Yesterday in Pensacola, Florida, Donald Trump again wore a hat during his "Stay on Point Donald, stay on point" speech.
The less we see of a person - the less we trust them. For no part of the body is this nonverbal axiom more potent than it is for the eyes. When we wear a hat, we not only cover our forehead (also a very expressive part of our face), but in large measure we obstruct the view of our eyes.
When we don't want others to recognize us, "read" our faces (thoughts or emotions) - we wear hats with brims and sun glasses. And while Mr. Trump is was not wearing sunglasses on this occasion, the shadow (whether cast by the sun or artificial light) is so contrasting to the rest of his face (an effect amplified by photography/video) - it appears that he's almost wearing a mask over his eyes. Such a lack of eye contact not only destroys rapport and - but trashes trust too.
While Trump's hat-wearing habits may help the candidate to solidify his political base, this nonverbal behavior is one which will also serve to alienate swing voters.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3743: Ronda Rousey's Anxiety - Anticipating Her Next Fight
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3741: Bryan Cranston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Weddings and Tears
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3739: Hillary Clinton's Statement regarding FBI Probe
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3718: Donald Trump's "Access Hollywood" Hot Mic Video\
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3708: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump - Presidential Debates - Part IV
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3683: Milo Yiannopoulos believes trolling is his way of "Doing God's work"
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3659: Ryan Lochte's "Today Show" Interview regarding Alleged Rio Robbery
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3634: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the Democratic National Convention, Emails and Body Language
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