I don't know, the study kind of raises questions on my perception of what works versus what actually works.
I am wondering whether the conclusions they've drawn here are a result of mistakenly thinking correlation = causation. I wish they had also gathered data on the participants doing the judgments. I have a feeling the results would support mirroring and that those with lower animation levels themselves at time of judgement prefer those who were less animated while those with high energy levels preferred higher levels of animation.
It's an interesting study nonetheless, I just don't think enough data was gathered to draw the conclusions they have, I think there's more to it. I also think it's possible to bring someone's energy level up to a higher level of animation if they're nudged correctly.
Using the study as a grounded basis though the thing to take away would be to assume a lesser animation level at least to start with.
You must get clients though who are very stifled and tentative in their ways, which trying to be all monotone and cool and alpha would only exacerbate?
I agree with the pace and pauses bit though, anytime I get a sales call where it sounds fast and scripted I put a wall straight up within a couple seconds.