Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3498: Donald Trump Mocks Chris Christie when criticizing John Kasich - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTO)






Yesterday in Vienna, Ohio, Donald Trump made an appearance while campaigning for today's primary there.

In an effort to criticize Governor John Kasich, he also dished out the same criticism to Governor Chris Christie - who was on stage with him at that very moment.

A small section of his speech appears above. During 0:29 - 0:31, as he says, "... I hated-ed (stutter) to do that, but I had to make my point ...", Trump displays a Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression (aka R2E2).

The Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression is a nonverbal facial signal which may last milliseconds (a microexpression) or several seconds (here it lasts about 2 seconds). Most body language beginners will mistake it for disgust - yet a very different emotion is being expressed (Can you tell the difference?).

It's very important to stress that every human being displays the R2E2 from time to time. However when you see this body language - know that the person is either trying to rationalize - trying to get others to rationalize - or to co-rationalize with him. They have a course of action, idea, opinion, etc., they want someone to take/believe and they're trying hard to get others to see/feel their point of view. The twist is this - very often (depending on the other nonverbal signs with which it is clustered) the R2E2 is a sign that the person displaying it doesn't really believe their own words. Thus it's a beacon of disparity between a person's thought-feelings and what they are saying aloud.

Thus when you see the R2E2, ask yourself: 

Of what precisely is this person trying to convince me? 
Why are they trying so hard to convince me? 
Do they seem to really believe what they are saying? 
What's their claimed motive?
What is another possible motive?
Does their tone of voice seem sincere?
What are their other nonverbal signals telling me?




















The R2E2 is an attempt to gain our empathy and our rapport.





















This is an excellent example of a nonverbal signal that's used (subconsciously) in an effort convince us. And once again - we all use it, but when you see it often or intensely, approach with caution. There's a can of snake oil nearby.



See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3497: Sasha Obama, Malia Obama, Ryan Reynolds and a State Dinner 

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3406: Republican Debate, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and a Body Language Tell for Insincerity

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2977: Raven-Symoné: "I'm Tired of Being Labeled" - Interview with Oprah

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2643: Is this Hug More Sexual or Affectionate? Student Suspended One Year for Hugging a Teacher

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3465: Hillary Clinton's Dominant Spider


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