During political campaigns, many people wonder who coaches a politician on what to wear, how to project ideas, and how to speak. Well, that role goes to an image consultant.
A political image consultant is the person who teaches politicians how to benefit from the specialized techniques of image or professional presence, based on art, design and acting principles in different situations. An Image consultant’s advice and training can range from the total appearance, to body language to public speaking. The advice may also include techniques for television appearances and social media representation. They help create new ways for a politician to inspire his audience.
In the case of politicians who are constantly under the glare of the media, the coaching concentrates on two major strategies: how to create a public persona that comes across as Likable and Credible. Invariably, his audiences ask themselves: Do I like him as a person, does he understand my needs and do I believe and trust what he or she says?
How does a Political Image Consultant work?
The consultant works closely with the politician to determine his mission and purpose for every public appearance. They will often spend a significant amount of time talking to their clients, finding about their platforms, their messages and more about what they believe. From there, they will assess the new skills the politician needs. Is he already projecting his message and values effectively? Or does he need more work?
A political image consultant helps his clients polish their mage. Presenting a good first impression is important for all professionals because of the infinitesimal and subliminal messages that are projected, purely through appearance. He is coached on his grooming, haircut, most flattering colors, tailoring details and the fit his clothes, all of which tell volumes about a person. In addition, women are critiqued on hairstyle, makeup and their figure.
No stone is left unturned, no detail forgotten. In fact, at the highest levels of government, a professional image consultant might also work with the politician’s immediate family to help them dress appropriately for public appearances, because they too represent the political brand.
With the correct training, the consultant is also likely to coach presentation skills: pitch, where to emphasize the message, use of vocabulary, accent modification, stance, walk, hand and arm movements, eye contact on-screen and on stage, facial expressions, speaking in a more confident tone, or using different phrases. All these techniques help the client project his message effectively. In the first few seconds, he must project what he stands for and his values.
All political candidates need a very carefully curated image and that extends to every aspect of their lives.
Have you ever seen a local politician’s social media account and wondered why they posted something so personal? An image consultant is the person who would tell them what they should and shouldn’t post to get the results that they want.
In short, a political image consultant helps create the “personal brand” or way of being that the politician feels is authentic yet polished. Successful politicians might use an image consultant throughout their career. They may follow the same brand for some time or they may periodically refresh their brand, but it’s always wise to get the advice of a trusted and dispassionate consultant who is trained in assessing and then adjusting details to ensure that the messages are on point and consistent with the politician’s vision and values.
A political image should be seen as one that honestly projects someone’s most desirable traits. It’s a way of seeing the best version of oneself, as well as avoiding anything that could be potentially distracting or harmful.
How to Learn Political Image Management?
A lot of people become fascinated and want to learn more about being a political image consultant. To get into political image management, someone needs to learn about image consultancy. Image consultancy isn’t just used by politicians, it’s used by CEOs, lawyers, medical and business professionals, and many more.
Political image management is a specialty of image consulting. Students will need to learn more about the political system, how things work behind the scenes, and what demographics or target market the client wants to connect to. They will have to follow political news, fellow politicians, and learn more about the overall political process.
Contact London Image Institute
Do you want to learn more about becoming an image consultant? You can learn everything you need to know about being an image consultant through London Image Institute. Contact London Image Institute today to learn more about beginning your training as an image consultant. www.londonimageinstitute.com
