06.10 pm, Friday May 25 2012

Murdochs 'coached on body language'

06:24 AEDT Wed Jul 20 2011
Robert Dex
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Media moguls Rupert and James Murdoch both appeared to "have been coached quite extensively" in how to respond to British MPs' questioning, according to a body language expert.

But Darren Stanton said it was still possible to learn something from the way both men reacted physically during the hearing.

"The first thing I would say is they both appear to have been coached quite extensively in the etiquette of the committee and how to deal with it," he said.

Stanton, who analysed the body language of Britain's three main party leaders during the televised election debates, said there were moments when James Murdoch "demonstrated signs of anxiety".

He said one such occasion was when he was questioned about the emails held by law firm Harbottle and Lewis.

The firm, which was hired by News International to defend a claim by News of the World royal editor Clive Goodman for unfair dismissal, trawled through emails from six people at the paper, including Goodman and former editor Andy Coulson.

Stanton said: "For example, James did not appear to be comfortable discussing the file of emails that the solicitors have, stating that he does not wish to jeopardise the police investigation in a bid to sidestep the question.

"Signs of anxiety include blushing and, on occasion, his blinking also increased dramatically, which is a sign of anxiety and a sign he did not want to discuss certain topics."

Stanton said Rupert Murdoch was much harder to read than his son.

"Rupert gave very little away and his body language was still and measured throughout. At times he even appeared to be nodding off, clearly unhappy with the position he was in."

 

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