Monday, June 4, 2012

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1861:
Bashar al-Assad's Denial and Deception



Bashar al-Assad, Syria's President, gave a speech before the Syrian Parliament yesterday in which he denied government responsibility for the cold-blooded killing of 108 people in Houla, Syria on 25 May 2012 - including 38 women and 49 children. Bashar al-Assad is lying.

Whenever the central forehead is contracted (and the lateral portions of the forehead relaxed) and accompanied by a mouth of fear, pain or sadness - this is a body language cluster-configuration which is highly reliable with physical or emotional pain - either being experienced directly or indirectly via empathy. However, when the central forehead is contracted and the mouth is neutral - or exhibits any hint of a smile - this is a strong warning signal of insincerity. This mouth-forehead disparity is a chronic body language display of Bashar al-Assad and it's seen throughout this video. Chronic insincerity equals sociopathic behavior.

Also of note is al-Assad's constant shifting and foot-readjustments during his address. This is a strong signal of increased anxiety and low confidence and is further demonstrated by the close proximity of his feet to the other. A truthful and confident person stands with their feet further apart.

The Syrian President also keeps his upper arms close to his body throughout the speech. This also indicates low confidence and anxiety. 

Through much of this video segment, al-Assad speaks out of the side of his mouth. This is a further nonverbal red flag consistent with insincerity and lying.




___________________________________________________________________________________