Study: Trump’s shrugs are a deliberate communication tool
Trump’s frequent shrugging helps him connect with his audience and criticize opponents, study finds.
Why it matters
- Shows how non-verbal communication plays a key role in political messaging.
- Highlights Trump’s populist performance style.
By the numbers
- 187 shrugs analyzed from 110 minutes of rally footage.
- 1.7 shrugs per minute.
- 44% of shrugs signal common ground or obviousness.
The big picture
- Trump’s shrugs help him appear both ordinary and larger-than-life.
- Part of his populist appeal, creating a connection with his audience.
What they're saying
- Some compare Trump’s shrugs to a character from The Sopranos.
- Critics note the study’s narrow focus on Trump and one gesture.
- Others highlight Trump’s charisma and messaging as reasons for his popularity.
Caveats
- Study only focuses on Trump, not other politicians.
- Limited to one gesture, not the full range of non-verbal cues.
What’s next
- Future research could compare Trump’s gestures to other politicians.
- Could analyze other non-verbal cues like facial expressions.