What did Obama, McCain's faces reveal in speeches?
When they gave their convention speeches did Barack Obama and John McCain really mean what they said? A Twin Cities man believes the answer can be found on their faces, not in their words.
Their words are chosen carefully. Every phrase is massaged until it is just right. But even the best words are wasted if the audience doesn't believe the speaker means it.
Dan Hill is an expert in what he calls "facial coding", analyzing facial expressions to reveal a person's true emotions.
"You're going see two version of Obama," said Hill. He said at the very beginning of Obama's speech he reinforced the charge he's an elitist.
"It's almost like he's literally looking down his nose at the world," said Hill. "Then he oscillates. He also brings his head down and he throws a smile out there and he has a beautiful, true smile."
However, Hill said that true smile didn't show at one key moment.
"He doesn't have the great, true smile when he makes the acceptance 'with humility,'" said Hill. "He's got a little bit of concern in his face. He's leaning back. His head's tilted away."
Hill said John McCain's truest smile came when he said how proud he was to have introduced the next Vice President to the country.
"He's got the sparkle in the eye and the reason he's got that is when you're really happy, the muscle around the eye relaxes," said Hill.
However, Hill said McCain's smile often seemed forced, coming and going too fast and sometimes showing contradiction.
"It's still the characteristic tension around the lower mouth that makes you think he just can't quite let it go," said Hill. "You really felt like his team had told him before he went on the air, now don't forget to smile. And he would do it on cue, but it didn't feel right."
Hill told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS of all the speeches at both conventions Governor Sarah Palin's surprised him the most. He said he expected her to appear nervous.
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