Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2149: Losing Votes with the Double Index Finger Point - A Faux Pas Nearly Every Time

Joe Biden was more animated than usual in his Vice Presidential debate vs. Paul Ryan - and many speculate this was to compensate for President Barack Obama's lackluster performance the week before. However, the index finger (forefinger) double point is a nonverbal which should never be displayed in a political debate. A single hand point is an alienating and universally offensive body language gesture. While we do allow politicians a somewhat greater latitude here, they should use the single forefinger point vary sparingly - or not at all. The double point - which Biden pulled out last Thursday - should only be used at events reserved for one's political base. 

Joe Biden lost votes with this gesture.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1224: Mitt Romney's Two Handed Index Finger Point

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2777: Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin, John McCain and John Boehner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1918: Vladimir Putin - Pointing with Pen Surrogates - Sharp vs. Blunt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1652: Crude Oil, Speculators and Counting with Thumb First

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