D Politicians, Pundits, and Stars 225
Scientology and overuse of mood-altering medications. His hands
took a position suggestive of prayer. It meant that he wanted to be
understood. Before Cruise even specifically criticized Lauer for his
comments on pharmaceuticals, I could see that his body started to
assume the posture of someone who was going on the offensive—
and I pointed it out to Maryann. “Watch this!” I remember saying.
Just before Cruise launched into his attack on Lauer’s ignorance
with “You’re here on the Today show...” his body moved into posi-
tion. By the time he reprimanded Lauer for spouting off assertions
without doing his homework, Cruise’s body was lecturing Lauer
every bit as much as his words. It was an example of perfect con-
gruency. To me, that was a sign that his movements were genuine
and unrehearsed. Score one for Cruise.
Mixed messages
In an episode of Sex and the City, a 25-year-old female
admirer of sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw asks her if she can send
her something she’s written. Carrie vigorously shakes her head
from side to side as she says yes. About a minute later, the same
young woman asks her if she can “assist” her. Carrie vigorously
shakes her head again as she says yes. Carrie is a New Yorker,
part of a culture unto itself; a committed head shake means, “You
must be kidding. Of course not.” But Carrie is too polite to let those
words come out of her mouth.
Politicians do this, or some variation of it, all the time. In other
words, they don’t achieve the ultimate in communication:
synchronicity of speech and gestures.