Leaders slammed for ‘dorky’ style, awkward body language

Natasha Christian, Reporter, News Corp Australia Network

April 29, 2019 9:53pm

If body language and style were a deciding factor this election, both the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader looked like grade seven school captains, not leaders of the country, an expert said after tonight’s leaders debate.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten shake hands before the leaders’ debate kicked off in Perth. Picture: AFP

Meanwhile Editor of GQ Australia, Mike Christensen, said neither Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten appeared bothered to get a tailor ahead of the Perth-based debate with both of their suits not fitting properly.

“It all screams bog standard. Doesn’t want it to distract from himself,” he said of Morrison, adding that neither were particularly stylish men in comparison to the likes of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, French leader Emmanuel Macron or Prince Charles. GQ Australia editor Mike Christensen says Australia’s leaders should take notes from Justin Trudeau and Emmanuel Macron in terms of style. Picture: AFP

Dr Louise Mahler says this debate, when compared to the 2012 US debate between Romney and Obama was like comparing Goliath to year 7 school captains. Picture: AP

“Trudeau and Macron have innate style, which is born out of the confidence to be able to express yourself as you wish. That is all style is — it’s self expression. It’s also about taking pride in your appearance, something I guess Bill Shorten has the edge over Morrison on.”

He said Shorten’s midnight blue suit was too fat in the arms, but more stylish than Morrison’s navy, which didn’t fit in the shoulders so it made him look a bit too tense.

“This translates to being a bit uncomfortable and too pressured,” he said. He also noted the PM could do with a shoe polish as his scuffed boots were noticeable during the debate.

As for Shorten, he was in need of a tailor for both his pants and jacket as his look was likened to British Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Shorten’s look was likened to the famously dishevelled Jeremy Corbyn. Picture: AP

“He should head up the nearest tailor and get his trousers looked at, they’re bagging up against his shoes and his jacket needs to be taken in,” Mr Christensen said, “It should fit like a glove.”

He felt Australian politics needed to find their next Julie Bishop to fill the stylish shoes she left behind, adding the fashion industry was too important for politicians to ignore.

He said if the leaders sought local inspiration they should look to Christopher Pyne and Richard Di Natale as the most stylish men in Australian politics of recent. He suggested the leader of the country should stick to classic colours in terms of suits and ties; blue, navy and grey. Bill Shorten was criticised for his lack of tailoring. Picture: AAP

Meanwhile in terms of body language, Dr Louise Mahler said if we were to compare our leaders with those in the US, it would be like comparing Goliath to year 7 school captains.

“They both looked dorky,” she said, comparing Shorten and Morrison with the 2012 US debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

Scott Morrison needs to brush up on his presentation skills, says one expert. Picture: Kym Smith

“Contrary to Obama’s symmetry, our leaders both started awkwardly with their hands in their crotches. When will men learn? Both were hideously overly macho, a style that is decidedly out of fashion,” she said. “In the opening comments, Morrison showed his performance stress by pulling his coat in tight as a nervous twitch before speaking,” adding that Shorten was clearly well-coached but said he looked unwell and likened his performance to a “primary school debater”.

“Shorten looked pale and unwell … exhaustion or illness may be his excuse for what continued as an appalling performance.”

Christopher Pyne could be a role model for the leaders as a stylish politician, says Mike Christensen.

Julie Bishop has left big shoes to fill as the most stylish politician. Picture: News Corp Australia

She also pointed out Morrison was unable to resist offering an asymmetric smile which triggers thoughts of sarcasm, while Shorten shot some eye rolls as he listened to the PM.

“They were very ordinary, neither is appealing or listenable,” Dr Mahler said, suggesting each take note from US debates and brush up on their skills.

However she thought Morrison had an edge of Shorten this debate, saying his listening, gestures and quick response answers all surpassed the Opposition Leader “by kilometres.”

“In the closing, Mr Morrison was surprising excellent. On the contrary, Mr Shorten made me feel embarrassed.”

The debate follows Sunday night’s Newspoll which showed the nation preferred Mr Morrison as PM over Mr Shorten (45 per cent to 37 per cent).