Thursday, January 28, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3449: Natalie Portman's Hands - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





In the above video, Natalie Portman demonstrates a common nonverbal gesture - and yet one rarely described. In body language parlance, this is but one of many examples of what is known an "illustrator" - for they serve to illustrate, emphasize and add description and flavor to verbal language.

In this interview, Natalie is recounting her research of, and preparation for a rendition of "Iko Iko" with Sia, Jimmy and The Roots. During the segment from 1:07 to 1:12  as Ms. Portman says, "... Yeah - it said something that it was like Creole, like the king being [Fallon over-talking] - a Mardi Gras, yeah, Creole ...", her hands move in an elevated, open palm, moderate-to-high frequency, moderate-to-high amplitude gesture. When interpreted in toto (particularly with Natalie's facial expression), this nonverbal is a "Kinda-Sorta-Maybe" gesture illustrating a "Nebulous quality" and a "Searching for the Correct Description" to that which is being discussed.

In this particular example, Natalie Portman's body language is highly congruous with her verbal language (as well as her paralanguage) - thus her sincerity quotient is very high. However this gesture is often used when the verbal language is (when simply taken at face value) decisive and definitive - yet in such a scenario, if you know what nonverbal signals to look for - you'll pick up on the insincerity. Often times our subconscious detects this disparity and leaves us with a feeling of ill-at-ease or "something's not quite right here" emotion.



See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3448: Ted Cruz's Challenge to Debate Donald Trump One-on-One; Cruz's Default Facial Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3443: Donald Trump - "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and Shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any Voters!"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3439: Ted Cruz and the Lateral Lip Purse

Dating & Romance Body Language Secret No. 2020: The Art of Looking Flirtatious

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis 2759: Vladimir Putin, Annexation of Crimea and Mouth Asymmetry 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3435: US Sailor captain Apologizes to Iran 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3446: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Body Language


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