For over five decades, my profession has been centered on observing human behavior—first as an FBI agent and now as an author and speaker. I’ve spent my life watching people, studying their actions, and understanding what lies beneath the surface.
Before the candidates step onto the debate stage, I’ve already taken a page of notes. Most people don’t notice subtle elements like the choice of primary colors—typically a shade of blue—or the moderator’s demeanor, but these small details set the tone. Even the distance between podiums, something negotiated in advance, plays a role in how candidates are perceived, subtly leveling or distorting the physical dynamics of the debate, such as height differences.
As the candidates enter, the first seconds are pivotal. Research by the late Harvard psychologist Dr. Nalini Ambady shows that within milliseconds, we make judgments about emotional states, trustworthiness, reliability, agreeableness, and even extroversion—all with surprising accuracy. While subject to adjustment based on the candidates’ performance, these initial impressions can leave lasting marks on the audience’s perception. And make no mistake, these debates are performances.
In politics, nonverbal communication is often as crucial as what is being said—yet it frequently goes unnoticed. Who could forget the images of Michael Dukakis awkwardly riding in a tank or President George H.W. Bush checking his watch during a debate? Nonverbal cues, whether consciously or unconsciously, influence how candidates are perceived. The 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate is a classic example. Kennedy, young, poised, and well-groomed, came across far better than Nixon, who appeared uncomfortable and tired. Those who listened to the debate on the radio thought Nixon won, but TV viewers overwhelmingly favored Kennedy. It wasn’t just what they said—it was how they carried themselves—how they presented.
Nonverbal cues offer insight into a candidate’s character. We can tell who is respectful, courteous, and patient and who interrupts, speaks over others, or dominates the conversation. These behaviors might be minor annoyances in the workplace, but they speak volumes in the high-stakes world of political debates. They reveal, without words, who follows the rules of civility and who does not.
Trustworthiness, in particular, is never explicitly stated—it is felt. We subconsciously judge it based on how candidates present themselves. A candidate who appears comfortable, balanced, and personable will come across as more trustworthy. This evaluation happens quickly, even from infancy. Studies show that by the time babies are eleven months old, they can already assess trustworthiness, relying on nonverbal cues.
Candidates who come across as one-dimensional—angry, rigid, humorless—appeal only to a narrow audience. If you are angry yourself, you may find comfort in a candidate who mirrors that emotion. But for those who are emotionally and mentally open, displays of tension, animosity, or fear can be off-putting. These traits, communicated through body language, shape our perceptions more than we might realize.
As I watch these debates, I’m particularly attuned to facial expressions that reveal negative emotions: a quickening blink rate, compressed lips, the tightening of the throat muscles, or a hard swallow. These subtle cues can signal discomfort or animosity. Likewise, a sudden rise of the Adam’s apple, or pursed lips, often signals anxiety or disdain. Contempt might show through lips pinched on one side or an overly dramatic lowering of the eyelids. Even the direction of a candidate’s gaze—whether they stare directly at their opponent or avoid eye contact—speaks volumes. None of this escapes my attention.
Ultimately, the impact of these nonverbal signals on the audience is what matters most. Spin doctors will defend their candidates no matter what, and pundits will push their narratives. But in the end, it’s the voters who decide. They process both the words and the body language, often subconsciously, as they form their opinions. This blend of verbal and nonverbal communication was on full display in the final Trump-Biden debate, a reminder that body language speaks just as loudly as words—and sometimes even louder.
Joe Navarro is a 25-year veteran of the FBI and a founding member of the Bureau’s elite Behavioral Analysis Program. He is the author of 14 books, translated into 29 languages, and lectures globally on human behavior. You can reach him through www.jnforensics.com or on his YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@joenavarrobehaviorexpert
