HANOVER, N.H.--Vice President Al Gore '69 has been working hard over the past few weeks to improve his public image, to appear more spontaneous and relaxed to potential voters. The trouble is, he may be working too hard.

Audience members leaving last night's debate criticized Gore's performance as "too strong," "too controlling," "condescending" and "forceful."

"Gore was acting like Elmer Gantry," said one woman from Connecticut who attended the debate.

But the Vice President's efforts to loosen up were nevertheless an improvement over his longtime reputation as stiff and unable to connect with voters. From his light tan suit and his casual blue shirt, to his playful banter with audience members, Gore tried to project an image of informality and accessibility.

He traded questions with the voters: "How old are your children?" to a mother. "What age group do you teach?" to a high school instructor.

And he cracked jokes: Asked a question from a man, whose last name was Kilgore, he grinned and said, "what was your last name again?"

But New Hampshire voters are legendarily concerned with genuineness, and some said Gore's performance seemed like an act.

"We both left with a very sour taste about Al Gore," said Amy E. Hooper, a Dartmouth junior. "He was trying too hard to overcome his wooden image. He was acting as if he was the rightful owner of the audience."