Karen Kohn Bradley of the University of Maryland and Karen Studd of George Mason University say that on a movement level, Palin, the Republican nominee for vice president, and her Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, both showed a sense of urgency and the increasing speed of their deliveries overcame whatever meaning their sound bites had.

The movement analysts say the smiles of both candidates may not have been exactly heartfelt or even remotely resembled pleasure.

"The candidates took turns smiling during the other's answers. Each time, it appeared that a choice had been made: to smile rather than 'go negative,'" the analysts say in a statement.

"Palin was narrow in posture and gesture and directed herself to the camera, reaching forward, advancing and committing to a course of action. Biden was a little more open, gathering information and presenting a broader range of options."

However, Biden made a direct connection when he said, "I know what it's like as a parent to wonder if your kid's going to make it."

"Palin was incapable of responding to this authentic moment, which was rich with non-verbal information about Biden," the movement analysts say.