Last night, toward the end of the third Presidential Debate of the 2016 Election, Moderator Chris Wallace asked Donald Trump about whether or not he would commit to accepting the results of the election. The video above is a segment of that exchange - and what follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.
Chris Wallace (beginning at 0:47): ".... there is a tradition in this country, in fact, one of the prides of this country is the peaceful transition of power and no matter how hard fought a campaign is - that at the end of the campaign, that the loser concedes to the winner. Not saying you're necessarily going to be the loser or the winner - but that the loser concedes to the winner and the country comes together in part for the good of the country. Are you saying you're not prepared now to commit to that principle?"
Donald Trump: [over-talking] "What I’m saying is that I will tell you at the time. I'll keep you in suspense, okay?"
Hillary Clinton: [over-talking] "Well Chris, let me respond to that because that’s horrifying. You know, every time Donald thinks things aren't going in his direction, he claims whatever it is, is rigged against him ..."
From 1:13 through 1:19 (corresponding with red highlighted dialog above), Donald Trump displays a very specific nonverbal expression. Despite the fact that it's not uncommon - this facial tell is rarely discussed and it's under appreciated in the nonverbal literature.
In the wide frame above and in the close up below (captured a few seconds apart), we can see that Mr. Trump's eyebrows are momentarily elevated (along with his forehead muscles) - and yet, his upper eyelids, rather than being raised as well - are tightened and significantly more closed. This facial expression is indicative of arrogance, contempt and a patronizing emotional tone.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3729: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part I - Vladimir Putin, Body Language & Emotional Intelligence
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3727: Donald Trump and Children
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3725: Donald Trump Challenges Hillary Clinton to a Drug Test before Debate
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3720: The 2nd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Personal Space and Predatory Behavior
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3712: Lloyd Bentsen to Dan Quayle - "You're No Jack Kennedy"
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3699: The Tulsa Police and the Shooting Death of Terence Crutcher
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3657: Abbey D'Agnostino, Nikki Hamblin and the Olympic Spirit
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3502: Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant Pranks a College Team as ‘The Transfer’ - Body Language
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