Thursday, June 28, 2012

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1912:
Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye
Matt Lauer's Insincerity





Note: This video is a very similar but slightly different version than was first posted. An addendum updated post will soon describe another key nonverbal tell by Matt Lauer.

In this last morning with Ann Curry on Today, there are many body language signals. Here are a few highlights:

Matt Lauer is chronically insincere - which is a final common personality pathway for many (but not all) who report the news - they have to daily act sincere when these feelings do not exist. A narcissistic signal is displayed by Lauer when at the 0:14 second mark he puts his arm up on the coach in back of Curry and leaves it there through most of the remainder of this segment. In this context this nonverbal is highly consistent of narcissism - as if to say here, "... I know this is your moment Ann, but really it's always about me ... " Narcissists tend to chronically and at inappropriate moments adopt body postures which take up more space.

Freeze frame at 1:23 - 1:24 and you will see a unilateral "pseudo-smile" on Lauer's face. This is also a classic body language tell of insincerity. It is an unconscious act. The shoulder touch to Ann Curry at 2:08 is consciously controlled however, and in this nonverbal context, it is feigned - and not a signal of true affection.

Analysis # 424: Beware the Mona Lisa Smile

Though a very secure and accomplished woman, Curry displays a double-arm grip during 2:24 - 2:52, displaying temporary signals of self-hugging and self-comforting.

Ann has a bitterness-regret pseudo-smile at the 2:27 mark as she reacts to Lauer's statement. Ann also looks at Roker and Morales when they reminisce about past stories - but she doesn't make eye contact with Lauer.

 Analysis # 335: What does "Eye Contact" really mean in a Body Language context

Ms. Curry again displays bitterness in her pseudo-smile at 4:19 when Lauer kisses her temple. Notice also how there's no reciprocal kiss or affection signals. Yet there is much affection displayed for Al Roker.

Note also the narcissistic word choice by Lauer, " .... We're going to continue to put you on planes ...", when Curry's future assignments certainly won't come from him. 

Another very strong body language signal of insincerity on Lauer's part - is that he is the only one with his back touching the back of the couch. He's aloof. He's distancing himself emotionally and physically from the conversation and his colleague's emotions. Curry, Roker and Morales are all leaning forward in their seats - backs not touching the couch. They are engaged in the emotional context of the moment.


Analysis # 39: Affectionate vs. Non-affectionate Hugs

Analysis # 399: Sincerity in the U.S. Congress

Analysis # 1600: Senator Marco Rubio -Sincerity, Self-directed Incredulity & Humor, Blocking and Appeals for the Vice Presidency



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