Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3835: Beauty and the Beast – Official Final Trailer - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





The Official US Trailer for the much anticipated latest version of Beauty and The Beast was released today. No doubt Emma Watson will remake Belle's character into stronger, yet still caring and compassionate protagonist. We also see Luke Evans, who plays the character Gaston demonstrating a profoundly important body language tell which is isolated and discussed here.

























Early in the trailer, Gaston can be seen admiring his own image in a mirror (0:11- 0:16). A screen-shot of a portion of this segment is captured immediately above.
























Gaston is also seen briefly during later portions of the trailer. This second image is from 1:49.

Note that in both of these examples, Gaston's (Evans') Central Forehead Muscle is contracted - and more specifically also Elevated. This finding is often abbreviated as a "CFC" or "Elevated CFC".

In addition, Gaston is displaying a partial mouth smile. It's crucial to point out that this is NOT a sincere smile, and if we look only at the mouth component, it is very often, somewhat subtle, partially suppressed AND asymmetrical.

We all (every human being with functioning facial muscles and a corresponding healthy nervous system) make this expression from time-to-time. For it can be seen during some displays of arrogance, contempt and incredulity. Of course, we all feel these emotions occasionally - but hopefully not too often. It's also very important to point out that all three of these emotions are manifested more commonly via other facial expressions.

Yet when an individual makes this particular expression of a partial/suppressed/often asymmetric mouth smile with an accompanying elevated central forehead contraction often (as does about 4% of the population) - it has an extremely high correlation with a sociopathic personality (Antisocial Personality Disorder).

So, although I've not yet been invited for an early screening, it seems that Luke Evans was well-cast as the primary antagonist.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3834: Rudy Giuliani Regarding President Trump wanting a “Muslim ban”

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3832: Donald Trump's and Theresa May's Hand-Holding

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3830: Donald Trump, Enrique Peña Nieto and the Proposed Wall Along the Mexican-US Border

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2816: Secretary of State Nominee Rex Tillerson

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3775: Women Try 'Manspreading' For A Week

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3716: Fatherhood, Body Language, Emotional Intelligence and Ashton Kutcher's Pants

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3691: Natalie Portman's Emotional Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3659: Ryan Lochte's "Today Show" Interview regarding Alleged Rio Robbery


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Monday, January 30, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3834: Rudy Giuliani Regarding President Trump wanting a “Muslim ban” - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Rudy Giuliani was a guest on Fox News on 28 Jan 2017. Understandably, a portion of this interview with Jeanine Pirro has drawn tremendous attention. The entire video is included above. What follows below is a transcript of the specific segment in question - along with a nonverbal analysis of a few crucial body language tells.

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

Beginning at 2:58 in the above video, Jeanine Pirro continues: "... Does the Ban have anything to do with religion? How did the President decide the seven countries? Ah, I understand [3:05] the permanent Ban on the refugees -"

Rudy Giuliani [over-talking]: "Okay - "

Jeanine Pirro: [over-talking]: "Ah - "

Rudy Giuliani [over-talking]: "I'm - "

Jeanine Pirro [over-talking]: "Okay - talk to me."

Rudy Giuliani [over-talking]: "... Tell you the whole history of it."

Jeanine Pirro [over-talking]: "Alright."

Rudy Giuliani: "So, when he first announced it, he said, 'Muslim Ban.' He called me  up. He said, 'Put a commission together. Show me the right way to do it legally.' [Loose Tongue Jut during 3:19]. I put a commission together with Judge Mukasey, with Congressman McCaul, Pete King - whole group of very expert lawyers on this. And what we did was focus on - instead of religion, danger. The areas of the World that create danger for us. Which is a factual basis - not a religious basis. Perfectly legal, perfectly sensible. And that's what the ban is based on..."

























During 3:05, as Jeanine Pirro says, "... I understand ...", as he is impatient to speak (both he and Pirro interrupt each other multiple times), Rudy Giuliani transitions rapidly from a sincere smile (captured immediately above) to a "Loose Tongue Jut" (NOT to be confused with a "Tight Tongue Jut") (shown in the image immediately below) in less that a second.


























The camera then breaks away to a protest view, but then returns to Giuliani and during 3:19 - immediately after he says, "... Put a commission together. Show me the right way to do it legally ..." - we see another Loose Tongue Jut (below).






























The Loose Tongue Jut - particularly when rapidly following a sincere smile - is a strong indicator of the thought-emotions of "I've been bad", "I've Done a foolish thing" and "I've been caught" (Navarro).


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3833: Samuel L. Jackson, Magic Johnson and a Yacht

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3831: Donald Trump's and Theresa May's Press Conference


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3829: Mary Tyler Moore - Flirtatious, Sexy, Alpha Female Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3809: Horse Lays His Head On Coffin As He Mourns The Loss Of His Human Best Friend - Cross-Species Body Language & Emotional Intelligence

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


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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3763: Matt Smith, Claire Foy and Where NOT to be stung by a Wasp - Body Language, Emotional Intelligence and Predicting Empathy 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3739: Hillary Clinton's Statement regarding FBI Probe 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3701: Hillary Clinton, Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3669: Jordan Spieth, Bill Murray and the Asymmetrical Smile


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Sunday, January 29, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3833: Samuel L. Jackson, Magic Johnson and a Yacht - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





One nonverbal sign which is rarely discussed is the "Jaw Confessional". Although not as short-lived as a microexpression, it's a quite brief sideways (lateral) movement of the jaw (and may often have a lip component as well) which is indicative of some level of embarrassment as well as a "Hesitancy to Disclose".

There is very often a verbal confession or apology occurring just after a jaw confessional. Yet when nothing is said aloud - or when there is not an apology or confession - you can be very sure these thought-emotions are present (and thus a hesitancy to disclose and possibly a motive of deception). Whenever there's a disparity between what the spoken language and the body language are saying - it's the body language which always tells the truth. The jaw confessional is a profoundly valuable nonverbal tell in the courtroom, during a negotiation, an interrogation or in the sales process.

Be careful to differentiate this from a similar but slower and longer duration lateral jaw movement - for while it simply looks like a slow-mo variety of a jaw confession - it represents a completely different thought-emotion (Do you know what this other, slower and longer version means?).

In his recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Samuel L. Jackson has a hesitancy to tell the audience just how big Magic Johnson's Yacht really is. He's embarrassed that many people will feel his friend's 180 meter long yacht (590 feet) is ostentatious and pretentious (and they'd very be correct). His jaw confessional is clearly seen during 1:06 (image captured below).


























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3832: Donald Trump's and Theresa May's Hand-Holding

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3830: Donald Trump, Enrique Peña Nieto and the Proposed Wall Along the Mexican-US Border

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3828: Donald Trump's Body Language Display Rarely Used By Any Past President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3811: Hayden Panettiere, Stephen Colbert and Personal Space

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3735: Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Mean Tweets

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3705: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump Presidential Debate - Trump: I'm 'smart' for paying no taxes

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3707: The Presidential Debates Part III - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton and Sniffing


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3832: Donald Trump's and Theresa May's Hand-Holding - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Yesterday President Trump and Prime Minister May were seen holding hands while walking outside the West Wing of the White House. Subsequently several media sources reported that Donald Trump suffers from Bathmophobia - a fear of stairs or slopes - and this was the reason for him holding Theresa May's hand.























As the two began walking down a gentle slope (a ramp with an angle of approximately 10 degrees and 20 feet in length), President Trump took Prime Minister May's hand.

However, note Trump's opposite (right) hand - it is relaxed. When people are walking down a hill, slope or stairs, etc., which THEY consider steep or a potential hazard - their hands and arm will show tension. This is manifested with the arms moving out from the torso with a simultaneous splaying of the fingers and thumb. This is not, however, what President Trump is displaying.
























Don't mistake this for Chivalry. What we're observing here is an example of "False Intimacy" and "False Affection" - as well as a "Alpha Dominance Display". Donald Trump had only just met Theresa May that day. With the exception of shaking another person's hand and a few other cultural or protocol-specific scenarios - an invasion of another's personal space (Intimate Space) should NOT be undertaken unless there is true affection or intimacy.


























Just before their walk down this slope was complete, Trump taps May on the back of her hand. This is a nonverbal signal to "Let Go Now". It's very much akin to the "Disengagement Hint" of patting another person on the back - often seen at the cessation (unilaterally decided) of a hug.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3831: Donald Trump's and Theresa May's Press Conference 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3829: Mary Tyler Moore - Flirtatious, Sexy, Alpha Female Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3827: Sean Spicer's Saturday Night Press Briefing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2814: Claire Foy's recounting of Meeting Kate Winslet

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3769: Fidel Castro and Nikita Khrushchev

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3538: Barack Obama, David Cameron, Number 10, Brexit and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3526: Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler Meet - the Munich Agreement - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3622: Theresa May's First Speech as Prime Minister - Body Language Faux Pas


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Friday, January 27, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3831: Donald Trump's and Theresa May's Press Conference - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)






Prime Minister Theresa May met with President Trump today at The White House. She was the first head-of-state to visit with Donald Trump since his inauguration. There were many body language tells exhibited during their short press conference - and one rarely discussed nonverbal signal came during toward the end of the above video.

At 15:29 UK journalist (Tom) continues: "... And also may I ask a question to both of you. People are fascinated to know how you're going to get on with each other, you're so different. The hard-working daughter of a vicar, the brash TV extrovert - have you found anything in common personally yet?"

Donald Trump: "Actually I'm not as brash as you might think."

[Audience laughter]

Donald Trump: "And I can tell you that I think we're going to get along very well. You know, it's interesting because I am a people person. I think you are also, Theresa. And, ah - I can often tell how I get along with somebody very early, and I believe we're going to have a fantastic relationship...."

During the 15:51 - 15:52 segment, as Trump says, "... I am a people person ...", the President touches his chest with his right hand. Look at the detail though - for Trump only touches with his fingers while his palm remains elevated off his chest. When there is no "palmar" touch during such "illustrators" - the gesture has a low sincerity quotient. This is very similar to what occurs during a hug when one of the "huggers" is less-than-enthusiastic about hugging - and their fingers touch without the palm of the hand touching. If you're observant, you've certainly felt such a "palmless" hug yourself from time to time.

Moreover, the President is touching the right side of his chest - not over his heart. When we hold an infant for the first time, we instinctively know to place their head next to our heart - on our LEFT side. During moments of sincere affection and sincere intimacy - we strongly tend to pull the other person to our "heart side" - our LEFT side.

This is a classic body language cluster of "Feigned Sincerity".

Intriguingly, it also takes more effort for the right hand to touch on the right side of one's chest - it's a more natural motion (and takes less energy) for the right hand to touch the left side of the chest.

Conclusion: Donald Trump does not truly believe he is a "People Person".
























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3830: Donald Trump, Enrique Peña Nieto and the Proposed Wall Along the Mexican-US Border

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3828: Donald Trump's Body Language Display Rarely Used By Any Past President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3826: Kellyanne Conway to Chuck Todd, Press Secretary Sean Spicer Gave 'Alternative Facts'

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3819: Turkey's Parliament, Presidential Powers and Constitutional Amendments

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3774: Luke Bryan Hits/Slaps a Fan For Flipping Him Off

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3756: Amy Adams, Anxiety and Hesitancy to Disclose

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3742: Evan McMullin, Donald Trump and Winning Utah

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3691: Natalie Portman's Emotional Tell


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Thursday, January 26, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3830: Donald Trump, Enrique Peña Nieto and the Proposed Wall Along the Mexican-US Border - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Today President Donald Trump cancelled his meeting with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto. He addressed this along with his proposed Wall on the Mexican Border for the cameras and a GOP audience during the Republican retreat today in Philadelphia. It will come as no surprise that Trump's address was laden with very telling nonverbal behavior. One body language moment in particular is buried within the following segment:

At 2:09, President Trump continues, "... To that end - the president of Mexico - and myself have agreed to cancel our planned meeting scheduled for next week [Tight Forward Tongue Jut]. Unless Mexico is going to treat the United States fairly - with respect - such a meeting - would be fruitless - and I wanna go - a different route - we have no choice... "

During 2:18, note the display of President Trump's "Tongue Jut" (More specifically this is a "Tight Tongue Jut" [or a "Tight Forward Tongue Jut"] - in distinction to the "Loose Tongue Jut". Don't confuse these two as they have very different meanings). When there is significant tension (thus the descriptor, "Tight") in the jaw, mouth, lips and mid-face (as can be clearly seen in this example) during a simultaneous tongue jut - this signifies the emotions of being repulsed by, and having a strong distaste and disdain for the issue, person, group of people, etc., at hand. There's also a component of disgust present.

























Intriguingly, if you have ever tried to feed an infant creamed asparagus which they didn't like - this is the identical mouth configuration you would see displayed.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3829: Mary Tyler Moore - Flirtatious, Sexy, Alpha Female Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3827: Sean Spicer's Saturday Night Press Briefing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3825: President Trump's first Expression after Being Introduced

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3822: Betsy DeVos Confirmation Hearing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2818: Representative John Lewis: "Donald Trump Won’t Be A ‘Legitimate President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3808: Felicity Jones' Sincere Smile

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3765: Conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3702: Hillary Clinton: "Why aren't I 50 points ahead (of Trump)?''

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


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Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3829: Mary Tyler Moore - Flirtatious, Sexy, Alpha Female Smile - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTO)



Mary Tyler Moore was known for her warm, wholesome, sincere smiles. However, in this 1971 image of Ms. Moore, the beloved actor was captured in a very deliberate deviation from that stereotype.

This is an example of a very specific sub-type of a "Social Smile". By definition, social smiles are not sincere - yet they are not necessarily always unwanted.

Note Mary's mouth is asymmetrical - with the right side elevated.

Mary's left eyebrow is also elevated slightly - a difference which is amplified by the partial covering of her right eyebrow with her hair.

Although we cannot see her arms fully, her right arm is held in akimbo - away from her torso (and by the angle of her right arm, this is probably a fingers-forward akimbo [more alpha]). Her hands are most likely semi-clasping on her right hip/lower torso. This is a relative alpha, action-oriented and assertive upper extremity configuration.

Summary: Taken in toto (and particularly given Mary's facial expression) - this body language cluster projects a strong, flirtatious, sexy, "I'm-in-charge", alpha female set of nonverbal signals.

Thank you Mary Tyler Moore. You are missed.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3828: Donald Trump's Body Language Display Rarely Used By Any Past President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3826: Kellyanne Conway to Chuck Todd, Press Secretary Sean Spicer Gave 'Alternative Facts'

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3824: Donald Trump's Inaugural Speech - Three Ways of Pointing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3806: The Bachelor Nick Viall Awkwardly Reunites with Ex-Girlfriends Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe on Jimmy Kimmel

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3778: Steve Harvey Recounts His Miss Universe Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3768: Cuban Leader Fidel Castro Dies

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3732: Donald Trump cuts short interview after Question Regarding Racism - Predicting Trump's Behavior

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3595: LeBron James, Disbelief and Emotional Processing


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Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3828: Donald Trump's Body Language Display Rarely Used By Any Past President - Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)


























Until Donald Trump, I had never seen an image of a US President using a "Conventional Steeple" display - and I've reviewed hundreds of thousands of POTUS photos.

Often shortened to simply just a "Steeple", a conventional steeple (for there are several types) is a body language signal characterized by the tips of the fingers and thumbs touching each other while the palms of the hands are held well apart (in distinction from a prayer or pseudo-prayer configuration).

Whenever one uses a conventional steeple (and here it is a medium-to-low steeple - e.g., a "high conventional steeple" would involve the hands held in front of the neck or mouth), it should only be used literally for a half a second or perhaps a second - during the most important part of an appearance or speech - and no more.

When used in such small doses, a conventional steeple projects the alpha emotional tones of judicious power, decisiveness and confidence. Unfortunately when a conventional steeple is used, it's usually OVER-USED - and thus it backfires and very rapidly becomes hyper-alpha, arrogant, condescending and overlaps with some components of disgust and contempt.

If you're a head-of-state, the conventional steeple should almost NEVER be used. This is even more true of the leaders of the more powerful countries. Everyone already knows the President of the United States is an incredibly powerful person. Why the need for more power? Such hyper-alpha behavior builds no bridges - but rather acts as a rapport destroyer and actively alienates people.

























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3827: Sean Spicer's Saturday Night Press Briefing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3825: President Trump's first Expression after Being Introduced

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3823: Nina Dobrev, Flyboarding, Laughter and a Rapport/Bonding Amplifier - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3805: Mariah Carey's New Year's Eve Lip Sync Fail On Live TV

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

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3707: The Presidential Debates Part III - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton and Sniffing

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

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


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Monday, January 23, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3827: Sean Spicer's Saturday Night Press Briefing - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTO)





On Saturday night, Sean Spicer, the White House Press Secretary, held a press briefing of sorts. In his now infamous appearance, Mr. Spicer took no question but read a series of statements largely defending the size of the crowds at Donald Trump's inauguration as well as the number who attended President Trump's appearance earlier on Saturday at CIA headquarters.

You don't need to be a body language expert to determine that Sean Spicer's primary emotion throughout this appearance was that of anger. There were, however, a number of secondary emotions displayed - and a particularly out-of-place one is discussed here.

Beginning at 2:54 in the above video, Sean Spicer continues, "... These attempts to lessen the enthusiasm of the Inauguration are shameful and wrong. The President was also at the center - as you know, the President was also at the Central Intelligence Agency today - and greeted by a raucous overflow crowd of some 400 plus CIA employees.  There were over 1,000 requests to attend, prompting the President to note that he'll have to come back to greet the rest. The employees were ecstatic that he's the new Commander-in-Chief, and he delivered them a powerful and important message. He told them he has their back - and they were grateful for that ..."


























During 3:13, just as Mr. Spicer says, "... prompting ..." (captured in image above and highlighted below), and specifically during the first syllable, he displays what in nonverbal parlance is known as a microexpression. This specific microexpression was that of Joy-Happiness and is very notable on the right side (his right) of Sean Spicer's face. Pay special attention to the upward vectoring of his right cheek muscle (zygomaticus major). Note how it bunches the cheek upward - while his left cheek is not being pulled up. The right corner of Spicer's mouth also follows this same dynamic. Watch the video at normal speed, then at 1/2 and 1/4 speed. This is an outstanding example of a microexpression.


























Same image as the previous image, with highlights

Why was this sincere smile being suppressed and only displayed for a fraction of a second? Was the thought of Donald Trump drawing a crowd of 400 CIA employees with 1,000 total requests really eliciting the emotion of joy-happiness in Sean Spicer? It is possible. Yet, when we view this in context - a burst of a tenth of a second of sincere joy-happiness in the midst of sea of nearly six constant minutes of anger strongly suggests Sean Spicer was not being completely truthful.

The joy sometimes felt when one believes one is successfully deceiving other people - is very often manifested as a flash of a suppressed yet sincere smile for a very short duration - as is seen here and is termed "Duping Delight". This is one type of what is known as a "Microexpression". A multitude of emotions can be manifested via microexpressions. Alternatively, these same emotions can also occur for longer duration (e.g., several seconds) in a subtle and suppressed manner (termed "Subtle Emotional Displays" or "Subtle Expressions").


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3826: Kellyanne Conway to Chuck Todd, Press Secretary Sean Spicer Gave 'Alternative Facts'

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3824: Donald Trump's Inaugural Speech - Three Ways of Pointing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3822: Betsy DeVos Confirmation Hearing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3808: Felicity Jones' Sincere Smile

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. 3769: Fidel Castro and Nikita Khrushchev

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3739: Hillary Clinton's Statement regarding FBI Probe

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

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


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Sunday, January 22, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3826: Kellyanne Conway to Chuck Todd, Press Secretary Sean Spicer Gave 'Alternative Facts' - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





This morning, Presidential advisor to Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway was a guest of Chuck Todd's on Meet the Press. During the interview she used the phrase "Alternative Facts". Simultaneously Ms. Conway also displayed a very particular and rarely discussed nonverbal signal.

Beginning at 1:29, Chuck Todd continues, ".... It does not excuse, and you did not answer the question."

Conway [over-talking]: "I did answer your question, yes I did ..."

Todd [over-talking]: "No you did not. You did not answer the question of why the President asked the White House Press Secretary to - come out - in front of the podium - for the first time - and utter a falsehood. Why did he do that? It undermines the credibility of the entire White House Press Office on day one."

Conway [over-talking]: "No it doesn't. Don't be so, don't be so overly-dramatic about it Chuck. What it, it, you're saying it's a falsehood, and they're giving Sean Spicer, our Press Secretary, gave alternative facts to that, but the point really is ...."

As Conway says, "... alternative facts ..."(2:00 - 2:02), her eyelids close (eye closure here is not a required component of the cluster, however it acts as an amplifier) and she twists and rotates her head with a forward thrust. In nonverbal terminology, this is an excellent example of what is known as a "Head Torque". A head torque signals a distinct adamant and determined emotional tone. It's an alpha signal - and one which (as with all alpha configurations) should be used sparingly. It also signals a high frustration level along with mild-to-moderate anger. In essence, the head torque says, "I'm going to do/say/think what I want and I don't care what you think".

Whenever you see a head torque displayed, the person has made up their mind - and they can't be "reasoned with".

It's also profoundly important to note that Kellyanne Conway's verbal language, tone of voice and body language are all congruent in this moment. When this triad are all in agreement, we may or may not like what the person is saying - but we can be very sure that they're DETERMINED and THEY BELIEVE in what they're saying. Too often people only listen to what words are said - and completely ignore the concurrent nonverbal communication.


























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3825: President Trump's first Expression after Being Introduced 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3823: Nina Dobrev, Flyboarding, Laughter and a Rapport/Bonding Amplifier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3821: Alicia Keys Sings for Charlie Rose - Sincerity Amplifiers 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3804: Barack Obama, Shinzō Abe and The Pearl Harbor Memorial

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3733: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part IV - The Turning Point of the Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3708: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump - Presidential Debates - Part IV - Hillary's Email Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3657: Abbey D'Agnostino, Nikki Hamblin and the Olympic Spirit

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

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


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Saturday, January 21, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3825: President Trump's first Expression after Being Introduced - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





What were the first emotions expressed by President Trump after he was introduced yesterday?

Many people in his shoes would exhibit a sincere smile, a social smile or a perhaps a nervous smile. But joy and happiness (or even an attempt at these) were not the expressions (nor the emotions) which Donald Trump displayed (nor felt) when he was introduced by Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) - just after he was sworn-in and immediately prior to his inaugural address. The first emotions President Trump felt and displayed upon being introduced were that of regret and anger (captured below from 0:24).

























In the real world, emotions do not always appear in their textbook, pure and isolated forms. Often two or more emotions are experienced simultaneously. Although, because the motion-capture nature of this telephoto video image (immediately above) is of a bit lower resolution, several key features on Mr. Trump's face in this moment delineate the emotions of both regret and anger. This combination can be also thought of as "bitter-anger" or "bitterness".

Note the lateral, backward and down retraction of the corners of Trump's mouth - this cluster is highly characteristic of regret. The thinning of his upper lip along with the jutting forward of his jaw are highly indicative of anger. Moreover, the muscular tension/contraction of the area above his upper lip and below his nose (termed the "mustache area" regardless of the level of facial hair) - along with the flaring of his nostrils - also projects anger. A third anger indicator is the particular type of tension of his lower eyelids and the partial closure of his upper and lower eyelids. Remove for a moment any political bias you may have - if you have no formal nonverbal training at all, but otherwise have good interpersonal and social skills - these emotions should jump out at you.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3824: Donald Trump's Inaugural Speech - Three Ways of Pointing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3822: Betsy DeVos Confirmation Hearing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3820: Mr. Trump: "Who would you trust more, Angela Merkel or Vladimir Putin?"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3807: Sarah Paulson's Fear of Flying

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3728: Barack Obama Tells Donald Trump to Stop Whining

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3664: Benjamin Netanyahu, Viktor Yanukovych and Vladimir Putin

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3601: Casey Neistat & Candice Pool - Water Spit Challenge

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2320: Estonian Skier Andrus Veerpalu - Denies Performance Enhancing Drugs - What his Body Language Tells Us

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2586: Harrison Ford in "Ender's Game" - Microexpression and Macroexpression of Regret - Harrison's Brand and the Stanislavski Method 


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Friday, January 20, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3824: Donald Trump's Inaugural Speech - Three Ways of Pointing - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States today. During his approximately sixteen minute inaugural address, he used a very low variety of hand gestures. And while this low nonverbal vocabulary is typical for Trump - it was particularly so today.

There were two hand-arm gestures which President Trump over-used - and indeed one which he should absolutely NOT have used.























Above we see what has become known in some countries as "The Political Point". In other countries (e.g., Greece, Turkey, Russia, Brazil and others) this gesture is an obscenity - while in others (France, Belgium, Tunisia) it indicates "worthless".

In many countries (including the US) where the tip of the forefinger (index finger) is touching the tip of the thumb with the other digits extended, it indicates "okay", "everything is all right" or "I agree with you". Yet these are recognizably different scenarios from most political speeches.

In the past 25-30 years, many politicians have come to use the political point nonverbal signal instead of index finger pointing while speaking. In general this is a very good idea - for it's one of many types of what are known as "alpha-beta hybrids". It fits in this category because it's not as aggressive and not as hyper-alpha (and offensive) as is pointing at someone (or group) with one's forefinger - yet it still projects a good level of authority, strength and determination.

The trouble with the political point is that most politicians who use it, tend to over-use it - and that is what President Trump did today. Any time someone uses any nonverbal signal too frequently, it's a bad idea. It's very much as if someone spoke a certain word too often. It backfires. It looks unpolished. It makes people emotionally uncomfortable. It sends the wrong message. Of course, this same principle applies to almost everything in human behavior.

Another intriguing factor about the political point - is that outside the realm of politics, the political point is almost never used - and that makes people suspicious. And in this light, it also sends signals of insincerity.
























Pointing upwards is another body language gesture which Donald Trump used too often today. It's another nonverbal symbol used in lieu of pointing directly at someone. Moreover, this illustrator is significantly more alpha when compared with the political point and therefore it should be used with less frequency and more discreetly. This "Pointing Up" should essentially be choreographed into one's speech and used for short durations during very specific and important words.

























The third variation on pointing which Donald Trump used today, should NOT have been used at all. Index finger (forefinger) pointing is UNIVERSALLY offensive (across all cultures). Even those people who agree with your point of view and who like you, will become ill-at-ease when you point at them. Rather than using the index finger point, the new president should have pointed with a relaxed-palm up gesture, held at the lower chest level (with his elbow and shoulder extended, but not fully).


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3823: Nina Dobrev, Flyboarding, Laughter and a Rapport/Bonding Amplifier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3821: Alicia Keys Sings for Charlie Rose - Sincerity Amplifiers

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3819: Turkey's Parliament, Presidential Powers and Constitutional Amendments

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3811: Hayden Panettiere, Stephen Colbert and Personal Space

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3770: Fidel Castro, Ed Sullivan and Mirroring

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3697: NYC Bombing Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami in Custody - Body Language, Threat Assessment and Emotional Intelligence

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3568: Hillary Clinton, (Low) Likability, Rapport (Destroying) and Body Language


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