It was really interesting to consider the different style of the Party Leaders on the televised debate.

Firstly, I listened to part of the debate on the radio. That was amazingly clear. Gordon Brown’s voice has a variety and resonance far superior to the other two. David Cameron works in a very narrow range and that limits the scope and effect of his ideas. Nick Clegg’s voice has a dry quality on the radio and that gives the impression that he is under stress.

When I switched to the television the balance changed. Gordon Brown’s voice was still very good. His accent is very clear and has an appealing quality. His body language was defensive and of course his tension in the lower jaw is distracting. Nick Clegg had a much better effect on television. He is physically very relaxed and had very good direct contact with the audience and the camera. He seemed very genuine and attentive to the questioners and didn’t just spout his policies come what may. David Cameron has a ‘professional persona’ which does not quite ring true. I could not quite identify why because there was a cluster of body language that caused confusion as I watched it. He was not relaxed, he was too distanced from the questioner and his gesture was very tight and close to his body.

Nick Clegg spoke at a good pace, used punctuation well and always gave attention to the other Leaders. David Cameron was over complimentary (i.e he didn’t really believe it) to questioners and did not give proper attention to the other speakers. There was a lovely moment when Nick Clegg allowed his passion about education to inhabit his body; Gordon Brown said “I feel passionate” but it did not affect his breath or his body. David Cameron became very whiny and there is a definite minor tone in his voice. The music of it does not make you feel better. When he said you can have a new fresh Government it sounded like it was old and stale.

Finally the most impressive person there was David Dimbleby. His voice is beautifully modulated and he allows his breath and personality to inhabit his text. As we always reiterate at VOX, the best presenters speak the truth as themselves.