Tell me you are trustworthy without telling me you are trustworthy: Effects of nonverbal demeanor in a political debate

David E. Clementson & L. Fiore (AdPR MA student) (2023, Nov. 16-19). “Tell me you are trustworthy without telling me you are trustworthy: Effects of nonverbal demeanor in a political debate,” paper presentation. National Communication Association 109th Annual Meeting, Mass Communication division, National Harbor, MD, United States.

Abstract: This paper coalesces truth-default theory and the norm violation model in a political debate. We explore aggressive nonverbal communication violating norms depending on perceived demeanor. In a pre-registered experiment, U.S. voters (n = 645) watch a debate filmed for this study. A moderated-mediation model is tested. Findings indicate aggression diminishes trustworthiness through violating norms, when a politician has unbelievable demeanor. However, if perceived as having highly believable demeanor, aggression is more normative and bolsters trustworthiness.