THE TELEGRAPH: David Cameron and Nick Clegg look alike, sound alike, and come from equally privileged backgrounds - but just how similar are they in reality? Leading body language expert James Borg scrutinised the new Prime Minister and his deputy during their crucial first few days in office. Here, he reveals the unspoken signs
From a distance, they were indistinguishable. When Prime Minister David Cameron walked across the Downing Street lawn with his new deputy Nick Clegg last week, it was hard to tell them apart. Both dressed in sober suits and ties, they strode confidently side by side – a seemingly promising sign that these former rivals are already at ease with each other, in the flush of what one might dare refer to as first-date fever.
The symmetries are all part of their supposed political chemistry. On first glance, Cameron and Clegg are alike in so many ways, in appearance, age, height and education – and in their gestures as well.
But exactly how alike are they in reality? Throughout last week, their respective body language gave subtle, unspoken clues as to the real state of their relationship.
Prior to the press conference, the pair posed briefly on the doorstep of Downing Street – a ritual that Cameron would have almost certainly have rehearsed in his mind. He certainly had finessed that relaxed, authoritative air.
In these situations, and faced with a barrage of cameras, the winner is the person who can seem natural in what is essentially an unnatural environment. After the introductory handshake, we saw both men pat each other on the back, a signal which neuropsychologists refer to as a “parental” gesture. And what do most parents signify with this movement to their young? “I’m in charge.” It’s a status reminder, and can be especially important in the 'first among equals’ situation in which Cameron and Clegg now find themselves.
But their body language was more complex than that. Cameron patted Clegg first, who reciprocated with a pat of his own. Cameron then patted back, and Clegg did the same… before Cameron gave the assertive final pat with his right – dominant – hand as he ushered his deputy through the door. This was both a classic repeat display of courtship, and a barely concealed power struggle. Crucially, by doling out the final pat, Cameron had the last word in the vernacular. >>> James Borg* | Saturday, May 15, 2010
*James Borg is the author of Body Language and Persuasion: The Art of Influencing People (Pearson Books), which are available from Telegraph Books for £10.99 and £12.99 respectively, plus £1.25 p&p. Call 0844 871 1516 or visit books.telegraph.co.uk
