Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2420:
Susan Rice's Speech as incoming National Security Advisor
But What is Barack Thinking?
(Video, Photo)





Today President Barack Obama named U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to succeed Tom Donilon as the new National Security Advisor. The President also nominated Samantha Power to replace Ms. Rice in her role as the Ambassador to the United Nations. In the video above (and showcased below) Mr. Obama displays a highly characteristic body language-facial expression - which many will mistake for contempt.

At 1:55 in the video, Susan Rice says, "I want to thank my remarkable colleagues - at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. I am so proud - of the work we've done together - under your leadership Mr. President - to advance America's interest - at the United Nations ....." Immediately after this at 2:12, President Obama rocks to his left and leans over (almost as he is looking at Rice's notes - in he may indeed be doing so) and during 2:13 - 2:14, the left corner of his mouth configures laterally in a specific manner to signal his emotion of regret (however there are other nonverbals consistent with this emotion). Of course we do not know whether he saw something written in the margin which he didn't like - or if he thought a portion of the speech was less eloquent then he desired - or it could be that he believes that he has regret that America could have accomplished more or done things differently. We cannot say why, but the President was feeling regret at this moment.

What other very telling body language does Barack Obama display in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2323:  Jodi Arias Murder Trial - The Body Language of Unilateral - Regret vs. Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2414:  Sen. John McCain after his Trip to Syria -  Body Language of Regret and Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1517:  Signals of Acquiescence and Regret - Rick Santorum Drops Out

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2320:  Estonian Skier Andrus Veerpalu Denies Performance Enhancing Drugs - What his Body Language Tells Us

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2408:  Sen. Kelly Ayotte's Anxiety & Regret via Senators Graham & McCain - Republican Body Language in Response to President Obama's National Defense University Speech

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2358:  Rutgers University President Robert Barchi on Tim Pernetti Resignation & Mike Rice Firing - Body Language of Regret

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1843:  United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice in Response to Syrian Government's Houla Massacre

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2230:  Susan Rice's Interview Immediately after Withdrawaling from Secretary of State Consideration - her Body Language and her Sincerity Quotient















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