Observations from the first debate

After weeks of preparation and practice, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg finally took to the stage to debate.

some snippets found from experts observations on BBC website

"All three made extensive, and I would say excessive, use of anecdotes," says Max Atkinson. Throughout the 90 minutes the leaders recalled stories about people they had met on the campaign trail to illustrate certain points.

"Nick Clegg came out with some rather good lines, and used alliteration and powerful imagery

The rule of threes - making statements in three parts - something both Mr Cameron and Mr Brown demonstrated. Cameron's use of the three-part list was more effective because it wasn't highlighted."

Another technique demonstrated by the politicians, was the use of contrasts, which our expert says can be very powerful.

"Gordon Brown came across as more relaxed than usual and maybe humour had something to do with that," he adds.

Nick Clegg looked the most relaxed,

"In terms of pure debating techniques, Brown delivered technical information clearly. Cameron was soft on arguments and high on rhetoric, and Clegg framed himself as the voice of reason away from the other two parties."

Our expert says there were moments when all three let their guard down, like the time Mr Brown joked the Conservatives had done him a favour by putting his image on the their election posters.
Hand gestures
Big on hand movements - Brown, Clegg and Cameron

"You can see both Cameron and Brown smiling and laughing. That was a very powerful moment... everybody became more human."

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Nick looked the more relaxed thus gained more, audience appreciation, but personally I did listen also to what each said, and did not like at all what he said that he thinks we, from European Communion also should need work permit! I am also wondering, what would say all British who go to work in other European Countries, if they were told that! And that was not the only issue, where he did give "popularist" opinions without too much thinking of the consequences.

But at the end of the debate, for sure, he did gain more then the other two usually more exposed already and with a lot more responsibility on their shoulders of their proposals.

So the stance, body language, humour, etc are important, but also the message.

There was a moment at the end, when Gordon Brown went into the audience to greet people and the other two stood, undecided on the podium what to do, which stuck me, and which, if repeated on TV, but it was not, would have seen awkward for those.