Kilgo article examines nonverbal cues’ effects on impressions of politicians
An article by assistant professor Danielle Kilgo in the latest issue of the International Journal of Communication examines how people use nonverbal cues to inform their impressions of politicians.
“Face Value: Linking Nonverbal Cues to Character Traits in Impression Formation of Politicians,” finds that people connect direct eye contact and smiling to traits such as intelligence, caring and good leadership.
It also finds that morality is not associated with any specific nonverbal cues. However, people who used nonverbal cues to decide the politician was moral were more likely to vote for that person.
Kilgo co-authored the article with Trent R. Boutler of Washington State University and Renita Coleman of University of Texas at Austin.
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