Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2475:
Anthony Weiner & Huma Abedin Part IV
More Sexting Will Surface (Video, Photos)





Anthony Weiner still has more sexting which will surface. The following analysis of the New York City Mayoral Candidate's press conference last week demonstrates this clearly with both his body language and his paralanguage.

Beginning at the 8:32 mark when asked, "When was the last solicitous text message?" Mr. Weiner replies, "Um, I can't sa..., I can't say exactly. Um sometime last summer I think." This reply is loaded full with paralanguage clues indicative of deception.

The following three photos encapsulate the nonverbal components of this ill-at-ease moment. We all collectively wince for Huma in these next few seconds.


This image taken at the 8:36 mark demonstrates Anthony Weiner displaying an aborted "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR). An inward lip roll indicates the psyche's attempt to suppress a significant emotion - usually (and here) it's a negative one. The mouth simultaneously displays components of regret. In addition Mr. Weiner's central forehead is contracted (CFC) indicating a significant level of emotional pain (although in other contexts it is telling for other emotions).

In the photo above and slightly more prominently in the image immediately below (taken at 8:41), Huma Abedin's eye lids are open wider than her normal baseline, in a subtle yet very significant display of fear. Particular in the second photo she is saying with her facial expression, "Please, please, please don't let there be more!"

Asymmetry in the mouth should always be suspect for insincerity. Some people routinely speak out of one side of their mouth and this is their baseline normal (although not the case here). Can you name another interpretation of an asymmetrical mouth during speech?


Weiner's wave-off of last summer's sexting is an effort to temporally distance himself from the event (e.g. "Jeez folks, that was forever ago!" or "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!").




In this last image (captured at 8:43), Anthony Weiner again displays a very brief (slightly longer than a microexpression) signal of regret mixed with a component of anger.

In summary, Mr. Weiner has not come clean regarding all of his sexting. There is more to come. He gave ample nonverbal and paralanguage evidence in these few seconds of very telling video. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2405:  Anthony Weiner's Running For Mayor of New York - His Body Language & His Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2469:  Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin and the NYC Mayoral Race  Body Language & the Five Burroughs, Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2470:  NYC Mayoral Candidate Anthony Weiner &  His Wife Huma Abedin - Body Language Tells, Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2473:  Anthony Weiner & Huma Abedin Part III  When Shoulder-to-Shoulder is broken

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Monday, July 29, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2474:
Mayor Bob Filner's False Smile -
Insincerity, Body Language and San Diego
(Video, Photo)





















San Diego Mayor Bob Filner recently announced he's going to undergo therapy for his alleged sexual harassment behavior. At least seven women have accused him of unwanted sexual advances. This is a second post regarding Mr. Filner's Forehead - however today article showcases a key aspect common to one variety of an insincere smile.

Note Bob Filner's contracted forehead muscles. The deep furrows are evidence of this and it is important to distinguish these from passive forehead wrinkles that most everyone has to some degree after middle age. There is no mistaking the dynamic and dramatic example in the above photo though. Whenever the forehead is actively contracted the smile is NEVER a sincere one. Never. Regardless what the mouth looks like or if the eyes are also consistent with smiling. Always look to the forehead and make sure it is relaxed with no dynamic contraction present. If it is, it means that in that moment - sincerity is NOT present.

Another important distinction to remember is that EVERYONE displays false smiles. These are also known as social smiles. This does NOT mean that the person as a whole is insincere - but it means in that moment at least, the person feels the need to "push out" a fake emotion of joy. As pointed out previously however, chronic displays of a contracted forehead muscles carries significant diagnostic weight as to an overall insincere personality pattern.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2462:  San Diego Mayor Bob Filner -  Sexual Harassment, Body Language and Foreheads

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2157:  Al Smith Charity Dinner  Barack Obama's & Mitt Romney's Smiles  Sincere or False?

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 353:  Brad Pitt's Smiling Eyes - Sincere and Insincere Smiles

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2424:  Giada De Laurentiis on Conan O'Brien  Beautiful Teeth but Insincere Smiles and  Some Body Language Signals of Waning Love

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 367: Insincere Smile - Van Rompuy needs some Acting Classes 

Sincerity Secret # 55: Sincere Smile or is it Insincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2040:  Never Trust a One-Sided Smile - Ex-Lobbyist Jack Abramoff

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1912:  Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye  Matt Lauer's Insincerity



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Sunday, July 28, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2473:
Anthony Weiner & Huma Abedin Part III
When Shoulder-to-Shoulder is broken (Video, Photos)






In this third critique regarding New York City Mayoral Candidate, Anthony Weiner's 23 July 2013 press conference, the importance of interpersonal space and body orientation are of particular focus.

Throughout much of this video Huma Abedin did not face the audience - rather she faced her candidate-husband almost as if they were in the midst of an intimate marital discussion. Sometimes her body was oblique and sometimes it was pointed at him perpendicularly. There were even occasions when her body faced her husband and she rotated her neck/head and looked 180 degrees away from the audience. These particular moments were especially revealing.

A few moments later in this press conference, during much of the time when Huma was speaking, Anthony also did not look at the audience but turned his body obliquely towards his wife and gazed at her notes. He thus projected the persona of a patronizing and controlling husband. This feeling was loud and clear to everyone watching - particularly women voters.

The former congressman's arms, which for some time were folded across his chest, transmitted a defensive and closed-off mindset. This body language cluster is a rapport and vote destroyer.

In the context of a this press conference, relative to the audience (whether viewed via video, T.V. or to those present in the room) - Weiner and Abedin can be thought of as essentially one person. This would be true if Huma were Anthony's campaign manager or any of his staff, however it is especially true since they are husband and wife - and were addressing problems which had & have substantial ramifications on their marriage and his viability as a candidate.



In this moment, Huma Abedin is oblique towards her husband-candidate, Anthony Weiner when she should be facing the audience.




Here Huma has moved closer to perpendicular to Anthony, thus giving the audience the "cold shoulder".











There were several occasions when Huma looked completely away from the audience. These moments were particularly reveling.









As Huma reads her prepared statement, the two stand closer than they do at any other time during the conference - although his body position here is done for the wrong purpose. His body should be "shoulder-to-shoulder" with her. Such a nonverbal would have projected a strong solidarity. In contrast, here he appears as a controlling spouse and a puppet master - rather than a loving and trusting husband. This nonverbal cluster does not project Mayoral strength or supportive feelings.

In summary, both Huma Abedin and Anthony Weiner should have stood in a "united front" and closer together than typical colleagues would (for they are husband and wife). A shoulder-to-shoulder configuration (with shoulders almost touching) with their hands at their sides or loosely grasped behind their backs with their eyes on the audience would have been much more consistent with strong leadership and a strong marriage.
 
In the political world the concept of "Likability" is too often left to chance and "winging it". Likability is the single most important factor in winning over the middle one-third of the electorate. And the single most important factor in determining likability is the quality and warmth of a candidate's body language. The same holds true for the courtroom, the boardroom and the sales floor .... How likable are you?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2470:  NYC Mayoral Candidate Anthony Weiner &  His Wife Huma Abedin - Body Language Tells, Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2469:  Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin and the NYC Mayoral Race  Body Language & the Five Burroughs, Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2405:  Anthony Weiner's Running For Mayor of New York  His Body Language & His Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2150:  Body Language Advice for  President Obama and Governor Romney in Tonight's Debate

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2137:  Mitt Romney vs. Barack Obama - First Presidential Debate - Barack's Bad Body Language 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2146:  Biden vs. Ryan Vice Presidential Debates -  Both Candidates Displayed Body Language of Contempt

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Saturday, July 27, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2462:
San Diego Mayor Bob Filner -
Sexual Harassment, Body Language and Foreheads
(Video, Photo)





Yesterday San Diego Mayor Bob Filner announced that he would be undergoing two weeks of therapy to modify his conduct and alleged sexual harassment towards women. He also apologized for his behavior. At least seven women have come forward and accused the Mayor of unwanted sexual advances.

In the video above there is a significant nonverbal tell indicative of insincerity. When the entire forehead width is chronically contracted - and thus shows dynamic furrows (not passive skin wrinkles) - it is highly consistent with insincerity. Disassociate yourself from people whose forehead's are chronically contracted. Filner's Forehead displayed such furrows for the full video. This is a manifestation of over-compensatory body language - and it's one of the best and most reliable signals when sincerity is absent.

One nonverbal we should often have see if an apology is sincere - but is not present on Filner's face - is a "Central Forehead Contraction" (CFC) - where the outside (lateral) portions are relaxed (see cross references below) clustered together with an expression of sadness on the mouth (this mouth component is very important - for a CFC in the presence of even a subtle smile has a completely different meaning).

Filner was correct when he says at 1:09, "... however words alone are not enough". Filner's words were carefully chosen by a speech writer and himself ahead of time. And while his words were apologetic - their tone, cadence and rhythm were completely inconsistent with a sincere apology. He might as well been denouncing the behavior of an opponent - virtually identical to Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner apologies. And like the two New York politicians he read his apology from a script. Conducting any apology in such a manner engenders insincere voice tone and body language - which are much more important components when assessing for honesty and sincerity quotients.

When evaluating any verbal statement for truth, always ask yourself if the voice tone and the nonverbal signals are congruent with the spoken words. Here Filner Fails. Anyone can say the right thing.

There is also body language signal of doubt displayed briefly - did you spot it?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2469:  Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin and the NYC Mayoral Race  Body Language & the Five Burroughs, Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2470:  NYC Mayoral Candidate Anthony Weiner &  His Wife Huma Abedin - Body Language Tells, Part II

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2441:  Paula Deen's Apology - What Does Her Body Language Say?

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

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 665:  Bashar al Assad - and a Strong Sign of Insincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2124:  This Body Language-Facial Display  Should always make you think "Insincere"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1910:  Natasha Smith Sexually Assaulted in Tahrir Square -  Post Assault Interview

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






















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Friday, July 26, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2461:
Jen Psaki, Egypt & The U.S. State Department -
Pseudo-Prayer Faux Pas (Video, Photo)





Jennifer Psaki, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State announced today (in video above) that the United States will continue to supply Egypt with $1.5 Billion of annual aid despite section 508 of the Foreign Assistant Act, which states: "None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to this Act shall be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance to any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup or decree."

Given the fact that Mohamed Morsi, the first freely elected President of Egypt, was ousted in a coup d'état on 3 July 2013, Ms. Psaki would naturally expect some resistance to the Administration's stance.

A particular body language signal that Ms. Psaki uses in this press conference should be strongly avoided in all but the rarest of times - the mid or lower held Pseudo-Prayer (when held higher, particularly over the mouth it has a completely different meaning). Displayed several times in the final quarter of this video, the pseudo-prayer is strongly patronizing and self-righteous. Outside the setting of a kindergarten class room, a religious setting, or a higher held example (see above and below cross references) and a few culture-specific scenarios the pseudo-prayer is a body language gesture which should not be used unless one's goal is to destroy rapport and send signals of blatant arrogance. These emotions are amplified when an up-and-down chopping motion is added (seen briefly here at the 1:29 mark).

Close your eyes and listen to this video after you have watched it once. Pay close attention to Ms. Psaki's tone of voice. How would you characterize it? Is her tone, volume, cadence and staccato rhythm congruent with her nonverbal signals?

It is rumored that Ms. Psaki is being groomed to replace Jay Carney as The White House Press Secretary. Her body language and paralanguage is strongly suggestive that such a promotion or a lucrative private sector position will come is in her near-future.

What other body language faux pas does Jen Psaki display? What nonverbals did she use to her advantage?

See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1083:  Brewer's MAPs Flag Foreboding

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1896:  IMF Managing Director - Christine Lagarde Pseudo-Prayer & Pursed Lips

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1181:  Helle Thorning-Schmidt & her False Praying Gesture

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2293:  Eric Cantor, the New House GOP Agenda and  One Body Language Signal that  A Leader should NEVER display

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2367:  North Korea, Jay Carney and  Body Language Tells from the White House Press Room

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1555:  Ann Romney Hits it Back Over the Net to Hilary Rosen

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






















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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2470:
NYC Mayoral Candidate Anthony Weiner &
His Wife Huma Abedin - Body Language Tells, Part II
(Video, Photos)





Anthony Weiner's press conference given earlier this week, in which he addressed additional "sexting" incidences which occurred after his resignation from U.S. Congress in 2011. At the 0:48 mark, the New York City Mayoral candidate begins, "...While some of the things that were posted today are true and some are not, there is no question that what I did was wrong. This behavior is behind me. I've apologized to my wife, Huma and I'm grateful he has - she has worked through these issues with me and that I have her forgiveness..."

Just after he says, "... This behavior is behind me ..." (0:57 - 0:58), Huma Abedin displays an evanescent and subtle and partial near-microexpression (slightly longer in duration) of fear. This is characterized by a very brief tightening and lateral movement of the left corner of her mouth and cheek muscles along with a brief contraction and subsequent "tenting-up" of her neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid and platysma).

Ms. Abedin clearly has real fear that, the behavior in question is not limited to her husband's past.

It is a huge mistake when any apology is made to read from a script. Regardless of whether a teleprompter or paper is used, the act of reading always engenders a tone-of-voice and nonverbal displays that are not humble or heart-felt. However if the apology is genuine, and a person speaks with no script or memorization, their vocal quality and body language will naturally take on a sincere quality. Indeed, Mr. Weiner sounds and looks at times like a schoolmarm - as if he is admonishing someone else's bad behavior. Reading a script is nearly always an anathema to sincerity. Your goal is NOT to connect to your audience's intellect. In any apology, to any group of people, if you don't appeal and connect to their emotions' - you will fundamentally fail. The Nonverbal qualities that are visible to all during a sincere apology will build bridges like no script ever could. Crisis Management 101.

















Close up of Huma Abedin at 0:58 with neck muscle tightening and contraction of her left mouth corner and adjacent muscles of her left cheek.

This must be viewed in the dynamic context of the video to be fully appreciated.






See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2469:  Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin and the NYC Mayoral Race  Body Language & the Five Burroughs, Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2338:  Why Does Keit Pentus-Rosimannus feel Fear?  Body Language of Estonia's Minister of Environment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2402:  Partial & Subtle Expressions of Fear -  Young Girls Saved From Drowning by Man & his Dog

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2269:  Travis Tygart's (Chief Executive of U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) Body Language re: Lance Armstrong Doping on  "60 Minutes Sports" Interview

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2306:  George W. Bush trapped in Room - Body Language's Microexpression of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2344:  Jillian Michaels Body Language Neck of Fear & Mouth of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2316:  Jennifer Lawrence's Response to Her Oscar Stumble -  Silver Linings Body Language

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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2469:
Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin and the NYC Mayoral Race
Body Language & the Five Burroughs, Part I
(Video, Photo)





Yesterday New York City Mayoral Candidate Anthony Weiner and his wife Huma Abedin gave a press conference. Ms. Abedin said among other things that she loves her husband and forgives him for his transgressions - some of which have only very recently become public knowledge.

The Press conference was about ten minutes long and is packed with body language teaching points. The following example is only but one moment of analysis. As always, today's post does not have a political agenda, rather it is a forum to illustrate and analyze nonverbal communication.

At 3:54, Anthony Weiner begins, "And now I have a chance to do something I haven't had a chance to do, um, on the campaign yet. Huma as you know has been out there with me recently and, ah, she had a few words that she wanted to say, so, um, my amazing wife, Huma Abedin."

At 4:05 - 4:06 as the former congressman says, "... so um ...", Ms. Abedin scratches her nose and the area just below it, raises her eyebrows, opens her eyelids wider than normal and briefly tightens her upper lip along with additional tension of the area between the upper lip and nose. This is a very clear cluster of nonverbal indicators which reveal that Huma didn't really want to say anything, however Mr. Weiner (and/or his campaign manager) wanted her to make a public statement of forgiveness and declaration of love for her candidate husband.

What other body language tells did you see?

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2405:  Anthony Weiner's Running For Mayor of New York - His Body Language & His Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2439:  Michael Jackson's Wrongful Death Suit - AEG Live CEO's Body Language During Deposition

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2195:  Sen. John McCain's Body Language when comparisons made between  Condoleezza Rice to Susan Rice &  War with Iraq to Benghazi, Libya Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2349:  Barack Obama, The Miami Heat & Chicago Bulls -  POTUS's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2156:  Barack Obama's Body Language at Al Smith Charity Dinner -  Comedy, White Lies and Facial Touching MAPs

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 717:  Barry Bonds and the Obstruction of Justice
















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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2468:
Princess Kate, Prince William & a New Baby Boy -
Body Language, Rapport & Saving Face (Video, Photo)





The World got a glimpse of the U.K.'s Royal Baby today. Princess Catherine and Prince William carried forth their new born son and very possible future King from St. Mary's Hospital in London for the rest of us to see. When a reporter asked a question (inaudible but very possibly regarding the newborn's name), William responded with feigned laughter and then said, "Wait and see means wait and see". In between his fake funny and his spoken words, the Prince tilts his head to his right (slightly away from the questioner), configures his mouth in what is a mild fear configuration and inhales through closed and mildly clenched teeth while making a slight hissing sound.

This is a type of "low level fear" expression indicates that someone (either the speaker or the listener) has just crossed over a line of acceptable behavior or an outcome has occurred which may have some unpleasant/unwanted ramifications. It is not a full-on fear expression by any means. If it had been even a mild nonverbal signal for true fear, the neck would never have been tilted to one side, the eyes would be opened wider than baseline (here they are partially closed) and the corners of the mouth would be pulled tighter laterally with an added downward vector.

This nonverbal indicates a subconscious desire to "save face" - either for oneself or the other person while still communicating that a faux pas has been committed or a bad outcome has been obtained. This nonverbal expression engenders rapport and William certainly uses it to his advantage here.

Though it is not the case here, this head tilt, low level fear expression may be seen coexistent with a Rationalization, Rapport, Empathy Expression (R2E2) and in such a setting it signifies an asking of permission and empathy.

What other very telling body language did the royal couple display in this short video?

Blessings to a Mother, Father and a beautiful new life.

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2159:  Tom Hanks drops the F-bomb on GMA - Body Language of Fear, Surprise, MAPs and a Bitter Smile

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2261:  Mom pulls Python off of her 2 year old daughter -  Body Language & Microexpression of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2264:  Kate Middleton's First Portrait as Duchess of Cambridge  Captures Body Language of Contempt, Disapproval and Fatigue

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 392:  Christmas Cheer - Kate Middleton's and Prince William's Suppressed Smiles

Nonverbal Communication Intelligence Quiz # 2118:  Princess Kate's Subtle Emotions - What do YOU see?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2348:  Prince William, Alpha Personalities & Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1859:  The Prince is Angry at the Queen's Jubilee

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





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Saturday, July 20, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2467:
Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez
Recognizing Multiple Body Language Signs of Anger
(Video, Photo)





Rob Gronkowski, a tight end for the New England Patriots, was recently interviewed Don Dahler.
When Dahler asked him about his (now former) teammate Aaron Hernandez, who was recently arrested for alleged murder - Gronkowski grew angry. When looking at this video there are several nonverbal signs of anger - how many can you spot?

In this image (captured at 0:07), Gronkowski's eyelids are opened slightly wider than his normal baseline. The lower eyelids are also tightened. In addition his "mustache area" (area between upper lip and nose) is tightened. This is seen with simultaneous thinning of his upper lip (although not dramatic). His nostrils are also slightly dilated.

When the head-neck unit is flexed backwards with the secondary chin and nose in the air configuration - this often indicates arrogance-contempt - but not always. Another less appreciated emotion it may signal (depending on the other nonverbal signals with which it is clustered) is determination (often seen in arrest mug shots). However it also can be a sign of anger - and that is emotion cluster-context is what is exampled here. What is a fourth emotion this head-neck tilt may be consistent with?



This photo taken only a second later in the video (0:08), shows reduced  mid-face tension, less upper lip thinning and diminished nasal flaring.
Gronkowski's head & neck remained tilted backwards however.

An additional signal of anger - the "Jaw Jut" - wherein the jaw is trusted forward from the lower skull with a resultant "under-bite" appearance - is manifested in this picture. This body language facial expression is best seen in the dynamic context of the video.

Anyone can spot extreme anger. However being able to identify moderate or subtle manifestations of anger gives you at a dramatic advantage .... and may even save your life.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2346: Texas Shootout & Colorado Killer Suspect Evan Ebel -  Body Language of a Determined Emotional Mindset

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2462:  Rachel Jeantel responds to Critique of Juror - George Zimmerman vs. State of Florida - Tongue in Cheek Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2039:  Fight Outside Florida Courtroom -  Jaw Jut Prior to Violence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1858:  What the Eyes Do - Transitioning from Mild to Severe Anger

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2466:
Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez
Recognizing Multiple Body Language Signs of Anger
(Video, Photo)





Rob Gronkowski, a tight end for the New England Patriots, was recently interviewed Don Dahler.
When Dahler asked him about his (now former) teammate Aaron Hernandez, who was recently arrested for alleged murder - Gronkowski grew angry. When looking at this video there are several nonverbal signs of anger - how many can you spot?

In this image (captured at 0:07), Gronkowski's eyelids are opened slightly wider than his normal baseline. The lower eyelids are also tightened. In addition his "mustache area" (area between upper lip and nose) is tightened. This is seen with simultaneous thinning of his upper lip (although not dramatic). His nostrils are also slightly dilated.

When the head-neck unit is flexed backwards with the secondary chin and nose in the air configuration - this often indicates arrogance-contempt - but not always. Another less appreciated emotion it may signal (depending on the other nonverbal signals with which it is clustered) is determination (often seen in arrest mug shots). However it also can be a sign of anger - and that is emotion cluster-context is what is exampled here. What is a fourth emotion this head-neck tilt may be consistent with?



This photo taken only a second later in the video (0:08), shows reduced  mid-face tension, less upper lip thinning and diminished nasal flaring.
Gronkowski's head & neck remained tilted backwards however.

An additional signal of anger - the "Jaw Jut" - wherein the jaw is trusted forward from the lower skull with a resultant "under-bite" appearance - is manifested in this picture. This body language facial expression is best seen in the dynamic context of the video.

Anyone can spot extreme anger. However being able to identify moderate or subtle manifestations of anger gives you at a dramatic advantage .... and may even save your life.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2346: Texas Shootout & Colorado Killer Suspect Evan Ebel -  Body Language of a Determined Emotional Mindset

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2462:  Rachel Jeantel responds to Critique of Juror - George Zimmerman vs. State of Florida - Tongue in Cheek Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2039:  Fight Outside Florida Courtroom -  Jaw Jut Prior to Violence



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Friday, July 19, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Test No. 2465:
Barack Obama's Comments on
Trayvon Martin & George Zimmerman
Body Language & Sincerity (Video, Photos)




Earlier today, U.S. President Barack Obama gave a speech in which he commented about the initial events, the trial, how it's being viewed differently in the African-American community and what should be done to avoid and minimize future similar events. 

As with all the posts on this blog, there is no political agenda trying to be advanced here. Furthermore this is not meant to editorialize the outcome of the George Zimmerman vs. The State of Florida (Trayvon Martin) case. This example is only sited here as an example in which to discuss and teach nonverbal communication.

What follows are nonverbal nuance as well as some basics. See if you can answer ...


At 1:38 the President makes this asymmetrical facial expression just after he says, " ... they rendered a verdict". What does this nonverbal indicate?



This variation of an inward lip roll with a lower lip bulge at 1:44 is indicative of what emotion?

Note that the President is looking down to his right and did so extensively during this video - particularly in the earlier portions. What does this indicate?




How does hand dominance influence this gazing pattern preference and is Barack's left-hand dominance any different vs. other southpaws?


In the image immediately below and throughout much of the speech, one shoulder was higher than the other indicating weight distributed considerably more on one leg. Assuming leg symmetry and no injury, what does this body language mean?



In the context of the other nonverbals present, what does this lower lip bite at 12:14 indicate?











Look carefully at 13:50 and you will see Barack Obama display a microexpression on the left side of his face. With what emotion is this nonverbal consistent?












From 14:02 - 14:07 the President goes up on his toes (watch video for dynamics). This is relatively rare for Mr. Obama. What does this body language indicate?











How about this tongue-in-cheek body language at 15:40? Again, it is critical to interpret this in the context of the other simultaneous/near-simultaneous body language.

How does the relative lack of any forehead muscle contraction throughout this speech influence your interpretation of President Obama's sincerity quotient?




See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2436:  Vladimir Putin next to Barack Obama - G8 Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2371:  Barack Obama & Anger in the Rose Garden -  POTUS's Body Language & the Gun Laws

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2407:  President Obama in Midst of Heckler -  A Subtle Sign of Significant Anger with  Emotional Dissonance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2156:  Barack Obama's Body Language at Al Smith Charity Dinner -  Comedy, White Lies and Facial Touching MAPs

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2233:  Body Language, President Obama, 20 Children  and the Tongue-in-Cheek

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2138:  President Obama's Anger-Frustration During Debate -  An Under-Appreciated Body Language Signal

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

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Thursday, July 18, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2464:
Gen. Martin Dempsey (Chairman U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff)
Sen. John McCain and The Self-Righteous Torso Wiggle
Body Language on Capitol Hill
(Video, Photos)






In this video John McCain (R-AZ) a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee grills General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a hearing regarding his possible reappointment. In this short clip both men display the "Self-Righteous Torso Wiggle" (SRTW). There are also head & neck components to this nonverbal display - and indeed on most occasions the head-neck and sometimes even jaw features predominate - ergo the similar terminology "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" (SRHW).

The SRTW and SRHW are comprised of a side-to-side movement, usually of rapid frequency although it may be somewhat slower. These are displayed by those who feel they are a relative alpha within the context of the immediate interpersonal environment. These body language displays accompany highly definitive verbal statements.

When a head-neck component is seen, there is often an additional superimposed forward or backward vectoring motion. A backward component is consistent with added incredulity while a forward motion indicates a reprimand or scolding.

Although most men display this body language, it is considerably more pronounced with Gen. Dempsey and he exemplifies it throughout much of his appearance in the video.

The self-righteous head wiggle and torso wiggle are rapport destroyers. If your goal is to build rapport, make the sale or negotiate effectively - you must improve your own body language awareness so as to avoid these nonverbal signals and the emotions which precipitate them.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2398:  Self Righteous Head Wiggle, Alpha Behavior &  First Drone Flight Off of an Aircraft Carrier

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

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

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1267:  John McCain, Sarah Palin and Bell's Palsy

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

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





Sen. John McCain - What explains his facial asymmetry? Are you sure?















Gen. Martin Dempsey - What other nonverbals did you note? What is indicated by his visible increase in deep respiration?

What conclusions can be drawn by the thinning and tightening of his lips (particularly his upper lip).

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2463:
Mila Kunis on Graham Norton
Olly Murs' not-so-secret Crush on Mila
(Video, Photos)




In this hilarious video segment, Graham Norton lets the World know that Olly Murs has a huge crush on Mila Kunis. They both were guests on his show along with Judy Dench and Jude Law. From a nonverbal perspective this video is also quite illustrative.


In this image Mila Kunis' mouth drops open in a vertically-oriented oval. Her eyelids also momentarily open wider than base-line. This brief change is difficult to catch on the relatively lower resolution/camera and is less than a second in duration.








At the 0:33 mark, less than a second after the above image, Ms. Kunis' eyelids move closer together and her mouth/lips close partially and take on a more horizontal oriented oval as her surprise fades. 

Surprise is the most evanescent of all emotions. If it lasts longer than a second or two there is almost always a feigned component present. Also highly characteristic of surprise here, is the rapid transition to a second emotion - in this example one of sincere embarrassment, humor and flattery. Although not seen here, anger and fear are also very common in the seconds immediately following sincere surprise.

For a few fractions of a second, there is an element of a suppressed smile here - though this nonverbal very soon gives way to sincere laughter.




Mila then rapidly covers her mouth with both hands - a signal that the emotional brain is processing very new and suddenly acquired information. The intellectual brain already knows what the emotional brain is trying digest. Rapid mouth covering in such contexts is a body language signal which is indicates both high sincerity and high empathy quotients.



See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2352:  Mila Kunis' Tongue in Cheek - Graham Norton Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2325:  Mila Kunis' interview with Chris Stark on BBC Radio 1 re: Oz the Great and Powerful -  Body Language, Sexual Attraction and Mirroring

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 357:  Mila Kunis and Sergeant Scott Moore

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 # 2159:  Tom Hanks drops the F-bomb on GMA - Body Language of Fear, Surprise, MAPs and a Bitter Smile

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


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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2462:
Rachel Jeantel responds to Critique of Juror
George Zimmerman vs. State of Florida
Tongue in Cheek Body Language (Video, Photos)





Last night Rachel Jeantel was interviewed by Piers Morgan. In the video excerpt above, Ms. Jeantel is shown listening to an earlier interview by Anderson Cooper of one of the six jurors in the George Zimmerman trial, say "I think she felt inadequate toward everyone because of her education and her communication skills, skills ... um, I just felt sadness for her."




During the 0:06 - 0:07 segment, Ms. Jeantel can be seen displaying a very prominent example of a "Tongue-in-Cheek" nonverbal.

A few moments later when Piers asks her, "What do you feel, about what that the juror said about you?" she answers, "Angry ... Upset ... "

A Tongue-in-Cheek facial expression must always be interpreted in the context of the other nonverbals present. Here Ms. Jeantel clarifies her emotion as anger, however although these emotions don't apply here the tongue-in-cheek can also be part of a cluster-context indicating sadness, smugness, deception, "I gotcha"/"I just won"/"You were caught", sexuality display and an alpha dominance display. 








In the fraction of a second preceding it, still at 0:06, what is very evident is her mid-face tightening, her lips foreshorten and her upper lip becomes thinner (compressed) and her jaw juts forward very briefly (in a microexpression). All of these body language signals indicate the emotion of anger (the initial stages of a tongue-in-cheek can also be seen here on her right).

Tongue-in-cheek displays which are dominant/alpha (e.g. anger, smugness, sexual displays) tend strongly to be on the opposite side of those beta tongue-in-cheek expressions (e.g. sadness, lying).

It is important to note that these right-left idiosyncrasies vary from person to person and have no correlation with hand dominance.




See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2352:  Mila Kunis' Tongue in Cheek  Graham Norton Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2434:  Brad Pitt's Tongue-in-Cheek regarding  Reasons for Choosing to Work on "World War Z"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2233:  Body Language, President Obama, 20 Children  and the Tongue-in-Cheek

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2085:  Dina Eastwood - Tongue-in-Cheek Variant

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2215:  Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio Joke and Hint regarding the  2016 Presidential Race - "Tongue-in-Cheek" Body Language


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