Kamala Harris gave a ‘powerful first impression’ during her concession speech earlier today says body language expert Patti Wood. Harris appeared to show a ‘mixture of happiness and sadness’.

Following a months-long presidential race, Republican nominee Donald Trump emerged victorious last night securing 295 electoral votes and confirming his return to the Oval Office in January 2025 as the 47th President of the United States.

After reportedly calling him to concede the election, Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage at her alma mater, Howard University, earlier today to publicly address the nation and her supporters.

“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” Harris said in her concession speech. “The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people.”

As Harris arrived on stage to a roar of applause from the crowd, body language expert, professional speaker, and author of Snap: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma Patti Wood told UNILAD that the vice president appeared ‘powerful and confident.’

“Coming on stage, from backstage, to the podium by herself without even being introduced was a bold, brave move,” Wood shared. “It gives a powerful first impression.”

“[Harris] smiles and waves high in the air several times, and claps with her arms up and out towards the audience,” Wood continued. “A multitude of ‘up’ body language cues that indicate happiness and joy. That she still feels powerful and confident…It makes her look like the winner.”

When Harris begins to address the crowd, Wood notes that she does it with a ‘large open smile,’ ‘her cheeks lifted,’ and ‘her hand resting on her chest,’ which she explains are all indications that ‘the smile is not fake’ and that she ‘feels the crowd’s love which makes her truly happy.’

As Harris continued on with her speech, Wood mentions her body language shifts noting that ‘we can see her bracing herself to speak’ as she begins to take deep breaths and moves her shoulders back.