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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