Monday, February 29, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3483: Kate Winslet's Reaction to Leonardo DiCaprio's Oscar for Best Actor - Body Language (PHOTOS)

























This is Kate Winslet just after Leonardo DiCaprio won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in The Revenant.

When evaluating this moment from a nonverbal perspective, there several crucial components which are very telling. Grouped together these signals are called a "cluster".

1. Note Kate's central forehead is contracted and elevated (elevated CFC). This is seen concomitant with her inner (medial) eyebrow also being raised.

2. Kate's Eyelids are opened up significantly wider than baseline - with some tension in her lower eyelids. We can see some redness in the whites (conjunctiva) of her eyes - together with some tears.

3. Her hands are touching and partially covering her mouth. Whenever a person's hand(s) are touching the face - particularly when covering the mouth, nose and eyes in reaction to something happening to another person (or animal) - there is a very significant component of EMPATHY present.

4. Whenever there's an elevated CFC present, it's crucial to immediately evaluate the configuration of the mouth. Here, although Ms. Winslet's mouth is partially covered - yet we can see she is certainly not smiling - even though she's in deep empathy with Leo during a time of recognition for his accomplishment. What specific emotion would you say her mouth is conveying if it were the only part of her face you could see?

Summary: Kate Winslet is feeling very strong empathy for Leonardo DiCaprio. People who routinely display such a body language cluster for others have a high empathy quotient.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3482: Donald Trump Refuses to Disavow David Duke and the KKK

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3370: Michael Fassbender and an Under-recognized Body Language Tell

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2033: Lie Detection, Sergey Lavrov and Syria

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3396: President Obama's Oval Office Address - Dialing up The Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2971: Not Giving Good Actors an Easy Pass - Interstellar Trailer - When the Body Language is Not Congruent with Real Life

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2824: Michael Jace ("The Shield" Actor) Arrested for Alleged Murder of His Wife - Body Language Tells 

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

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Sunday, February 28, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3482: Donald Trump Refuses to Disavow David Duke and the KKK - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





This morning, Donald Trump appeared on CNN's "State of The Union" with Jake Tapper. Mr. Tapper asked Mr. Trump questions about the recent endorsement of Gov. Chris Christie, Trumps taxes, his choice for a running mate - and whether or not he would disavow endorsements from the Ku Klux Klan - as well as from David Duke a former grand wizard of the KKK.

A partial nonverbal analysis follows.

Beginning at 6:11 (in above video) Jake Tapper continues: "...Will you, unequivocally, condemn David Duke and say that you don't want his vote or that of other white supremacists in this election?

Donald Trump: "Well, just so you understand, I don't know anything about David Duke. Okay? I don't know anything about  - what you're even talking about with, ah, white supremacy or white supremacists. So, I don't know. I mean, I don't know. Did, did he endorse me or what's going on, because, you know, I know nothing about David Duke. I know nothing about white supremacists. And so you're asking me a question that I'm supposed to be talking about people that I know nothing about."

Tapper: "But th-, I guess the question from the, from the Anti-Defamation League is, even if you don't know about their endorsement, there are these groups and individuals endorsing you. Would you just say unequivocally you condemn them and you don't want their support?"

Trump: "Well, I have to look at the group. I mean, I don't know what group you're talking about. You wouldn't want me to condemn a group that I know nothing about. I have to look. If you would send me a list of the groups, I will do research on 'em. And, certainly, I would disavow if I thought there was something wrong."

Tapper: "The Ku Klux Klan?"

Trump: "But you may have groups in there that are totally fine, and it would be very unfair. So give me a list of the groups, and I'll let you know."

Tapper: "Okay. I mean, I'm just talking about David Duke and the Ku Klux Klan here, but ..."

Trump: "I don't know any — honestly, I don't know David Duke. I don't believe I have ever met 'em. I'm pretty sure I didn't meet him. And I just don't know anything about him."



Note that throughout the duration of this video, Donald Trumps rate of blinking is about 12 times normal (1). Increase blinking frequency is a strong signal of elevated anxiety. It's important to exclude medical causes - such as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Sjögren's syndrome, Lupus, etc. - none of which are suffered by Mr. Trump. It's also important to access any suspected momentary blinking frequency against the person's normal blink rate. This 1,200 percent increase (vs. normal) is much more rapid than Trump's baseline blinking and in no remote way could be considered normal for anyone with healthy eyes.


From a nonverbal viewpoint, there are several reasons Donald Trump is a very good liar. One of these which is often not recognized is his use of his "mask" face. When a person has less variability in their facial expression (or any other body language signals) - the less work the brain has to perform and thus the easier it is to deceive. Skilled lying is, after all, among other things - a form of multitasking. In addition, the more accustomed a person is to frequently returning to their "default" facial configuration (a true physiologic mask), the better they are able to suppress expressions of lying.

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder (Sociopaths, etc.) have a much higher frequency of facial mask behavior - and such frequent use of this emotional mask is but one manifestation of their decreased empathy quotient.

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. 3481: Gordon Ramsay Tries Girl Scout Cookies for the First Time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3293: Why is Donald Trump a Better Liar than Most Politicians? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3469: Leonardo DiCaprio and Dame Maggie Smith on BAFTA Awards Kiss Cam - The British Academy Film Awards

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2653: Carey Mulligan - Blunted Surprise and ... Body Language on Jimmy Kimmell, Part I 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2733: A Neuroscientist who's a Psychopath 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3102: Movie Portrayal of "Christian Grey" is a Sociopath or Worse

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3010: McStay Family Murders - Body Language Signs of a Sociopath 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2741: Lupita Nyong'o Wins an Oscar - Signal of high Sincerity and Empathy 
 
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Saturday, February 27, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3481: Gordon Ramsay Tries Girl Scout Cookies for the First Time - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Although some people don't care for Gordon Ramsay's personality - the Hell's Kitchen chef certainly has a lot of fans. It's profoundly important to remember, disagreeing with someone's point-of-view, does not indicate insincerity on their part. And just as crucial, is the different course of action one should take if a person is being dishonest/insincere vs. someone who is in honest disagreement. As important and as basic as these distinctions are - intermingling and confusing these two basic issues, particularly when the observer is angry - is exceedingly common. Recognizing nonverbal sincerity tells will discern honesty from deception.

Mr. Ramsay is extremely animated and this short video contains many body language signals. One in particular is highlighted here.

Beginning at 0:07 Jimmy Kimmel says, "Are there any good cooks left? Orrrrr - "

Ramsey: "Ahhh [Jaw Jut with Upward Exhalation during 0:10] you know ..."

Kimmel: "..... just people showing up who like to be abused?"

The Jaw Jut with Simultaneous Upward Exhalation is very short-lived (yet not quite as brief as a microexpression) nonverbal display which has a component of anger (ergo the jaw jut) - however the is primarily emotion being expressed is that of frustration. The elongated exhalation which is, in part, slowed by the temporary narrow mouth opening - serves to reduce respiration, heart rate and blood pressure. Because of its resemblance to the cartoon character's prominent jaw and upward air displacement, this nonverbal display is sometimes called the "Popeye sign" (sans pipe).

In a nutshell - think of the Popeye sign as primarily indicating sincere frustration (with a solution but significant reluctance) with a secondary anger component.

Intriguingly, the upward-vectoring of the exhalation nuances this moment even further - suggesting there is solution is at hand (although not as palatable as desired).  Sometimes the jaw jut exhalation is directed laterally or straight forward - and in these variations it carries with it a greater level of anger.





















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3480: What Does RNC Chairman Reince Priebus think about Donald Trump?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3471: Ronda Rousey regarding her Loss to Holly Holm on Ellen DeGeneres Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3468: GOP Debate, Antonin Scalia, John Dickerson and Ted Cruz on Supreme Court History

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3447: Chris Pine, "The Finest Hours" and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3407: GOP Debate, the National Anthem and Shades of Napoleon 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3400: Amy Poehler, Jimmy Fallon, Visual Recall and "Truth or Truth" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3112: John Travolta Chin Holding and Face Touching Idina Menzel at the Oscars - What Makes it Extra-Creepy 

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


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Friday, February 26, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3480: What Does RNC Chairman Reince Priebus think about Donald Trump? - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Reince Priebus is Chairman of the RNC and thus has considerable insight into the inner workings of the powers that be.

In this interview with CNN's Alisyn Camerota, Mr. Priebus displays several nonverbal signals which contradict his words. And whenever the verbal and nonverbal signals are incongruent - it's the nonverbal ones which are always telling the truth.

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of Mr. Priebus within the context of this interview. 

At 1:36 Ms. Camerota continues, "... But you're making it sound simpler -

Priebus: (over-talking) Okay.

Camerota: ... than in fact, it is - because as we have heard time and again, 

Priebus: (over-talking) I think it's pretty simple.

Camerota: ... over the past few weeks , there is a whole chunk of the republican Establishment that is not embracing Donald Trump - in fact, they're rejecting him. We have heard about all of the - big donors, all of the republican party elders, all of the people in congress who are basically saying, 'Anyone but Trump'. They're flocking to Marco Rubio now in droves, hoping that he can be the anti-Trump candidate ...


1:45

A "Lose Tongue Jut" is displayed just as Ms. Camerota begins her question regarding Donald Trump. This sign indicates, "I've been caught" or "I've been bad".






1:49 - A dramatic Increase in Blinking Frequency is seen as the RNC Chairman also begins a Hard Swallow. The exact timing of this hard swallow along with the specific nature of this question is a very strong and reliable indicator of anxiety.



1:50.2

Note Priebus' "Adam's Apple" (Laryngeal Incisure of the Thyroid Cartilage) prominence as it temporarily elevates.
Notice also the bulging of the tissue beneath his jaw (vs. those images above) - aka Pelican Sign and part of a swallow cycle.


1:50.3

Toward the end of the swallowing cycle - with more pelican pouching  prominence. 

Mr. Priebus' throat is dry secondary to the anxiety evoked by the subject of Donald Trump.




It's important to watch the video several times - for in this context the dynamic nature of this nonverbal cluster is better visualized, learned and contextualized.

Summary: Reince Priebus and the RNC are, in fact, quite worried regarding the very real possibility of Donald Trump becoming their party's nominee for president.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3479: Vicente Fox regarding Donald Trump's Proposed Wall - ‘I’m not going to pay for that F***ing wall!’

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3476: Is Ted Cruz worried about a Donald Trump Lawsuit? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3467: Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Dies

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3460: Eli Manning Reacts to Bronco's Super Bowl Touchdown

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. 3432: Leonardo DiCaprio reacts to Lady Gaga at Golden Globe Awards 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3421: Jennifer Lawrence, Eddie Redmayne and Emotional Comfort

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


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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3479: Vicente Fox regarding Donald Trump's Proposed Wall - ‘I’m not going to pay for that F***ing wall!’ - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Mexico's former President, Vicente Fox (2000 - 2006) was interviewed by Fusion’s Jorge Ramos in a video published earlier today on YouTube.

Beginning at 0:01, Mr. Fox says, "... I'm not going to pay for that f***ing wall! He should pay for it! He's got the money ..."

Many can easily see the anger displayed by Mr. Fox ... but let's slice it thinner. In the first image (below during 0:03), take note of how widely the former President's eye lids are opened. With mild to moderate anger the eyelids are partially closed - however this very widely opened lid configuration is indicative of Severe Anger (Rage).

Note Mr. Fox's mid-face is very tight - particularly beneath his mustache (which makes facial nuance considerably more difficult to visualize) as well as flared nostrils. Vicente's teeth are clenched tightly here (further evidenced by his dimpled chin). His lips are also very tense - displaying the very classic signal of "thin lips of anger".


A tenth of a second later (still during 0:03), Mr. Fox's face takes on the additional component of contempt just before he drops the F-Bomb. Intriguingly, the spoken word, "Fuck" has a very high correlation with the nonverbal signal of contempt. The interrelationships between verbal language and simultaneous nonverbal language (together with the paralanguage) is a profoundly important key in detecting sincerity - or insincerity.



0:05 - Regardless of the country or culture, index finger (forefinger) pointing is also much more prevalent during anger - and it will also insight anger in those at whom the finger is directed.







In the milliseconds after he pointed, former President Fox knows he's made a mistake (for his anger is, of course, for Donald Trump and not Jorge Ramos) - and before his arm is fully retracted, the offending finger curls up in retreat.



Next, in three rapid successions (during 0:07, 0:08 and 0:09), Fox displays a "Loose Tongue Jut". This indicates Mr. Fox's feelings of, "I've been bad" and "I've been caught" (Navarro).







What other key body language signals did Mr. Fox display?


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. 3478: Donald Trump Jr Does Not Like his Father's Statement, "I Love the Poorly Educated"

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3431: El Chapo, Sean Penn, an Interview and a Handshake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3419: George Pataki, Asymmetry, Trust and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3075: Franklin Graham (Billy Graham's son) Blasts Duke University for Muslim "Call to Prayer"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1918: Vladimir Putin - Pointing with Pen Surrogates Sharp vs. Blunt

Negotiation Secret No. 339: Don't Point at Me! I am not your child!

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2149: Losing Votes with the Double Index Finger Point - A Faux Pas Nearly Every Time

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Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3478: Donald Trump Jr Does Not Like his Father's Statement, "I Love the Poorly Educated" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Last night Donald Trump won the Nevada Republican Caucuses. It was his third primary/caucus victory following South Carolina and New Hampshire.

During his victory Speech (beginning in the above video at 4:21) Mr. Trump continues, "... So we won the evangelicals. We won with young. We won with old. We won with highly educated. We won with poorly educated. I love the poorly educated! [eyebrow flash-prolonged blink followed two seconds later by a mouth of fear] We're the smartest people. We're the most loyal people ..."


At 4:33, Donald Trump Jr. - (to the candidates right) quickly raises his eyebrows (an eyebrow flash) while simultaneous displaying a prolonged blink. This nonverbal cluster indicates a Condescending Disagreement with a component of Surprise.
 



Immediately after the display above (during 4:35), Donald Trump Jr. displays a Fear Mouth. Watching the video, some may say it looks as if he's trying to bite the air. There's also some tightening of the mid-face (particularly the "mustache area") and flaring of his nostrils.


Please watch the video segment several times to fully appreciate the subtle, evanescent and dynamic nature of these closely-clustered microexpressions.

Summary: Donald Trump Jr. was surprised his father said, "We love the poorly educated!" Moreover in the moment he felt a condescending disagreement towards him. After he a couple of seconds to think about it, the younger Trump then feels significant fear for the ramifications of his father's words.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3477: Henry Cavill Asks Children - Batman or Superman? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3474: Donald Trump, Handshakes and Narcissism

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3461: Cam Newton Walks Out of Super Bowl 50 Post Game Press Conference

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3456: Martin Shkreli Pleads the Fifth before Congress

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3234: Whole Foods Market, Message to Customers, Damage Control and Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2718: Obama: "I can do whatever I want" Body Language with French President François Hollande
 
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Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3477: Henry Cavill Asks Children - Batman or Superman? Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





In this Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice promotional video, Henry Cavill interviews several children. He asks them (4-6 years old) which of the two superheros they favor, while discussing their various qualities and powers. Throughout the vast majority of these interactions, Cavill's forehead is contracted. This includes variations of the entire width of the forehead, isolated to the central forehead (CFC) as well as asymmetrical contractions (each of which have different sub-meanings).

Human adults have a strong tendency to over-use their forehead muscles when speaking to human children - and indeed we do so even to young animals. More specifically, we behave like this more often when they're not our own biological children. This behavior is a form of acting - and thus insincerity. We should NOT do this. Children can sense this melodrama at a much higher level of sensitivity than most adults ever realize.

Note that none of the children ever remotely contracted their foreheads as Cavill did many times - yet in this video, they're being touted as "brutally honest". Honesty is of course, sincerity as it is reflected in a single act or statement. The children (not actors) are thus being sincere with no use of their forehead muscles - while Cavill (a professional actor) is using his far too much in both frequency and amplitude. 

This same behavior carries over when interacting with other adults. Moreover, if you had to say what is the most common nonverbal signal of insincerity? - It's over use of the forehead. Besides those who act this way around children, where else do we commonly see this nonverbal display?

1. Unskilled Actors (Those who are poor at the Stanislavsky method as well as Method Acting - unless perhaps they are playing one of the characters below)
2. News Anchors (Numbed to bad news)
3. Politicians (Very frequently insincere)
4. Sales Professionals (Those who don't believe in their product/service or are trying too hard)
5. Isolated Insincerity (Every person on occasion)
6. Chronic Insincerity (Antisocial Personality Disorder or colloquially known as Sociopaths)




0:39





















0:57



0:58




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1:20





















1:27





















1:51






















2:01





















2:06






















2:17


















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3476: Is Ted Cruz worried about a Donald Trump Lawsuit?

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. 3442: Jennifer Lawrence Scolds Journalist at Golden Globes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3456: Martin Shkreli Pleads the Fifth before Congress 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3453: Marco Rubio's Hyper-Alpha, Backfiring Body Language

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. 3435: US Sailor captain Apologizes to Iran

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3403: "Johnnie Walker - Dear Brother" Commercial 
 
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Monday, February 22, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3476: Is Ted Cruz worried about a Donald Trump Lawsuit? - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTO)





Question: Is Ted Cruz worried about a lawsuit from Donald Trump? Answer: Yes. Probably not one challenging the ad which he's referencing here - but another - e.g., Trump challenging Cruz's birth status and whether or not Cruz is, from a Constitutional point-of-view, a "natural born citizen".

Note that throughout most of this video, Cruz speaks with his hands in his front pockets. Although his hands cannot be visualized directly here, their positions can be easily discerned by the dynamics of his arm positions/movements. Many people will confuse this particular MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) as one associated with smug confidence - but it's not. Any time a person says their not afraid of something, challenging someone, says their looking forward to xyz - and then they put their hands in their pockets (or doesn't/rarely takes them out of their pockets) - they are afraid/lying. A sudden cessation of hand/arm illustrators is highly correlative with deception. This is particularly noteworthy with Mr. Cruz, because he does have a particular set of hand/arm illustrators to which he frequently defaults - yet here his psyche gives us glimpse inside.

Slicing it thinner: At 0:35 just as Ted Cruz puts his right hand (his dominant hand) back into his pocket (it had been in earlier and his left was in its respective pocket) - the junior senator from Texas displays a regret expression (see image below).




0:35 Regret Expression as Senator Cruz puts his second (dominant) hand into his pocket just after he says, "One of the things I look forward to most of all ..."











0:36

A second later as he says, " .... is deposing Donald Trump" - Cruz's face displays an expression of incredulity (right eyebrow raised, right forehead contracted and elevated - yet it's relaxed on his left side). Ted Cruz uses this expression during a declarative statement. Thus his body language is contradicting his verbal language. Anytime these two are incongruous - it's the body language which tells the true emotions. Ted Cruz has a disbelief of his own statement.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3475: John Kasich Hugs a Supporter - Was He Sincere?

Nonverbal Communication No. 3472: Donald Trump's Retort to Pope Francis

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3463: Marco Rubio, Robotic Behavior and Insincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3452: A Ted Cruz Rapport Destroyer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3438: Hillary Clinton, What's Your Relationship with Vladimir Putin? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3431: El Chapo, Sean Penn, an Interview and a Handshake  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3470: Taylor Swift's Speech at 2016 Grammys

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Sunday, February 21, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3475: John Kasich Hugs a Supporter - Was He Sincere? - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Yesterday Gov. John Kasich finished fifth (with 7.6%) in the South Carolina primary. Two days earlier, during a talk at Clemson University, Kasish hugged a supporter. Some have questioned whether or not the candidate was sincere in this action. A brief nonverbal analysis of this dynamic follows.

Note that although Kasich does not keep his close his eyes for the duration of the entire hug - they were closed for a significant percentage of it - particularly for someone the Governor just met.

We keep our eyes closed during a hug when there is an increased level of sincerity. Forty-percent of the mass of the human brain is dedicated to vision. And ninety-percent of our sensory input is visual. Touch, smell, hearing and taste have to 'share' the remaining ten-percent. Thus when we close our eyes - a bit less blood flow and a bit less electrical-chemical activity occurs in the visual portion of our brains - while the other four senses are immediately enhanced - as well as our cognitive and emotional centers. So by closing our eyes, we up-regulate our brain's ability to truly feel emotion as well as enhancing our ability to be more fully present in the moment.

It's important to note Kasich's hand - more specifically right his palm is in full contact with the man's back. Full palmar contact during a hug (and most other gestures) correlates with higher sincerity in the moment and a sincerity quotient in general. This nonverbal signal carries even greater significance because it's performed with the Governor's dominant hand (his right).




















In the image below, Gov. Kasich can be seen squeezing his eyelids shut especially tightly. This is one of several nonverbal techniques all of our psyches subconsciously utilize in an effort to try and prevent a full crescendo of tears as well as attempting to diminish an inward growth of sadness/grief.






















In summary, this hug of Gov. Kasich's was highly sincere (especially for a man he just met) - and he has the highest sincerity quotient of any of the republican candidates. 

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. 3474: Donald Trump, Handshakes and Narcissism

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3371: John Kasich at the Republican Debate  

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3308: Hillary Clinton's Apology - Certainly Late, Yet Was It Sincere? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3363: Chris Christie's Viral Video - Why do even Democrats love it?  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2: Body Language of Blake Lively and Penn Badgley Strongly Suggests an Impending Break-up in Near Future 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2863: Gary Oldman's Apology on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" - Sincere or Insincere?


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Saturday, February 20, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3474: Donald Trump, Handshakes and Narcissism - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Tonight in South Carolina, Donald Trump won the his second presidential primary. It's looking increasingly likely that the businessman will become the 2016 Republican Presidential Nominee. Back in February of 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada - when Mitt Romney was running for President, Donald Trump endorsed the former Massachusetts Governor who went on to challenge President Obama.

Although this video has a multitude of body language tells, one in particular is highlighted here - Trump's and Romney's handshake. Note that during 1:55 - 1:58 and again at 5:53-5:55 of the above video, in both instances, Trump pulls Romney into his personal space (even into his intimate space). This is but one variety of a handshake which is hyper-alpha and highly narcissistic. Moreover, those who use this handshake are deliberately trying to intimidate.

In addition, men who shake a woman's hand in this manner have a very high rate of misogynistic and objectifying behaviors.





1:56























5:54


















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3473: Adele's Tongue, Ellen DeGeneres and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3462: Donald Trump calls Ted Cruz a "Pussy"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3459: Miscues on the Introductions to New Hampshire Republican Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3455: Jerry Rice Undercover - Lyft Super Bowl 50 Commercial

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1874: Bad Handshake - Political Prevalence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3431: El Chapo, Sean Penn, an Interview and a Handshake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3429: Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward met with Ammon Bundy 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3345: Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama and a Handshake at the U.N.

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate - Body Language Faux Pas


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Friday, February 19, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3473: Adele's Tongue, Ellen DeGeneres and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTO)





Adele was a guest on The Ellen Show earlier this week. Among other things, she discussed the microphone falling into the piano during the Grammys Monday night. Afterwards she admitted "... It wasn't too bad. I treat myself to burger - and a beer ...".

Just after her food confession (during the 1:59 mark of the above video and isolated below), Adele displays a "Tongue Jut". This behavior indicates I've been caught/I've been bad and here it has a significant self-deprecating component as well.

Tongue jutting within a negative emotional context will tend to occur on the opposite side of the mouth vs. those tongue juts with more positive emotions. This particular left-right preference phenomenon is idiosyncratic to the individual and must be normed.

Most of the time a tongue jut (aka lizard tongue) occurs over such a brief duration that it's classified as a microexpression.






















See also:

Nonverbal Communication No. 3472: Donald Trump's Retort to Pope Francis

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3469: Leonardo DiCaprio and Dame Maggie Smith on BAFTA Awards Kiss Cam - The British Academy Film Awards 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3459: Miscues on the Introductions to New Hampshire Republican Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3453: Marco Rubio's Hyper-Alpha, Backfiring Body Language 

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1482: George Clooney's Lizard Tongue (Tongue Jut) 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3138: Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes, "God She's Beautiful" and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3061: Jimmy Fallon Blew a Chance to Date Nicole Kidman

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3380: Adele at the BBC, When Adele was disguised as Jenny

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