Saturday, December 8, 2012

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2221:
How NOT to Pose if You Want to Project Confidence -
Heisman Body Language






















While this is possibly an example of Nonverbal Mirroring, Johnny Manziel, Manti Te'o and Collin Klein were almost surely told to deliberately stand in this pose. Whether mirrored or deliberate, hands clasped over the lower abdominal region (known as the "fig leaf" or "genital guarding") is, in most settings a signal of low confidence. It can also signal reverence or respect - such as in a religious ceremony or in the presence of a dignitary, etc. And while these men have great respect for the Heisman Award and their nominations, this is a body language position which sends message of non-engagement, low confidence, demure and beta behavior. In this setting, they would have been much better advised to stand with their hands loosely clasped behind their backs (with feet a shoulder's width apart) - which projects the alpha emotions of confidence, assertiveness and strength. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1563: Geithner and Holder  In Deference to the President - One Occasion to Use the Fig Leaf

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 441:  Bill Clinton's Rapport and His Temporary Universe

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1770: White House Correspondents' Dinner - Lindsay Lohan's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1873: Hillary Clinton & Kofi Annan on Syria

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2155: Body Language Tells at the Second Presidential Debate  Mitt Romney at Attention &  President Obama's Disapproval-Subtle Contempt

Leadership Secret # 99:  One Body Language configuration a leader should (almost) never adopt - Steven Harper

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1865:  Five Presidents Standing in the Oval Office - Who has the Lowest Confidence?  Who is the Least Emotionally Comfortable? 

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