Newswise — "Get some sleep," is the first piece of advice presidential debate expert Allan Louden has for presidential and vice presidential candidates preparing for upcoming debates. "These candidates have to be exhausted," says Louden, professor of communication at Wake Forest University. "And that is when mistakes happen."
"Practice saying what takes five minutes in 30 seconds," he suggests. But, he cautions against over preparing. "Too much new information only serves to confuse. Briefing books should be brief."
Louden also recommends that candidates take some risks, saying "It is the spontaneous genuine moments that separate candidates. Authenticity always trumps."
More of Louden's presidential debate advice can be found at http://DebateScoop.org, a Web site devoted to encouraging lively analysis of political debate.
Louden has provided commentary on political debates for USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, MSNBC, the Christian Science Monitor and a wide range of other media outlets. He has followed the Commission on Presidential Debates since the commission was founded. He coached the Wake Forest debate team to a national championship. Wake Forest hosted presidential debates in 1988 and in 2000.
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