Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2461:
Prosecutor John Guy's response to
Defense Attorney Don West's Knock-Knock Joke
Body Language at George Zimmerman's Trial
(Video, Photo)





Attorney Don West can be seen in this video as he was making a portion of his opening argument in the defense of George Zimmerman. In it he told his now infamous knock-knock joke. Although this short video is laden with body language examples, it is included here to exemplify one of prosecuting attorney John Guy's nonverbal tells.

During the 1:04 - 1:15 segment, Mr. Guy displays a version of the "Double-L" (see image below). Here his index and middle finger of his left hand are oriented vertical on the side of his face, while his ring finger and pinky are curled (flexed) over the left side of his mouth. His left thumb supports his chin. This particular MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) is a very common and highly reliable nonverbal signaling critical evaluation.

Of course in such courtroom theatrics, it is not at all surprising that one attorney would be thinking & feeling critical emotions towards an opposing attorney. However this is also an extremely common body language signal which can be seen in multitude during any business meeting or negotiation. Moreover, it often occurs when negative emotions are being felt and yet with minimal or no signals of verbal disagreement.

What emotion does attorney Bernie de la Rionda's facial expression convey in the image below?

What about facial nonverbals of the man sitting immediately behind Mr. Guy?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2460:  Third Year Law Student-Intern Channa Lloyd, African-American on Zimmerman's Legal Team An Under-appreciated Alpha Body Language Signal

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1720:  Critical Evaluation, Disbelief & a Partial Emblematic Slip  ValĂ©rie Trierweiler & Francois Hollande

Negotiation Secrets # 102 and 122:  Two Critical Evaluation Emblematic Slips

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 1019:  Cameron's Critical Cluster

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2305:  Carnival Cruise Line CEO, Gerry Cahill's Apology Sincere or Insincere?  What his Body Language Says ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2444:  George Zimmerman Trial  Jonathan Good - Eyewitness Testifies regarding the Last Seconds of Trayvon Martin's Life




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