Non-Verbal Presence: How Changing Your Behaviour Can Increase Your Ratings for Persuasion, Leadership and Confidence

Abstract

This study looks at how people rate specific non-verbal cues (NVC) with regard to the presence and persuasiveness of the speaker. The first study (N = 1500) was conducted to attempt to isolate specific non-verbal signals (hands and feet) that were related to ratings on influence and persuasiveness. In the second study, over 600 people rated a high quality video of an actor speaking. A sex by age by race by NVC ANOVA on six ratings, a total score and a question about voting showed a very consistent pattern with strong main effects for NVC, especially in ratings of confidence and persuasiveness. There were few significant interactions. Implications for training public speakers are considered. Limitations of the research are also noted.