Chadwick Boseman was recently a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live promoting his new film, Black Panther - in which he plays the lead role (T'Challa / Black Panther). But even superheroes get nervous.
Just prior to entering the stage, as the door is rising (beginning at 0:44), Mr. Boseman flexes and extends his fingers and thumb on his right-hand several times.
This nonverbal action is an indication of anxiety. But to thin-slice this behavior further - it's also a signal that, although he's nervous, Boseman's simultaneously is dialing up his alpha qualities. Both his conscious and subconscious recognizes his context - and metaphorically, Chadwick Boseman is stepping up to the proverbial plate.
This body language example is only one of many alpha up-regulatory nonverbal behaviors.
Fascinatingly, this action of flexion and extension of the digits will also engender a decrease in heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure - as well as relaxing the facial muscles - thus leading to an increased mental focus and a psyching up.
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See also:
Body Language Analysis No. 4216: NRA's Dana Loesch's Reaction to Sheriff Scott Israel at Stoneman Douglas HS Town Hall
Body Language Analysis No. 4214: Donald Trump's Listening Session on Preventing School Shootings
Body Language Analysis No. 4211: Donald Trump Feels The Need To Dial-up His Alpha
Body Language Analysis No. 4209: Emma Gonzalez, Florida HS Shooting, and Emotional Processing
Body Language Analysis No. 4199: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, and their Mission Impossible Helicopter Stunt
Body Language Analysis No. 4181: Ann Curry, Matt Lauer, "Verbal Sexual" Harassment, and NBC
Body Language Analysis No. 4143: Billy Bush regarding Donald Trump on the "Access Hollywood Tape" (Stephen Colbert Interview)
Body Language Analysis No. 4110: Yuli Gurriel "Apologizes" to Yu Darvish for a Gesture of Prejudice During The World Series
Body Language Analysis No. 4047: Joel Osteen, Houston, and Hurricane Harvey
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