Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3339: First Democratic Presidential Debate - Jim Webb's Proud of Making this Enemy - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Tonight's Democratic Presidential Debate offered up many body language teaching moments. What follows is an examination of but one of these - very commonly seen yet often misinterpreted. 

In this video segment, Anderson Cooper asked the five candidates, "Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, 'I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made'. You've all made a few people upset over your political careers - which enemy are you most proud of?"

When it was Jim Webb's turn, the former Virginia Senator answered, "I'd have to say the enemy soldier that threw the grenade that wounded me - but he's not around right now to - talk to." (Note Jim Webb is a recipient of the Navy Cross for actions of bravery in the Vietnam War which he, in part, alludes to here).

During his answer, Senator Webb repeatedly elevates up on his toes (please view the video to fully appreciate this dynamic signal). This nonverbal sign tells us the former Secretary of the Navy is quite proud of his response. He feels he has slam-dunked this answer. Elevating up on one's toes can be thought of as a subconsciously generated "energy-bleeder" - wherein the psyche is attempting to release adrenaline (and its effects) and although it has a component of "good nervousness" associated with it - this body language tell is primarily indicative of joy, optimism, excitement and pride.  





















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3338: Brie Larson, Jimmy Fallon and a common Body Language Signal of Sexual Display and/or Sexual Attraction

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3305: Weatherman Liam Dutton nails pronouncing Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3235: Jim Webb Announces His Presidential Bid .... and some Body Language Weakness

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3256: Katie Holmes on Jimmy Fallon 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3273: Marco Rubio, The Republican Debate, Monotonous Body Language and Anxiety 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2530: Tom Coburn, Obamacare and Anxiety - Body Language Tell on a Senator's Face

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3135: Ariana Grande Does a Spot-On Celine Dion Impression on Jimmy Fallon - Body Language Signals of ... 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3200: Martin O'Malley announces Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language of Emotional Processing


___________________________________________________________________________________