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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