Gender, Nonverbal Communication, and Televised Debates: A Case Study Analysis of Clinton and Trump’s Nonverbal Language During the 2016 Town Hall Debate

Authors

  • Ben Wasike University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Keywords:

nonverbal communication, debates, visual communication, political communication, Clinton, Trump

Abstract

This case study analyzed nonverbal cues during the 2016 town hall debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Variables were facial expressions, posture, eye contact, and spatial distance. Clinton was friendlier, took more expansive postures, and maintained more eye contact. The candidates largely kept within social distance, except for an instance that created postdebate controversy. Whereas some of Clinton’s nonverbal behavior conformed to established gendered cues, her nonverbal behavior largely transcended gender norms. Also addressed are the media’s shortcomings in contextualizing debate visuals.

Author Biography

Ben Wasike, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Ben WasikeAssociate professor Department of CommunicationUniversity of Texas Rio Grande ValleyPh.D. granting institution: Louisiana State University (2005) One West University Boulevard, Brownsville, Texas 78520ben.wasike@utrgv.edu956-882-3878 Funding: None Author BioBen Wasike is an associate professor in the Communication Department at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He teaches classes in visual communication, communication theory and social media communication among others. His research focusses on social media, political communication, political rhetoric, visual communication and law and policy issues. 

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Published

2019-01-04

Issue

Vol. 13 (2019)

Section

Articles

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