Thursday, October 31, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2580: Angela Merkel's Fingers, Emotions and Mobile Phone (PHOTOS, VIDEO)


If you know what to look for, you don't need the likes of the NSA to detect the emotional content of what others are thinking-feeling while on their cell phones.

In these two images taken a few seconds apart and from different angles, Angela Merkel speaks on her mobile - and tells us more than she believes.




Note how the German Chancellor's pinky (aka fifth, smallest digit) finger is extended away from and not in contact with her phone. Moreover Merkel's middle finger - while touching her mobile - is gripping more loosely.

This configuration a reliable nonverbal indicator that she feels in need of distancing herself from the person and/or the subject manner with whom/what she is speaking. In addition her fingers are splayed slightly more apart than is her (or most others') normal baseline when holding a phone. She feels that the person or subject matter is in some way "dirty" and she wants to minimize contact with it/them.

A useful and parallel body language metaphor is brought to mind when visualizing picking up a soiled rag - we extend some our fingers apart from it, lessening our contact with what is undesirable.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2572: Angela Merkel's, Mobile Phones and Eavesdropping - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2571: Angela Merkel, the NSA and Cell Phones - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2533: Angela Merkel's Low Steeple "Trademark" - A Major Body Language Mistake

Negotiation secret # 301: Angela Merkel's Expressions of Fear

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 741: Pencil in Mouth - Angela Merkel  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2539: Calvin Johnson, the Index Finger and Alpha Behavior - A Body Language Tell of Mobile Phones

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2547: Amanda Knox's ex-Boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, Piers Morgan Interview, Body Language Tells and Avoiding the Othello Error 


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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2579: Brandon Bryant Body Language of Disgust and Empathy - Confessions of a Drone Operator (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




 Brandon Bryant is a former drone operator (aka drone sensor operator) for the U.S. Military.

At 4:54 Bryant states, "... there's a lot less mistakes than an F-16, but it's still made me feel like, like I just ended a human life, you know ... ah, how is anyone supposed to deal with that?". During the 5:01 - 5:02 segment (underlined) the former Drone operator beautifully exemplifies a combination of two different emotions felt simultaneously - that of empathy and disgust.

Bryant's central forehead muscle contracts and is somewhat subtle and higher up in this particular moment and example (in ellipse withing photo below yet best see in the dynamic context of the video). Whenever one feels either emotional pain or physical pain directly for oneself or indirectly for another via empathy - the central forehead contracts (take heed though, for there are other contexts for a CFC).

The CFC is also accompanied by an elevation of his inner (medial) eyebrows.

Disgust in the former drone operator's face is shown by a bilateral nostril flaring and a tightening of his "mustache area" (referred to as such regardless of gender or absence facial hair) along with an evanescent deepening of both nasal-labial folds. And although not required for disgust, the partial closing of Bryant's eyelids here amplifies his disgust.

The fact that Brandon Bryant displays these facial expressions in this context in highly consistent with one who experiencing as well as predicting who is prone to developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

From a nonverbal communication standpoint, this interview is a fantastic teaching video. What other telling body language did you spot?

See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1499:  Bill Clinton's Empathy for Eric Fehrnstrom and  Mitt Romney ... What's Your Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2565: Goblin Valley State Park - Knocking over Hoodoo Rock Formation - Body Language of Boy Scout "Leaders"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1732:  Rationalization, Rapport, Empathy Expression  How Jewel got her name

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2512:  Matthew Cordle's YouTube Confession  and the Death of Vincent Canzani  "I Killed a Man" - What His Body Language Tells Us ...  It's NOT what you think!

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2537: Kenya Mall Attack Witness, Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2390:  Charles Ramsey Interview & Cleveland Kidnappings -  Sarcastic Disbelief, Disgust and Exclamation 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2507:  Secretary of State Kerry's Disgust  An Oft Overlooked and Camouflaged Body Language Signal








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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2578: Obamacare Website Apology - Sincere vs. Insincere? (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Marilyn Tavenner, the federal official who heads up the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) testified today before the House Ways and Means Committee. During this testimony she apologized for the numerous problems of the Affordable Care Act's (Obamacare) website. This apology is shown in the above video.

A sincere apology is fundamentally an emotional act. It is not primarily an intellectual act or a legal act - if it is sincere. Thus an apology, if sincere, should NEVER be read. It should be extemporaneous and spoken from the heart - complete with stutters and verbal missteps. If it prepared by a third party and read aloud - it will NEVER be interpreted as sincere.

One obvious consequence of reading from a prepared script is an incredible lack of eye contact. In this video apology, Ms. Tavenner looks very briefly at the audience multiple times and the longest of these lasted just over a second - the rest were all shorter (Of particular interest is when she speaks the word "apologize" - she only looks at the audience for the its fourth and final syllable - at the 0:10 mark). For maximum conveyance of rapport and sincerity, eye contact should be made for three to four second durations at specific people in the audience in a non-repetitive, random pattern - rather than for very evanescent segments as Ms. Tavenner exemplifies. 

The quality of Ms. Tavenner's voice is not at all sincere (elements of paralanguage). A school child could identify its absence here. However when reading from a script, particularly from a third person's composition, even in the presence of sincerity - an apology will not be interpreted sincere.

Take note also of the complete lack of hand and arm movement. In body language parlance these are one type of what are termed "illustrators". A lack of or sudden decrease in illustrators has a high correlation of insincerity and deception. In addition and an overlapping issue is the lack of visibility of most of the the official's body. The higher the percentage of another's body that is hidden behind a table, lectern, etc. (particularly the hands or face) the less we trust them.

Another fundamental nonverbal signal that is not seen here which is required for an apology to be sincere is contraction of the central forehead (aka CFC). The only exceptions for this is someone with significant injury/disease or excessive Botox usage. Those whose faces are treated with significant amounts of Botox are universally judged as less sincere - because their expressions are muted or absent.

Incredibly, another body language finding here which indicates a lack of sincerity is a subtle (yet highly significant) "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle". Did you spot it?

In summary, whenever judging another's sincerity quotient, always ask yourself if the verbal message, the vocal quality (paralanguage) and nonverbal signals are congruent. If they're not all in agreement - then their communication is insincere.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Test No. 2543: Guido Barilla's Apology - Sincere or Insincere? What Does His Body Language Says

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2438:  Sincere Surprise Body Language - Three Year Old Receives Brain Stem Implant and Hears for the First Time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2573: Sarah Palin's Hand, The Pledge of Allegiance and Sincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2512:  Matthew Cordle's YouTube Confession  and the Death of Vincent Canzani "I Killed a Man" - What His Body Language Tells Us ...  It's NOT what you think!

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1855:  Sincere Kisses & Closed Eyes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2482:  Alex Rodriguez's Sincerity  Body Language of a One-Sided Smile






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Monday, October 28, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2577: Bill Clinton and Terry McAuliffe - Alpha and Beta Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In this image below, captured during the 3:54 - 4:03 segment in the above video, Bill Clinton is shown campaigning for Terry McAuliffe - who is running for Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Here we see an example of two different hand nonverbals - one is advisable while the other is not.

Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The image below however, wascaptured from this video.

Bill Clinton is exampling a "Basketball" steeple. In a simplistic way of thinking, the basketball steeple is a "watered down" version of a "conventional steeple". However, while basketball steeple is certainly less alpha - it also has the effect of building rapport, conveying confidence and assertiveness - without being hyper-alpha as would be projected an extended conventional steeple. Conventional steeples should be used very briefly - otherwise they will destroy rapport, alienate and project arrogance.

The basketball steeple is one of the best examples of a class of body language signals (here specifically an illustrator) known as alpha-beta hybrids. Alpha-beta hybrids are the nonverbal equivalents of "having one's cake and eating it too". Knowing when and being able to dial down the alpha emotions a bit or fine-tuning the beta body language - is paramount in projecting leadership and confidence without alienating ... something few people can do.

What other alpha-beta hybrid body language combos can you name? How many and how often do you use these?




















In dramatic distinction to the former President, Terry McAuliffe is not projecting confidence by picking his fingers and fingernails. This is an excessively beta, nervous and acquiescing body language. Even when standing next to a Head-of-State - no one should be doing this. McAuliffe knows better. This nonverbal display projects weakness, anxiety and insecurity. It in no way projects anything resembling strength, power or leadership. It also does not convey respect to the speaker.

What simple maneuver would you advise to prevent this demure, self-touching faux pas?

What undesirable nonverbals did the former President display in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2569: Hillary Clinton, Visibility, Trust and a Harbinger of 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2564: Hillary Clinton Stumping for Terry McAuliffe ... but Did She Hint at Running in 2016?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2523:  Hillary Clinton, Body Language and the 2016 Presidency -  Rapport Builder vs. Rapport Destroyer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2534: Bill and Hillary are going to be Grandparents; President Clinton's Body Language is Telling Us that Chelsea is Pregnant

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2487:  Chelsea Clinton's Beta Body Language -  The Elevated Fig Leaf

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2490:  Hillary Clinton and the Two-Handed Point - The American Bar Association, Body Language and  Variations on a Theme

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2360:  Bill Clinton and the Body Language of a  "Loose Hand, Palm Up Point" 

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Sunday, October 27, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2576: Chris Brown's Body Language - a Signal of Psyche's Suppressing Emotions ... and Anger and .... (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Chris Brown is once again in very hot water. The singer and his bodyguard were arrested in Washington D.C. this morning and charged with felony assault. Among other things, this would constitute a parole violation for the entertainer and a high probability of prison time. He has a history of felony assault of his former girlfriend, Rihanna. The above video is from a court appearance earlier this year in July.



At the 0:06 mark, Chris Brown can be seen displaying a "Tongue Jut" (aka "Lizard Tongue"). This classic body language signal is significant the emotional tone of: "I did a foolish thing", I got away with something", "I've been bad" or "I've got caught". It can also be a nonverbal sign of excitement (when clustered with other nonverbals it can indicate excitement or self-deprecating humor). 










Less than a second later, Brown displays an "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR) with a coexisting "Jaw Jut" (0:06.5 - 0:08.5). In this context a jaw jut is an extremely reliable body language indicator of anger.

The simultaneous inward lip roll is a signal of the psyche's attempt at suppressing an (outward) emotional display as well as preventing internal emotion escalation. It is much more commonly seen with negative emotions (here anger) however it can sometimes be seen in positive emotions such as joy-happiness.


When a man displays a jaw jut, there is a good chance that the anger will escalate to violence. This probability is very significantly increased if the hand(s) are forming fists. Red flag time.





Another inward lip roll with somewhat less jaw jutting is exhibited at 0:26 - 0:28.












There is tons of other body language in this short video. What did you miss the first time you watched it?

See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1482:  George Clooney's Lizard Tongue (Tongue Jut)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2480: Alex Rodriguez's Press Conference - 2 August 2013,  A-Rod's Body Language Part Deux

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2547: Amanda Knox's ex-Boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, Piers Morgan Interview, Body Language Tells and Avoiding the Othello Error

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2500:  Ft. Hood Shooter Nidal Malik Hasan and Contempt  The Body Language of Threat Assessment 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2565: Goblin Valley State Park - Knocking over Hoodoo Rock Formation - Body Language of Boy Scout "Leaders"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No.2549: al Qaeda operative Abu Anas al-Liby (Libi) captured in Libya, Body Language Signals Chronic with Terrorists

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2313: Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel - What Her Body Language Tells Us

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2575: The "Bishop of Bling" - German Catholic Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst's Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)


Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst a Catholic Bishop from Germany has recently landed in hot water for alleged massive cost over-runs in the building of a luxury residence and office complex as well as lying under oath. Known as the "Bling of Bishop" and the "Luxury Bishop" he has been removed from his diocese in Limburg by Pope Francis while an audit and an investigation and regarding cost these excessive costs are conducted.

In the above image Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst is shown in a high, bilateral, palms-down configuration. Palm-down body language is authoritative, assertive and alpha - and it's universally negatively received by audiences. As with all alpha body language, it should be used sparingly - essentially choreographed into a presentation - lest it backfires. Those in leadership positions however almost always over-use alpha body language - thus destroying rapport and repelling peers, subordinates ... and superiors.

This particular example of the bling bishop is significantly dialed-up. Its bilateral nature significantly elevates his alpha signal. In addition, the higher the hands are held - the more the authoritativeness is further up-regulated. Moreover, the bishop's fingers and thumbs are closed and parallel form - which amplifies the dominant emotional tone even further. This palms-down nonverbal is extremely hyper-alpha and will alienate others. Religious figures are not exempt from this phenomenon.

Those in power will tend to display a much higher alpha body language signal density. Studies suggest that people in power often also tend to have less empathy. So if you want to seek out those with empathy - beware of those who use an excess of alpha nonverbals.

Think of another German leader from the 1930's and 40's and you will have a clearer illustration of this principle.

See also:

Negotiation Secret # 702: Muammar Gaddafi and The Dominant Spider

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

Negotiation Secret # 555:  How Facial Expressions Correlate with Palm Position

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1705:  North Korean Statues of Kim Jong-il & Kim Il-sung

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2572: Angela Merkel's, Mobile Phones and Eavesdropping - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2571: Angela Merkel, the NSA and Cell Phones - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2321:  Cardinal Timothy Dolan on "Face the Nation" Problems in Catholic Church & Electing a New Pope Clergy are Not Exempt from Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2539: Calvin Johnson, the Index Finger and Alpha Behavior - A Body Language Tell of Mobile Phones


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Saturday, October 26, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2573: Sarah Palin's Hand, The Pledge of Allegiance and Sincerity (VIDEO, PHOTOS)


These images, captured during the recent U.S. government shutdown at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. shows Sarah Palin in the foreground during the "Pledge of Allegiance".

During moments of "Heart Felt" sincerity, we hold our hands close to our hearts (left side of the chest). This nonverbal sign is very natural - and is indicative of feelings of high sincerity in those who display it. It also imparts sincerity and warm feelings to those who witness it. However when others touch the right side of their chest, similar configurations etc. - while some may not be able to "put their finger on it" or break down the body language bullet points they are seeing - it leaves them feeling "ill at ease".


It is important to note that a portion of the human heart lies beneath the sternum. Also approximately 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 22,000 people may have been born with their heart on their right side (situs inversus with dextrocardia). But in absence of this congenital abnormality, when the hand gravitates away from the heart - question the sincerity.

Some may think that holding one's hand on left side of the chest is purely sociological or is solely traditional - but the etiology of this phenomenon has both physiologic and psychological causes and is very strong. Our biology dictates sincere or insincere behavior.

Of course their are many other nonverbal signals of insincerity. What others are present here?

P.S. This phenomenon of course is not limited to any one party - but can be witnessed throughout the entire political and human spectrum.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2512:  Matthew Cordle's YouTube Confession  and the Death of Vincent Canzani  "I Killed a Man" - What His Body Language Tells Us ...  It's NOT what you think!

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2482:  Alex Rodriguez's Sincerity  Body Language of a One-Sided Smile

Nonverbal Communication Test No. 2543: Guido Barilla's Apology - Sincere or Insincere? What Does His Body Language Say?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2438:  Sincere Surprise Body Language - Three Year Old Receives Brain Stem Implant and  Hears for the First Time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2:  Body Language of Blake Lively and Penn Badgley - Strongly Suggests an Impending Break-up in Near Future

Romance, Marriage and Dating - Body Language Secret # 771: Ann's and Mitt's Affectionate Hug

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2459:  Was Eliot Spitzer Sincere?  Apology, Sincerity and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2099:  Nikki Haley & Sarah Palin - Governors in Contrast




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Friday, October 25, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2572: Angela Merkel's, Mobile Phones and Eavesdropping - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





In this brief video of Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor - and the most powerful woman in the World - voices her concern over the alleged NSA's massive collection of phone data on tens of millions of Europeans - including the direct tapping into Mrs. Merkel's and 35 other Heads-of-State Mobile phones.

Intriguingly, on several occasions in this particular video, the German leader displayed multiple mild fear expressions. The best example of this occurred during the 0:22 - 0:23 segment - captured below in the still image. Note the corners of her mouth pull backwards and slightly down. This is subtle yet a very significant nonverbal signal of fear. Notice also the lack of any fear-related nonverbal indicators of the eyes or neck.

What nonverbal manifestations of Anger did Angela display in this Video?

What body language is present which signifies Mrs. Merkel's high-alpha personality?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2571: Angela Merkel, the NSA and Cell Phones - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2517:  Bashar al-Assad Fears Over-Throw if U.S. Attacks,  Body Language Tell During Charlie Rose Interview, Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2556: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Star Trek - Even Great Actors Leak Body Language Tells

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2064:  David Cameron & Boris Johnson - Wincing at Wimbledon

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

Negotiation Secret # 351:  Lars Von Trier, Kirsten Dunst - Some Subtle and not-so-subtle signs of  anxiety, discomfort, anger, fear, etc.


















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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2571: Angela Merkel, the NSA and Cell Phones - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)


Recently Angela Merkel and François Hollande learned that the U.S.'s NSA is alleged to have tapped into tens of thousands of Germany's and France's citizens' phones - including it is said the personal mobile phones of the both the German Chancellor and the French President.

Most people are unaware of the degree to which they become "nonverbally naked" when they're talking on the phone. Facial expressions become more pronounced and body language becomes more exaggerated. This phenomenon occurs with otherwise socially adept and experienced professionals (e.g., physicians, attorneys, senators, heads of state, etc.). Thus during such moments it is possible to observe these amped-up, often melodramatic signals in the context specific speech and glean valuable emotional tells. Intriguingly, the moment the individual gets off the phone, their psyche and body language returns to a different, non-telephonic baseline. If care is taken to observe their nonverbal details, patterns and idiosyncrasies during the phone conversations - the subtleties and nuances when they're off the phone becomes much easier to see. It's like seeing the (real) man (or the woman) behind the curtain. The camouflage is lifted.

Tell us what you really think Angela ...


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2539: Calvin Johnson, the Index Finger and Alpha Behavior - A Body Language Tell of Mobile Phones

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 341:  Narcissism, Parking and Cell Phones

Negotiation and Dating Secret # 111:  The Great Phone Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2533: Angela Merkel's Low Steeple "Trademark" - A Major Body Language Mistake

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 741: Pencil in Mouth

Leadership Secret # 222: Angela Merkel - Palms Down vs. Palms Up

Negotiation secret # 301: Angela Merkel's Expressions of Fear

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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2570: How to Count Like a Leader - Barack's Beneficial Body Language Double Entendre (VIDEO, PHOTO)

Most North Americans (>97%) and those from the U.K., when enumerating to others, count first on their index finger (forefinger), second on their middle finger, then the ring finger, pinkie and finally the thumb. However those from mainland Europe count first on their thumb, second on their forefinger, middle finger, etc. (Pease).

Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The images below however, were captured from this video. 


Those from the European Mainland, and a few scattered others are wisest in this body language dichotomy. This particular order of digit display has the distinct advantage of the "Thumbs up" - an emblem of optimism.

An emblem is a nonverbal term for a  body language signal - the meaning of which is clearly and widely recognized within a city, a region or country and occasionally world-wide. The Thumbs-Up is just such a definitive and widely recognized emblem.




When North Americans and others count first with their forefingers - it carries with it the strong disadvantage of being confused with (both consciously and subconsciously) pointing. Index finger pointing (another emblem) is universally offensive and thus its use should be almost always avoided (there are rare exceptions).








So when President Obama (displayed twice in this short video), or the rest of us count first with the thumb - we "Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative" (Thank you Johnny Mercer) - something the President, with the recent government shut down, threatened default and Obamacare miscues - is in great need of lately.







See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2563: President Obama's Subtle Anger - Body Language of Government Shutdown & the Debt Ceiling

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2561: President Obama's Self-Righteous Jaw Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2541: Barack Obama, Permanent U.N. Security Council Members, Syria's Chemical Weapon Disarmament and a Presidential Gaffe - Body Language in the Oval Office

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin  Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2160:  Index Finger (Forefinger) Pointing in Politics -  The Third (and Final) 2012 Presidential Debates -  Body Language of Being an Alpha Male without Offending 

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 349:  Julia Gillard, Pointing with Two Fingers (or more)

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

Leadership Secret # 222: Angela Merkel - Palms Down vs. Palms Up

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1918:  Vladimir Putin - Pointing with Pen Surrogates - Sharp vs. Blunt

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2569: Hillary Clinton, Visibility, Trust and a Harbinger of 2016 (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Hillary Clinton was campaigning for Terry McAuliffe on Saturday and therein revealed a multitude of Body Language take-away points. One was that Hillary is absolutely running for President in 2016 (see Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2564: Hillary Clinton Stumping for Terry McAuliffe ... but Did She Hint at Running in 2016?).


In this image captured from the video above, the former Secretary of State is seen introducing Virginia Gubernatorial Candidate Terry McAuliffe.

Note she is standing behind a lectern which is composed of a thin central metal beam. This allows for much greater visual exposure of the speaker. Greater visibility translates to heightened levels of trust felt by the audience. People trust what they can see, and hiding behind a conventional wide and high, wooden lectern blocks the view of most of one's body. Along with Plexiglas lecterns, these minimalist designs are becoming increasingly popular in the last several years - particularly among political candidates.

Intriguingly, all factors being equal, those who use a minimal lectern - or even none at all - will speak with a higher energy level, a greater confidence and enjoy a greater flow and ability to "think on their feet" compared with other times when speaking behind a lectern. This change in tactic, while seemingly trivial to some is extremely beneficial.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2490:  Hillary Clinton and the Two-Handed Point -  The American Bar Association, Body Language and  Variations on a Theme

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2523:  Hillary Clinton, Body Language and the 2016 Presidency -  Rapport Builder vs. Rapport Destroyer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2534: Bill and Hillary are going to be Grandparents; President Clinton's Body Language is Telling Us that Chelsea is Pregnant

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2363: Hillary Clinton, Body Language and the Political Point -  Hand Tension Correlations with Facial Tension

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2385:  Hillary Clinton & Henry Kissinger at  Atlantic Council's Leadership Awards  Her Body Language Betrays Anxiety at a Key Moment

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2379:  Bill Clinton's Speech at the  George W. Bush Presidential Library Opening  Body Language of Former and Current President

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2568: Barack Obama Catches Near-Fainting, Pregnant Woman (Karmel Allison) During Speech (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Yesterday Barack Obama helped to catch a woman who nearly fainted during a speech at the White House. President Obama was addressing concerns about the highly publicized website problems regarding the Affordable Care Act when a health problem was unfolding behind him.


Just in back of the President's right shoulder was standing Karmel Allison. Ms. Allison is both pregnant and a longstanding type I diabetic.

In this image captured at the 0:07 mark, both of Karmel's eyes, particularly her left eye are momentarily widely opened. This "white and wide" eye configuration is not a symptom or finding of fainting or pre-fainting - rather it is a nonverbal manifestation of her own fear of fainting (after all, nobody wants to faint and she is pregnant, standing in back of the President and on television).
 
Note also that Ms. Allison's central (inner) eyebrows are also slightly elevated which is also expected for physical or emotional pain.


After Karmel tells the woman to her right of her concerns, the other woman can be seen displaying an inward lip roll (ILR) on multiple occasions (this image was captured at the 0:41). The inward lip roll is seen when the psyche is attempting to suppress the outward body language manifestations and an inward emotional crescendo of a strong emotion. Although the ILR can be seen with joy-happiness, it is usually seen in association with strong negative emotions. It's as if the subconscious is saying, "I need to get emotional control of this situation".

The ILR can also be seen just prior to or during a significant physical act.

What other body language indicators do you see exemplified in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2517:  Bashar al-Assad Fears Over-Throw if U.S. Attacks,  Body Language Tell During Charlie Rose Interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2556: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Star Trek - Even Great Actors Leak Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2552: Tom Hanks, the Real Captain Phillips and Recalling the Emotion of Fear

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2457:  Surfer Gets Knocked Unconscious by Whale  Body Language Basics from Bondi Beach 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2374:  Tom Cruise on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Body Language of Emotional Dissonance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2404:  Internal Lip Roll and other Body Language  associated with Suppression of Sadness

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Monday, October 21, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2567: Keanu Reeves, "Man of Tai Chi" and a Beta Posture (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Recently Keanu Reeves appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to promote his new movie "Man of Tai Chi". The film which was shot in Beijing and Hong Kong is loosely based on Reeves' friend, stuntman Tiger Chen. Keanu Reeves plays the antagonist and it is also his directorial debut.

In this video, Keanu assumes a significantly beta nonverbal posture and maintains this for about 20 seconds (3:06 - 3:26). In this configuration his left elbow is resting on the back of a flat, stiff and palm-down right hand. This is a nonverbal metaphor signifying that the subject of which he's speaking "needs some support" and thus is exaggerated or deceptive. Coexistent along with this hand-support is the abbreviated arm cross with one arm (his right). Taken in whole, this body language cluster is significant for a low confidence, defensive emotional tone and is significantly suspect for a lie.






























See also:

Nonverbal Secret No. 33: Keanu Reeves' - Covering the Mouth While Smiling

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1241:  Ron Paul - A Low Confidence Pledge of Allegiance

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 913:  Low Confidence, Low Trust and Demure

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2440:  Vladimir Putin Dials Up His Alpha ... Foot Position, Projecting Leadership,  Confidence & Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2519:  Vladimir Putin Speaks Syria,  Chemical Weapons and Disarmament -  Body Language just after his New York Times Op-Ed

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 337:  Michele Bachmann's Low Confidence Stance

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 14:  Minnie Driver's High and Low Confidence Drivers: Arms Akimbo and Assertive Attitudes
 

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Sunday, October 20, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2565: Goblin Valley State Park - Knocking over Hoodoo Rock Formation - Body Language of Boy Scout "Leaders" (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Glenn Taylor and David Hall were recently supervising a group of boy scouts during a trip to Goblin Valley State Park about 12 miles north of Hanksville, Utah. The Park is famous for its 170 million year-old hoodoo formations. These beautiful, unusual and counter-intuitive mushroom shape rock shapes which began to be formed in the Jurassic Period are slowly weathered from Entrada sandstone.

A video of Taylor pushing-over one of the hoodoos was posted on social media. The two men allege the formation was loose and thus presented a threat of injury or death to park visitors. The men face possible felony charges for the action. Most anyone who watches the video will doubt the sincerity of their claim.

A body language analysis of two not-so-obvious nonverbal tells during the brief news interviews is detailed below.


In the above video, David Hall displays the "Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression" (during the 0:51 second mark and lasting slightly longer than a microexpression). Many novice body language students who see this may confuse it with an expression of contempt - and sometimes it may also resemble disgust and to some even it may even look like anger or even fear). Although the R2E2 may resemble these emotional expressions - it carries a radically different meaning.

The rationalization rapport empathy expression is displayed during conversations when the speaker is trying to seek rapport, is rationalizing and/or is trying to recruit the listener into co-rationalization (empathy recruitment) of their action, opinion, idea, etc.

A leaning forward with the head/neck and torso is commonly seen. Often there is also a touching of or reaching towards other person(s) being spoken to.

We all occasionally display the R2E2. Intriguingly, it is often co-exists with a quicker rate of speech as well as a higher pitched voice. It is also common to observe forced laughter.

These additional nonverbal gestures and paralanguage modifiers act as amplifiers of the emotions causing a R2E2.

When you observe the R2E2 nonverbal, you would be well-advised to ask yourself, why the person displaying this body language is not fully convinced of what they are saying? Or perhaps why they believe you need convincing of their opinion, action or idea? The rationalization rapport empathy expression can thus often be a signal of deception, insincerity (especially when used excessively) and/or they are trying too hard to sell you. Take heed.



In this instant (1:11) as he begins to say, "... we thought we were doing a good deed ...", Glenn Taylor is seen displaying an expression of fear which is seen in both his eyes and on his mouth. This particular fear face nonverbal is subtle and very evanescent.







What other nonverbal signals do you see in the above video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2341:  Angela Bassett Interview - Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression  R2E2, Body Language & "Olympus has Fallen"

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1732:  Rationalization, Rapport, Empathy Expression  How Jewel got her name

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2488:  Keri Russell's Body Language -  She's Trying to Convince Us & Jimmy Kimmel
 
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2278:  Diane O'Meara (the "face" of Lennay Kekua)  on the Mantei Te'o "Girlfriend Hoax"

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"

Below is a more full version of the original event.




Below is an image of the "Three Sisters" Hoodoo formation at Goblin Valley State Park






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