Saturday, October 31, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3358: Hillary Clinton on Stephen Colbert - We Let the Banks Fail Next Time - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Earlier this week Hillary Clinton was a guest on The Late Show. When at 5:43, Stephen Colbert asked her: So if you're President, if you're president ...

Hillary: [over-talking] Yes.

Colbert: aaand, aand, and the banks, and the banks are failing, do we let them fail this time?

Hillary: Yes. Yes.

Colbert: We let them fail this time?

Hillary: [over-talking] Yes. Yes. Yes.

Colbert: Wow!

Hillary: Yes. Yes. First of all, under, under Dodd-Frank, that is what will happen because we now have stress tests and I'm going to impose a risk fee on the big bank if they, if they engage in, in what risky behavior. But They have to know, their share-holders have to know - that yes, they - will - fail. And if they're too big to fail, then under my plan, and others that have been proposed, they may have to be broken up, because if you can't manage it, then it's more likely to fail.

During the 5:56 segment, as Mrs. Clinton said her last "... Yes ...", (she spoke eight yeses consecutively)she displayed a somewhat-less-than-full-alpha variation of the "Pistol Steeple". Note that her index fingers are separated and pointing parallel - but not touching. In the full version (projecting more alpha) of the pistol steeple, the index fingers (forefingers) remain parallel, but they touch. This modestly down-regulated version of it here, is nuanced and is one example of an alpha-beta hybrid - although this signal still remains relatively high alpha.

The pistol steeple is a high-alpha nonverbal. As with most alpha signals, those who use them have a strong tendency to over-use them - and nowhere is this more prevalent than with politicians during an election cycle. Thus whatever amount of authority, assertiveness, rapport and goodwill those who display it have achieved - its over use will backfire - projecting arrogance with strong condescending and patronizing emotional tones. Mrs. Clinton however, only used it for a second - and therefor did not fall to such foibles on this particular occasion.

When the pistol steeple is used more judiciously, it will act to "shoot down" another person's proposal/idea/plan - or as it's used here, as a nonverbal exclamation point. Hillary Clinton's use of it with this issue indicates that her suggestion to let the banks fail the next time-around - is a very sincere one.






















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3357: Justin Bieber leaves/walks off the stage in Oslo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3264: Hillary Clinton, Likability, Perceived Trustworthiness and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3287: Hillary Clinton, Email Servers and Crisis Management - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3258: Hillary Clinton speaks out on "inaccuracies" of private email controversy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3127: Hillary Clinton's Press Conference and a Body Language Down-regulator of Sincerity

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3267: Jeb Bush, Emotional Dissonance and Body Language

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


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Friday, October 30, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3357: Justin Bieber leaves/walks off the stage in Oslo - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





During a concert on Thursday in Oslo, Norway, Justin Bieber became angry when his audience prevented him from fully wiping the stage floor. After a moment, he said, "Guys, never mind (turned and walked off the stage), I'm done, I'm not doing the show ..... I'm not doing the show."



While not from an optimal angle or resolution, the above video captures the event. We certainly see very little of Bieber's face with any clarity - however there were several significant nonverbal tells.

Note how Mr. Bieber removes his jacket and throws it on the stage floor and then proceeds to remove his hat and microphone.

When a person removes - and then throws - articles of clothing (or items which they may be carrying, etc.) in a sudden manner after a declarative and angry statement (as did Bieber) - this action can be accurately thought of as a surrogate act of violence (In less dramatic examples of this same behavior, the article  is not thrown - despite its quick removal). This display is of course, a manifestation of a loss of impulse control.


In a business or personal scenario, a person may not show very much facial expression or body language signs of anger (which we would see here if we were standing close to Bieber) - yet they may quickly remove their jacket, hat, earpiece, etc. - as if they became suddenly hot (and indeed sometimes their body temperature does rise). Often this may look out-of-context. Yet this venting/anger substitution display helps to diffuse negative emotional energy - thus allowing them to better control and camouflage their negative emotions. In some circumstances, people may even maintain a social smile on their face during negative surrogate activity. So if you see such behavior, (even though they may very well not walk out of the room in melodrama) - a red flag should go up.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3356: Anna Faris and Chris Pratt are Dressing their Son Up as a Dinosaur for Halloween

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2697: Justin Bieber Arrested, in Court - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3327: Chris Harper Mercer - School Shooter - Umpqua Community College near Roseburg, Oregon - Body Language Red Flags

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2039:  Fight Outside Florida Courtroom -  Jaw Jut Prior to Violence 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3131: Kim Jong-un, his Uncle Jang Song-thaek and a Warning sign of Potential Violence


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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3356: Anna Faris and Chris Pratt are Dressing their Son Up as a Dinosaur for Halloween - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Anna Faris was recently a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live. During her appearance she spoke with significant trepidation regarding her son's costume for Halloween. The three year-old got to pick his costume this year and he chose a T-Rex. This of course is not surprising for most young boys except for one thing. Faris' husband and the boy's father is Chris Pratt - who was the male lead in the recent Jurassic World film. Faris fears some may see her son's costume as her and her husband's attempt at using their child's trick-or-treat experience as a marketing ploy.



0:47

Deep inhalation (with hissing) in conjunction with a mouth of fear and neck of fear

This is indicative of lower levels of fear and social fear rather than true physical fear. People who display this combination of nonverbal signals tend to have significantly higher empathy quotients.



0:49

R2E2 or the Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression

Commonly displayed when a person is trying to win another person to their way of thinking - and attempting to get others to  co-rationalize and see their point-of-view.




0:52

Bilateral Hair Adjust with fear mouth. This is a truncated variation of the Hair Adjust Behind Ears. In this shortened version, Faris' fingers do not extend to the back of her ears. Her psyche is attempting to be more assertive - yet (together with another fear display of the face - primarily her mouth), Anna Faris's is not feeling very confident about the ramifications of her son's costume choice.  Intriguingly, when (in other scenarios) the fingers move the hair around to the backs of the ear(s) - the remainder of the facial expression and body language signals - and the emotional mind are all much more confident.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3355: Spin the Microphone on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show - Gwen Stefani is very attracted to Blake Shelton

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2669: Sara Bareilles and the Body Language of the Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3256: Katie Holmes on Jimmy Fallon - Body Language Tells


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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3355: Spin the Microphone on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show - Gwen Stefani is very attracted to Blake Shelton - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Along with Adam Levine and Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton were also guests of Jimmy Fallon Tuesday on the Tonight Show (The original video has been removed from Fallon's Youtube Channel).

Gwen Stafani displayed multiple nonverbal signals indicating her sexual attraction to Blake Shelton. And Blake sent some back. Some of these body language tells are disgusted below.



Gwen Stefani repeatedly displayed a classic signal of sexual display/sexual attraction during this "Spin the Microphone" game.











Multiple times, along with other body pointing, Stephani directed her armpits toward Blake Shelton while falsely adjusting here hair.







Stefani's "Elbows Out Hair Adjust" aka "Armpit display" was repeatedly directed at Sheldon - not only with one arm several times - but with both.

Pharrell Williams and Adam Levine recognized (or had foreknowledge) of their two co-judges' ("The Voice") mutual attraction and seemed to acquiesce their own respective energies to Gwen, Blake - and their bonding. 



Depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered, this elbows out (false) hair adjust is a very reliable signal of sexual attraction and/or sexual display.







Stephani's and Shelton's eye contact with each other was significantly greater than with Fallon, Pharrell or Levine. This was particularly true of Gwen.








Note Stephani's hips very close to Shelton's during this hug. This is body language proximity is highly indicative of significant affection and/or sexual attraction.

If you were to only see this last image, based on their body language - who would you think is more attracted to the other, Shelton to Stephani or Stephani to Shelton .... or is their attraction about equal? What specifically makes you conclude their relative attraction levels?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3354: Rape Victim (13 year old girl) Demands to Make a Statement at the Sentencing of Perpetrator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3349: Justin Trudeau, Stephen Harper, Sophie Grégoire, & Laureen Harper in Ottawa for Nathan Cirillo's Ceremony

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2322:  Jeb Bush & Matt Lauer - Which one is the Narcissist?  Body Language Red Flags

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3138: Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes, "God She's Beautiful" and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3165: Bruce Jenner's 20/20 Interview, Part I 
 

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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3354: Rape Victim (13 year old girl) Demands to Make a Statement at the Sentencing of Perpetrator - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





During the above video we are witness to a rare nonverbal scenario - listening to a thirteen year-old girl - a victim of rape, making a statement to her assailant upon his sentencing. The girl’s image, video or her name are not included here and the recording of her voice has been altered.

During the 0:42 - 1:02 segment we see several "microexpressions" and “near-microexpressions” of contempt as well as a longer, but subtle expression of contempt or disgust (captured below in the still image at 1:02 - we cannot distinguish between these two emotions because we can't see all of Tobias Summer’s face). As human beings we all experience negative emotions from time-to-time, however perpetrators of violent crime will display chronic contempt and/or chronic disgust with an extremely high frequency in the time prior to when the violence is committed (and here we see it afterwards). Thus the ability to spot such subtlety  and act upon it is a very useful and important threat assessment tool. Again - it’s the chronic manifestation of these emotion that’s important with this correlation. And while not everyone who projects contempt and/or disgust with greater regularity will commit violent acts - virtually all of these individuals will have impulse control disorder (a significantly shorter temper vs. normal).

The fact that Tobias Summers is displaying the emotion of contempt and contempt/disgust in this context indicates:

1. These expressions in such a context strongly implies guilt
2. He does not show remorse
3. He has very little or no empathy
4. Strongly implies he is a sociopath (Antisocial Personality Disorder)





















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3353: Melissa Benoist's Body Language regarding Jeb Bush's Supergirl "Hot" comment

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2933: Will Hayden ("Sons of Guns") Arrested - Body Language of His Mug Shot  '

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2313: Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel - What Her Body Language Tells Us ....  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3351: A Body Language Signal of Sincere Affection 

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Monday, October 26, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3353: Melissa Benoist's Body Language regarding Jeb Bush's Supergirl "Hot" comment (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





In this interview on "CBS This Morning" yesterday, Norah O'Donnell reminds Supergirl's Melissa Benoist that Republican Presidential Candidate Jeb Bush called her "Hot" last week (at the Libre Initiative forum in Las Vegas).





3:58
















While many people would have blushed in a similar situation (Sincere Smile with Embarrassment)_ - those who blush more often, with greater intensity and/or for longer duration - have an increased an sincerity quotient. Moreover, Ms. Benoist's simultaneous tongue jut in this same instant is a strong amplifier of her sincerity.





Close-up of above image














See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3352: Donald Trump's Contradictory Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3125: Vladimir Putin, Suppressed Smiling & Blushing - Body Language


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3242: Jennifer Lawrence, Singing Cher and Liam Hemsworth

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2715: Olympic Figure Skater Ashley Wagner and her Body Language display of ....   

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2911: Becky Hammon Part II - Blushing & a High Sincerity Quotient  

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Sunday, October 25, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3352: Donald Trump's Contradictory Body Language (PHOTOS)



















Like many politicians, Donald Trump is fond of flashing the "Thumbs Up" sign - as if it's their default setting. A thumbs up is one of many examples of what in body language parlance is known as an emblem. An emblem is universally or regionally recognized nonverbal signal which is understood to have a specific meaning.

In this example, Trump's thumbs up configuration is consciously generated - for he's trying to project agreement and optimism. Yet when we look at his face, his subconsciously initiated expression shouts loud with two other thought-emotions on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Donald's primary emotion is that of disgust - and it's quite strong (mid-face tension, nostril flaring, and amplified by partial eyelid closure/eyebrows drawn closer together). His secondary thought-emotion is that of a clandestine disagreement and/or a clandestine plan (forward lip pursing). In other words, although he's saying he's agreeing with a person/group with his thumb - what he's really thinking is:

1. "You disgust me."

and

2. "I know how I'm going to deal with you, but I'm not telling you."

Whenever you see consciously initiated nonverbal signs together with unconsciously generated ones (the vast, vast majority) - it's the unconsciously driven body language that always tells the true thought-feelings.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3351: A Body Language Signal of Sincere Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3265: Donald Trump, Exaggerated Mouth Movements and Narcissistic, Hyper-Alpha Personalities

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3281: Donald Trump on "Meet The Press" - Who Does He Talk to for Military Advice? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3293: Why is Donald Trump a Better Liar than Most Politicians? 

Negotiation Body Language Secret No. 343:  Nicolas Sarkozy's Clandestine Thumbs Up - an Emblematic Slip 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2016: Hillary Clinton, Roosevelt Island, Building Rapport and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2341:  Angela Bassett Interview -  Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression  R2E2, Body Language & "Olympus has Fallen"


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Saturday, October 24, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3351: A Body Language Signal of Sincere Affection (PHOTOS)





















An Afghan refugee is shown here kissing his daughter. This image was captured just a few days ago on the Greek Island of Lesbos as they disembarked from their small boat.

Beyond the more obvious holding, hugging and kissing - a less appreciated, yet very strong nonverbal signal of affection is exampled in this moment. When a parent, a child, friend, lover, etc. touches their head to another person's head - particularly with their own eye (usually closed) or regions adjacent to it - affection is sincere.

This highly reliable body language signal of true affection is under-recognized by most. Moreover, those who display it more often also tend to have higher overall empathy quotients - not just with the person with whom they're interacting at that time - but with all people.

What other nonverbal sign seen in this photo conveys higher sincerity?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3350: What happens when you Suddenly meet Heath Ledger

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2928: Oscar Pistorius, Hugging, Affection and Sincerity

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2678: French President François Hollande, Valerie Trierweiler and Julie Gayet - Of Affairs, Affection and Body Language Tells 

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Friday, October 23, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3350: What happens when you Suddenly meet Heath Ledger - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





This short video from the red carpet prior to the AFI Awards in 2006, captures Heath Ledger in what is known as a "Startle Reflex". As human beings we are born with only two fears - the rest are all acquired. These are the fear of falling and of loud noises.


In this instant Ledger is responding to a loud and nearby scream (beginning at about 250 milliseconds afterwards).

As yet unbeknownst to the Mr. Ledger, Magda Szubanski who played Sharon Strzelecki in the television comedy show "Kath & Kim" (Australian version) - is putting on an act here. Many who were there as well as most non-Aussie viewers erroneously believed Szubanski to be a crazed fangirl.

Reflexes exist in for function and protection. In this instant you see Ledger's upper arms move close into his torso as the distal arm and hand reach up to protect the head and neck. Yet this is not body language - it is reflexive. This same movement can also be seen in the woman interviewing him.


Ledger's neck also foreshortens which also is protective in nature. Intriguingly, when a true startle occurs - most everyone will turn toward the loud sound. Those with foreknowledge of the scare/startle - will pause a few seconds before turning towards the disturbance. When reviewing videos of crime scenes and explosions - this phenomenon proves very helpful in sussing out suspects.






As with surprise, shortly after the startle reflex, very often another emotion will rapidly replace it. Here that emotion is joy-happiness.

Ledger's forehead is relaxed, his eyelids are partially closed with a concave-up furrow in the lower eyelids. The upper teeth become quite visible with the bottom ones being covered.






One hint that Magda Szubanski's fainting was feigned - is that she covered her head immediately upon falling. If she were truly unconscious, she would of course not do this.

Ms. Szubanski exhibited several other nonverbal tells in the seconds prior to her "faint" which betray the fact she was acting. How many can you spot?





See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3349: Justin Trudeau, Stephen Harper, Sophie Grégoire, & Laureen Harper in Ottawa for Nathan Cirillo's Ceremony

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2304:  It Came from Outer Space -  Russian Meteor Event over Chelyabinsk  Don't Confuse this Reflex with Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2782: Hillary Clinton dodges a shoe - Body Language ... and Not 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3190: Taylor Swift's Body Language of Feigned Surprise


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Thursday, October 22, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3349: Justin Trudeau, Stephen Harper, Sophie Grégoire, & Laureen Harper in Ottawa for Nathan Cirillo's Ceremony - Body Language (PHOTOS)























Earlier today Canada's PM Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau and both of their wives attended a ceremony to honor Nathan Cirillo and Patrice Vincent. One year ago today, Corporal Cirillo was shot and killed at the Canadian National War Memorial by gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau. Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was also honored. She was murdered in a targeted hit-and-run in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

Although this image is of lower resolution, there is a tremendous amount of nonverbal information projected in this moment.

One body language display seen here is of profound importance. When, at a funeral, ceremony or important meeting - a person who has both feet planted on the ground (sitting or standing) is feeling and transmitting much more attention and respect. When legs are crossed - the level of engagement and respect which is being thought-felt and projected is significantly lower. This nonverbal signal alone tells us that, at least during the moment which this image was captured, Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Grégoire are much more mindful and respectful of Cirillo's passing than are Stephen and Laureen Harper. While it's possible that an etiquette book somewhere says otherwise, this is psychological and physiological truth.

The intertwined fingers of Justin and Sophie also indicates a relatively high level of anxiety. It's not possible here to differentiate if this is being felt because they are now on a heightened national and even World stage - or if it is due to a heightened empathy for Nathan Cirillo's and Patrice Vincent's families - probably both.

Although Mr. Harper may very well be smiling secondary to what the man to his left just said, smiling at such a ceremony as this is very much out-of-context and certainly will be accurately interpreted by most as quite disrespectful and aloof.

Do you see the Partial Emblematic Slip in this photo? It's a fantastic example of an extremely reliable symbol which tells us the true emotions which, at least one of them feels.


A reminder:

This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc. are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3348: Vladimir Putin, Bashar al-Assad and the World Stage

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2043:  Foot Position at a Funeral/Receiving of Remains Ceremony -  Respect vs. Disrespect

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3318: Barack Obama and Pope Francis  

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Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3348: Vladimir Putin, Bashar al-Assad and the World Stage (PHOTOS)
























After four and a half years of the Syrian Civil War which is rapidly escalating with multiple actors, Bashar al-Assad has found a stronger ally in Vladimir Putin. Beginning on 30 September 2015, Russian planes began bombing al-Assad's opponents. And while initially, Putin claimed the purpose of these attacks were to fight ISIS, the Russian President has since admitted his priority of strengthening al-Assad.

Surprise ... the Syrian President met with his Russian counterpart earlier today in Moscow. In the above moment, al-Assad and Putin are shown shaking hands. From a body language perspective, this photo tells us several important things.

Bashar al-Assad's "smile" is a false one (AKA a pseudo-smile, fake smile or social smile) and more importantly, in this particular flavor contains a significant component of disgust.

In addition, Putin's body is turned 90 degrees away from where it should be. Vladimir is facing the camera when he should be looking at al-Assad. In order to build rapport - and show respect, your feet, hips, torso, head and eyes must be pointed at the person whose hand you're shaking. Vladimir's behavior here is highly unusual - even for a head-of-state, posed greeting.

In summary, President Putin's body language is tremendously disrespectful toward the Bashar al-Assad and very much validates the assertion of many - that Putin is using the Syrian President and conflict in order to re-assert himself on the World stage and hold onto Russia's only strong ally in the Middle East. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3347: Paul Ryan, The Speakership, Four Conditions and One Repetitive Facial Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3325: Vladimir Putin, the United Nations, Russian Soil and Confidence Levels 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3300: Vladimir Putin, Narcissism and Body Language  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3324: Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Shake Hands at UN Luncheon

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1162:  Ahmadinejad, Napoleon, al-Assad and Dominance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1874:  Bad Handshake - Political Prevalence


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Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3347: Paul Ryan, The Speakership, Four Conditions and One Repetitive Facial Expression (VIDEO, PHOTO)





Tuesday evening, Paul Ryan (R - WI) agreed that he would be willing to accept the position as the United States Speaker of the House contingent on four conditions:

".... Basically I made a few requests for what I think is necessary, and I asked my colleagues, ah, to hear back from them by the end of the week. First, we need to move from an opposition party to being a proposition party. Because we think the nation is on the wrong path, we have a duty to show the right one. Our next speaker has to be a visionary one.  Second - we need to update our House rules so that everyone can be a more effective representative. This is after all, the people’s house. We need to do this as a team. And it needs to include fixes that ensure that we do not experience constant leadership challenges and crisis.  Third - we, as a conference should unify now, and not after a divisive speaker election. And the last point - last point is personal. I cannot and I will not give up my family time [see image below]. I may not ah be on the road as often as previous speakers, but I pledged to try make up for it with more time communicating our vision - our message ...."

It's no secret that Paul Ryan does not want the job as Speaker of the House. It's very difficult to begin with, the republican party is fractured, he very much enjoys his position as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means committee (many would say this is the second most powerful position in Washington) and Paul Ryan has higher political aspirations. The Speaker of the House is a position such that those who hold it acquire powerful enemies - which would make a future run for the Presidency very difficult.

From a nonverbal point of view, although Paul Ryan repeatedly displayed several key nonverbals during this press conference - the most important one was that of regret. This was particularly prominent when he spoke about his last condition - that of family time.

The image below was captured during 1:11. Note his taught and stretched lips along with a primarily lateral and downward vectoring of the mouth corners. Moreover, the downward tilt of Ryan's head/neck, in this context, is a regret amplifier.




In conclusion, although he may become a skilled and/or respected Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan does not at all want the position and his "willingness" to rise to the occasion comes with substantial regret.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3346: Eddie Murphy Makes Bill Cosby Jokes at Mark Twain Prize Ceremony

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2636: Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Pat Murray reach a Budget Agreement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2145:  Paul Ryan & Joe Biden in Vice Presidential Debate  Post-Debate Analysis on NPR Southern California Public Radio, KPCC

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2149:  Losing Votes with the Double Index Finger Point -  A Faux Pas Nearly Every Time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2586: Harrison Ford in "Ender's Game" - Microexpression and Macroexpression of Regret - Harrison's Brand and the Stanislavski Method 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2320:  Estonian Skier Andrus Veerpalu  Denies Performance Enhancing Drugs -  What his Body Language Tells Us 

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Monday, October 19, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3346: Eddie Murphy Makes Bill Cosby Jokes at Mark Twain Prize Ceremony (VIDEO, PHOTOS)






On Sunday Comedian Eddie Murphy won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. During the award ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Murphy gave us an impression of another famous recipient of the award - Bill Cosby (2009).

At 2:27 in the image below Eddie Murphy continues, "Bill - Bill has one of these." Immediately after he says "these", we see Murphy display an excellent example of a microexpression of a "Mouth of Fear" (During 2:30). Moreover this expression is highly asymmetric, essentially unilateral (Murphy's left). As obvious as this body language tell may seem when it's isolated and highlighted in this case study - the vast majority of the time it's completely overlooked in day-to-day interactions.

If you observe carefully, you will also see involvement of Murphy's neck muscles. And although both neck and mouth components are manifested here, sometimes only the neck displays this subtle sign of fear.








See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3345: Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama and a Handshake at the U.N.

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3019: Bill Cosby, Rape Allegations, AP Interview - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3022: Bill Cosby's Decades-Long Trademark Look - What Does It Tell Us?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3247: Barack Obama's Response to Question regarding Revoking Bill Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2306:  George W. Bush trapped in Room -  Body Language's Microexpression of Fear 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3277: John Kasich reflecting on Debate



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Sunday, October 18, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3345: Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama and a Handshake at the U.N. (PHOTOS)























Although it was not the first time they met on this day, Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama are captured here shaking hands at the recent United Nations General Assembly. This was, as so many are in the political realm, a highly choreographed moment - and yet what emotional information still "leaks"?

One key nonverbal tell in this photo is the relative angle/direction of their bodies. Mr. Obama is leaning into the handshake - projecting confidence, strength, an alpha emotional tone - and, although we know it's not the case here, it may (depending on the other body language with which it is clustered) also signal a genuine liking of the other person. What specific expression on Barack's face tells us that he doesn't care for Vladimir?

Vladimir Putin is leaning away from greeting the American - which may signal one of several things - disgust/dislike for Mr. Obama - or it could also be a signal of weakness & lower confidence - of a  beta emotional tone.  There are two very specific body language tells the Russian President is transmitting here which help us further thin-slice his emotions. What are they?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3343: Michigan State vs. Michigan, Football and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin  Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3325: Vladimir Putin, the United Nations, Russian Soil and Confidence Levels

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3293: Why is Donald Trump a Better Liar than Most Politicians?

Nonverbal Communication No. 3110: Scarlett Johansson gets invaded by John Travolta - An Awkward Moment from the 2015 Oscars  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3323: Matt Damon on Graham Norton reflecting on Winning Oscar - Blended Expressions 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3310: Carly Fiorina's response to Donald Trump's, "Look at that Face!"  

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Saturday, October 17, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3343: Michigan State vs. Michigan, Football and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Earlier today, Michigan was poised for a minor upset of their in-state rivals Michigan State - when the Wolverine's punter, Blake O’Neill dropped the snap. The ball landed in the hands of Spartans safety Jalen Watts-Jackson, who ran it in for a touchdown on the last play of the game - giving Michigan State the victory.






The woman in the center of the above photo (2:33 in video) is a Michigan fan who's displaying a classic nonverbal signal seconds after the game ended. Although not limited to athletics, within the culture of the sporting world (regardless of the country), this "Hands-on-Head" configuration is very common (in players, fans and sometimes even coaches/managers/owners). It indicates either a significant missed opportunity or, more typically, a loss. In addition it signals emotional processing - for although the intellectual brain knows what has just transpired, the emotional mind has yet to fully adapt to this sudden change.

It's no coincidence that this hands-on-head nonverbal is similar/identical to how captured soldiers are made to stand once they're captured. While in most body language scenarios where the hands/arms are raised are ones with a positive meaning, this is a notable exception.

It's also important to notice this woman's mouth. It's configured in a "slack-jawed" manner - which indicates psychological shock. It shares some similarities with the mouth of sincere surprise (yet it's opened wider horizontally while a surprise mouth typically opens wider vertically). The vast majority of the time, a slack-jawed mouth also displays no teeth. The lips are loose and plump with mild protrusion.

Coaches take heed - for players who adopt this pose on the field or on the sidelines have already psychologically given-up. You've already lost.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3342: Barack Obama regarding whether or not Joe Biden will Run for President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3295: Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Football and Predicting Violent Behavior

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2992: Michigan State's Football Coach Mark Dantonio, "I can only be diplomatic for so long ..." - Disrespect, Contempt and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2884: Mario Götze, Germany, the 2014 World Cup final, and the Body Language of Fiero

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3241: Trump - a Hyper-Alpha Donald vs. a Kinder, Gentler Version - Body Language and Likability

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3143: Jay Z's "Tidal" Music Service - An Alpha Dominant Display 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3275: Carly Fiorina, The Republican Debate and Likability (or not) 
 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3342: Barack Obama regarding whether or not Joe Biden will Run for President (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Yesterday, during a press conference with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, President Obama was asked about the recent Democratic Debate and whether Joe Biden was going to run.

Note that Mr. Obama joked about switching back and forth between baseball games and the debate prior to not answering this question. This is a camouflage. It's a bit like a 16 year old who buys a can of soda, a pack of gum, a bag of chips and some condoms - he's hoping you won't notice. President Obama very often makes humorous comments when he's asked a question on which he knows he will hedge. This allows him to smile at his own initial joke - when a moment later - he's also not be able to suppress his smile when he's telling a lie or not disclosing his full knowledge. And this is exactly what the President's doing here.

During his much of his response discussing Joe Biden, he is suppressing a smile. While the Vice President has been through a deep personal tragedy - right now he's leaning heavily toward running for President. Mr. Obama knows this - and he's having difficulty suppressing his secret.





As he says "... Joe ..." during 0:13












This smile suppression is subtle - and it is betrayed somewhat by his slightly exaggerated lip movements. Please view the video as it allows a much superior appreciation of the dynamics of this expression suppression vs. still images.







0:16 as the President says, "... think ..."











These are just two examples of suppressed smiles in the midst of deception/non-disclosure. In body language parlance this phenomenon is a form of "duping delight" (Ekman).

There are several other nonverbal tells indicating Mr. Obama is keeping a secret - did you spot them?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3341: Selena Gomez, Ghosts and Jimmy Fallon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3247: Barack Obama's Response to Question regarding Revoking Bill Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3263: Barack Obama on Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" - The Sarcastic Bobble  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3318: Barack Obama and Pope Francis

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2342:  Barack Obama at Jerusalem Convention Center in Israel  What the President's Body Language Says to a Heckler 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2844: Vladimir Tells a Lie To Obama at Normandy - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2620: President Obama Tells a Couple Fibs - "Norming" Barack's Body Language 

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