Kamala Harris' speech: Expert critiques 'word salads' and gestures

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

After an eight-day vacation in Hawaii, Harris addressed her supporters on Monday, thanking them for their support during the unsuccessful presidential campaign and encouraging them to retain their strength.

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

This is a very rambling speech that combines Harris' ability to create word salads with characteristic gestures meant to convince audiences that they are hearing deep, motivating thoughts and messages, the expert said.

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

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 that 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 emphasized that Harris uses a nodding ritual to make her words sound profoundly important. She emphasizes 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 mom consoling a teenager after failed exams or sports competitions," the expert summarized.