Strategy

Hitler wanted the German people to perceive him as their “Natural Leader” and rehearsed “gestures and poses to enhance his presence” and tailored his clothing and speeches to fit this image. Hitler even choreographed his body language and pronunciation before events and always wore his “wound badge” and “First Class Iron Cross'' badge from World War I to be seen as an unknown soldier.

"I believe today that my conduct is in accordance with the will of the almighty creator."
~ Adolf Hitler

A Jewish reporter attending the Nuremburg Rally described Hitler's speeches by saying, "...He displays the mastery of a dramatic build up. He has the audience wait in silence a full minute while he stands looking out over them. When he finally starts to speak, his voice is low and almost conversational, his manner modest and diffident, but for a hint of righteousness. At first he does not gesticulate. But before long, he crescendoes into the resonating shouts and histrionis so often seen in Hitler documentaries, his face expressing rage, his arm slicing the air. The harangue builds from forte to fortissimo to fortississimo, then abruptly it is over. he turns away, folds his arms, and looks down at his notes" (Hitler's Movement Signature).

Adolf Hitler, Wikimedia Commons

Hitler hired a photographer to practice making his body language more powerful.

Works of art and posters encouraged the German people to associate Hitler with other Messianic figures. Some posters directly placed Hitler next to divine beings or used the halo effect or authority bias to make him seem more powerful.

Propaganda Posters, Karthik Narayanaswami

The halo effect is accomplsihed by having a yellow glow emanate from behind Hitler to facilitate a subconscious association between him and other god-like figures.

Hitler Propaganda Posters, Brewminate

"Authority bias: The tendency to attribute greater accuracy to the opinion of an authority figure without authenticating the veracity of that opinion and being influenced by it"(Institute of Regional Studies)

The Nazi's capitalized on this bias by using body language and powerful colors, such as red, to make leaders appear more authoritative to the viewer.

One widely known piece of propaganda was the book "Adolf Hitler, sein Leben, seine Reden- also known as Adolf Hitler: His Life and His Speeches". The autobiography was disguised as a book written by World War I hero, Victor Von Koeber, and continuously made references between Hitler and religious figures. Becasue Von Koeber was held in high regard, him appearing to perceive Hitler as a god made others believe in Hitler's importance.

Adolf Hitler, sein Leben, seine Reden (Adolf Hitler: His Life and His Speeches), Open Library

"The book, which also includes a collection of Hitler’s speeches, makes some outlandish claims arguing that it should become ‘the new bible of today’ and uses terms such as ‘holy’ and ‘deliverance’, comparing Hitler to Jesus likening his moment of politicisation to Jesus’ resurrection."
~ Professor Thomas Weber