Weekend: Watching Me, Watching You; What's the Connection between Robbie Williams and Marilyn Monroe? and Just How Far Does Tony Blair Follow George W Bush? Paul Groves and Graham Kibble-White Find the Answers in the Subtle Art of Body Language on Page 44

Byline: Paul Groves and Graham Kibble-White

Forget the ideology for a moment. Ignore the apparent blind faith in policies which many have long since been discredited.

Put aside, even, their fondness for looking to the heavens in search of a spot of divine guidance in times of trouble.

Instead, just focus on the way Tony Blair and George W Bush walk. Or, rather, watch the way in which the Prime Minister has copied the powerwalk of the US President.

Hands firmly to the side, arms swinging slowly, a purposeful and commanding stride, head held high, a determined and yet engaging smile. The message is clear - we are in control.

Watching them strolling side-by-side, it becomes more apparent how Mr Blair has changed his walking style to mirror Mr Bush.

But where did Mr Bush learn to walk in such a robust manner?

Contrary to some claims, it wasn't from a certain television advert featuring the loveable Duracell bunny - although there are some noticeable similarities in the way the clockwork rabbit powerwalks his way passed the opposition and the vigorous gait of the leader of the free world.

Rather the answer lies in body language. More specifically, it lurks with the experts who earn a healthy living advising the great and the good on how to carry themselves when they are in the public eye.

Policy advisers, economic and environment specialists, speech writers and fashion stylists all play a part in grooming politicians. But it is the body language aficionados who supply the icing on the cake.

Psychologist Simon Hammersley says it is clear that many politicians, Mr Blair included, have taken special notice of what President Bush does in public. Previous US presidents, particularly Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan, have also been adept at using body language.

"Tony Blair has …

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Publication information: Article title: Weekend: Watching Me, Watching You; What's the Connection between Robbie Williams and Marilyn Monroe? and Just How Far Does Tony Blair Follow George W Bush? Paul Groves and Graham Kibble-White Find the Answers in the Subtle Art of Body Language on Page 44. Contributors: Not available. Newspaper title: The Birmingham Post (England). Publication date: November 26, 2005. Page number: 43. © 2009 Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd. COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group.

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