Image consultants
give thumbs up to a
few stylish MPs
Times have changed. Modern politicians understand the importance of a
professional image in their role of a
confident, trustworthy public servant,
say two image consultants.
You have all the characteristics of a
popular politician: a horrible voice, bad
breeding, and a vulgar manner.—Aristophanes, Greek comic dramatist, 424 B.C.
Using the criteria of body language,
appropriate, current, and consistent
appearance, web and media presence, and
constituency representation, two image
professionals measure some of the national
leaders: Anne Sowden, body language
expert and immediate past president of the
Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) Canadian chapter considers
the women, and Canada’s men’s specialist
and AICI colleague, Leah Morrigan contemplates the men of the four most-represented
parties in the House of Commons to
reveal Canada’s Most Professional MPs.
By LEAH MORRIGAN and ANNE SOWDEN
SOWDEN: I would give the “good
grooming” award to Bloc MP Paule
Brunelle (Trois Rivières, Que.). Grooming
is one of the first things we notice about
a person, and women’s hair and makeup
can’t be ignored: recent studies have
shown that women who wear makeup
are considered more professional and are
taken more seriously. Brunelle always
looks impeccable and professional—her
perfectly coiffed hair, subtle makeup, and
beautifully manicured nails all say this is
one classy lady.
There is no doubt that Conservative
MP Betty Hinton is committed to her
Kamloops, Thompson, Cariboo, B.C., constituents. Her website photos display the
politician visiting a seniors’ centre,
a county fair, opening the local rodeo,
joining in aboriginal community celebrations, trudging through snow drifts
while campaigning, and wearing period
costume for the Clinton Ball. Each photo,
whether posed or candid, shows Ms.
Hinton genuinely interested and involved
in her constituency. Having your photo
taken wearing full body armour and
camouflage paint for a Canadian Forces
Special Operations training exercise
reflects true commitment.
Liberal MP, Maria Minna (BeachesEast York, Ont.) is friendly and approachable. She wears bright lipstick and when
she smiles, her whole face lights up so
you can’t help but be drawn to her. But
Ms. Minna is more than just a fantastic
smile. She has high contrast colouring
which could make her seem aloof. By
wearing clothing in soft fabrics with flowing lines that complement her body and
personality, she comes across as warm,
caring, and accessible.
NDP MP, Peggy Nash (ParkdaleHigh Park, Ont.) always looks professional and approachable because she
wears clothing that suits her colouring
and is appropriate for the occasion.
Her riding is a mixture of low and high
income so what she wears is critical
and she successfully combines slim
fitting, up-to-date styles with muted colours that reflect the character of the
riding. She conveys a quiet authority with
a determination to get things done, and
also manages to pull off the orange and
lime green of her party because she has
the flair to look like she belongs.
MORRIGAN: I was initially taken by
the elegant Bloc MP Yves Lessard’s
(Chambly-Borduas, Que.) striking wellgroomed beard.His short, neat beard
caught my eye because it suits him so
well; I like his style. Mr. Lessard’s web
presence depicts a well-done, appropriately dressed gent, his eyes sparkle over
the cool slate blue he’s wearing in the
photo on his website banner. It’s effective.
Conservative MP Harold Albrecht (Kitchener-Conestoga, Ont.)
balances his city and country lifestyle
very well—the representational edge
that put Mr. Albrecht over the top of the
other Conservatives. On his extensive
web photo gallery, he is portrayed as
friendly and playful both in character
and with his constituents.
Liberal MP, Derek Lee (Scarborough-Rouge River, Ont.), edges out
Liberal MP Scott Brison (Kings-Hants,
N.S.), already named best-dressed MP
for the second year running in The Hill
Times annual best-dressed poll. Always
pleasantly and appropriately presented,
Mr. Lee’s expansive website contains
dozens of photo collections from constituency events, making him appear
continued...
warmer and more available to voters.
The most professional NDP MP is Peter
Julian, (Burnaby-New Westminster, B.C.).
Mr. Julian has energy and an easy smile
and he consistently appears in comfortable,
appropriate clothing. He has an air of
quiet confidence about him. Using low-key
hand movements to illustrate his points
and with the ability answer to every question,
I’m impressed.
Politicians are under constant public
scrutiny. It’s always open season: every
Calgary Stampede gaffes de mode, every
word uttered under breath, every finger
pointed in the House, every catnap, every
fishing vest, and every mismatched backpack
is bait for the press. Ultimately, in politics,
image is everything. Political economist,
Harold Chorney concurs, recognizing the
impact of image on voters: “Image is very
powerful. At least 25 per cent [of the electorate]
judges on this basis. It makes a huge difference.”
Leah Morrigan is principal of Leah
Morrigan Image Consulting for Men. Anne
Sowden, AICI CIP, is president of Here’s
Looking at You.