Thursday, August 31, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4048: Lady Di - Ambassador of Empathy - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)



























Who can believe it's been twenty years since the World lost Lady Di? In the last several generations, there have been so few people on the World-stage who have both represented and engendered the emotion of empathy more so than Diana.





Empathy can be projected to our fellow human beings (and also animals) in many ways - yet the most important is via eye contact.

Of course, all eye contact is not the same - and it must be accompanied by congruent facial expressions and body configurations (note in this image how, even though her forehead is obscured, we can tell it's elevated [along with her inner eyebrows]). But so very many people live a lifetime and never truly know the impact of quality and contextual eye contact. You may have three Ph.D.s and be a "logical man of science" - but once you're the recipient of affectionate and caring eye contact, you'd walk through fire for that person.

Diana was also not afraid to touch. She so often held children - and she was one of the first public figures to hold hands with and hug AIDS patients. During a time when most people were deeply fearful of this disease, her example had a profound effect in opening many hearts and minds.























In a World where, far too often, touch is sexualized (and hyper-sexualized), so very many people are living lives confusing sex with affection. While certainly, these two feeling-experiences do overlap - very often affection is its own universe. Indeed, it's within the circle of affection, compassion, and empathy where most true humanity lives.

Thank you Lady Di for living a life of Empathy. May we continue your example.



Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4047: Joel Osteen, Houston, and Hurricane Harvey

Body Language Analysis No. 4045: Rex Tillerson Regarding Donald Trump, "The President Speaks for Himself"

Body Language Analysis No. 4043: Donald Trump Pardons Joe Arpaio - Contempt of Court and Red Flags

Body Language Analysis No. 4041: Former Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak regarding Secrets from Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 4033: Prime Minister Theresa May Regarding Charlottesville Violence, "I see no equivalence"

Body Language Analysis No. 4019: John Kelly and Donald Trump in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 4006: Vladimir Putin and Melania Trump at the G20

Dating & Romance Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1010: What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye? - Rashida Jones

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2313: Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel - What Her Body Language Tells Us


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Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4047: Joel Osteen, Houston, and Hurricane Harvey - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





In the aftermath of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey and the subsequent massive flooding, Joel Osteen has been the subject of much criticism - particularly over social media over the last 24-48 hours.

Pastor Osteen is the leader of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. There is significant controversy regarding any flooding - or near flooding which occurred/almost occurred at/near the grounds of the church. If this near flooding was true, as Osteen says, it would have placed any individuals seeking shelter there in a potentially harmful situation. Others claim that there was no flooding and the images of high water on/adjacent to the church grounds were from an earlier flood several years ago.

Osteen was interviewed several times on several different national networks this morning. One of these interviews is included above. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.

Comparing the above interview of Pastor Osteen to videos a few years old, you should notice several long-term patterns:

1. You probably recall that Joel Osteen has a prominent facial tic in the form of dramatic and long-standing blinking. Facial tics have both involuntary and voluntary components. Anxiety is one common factor which typically increases facial tic behavior.

2. He has an asymmetrical mouth configuration while speaking. Evaluating old videos show this dynamic is also longstanding - although it appears to be a bit amplified during this exchange.

Although it can be simply a form of a long-term habit/tic-like phenomenon, asymmetric mouth dynamics during speaking is also commonly correlated with insincerity/deception and bravado/swagger. Excluding tic-like etiologies, the Venn diagrams for these latter two behaviors overlap significantly.

3. Asymmetrical Smiling. Joel Osteen also has a longstanding tendency of smiling much of the time whether he's speaking or not. Osteen does this fairly dramatically - also with a strong bias to his right side.

When a smile is sincere - and it's beginning or fading, asymmetry is not uncommon - however the asymmetry should not be maintained throughout the duration of the "smile". If the smile is routinely one-sided and constantly present, it's a very safe bet the smile is insincere.

4. Constant smiling. This particular behavior of Osteen is profound - but, once again, it's been present for years. Anytime a person displays any facial expression with a continuous or near-continuous frequency - especially when it's far from emotional baseline, it's a tremendous red flag of insincerity.



























Whenever a person's face assumes, what for them is a "default expression" (sad, happy, angry, critical, etc.) - and maintains this "facial pose" - it becomes much easier for the brain to deceive. When the stakes are high, convincing deception is a difficult act - it takes significant mental focus, and even then most people can't readily pull it off. Therefore, when a person wears a "living mask" (a constant, practiced, and for them, easy default expression) it's much easier to lie.

As a rule, a person who constantly smiles - out of context and out of proportion - is to be strongly avoided.

5. Stuttering is often correlated with facial tics and tic-like behaviors. Stuttering can be correlated with anxiety, and thus sometimes indirectly associated with dishonesty and insincerity - however, there is no direct relationship.

6. Hard swallowing. You'll note that at several times Osteen's "Adam's apple" (Thyroid Cartilage surrounding the Larynx) moved up-and-down during what is known as a "hard swallow". These actions are good general indicators of a dry throat and anxiety.

7. Touching with fingertips but not full palms when gesturing to the chest. Several times when gesturing to his chest (obscured somewhat by the banner at the bottom of the page), Osteen touches with his fingertips but not with a "Full Palmar Contact". This absence of full contact with the palm of the hand when touching one's chest during a declaration of honesty is also correlated with a lack of sincerity.

8. Constant head nodding. In this context, this action is indicative of (significant) anxiety.



























9. You may notice that Pastor Osteen does not answer questions directly - but rather meanders and answers indirectly. Although of course, not body language, such a paralanguage pattern is suspicious, but not definitive, for deception.

10. Osteen's verbal timeline - e.g., when the storm began, when he said the waters receded, when the water truly began to recede, when the church released the statement, when the city asked for help, and when the church began to take people in - all do not appear to line-up. This could, of course, be simply due to Osteen's anxiety and the rushed format of a TV interview.


Summary: Much of Pastor Joel Osteen's behavior seen in this video is chronic - and not specific to this particular interview. Such findings muddy the water. Yet much of this long-term behavior is correlative with insincerity. Moreover, this not just one or two items - but multiple findings indicative of anxiety and insincerity. Thus while there is insufficient evidence in this video to indicate Pastor Osteen is being deceptive with respect to the Hurricane Harvey controversy, there are ample nonverbal findings here correlating with a chronic, low level of sincerity.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4046: Melania Trump, Hurricane Harvey, and "Destroying Empathy 101"

Body Language Analysis No. 4044: Kim Jong-un's Choreography

Body Language Analysis No. 4042: Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor - Official Weigh-in

Body Language Analysis No. 4040: James Clapper Regarding Donald Trump's Fitness for Office 

Body Language Analysis No. 4022: Jessica Alba's Rules for Naming Her Baby

Body Language Analysis No. 4008: Veteran Who Survived Dunkirk Reacts to Film

Body Language Analysis No. 3953: Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron meet in Versailles

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3885: Vogue's 73 Questions with Selena Gomez

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3816: Secretary of State Nominee Rex Tillerson



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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4046: Melania Trump, Hurricane Harvey, and "Destroying Empathy 101" - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Earlier today, President Trump and The First Lady visited Austin and Corpus Christi to meet with Governor Abbott, other local leaders, first responders, etc. - and to offer their support for the those suffering in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

Melania Trump took a lot of internet heat for departing the White House in  six-inch heels - although, perhaps getting wind of this popular opinion, she changed into sneakers on Air Force One.

We can make the argument that the primary reason the President and the FLOTUS (a title which does not require the wearing of a written label), visited Texas was to be the national face of empathy.

There are are a myriad of ways to express and engender empathy. Yet, when in the context of nonverbal communication, the behavior which is the most crucial for displaying empathy is eye contact - a subject which itself has many branches of nuance. And yet there can be no true eye contact if sunglasses are worn. Aside from the very practical aspect of south Texas having 100% overcast skies of late - wearing sunglasses is deliberately distancing.

When on camera, being interviewed, or even if simply in view - wearing sunglasses, particularly when in such a highly visible leadership position - is a nonverbal double standard. It screams, "I get to look into your eyes (and your soul), but I'll keep mine under wraps - thank you very much." Using this deliberate barrier is a nonverbal manifestation of contempt. It elevates the wearer and lowers everyone else.

With the exception of a funeral or similar ceremonies, in the context of others' suffering, wearing sunglasses is emotionally cold. It's snooty. It's aloof. It's rapport destroying. A leader should be open, inviting, sincere - and yes, projecting empathy. Transmitting empathy without the use of one's eyes is profoundly difficult and always incomplete. This is not about style. This is not about fashion. This is about people. And if you want to tell a person (or a nation), "I care about you and your suffering" - do NOT wear sunglasses (even if it's sunny).



























Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4045: Rex Tillerson Regarding Donald Trump, "The President Speaks for Himself"

Body Language Analysis No. 4043: Donald Trump Pardons Joe Arpaio - Contempt of Court and Red Flags

Body Language Analysis No. 4041: Former Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak regarding Secrets from Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 4039: Blue Angels, Surprise, Emotional Processing, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 4026: Aubrey Plaza, Ingrid Goes West, and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 4015: Reince Priebus' First Post-Resignation Interview

Body Language Analysis No. 3974: Elle Fanning, Robert De Niro, and Easter

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3924: French Presidential Front-Runner Emmanuel Macron

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3857: Taunting a Snowplow Driver - Belleville, Ontario - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence


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Body Language Analysis No. 4045: Rex Tillerson Regarding Donald Trump, "The President Speaks for Himself" - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Two days ago the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, was a guest on Fox News Sunday. The Secretary made a statement, in which, many people feel he made a clear distinction between the President's statements and values from his own - as well as from traditional and ongoing American values.

What follows is a partial transcript as well as a partial nonverbal analysis of this crucial exchange.

CHRIS WALLACE (beginning at 0:39): Does that make it harder for you to push American values around the World when some foreign leaders question the President's values?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Ah, Chris we express America's values from the State Department. We represent the American people. We represent America's values, our commitment to freedom, our commitment to equal treatment of people the World over - and that message has never changed.

CHRIS WALLACE: And, when the President gets into the kind of controversy he does and the UN Committee responds the way it does - it seems to say, they, they begin to doubt - our, whether we're living those values.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: I don't believe anyone doubts the American people's values or the commitment of the, * American government, or the government's agencies to advancing those values and defending those values.

CHRIS WALLACE: And, and the President's values?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: The President speaks for himself, Chris.

CHRIS WALLACE: Are you - separating yourself from that, Sir?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: I've spoken, I've made my own comments as to our values as well in a speech I gave to the State Department this past week *

CHRIS WALLACE: Mr. Secretary, thank you. Thanks for coming today. Always a pleasure to talk with you, Sir.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: My pleasure, Chris.

CHRIS WALLACE: Stay Safe.

























During 1:13, as Chris Wallace says, "... they begin to doubt - our, whether we're living those values...", Secretary Tillerson looks down and to his right simultaneous with displaying a "Tight Tongue Jut".

A "Tight Tongue Jut" indicates the emotions of distaste, disdain, and disgustLooking down and to the right is highly correlative with experiencing the emotions of sadness and regret.

Care must be taken to not confuse a "Tight Tongue Jut" with a "Loose Tongue Jut" - for although they appear somewhat similar, each has a completely different meaning. 

























As previously noted (see Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3816: Secretary of State Nominee Rex Tillerson), Secretary Tillerson has a longstanding (tic-like) habit of speaking out of the side of his mouth. It's quite extreme with the Secretary. When such speaking asymmetry occasionally occurs, it's very often secondary to dishonesty. However, because this is, for the Secretary, his baseline idiosyncratic behavior - such a judgment of dishonesty would be erroneous. This makes the microexpression occurring at 1:17 a bit difficult to see. Just before he says, "American", and during its first syllable, the Secretary of State's left corner of his mouth pulls both down and out (laterally) in a unilateral expression of apprehension (with most people, this would be bilateral, but the Secretary's asymmetrical speaking style masks this in a moment of symmetry).





During 1:38, Just after he says, "... I've made my own comments as to our values as well in a speech I gave to the State Department this past week...", Secretary Tillerson displays a single, fixed, long-duration, head nod (aka as an "Alpha Head Nod Affirmation"). This momentary downward tilting of the head and neck (e.g., a single strong nod), while looking past one's suddenly more prominent (and downward vectored) eyebrows - is a signal of finality. It's very alpha and is a nonverbal way of saying, "Don't question me regarding this issue" and "The matter is closed".




You may also note in this same instant the mild-to-moderate tension in the Secretary's "mustache region", mild nostril flaring, and mild central forehead contraction - all of which, when in combination, are congruent with these same sentiments.

Summary: Secretary Tillerson feels distaste, disdain, disgust, regret, sadness, and apprehension - with the notion that, because of President Trump, people from other countries may be doubting whether or not US citizens are collectively living in a manner consistent with traditional American values.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4044: Kim Jong-un's Choreography

Body Language Analysis No. 4042: Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor - Official Weigh-in

Body Language Analysis No. 4040: James Clapper Regarding Donald Trump's Fitness for Office

Body Language Analysis No. 4038: Donald Trump's Afghanistan Speech

Body Language Analysis No. 4020: Bruce Willis and the "Death Wish" Remake

Body Language Analysis No. 4014: Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Donald Trump, and Healthcare

Body Language Analysis No. 3983: Female Kurdish sniper fighting IS narrowly cheats death

Body Language Analysis No. 3939: The Russians are Confident - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and Donald Trump


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Monday, August 28, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4044: Kim Jong-un's Choreography - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)
























Kim Jong-un's team choreographs the photos he releases to the World's other 194 countries. The North Korean leader commonly poses (while feigning spontaneity) with his hands behind his back.


























Although we can't see the position of his hands, given the angle of his visible forearm, his position at the top of the political pecking-order, and his other accompanying nonverbal signs - he's most probably clasping one palm to the back-of-the-other-hand. This configuration both projects and engenders the alpha emotions of strength, power, authority, and high-confidence.


























However, if one grips the wrist of the opposite hand - it indicates frustration. Moreover, the higher one hand holds the opposite arm - the greater the level of frustration. Whenever you notice yourself gripping at the level of the wrist or higher, re-position so that one palm is holding the back of the other hand, and you'll feel your confidence increase (This upregulation of your confidence with be further enhanced if you square your shoulders, puff your chest slightly forward, and stand with your feet planted a shoulder's width apart).

Great care should be taken though - for nuance is necessary. As is the case with all alpha body language signals, those individuals who use them - tend to over-use them. Thus what initially projects as confidence very rapidly becomes hyper-alpha and then backfires into arrogance. What once made a person look like a leader degrades quickly into a rapport destroying act.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4043: Donald Trump Pardons Joe Arpaio - Contempt of Court and Red Flags

Body Language Analysis No. 4041: Former Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak regarding Secrets from Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 4039: Blue Angels, Surprise, Emotional Processing, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 4037: Charlottesville Protester Quits Boston University after Death Threats

Body Language Analysis No. 4033: Prime Minister Theresa May Regarding Charlottesville Violence, "I see no equivalence"

Body Language Analysis No. 4018: Alexis Bledel and "The Handmaid's Tale"

Body Language Analysis No. 4005: O.J. Simpson's Parole Board Hearing

Body Language Analysis No. 3982: Bangkok Police Officer's De-Escalation Genius

Body Language Analysis No. 3933: Sally Yates Testimony before Senate Judiciary Committee


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Sunday, August 27, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4043: Donald Trump Pardons Joe Arpaio - Contempt of Court and Red Flags - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)



























President Donald Trump pardoned Joe Arpaio on Friday. Last month the highly controversial former Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff was convicted of criminal contempt of court. Specifically, Arpaio "willfully violated an order of the court" by failing "to ensure his subordinates' compliance and by directing them to continue to detain persons for whom no criminal charges could be filed."

The President's written statement, released along with his pardon late Friday evening, in part said, "Throughout his time as sheriff, Arpaio continued his life's work of protecting the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration," and "Sheriff Joe Arpaio is now 85 years old, and after more than 50 years of admirable service to our nation, he is (a) worthy candidate for a Presidential pardon."





























As with any longstanding public figure, an image search for Joseph Arpaio yields many photos. From a nonverbal perspective, these search results are alarming. A dramatically disproportionate high percentage of these pictures of former Sheriff Arpaio show him expressing varying degrees of:
  • Contempt
  • Disgust 
  • Anger
Of course, we all feel contempt, disgust, and anger from time to time. We're human. However, a profound red flag is raised when these emotions occur with such high frequency. Anyone who displays any combination of these three emotional expressions so often (in photos or, of course, witnessed in real-time) has a dramatically increased likelihood of having:


























It's important to note that people can suffer from these psychological disorders without this nonverbal pattern - however, when these expressions are present frequently, you can bet your paycheck that such individuals have some combination of these bad behaviors.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4042: Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor - Official Weigh-in

Body Language Analysis No. 4040: James Clapper Regarding Donald Trump's Fitness for Office

Body Language Analysis No. 4038: Donald Trump's Afghanistan Speech

Body Language Analysis No. 4035: Hope Hicks, Jared Kushner, and Phone Tells

Body Language Analysis No. 4022: Jessica Alba's Rules for Naming Her Baby

Body Language Analysis No. 4000: Garbiñe Muguruza, Wimbledon, and Sincerity

Body Language Analysis No. 3972: Vladimir Putin, Oliver Stone, and a Facial Expression Red Flag

Body Language Analysis No. 3947: Benjamin Netanyahu's reaction to Donald Trump's statement, "I never mentioned the Word or Name 'Israel' "

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


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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4042: Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor - Official Weigh-in - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)






Conor McGregor is the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously. McGregor is eleven years younger and he's stronger than Floyd Mayweather. Yet Floyd Mayweather is one of the most skilled boxers in history. Some say he's the best ever. Mayweather has 49 wins and Zero losses. Zero. Mayweather has only been knocked down twice in his career - and one of these should have been ruled a slip.

But the two men are boxing - and although McGregor is an outstanding and accomplished mixed martial artist fighter (21 wins, 3 losses) - he's a rookie when it comes to boxing. Virtually every expert says that Floyd Mayweather will beat Conor McGregor tomorrow night. Some even say it's dangerous for McGregor to be fighting.




Earlier today at the pre-fight weigh-in, the two men stood toe-to-toe for 30 seconds (during the video from 20:36 to 21:04).

The image above, captured during 20:40, was perhaps the most telling moment. While Conor McGregor was "in his face", screaming and talking trash, Floyd Mayweather took a step backward (albeit a small one) with his right foot. This is Floyd Mayweather's 50th pre-fight weigh-in. He's accustomed to trash talk. He's had practice giving it and receiving it. Yet in this moment he retreated a bit. This is quite a significant nonverbal tell of low confidence.

Taken in isolation, a small step backward may be discounted by some. If you look carefully though, you'll also see Mayweather's feet are closer together. This signal projects an additional layer of Floyd's beta emotional tone to McGregor's relative alpha mindset.

Nuancing his nonverbals further, with his left hand clasping his right wrist, Mr. Mayweather is in a modified "Fig-Leaf" configuration (a protective stance also known as "Genital Guarding") - while Mr. McGregor's hands are clenched in fists with his arms to his side and elbows angled out.

Moreover, Floyd Mayweather's shoulders are rounded and rolled forward (more beta) - strongly contrasting with Conor McGregor's shoulders, which are pulled back and squared (more alpha).

Although the resolution is somewhat low in the above image, and from this distance it's difficult to discern - it looks as if his eyes are closed (a blocking phenomenon) - simultaneous with his back-step.





















This next image was captured during 21:06 as each man turned away from each other and toward the crowd. In this instant, Mayweather is focusing in a momentary thousand-yard stare while his lower lip pouts asymmetrically (more on his right) - don't mistake this for a jaw jut (it's not) - or jaw clenching (it's not that either). This isn't an angry expression, or isn't determined - it's sadness. In this instant, Mayweather is visualizing a negative outcome.


Summary: Predicting the outcome of any sporting contest is fraught full of variables - and it's orders of magnitude more difficult with respect to team sports. But a boxing match is a contest between only two people - with the variables dramatically reduced. In such scenarios, the relative confidence level of each man becomes a much more influential factor in foretelling winning or losing. Experience counts. Skill counts. And although Floyd Mayweather is a far superior boxer and the odds for victory are heavily in his favor, if we ignore the trash talking during this toe-to-toe, 30 second, pre-fight, weigh-in, faceoff - Conor McGregor's body language is hyper-alpha, while that of Floyd Mayweather's is significantly beta. This body language indicates Floyd Mayweather's confidence is shaken and markedly lower than Conor McGregor's. Why? What does Mayweather know (or believe) that we don't?



Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4041: Former Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak regarding Secrets from Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 4039: Blue Angels, Surprise, Emotional Processing, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 4037: Charlottesville Protester Quits Boston University after Death Threats

Body Language Analysis No. 4034: Steve Bannon's Critical Evaluation

Body Language Analysis No. 4026: Aubrey Plaza, Ingrid Goes West, and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 4011: Anthony Scaramucci's First UK Interview

Body Language Analysis No. 3978: Keanu Reeves, Chuck Spadina, Sincerity, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 3953: Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron meet in Versailles

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


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Thursday, August 24, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4041: Former Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak regarding Secrets from Donald Trump - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)






What nonverbal tendencies do Sergey Kislyak, Sergey Lavrov (the Russian Foreign Minister), and their boss - Vladimir Putin, all have in common?

In the above video (published Wednesday), Sergey Kislyak is fielding questions from a journalist. Mr. Kislyak was the Russian Ambassador to the United States from 26 July 2008 until this past Monday.

When emotional tension is present, particularly when with a superior-subordinate relationship - if one person adopts a "smile" - there is a very high likelihood of deception and/or manipulation is taking place.

Such "out-of-context" behaviors (smiles or otherwise) should always raise red flags.

In these adversarial situations, even when they're of relatively low consequence, a "smile" almost never is displayed because the person welcomes any confrontation. The person is also not "smiling" because they like the antagonist. Indeed, the "smile" is often not even sincere (although sometimes people will experience true joy-happiness in deception and other malicious acts). In such circumstances, these pseudo-smiles virtually always occur for one of two reasons:

  • There is an element of contempt present - and it's being masked by a "smile". It's as if to say, "I will entertain your musings, little child". It's condescending. It's a patronizing act - and it's designed to throw off your emotions. It's an intimidation tactic. Incredibly, some people use this method of manipulation as one of their primary staples of human interaction.
or
  • If they maintain a partially suppressed "smile" throughout much of the interaction (particularly if performed from the beginning), they don't have to worry about "cracking a smile" in the act of deception or when being questioned about deceit. If instead, they attempted to keep a neutral/concerned expression - then broke into a smile at the wrong time - they would "out themselves" in an act of duping delight. In this second scenario, on the surface, they're essentially feigning the first tactic (No. 1 above), yet they are only pretending this as emotional camouflage. They disguise their tendency to smile at the wrong time by instead smirk-smiling constantly (because they know they're guilty).


























For most people, on the surface these two tactics look very similar (perhaps identical) - and even though both are nefarious, they each have a different motive. The first is truly patronizing-intimidating-contemptuous, while the second tactic is faking (essentially character-acting) these emotions as a cloak for the real purpose - hiding deception.

As mentioned earlier, these "smiles" are often false smiles, ruses - for these often masks for coexisting component of contempt. These feigned smiles often will "feel" like a smirk. Their appearances are asymmetrical. Mr. Kislyak's smirk-smile-contempt is biased toward his right side.

The three Russian leaders mentioned - President Putin, Minister Lavrov, and Former Ambassador Kislyak - all use the two techniques discussed here. Moreover, Sergey Kislyak uses it throughout a good portion of his interaction with this journalist. Of course, these nonverbal behaviors are not at all limited to Russians, or government officials - but are part of each human psyche.



























In the image immediately above, after being asked, "But when you met Donald Trump, the President, were you surprised when he disclosed secret information to you about Syria?", Mr. Kislyak first looked away (down to his left) and then responded, "I'm not sure that I heard anything that would be secret". This expression in this photo (although not captured in this photo from an optimum angle) demonstrates Mr. Kislyak's asymmetrical smile-smirk of contempt.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4040: James Clapper Regarding Donald Trump's Fitness for Office 

Body Language Analysis No. 4038: Donald Trump's Afghanistan Speech 

Body Language Analysis No. 4035: Hope Hicks, Jared Kushner, and Phone Tells

Body Language Analysis No. 4033: Prime Minister Theresa May Regarding Charlottesville Violence, "I see no equivalence" 

Body Language Analysis No. 4022: Jessica Alba's Rules for Naming Her Baby

Body Language Analysis No. 4020: Bruce Willis and the "Death Wish" Remake

Body Language Analysis No. 4006: Vladimir Putin and Melania Trump at the G20

Body Language Analysis No. 3935: Donald Trump and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 3939: The Russians are Confident - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and Donald Trump


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Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4040: James Clapper Regarding Donald Trump's Fitness for Office - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Last night, after Donald Trump's rally-speech in Phoenix, James Clapper was a guest on CNN. The former Director of National Intelligence displayed a multitude of body language signals during his interview this interview. What follows is a highlight of just a crucial few of Mr. Clapper's nonverbal moments.

DON LEMON (beginning at 0:07): What did you think of tonight's performance by President Trump?

JAMES CLAPPER: Well, a, Don, it's hard to know where to, where to start, ahhhh, it's just so objectionable on so many, ah, levels. Ahum, you know I toiled in one capacity or another for every President, ah, since and including John F. Kennedy through President Obama and I don't know when I've listened and watched something like this - of a president that I found more, ah, disturbing. Having some understanding of ah, the levers of power that are available to a president if, ah, he chooses to exercise 'em. Ah, I found this, ah, ah, downright scary and, and ah, and disturbing. 

I think, ah, Bakari [Bakari Sellers] is, ah, right on the money though, that th-, this is not a surprise. It, [clears throat] interesting to contrast, ah, last night's ah, teleprompter Trump performance, ah, versus, ah, tonight, which is of course, ah, the real Trump*. Ah, just as, it was in that the unglued impromptu press conference, ah, at Trump Tower. So I, I just find this, ah, [deep inhalation] extremely disturbing.

LEMON: Are you questioning his fitness? 

CLAPPER: Yes, I do. I, I, I, I really ques, question, ah, his, ah, ability to ah, his fitness to be in this office.


























During 0:42, as Mr. Clapper says, "... the levers of power that are available to a president if, ah, he chooses to exercise 'em ...", he displays an excellent example of a microexpression of Contempt.


























A few seconds later, during 0:52, as the former Director of National Intelligence says, "...  downright scary ...", he displays a second microexpression of contempt.



























Just after he says, "... versus, ah, tonight, which is of course, ah, the real Trump ..." (during 1:14), James Clapper displays a Tight Tongue Jut" (be careful not to confuse this with a "Loose Tongue Jut") This too is very rapid - ergo, it's also a type of microexpression. A tight tongue jut is a signal of strong distaste, disgust, and disdain.


























During 1:25, just after he says, "... I, I just find this, ah, [deep inhalation] extremely disturbing...", Mr. Clapper displays a nonverbal cluster involving his lower face including:
  • Clenched Jaw
  • Thinned Lips (almost disappeared)
  • Mouth Corners and Cheeks Vectored Far Laterally
  • Tissue adjacent to Lips Bulging
This classic grouping of facial findings indicate:
  • Anger
  • Frustration
  • Regret
Summary: James Clapper's nonverbal behavior is highly congruent with his verbal statements. Not only is the former Director of National Intelligence angry and frustrated with Donald Trump, he also has contempt, disdain, and disgust for the President. To detect incongruency is to detect deception - Clapper is being sincere.


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Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4039: Blue Angels, Surprise, Emotional Processing, and Empathy 

Body Language Analysis No. 4037: Charlottesville Protester Quits Boston University after Death Threats

Body Language Analysis No. 4034: Steve Bannon's Critical Evaluation

Body Language Analysis No. 4032: John Kelly's Reaction to Donald Trump's Press Conference Regarding the Events in Charlottesville

Body Language Analysis No. 4017: Elisabeth Moss, Anthony Rizzo, and a Signal of Sincerity

Body Language Analysis No. 4012: Anthony Scaramucci's and Reince Priebus' First (and Last) Photo in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis 3988: Kim Jong-un, ICBMs, False Joy, and Fake Laughter

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3918: The Image of Kim Jong-un He Most Prefers the World to See

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3835: Beauty and the Beast – Official Final Trailer



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