What An Expert Had To Say About Melania Trump's Body Language At The RNC
The 2020 Republican National Convention created a major internet buzz, and viewers from both sides of the aisle had a lot to say about first lady Melania Trump's speech in support of President Donald Trump's candidacy. According to The Washington Post, the Slovenia-born first lady's speech was a calming moment in the middle of the ongoing Trump family "rant" against their detractors.
"I urge people to come together in a civil manner," Melania said. "Instead of tearing things down, let's reflect on our mistakes — and look to a way forward." Though Melania seemed relaxed and poised during her address from the White House Rose Garden, body language expert Dr. Reneé Carr, a psychologist and political and corporate advisor, shared an exclusive perspective with The List on what she noticed during Melania's speech.
What was the first lady's body language really conveying to Americans and to the world? Keep scrolling to see what an expert had to say about it.
Expert says Melania Trump's words were genuine
Melania Trump is no stranger to standing in front of thousands and speaking on behalf of her husband, but the Republican National Convention is an entirely different beast and warrants a bit of nerves. According to body language expert Dr. Reneé Carr, Mrs. Trump was noticeably anxious during her speech.
"From nervousness, her voice slightly wavered as her speech began; and she took slightly deeper breaths to calm herself," Carr said, who noted that the first lady displayed "very little emotions ... because her primary goal was to read and enunciate rather than display a facial affect to attract or evoke the emotions of others. Therefore, when she did emote, it made those words stand out."
Despite her supposed nerves, Carr believed the first lady's words were sincere. "Melania truly believes that America is beautiful," Carr asserted, noting that Mrs. Trump "slightly rounded her shoulders" when talking about the pandemic that "swept across our beautiful country." According to Carr's analysis, the first lady's "voice slightly also tightened when stating, 'My husband and I are grateful' to the healthcare frontline workers and teachers.'"
Though her words were genuine, Carr believes the first lady didn't feel confident in her own performance. "Melania became tired toward the end of the speech as represented by increased word stumbling while she read," Carr said, adding that the first lady "was relieved when the speech was over," but was also unsure of her performance because "her face became strained when off the podium."
Melania Trump respects her position as first lady
Though nervous and possibly even overwhelmed, Melania Trump did her best to keep her composure. Dr. Reneé Carr detected that the first lady "slightly cringed" as she said "the past three and a half years have been unforgettable," which could have been a reaction to the public scrutiny she's received since President Donald Trump took office. Carr said Trump "awkwardly tried to force a smile but her upper lip stiffened instead."
Though some sections of her speech may have appeared difficult to get through, Melania completed her speech to the best of her abilities, though she did stumble toward the end of her address. According to Carr, "this is common when persons first go on stage and have high levels of adrenaline that then decrease and can cause feelings of being drained." Despite the potential exhaustion, Carr detected that Melania "respects the position of first lady and does not take the opportunity for granted."
Melania Trump used her platform for good
Melania Trump has come a long way since allegedly plagiarizing former first lady Michelle Obama's 2008 convention speech during the Republican National Convention four years ago. During her 2020 speech from the White House Rose Garden, Trump touched on multiple important points: the coronavirus pandemic, protests against police brutality and racial injustice, and a heartfelt tribute to parents across the country, whom she referred to as "warriors."
"This modern world is moving so fast, and our children face challenges that seem to change every few months. Just like me, I know many of you watch how mean and manipulative social media can be," she said. "And just like me I'm sure many of you are looking for answers, how to talk to your children about the downside of technology and their relationships with their peers."
The first lady also spoke about her "Be Best" campaign, an initiative to promote "values such as healthy living, encouragement, kindness and respect," per NPR. Is Melania ready to be a first lady for another four years? Only time will tell, but her RNC speech certainly put the seemingly reserved Mrs. Trump front and center in front of the nation for a moment.