Non-verbal communication in speeches

Non Verbal Cues of Bill Clinton's Speech: January 26, 1998

Clinton was certainly in a tight spot when he gave the addendum to his speech regarding the fact that he did not have sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky. The nation had changed their focus from what he had accomplished, as a President, to who he had had sex with. He had much to lose, not the least of which was his political career.

His speech on January 26, 1998 was meant to reassure the nation that he was innocent. However, to paraphrase Shakespeare, the President doth protest too much, methinks. His non-verbal cues easily gave the impression that he was a man with something to hide, a man who was desperate to get the public to believe him, before the truth finally emerged.

Non-Verbal Cues of Bill Clinton's Speech: January 26, 1998

Introduction:

On January 26, 1998, President Bill Clinton stood alongside his wife, Hilary, at the end of a televised event. Several weeks earlier, he had been accused of sexual harassment, by Paula Jones, and the shadow of the hearing hung over him. In the proceedings of the investigation, Clinton had testified that he had not had a sexual relationship with an intern, Monica Lewinsky. Lewinsky, at the time, also had given an affidavit denying a sexual relationship as well. However, Lewinsky had earlier told Linda Tripp the truth about her relationship with the then President ("Bill Clinton," 2005).

Tripp contacted the Whitewater independent counsel, Kenneth Starr, and after a wiretap and a meeting with Lewinsky where she admitted the truth, the wheels were in motion to uncover Clinton's lies. Lewinsky was given immunity for her eventual testimony and assistance, in the matter ("Bill Clinton," 2005). However, Clinton refused to admit his guilt. This addition to his speech regarding the work of the Mott Foundation lasting less than 30 seconds, but was meant to reassure the American public that Clinton was not the womanizing cad that Starr and Lewinsky were portraying him to be. It may have been short in duration, but it was so filled with non-verbal cues that many people, from the moment it was seen, knew that what Clinton was saying was false.

Overview of the Speech Using Non-Verbal Cues:

As mentioned, this addition to a much lengthier speech on the work the Mott Foundation had done is filled with non-verbal cues. The placement of Hilary, at his side, in supposed support of her husband, is one of the most notable cues present. From there, the cues become less blatant.

Clinton begins with a significant change in his tone of voice. He goes from an easy, caring tone as he's talking about his concern for the American people, to a more aggressive, angry tone, very quickly. Clinton takes on the tone of a father scolding a small child, and you can sense that his patience are wearing very thin.

Then comes the hand pounding. With the phrase, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman," Clinton emphasizes each and every word with a pound of his hand on the podium. This is an aggressive motion that is meant to clearly demonstrate Clinton's frustration with the situation. But, instead, it comes across as anger.

Clinton also waggled his finger at the millions of people watching the news conference. Again, it gives a sense that Clinton is scolding his audience for buying into the thought that he could not only commit adultery, but than to lie under oath and perjure himself. His pace also changes.

Prior to the "I did not have sexual relations" segment, Clinton's pace is smooth and flowing. However, when he transitions to this segment, his pacing of his speech alters dramatically. It becomes deliberately slowed, with especially long pauses between each and every word of the phrase, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." It then speeds up with the saying of Lewinsky's name, but slows back down to make his point that he did not tell anyone to lie. It's an uncomfortably awkward pace. The changes give the impression that he is trying desperately to convince his audience to believe something that he himself does not believe in.

Lastly, while speaking, Clinton raised his eyebrows. This has been theorized to be a sign of lying. It's almost as if the person is trying too hard to convince you that the lie they are telling is the truth. Clearly, in retrospect, that is what Clinton was doing.

Analysis of the Meaning and Effectiveness of the Speech Based on Non-Verbal Cues:

The non-verbal elements in this speech detracted greatly from the intended purpose, with the exception of Hilary's inclusion. The placement of Hilary Clinton, at her husband's side, in support, was a very effective non-verbal tool in trying to convince his audience that there was no way he would have committed adultery. However, the overdone hand gestures and eyebrow raising, combined with the awkward pacing and angry/aggressive tone, gave the impression that Clinton was a man with something to hide.

Compare the Relationship Between the Verbal and Non-Verbal Elements of the Speech: