Saturday, December 31, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3803: A Common Gesture of Donald Trump's - Variation on Alpha-Beta Hybrids - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)





















Donald Trump uses a particular hand-arm gesture much more frequently that almost anyone else you will see. Indeed, you may never recall seeing this specific nonverbal signal before (as it is relatively unusual to rare).

When all of the fingers are extended during any hand gesture (in nonverbal nomenclature, this is an example of an "Illustrator"), in general (although there are exceptions), it is considerably more alpha in nature. Simply by flexing his forefinger (aka index finger) - which is the most dominant (or alpha) of all the digits - the President-Elect then transforms the gesture into one that is less alpha - and thus more beta.

This is one of many examples of what is known as an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid" - not high alpha nor extreme beta, but somewhere in between. It's profoundly helpful to be well acquainted with many Alpha-Beta Hybrids - as such intermediate body language is not only more commonly used than the alpha or beta ends of the continuum, but they are much more useful when trying to establish rapport and influence.

The three examples shown in this post, illustrate a further nuance within this particular alpha-beta hybrid family.

The nonverbal display pictured above (Example A) is the furthest toward the beta end of the "Alpha-Beta Spectrum". There are three reasons for this:

1. The palm is directed (mostly) upward
2. Donald Trump's upper arm is held close to his torso
3. His upper arm is in same plane as his torso
4. Mr. Trump's hand is held relatively lower (partially related to the position of his upper arm)




























This next image (Example B) represents a relative intermediate in this alpha-beta family spectrum. Note the changes:

1. The palm is directed (mostly) vertically (relatively perpendicular to the floor)
2. Mr. Trump's upper arm is a bit further from his torso relative to Example A (It is useful to
    think of the position of the elbow, and in this second photo it's further from his torso)
3. The upper arm remains within the plane of the torso
4. His hand is held relatively higher versus Example A

























As we see here in Example C:

1. Donald Trump's palm is directed downward. Palm-down gestures are significantly more alpha
    compared with palm-up gestures.
2. His upper arm is significantly further from his torso - much further than with A or B
3. Mr. Trump's upper arm is no longer within the same plane as his torso - but vectored forward
4. His hand is even higher than either A or B


Summary: When taken in isolation, all three of these examples have approximately the same hand configuration (e.g., They reside in the same alpha-beta hybrid nonverbal family). Yet when any of the following changes occur, the gesture grows increasingly alpha, more dominant and projects greater authority and power:

1. The orientation of the hand is progressively directed downward
2. The upper arm is held further from the torso
3. The upper arm is directed forward (not in the same plane as the torso or backward)
4. The elevation of the hand is increased


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3802: Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey and UFC 207 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3800: Houston Rocket's Chinanu Onuaku Shooting Underhanded ("Granny Style") Free Throws (and His Teammates' responses) 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3798: Elle Fanning, Channing Tatum and Dialing Up the Alpha 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3782: Zoey Deutch, Ryan Seacrest and Embarrassment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3743: Ronda Rousey's Anxiety - Anticipating Her Next Fight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3537: Stephen Colbert, Reince Priebus and a Flubbed Monologue

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3645: Miss Teen USA's Apology - Is She Sincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3635: Michelle Obama's DNC Speech and a Body Language Mistake


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3802: Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey and UFC 207 - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTO)






















Amanda Nunes was victorious over Ronda Rousey in the first defense of her UFC Bantamweight Title tonight (UFC 207). The fight was stopped after just 48 seconds in the first round - with Nunes scoring a TKO.

In this image both Nunes (left) and Rousey are awaiting the official decision. Nunes' is displaying a classic example of a sincere yet suppressed smile. While the corners of her mouth are slightly-to-mildly upturned, none of here teeth are visible. But the mouth is not the most crucial component of a smile (sincere, social or feigned). Turn your attention to Nunes' eyes - the anatomy priority of any true (Duchenne) smile. Notice her eyelids are partially closed - in addition to temporary, concave-up furrows in each of her lower eyelids - this configuration is an absolute requirement for a sincere smile.

Not surprisingly, the corners of Ronda Rousey's mouth are down-turned. Her head and neck are tilted forward and down as well. The former champion's eyelids are almost closed with her eyes fixed in a downward gaze. Her complete lack of eye contact (with the audience, Nunes or anyone else) is of course a very common nonverbal display accompanying the emotions of shame and embarrassment.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3801: Marion Cotillard, Lip Syncing and Honest Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3799: Carrie Fisher and Princess Leia - Full Lips and Lip Pursing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3797: Donald Trump's Out of Context Christmas Tweet 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3763: Matt Smith, Claire Foy and Where NOT to be stung by a Wasp 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3736: Newt Gingrich and Megyn Kelly re: Donald Trump 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3523: Jaws - "You're Going to Need a Bigger Boat"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3565: Adolf Hitler, Jesse Owens, Archie Williams and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3534: Taylor Swift's (Vogue's) Rapid-fire 73 Q & A Session


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Friday, December 30, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3801: Marion Cotillard, Lip Syncing and Honest Anxiety - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





During Marion Cotilliard's recent guest appearance on The Graham Norton Show, the accomplished actor was asked to lip sync a portion of Non, je ne regrette rien. Perhaps you were fooled into believing (as were many others) that she truly sang it during her Academy Award winning performance (Best Actress 2007) as Édith Piaf in La Vie en rose.

As she did not anticipate Norton's request (2:15 in the video above), Ms. Cotilliard felt unprepared and she responded with, "Oh shit". Immediately after this she reached up with her left hand and scratched the right side of her forehead.

This is an excellent example of a nonverbal signal for "Honest Anxiety". That is to say, when you see this body language displayed, you can be certain that the person doing so is feeling anxiety - and in addition, there's a very low probability they are attempting deception.

If Marion would have not reached across her forehead - and instead scratched on the same side, this would have indicated a relatively lower level of nervousness.

























There are many different nonverbal displays indicative of honest anxiety. Can you name any others? How does one differentiate these from deception-related nervousness?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3800: Houston Rocket's Chinanu Onuaku Shooting Underhanded ("Granny Style") Free Throws (and His Teammates' responses)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3798: Elle Fanning, Channing Tatum and Dialing Up the Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3796: Bryan Cranston, Donald Trump, Anxiety and Alpha Up-Regulators

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3787: Meghan Markle's Body Language - and some Ramifications for Prince Harry

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3634: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the Democratic National Convention, Emails and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3673: Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin separate after Sexting Scandal

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3596: Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3532: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and The Graham Norton Show


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3800: Houston Rocket's Chinanu Onuaku Shooting Underhanded ("Granny Style") Free Throws (and His Teammates' responses) - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Chinanu Onuaku made his NBA career debut on Monday night with the Houston Rockets. He came in the game in the fourth quarter, scoring six points and three rebounds in a 131 - 115 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Onuaku has made viral news by the sinking of his two free throws using the underhanded technique - which is often times colloquially (and patronizingly) referred to as "Granny Style".

[Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The images below however, were captured from this video.]























Although many technical analysts and players (including NBA great, Rick Barry) believe the underhanded configuration is indeed a method which is statistically superior (often far superior) to the ubiquitous overhanded free throw (even Wilt Chamberlain used it in the 1961-62 season, including 28 free throws in one game), it has not been used in decades.
























The response of his teammates in the above video provide fantastic examples of some nonverbal tells indicative of emotional suppression.

Note his teammates' (and even some of the audience) reaction. In this post, for nonverbal teaching purposes, his colleague Ryan Anderson's reaction is highlighted and analyzed.

In the frame above, once Chinanu Onuaku makes his first free underhanded free throw, Ryan Anderson stands, cheers and "fist-pumps" the air (red shirt with white towel around his neck). It's the first in Onuaku's NBA career, so perhaps a cheer from a teammate is in order - yet for a free throw this is disproportional and out-of-context.
























As Ryan sits back down, his mouth is configured in an "Inward Lip Roll". An inward lip roll (aka ILR) is a sign of emotional suppression. This is subconscious attempt of the mind to minimize both inward emotion growth (can you tell what feelings he's suppressing?) as well as outward expression of that same emotion.

























A moment later Anderson displays a "Tight Tongue Jut". In this nonverbal behavior, the term "Tight" is included to describe the concomitant jaw tension (in distinction to a "Loose Tongue Jut" which has a completely different meaning). A tight tongue jut signals disdain and repulsion - in this moment, at the idea/sight of a "Granny Style" free throw. This is identical to what occurs when infants push out food which they find "distasteful".



























He then re-configures into another Inward Lip Roll. Note his simultaneous jaw jutting as well as his mid-face (mustache region and nostrils) tension. Disgust is being felt (and suppressed).

























In this next image, we see a rarely photographed (yet not at all rarely displayed) variant of an inward lip roll - with Ryan Anderson's mouth open moderately (Did you catch the inward and downward vectoring of his eyebrows and lower forehead?).

























In this final image, Anderson recruits his towel as a pseudo-mouth wipe in order to cover his feelings of disdain and disgust.

Summary: Ryan Anderson's clapping for Chinanu Onuaku's underhanded free throws is hyperbolic and sarcastic. He is strongly suppressing emotions of repulsion and disgust. These feelings may be secondary reactions to other emotions or conflicts.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3799: Carrie Fisher and Princess Leia - Full Lips and Lip Pursing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3797: Donald Trump's Out of Context Christmas Tweet

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3795: Donald Trump's White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer comments regarding Trump's, "Let It Be An Arms Race" Statement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3761: Mitt Romney meets with Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3674: Drake Presents Rihanna with Vanguard Award - 2016 MTV Video Music Awards

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3638: Hillary Clinton's DNC Speech - and One Expression Which Profoundly Lowers Her Likability

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3599: The Brexit, David Cameron announces his Resignation, Protection and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3531: Helen Mirren, Subways, Sincerity, Empathy and Body Language


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3799: Carrie Fisher and Princess Leia - Full Lips and Lip Pursing - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTO)























My condolences to Carrie Fisher's family and her loved-ones.

In the image above from the first Star Wars film (Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope), Carrie Fisher's character, Princess Leia is pictured. Of course, she is acting - and yet there is an excellent nonverbal subtlety to be noted here - particularly Leia's mouth.

Carrie Fisher's lips are full. She was 19 years old at the time - and while there is of course a variation of 'Lip Fullness' from person to person - it is greater with relative youth. In fact, even in the absence of prior pics or memories to act as a baseline - with a little practice, evaluating lip fullness can be a fairly accurate way to assist in estimating the age of others (Lip fullness also tends to be greater in females).

Most people confuse 'Lip Fullness' with that of 'Pouty Lips' (of which there are several varieties, and which Carrie Fisher no doubt did display - just not in this moment) - yet these are not synonymous (and their differences will addressed in an upcoming post).

In addition to her lip fullness, Carrie Fisher is here exhibiting 'Lip Pursing' - and more specifically 'Loose Forward Lip Pursing'. A loose forward lip purse is indicative of a clandestine disagreement and/or a clandestine plan. Therefore when it is seen, take heed - for what is being said aloud vs. what is being thought and felt - are dramatically different. This is not an expression one makes when there is 'full and honest disclosure'.

In this example, the loose forward lip pursing is subtle to mild in degree, and thus when it's superimposed onto what are already full lips, it is somewhat difficult to discern. Yet it IS present - and even though this is seen within the context of acting, this very much mimics real-world nonverbal scenarios: anatomical variation overlapping with an emotional display.

Try making a mild lip purse right now. The mere act of forming this facial expression will make you truly 'feel in disagreement' and/or 'contemplative/planning'. Thus a lip purse is very much a nonverbal signal we would expect to see on Princes Leia's face had she been fighting against and/or escaping from The Empire.

Thank you Carrie Fisher. You will be missed.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3798: Elle Fanning, Channing Tatum and Dialing Up the Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3796: Bryan Cranston, Donald Trump, Anxiety and Alpha Up-Regulators

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3794: Racist Rant at Jefferson Mall in Louisville

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3776: VP Elect Mike Pence Defends Trump's Claim of Voter Fraud

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3731: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part III - "Such a Nasty Woman"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3670: Paul LePage's Voicemail Rant

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3589: Barack Obama's retort to Donald Trump regarding ISIS

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3445: Harrison Ford Re-enacts 'I Love You' Scene from Star Wars


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Monday, December 26, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3798: Elle Fanning, Channing Tatum and Dialing Up the Alpha - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Elle Fanning was recently a guest on The Tonight Show. In the telling of her story of her encounter with Channing Tatum at a Beyoncé concert, Ms. Fanning repeatedly displayed a particularly common, although rarely understood nonverbal behavior - known as "Hair Adjust Behind the Ear" - aka HABE.

Adjusting the hair behind one's ear is very commonly dismissed as "habit" or tic-like behavior (which it may well be, to some degree). Body language novices may describe it as a "preening behavior". And while it does, in a general sense, fit within the category of preening, it has a much more precise meaning.

A HABE also fits into a class of behaviors termed "MAPs" (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers) - in short, these are a variety of self-touching body language displays . When a HABE is used, it indicates level of anxiety (a common occasion is within the sub-context of embarrassment, as Ms. Fanning is experiencing) - but even more specifically, it shows that a person both recognizes and feels the need to be more assertive and thus "Up-Regulate" their alpha qualities (e.g., "I need to step it up"). This is often referred to as "Dialing Up One's Alpha".

You may note that the Hair Adjust Behind the Ear behavior is more common in women - yet this is only because of the current social tendency for women to have longer hair (it is used by shorter-haired women as well as men too, just not as frequently). And while of course, longer hair does occasionally need to be moved out one's way - it occurs much frequently when assertiveness is necessary.



Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3797: Donald Trump's Out of Context Christmas Tweet

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3795: Donald Trump's White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer comments regarding Trump's, "Let It Be An Arms Race" Statement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3793: Donald Trump Comments Regarding Berlin Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3738: Gary Johnson Loses His Temper 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3652: Simone Manuel & Penny Oleksiak Win Olympic Gold 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3604: Nigel Farage, Jean-Claude Juncker, The Brexit and "Why Are You Here?" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3535: Prince, Sexual Signals and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3506: Jake Gyllenhaal Bombed His Lord of the Rings Audition


__________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3797: Donald Trump's Out of Context Christmas Tweet - Body Language & Emotional Intelligence (PHOTO)



























The above image was Donald Trump's Christmas tweet earlier today.

At first glance (literally in a split second) it should strike you that Mr. Trump's body language is dramatically out of context.

A raised clenched fist, with the palm facing outward is a signal of solidarity in the face of active adversity - as well as defiance and resistance.

While the concept and practice of religious and spiritual fellowship does overlap with some aspects of solidarity - in modern contexts these terms (and their corresponding emotions) and have different meanings.

Defiance and resistance are often needed to practice a religion (particularly in the face of prejudice) - however the Christmas season is very profoundly celebratory. Christmas is not about "I'm defying you" or "I'm rebelling against or resisting you" (as a closed, raised, palm-forward fist projects).

The President-Elect's face, while not completely visible, has a mixture of both contempt and disgust - which are also not emotions (or expressions) associated with Christmas.

In addition to the written words, "Merry Christmas", the Christmas tree in the background also adds a profound visual contrast to Trump's Nonverbal messages .

Summary: Donald Trump's Nonverbal message in his 2016 Christmas Tweet Photo is in stark contrast to, and out of context with the message of "Merry Christmas" or other Christmas themes.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3796: Bryan Cranston, Donald Trump, Anxiety and Alpha Up-Regulators

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3794: Racist Rant at Jefferson Mall in Louisville

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3792: Notre Dame's Matt Farrell and Family Surprised by Brother Bo's Military Homecoming at Basketball Game

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3781: Emma Stone and a Sign of Sincere Laughter

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3772: Mitt Romney Meets with Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3711: Vin Scully calls Kirk Gibson's legendary walk-off homer during Game 1 of the 1988 World Series

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3602: Samantha Cameron's Beta Behavior - How Not to Stand Beside the Prime Minister

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3542: Lara Croft, Keeley Hawes, Sexual Energy and Body Language

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3796: Bryan Cranston, Donald Trump, Anxiety and Alpha Up-Regulators - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Bryan Cranston and James Franco were recently guests on Conan O'Brien's show ("Conan") to promote their upcoming film, Why Him?


Although Cranston is an outstanding actor - he is first a human being. And thus, like all of us, has anxieties - and during this interview some of them were on display (and easily seen - if you know what to look for).

Conan brought up the fact that a pro-Donald Trump supporter artistically modified some of the movie posters for Why Him? During his explanation and interpretation, Cranston's anxiety heightened.

From a body language point of view, at several times during this short video Bryan Cranston displays a "False Tie Adjust". Note that this was performed with the length of the tie, rather than the knot. When the knot of the tie is falsely adjusted, it's indicative of a higher level of anxiety - while manipulating the hanging portion of the tie correlates with lower levels of nervousness.

We can however, further nuance this nonverbal behavior - for although this anxiety is self-recognized, the psyche is also recognizing the need for up-regulating assertiveness. This is one example of the phenomena sometimes colloquially referred to as, "Dialing up the Alpha".
























What other nonverbal signals of anxiety did Cranston display here?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3795: Donald Trump's White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer comments regarding Trump's, "Let It Be An Arms Race" Statement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3793: Donald Trump Comments Regarding Berlin Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3791: Russian Ambassador to Turkey Assassinated in Ankara

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3782: Zoey Deutch, Ryan Seacrest and Embarrassment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3761: Mitt Romney meets with Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3717: Creepy Clowns, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3690: Stan Wawrinka beats Novak Djokovic to win US Open

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3609: Emma Watson, Tina Turner, Ring Tones and Body Language


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3795: Donald Trump's White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer comments regarding Trump's, "Let It Be An Arms Race" Statement - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





On Wednesday, Donald Trump named Sean Spicer to be his administration's White House Press Secretary.

In the above video segment, Mr. Spicer is responding to questions regarding the President-Elect's recent statements and tweet on his view that the United States needs to "greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability" - and more specifically Mr. Trump's statement from a short time before this (Friday morning) of "Let it be an Arms Race" while on the phone to Mika Brzezinski, the co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe program.























Although Mr. Spicer briefly gestured (technically termed, Nonverbal "Illustrators") with his hands - a good portion of this video shows the future White House Press Secretary with his hands in a "Seated Fig Leaf" (aka "Genital Guarding") configuration. In addition, his ankles are crossed the entire time, allowing only his left heel to touch the floor. The crossed ankle posture is a "lower limb analog" of the fig leaf.





















The fact that this was his default position during this interview, indicates Mr. Spicer had a low level of emotional comfort and low confidence. Such a beta configuration does not at all indicate strength or assertiveness (contrary to what we would expect). While this behavior could very well be due to his feelings regarding Donald Trump's recent statement and tweet regarding Nuclear Weapons - it's also possible Sean Spicer feels anxiety for another reason.

Right now, try sitting in this same position (also, as we also see here, with your back away from the chair, leaning slightly forward, with your shoulders slightly hunched/neck foreshortened). Simply sitting in this position will make you feel less confident, hesitant and unsure of yourself.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3794: Racist Rant at Jefferson Mall in Louisville

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3792: Notre Dame's Matt Farrell and Family Surprised by Brother Bo's Military Homecoming at Basketball Game

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3790: Senator John McCain Believes Russian Election Interference Could 'Destroy Democracy'

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3764: Donald Trump's "A Message from the President-Elect"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3730: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part II - Donald Trump won't commit to accepting election results

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3672: Jessica Alba, Swass, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3510: Lindsey Graham - The Senator Picks His Poison: Ted Cruz vs. Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3403: "Johnnie Walker - Dear Brother" Commercial


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3794: Racist Rant at Jefferson Mall in Louisville - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





The above cellphone video captures a recent incident at a JC Penny checkout line at Jefferson Mall in Louisville, Kentucky.

The woman with the blue jacket and glasses had accused another woman of cutting in line, saying,

"It starts back there. And it don't bother me if I say it - and I don't care if everybody hears me. I think everybody here probably feels the same damn way I do."

(Someone in background then agrees with her) - "Thank you!", she responds. "Go back to wherever the fuck you come from, lady. Ya'll think you -

A cashier interrupts her saying, "Ma'am, watch her language."

She retorts, "Hey, tell them to go back where they belong! If they can't act like - You know - if come here to live, then act like everybody else. Get in the back of the line like everybody else does - and be somebody. That’s the way I look at it. You’re a nobodies. Just because you come from another country, it don’t make you nobody. You're nobody - as far as I’m concerned. Probably on welfare. We probably - The taxpayers probably paid for all that stuff."

Jefferson Mall officials have gone on record saying the woman will be permanently banned from the mall.





























From a nonverbal communication perspective - there is an interesting and quite illustrative moment here worth highlighting.

During 0:11, just after she says, "... I think everybody here probably feels the same damn way I do." The woman makes a facial expression that is approximately 85% Disgust and 15% Contempt. This is captured in the still image above.

At this moment, in addition to some of the classically described facial components of Disgust (mid-facial tightening, nasal flaring, corners of her mouth lowered, lower lip pulled down) there is here another easily seen, yet rarely noted characteristic of disgust - that of Jaw Retraction. The woman's cheeks and jaw is pulled backwards (retracted) - resulting in her evanescent "Disgust Dimples".

A profoundly important phenomenon is that the emotion of disgust (and thus corresponding facial expression) is the most common nonverbal behavior displayed in the context of prejudice. In images of Nazi officials during Kristallnacht as well as in WWII concentration camps, disgust (as well as contempt) were their overwhelming prominent emotions.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3793: Donald Trump Comments Regarding Berlin Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3791: Russian Ambassador to Turkey Assassinated in Ankara

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3789: Felicity Jones, Jyn Erso and Tattoos

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3765: Conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald - See each other directly for the first time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3729: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3633: David Duke's Duplicity & The US Senate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3587: The Orlando Mass Shooting, Omar Mateen and Warning Signs 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2976: Joseph Goebbels - Hitler's Propaganda Minister Showed this Chronic Display


 _____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3793: Donald Trump Comments Regarding Berlin Attack - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





On Monday a Truck attack directed at a Christmas market in Berlin Germany killed 12 people while wounding 49. The initial suspect has been released and it is currently believed the true perpetrator is Anis Amri, a 24 year-old Tunisian native.

On Monday just after the attack President-Elect Trump issued a written statement saying, "ISIS and other Islamist terrorists continually slaughter Christians in their communities and places of worship as part of their global jihad."

On Wednesday morning Mr. Trump responded directly to questions regarding the same attack. This brief exchange is included in the video above and a portion of it is here examined and highlighted as a nonverbal teaching example.

Beginning at 0:35 in the above video a journalist asks: Um, Your, your comments about the ah, truck attack in Berlin being against Christians -  You think that this might, um, -

Trump: Say it again. What?

Journalist: Your, your, the attack in Berlin being against an attack against Christians?

Trump: Wher - who said that? When did, when was that said?

Journalist: I think, I believe you said it in a press release.

Trump: So [inaudible] 

Journalist:  So, I'm wondering how this might affect the relations - 

Trump: It's an attack on humanity. That's what it is, it's an attack on humanity - And [inaudible] it's gotta be stopped. Thank you. Thank you.
























As the Journalist repeats a portion of her question, "Your, your, the attack in Berlin being against an attack against Christians?

During this sentence, the President Elect displays a "Tongue Jut" (more specifically a "Tight Forward Tongue Jut") signifying Mr. Trumps disdain (and distaste) for the question. A tight tongue jut is a nonverbal behavior which has its roots in infancy (we all exhibit this from time-to-time) - a vestigial remnant from pushing distasteful food out of one's mouth.


























Then Donald Trump immediately displays a "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR) as the journalist continues the same sentence, "Your, your, the attack in Berlin being against an attack against Christians?"

An inward lip roll is a nonverbal manifestation of our psyche trying to suppress an emotion from being displayed outwardly - while simultaneously also down-regulating its growth inwardly

























As she finishes the same sentence, "Your, your, the attack in Berlin being against an attack against Christians?"- President Elect Trump displays a "Forward Lip Purse".

A forward lip purse indicates a clandestine disagreement and/or a clandestine plan. Moreover, it signifies an important disparity between what is said aloud versus what is being thought-felt. Only alpha individuals (or who perceive themselves to be a relative alpha in the real time context) display a forward lip purse. In addition, they also believe they have a good chance of successfully implementing and following through on their idea/plan.

Summary: President Elect Trump did not like being questioned on his feelings regarding whether he felt this terrorist act was specifically directed at Christians. He then successfully suppressed his negative emotions - and immediately following this he was actively formulating-contemplating a plan/idea which he kept to himself.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3792: Notre Dame's Matt Farrell and Family Surprised by Brother Bo's Military Homecoming at Basketball Game

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3790: Senator John McCain Believes Russian Election Interference Could 'Destroy Democracy'

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3788: President Obama's Press Conference - "Not much happens in Russia without Vladimir Putin"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3767: Joseph Gordon-Levitt on playing Edward Snowden - but How Do Tom Hanks and Gemma Arterton feel?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3696: Jimmy Kimmel's 2016 Emmys Opening Monologue - Sarah Paulson brought Marcia Clark

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3674: Drake Presents Rihanna with Vanguard Award - 2016 MTV Video Music Awards 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3620: Cristiano Ronaldo's Injury, UEFA Euro 2016 and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3564: Kanye West, Ellen and Beta Body Language


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3792: Notre Dame's Matt Farrell and Family Surprised by Brother Bo's Military Homecoming at Basketball Game - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Bo Farrell surprised his brother Matt (along with other family members) during a Notre Dame vs. Colgate basketball game on Monday. Serving in the U.S. Army, Bo was deployed in Afghanistan and returned a few months early. Such surprise homecomings are of course packed with nonverbal teaching-moments, one of which is discussed here.




























 
Note that when they are hugging, both the Bo and Matt Farrell's eyelids are closed.

Ninety percent of human sensory input arrives via the visual system. The other four senses - auditory, tactile, taste and olfactory are obligated to "share" the other ten percent. Moreover, forty percent of the mass of the human brain is committed to vision. Therefore when the eyes are closed, a temporary and slight increase in blood flow occurs as well as an enhancement of neural-electrical activity with the four non-visual senses. This temporary change also happens in both cognitive and emotional portions of the brain.

Therefore when a person closes their eyes during a sincere hug (or other forms of affection) their psyches are very much striving to get every bit of emotion out of that moment and interaction. This doesn't occur in non-affectionate hugging (An exception to this may occur when, on occasion, another emotion supersedes that of affection - typically the embarrassment of a public setting or the preoccupation with another pressing matter. However when open-eyed hugs become a consistent pattern - a diminishing of affection has taken place.)





























This same sensory enhancement phenomenon holds true for the other senses too. When you close your eyes while eating a favorite dessert, it's not just your imagination it pleasing your palate more - it truly does taste better - because that portion of your brain is functioning a bit more efficiently. This physiology dynamic also applies during smelling, hearing and touching.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3791: Russian Ambassador to Turkey Assassinated in Ankara

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3789: Felicity Jones, Jyn Erso and Tattoos

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3787: Meghan Markle's Body Language - and some Ramifications for Prince Harry

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3776: VP Elect Mike Pence Defends Trump's Claim of Voter Fraud

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3558: Mila Kunis Nixes Ashton Kutcher's choice regarding Their Baby's Name

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3734: SNL's spoof on the 3rd Presidential Debate - and 3 Insincerity Flags

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3671: Trump's and Pence's Tweets

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3604: Nigel Farage, Jean-Claude Juncker, The Brexit and "Why Are You Here?"



_____________________________________________________________________________________