Barack Obama visited Estonia earlier today. With the threat of near all-out war in Ukraine, the American President wanted to assure Baltic Nations and all the other NATO members that the United States stands with them. Of course it was just as much or more for Vladimir Putin's benefit.
This gathering around a table in Tallinn provides a good body language teaching moment. During his very symbolic visit, Mr. Obama should not be leaning back or pulled away from the table. Nor should his legs should be crossed. Of course we don't know what was being spoken at this time - however depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered - this sends signals of disengagement, disagreement and/or critical evaluation. Rather he should be sitting forward on his chair with his hands above the table. The normally nonverbally adept President is off his game - for it's almost as if Barack is channeling a bit of Vladimir's feigned laissez faire persona.
Moreover Susan Rice should not have her hands below the table. It is virtually never a good nonverbal signal in any kind of rapport-building, trust-building or negotiation scenario. This body language is consistent with a beta emotional tone and low confidence.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2938: Josh Earnest, Steven Sotloff and ISIS - "Nonverbal Monotone"
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2489: Angelina Jolie and "Maleficent" - Body Language Signals of Sincerity and Disengagement
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2584: Darnell Barton - Hero with Body Language of De-Escalation
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2847: Eric Cantor, Concession Speeches and Low Affection - Body Language Tells
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2937: Vladimir Putin - “If I want to, I can take Kiev in two weeks” and Critical Evaluation
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2915: The Many Faces of Tony Stewart
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2338: Why Does Keit Pentus-Rosimannus feel Fear? Body Language of Estonia's Minister of Environment
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