Thursday, January 31, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2287:
Ronaiah Tuiasosopo on Dr. Phil Interview -
Part II - A Body Language Signal that's a Red Flag





When the central forehead is contracted (CFC) without a smile - it's a very strong indicator of emotional or physical pain - either experienced directly, or felt secondarily via empathy. In such body language the mouth is configured in either a pain, fear or sadness expression. Occasionally, and often briefly, the mouth may have a neutral nonverbal expression.

However, when the central forehead is contracted with even a subtle or partial "smile" (thus really a pseudosmile), not only is the smile NEVER a sincere one, but at the very best this signals arrogant-incredulity. We all occasionally display this expression of a false smile with a CFC, however interestingly, this is either rare displayed (for the vast majority of people) or displayed very often (less than 5% of the population). When an individual displays this nonverbal cluster frequently, there is a very strong correlation for narcissistic personality disorder, sociopathic behavior or psychopathic behavior.

Mr. Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, displays the body language-facial expression of a central forehead contraction with a false smile during the 0:05 - 0:06 segment, just after Dr. Phil McGraw asks him, "Were you in love with him?" (Manti Te'o). Of course, this interview is a small sample size in the life of this admitted "catfishing" perpetrator, so the frequency of this very important red flag nonverbal cannot be established here. However, it is not at all an expression one would expect to see if he were truly sorry and remorseful for his actions. Its presence thus indicates the presence of emotional dissonance

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2286:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo's Body Language on Dr. Phil's Interview -  The Voice and Mind of "Lennay Kekua" - Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2280: Manti Te'o's interview with Katie Couric Manti isn't telling us the whole truth -  Te'o's Body Language of Duping Delight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2277: Diane O'Meara, Lennay Kekua,  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo & Manti Te'o -  O'Meara's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2278: Diane O'Meara (the "face" of Lennay Kekua)  on the Mantei Te'o "Girlfriend Hoax"  Part 2

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2231:  A Common Facial Expression of Mass Killers - Using Body Language as a Threat Assessment Tool

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2259:  Game Show Killer Rodney Alcala Gets Two More Sentences - His Body Language Warning Signs

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2238:  Sandy Hook Elementary Teacher Lauren Rousseau's  Boyfriend's Body Language - Grief & Suppression of Negative Emotions & Empathy



_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2286:
Ronaiah Tuiasosopo's Body Language on Dr. Phil's Interview -
The Voice and Mind of "Lennay Kekua" - Part I





The first part of Dr. Phil's interview of Ronaiah Tuiasosopo was released today. The above video is one segment. In it Dr. McGraw asks Mr. Tuiasosopo, if he ever forgot to use "Lennay's" voice when speaking to Manti Te'o?

Tuiasosopo then answers, "I'm not trying to be funny, but that's kinda a rookie mistake. When you have ah, kind of been able to mastermind all of this and create this whole , um, not just Lennay, but her whole family and this whole reality, ah, and make it seem as real as possible - that's a mistake that - I mean, no. I never made that mistake."

At the 0:32 mark Tuiasosopo displays a clear body language facial expression of contempt, which is very brief - the duration of a microexpression or slightly longer - just he says the word "...possible...". This expression rapidly blends with a face of disbelief along with a subtle-mild head shake with an accompanying component of disgust (0:32 - 0:34). His incredulity-disgust nonverbal is then replaced with a second, much more subtle and evanescent contempt microexpression (at 0:34 just before he says, "...I mean...").

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2287: Ronaiah Tuiasosopo on Dr. Phil Interview -  Part II - A Body Language Signal that's a Red Flag

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2280: Manti Te'o's interview with Katie Couric Manti isn't telling us the whole truth -  Te'o's Body Language of Duping Delight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2277: Diane O'Meara, Lennay Kekua,  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo & Manti Te'o -  O'Meara's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2278: Diane O'Meara (the "face" of Lennay Kekua)  on the Mantei Te'o "Girlfriend Hoax"  Part 2

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2263: A.J. McCarron's Body Language  as hears about his Girl Friend's  (Katherine Webb's) new found Twitter Popularity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2262: Katherine Webb (A.J. McCarron's Girl Friend)  Interview on "Today Show" -  Her multiple Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2172: Governor Chris Christie's Body Language of Contempt -  Microexpressions and Subtle Displays

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2228:  Jay Carney's Body Language - Contempt disguised as a Sniff ....  for Republicans' Solutions to the Fiscal Cliff




First Expression of Contempt
















Openly Incredulous with
Disgust Component















Second Contempt
(Subtle & very brief)
Microexpression









___________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2285:
Emotional Processing during Crying -
Body Language of Survivor of Brazilian Nightclub Fire





Pamella Vedovotto, a survivor of the Kiss nightclub fire in Santa Maria, Brazil is interviewed in the above video. In it she describes how her life was saved by a stranger - and how friends died. Even as distant observers we share her grief and anguish. During such moments of intense sadness, the act of covering our eyes, nose and mouth are nonverbal signals of emotional-processing - not to cover our tears. The emotional brain is attempting to "catch up" with what the senses and the intellect already know. Emotions slip momentarily into micro-bursts of denial, only to be flooded back to reality by logic and reason. 

There is a strong correlation in those who cover their eyes, mouth, nose and place their full palm (palmar touch) on their sternum or over their heart (left chest) - and how routinely they put themselves in other peoples' shoes. Such body language indicates high empathy quotients.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2053: Strong Signal of Fear-Sadness Anxiety - Aurora, Colorado "Batman Shooting"

Negotiation Secret # 171: A Subtle Sign of Sadness

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1138:  Jennifer Hudson's Whitney Houston Tribute 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1773: Junior Seau's Body Language During His Last Interview


















___________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2284:
LeBron James in The White House -
A Fundamental Body Language Mistake






Yesterday, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and the rest of the NBA's Miami Heat visited President Obama in The White House to acknowledge their 2012 Championship season. And while these two are maestros on the basketball court, their "situational awareness" was found wanting in the East Room. For both James and Wade turned their backs to the audience. 

There is a very strong tendency to turn towards someone who commands respect and given the fact that they were standing next to Barack - this is what they did. Rooted in our subconscious, we are directed to point our feet, hips torso, face and eyes towards a person who is an alpha - regardless of whether you agree with his/her political beliefs. Body language etiquette has an important caveat in front of an audience though. And whenever cameras are present (and they always are) even partially ignoring the audience is an error many times magnified - sometimes by a factor of thousands or millions.

Just as any other time when in front of an audience, a handshake (or hug/abrazo) should still be given FULLY facing the other person - however then one should turn their whole body to face the audience/camera. After greeting the President, LeBron and Dwayne would have been much better advised to instead face the crowd and make one or two momentary (a second or two) head/eye turns with arm-hand gestures towards their teammates on stage. This would have still acknowledged and respected them without dissing the audience/camera. Sharing the microphone with the rest of the Heat would have also been consistent with teamwork and leadership.
















___________________________________________________________________________________

Monday, January 28, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2283:
Barack Obama & Hillary Clinton on 60 Minutes -
Body Language Ramifications for the 2016 Presidency


 


Very recently President Obama & Hillary were interviewed by Steve Croft in a 60 Minutes interview which aired last night. These are obviously two very skilled political figures who have been interviewed many times. Had they been less experienced (or Croft pushed them more), their body language may have been more obvious. They both mask their emotions well. However there were several key nonverbal tells present in this video which are extremely revealing. Can you spot them?

Here's the bottom line: Hillary Clinton has made up her mind. She will be running for President in 2016.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1531: Hillary Clinton Describing the Osama Bin Laden Navy SEAL Raid at the  U.S. Naval Academy, 10 April 2012

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1923:  Hillary Clinton's Body Language re: Syrian Government - The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2032:  Hillary Clinton in Paris -  Building a Coalition Against Syrian President al-Assad

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2279: Hillary's Tears and Senator Barrassso's Contempt & Disbelief- Body Language at Benghazi Hearings

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2777:  Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin, John McCain and John Boehner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2202: Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and the  Body Language of the "Fig Leaf"












___________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2282:
Jay Carney and the Dominant Spider -
White House Press Secretary's Body Language re:
National Labor Relations Board Vacancies





An appeals court just ruled that President Obama acted unconstitutionally when he bypassed the U.S. Senate to fill empty positions on the National Labor Relations Board. In this video, a recent White House press briefing, as Press Secretary Jay Carney says, "...dating back to 1867...", his right hand-arm extends, palm down, fingers open and toward his audience. This is a nonverbal illustrator known as the "Dominant Spider". It is a body language hand-arm signal (in nonverbal nomenclature this general class of gestures are known as illustrators) which indicates its user believes he/she is an alpha and has relative power and dominance over those to who(m) they are speaking. It also indicates that Mr. Carney believes that Barack Obama was in the right and that President's appointments for the NLRB vacancies were fully Constitutional - and that he believes the appeals court's decision will be overturned. 

It's important to note that the dominant spider is not used by betas to alphas, e.g., even though Mr. Carney exemplifies it here to reporters in the White House Press Briefing Room - he an alpha relative to them. But Jay Carney's subconscious would never let him use this illustrator to the President - for the Press Secretary is a beta relative to Barack.

Palm down gestures are often over-used and thus backfire. Like all dominant body language, they must be used sparingly and essentially choreographed into a speech, lest the audience feel patronized and disrespected. Palm down with the fingers closed (together) indicates an even stronger dominance belief on the part of its user (think Adolf Hitler). Handedness also carries an important significance, e.g. if a right-hander uses a palm down gesture with his right hand, this again indicates an even stronger dominance, confidence & successful-outcome belief. However if the right-hander uses his left hand, this nonverbal would indicate relatively less of these emotional tones/beliefs.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1871: Barack Obama  Explains His "Private Sector is Doing Fine" Comment -  The "Dominant Spider" vs.The "Split-Finger Fastball"

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1059:  Santorum's Dominant Spider

Negotiation Body Language Secret 731: Super Mario Monte's Dominant Spider

Negotiation Secret # 702: Moammar Gaddafi's Dominant Spider

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 554: Ron Paul's Palms Down Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 555:  How Facial Expressions Correlate with Palm Positions

Body Language Leadership Secret # 222: Palms Down vs. Palms Up - Angela Merkel's Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1899: Rep. Bill Cassidy and "Obama-care" - Letting your Body Language Detract from your Message





















___________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2281:
Inaugural Luncheon Anxiety
Barack Obama's Body Language
Michelle's Mirroring





The above video captures a few moments during the speech President Obama made at the Inaugural Luncheon earlier this week. During this speech, Barack Obama, who normally is a very relaxed and confident speaker, uncharacteristically displayed several body language signals of discomfort, lower confidence and anxiety. 

Note very early in the speech the President scratches above his right ear. This MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) is a general and reliable signal of anxiety. Touching the ear or just below the ear (not seen in this example) while also an anxiety sign, can indicate other additional thought-emotions. It is interesting to note that Michelle also simultaneous scratches the same area. This mirroring shows that Barack and the First Lady are very "in sync" emotionally. 

Also early on, Mr. Obama's left hand then goes in his side pocket for several seconds before he retracts it. While some falsely interpret this body language as a signal of relaxation - it's not. Along with anxiety, it also is an indicator of non-engagement and a lack of desire to speak.

Barack also stands with his feet relatively close together at the lectern. Feet in this position is indicative of lower confidence, low comfort and beta emotional tones. He (and other alpha personalities) typically stands with his feet a shoulder's width apart - which both engenders and indicates higher levels of comfort and confidence.

In addition, relative to his typical speech, the President uses very few hand/arm illustrators here (what in common parlance are called gestures). This relative lack of illustrators, particularly given his norm, is a strong indicator of anxiety and low comfort (and counter-intuitive given that he just was re-inaugurated). He grips the sides of the lectern platform a lot. And while this is not an awful nonverbal to emulate, and is certainly much better than hands that stay in pockets or below the lectern platform - it should not be overused. John Kennedy popularized this lectern gripping 50 years ago - but he did so primarily because he had a longstanding and painful back injury.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2276: Michelle Obama's Eye Roll .... What was she thinking? and What Did Boehner's & Barack's Body Language Say? 

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 831: Santorum's Hands and the Alpha-Beta Hybrid

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2074: Mitt Romney and Senator Kelly Ayotte - What Body Language Tells?

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1143: Santorum Video Analysis  R2E2 and other Tells

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2152: Second Presidential Debate - 16 October 2012 -  Barack Obama's Duping Delight - Benghazi, Libya Attack was an "Act of Terror" -  Alpha, Beta, Confidence & Acquiescence ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1869: One Body Language Signal a President Should Never Display

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 801:  Mirroring Down Under - Barack Obama & Julia Gillard

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Tip # 1239: Benjamin Netanyahu, Barack Obama and Iran



















___________________________________________________________________________________

Friday, January 25, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2280:
Manti Te'o's interview with Katie Couric
Manti isn't telling us the whole truth -
Te'o's Body Language of Duping Delight






Manti Te'o's full interview with Katie Couric was released yesterday. While Te'o is telling some truths and displaying elements of some sincerity (depending on what he was discussing at different moments - for recall that body language is a glimpse into what the emotional-mind is feeling in real time) - he is selectively editing and thus holding back the whole truth and indeed is continuing in being deceptive. At multiple times his body language signals did not agree with the emotions he was claiming to be experiencing. When the nonverbal and the verbal communications show disparity - the nonverbal is always correct.

One particular example is what is known in the nonverbal world as "Duping Delight". Paul Ekman coined this term to describe components of a smile which leak out when we fool (or dupe) someone with a lie or partial truth. We subconscious or semi-consciously take delight in such a ruse, and portions of a smile are displayed. These are often very fleeting. And these smile-fragments occur at times when happiness, joy or delight are NOT congruent with context of the verbal message. This can be seen very well in the video segment above when (beginning at 0:43) Katie Couric asks, "Did you have any involvement in creating this scam?" and Te'o answers, "No, I, I, I did not." (Note also his stuttering with the word "I" as well as the relatively decreased volume of that same word - these paralanguage displays are also very suggestive of lying in this context). During the 0:50 - 0:51 segment Mr. Te'o exhibits clear duping delight on his left side. This is but one of many times he displays this very telling nonverbal during his interview with Ms. Couric.

We may never learn the whole truth, but Manti Te'o has not yet fully disclosed the whole story of what has transpired with his hoaxed girlfriend "Lennay Kekua" and/or Ronaiah Tuiasosopo.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2278: Diane O'Meara (the "face" of Lennay Kekua) on the Mantei Te'o "Girlfriend Hoax" - Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2277: Diane O'Meara, Lennay Kekua, Ronaiah Tuiasosopo & Manti Te'o - O'Meara's Body Language -Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2286:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo's Body Language on Dr. Phil's Interview -  The Voice and Mind of "Lennay Kekua" - Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2287:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo on Dr. Phil Interview -  Part II - A Body Language Signal that's a Red Flag

Negotiation Secret # 140: Duping Delight Microexpression

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication # Analysis 1492: Ben Bernanke's Duping Delight &  Partial Emblematic Slip

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2050: George Zimmerman's Interview on Fox -  Microexpression of Contempt and  Duping Delight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2188: Paula Broadwell on Petraeus Relationship - Body Language of Prolonged Blink,  Hard Swallow and More Duping Delight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2093: Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye - Matt Lauer's Classic "Tongue-in-Cheek" and Duplicitous Smile



















______________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2279:
Hillary's Tears and Senator Barrassso's Contempt & Disbelief-
Body Language at Benghazi Hearings






Although he thinks he's trying to show thoughtful contemplation, it is feigned. During the 0:54 - 0:59 segment, Senator Barrasso's (R-WY) true emotions are betrayed by his nonverbals. He's really feeling Contempt (for which there are several facial expressions), Disbelief. Such body language is Condescending and will engender Patronizing feelings. He's directing these emotions towards Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during yesterday's Senate Hearings regarding the Sept. 11, 2012 attacks against the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Libya. 

All people, particularly those in the public forum and those in "leadership" positions (even minor ones) very often are thinking one thing - however they're saying and trying to project other feelings. If you know what to look for, you can pick up on these ruses - and avoid financial losses, heartache and much worse. How many body language-facial expressions do you mislabel and thus fall victim to their subterfuge?

What do think about Hillary Clinton's tearful display in this video? Was her crying sincere?

See also:

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 457: Salman Rushdie's Contempt Amplifier

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1450: Rick Santorum's Contempt and Frown - The Proverbial Twisted Smile

Negotiation Secret # 389: Muammar's Constant Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2059: Musharraf has Contempt towards  Pakistan's Intelligence Agency

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2167:  Colin Powell Endorses President Obama - His Body Language Display of Anxiety, Contempt & the  Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2178: Little Girl Tells Pippa Middleton, "I Hate Princesses"  Pippa's Body Language of Contempt ...

Nonverbal Communication Intelligence Analysis # 2111: Mitt Romney on Libya Embassy Killings -  Multiple Displays of Contempt




















___________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2278:
Diane O'Meara (the "face" of Lennay Kekua)
on the Mantei Te'o "Girlfriend Hoax"
Part 2





The interview earlier this morning on the "Today" show, Diane O'Meara, the face of Manti Te'o's allegedly faked girlfriend, Lennay Kekua (fraudulently orchestrated by Ronaiah Tuiasosopo) provided additional material to assess Ms. O'Meara's truthfulness. This video corroborates yesterday's body language analysis of Ms. O'Meara - she is not lying and her overall sincerity index is high. 

The following are some nonverbal highlights:




0:31 Sincere, but suppressed smile


During 0:45 - 0:54, Ms. O'Meara is very sincere and truthful reply when she denied ever knowing, talking to or meeting Manti Te'o.




0:55 Lip Compression - this subtype of lip compression is a generalized anxiety signal. Ms. O'Meara displayed this several times throughout the interview.












1:06 Disgust begins (subtle)
1:08 Disgust (subtle) continues with an extended blink















1:12 Incredulity (mild). Note the slight rise of left eye brow, this is more easily seen in the video.













1:32 - 1:33 Self Righteous Head Wiggle. Please see video as this is a dynamic process with significant motion. See also: Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2277: Diane O'Meara, Lennay Kekua,  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo & Manti Te'o - O'Meara's Body Language




1:20 - 1:23, Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression (R2E2). She is trying to engender belief, rapport and understanding in her relatively friendly audience.









See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1143: Santorum Video Analysis  R2E2 and other Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2193: Keira Knightley interview re: "Anna Karenina" - Body Language of "R2E2" Facial Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2097: Mitt Romney's "No one's ever asked to see my birth certificate" defense - Body Language of Rationalization, Rapport and Empathy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2148: Joe Biden vs. Paul Ryan and the "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" in the Vice Presidential Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1923:  Hillary Clinton's Body Language re: Syrian Government -  The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1552: The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle & The Buffett Rule

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2277: Diane O'Meara, Lennay Kekua,  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo & Manti Te'o - O'Meara's Body Language - Part I 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2286:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo's Body Language on Dr. Phil's Interview -  The Voice and Mind of "Lennay Kekua" - Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2287:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo on Dr. Phil Interview -  Part II - A Body Language Signal that's a Red Flag

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2280: Manti Te'o's interview with Katie Couric Manti isn't telling us the whole truth -  Te'o's Body Language of Duping Delight

 __________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2277:
Diane O'Meara, Lennay Kekua,
Ronaiah Tuiasosopo & Manti Te'o -
O'Meara's Body Language - Part I





The above interview segment is of course edited, however within the context of the video provided, Diane O'Meara is being completely honest. She demonstrates no signals of deception. Moreover her overall "Sincerity Quotient" is high as well (If you were conducting voir dire - you would definitely want to select her for your jury). If the basic framework of this "catfishing" story holds, her honesty & sincerity has no direct bearing on the honesty level of Manti Te'o. Ms. O'Meara, the woman whose likeness was used to allegedly dupe the Notre Dame football star, is scheduled for a more complete interview tomorrow and it will perhaps be more telling. The elaborate hoax, apparently orchestrated by Mr. Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, had Te'o believing her name was "Lennay Kekua".

Of particular note is the "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" (SRHW) that Ms. O'Meara demonstrates during 0:33 - 0:35 in the midst of saying, "...My name is not, Lennay Kekua ...". The self-righteous head wiggle is often seen simultaneously with a display of contempt and incredulity - both of which Ms. O'Meara also subtly displays on her left. Anger and disgust are other common emotions which may accompany a SRHW. It is very often seen displayed by an alpha personality when speaking with betas - when making definitive statements (or similar answers) and/or with the need to be particularly assertive. The characteristic side-to-side rapid movement of the head/neck (and to a lesser degree the torso) seen here can sometimes also be accompanied by an additional backwards or forwards component (although neither present in this example).

Later in the video Diane O'Meara also displays the body language of subtle disgust as she says, "...that would fix this..."(2:25 - 2:29).

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2148: Joe Biden vs. Paul Ryan and the "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" in the Vice Presidential Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1923: Hillary Clinton's Body Language re: Syrian Government - The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle


Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2167: Colin Powell Endorses President Obama -  His Body Language Display of Anxiety, Contempt & the  Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2102: The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle and the Conventional Steeple vs.Basketball Steeple

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1552: The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle & The Buffett Rule

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2158: Kennebunk Maine, Alexis Wright, Prostitution &  Spotting the Body Language of the Self Righteous


Nonverbal Communication Intelligence # 2113: Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran, the U.S. and the  Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2286:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo's Body Language on Dr. Phil's Interview -  The Voice and Mind of "Lennay Kekua" - Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2287:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo on Dr. Phil Interview -  Part II - A Body Language Signal that's a Red Flag

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2280: Manti Te'o's interview with Katie Couric Manti isn't telling us the whole truth -  Te'o's Body Language of Duping Delight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2278: Diane O'Meara (the "face" of Lennay Kekua)  on the Mantei Te'o "Girlfriend Hoax"  Part 2




_______________________________________________________________________________________

Monday, January 21, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2276:
Michelle Obama's Eye Roll ....
What was she thinking? and
What Did Boehner's & Barack's Body Language Say?





To most this is a hilarious (except perhaps to the First Lady) video captured today at a post-inaugural luncheon; John Boehner tells the newly sworn in Commander-in-Chief and his wife a joke. While he looks directly at the President, he taps Michelle on her upper arm (about two-thirds the way from the elbow to the shoulder) with the back of his fingers. Had Ms. Obama been looking at him, the Speaker of the House probably would not have made this physical contact. This moment of touch is captured in the image immediately below (at 0:03).

















This next image (below at 0:06) shows a clear and classic nonverbal display of contempt towards Mr. Boehner. In the video, we see this facial expression twice (at 0:04 & 0:08). Note the left unilateral "snarl" with mid-face tension, her left lip curling up and although her eyes look in the Speaker's direction, her head barely turns towards him. We do not look directly at people who we don't like, don't respect or don't believe. This contempt display is initiated in the subconscious.

Another interesting and telling body language display seen clustered her, is Mrs. Obama pulls her arm closer, in a distancing, disapproval and defensive display (seen at 0:05).

















The next photo show Michelle Obama in the middle of what most people see in this video - the "Eye Roll" (at 0:09). The eye roll is also a contempt display (sometimes coupled with an emotional tone of disbelief) - however, unlike the above noted contempt example, it is initiated consciously. At this moment, she fully intends to convey open disapproval to Mr. Boehner (and her husband). This bluntness is further demonstrated by the first lady also simultaneously shaking her head "no".

The president is showing sincere laughter- smile, while Boehner shows laughter mixed with a "fear-mouth" (a great example of emotional dissonance). At this moment John Boehner realizes he has crossed a line with the first lady - and offended her somehow, while Mr. Obama realizing this, touches her on her shoulder or upper back in an attempt to mollify her (at 0:09 - 0:10).
















The image below is very telling as well (at 0:16- 0:18 in the video). Michelle Obama is still angry. Barack Obama is displaying a nose rub while John Boehner is committing an Inward Lip Roll (ILR) - both of which are forms of self-touching. In body language terminology these are known as MAPs (Manipulator, Adaptor or Pacifier) and signal clear anxiety on the part of both men.

In a nutshell, John Boehner made an attempt at humor and the President and the Speaker of the House both thought it truly was funny, but the Michelle Obama did not. In fact she was offended and displayed and felt contempt for Boehner (she almost certainly had already felt this towards the House leader for some time). The fact that John Boehner touched Mrs. Obama, and touched her particularly higher up the arm [a placed reserved for those whom we have closer relationships with - he would have done better to touch on the elbow, not above or below it (A. Pease)], acted to amplify her contempt - and it may in fact been the primary reason for Michelle's emotion here. The touch would have had the opposite effect if Michelle had good rapport with Mr. Boehner. Laughter is primarily a bonding experience. If Mrs. Obama had had some level of platonic affection for Mr. Boehner (clearly she didn't), and she thought his humor was truly funny - a combination of such touch-laughter would have engendered a greater level of bonding. When there is not a certain level of affection-familiarity, touching another person will often back-fire - although you will rarely see it exemplified so well on video.

















See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1407: Auboni Champion-Morin Reunited with Kidnapped Son After 8 Years -  Microexpression of Contempt towards kidnapper

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 457: Salman Rushdie's Contempt Amplifier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2228: Jay Carney's Body Language - Contempt disguised as a Sniff .... for Republicans' Solutions to the Fiscal Cliff

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2172: Governor Chris Christie's Body Language of Contempt -  Microexpressions and Subtle Displays

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2274: The Eyes & Mouth of Fear - Body Language of Ahmed Dogan during Attempted Assassination


Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1927:  Italy's Fans watching Euro 2012 Final - Expressions of Fear

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1212: Invading Barack Obama's Personal Space

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 915:  Interpersonal Space of Candidates

 
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2275:
Lance Armstrong's Insincerity -
Body Language revealed in Oprah Winfrey Interview
Part III




Another nonverbal signal of Lance Armstrong's insincerity is revealed in the way he touches his chest when trying to convey understanding and truthfulness. Most displays of "self-touching" are examples of what are known as MAPs (Manipulators, Adaptors or Pacifiers) and are, in general signals of anxiety - although when viewed in cluster-context, their meanings can be much more specific. 

At multiple times throughout his interview with Oprah Winfrey, Armstrong touches his chest with only the tips of his fingers & thumb. During moments when we feeling true sincerity (not seen above), gestures of chest touching involve the whole hand including the palm. This "palmar touch" occurs with the whole hand contacting the chest over the heart (left side of chest) and/or the sternum/manubrium (although parts may extend to the right side of the chest). Note in the above video segment during the 2:30 mark, when the disgraced bicycler says, "...I understand ..." Armstrong touches with only his fingertips over his sternum. This is a great example where a person's words contradicting his body language. Whenever the verbal and the nonverbal are in disagreement - the nonverbal language always tells the truth.

It is contradictory body language to display a full-palm-to-chest nonverbal with one's legs crossed in the manner Armstrong has them configured throughout much of this interview (The "American figure-4"). If one had their legs crossed in this way, and then felt a moment of true sincerity, honesty, affection or empathy - the legs would naturally uncross. However, when clustered together, the "figure-4" along with the "fingertip-only to chest" contact are congruent with insincerity.

Another important distinction of the full palmar contact vs. fingertip only contact is made over longer time durations and multiple observations. Full palm-of-hand contact to the left chest or sternum is seen more often in individuals with higher empathy quotients and thus are very rare in sociopaths. Those with low empathy quotients (such as narcissists, sociopaths and psychopaths) rarely display the body language of full palmar contact.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2273: Lance Armstrong & Oprah Winfrey, Part II, Lance Gives Away More with His Body Language -  He told more Lies

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2272: Lance Armstrong's Mia Culpa with Oprah Winfrey  Body Language Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2207: Body Language, Sincerity and Mahmoud Abbas  United Nations grants Palestine "Nonmember Observer State"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1900: Palmar Touch of another Person, an Animal or Object

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1829: Dara Torres Interview with Piers Morgan - Embarrassment,  Visual Recall, Sexual Anticipation Lip Biting &  Sincerity Quotients

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2220:  Harry Reid on Jim DeMint's Retirement - A Body Language Tell of Insincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2143:  Meyers and Bailey Leonard - The Illini, The Marine & The Reunion -  Emotional Processing & Sincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2183: Barack & Michelle Obama's Tweet - The Palmar Touch, Body Language and an Affectionate Hug

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1866:  Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth are Engaged -  An Affection-Love Sincerity Signal


















___________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2274: The Eyes & Mouth of Fear - Body Language of Ahmed Dogan during Attempted Assassination (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





During this assassination attempt in Sofia, Bulgaria, Ahmed Dogan, the leader of Bulgaria's Turkish Party did not know whether he would live or die. He had no time to think - the emotion of fear took over - and it saved his life.

Dogan's eyelids are opened extremely wide here even in this low-resolution image, as is expected in fear. And although it's more difficult to see, his "Mouth of Fear" is also visible, with its corners pulled backwards and down. His "White and Wide" eye appearance as well as his fear-mouth are often seen in much less dramatic scenarios - such as sales, negotiations, depositions, in business meetings, etc., however the vast majority of the time they are either not noticed or discounted. How many times have you missed these and their valuable inferences?

Thankfully, Ahmed Dogan was not injured and the gunman (Oktai Enimehmedov) was apprehended. 

"You only see what you look for, and you only look for what you know."

See also:

Body Language Secret # 702:  Blake Lively's Mouth of Fear, trying to Smile and Forehead of Empathy-Pain

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2053: Strong Signal of Fear-Sadness Anxiety -  Aurora, Colorado "Batman Shooting"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1927: Italy's Fans watching Euro 2012 Final - Expressions of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2031: Tina Fey arriving at Alec Baldwin's Wedding,  Fear-Empathy with a (partial) Sincere Smile - Emotional Dissonance

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 931: Harbaugh's Fear and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2103: Great Example of a Microexpression of Fear

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1106: Subtle Fear Display of al-Assad

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1696: George Zimmerman's Testimony - Fear, Incredulity, Regret & Contempt





_____________________________________________________________________________________