Harris's 'word salad' speech: Expert critiques gestural flair

Judi James commented for the "Daily Mail" on a video of Kamala Harris's speech, which was shared with supporters at the beginning of the week.

Harris, after an eight-day holiday in Hawaii, addressed her supporters on Monday at 12:00 GMT, thanking them for their support during the unsuccessful presidential campaign and encouraging them not to let anyone take away their strength.

James noted that Harris once again showcased her "talent for word salads" in her speech to supporters.

The expert pointed out the vice president's gesticulation. James added that her gestures are largely weak, including finger-waving, which appears less assertive than her words.

Harris tried to give the speech a more upbeat tone, which the expert noted. - She starts with a very playful, welcoming smile. She tightens her lips around the smile and speaks through it, suggesting nothing will stop the fun she likes to promote - she explained.

The vice president admitted that the campaign result was not what her supporters expected but encouraged them not to lose hope.

James emphasised that Harris uses a nodding ritual to make her words sound profoundly important. She employs a technique of emphasising significance with raised eyebrows and a focused gaze, suggesting she wants to strengthen the bond with the audience.

During the speech, Harris almost became emotional at one point, putting her hand to her throat, and became more distracted as she tried to finish the speech.

The speech somewhat fades towards the end when she talks about gathering family for Thanksgiving, entering the area of word salads, James commented. - However, she generally seems determined to maintain a motivational tone for her audience, as if they have faced failure, not herself, a bit like a concerned mum consoling a teenager after failed exams or sports competitions - the expert summarised.