Unveiling the Charisma Gap: Experts Analyze Sunak and Starmer’s Body Language and Speech Patterns Ahead of Election

Experts analyze Sunak and Starmer's non-verbal cues

Sky News consulted with Paul Boross, a business psychologist and expert in body language, and Elizabeth McClelland, a specialist in forensic voice and speech analysis, to decode the physical and verbal signals of Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.

Journalist Lara Keay

Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 9:

"Both lack inherent charm."

This critical evaluation of both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer, who are potential future prime ministers of the UK, concentrates on their manner of speaking and physical demeanor rather than their leadership capabilities.

The heads of the primary political parties will engage in a series of interviews, public speeches, and informal public appearances over the coming weeks as they campaign for the general election.

Before their initial televised debate, Sky News consulted with Paul Boross, a specialist in business psychology and body language who has trained numerous politicians and stars, and Elizabeth McClelland, an expert in forensic voice and speech analysis, to discuss the physical and vocal traits that reveal the true personalities of the leading candidates.

'They lack the charisma of Obama or the political skill of Clinton

Initially, the claim was made that both the Conservative and Labour leaders lack inherent charisma.

Mr. Boross notes that unlike former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, who are known for their captivating, sermon-like cadence, both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer lack this quality in their speech delivery.

Speaking to Sky News, he noted, "In this general election, we lack politicians who possess the inherent charisma seen in figures like Obama or Clinton. Both candidates find it challenging to forge a genuine connection with the public."

In comparison, he praises both U.S. leaders for their minimal use of unnecessary words and their clarity.

"He notes that they have a knack for pausing and engaging others in the dialogue, describing it as a form of art."

Ms. McClelland, a seasoned expert in speech analysis for legal proceedings, claims that the extensive media training politicians undergo often renders it "challenging" to discern their true selves.

Mr. Boross notes, "Despite their efforts to minimize these vulnerabilities, their physical demeanor and way of speaking frequently betray them."

Sunak: Remarkably articulate, he keeps his composure even when challenged.

Upon examining Mr. Sunak’s public speaking and interview performances, Ms. McClelland observes that he seldom hesitates or employs unnecessary words.

"She notes that he speaks incredibly smoothly," she observes. "He rarely employs what are known as filler sounds; he almost never uses 'uhms' or 'uhs'."

She notes that this approach can be advantageous as it minimizes the chances for interviewers to interject with questions.

She references his background in finance, noting, "He often speaks as if he's pitching an upscale financial service."

She characterizes his voice as unmistakably refined, marked by an elite Westminster School and Oxbridge tone, modernized slightly, yet bearing no trace of his North Yorkshire constituency.

She notes that this is particularly evident in his pronunciation of the vowels I and O.

She notes that his physical demeanor is marked by infrequent blinking and points out that he has mastered the art of smiling frequently and maintaining direct eye contact with the camera or the individual he is addressing.

Despite his smooth delivery, Mr. Boross points out several traits that suggest Mr. Sunak is experiencing nerves or unease.

Referring to an instance where he was questioned about potentially catching pneumonia following his rainy election declaration at Downing Street, Mr. Boross notes that Mr. Sunak typically reacts with a tense chuckle.

"He tends to laugh nervously when put under pressure, which is quite characteristic of Rishi Sunak," he notes.

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He cautions that excessive laughter, despite seeming amiable, might be perceived as uncomfortable or insincere.

The prime minister tends to speak faster when feeling stressed, he notes. "His rate of speech picks up when he's rattled."

According to Mr. Boross, he experiences a tightening of his facial muscles and his hands ball into fists whenever he is feeling uneasy.

Despite using minimal filler words, the ones he chooses, specifically "right" and "look," are considered overly abrupt and curt, according to Mr. Boross.

"He employs brief, pointed responses in an effort to take control during interviews, yet this approach often seems somewhat irritable."

"He appears to be mentally positioning himself against it," he notes.

"He often cuts others off with his use of 'right', giving off a somewhat superior demeanor."

Starmer: Excessively cautious and peppered with hesitations

Experts suggest that Sir Keir Starmer's manner of speaking is heavily influenced by his former career as a barrister.

Ms. McClelland refers to him as "serious," whereas Mr. Boross considers him "overly cautious" and notes his "measured movements."

"Mr. Boross notes that his attorney-like manner of speaking tends to be overly cautious, and although accurate, it often appears too formal and devoid of both spontaneity and emotional connection."

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He also conveys this through his physical demeanor, he notes, characterized by a wrinkled forehead and often appearing anxious or troubled.

Both specialists point out that he uses the filler words 'uhm' and 'uh' significantly more frequently than his opponent.

In a legal setting, McClelland suggests that this could signal dishonesty, yet she notes it might also be a completely harmless aspect of cognition.

"As a lawyer, he prefers to reflect on his words before speaking, which suggests to me that he aims to communicate clearly and honestly," she notes.

Mr. Boross contends that it makes him appear less assured.

"In my experience collaborating with political figures, eliminating this element from their speeches is a priority, as it undermines the clarity of their message and projects uncertainty."

He also points out that Sir Keir's frequent use of phrases like "right?" and "you know?" implies a need for validation in his statements.

According to Ms. McClelland, while Mr. Sunak seems to be deliberately adopting a more southern tone in his speech, his Labour opponent is reportedly taking a different approach by emphasizing a less southern accent.

"She points out that she is keenly observing Starmer's attempts to highlight his connections to the north."

She likens him to ex-Labour leader Harold Wilson, arguing that Sir Keir's way of pronouncing his L and A sounds doesn't match his background in Surrey, education at Oxford, or his position as a north London MP.

Ms McClelland observes that although Mr. Sunak seems more at ease on camera, she perceives a greater authenticity in Sir Keir's demeanor.

"She believes that you gain a better understanding of the person beyond his public persona compared to Sunak."

Mr. Boross notes that Sir Keir, while not yet completely fluid, is becoming more relaxed and has shown a quicker and more significant improvement compared to his counterpart.

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