Obama's looks did play key role in his victory, say experts

Sydney, January 26 (ANI): U.S. President Barack Obama's appearance, wardrobe, voice and body language were just as important in winning him the election as his policies, say Aussie experts.

Speech expert Monique Rissen-Harrisberg, of The Voice Clinic, says that Obama has mastered successful communication that consists of 55 per cent body language, image and dress, 38 per cent voice, and just 7 per cent content of speech.

"There is that intelligence (in his voice), but there is also a smoothness. Specifically with his inauguration speech, the content was excellent. His vocabulary was very emotive; the language was very good," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted her as saying.

She reckoned that Obama's qualities-like deep, resonant, and powerful voice-would strengthen with time in the role.

Tony Spencer-Smith, a writing and speech coach associated with the Editor Group in Sydney, has even designed a Write Like Obama course to teach people how to emulate his vocal qualities and language.

He said that Obama's tendency to use "simple, straightforward words" made his writing and speeches accessible to millions, and that such clarity was within any student's grasp.

The editor of Marie Claire magazine and judge of television's Make Me A Supermodel, Jackie Frank, felt that Obama's good looks and dress sense would have played a major role in attracting the voters.

"He is extremely pleasing to the eye - he's hot. Immediately that rallies people, and he has got a natural charisma that just infects. With his personal style, he does comfort without sacrificing authority. It has been strikingly simple with his slim-fitting black suits," she said.

"He is the first president in a long time to actually have a great body. The slim silhouette is a much more modern silhouette and he certainly can carry the slim-fitting black suits.

"The Obamas really are the modern-day Kennedys," she added.

Body language expert Michael Kelly said that Obama was "so measured" and took his time in speeches and debates, lending him an air of authority.

"That comes across as presidential," he said.

"A lot of the time, people will blabber out something. (Obama) is such a counterpoint to (former US president George) Bush, who shoots from the hip and sees what happens. (Obama) has got a loping, easy gait, and people with authority do not rush. He will face (his audience) and then he will smile. He has got a great smile. It is just natural, very easy and not forced," he added.

The experts even said that Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd needed to take some tips from his American counterpart if he wanted to achieve a similar presence.

"I would love to work with him. There is so much work that needs to be done. He has this sing-song, choirboy way. He needs to be more of a man than a boy. One does not believe him," Rissen-Harrisberg said. (ANI)