Thursday, June 13, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2427:
Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik -
Body Language & Beta Behavior
(Video, Photos)




In this video highlighting the Goo Goo Dolls, John Rzeznik displays two variations of the same nonverbal - one mild and one significantly more dramatic. 


During the 1:08 - 1:12 segment, the band's lead singer/guitarist - with his left hand reaches under his right thigh. Moreover he also massages his posterior thigh with his fingers. This is an example of a MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) and is indicative of elevated anxiety. More specifically this particular MAP demonstrates a beta emotional surge and relatively low confidence mindset.



A few moments later during a more profound variation of this body language is seen when the musician is speaking about Taylor Swift and "Iris". Rzeznik reaches completely under/around his left thigh with his right hand/arm beginning at 1:38 and even grasps his left hand until 1:40. His hand remains entirely beneath his thigh until the clip transitions at 1:52.


Isolated occurrences of these or other similar MAPs do not signify that whomever is displaying them has an over-all personality is demure - however within the moment a beta/lower confidence is the dominant emotion. Even alpha personalities will have moments of beta behavior; such moments are indeed common and it's important to see them when they are present. Chronic displays of such beta signals are accurate predictors of overall personality traits.

Are you sending out beta signals without being realizing it?

What else does Rzeznik's dramatic under-thigh grab indicate?

What other nonverbals are seen in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2339:  Alpha, Beta, Body Language & Rapport Destroyers

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2384:  Bashar al-Assad on 1 May 2013 -  Demure, Beta and Nervous -  Body Language Lessons on how NOT to appear Confident

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2034:  Even Physicists have Body Language -  Beta behavior at Higgs Boson Conference

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2291: A Tight Fist and Tension in The Face - Jay Carney's Body Language as he defends Chuck Hagel's performance during  Senate Confirmation Hearings

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2409:  David Cameron & François Hollande - Variations on the Hand Chop & Palm Orientation

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2295:  Marco Rubio - Three Magazine Covers - Three Different Body Language Signals

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2331  Sheryl Sandberg on Time Cover - Magazine Brass Picked Completely Wrong Image - Her Body Language has the Opposite Message of the Article

___________________________________________________________________________________