Broadcasting body language
The reason I watched last night’s State of the Union address was not because of the spoken language. There was nothing new there; same old political speech. In fact, I fast-forwarded through most of the War on Terror parts. But there is something else that makes it worth while to watch; and that something is body language.
Chicagoist mentions Pelosi’s body language today: “If the level of scowling over the president’s left shoulder was any indication, she wasn’t buying it. And here we thought only Dick Cheney could look that pissed off.” The entire interaction between Cheney and Pelosi was entertaining: some glares, but mostly a battle of the appropriateness of applauses between the two.
When American soldiers were mentioned, senators and congressmen alike didn’t know how fast to get to their feet and clap, fearing an unpatriotic appearance as if the sky would fall on them. I saw some politicos smiling faintly, almost smirking, at a number of proposals; I saw McCain wink at someone at one point, and wondered what it meant; and Obama and Clinton both looked very primed, almost too structured.
I could have watched the whole broadcast on mute. Body language is really that important. Definitely something to keep in mind, not only if you are the presenter, but also when you are the audience.
Dutch native Marc van Bree is a well-rounded marketing communications professional with more than 7 years of experience strategically communicating—on and offline—in a rapidly changing media environment. 
It kind of reminds me of the award shows in Hollywood. Everyone composed to show just what they want to show, and the occasional betrayal of true emotion.