Dress to Impress

Having worked in government affairs for the last several years, I can appreciate the importance of non-verbal communication. Like it or not, elected officials today are judged on more than just their character and experience. Today’s media scrutinizes nearly everything from dress and facial expressions to posture and tone. In actuality, the theory of persuasion using nonverbal communication applies to all situations that involve influencing opinions, particularly in business and politics.

Just recently, the organization I work for experienced great progress working with several legislators in opposition to a law involving the Ohio Department of Health. After careful observation, I am certain a contributing factor in winning the support and confidence of the elected officials due to the non-verbal cues of both the coalition of business associations and department staff.

As Kopacz (2006) explains, non-verbal communications are very important when trying to persuade an audience. In each of the negotiation meetings, the business associations came well prepared, exuded confidence, and dressed professionally. In contrast, the department of health official’s demeanor was defensive and appearance casual.

If you were a legislator whom would you consider more competent?

Kopacz, M. (2006). Nonverbal communication as a persuasion tool: Current status and future directions. Rocky Mountain Communication Review, 3(1), 1-19.