Earlier today, President Trump received Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni at the White House. The two leaders also conducted a joint press conference.
One particularly interesting body language moment in their day came while the two men were in the Oval Office.
Paolo Gentiloni sat with his ankles crossed - with the bottoms of his feet NOT flat on the floor. While this foot configuration may appear to some to be relaxed - it's certainly not. Mr. Gentiloni is in a beta emotional state. Note also the position of his hands - this is a seated analog of a fig-leaf (aka genital guarding).
The White House and the especially the Oval Office were designed to intimidate. Thus it's not too surprising that PM Gentiloni is in protection-mode. Yet it's never wise for a head-of-state who's experiencing low emotional comfort and low confidence to show them for the World to see.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3914: Mike Pence's Recent Statement regarding Trump, "He's a Man of His Word"
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3911: Simone Biles gets Pranked on "Ellen"
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3909: North Korea's Parade - Projecting Power and Control
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3907: Donald Trump Shows His Cards regarding North Korea
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3878: Sean Spicer, White House Briefing, Donald Trump's Wiretapping Allegations
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3841: Tom Brady's and Roger Goodell's Handshake after Super Bowl LI
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3691: Natalie Portman's Emotional Tell
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3595: LeBron James, Disbelief and Emotional Processing
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