Prince William’s nerves ‘were higher than normal’ when addressing COP26 and he used ‘several repeat rituals’ and ‘choreographed’ hand gestures to mask his anxiety, claims a body language expert.
The 39-year old Duke of Cambridge delivered a speech yesterday at the World Leaders’ Summit titled ‘Accelerating Clean Technology Innovation and Deployment’.
The father-of-three cut a stylish figure in a smart black suit with a poppy accent. He exhorted world leaders to think differently and make the impossible, possible in his passionate address.
Body language expert Judi James told FEMAIL that the royal appeared more nervous than usual and was ‘still suffering from butterflies’ – so used dramatic-looking gestures to hide this.
Prince William’s nerves were (pictured) “higher than usual” when addressing COP26. He also used “several repeat rituals” and “choreographed” hand gestures in an attempt to mask his anxiety, according to a body language expert.
Yesterday, the 39 year-old Duke of Cambridge gave a speech at the World Leadership Summit ‘Accelerating Clean Technology Innovation and Deployment’ session in Glasgow, Scotland.
The father-of-3 sported a stylish black suit and a poppy on his elegant figure.
She said: ‘William’s verbal and non-verbal style as he delivered his powerful speech yesterday were unarguably different from his normal delivery. His gesticulation was more prominent and he spoke with a new sense and purpose.
‘Looking at William’s body language on the build-up to his speech it appears that his levels of nerves and anxiety were higher than normal.’
She suggested that he show his nerves by performing “several repeat rituals for clothing checking and self-touching that are more extreme than normal”.
Judi said that although these “performer nerves”, which are common in professional speakers and performers, rarely prevent a cracking speech from being delivered on stage, they do suggest that William may still be suffering from “butterflies,” rather than increased levels of confidence.
She added: ‘William’s gestures were congruent and rather modest in terms of their message and tone, with no apparent attempt to big himself up in front of a global audience or act like a guru.
“If anything, he wanted to direct praises and attention onto his 15 Earthshot Prize finalist. William wasn’t doing any global status-raising then, but there were several hints to suggest he had been doing some serious training for this important speech.
During his passionate speech at COP26, the royal (pictured), put on a very animated performance.
Prince William (pictured), spoke just one day after the Queen’s passionate video message which highlighted the need to unite the world leaders and take action now for the sake of our children’.
‘He spoke faster than usual, yet he maintained accuracy. His diction was better than usual, but his pronunciation didn’t sound rushed.
His hand gestures were so well-timed that it almost seemed choreographed. There were a few raised digits to emphasize the point, and then a series precision gestures with the right and left hands.
Precisions are not about showmanship, but about proving that your points are based upon facts and detail. To show sincere honesty, he probably had one hand on his chest for a long time.
The royal made a speech in which he stressed the importance of people ‘thinking differently’ if they are to win the fight against global climate change within ten years.
It was only a day following the Queen’s powerful message via video, which stressed the need for world leaders and politicians to unite for the sake of our children’.
The royal was seen prepping for the stage, donning headphones as well as a protective mask on his face.
A general view as Prince William took to the stage at the World Leaders’ Summit ‘Accelerating Clean Technology Innovation and Deployment’ session
Prince William spoke to Ursula von der Leyen President of the European Commission, at the World Leaders’ Summit ‘Accelerating Clean Technology Innovation and Deployment’ session
Taking to the stage, Prince William challenged world leaders to push even harder in a bid to stop devastating floods, fires and heatwaves and said: ‘If we are to achieve our goal to repair our planet in what is now less than a decade, it is our shared responsibility to continue thinking differently, acting boldly, and making the impossible, possible.’
Prince William addressed the assembled world leaders during the ‘Accelerating Clean Technology Innovation and Deployment’ session in one the plenary rooms and introduced the winners and finalist of the inaugural Earthshot Prize Awards on 17 October.
Vinisha Umashankar (15 years old, from India) was the youngest Earthshot Prize Finalist.
Vinisha’s solar powered ironing cart is a cleaner alternative to the charcoal-powered streetirons that press clothes for millions each day.
Concerned about the effects of charcoal-burning on the health and air quality of Indian ironing vendors, her solar-powered invention can provide five hours of sunlight to power an iron for six hours.
Vendors with extra mobility can sell at doorsteps and on the roadside. Additionally, built-in phone topup and charging points provide additional income.
Vinisha’s example demonstrates that innovation today can make tomorrow cleaner.