The way one sits or stands or inclines his or head, relative to the person with whom they are communicating, makes a huge difference to the way the message is received. And it seems that lately, both Joseph Muscat and Simon Busuttil have been experimenting in how they communicate with party members.

PN leader Simon Busuttil was in for a baptism of fire in local politics as he was roundly roasted for the lack of impact in his delivery when he was elected party leader. But as time has passed, Dr Busuttil's delivery has improved dramatically. In any organisation, a confident leader who rolls up his sleeves and takes to a stage with confidence is bound to inspire.

And that's what happened during the PN general convention held late last year, where many people witnessed a dramatic change in Dr Busuttil's way of conveying his message to party delegates. Gone was the podium and the full-length speech and in came a power point clicker and rolled up sleeves. Dr Busuttil's delivery was more flowing, and the image projected was one of a robust leader, ready to get his hands dirty and take on the government. Dr Busuttil began to gesticulate and involve the crowd through engaging movements of the hands.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat also had to learn the hard way. And just like Dr Busuttil, he was coached on stage presence and delivery before winning the last elections.

However, while always animated, his stance was more rigid. He gave rousing speeches, but rarely ventured away from the rostrum and ad-libbed or moved around.

In yesterday's sitting of the PL General Conference, Dr Muscat was more animated. He listened to questions put by the party delegates, but then, instead of producing a pre-rehearsed answer, Dr Muscat got out of his chair and began pacing around the stage, seemingly putting his answers together according to party lines, but also according to the atmosphere around him.

Dr Muscat also seemed to soften in terms of his delivery. No short terse phrases on this occasion, but more of a measured and soft approach with a few jokes thrown in here and there for good measure.

He also engaged directly with the audience, relying on eye contact and body language, rather than his more sombre approach when he is in the capacity of prime minister.

What is clear is that both political leaders have adopted a new approach when addressing their own party members. They look more approachable and human and seem to be trying to reconnect at grassroots levels.

Given the nature of Maltese politics, it will not be long before one set of party supporters accuses the leader of their rival party of copying. In other words, PN supporters will accuse Muscat of copying Busuttil, while PL supporters will say that Muscat changed the style of political delivery and that Busuttil is merely trying to copy him. In fact, when the PN introduced the policy of having two deputy leaders instead of one, and appointed a CEO to oversee the commercial arm of the party, the PL said that it was it who inspired the PN to follow suit. May the games continue.

Report by Michael Carabott and Duncan Barry