GMA Experts Declare Hillary Body-Language Master

Wait a second. Isn't the rap on Hillary that she succeeds despite her weak communication skills? That she's substance over a decided lack of style?

But GMA managed this morning to find two body language and communication experts to declare that Hillary is particularly gifted in non-verbal communication.

In a segment beginning at 7:40 A.M. EDT today, ABC's Claire Shipman first interviewed body-language expert Janine Driver.

Shipman rolled tape of Hillary giving her classic head nod.

View video here.

ABC CORRESPONDENT CLAIRE SHIPMAN: What's the nodding?

BODY LANGUAGE EXPERT JANINE DRIVER: It's a non-verbal clue that says "I'm listening, I'm paying attention."

I don't know about you, but I find Hillary's nodding artificial, condescending, even creepy. Couple that with her stilted, North Korean parlimentarian-style hand-clapping, and she strikes me as anything but a body-language natural.

SHIPMAN: Clinton gets a thumbs-up for body language. And one unique element?

DRIVER: That's a male gesture.

SHIPMAN: It's called steepling. It's definitely a powerful gesture, it's saying "I've got a plan." It says "I can play with the big boys."

Later, Shipman rolled a clip of Professor Roderick Hart [Dean of the College of Communication at the University of Texas-Austin].

SHIPMAN: [Hart] has devised a computer program to study political speeches from the last 40 years. The winning formula? Speak in ordinary terms and be upbeat. Clinton, he says, does that very well.

Cut to a clip of Hillary, affirming "I am convinced. We are up to meeting [the challenges]. We are Americans."

What? Hillary, upbeat and optimistic? If there's anyone in modern political life associated with shrill speech and an accusatory tone, surely it's Hillary Clinton. Her "sick and tired" shriek has to be the single most unlistenable moment in recent political memory. Listen here, if you dare.

But no matter: ABC's got her back, and declares Hillary the body-language queen.

Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net