Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3326: Donald Trump on 60 Minutes - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Last Sunday on 60 Minutes Scott Pelley interviewed Donald Trump. Mr. Pelley asked Mr. Trump about the anti-Muslim comments and a question by an audience member - and why Trump "let that pass". During Trump's explanation he adopted the body language shown in the first image below (captured during 0:59).

Ignoring Mr. Trump's face for a moment, we can see three very clear nonverbal signals which are alpha to hyper-alpha in nature.

Leaning forward toward Pelley with his back away from the chair - taken in isolation - shows mental engagement, concentration and assertiveness. Too few politicians adopt a leaning forward posture - rather they sit back and cross their legs during very crucial discussions (projecting emotional dissonance, aloofness and a feigned relax mindset). This component of Trump's body language is alpha and recommended.

Upon further evaluation though, we notice how far Mr. Trump's legs are spread very far apart. This is a fairly extreme example of what is termed "Man-Spreading" or the "Seated Crotch Display". Almost exclusively displayed by men, this nonverbal is hyper-alpha in amplitude and projects dominance or, with other co-existing signals (not present here) sexual attraction. While no one should want a shrinking violet or beta personality for their president (or similarly frequent acquiescing body language), the vast majority of the time such man-spreading is strongly discouraged.

Additionally Trump's hands are adopting a conventional steeple position (more specifically, a low, conventional steeple). This is also a hyper-alpha nonverbal. And as with most alpha displays - most people who use them - end up over using them. The projection of arrogance and condescending emotions are especially strong.

Donald Trump's body language is always "screaming". Said another way, he uses so many alpha signals and on such a constant basis (including of course his face which is discussed some below) - that his nonverbal signals are truly yelling at the audience. This constant hyper-alpha behavior is very polarizing - thus people who like him will be galvanized with him and those in middle and the left will be repelled (as with any politician).





















Trump's nonverbal behavior is highly congruent with his polarizing words and statements. A very telling paralanguage phenomenon is exemplified here when Trump says, "... the Muslims ..." (rather than simply "Muslims"). He has also has said on multiple occasions, "... the Blacks ..." and "... the Hispanics ...". The use of the word "the" prior to another group, ethnicity, religion, etc. is an extremely classic paralanguage tell of distancing behavior and prejudice. And although the image immediately below is blurry, the instant Trump begins the word "Muslim" (at 1:11 when he says, "... I love the Muslims ...") he shows a clear microexpression of contempt. Donald Trump is telling a blatant lie (This should remind anyone who has studied history of Pre-WWII Nazi propaganda - e.g. "The Jews").




















A second later (during 1:12, captured below) as Trump says, "... I have many, many friends - people living in this building - Muslims ... " - yet his facial expression tells us he feels both anger and contempt toward people who are also Muslim.




















Below he continues, "... they're phenomenal people ...." (1:15) - where he displays a combination of both anger and disgust. Again, this nonverbal cluster display betrays Trump's true emotions.





















See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3299: Kim Davis, Contempt-of-Court, Same-Sex Marriages and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3204: "Inside Out" Movie Clip - Mostly Correct, but some Wrong Expressions for Emotion-Characters

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2640: Disgust at Denver area School Shooting 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3262: Donald Trump, Breast Pumping and Donald's "That's Disgusting" 



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.
 
___________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

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





Yesterday Vladimir Putin gave a speech before the United Nations General Assembly. Whenever the former KGB agent is off of Russian soil, although his words may be strong and alpha - his nonverbal signals rarely match.

One reason politicians use a teleprompter is to dramatically increase eye contact with the audience and the camera. Here however, the vast majority of the time, Mr. Putin is looking at his notes. Whether you're a high school speaker or an experienced head-of-state, you should be well acquainted with the power of proper eye contact brings to influence others. This is a lesson Mr. Putin has either not learned or has yet to master. Not only does lack of eye contact destroy rapport and influence - this beta behavior also sends signals of low confidence.

Notice too how Mr. Putin rocks back and forth on his feet. This is also a sign of low confidence and high anxiety - and will remind many readers of a nervous (beta) school boy.

Additionally, throughout this entire speech, Mr. Putin rarely uses his arms/hands. Such lack of gestures should at the very least, make us think of his low confidence - and should also call into question the possibility of deception. When we don't see somebody's hands, we instinctively do not trust them. Another very freshman faux pas.

What other two nonverbal signals does Vladimir repeatedly display - one of which should send up red flags of low confidence - and the other of INsincerity?























See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3091: Vladimir Putin has Asperger's Syndrome according to Pentagon Report

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3117: Boris Nemtsov and Vladimir Putin - What Body Language Tells Us 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2519:  Vladimir Putin Speaks Syria,  Chemical Weapons and Disarmament -  Body Language just after his New York Times Op-Ed 



___________________________________________________________________________________

Monday, September 28, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3324: Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Shake Hands at UN Luncheon - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Earlier today, Vladimir Putin arrived late to lunch at the United Nations. While later in the day, Mr. Putin and Barack Obama had an arranged, prepared and highly-posed meeting for the cameras - their first handshake in many months was much more telling.

In the image below (captured from 1:33 the video above) - we see a moment when the Presidents leans closer to each other - and although the Russian is blocked from our view here, the American President's lips are exhibiting what is known as an "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR). Note Obama's jaw is not clenched tightly, his lips however are rolled inward between his teeth. An inward lip roll is a signal that the psyche is attempting to suppress both the outward display of an emotion - as well as its internal crescendo.

While an ILR is more commonly seen in the context of negative emotions such as anger, frustration, disgust, etc. - it may also be seen repressing joy-happiness - when the public display of such emotion needs to be suppressed. 




















See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3207: Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1889:  Vladimir Putin & Barack Obama at the G-20 - 2012

___________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3323: Matt Damon on Graham Norton reflecting on Winning Oscar - Blended Expressions (VIDEO, PHOTOS)






A few days ago Matt Damon was a guest on the Graham Norton Show. Along with promoting his soon-to-be-released film, "The Martian", Damon gave some very interesting insight into the sentiments he was feeling just after winning an Oscar (He and Ben Affleck were 27 and 25 respectively when they won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay for "Good Will Hunting" [a film in which they each also acted]).

From a nonverbal teaching point-of-view, Matt Damon's retelling of this very personal event provides an excellent example of how emotions - and their corresponding body language signals - are often blended, coexisting with dovetailing crescendos and decrescendos.

Mr. Damon continues (at 1:36),"... I was alone with it (the Oscar) and I said to myself, 'Thank God I didn't fuck anyone over this.' And I suddenly had this kinda thing wash over me where I thought, imagine chasing that and not getting it - and getting it finally in your eighties or your nineties with all of life behind you and realizing what an unbelievable waste ..."




Here as he says "... getting ..." (1:52), we see a good example of a near-microexpression of disgust with a minor component of anger.












A split second later, as Damon says, "... finally ...", the component of disgust is relatively smaller while anger becomes the primary manifested emotion.







In your efforts to learn nonverbal communication, always remember there can often be two different emotions occurring simultaneously or nearly so. Disgust and anger are two common feelings which follow this phenomenon.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3322: Pope Francis and Barack Obama - Respect, Deferential Behavior and Body Language

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3237: 2015 FIFA World Cup Champions, Fiero and Emotional Processing 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3276: Word Blurt with Kristen Stewart & Jimmy Fallon 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2191:  Anne Hathaway's Impersonation of Katie Holmes on SNL -  "Norming" Katie and Variations on a Theme 


___________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3322: Pope Francis and Barack Obama - Respect, Deferential Behavior and Body Language (PHOTOS)
























When President Obama met Pope Francis on the tarmac earlier this week, he stood with his feet together. In fact, as far as can be visualized in this image, his heels are closer together than anyone's. This is a rare nonverbal configuration for a head-of-state. And while in the vast majority of scenarios this would be one sign of beta behavior significant of lower confidence - in this context it is deferential, out of respect for the Pope.

Note also that Barack Obama's hand is outstretched in a 45 degree, palm-up position - rather that perpendicular to the ground (as would normally be recommended for building rapport). This is also out of respect and yields to the Pope's high status - and allowing Francis to be in a more alpha handshake position.

Despite his fairly nuanced level of understanding, what one piece of nonverbal advice would you offer the President here to improve his rapport-level even further?

What beta (and alpha) body language behaviors are being displayed by the other individuals pictured in this moment?


See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2314:  Naomi Watts Pre-Oscar Interview and her  Body Language of the "Jaw Confessional" and the Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2829: Respect, Funerals, Memorials and Alpha vs. Beta 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3253: John Kasich Formally Announces His Candidacy for President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2459:  Was Eliot Spitzer Sincere?  Apology, Sincerity and Body Language

___________________________________________________________________________________

Friday, September 25, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3321: John Boehner Announces Resignation During Press Conference - A Classic Body Language Tell (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





To the surprise of many, today John Boehner announced his resignation as Speaker of the House as well as from his seat for the 8th Congressional District of Ohio. This will take effect on 31 October 2015.

Speaker Boehner is known to tear-up easier than most. Today while recounting a personal encounter with Pope Francis (less than 24 hours earlier) provided another such occasion.























There are several nonverbal behaviors often seen in an effort to squelch one's tears and prevent a crescendo into a full cry. One of these is exhibited here by Speaker Boehner.

Note his lower lip protruding. Moreover this is unilateral and occurs several times. It may also have a jaw component along with this lip movement (a lateral displacement of the jaw on the same side).

Of course, no one is sincere all the time, yet it's of profound importance is that only those individuals with relatively higher sincerity quotients display this nonverbal signal.























What other nonverbal signs indicate higher sincerity levels?

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. 3320: Pope Francis speaks before the U.S. Congress - Body Language of Boehner and Biden

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3068: John Boehner Kissing Nancy Pelosi 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2559: John Boehner's Body Language - Microexpression of Contempt vs. Facial Tic  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3099: Jon Stewart Announces he's Leaving "The Daily Show" - A Classic Body Language Cluster

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2285:  Emotional Processing during Crying - Body Language of Survivor of Brazilian Nightclub Fire

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1706: Amanda Knox Interview after Guilty Verdict - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2929: Jessica Alba, Sin City 2, Action Figures and the Jaw Confessional 

___________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3320: Pope Francis speaks before the U.S. Congress - Body Language of Boehner and Biden (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Earlier today Pope Francis gave the first ever Papal address before congress. The word "historic" has even thrown about.























The photo above was captured in the instant prior to the handshake between Pope Francis and Joe Biden. Note that the Vice President holds his hand perpendicular to the floor (which, in most all other scenarios would be highly recommended - but not in front of the World - with the Pope - particularly if you're Catholic [as are both Joe Biden and John Boehner]). Such a hand orientation suggests parody. Yet with a high-level religious figure such as Pope Francis (regardless of one's spiritual practice), Mr. Biden would be well advised to adopt a handshake with deference.

In the image below (at the very end of the same handshake), Mr. Biden realizes his mistake and although not optimally configured, he attempts to salvage the situation and partially retracts his fingers - and more fully repositions his thumb. Despite Biden being significantly elevated, this allows Francis' thumb to be on top and thus shifts the Pope to a relative alpha status.

In contrast, John Boehner, either via instinct or from witnessing the Vice President's mistake, offers his hand in a palm-up manner from the beginning. Normally neither Biden nor Boehner would want to accept a beta role in the context of a handshake - or otherwise.

Of course, many other people in power positions have egos which crave the lowering other high-power alphas to relative beta positions. Yet Pope Francis is an exception to this very human foible (He doesn't "need" or want others to behave this way). And Boehner and Biden are wise to make this exception versus their typical salutations.

























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3319: Donald Trump Feels He Has Nothing to Apologize For - Body Language on Stephen Colbert's Late Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3207: Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Body Language

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1131:  Romney's Handshake, Santorum's Bicep's, and Dominance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3318: Barack Obama and Pope Francis - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2424:  Giada De Laurentiis on Conan O'Brien  Beautiful Teeth but Insincere Smiles and  Some Body Language Signals of Waning Love   

Body Language Secret No. 483:  Handshake on the 18th - not so fast

Negotiation Secret No. 703: Bad Handshake?  Let me count the ways ....


___________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3319: Donald Trump Feels He Has Nothing to Apologize For - Body Language on Stephen Colbert's Late Show (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Last night Donald Trump was a guest on the Late Show. Stephen Colbert apologized to Mr. Trump for things he's said regarding the businessman over the years. Colbert then asks, "... I just want to give you the opportunity - it there anybody you would like to apologize to right now yourself?"

"Ahhhh, no. Maybe the audience, how 'bout the audience? Naw, no apologies."

Just after he says, "Ahhhh" and as continuing during his following "no", Trump displays the expression seen below (captured during 0:29). Note his facial expression at this moment: his central forehead is contracted (CFC) and coupled with a unilateral and false mouth smile.

While we all make this expression (a nonverbal "cluster") from time-to-time, it always indicates one (or more) of the following emotions:
  • Incredulity
  • Arrogance
  • Contempt
It's also important to stress that each of these emotions may be nonverbally expressed in other ways.

Most people would say of course say, given the verbal context here, that Trump's emotion is disbelief. Yet, how would you differentiate it from either contempt or arrogance?























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3318: Barack Obama and Pope Francis - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2312:  Bruce Willis' Body Language -  Contempt vs. Suppressed Smile vs.  Pseudo Smile vs. Sincere Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3299: Kim Davis, Contempt-of-Court, Same-Sex Marriages and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3116: Leonard Nimoy and Disbelief - Body Language of Spock 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3227: Bobby Jindal's, "... I am tanned ..." remark - What does his Body Language tell us?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3239: Gaston Meet and Greet Near Gaston's Tavern, New Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom - and a Characteristic Facial Expression indicating ... 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2279:  Hillary's Tears and Senator Barrassso's Contempt & Disbelief- Body Language at Benghazi Hearings

___________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3318: Barack Obama and Pope Francis - Body Language Tells (PHOTOS)



























Pope Francis arrived at Andrews Air Force Base (Joint Base Andrews) today - flying directly from Havana, Cuba. In this image he is shown in the company of the President, the First Lady, several Cardinals and many others - all meeting on the Tarmac.

Barack Obama is configured in a "Fig Leaf" position - which also known as "Genital Guarding". It's rare to find an image of Mr. Obama - or any previous President - republican or democrat - in this particular body language display outside the setting of a Papal visit .... or a few other notable occasions including funerals, weddings, at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, ceremonies for the receiving of remains of fallen members of the military, meetings with other high-ranking religious figures - and when previous presidents are standing next to a current president during speeches, ceremonies, etc.

The fig leaf is an example of beta body language. Here in this context it's a display of deferential behavior and shows respect for Francis. In settings other than this or those others listed above, it would signal low confidence, weakness, the need for emotional protection or even physical protection and/or the acquiescence to another person or group - and would be read as such by most others. Outside of these specific scenarios, it's a nonverbal display that a head-of-state should never adopt.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3317: Scott Walker Drops Out of Presidential Race - A Classic Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3257: Donald Trump at the Texas-Mexico Border - Body Language of a Hyper-Alpha 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3154: Marco Rubio's Body Language Tell 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3274: Chris Christie, Rand Paul, The Republican Debate and National Security

Dating & Romance Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1010:  Rashida Jones - What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea

___________________________________________________________________________________

Monday, September 21, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3317: Scott Walker Drops Out of Presidential Race - A Classic Body Language Tell (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Today Scott Walker withdrew from the 2016 Presidential race. There are now fifteen republican candidates vying for the White House.

Not surprisingly during his press conference, the Wisconsin Governor displayed many key body language moments - and multiple facial expressions of regret. In the video above this important nonverbal signal is very classic and quite noticeable during 0:16 - immediately after he says the crucial statement, "... I will suspend my campaign immediately ..."

Although he's looking down for more reasons than just to refer to his notes, some particularly essential distinctions to make here include the lateral (sideways) movement of Mr. Walker's cheeks and mouth - along with the corners of his mouth down-turned as the lips are stretching and thinning. This mouth configuration of regret is prototypical - and it's made all day long all - but it's nearly always glossed over or more often outright missed. Walker shows us his regret "on display" in a very expected context - so many more people will "see" it (even though they missed this same emotion hundreds of times on their loved-ones and business associates faces' just in the past few days).





















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3316: Ben Carson does not think that a Muslim Should be President - Is He Sincere - or Mimicking Trump's Tactics?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3245: Gov. Scott Walker Jumps into the 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language Amplifiers and Misdirection

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

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. 2408:  Sen. Kelly Ayotte's Anxiety & Regret via  Senators Graham & McCain -  Republican Body Language in Response to  President Obama's National Defense University Speech

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2840: Shailene Woodley, Jon Steward Show and a Body Language of Sexual Interest Display

___________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3316: Ben Carson does not think that a Muslim Should be President - Is He Sincere - or Mimicking Trump's Tactics? - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Ben Carson has now stepped into an Anti-Muslim limelight - a door which Donald Trump walked through two days ago. Since the seventeen (now sixteen) candidates began seeking the republican nomination - some have taken the tactic (or out of sincerity) of being anti-Trump, while others have tried to ride his coat-tails (or simply truly shared Donald's ideology). A few of these examples are more obvious while many are not - and these are very important distinctions to make.

Pundits and others have inquired along these lines with respect to Ben Carson's statement earlier today on Meet The Press. Was the retired neurosurgeon truly sincere (or was he trying to ride the Trump train?) when Chuck Todd asked him, "So do you believe that, ah, Islam is consistent with the - Constitution?"

Ben Carson responded, "Ah, No I don't. I do not. I, I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that."

Answer: Yes. Ben Carson meant what he said - regardless of what Trump thinks. He is sincere.

Although Ben Carson has agreed with Trump on multiple issues in what appears to many to be tactical decisions in an attempt to climb in the polls - this Anti-Muslim stance of Caron's is indeed sincere.

Sincerity is a congruently between one's stated opinions and their true feelings. Politicians are famous for their chronic insincerity. A person may very well be sincere regarding a subject which you find reprehensible - or an opinion you hold dear. Ben Carson's nonverbal signals, his verbal language and his paralanguage are all congruent in this video segment. That's not to say Carson's sincere all the time (no one is) - but here the man meant what he said.

Can you dissect all of Carson's components of sincerity? Can you suss-out the B.S. as well as you think you can?





















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3315: Carly Fiorina, John Kasich and the Ten Dollar Bill - Republican Debate Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3311: Ben Carson to Donald Trump - "He's an Okay Doctor" - Trump's Body Language Faux Pas

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

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2951: Miss America 2015 - Sincerity, Surprise and Botox 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3233: Chris Christie formally enters the 2016 Presidential Race - What about his Body Language? 


___________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3315: Carly Fiorina, John Kasich and the Ten Dollar Bill - Republican Debate Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)






During the most recent republican presidential debate, when asked what woman they would like to see on ten dollar bill, many of the candidates answers' betrayed the fact they were not well-thought on history and American women in particular.

From a nonverbal perspective the above video segment showcases several microexpressions, two of which are discussed here.



















Captured during 0:03, in this image we can see Carly Fiorina displaying a classic microexpression of contempt as she says the word "... honestly ..."

Ms. Fiorina's nonverbal, verbal and paralanguage were all highly congruent - thus indicating her answer to this question was very sincere.





















Later in this same segment (this image during 0:32), Ohio Governor John Kasich displays several microexpressions of fear (with his mouth and neck). This one is a fraction of a second after he says, "... Teresa ..."

Mr. Kasich knew that although most people think as highly for Mother Teresa as he does - he also knew that his answer was not the best one since, of course, she wasn't an American. Did you catch his other microexpressions?

What do Governor Chris Christie's facial expressions tell us?

As with all microexpressions, the dynamic context of video is far superior vs. still photos. Please view the video (and perhaps slow it down to 1/2 or 1/4 speed) to fully appreciate these very short-lived but crucial body language tells.

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. 3314: Donald Trump's Town Hall Q & A in New Hampshire - Fails to Correct Questioner re: President Obama's Religion and Nationality

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3121: Barack Obama and George W. Bush at the 50th Anniversary of the First Selma-to-Montgomery March 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3259: Barack Obama responds to Mike Huckabee's Holocaust Reference 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3253: John Kasich Formally Announces His Candidacy for President 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2338:  Why Does Keit Pentus-Rosimannus feel Fear?  Body Language of Estonia's Minister of Environment 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3198: Sepp Blatter, FIFA, Subtle Fear & Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2916: Rory McIlroy, the PGA Championship and Body Language of Self-Contempt
   
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3299: Kim Davis, Contempt-of-Court, Same-Sex Marriages and Body Language 

___________________________________________________________________________________

Friday, September 18, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3314: Donald Trump's Town Hall Q & A in New Hampshire - Fails to Correct Questioner re: President Obama's Religion and Nationality (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Donald Trump once again made a highly controversial statement yesterday at a public question and answer session in Rochester, New Hampshire. What follows is a partial body language analysis.




















Trump pointed [with an index finger, palm-down point with his left (non-dominant) hand] to a man in the audience and said: “Okay, this man. I like this guy.”

Man in Audience: “We have a problem in this country, it’s called Muslims. We know our current president is one [Trump nodding his head up and down]."

Trump [over-talking]: “Right [continues to nod]."

Man in Audience [over-talking]: "You know, he’s not even an American."

Trump [over-talking]: “We need this question [looks away, palm-up with opposite hand-arm asking for the audience's acknowledgement and approval]"

Man in Audience [over-talking]: "Birth certificate, man."

Trump [over-talking]: "This is the first question [laughing]”

Man in Audience: “But any way, we have training camps growing - where they want to kill us.”

Trump: “Um hmm,”

Man in Audience: “That’s my question: When can we get rid of them?” 

Trump [over-talking]: “We’re going to be looking at a lot of different things - and you know, a lot of people are saying that, and a lot of people are saying - that bad things are happening out there. We’re going to look at that and plenty of other things.”

Donald Trump has been widely criticized for not correcting the questioner as to President Barack Obama's nationality or his religion - as well as to the alleged presence of any "training camps" in the United States. Mr. Trump's campaign staff said that he didn't hear the question - yet there is not any type of nonverbal signal typically associated with any difficulty hearing. As can be clearly seen, Mr. Trump nods his head up and down in acknowledgement as well as making very overt verbal affirmations and even forms of celebrations - with laughter.

In the image below, eleven of the more dramatic facial expressions of various audience members have been captured and isolated (This was imaged from a different video which affords a more complete audience view. However the video above is slightly different and gives us lengthier capture, more audio, etc. Together they allow a more complete and accurate recounting of these moments).




















A. Woman with mouth of fear

B. Man, eyelids open wide, slack-jawed. Surprise/Disbelief,

C. Woman, Eyes wide open, surprise with some fear component

D. Woman, Eyes wide open - fear and surprise, beginning of mouth of fear

E. Man, Disgust and Disbelief, recoiling with body, head and neck. Central eyebrows elevated.
    There's also a component of anger

F. Man, Anger, Eyelids wide open, central eyebrows lowered

G. Man, Disbelief, Shaking his head side to side, recoiling, narrow eyelid openings [see below]

H. Man, Prolonged and pronounced fear evident in widely opened eyes and classic mouth of fear

I. Man, Surprise-shock, eyes opened wide, slack-jawed

J. Woman, Some surprise, beginning fear-mouth [see below]

K. Woman, Similar to H, Widely opened eyelids with mouth of fear



Captured two seconds after the above image, this moment highlights two of the individuals seen above as their expressions evolve:

J. Woman, a more complete expression of fear with widely opened eyes and yet another classic mouth of fear

G. Man, A near complete eyelid closure, shaking his head side-to-side in disbelief of what he's just seen and heard. He's emotionally processing what's just transpired.


While there are other expressions here and some subtler changes seen in these video segments, this spotlighting demonstrates the surprise-shock, disbelief, disgust, anger and fear which some of the audience members were clearly were feeling. It also clearly shows that Donald Trump heard and understood the question clearly.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3312: Carly Fiorina's Retort to Trump - Best Moment of the Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2926: Baby Hears Lion's Roar for First Time - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2122:  Eyes White and Wide -  Three Body Language Examples with Two Different Emotional Causes 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3224: Jordan Spieth, the U.S. Open, and a Classic Fear Expression 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2274:  The Eyes & Mouth of Fear -  Body Language of Ahmed Dogan during  Attempted Assassination 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3147: Kentucky Loses to Wisconsin in Final Four - John Calipari

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3210: Matteo Renzi, Christine Lagarde, Barack Obama and Up-Regulating Alpha Emotions

___________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3312: Carly Fiorina's Retort to Trump - Best Moment of the Debate - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





In what many regard as Carly Fiorina's best moment from the second Republican Presidential Primary debate (last night) - the former HP CEO was asked by CNN's Jake Tapper, "... In an interview last week in "Rolling Stone Magazine", Donald Trump said the following about you: 'Look at that face. Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?' Mr. Trump later said he was talking about your persona, not your appearance. Please feel free to respond what you think about HIS persona."

Ms. Fiorina answers, "You know it's interesting to me - Mr. Trump said that he heard Mr. Bush very clearly, and what Mr. Bush said. I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said."

After an uncomfortable huge applause and long pause (13 seconds) - Trump responds, "I think she's got a beautiful face and I think she's a beautiful woman."

Despite it only being a 53 second segment, this video has multiple body language teaching moments. One in particular however encapsulates emotions of the moment more than any other. It's captured below during the 0:42 mark.

Throughout a good portion of this exchange, Ms. Fiorina has what many would describe as a stoic face. From a nonverbal perspective, what it indicates specifically though is her subtle-to-mild expression (and thus emotion) of disgust. She maintains this expression longer than most people could in such a scenario. Her doing so in this context projects tenaciousness, determination - and therefore a leadership-strength. Trump changes the orientation of his head/neck, direction of gaze and his torso. While Donald wavers - Carly is unwavering. This contrast alone speaks volumes.

Moreover Trump's expression in this same moment is one of an INsincere smile - what is known as a "Bitter Smile". While attempting to look amused, his primary emotion in this moment is regret. And although he has a ruddy complexion, in this instant it's a bit more reddened - and together with a clenched and thrusting jaw and dimpled chin betrays his accompanying feelings of anger.



















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3311: Ben Carson to Donald Trump - "He's an Okay Doctor" - Trump's Body Language Faux Pas

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3141: Carly Fiorina "Higher than 90%" Chances She's Running for President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2640: Disgust at Denver area School Shooting - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2443:  Kristen Wiig's Disgust & Fear Face -  Graham Norton, Chris O'Dowd and Fly Eating  

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3309: Delta State University Shooting (Mississippi) Suspect Shannon Lamb - Body Language Red Flags
 
___________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3311: Ben Carson to Donald Trump - "He's an Okay Doctor" - Trump's Body Language Faux Pas (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Earlier tonight the second Republican Presidential Primary debate for the 2016 race was conducted at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. It was entertaining (About a week ago in a phone interview, Trump had called Carson an "Okay doctor, not a great doctor". Toward the end of the above video, Ben Carson throws it back to Donald Trump referring to the real estate man with, "He's an okay doctor").

This post is the first of several body language analyses regarding this debate and is not intended to be comprehensive - but to highlight specific nonverbal examples in a teaching forum.


This exchange between Ben Carson, Donald Trump and the debate moderator, Jake Tapper - dealt with the subject of autism and how some people feel that perhaps vaccinations have a causative relationship. Dr. Carson pointed out that the medical research does not support this popular opinion but recognized that vaccines in infancy and childhood should be spread out over a longer duration - which Donald Trump had just said (although a bit less eloquently).

Trump then reiterates and agrees with Carson interrupting, "And that's all I'm saying Jake, that's all I'm saying."

A second later, Trump then touches Carson on his elbow. This act was an invasion of Carson's personal space (more specifically his "intimate space") and outside the scenario of culturally recognized invitation (e.g., handshake, "high-five","low-five", fist bump, etc.) should never have been done - particularly in such a public setting. While the elbow is indeed the least invasive place to touch another person - such a clear display of "False Intimacy" was a manifestation (one of many) of Trump's Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It's a patronizing act and an attempt to show dominance. Note this body language is also highly incongruent with Trump's earlier statement - referring to Carson as an "Okay doctor, not a great doctor."

In business, negotiation, personal scenarios, etc. - touching another person when it's uninvited will destroy rapport - usually irreparably. Once a certain level of familiarity, comfort and rapport has truly been established - then carefully selected touching can further enhance rapport - but NOT before. Even then, such an act should be reserved, for the most part, for personal, non-business and private/semi-private settings.


Even as Trump is still touching Carson, both men turn away from each other - with their heads and necks - as well subtly turning and leaning with their torsos.



These simultaneous subconsciously driven acts indicate their mutual disdain for what just occurred.


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. 3310: Carly Fiorina's response to Donald Trump's, "Look at that Face!"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3257: Donald Trump at the Texas-Mexico Border - Body Language of a Hyper-Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2276:  Michelle Obama's Eye Roll .... What was she thinking? and  What Did Boehner's & Barack's Body Language Say? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3268: Advice to the Ten Republicans for Thursday Night's Presidential Republican Debate (First Debate)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3209: G7 Summit - Angela Merkel, Barack Obama and Matteo Renzi - and a Major Body Language Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3244: Serena Williams' on-court interview at Wimbledon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2831: "Walking Contest", Anxiety, Mirroring and False Intimacy

___________________________________________________________________________________