Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2749: President Obama, Ukraine's Interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Today President Obama met with Interim Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk in an effort to put pressure on Russia to not meddle with Ukraine and to respect its sovereignty.

President Obama is very good at displaying body language which is not too alpha yet also not excessively beta. These nonverbals are collectively known as "Alpha Beta Hybrids". In the video above one of these amalgams is exampled which can be seen using quite a bit - the "Loose Fist Thumbs Up". This illustrator helps to drive home an important issue or phrase in an assertive manner without being too confrontational or offensive - such as an index finger point.

Some do not execute this particular body language well and thus with a stiff or extended arm or a fist clenched tightly - it escalates their own emotions towards anger. In these scenarios, the anger and tension are manifested simultaneously on the face.

The position of the thumb on top of index finger (forefinger) - rather than in a more tightly griped position of a full fist on the side of the index, middle and ring fingers - is a crucial regulator in preventing this emotional crescendo towards anger

The President however, down-regulates his own potential anger about this delicate crisis by maintaining his fist, elbow and shoulder in a more relaxed configuration. Thus he uses the alpha-beta hybrid (whether he fully realizes this or not) to both illustrate diplomacy and for his own emotional self-regulation. This body language is indeed is a form of biofeedback.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2748: Tatia Pilieva's Brilliant Video "First Kiss" - Body Language of Romance and Affection

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 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 # 2152:  Second Presidential Debate - 16 October 2012 -  Barack Obama's Duping Delight -  Benghazi, Libya Attack was an "Act of Terror" -  Alpha, Beta, Confidence & Acquiescence ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2245:  The Fiscal Cliff Grows Closer & Tempers Fray -  Barack Obama's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2668: Ryan Seacrest - Less Offensive Variations on Pointing - Body Language Nuance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2727: "I am a Ukrainian" Video - Body Language






































_________________________________________________________________________________