Cameron and Clegg show united front, but it's a long way from the rose garden

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/may/08/cameron-clegg-united-rose-garden

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When David Cameron and Nick Clegg appeared together in the rose garden of No 10 two years ago, we witnessed a reassuring display of bonhomie and political togetherness. Tuesday's double act was staged in a factory in Essex. It was more down-to-earth and far less genteel. While their first joint appearance was punctuated with light-hearted banter, this time there wasn't a single joke – it was exactly what you'd expect from two men with a serious task on their hands.

The pair aimed to present a united front, which they achieved by self-consciously taking turns to answer questions from the factory staff and assembled journalists. This ensured that neither leader was upstaged by the other.

Both provided a very competent display of attentiveness while the other was speaking. When Cameron was in full flow, Clegg made a point of looking at him, dutifully nodding to show everyone he agreed with what he was hearing. Clegg frequently name-checked Cameron, calling him David – showing that he wasn't just speaking for himself, but for both of them.

Cameron's displays of support were even more pronounced – raising the suspicion that he has been told to be more attentive when he appears in public with Clegg. He achieved this in two ways – firstly by gazing unwaveringly at Clegg when his deputy was holding forth, and then by grasping his chin as he did so.

The "chin-hold" is purported to be a sign of thoughtfulness, but its real aim is to act as an "unintention display" – to show others than he has no immediate intention of speaking. It conveys a very clear message – that Cameron is interested in what Clegg has to say and doesn't want to interrupt him.

The body language of both also reflected some of their current political preoccupations. When Cameron was speaking he used lots of emphatic hand gestures, trying to create the impression he is totally in control – and not the kind of leader who happens to be presiding over an accident-prone administration.

Clegg also revealed more than he realised. While he gave Cameron lots of attention and nodded in all the right places, a look at his feet showed his weight was often on the foot furthest from the PM. Consciously, he was being supportive, but his body was secretly trying to distance him from Cameron.

<em>Peter Collett is a body language expert and author of The Book of Tells</em>