Thursday, July 31, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Quiz-Analysis No. 2902: How Sincere was Ray Rice's Apology? (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Ray Rice apologized today in a press conference for allegedly assaulting his then fiancée (and now wife), Janay Palmer. A video showing Rice allegedly dragging Palmer out of an elevator in an Atlantic City, NJ Casino has been widely circulated (see below). NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been widely criticized for his mild punishment (in relative and in absolute terms) of the Baltimore Ravens Running Back.

When you view this video of the press conference, do you think Ray Rice is sincere?

When it comes to an apology, do you believe sincerity is an "all or nothing" emotion - or are there degrees of sincerity? If so, on a scale of 1 to 10 - how sincere is Ray Rice in this apology?

Do you believe that Rice is mad, sad, or regretful for his actions - or for the fact he was caught?

Do you see Nonverbal Communication signals in this video which signify Anger?
Is there Body Language of Regret?
What signs of Sadness do you see?
What is Ray Rice's "Empathy Quotient"?

When assessing a person's sincerity - always take note of their words, paralanguage and their body language. Ask yourself - are they all in agreement? Are Ray Rice's words, tone of voice and other vocal qualities as well - as his nonverbal signals congruent or are they in disparate? All three must be consistent with each other in order for high sincerity to be present.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2901: Sadie doesn't want her brother to grow up - Body Language of Sincere Affection

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2839: Jonah Hill's Apology on Jimmy Fallon - Sincere or Insincere? - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2296:  Penelope Soto Apologizes & Avoids 30 Days in Jail -  Body Language Accompanying Sincere Tears & Apology

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!



























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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2901: Sadie doesn't want her brother to grow up - Body Language of Sincere Affection (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




This is an adorable and very viral video of a little girl (Sadie) expressing her wishes not wanting her younger brother to grow up.

While there are few who would doubt this little girl's love and affection for her little brother - this video and interaction serves to illustrate some high sincerity, nonverbal affection signals. 



A kiss planted on the eyelid, eyebrow, forehead above the eye or the top of the head - are all excellent body language signals of high affection and high sincerity.

Here Sadie kisses her little brother on just above his right forehead.






Touching the necklace, the sternum, the manubrium or the lower throat are strong signals of anxiety and in this context it also indicates a high sincerity quotient














Touching one's eye to another person's eye, brow or forehead is indicative of both extremely high affection and sincerity.






One of the reasons this video when viral - probably THE PRIMARY reason - is that we all want to see (and of course - to give and receive) sincere affection. It is too rarely displayed. Children haven't yet adopted the filters that most adults would do well to abandon. Every human being craves affection. Thank you young Sadie for your example. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2900: Lionel Messi and the Lateral Lip Purse - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2701: Cuddling, Romance, Affection and Foot-Shunning - Body Language Tells

Body Language Secret No. 105: Parental Affection and Love

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1423:  Head First Affection &  Head Surrogate Hugs

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2179:  Mitt Romney & Barack Obama -  Sincere Hugs and True Affection 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2897: Fifty Shades of Grey - Part II - Warning Signs & Threat Assessment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2898: Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman, a Suppressed Smile and .... 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1926:  Mexico's President-Elect Enrique Peña Nieto  Critical Evaluation Body Language Cluster 

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2900: Lionel Messi and the Lateral Lip Purse - Body Language Tells (PHOTOS)























Captain of the 2014 Argentine Football Team as well as a forward for FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi is shown here in an often misunderstood nonverbal display - that of the "Lateral Lip Purse".

A lateral lip purse is a sign of an open decision making process. In distinction to the forward lip purse - (which has a clandestine nature to it) - when the lips are pursed to one side, it conveys an honest, open and non-secretive emotional tone. A lateral lip purse is very commonly seen in a grocery store when a person is deciding between two brands or flavors.

An additional component to Messi's expression here is seen in the configuration of his eyebrows - as they are drawn together and lowered. Lionel is a few seconds (or less) into his negative judgment of what he sees is transpiring - and what he BELIEVES should have occurred. He is still open about this judgement however - which is a very significant distinction.

If someone disagrees with you, very often their words will be in agreement. Can you tell the difference? What other signs of open vs. clandestine disagreement can you name?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2899: Jennifer Lawrence Katniss Everdeen, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I" Trailer and Recognizing Facial Components of Fear-Surprise

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2540: Rep. Darrell Issa 'Snaps' at Reporter - Was His Anger Real or Fake? Body Language and the Forward Lip Purse

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2837: Of Spelling Bees, Alpha Posture, Decision Making and Visualizing - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2495:  The White House, Josh Earnest, Egypt and a Coup -  Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2819: Erik Spoelstra, Loose Forward Lip Purse and Clandestine Disagreement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2828: Elliot Roger, Isla Vista/U.C. Santa Barbara Mass Shooting & Threat Assessment - Body Language and Threat Assessment 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2898: Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman, a Suppressed Smile and ....

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Monday, July 28, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2899: Jennifer Lawrence, Katniss Everdeen, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I" Trailer and Recognizing Facial Components of Fear-Surprise (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Most people would say that Jennifer Lawrence is a very talented actress. Although her appearance in this trailer for "The Hungergames: Mockingjay - Part I" is brief - it is has significant impact.

It is amazing the percentage of people who are unable to recognize moderate facial expression - let alone mild or subtle scenarios. The image below is captured during the 0:52 mark of the trailer. Ms. Lawrence's eyebrows are drawn together and subtly and centrally elevated. There is also a subtle central forehead contraction (CFC) present.

What is particularly noticeable in this moment are Lawrence's upper eyelids - for they are moderately retracted - and in this fear-surprise cluster they are the strongest component.

Katniss Everdeen's nostrils are mildly flared and her "mustache area" (the area in between the nose and the upper lip and termed so regardless of gender) is mild-moderately tense. Her jaw is tensed and stiff - with her lips configured in a mild surprise.

Although in most "real-life" scenarios, one would expect more forehead contraction and eyebrow elevation, Jennifer Lawrence does a very good job projecting the emotion of fear-surprise.

When a person is judged to be a "good actor" - what we really mean is that they deliver their lines with great vocal qualities (aka paralanguage - such as pitch, cadence, rhythm, volume, crescendo/decrescendo, pauses, etc.) - along with spot-on body language. All three of these components must be in unison and consistent with the emotion and scene. Too often these ingredients are considerably disparate - and yet they pass for "acting".

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2898: Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman, a Suppressed Smile and ...

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2267:  Body Language at the 2013 Golden Globes The Influence of Color on Human Sexuality - Claire Danes, Zooey Deschanel & Jennifer Lawrence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2314:  Naomi Watts Pre-Oscar Interview and her  Body Language of the "Jaw Confessional" and the Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2397:  Angelina Jolie on Motherhood & Her Own Mom  Body Language Tells ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2292:  Mercedes Benz CLA Super Bowl Commercial "Soul"  Willem Dafoe's Body Language as the Devil

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2897: Fifty Shades of Grey - Part II - Warning Signs & Threat Assessment 






















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Sunday, July 27, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2898: Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman, a Suppressed Smile and .... (PHOTOS)

























Actress Gal Gadot will play Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in the upcoming film, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice".

This image is a great illustrator of several nonverbals clustered in one moment. First you must ask yourself, "Is this a sincere smile?" - the answer is yes - however there are some very significant footnotes in this body language moment.

Notice that Gal's eyelids are partially closed - and there are dynamic furrows in each lower eyelid. These are absolute requirements for a sincere (Duchenne) smile. Ms. Gadot's forehead is also relaxed - which is another necessary component of a sincere smile. Wonder Woman's mouth however is not open at all. Many are surprised to discover that no teeth need be exposed in order for a smile to be sincere (they certainly can be - and are a good percentage of the time - but it is not a requirement).

If we look more closely at Ms. Gadot's mouth we note it is asymmetric. Insincere mouth smiles are often asymmetric - but this is an exception. Gal is suppressing the mouth component here. She does not want to fully smile. Thus this can be thought of as a form of a "duping delight" smile. A closer analysis dives further into her thought-emotional process. Gadot's lips are pursed and although they are a bit asymmetrical - this is a forward lip purse. This configuration indicates she has a clandestine plan and/or clandestine disagreement in which she believes she is the alpha to another's beta - and thus she will be successful in its execution/outcome. It makes one feel powerful to make this expression. These are the reasons for her duping delight smile/partially suppressed smile.

Wonder Woman an Alpha female? No surprises here.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2897: Fifty Shades of Grey - Part II - Warning Signs & Threat Assessment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2887 Derek Jeter, Smiles, Laughter and Body Language Nuance

Nonverbal Communication Quiz No. 2815: A.J. McCarron, Asymmetrical Smiles and the 5th Round? - Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2896: Hillary Clinton - Vladimir Putin Bears Some Responsibility for the Downing of Malaysia Air Flight MH17

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Saturday, July 26, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2897: Fifty Shades of Grey - Part II - Warning Signs & Threat Assessment (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





This is the second post regarding the recent movie trailer release of "Fifty Shades of Grey". Dakota Johnson is casted as Anastasia "Ana" Steele - and she does a very good job in this trailer portraying a naive college woman. In stark contrast, Jamie Dornan, who plays Christian Grey, as pointed out in Analysis No. 2894 - has the body language of a sociopath in this trailer.

To reiterate somewhat, the central forehead contraction (aka "CFC" - even when seen in trace amounts) when seen simultaneously with any degree of "mouth smile" is consistent with contempt, incredulity or arrogance. This is not the only nonverbal consistent with these three emotional states. Moreover every human being feels these from time to time. However when the CFC is together with any degree of a "mouth smile" is seen chronically - this is consistent with sociopathic behavior. It also signals very low (or nonexistent) empathy and insincerity. Be warned.

Another nonverbal signal that is present in this very brief segment of this film - are eyelids that are opened wider than normal on a chronic basis. Like everything in the world of body language, specific body language signals must never be interpreted in isolation. Eyes that are opened wider than what for that person is considered baseline (and of course the heights of the upper eyelids varies from person to person and with age) may be seen with higher levels of anger (rage), surprise, shock, and fear. They also can be seen during moment of emphasis during conversation and in such context are a type of nonverbal "illustrator".

Some eyelids are opened wider than normal on a chronic basis however, either very frequently throughout the day or even nearly constantly. This is even indoctrinated in Hollywood from the mad genius (think "Doc Brown" on the "Back to the Future" movies) as well as in almost innumerable animations. Curiously though, this sign is largely ignored in the medical community - even though most would call the appearance "creepy", "weird", or "scary". There are of course some medical conditions which cause the eyelids to be retracted and have this "white and wide" appearance (such as hyperthyroid conditions). These are relatively easy for a physician to exclude however. When a physiologic or other traditional medical condition cannot be found - physiological diagnoses should be diligently sought.

Christian Grey - the character portrayed by Jamie Dornan - is of course a young, wealthy entrepreneur. He is not entitled to be crazy or chronically angry however - nor is anyone of course regardless of their financial status. Note Grey's/Dornan's upper eyelids are opened wider than what is normal. Of course this is only an actor playing a fictional character - but if you see this nonverbal signal displayed chronically or outside the setting of anger (rage), surprise, shock, fear or illustration of emphasis - consider it a red flag. You've been warned. Stay away.







































Ted Bundy





















James Holmes
























Marshall Applewhite




















Adam Lanza



























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2747: Adam Lanza's Warning Sign - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2503:  Fort Hood Shooter and his Tell-Tale Body Language  Common to many Mass-Killers -  Nidal Malik Hasan gets the Death Penalty

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2828: Elliot Roger, Isla Vista/U.C. Santa Barbara Mass Shooting & Threat Assessment - Body Language and Threat Assessment

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Friday, July 25, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2896: Hillary Clinton - Vladimir Putin Bears Some Responsibility for the Downing of Malaysia Air Flight MH17 (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Here Mrs. Clinton (clearly showing her desires for 2016) tells Fareed Zakaria and the rest of World that she believes Vladimir Putin bears at least some of the responsibility for the downing of Malaysia Airline MH17 by Pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine.

When any leader - (political or otherwise) is speaking (to one or to millions) they should be very aware of their nonverbal signals - yet most are considerably unaware. Some of these signs are very alpha, and others are considerably beta - while some are a good blend (These are known as alpha-beta hybrids).  

Alpha body language projects strength, leadership and assertiveness. Beta body language sends signals of low emotional comfort, submissiveness and acquiescence. Many "leaders" who use alpha nonverbals tend to over-use them - and thus transmit arrogance and condescending feelings. Others of course use beta signals too dramatically or frequently (or just at the wrong time) and therefore show their Achilles heels'.

One solution to this conundrum is to become very aware of one's body language and to never be too alpha or too beta - in either magnitude or frequency. Another way of approaching this problem is by utilizing what is rarely spoken about and yet extremely effective - "Alpha-Beta Hybrids" - two of which are discussed below.

At first glance these illustrators may look close to identical - however when you take the time to view the video you will see that they're considerably different in their dynamics




Towards the end of this segment (approximately 0:49 - 0:52) Hillary Clinton displays a "Basketball steeple". It is named this because it's as if the person is holding an invisible basketball. Here, the former U.S. Secretary of State has her hands configured somewhat closer together (as if she was holding a large grapefruit instead). When seated, many will use this and other nonverbals with less amplitude.



The basketball steeple is a fantastic example of an alpha-beta hybrid -for it projects assertiveness, strength and decisiveness - without being patronizing or arrogant.




A few seconds later (during 0:52 - 1:01), Mrs. Clinton changes her hand position to the "Advancing Fortress". This usually is seen with fingers closed together and the tips of the hands pointed towards each other. There is nearly always an up-and-down motion to the hands and arms (which move in unison) as they advance forward (away from the speaker and towards the other person/audience.



Although the advancing fortress is an outstanding alpha-beta hybrid, it is seen even less frequently than the basketball steeple.

What other nonverbals in this video does the 2016 Presidential hopeful demonstrate which convey classic beta body language? What are some pure-alphas (non hybrids)?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2895: "Fifty Shades of Grey" Trailer - If Christian Grey was a real person ..... 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2783: Hillary Clinton asked again about 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2855: Hillary Clinton, 2016 Presidential Race and Duping Delight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2888: Hillary Clinton, Jon Stewart and Destroying Rapport

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2827: Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy - She was the Alpha, He was the Beta

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2877: Zac Efron and Michelle Rodriguez Dating - Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo

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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2895: "Fifty Shades of Grey" Trailer - If Christian Grey was a real person ..... Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




The Movie Trailer for "Fifty Shades of Grey" was released today. Dakota Johnson (who plays Anastasia "Ana" Steele) is a good actress. Jamie Dornan (who plays Christian Grey) does a good job playing a sociopath. His body language screams it loud and clear. 

Whenever the central forehead is contracted (even subtly), aka a "CFC", and is simultaneous with a mouth smile (even a very small one) - a red flag should immediately be raised in your mind.


This CFC with a subtle or moderate smile is seen in every human being from time to time. Examples of such scenarios include arrogance - for we are all arrogant once in a while (although this is by no means is the only nonverbal signal of arrogance) - with incredulity (while there are certainly other body language signs of disbelief) - and contempt (again, contempt also has other nonverbal signals).




However when the Central Forehead is contracted frequently (in about 4% of the population) - it is a strong signal of a sociopath.

Regardless of the precise psychological profile of the fictional character "Christian Grey" - Jamie Dornan is portraying a sociopath. A person who chronically displays the CFC with a subtle/moderate (or even dramatic) mouth smile has both low sincerity and a low empathy quotient. This is a very reliable nonverbal cluster indicative of this sociopathic. Of course, such people are to be strongly avoided.

Another warning signal added to the mix here is a component of anger. Note how Dornan's eyebrows are both lowered and drawn together (Along with another sign of anger ... do you see it?) Of course this is an actor playing a fictional character - yet if you were to come across this person in your business or personal life - keep clear.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2656: Threat Assessment during Robbery - Body Language of Perpetrator 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2894: Maria Kirilenko, Alex Ovechkin and Subtle Body Language of ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2658: Misidentifying Emotional Expressions - Greece's Golden Dawn Party Arrests - Body Language and Threat Assessment

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

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

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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2894: Maria Kirilenko, Alex Ovechkin and Subtle Body Language of .... (PHOTOS)





















Maria Kirilenko has called off her engagement to Alex Ovechkin. Although in this image, the Russian tennis professional may not be directing it at her then Hockey Player (Captain of the Washington Capitals) fiancé - she is feeling anger. Note that her eyes and face are not directly facing the object of her anger. When we do not like, do not respect or do not trust another - we tend to not direct our feet, our torso, our head or our eyes directly at them.

Ms. Kirilenko's jaw is clenched and simultaneously slightly jutting forward (ergo "Jaw Jut") - both nonverbal signals of anger.

Maria's mouth is foreshortened as her lips are thinned - particularly her upper lip. These signs are also significant for anger.

The area above Kirilenko's upper lip and her nose (termed the "mustache area" in both genders) is contracted and tense. This tension co-exists with nostril flaring.

What other very slight signals of anger are seen on Ms. Kirilenko's face?

Maria's face does not have a full expression of anger. There are other components of this emotion which are not present here. Moreover, nonverbal signals of all emotions may exist for fractions of a second (microexpressions). These subtleties of both proportion and time are only two reasons why many don't see emotions displayed right in front of them - and thus suffer their ramifications. How many emotional displays have gone unseen by you this week?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No 2893: Petro Poroshenko - Downed Malaysia Air MH17 - like 9/11 & Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie Bombing)

Flirting and Romance Secret # 51:  Dominance Display in a Couple:  Maria Sharapova & Sasha Vujačić

Negotiation Secret # 131:  When the eyes are "White and Wide" - Marion Bartoli

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2599: Spotting Subtle Signals of Arrogance - Tiger Woods and Rachel Nichols

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2870: Cate Blanchett and a Subtle Body Language Signal of Insincere Laughter 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2858: Hope Solo, Domestic Violence, Arrests and Wedding Rings - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2880: Bowe Bergdahl & Badruddin Haqqani Photo - What Does Body Language Tell Us?

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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No 2893: Petro Poroshenko - Downed Malaysia Air MH17 - like 9/11 & Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie Bombing) - (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine, was interviewed by Christiane Amanpour yesterday. He said that the downing of Malaysia Airlines MH17 was no different than the events of 9/11 or the Terrorist destruction that brought down Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988.

Although he (as the rest of us) has every right to feel angry - President Poroshenko is in a leadership position and thus his body language (along with his words and vocal qualities) carry tremendous impact.




When a person puts their hands together in a prayer-appearing configuration (ergo "Pseudo-Prayer") for anything more than a second or two (during a particularly important part of a speech or discussion - and with a congruent facial expression) - it sends emotional signals of arrogance.







When the Pseudo-Prayer is accompanied by the additional component of a vertical chopping motion (as Poroshenko does here) - it is even more patronizing. 

Many people will over-use alpha body language - and President Poroshenko uses it much too long here.








It's a leader's job to build rapport and coalitions - not destroy them.

President Poroshenko presumably has good intentions here - yet the
"Pseudo-Prayer and Hand-Chop" nonverbal signal is condescending and he should have never used it.






See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2892: Alexander Borodai - Donetsk's People's Republic Prime Minister (Pro-Russian Separatist Leader) interview with Chris Cuomo regarding Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2830: Petro Poroshenko, Ukrainian Elections and an Hyper-Alpha Body Language Signal

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2814: Ukraine, Pro-Russian Separatists, Bilateral Eyelid Closure and Emotional Processing - Body Language Tells

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

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2892: Alexander Borodai - Donetsk's People's Republic Prime Minister (Pro-Russian Separatist Leader) interview with Chris Cuomo regarding Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Alexander Yurevich Borodai (Александр Юрьевич Бородай) is the "self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic" (an eastern portion of what most consider Ukraine). Yesterday he was interviewed by Chris Cuomo regarding the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. The above video is a substantial fraction of that video. What follows is a partial body language analysis of Alexander Borodai.



From 0:36 - 0:39, Borodai displays a head tilt backwards with an eye-roll.

Rolling of the eyes such as this is a very conscious and deliberate contempt display. He wants to flaunt his contempt.








Although Mr. Borodai perhaps has an underlying asymmetric mouth configuration when he speaks, in this video he has multiple examples of additional asymmetry.


 1:52








 At 1:53

Note that when compared to the image above taken about a second earlier, Borodai's additional left facial contraction in this image exhibits a slight increased eyelid closure, increased left contraction of his mustache area, and increased nostril flare. These are all significant for the nonverbal signals of contempt.





This image taken at 2:14 during the above video displays both contempt and disgust.

The dramatic backwards head tilt - with his proverbial "nose in the air" is highly significant for disgust.










Continued display of contempt at is seen here at 3:42. Note throughout most of this interview, Borodai has partial eyelid closure - which acts as an amplifier for the emotions of disgust, anger and contempt.











At 3:59 Mr. Borodai's eyebrows are vectored downward as his mouth foreshortens and his upper lip thins in another clear expression of anger.

What else is seen here which signifies anger?










For about 2.5 seconds (from about 4:06 to 4:08.5), Mr. Borodai's eyelids exhibit prolonged full closure. This display signifies very strongly the emotion contempt.







 

Contempt exists whenever a person feels that he/she is better than another person or group of people. It is extremely caustic to both the recipient and those who project it.

Note the relative lack of hand and arm illustrators by Mr. Borodai during this interview. This characteristic taken in isolation is consistent with a significant elevation of anxiety. Much of the time his hands are placed flat on the tops (anterior surface) of his thighs. This additional sign is highly significant and further indicator of anxiety. And although his legs cannot be seen directly, their position can be appreciated indirectly by the configuration of his arms (which are as stated earlier resting on them). Borodai's legs are closer together vs. Cuomo's - and indeed though Cuomo is unarmed and in a war zone, most of Mr. Borodai's body language is significantly beta to Mr. Cuomo's alpha. Cuomo is more confident. Conversely, Borodai has low emotional comfort and has contempt, disgust and anger directed at Cuomo and his line of questioning.

The rate of Alexander Borodai's blinking throughout much of the interview was significantly increased above normal. This is another strong anxiety indicator.

Note that from 3:34 - to 3:44, Borodai had virtually no eye contact with Cuomo as he was explaining about the fog of war and his effort to recover the bodies. Eye contact often drops dramatically during the act of lying.

From 2:28 - 2:32 while he was speaking about the treatment of the bodies, Borodai displayed the low, conventional steeple (tips of fingers and thumbs of each hand touching each other). This was a strong signal hyper-alpha display - however because this was prolonged and used with an additional chopping motion - it became indicative of arrogance and a condescending mindset. This small portion of the his story (a decapitated body that fell through a roof and landed on a woman's bed) was probably true (a few seconds later, beginning at 2:33 he uses the alpha-beta hybrid illustrator of a basketball steeple) - but he is over-compensating with his confidence during this "slice of truth" - because the remainder of his story is scattered liberally with deception.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2891: James Garner and ... Why was he so well liked?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2811: Jason and David Benham are Dropped from HGTV - Body Language of Subtle Contempt, Anger & Disgust
 
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2786: Jewish Community Center Shooter - Frazier Glenn Cross, Jr - A Very Common Body Language Display of "Hate Crimes", Mass Shootings and Terrorism

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2769: Smiling Out of Context in a Mass Shooter - T.J. Lane's Body Language

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1496:  Tiger Woods' Disgust & Biofeedback

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2753: Malaysia Airlines Flight 370's Pilot Zaharie Ahmad Shah, Body Language

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Sunday, July 20, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2891: James Garner and ... Why was he so well liked? (VIDEO, PHOTOS)
























James Garner passed away yesterday at his home in Brentwood, California. He was best known for his Television roles as Brent Maverick in the 1950's Western-comedy "Maverick" and later in the 70s as Jim Rockford in "The Rockford Files". He also acted in numerous films such as "The Note Book" (2004), "Murphy's Romance" (1985, and nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actor), "Victor Victoria" (1982), and "The Great Escape" (1963).

Garner was much beloved - not only for his acting but also for his personality off-screen. The most significant reason for this was his sincerity (e.g. a high sincerity quotient). When we proclaim (whether we know the craft or not) another as a "good actor" - what we really mean (whether they are fully cognizant of it or not) is that their words, their vocal qualities and their body language are all highly congruent. It is significantly challenging for many to memorize and deliver lines from a script. Fewer still can do so with the added component of even modestly believable vocal qualities (paralanguage such as tone, pitch, pauses, cadence, rhythm, crescendo/decrescendo, volume, etc.). And a very few can deliver their lines, highly compatible vocal qualities - along with congruent nonverbal signals. A person who can simultaneously perform all three on stage, film, or television is referred to as an excellent actor. When a person lives this trifecta in everyday life - we call them sincere. James Garner did both. Very few will dissect out these three components (and when we have knowledge of their history we may of course and a fourth - their "actions" - yet very often we don't have the luxury of this past information).

The ability to evaluate a person's nonverbal, verbal and vocal qualities - in real time - and to discern whether they are congruent or divergent will not only make you better at directing movies - but it will also improve the jury selection process, sales, threat assessment, business transactions, negotiations, de-escalation, bed-side manner, vetting, romance/dating and all other endeavors that involve two or more people.

Thank you James Garner, my condolences to your loved-ones.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2890: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins and Barack Obama - Alpha and Beta

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

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. 2482:  Alex Rodriguez's Sincerity  Body Language of a One-Sided Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2705: Congressman Michael Grimm Apology - Sincere or Not? Body Language Tells 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2887 Derek Jeter, Smiles, Laughter and Body Language Nuance 
























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Saturday, July 19, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2890: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins and Barack Obama - Alpha and Beta (PHOTOS)


Tomorrow is the 45th Anniversary of the first manned Moon landing. In this picture taken five years ago Apollo 11's crew from left to right is Buzz Aldrin (the second man to walk on the Moon), Michael Collins (who orbited the Moon in the command module while his fellow explorers were on the moon's surface), Neil Armstrong (the first man to walk on the Moon) are standing next to Barack Obama (the 44th President of the United States). Cut off in this image is the very bottom of a portrait of George Washington.

Note the position of each man's hands. From a body language perspective, the two men who walked on the moon - Neil and Buzz - show the highest level of confidence with their hands at their sides (most alpha). Michael Collins who did not walk on the moon has his left hand in his pocket - projecting a bit less confidence. President Obama who was just shy of eight years old when this historic event occurred is humbled to be in the presence of men who just aren't famous - but historic. Thus Mr. Obama has his hands configured in what is known as a "fig-leaf" or "genital guarding". Here this beta nonverbal signal is in deference to the living legends who are in his company.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1563:  Geithner and Holder  In Deference to the President -  One Occasion to Use the Fig Leaf

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2633: Abigail Hernandez, Missing N.H. 15 year old, Body Language Clues

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2829: Respect, Funerals, Memorials and Alpha vs. Beta - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2843: Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin in Normandy - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2801: Adam Silver Bans Donald Sterling for Life - Alpha Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2061:  David Cameron Defends London Olympics against  Mitt Romney's Remarks -  Alpha Dominance and Illustrators -  Matching Hands and Feet as Sincerity Amplifiers




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