Candidates' communication styles speak volumes

Marriage therapists often tell struggling couples, "It's not what you say. It's how you say it." The same seems to be true for people who want to be president.

Debra Petersen, an associate professor of communication and journalism at the University of St. Thomas, has been watching the presidential debates with interest. She says we can learn a lot about the candidates by observing their vastly different communication styles.

Donald Trump

"He's just saying what appears to be off the top of his mind. He often contradicts what he said previously."

What he hopes to convey: "He wants to portray himself as not being an experienced politician, because his supporters want him to be the candidate of change."

Hillary Clinton

She uses "very precise language. She tends to be wary, cautious, subdued. Her facial expressions are quite practiced. "

What she hopes to convey: "She's an experienced public servant who will not fly off the handle."

Gail Rosenblum