A politically correct image

It’s full campaign mode for the candidates in the Juja and Makadara by-election and the savvy politician knows that his or her public image is just as important as the issues. The astute politician should be re-examining the way they present themselves in order to be ready when voters ask: Do they fit the image of what I want my public representative to look like. Isn't it a question of style over substance you may quibble, but politicians running campaigns most acknowledge that what they wear, how they speak and how they present themselves plays a part in their ability to convey their message. Political figures from Margaret Thatcher and Gorbachev to Sarkozy and Canada’s Stephen Harper have all undergone image coaching in communication skills, handling the media, dressing and body language. In fact, presidential candidate Al Gore payed a consultant $15,000 a month during the 2000 presidential campaign to give him a makeover.

Here at home for example, ditching the dark glasses or transition lenses especially when speaking at a kamkunji or interviewing on TV, is important because eye contact is vital as it lets us (the voters) know that you are being sincere in what you are saying. If I can’t see your eyes, the instinct is to think you’re hiding something. People are affected by the way you dress and dressing to convey authority, commitment, professionalism is crucial. Dressing up rather than down conveys this whether you like it or not. Thinking that people won’t really care what you wear is simply hubris. Using the psychology of colour like blue to convey trust or red to convey power can influence the public instead of just wearing party colours. Body language (upright, open gestures) and speech patterns (using the power of three for example) can all be used to influence the voters in a subconscious way. A good public image (how you are seen, heard and behave) won’t necessarily secure you an election victory, but it will help you be listened to, possibly believed and subsequently voted for.