I am one of Fred's biggest fans; however, I have been troubled by his crossed arms for some time. To me, it makes him appear to be on the defensive and uncomfortable, not relaxed and confident.
I am im a very public job where everything I do is seen and everyone is looking at me most of the time and I NEVER cross my arms. In fact, I try to look like Brit Hume does when he delivers the news on his show [and it is harder to do than it looks]. Fred is fine from the neck up, but he has to learn to keep his hands on the table or under it.
I think the crossed arms are a distraction from what he is saying.
Learning to control one's instinctive body language in public speaking situations is an extremely hard thing to do. I have had to do it also, and I can verify what you're saying.
I agree with you, crossed arms are always read instinctively by the observer as defensiveness and/or rigidity. It should never be done in his situation. That, combined with his hesitant speech, tends to dilute the effectiveness of his arguments on the air. Some of his other mannerisms, like bobbing up and down slightly with his hands in his lap, also convey a sense of nervousness and uncertainty.
With regard to Brit, have you noticed that Brit Hume nearly always leans slightly forward and looks quite intently at the camera when delivering the news or speaking directly to his audience? Because of that, when Brit leans back in talking to a panelist, it has an immediate unconscious impact on the viewer, maybe more than his actual words.
The other major negative in a public figure's speaking style that I have noticed is Dick Cheney's tendency to lower his head and talk to his lap. In his debate with Edwards, that nearly drove me nuts. That unconscious habit dilutes the man's message, and his thoughts and views are both profound and important. George Bush, for all the criticism of his speaking, has done a phenomenal job of improving both his speaking style and his public presence.
Actually, I tend to agree with you - in body language it's a defensive posture which says - you can't come in - it's rigid - and it's intended to repulse attackers.
It's also used as an "I can't be moved from my position" stance. Which is what I believe Fred uses it as. He knows what he believes and he's willing to take a stand over it.