Nick Clegg, despite putting in a less effective performance than last week, nevertheless managed to win the second of the leadership debates. With Gordon Brown also doing slightly worse and David Cameron much better, the overall result was much closer than the first contest.

The party leaders are being assessed against Pearn Kandola's Leadership Radar model which has three components: Task Leadership, People Leadership and Thought Leadership. Compared to his first performance, the Lib Dem leader scored lower in all three categories but his real strengths are emerging in the People and Thought leadership areas. He continues to impress by bringing fresh perspectives to issues and daring to be different. A preparedness to examine problems from new angles and to question the status quo are positive characteristics for a leader. When this is backed up with reason and logic it is a potentially powerful combination. He was obviously prepared to be more vigorously challenged from the other debaters last night and he emerged with his new found reputation intact even if it wasn't enhanced.

The best way for someone to look Prime Ministerial is to be Prime Minister. Gordon Brown tries to use this clear advantage by referring to his achievements, his relationships with heads of state and his understanding of global issues. This all feeds into his strongest area, Task. Unfortunately he is emphasising this area at the expense of the others. He does less well in the People category something that he simultaneously acknowledged and dismissed by viewing it as superficial and irrelevant: 'If it's all about style and PR, count me out'. Thought leadership remains relatively weak because it relies so heavily on his achievements. If the approach was one of, 'I have achieved in the past and I will achieve in the future' it would be playing to strengths. Instead he combines it with 'Vote for them and they will mess it up' which is not only fear based but also slightly desperate. Brown's appeal and approach is the most uni-dimensional candidature of all three men.

The most improved campaigner was Tory leader David Cameron. Interestingly he has started slowly in both debates. This may be a function of the questions that are asked, but if not then his advisers need to help him hit the ground running. Cameron is an empathetic individual and this came through much better in this debate than the first, where he tried too hard to show he was a real Man of the People. Last week he kept his feelings in check but this time he allowed us to see more of the emotions that are bubbling underneath the surface and at times he demonstrated real passion, even anger. Thought leadership remains his weak spot though. He is not a natural big thinker and the Tories' Big Society idea is difficult to translate into specific actions. This combination of factors leaves him with ground to make up in this area.

David Cameron has clearly learnt from Nick Clegg's presentation of last week to sharpen up his own act. Clegg has another secret weapon which both Brown and Cameron would do well to adopt: when asked a question, answer it. This simple rule which the Lib Dem leader follows pretty scrupulously is a big reason why he is connecting with the electorate.