie colour, only lighter shade of lilac. Suit jacket slightly better fit on his broad shoulders,” he said.

But he said Mr Shorten has “upped his game”.

The Prime Minister Scott Morrison during the Sky News/Courier Mail People's Forum in Brisbane. Picture: Gary Ramage/News Corp Australia

“He seems to have heeded our advice to get his suit tailored to him. Far better fit to his body. Looks far more comfortable in himself. Tie is far less distracting too, a safer colour and pattern. He even looks like he’s had a bit of a haircut, tidied up his back and sides,” he said.

Mr Christensen asked: “Is there something to be said for Shorten changing his look and Morrison sticking to his?

“A willingness to be open to suggestions and accommodate other people’s views verses a stubbornness to just remain within comfort zones.

“Either way, I’d say Shorten has the edge on this debate. In the style stakes certainly.”

Last night the debate audience awarded the debate to Mr Shorten - 43 people said the Labor leader won, 41 gave it to Mr Morrison while 16 people were undecided.