Trump’s shrugs serve strategic purposes
Trump’s shrugs build rapport and signal disapproval, study shows.
Why it matters
- Shows deliberate use of shrugs in political communication.
- Helps Trump bond with supporters and criticize opponents.
- Highlights how body language enhances populist messaging.
By the numbers
- 187 shrugs analyzed in two 2016 rallies.
- Trump shrugs 1.7 times per minute on average.
- 44% of shrugs signal shared beliefs.
The big picture
- Body language is a powerful tool in political rhetoric.
- Populist leaders leverage non-verbal cues to connect with audiences.
What they're saying
- Study limited by focus on single politician and gesture.
- Suggests shrugs make Trump seem relatable to supporters.
- Future work should compare across political figures.
Caveats
- Examines only Trump’s shrugs, not other leaders’ gestures.
- Further research needed on broader non-verbal cues.
What’s next
- Analyze other politicians’ gesture use for comparison.
- Explore additional non-verbal communication strategies.