I’ve always found it troubling that judges pass judments based on things like demeanor and appearance.
I don’t see any good reason why they need to do as they do, but if you have one, let me know.
Bill O’Reilly has a regular segment on body-language and I believe a “science” of this has developed.
There is such a thing as a truthful demeanor; it is more than mere appearance.
I don’t see any good reason why they need to do as they do, but if you have one, let me know.
Perhaps you don't realize it, but the way people look around and fidget, their manner of speaking and intonation, their reaction when faced with an inconsistency in their story, all provide additional clues and context for what they're saying. Demeanor and appearance on the stand is only one of many factors a fact-finder may take into consideration.
A great example might be to compare an in-person conversation to communications via e-mail or on a web site such as FR. Why do you think people sometimes feel compelled to include a "sarcasm tag" in their posts? Because unless you write carefully and deliberately, you stand a good chance of being misunderstood. I think that's one of the first things people pick up on when they're new to Internet communications.
How do you dress for a job interview? Appearances matter.