Posted on October 18, 2002 at 10:44 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Governor Don Siegelman and gubernatorial candidate Bob Riley will debate for the second time Sunday, October 20, on Alabama Public Television. Also that night, candidates for the U.S. Senate, Susan Parker and Senator Jeff Sessions, and the candidates for lieutenant governor, Lucy Baxley and Bill Armistead, will debate. For analysis of the debates, the following University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) professors will be available.

Political Communications

Larry Powell, Ph.D. — Powell is an expert on the methods politicians use to communicate with the public. He is co-author of a new book Political Campaign Communications: Inside and Out (Allyn and Bacon). Powell has been a press secretary, speechwriter and communications consultant for dozens of political candidates. Powell can be reached at 205-822-1746 or by cell phone, 205-901-5343.

Debates, Speeches

John W. Wittig, Ph.D., APR — Wittig teaches and conducts research in public speaking, political communication, public persuasion, argumentation and debate. He is a senior lecturer in the Department of Communication Studies. Wittig can be reached at 205-940-9816.

The Candidates: What Their Body Language Says about Them

Mark Hickson, Ph.D. — Hickson can discuss non-verbal communications as it relates to political debates and speeches. He has written numerous articles and books on nonverbal communications. He is the co-author of the book NVC: Nonverbal Communications Studies and Applications. In addition, he has conducted numerous workshops and presentations on topics such as non-verbal communication, deception and communication styles. Hickson is professor and chairman of the UAB Department of Communication Studies. Hickson can be reached at 205-987-1720.

Contact: Gail Short, Media Relations, at (205) 934-8931. On the weekend, call UAB Paging at (205) 934-3411.