Body Language Analysis №4695: Ron DeSantis Unusual Repetitive Jaw Movement (Video, Photos, and Analyses)

 

This past week, Ron DeSantis embarked on his first out-of-state trip after formally announcing his candidacy for President — including stops in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.

What follows is a partial Body language, Paralanguage, and Statement analysis of Ron DeSantis during an interview in New Hampshire on Thursday, 1 June 2023.

*The corresponding descriptions appear below each of the following images.*

 

 

Note that at the 0:03 mark, DeSantis hard-swallows. Although his Adam’s apple [thyroid cartilage] is less prominent than most men, we can clearly see it moving up and down.

Hard Swallowing is an extremely common anxiety tell. More specifically, it’s a sign of a dry mouth/throat — and thus, an indicator of potential anxiety. Deep swallowing stimulates the production of saliva.

 

 

A second Hard-Swallow is displayed during 0:18.

Note DeSantis begins this first answer with, “You know, it’s interesting …”. We all know the dictionary definition of “interesting”, yet here’s an extremely common context where its meaning is highly sarcastic, accusatory, and aggressive.

 

 

Note also, DeSantis is holding his hands (fingers intertwined) in front of his groin area. This behavior is a variation of what is known as a Fig Leaf (aka Genital Guarding).

Fig Leaf/Genital Guarding is a very common body language manifestation of emotional discomfort, low confidence, and feelings of intimidation. DeSantis displays this body language far more than most Governors or Presidential Candidates.

 

 

Fig Leaf/Genital Guarding is also seen during moments of respect and/or deference for a political, powerful, or religious superior (i.e., VP meeting with/standing next to their President [political or corporate] — or when meeting with the Pope).

 

Fig Leaf/Genital Guarding is also commonly displayed during some religious and other formal/respectful ceremonies (i.e. Weddings, Funerals, visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, etc.).

 

 At the beginning of the above video (0:04–0:18), DeSantis repeatedly moves his jaw back and forth (laterally). There’s also an occasional less prominent but noticeable forward motion component. Please watch the video, as this is impossible to see the dynamics in images.

 

…And during another video (same interview, immediately above), DeSantis exhibits this same Jaw movement behavior (0:00–0:14):

 

 

…And yet another clip (same interview, immediately above) of this identical Jaw movement is seen (0:03–0:09, 0:54–0:57) in this video segment.

Note each of these above three highlighted segments clearly show this jaw movement when DeSantis is not speaking (at rest). However, in order to accurately discern if this behavior also occurs whilst he’s speaking — a direct, forward facing camera view is required. 276

Said another way, this same noted jaw movement is easily camouflaged (and probably also present) when superimposed with other body language and, of course, together with normal speech — if the proper (forward) camera angle is not viewed.

*It’s profoundly important to note that the degree of repetitiveness of the particular jaw movement demonstrated in these examples is NOT routine body language behavior.*

With extremely high likelihood, the cause of this jaw movement is a secondary manifestation of a specific and discernible medical condition.

Tardive dyskinesia is a possible etiology of this jaw movement, but this would be a highly atypical presentation for TD — and thus it’s extremely unlikely the cause for this specific repetitive movement.

A less remote possible cause for this repetitive jaw movement is Tourette’s syndrome or another, similar tic/tic-like condition.

Tourette’s Syndrome and other Tic-like conditions can be exacerbated by anxiety, depression, tiredness, or even excitement.

(It’s crucial to rule out various medical causes of tic-associated conditions — such as Huntington’s Disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Wilson’s Disease, Hypothyroidism, Head Trauma, Poisons, Drugs, etc. [this is not a complete list])

Ron DeSantis has *no known* history of any of the above conditions.

 

 

Note DeSantis’ Elevated Central Forehead Contraction simultaneous with a partial/subtle Mouth Smile (i.e. during 0:36).

Everyone (but hopefully not too often) displays this facial expression *on occasion* during times of:

• Arrogance 
• Contempt
• Incredulity (specifically, Smug Incredulity)

§ Note each of these emotions may be manifested using other body language/facial expressions.

However, those who display this combination of expressions *frequently or during crucial moments* — have an extremely high correlation with Sociopathy or Psychopathy (collectively referred to as Antisocial Personality Disorder).

 

 

DeSantis displays this Elevated Central Forehead Contraction with a simultaneous Mouth Smile Expression multiple times during this interview — i.e., again during 1:20.

When DeSantis was asked (1:14), “Do you want Florida — or do you believe Florida is welcome [sic] to the LGBT community?” — He answered, “Have you ever been to places in South Florida?”

Note that DeSantis did NOT answer the question that was asked — instead, he spun his answer into yet another attack on Disney.

Moreover, notice his qualifier, “*South* Florida” — implying that *he thinks* perhaps that Miami is accepting of the LGBTQ community — but the rest of Florida is not.

 

 

During 0:54, we see an example of an Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression (R2E2).

Once again, everyone makes this expression from time-to-time, but hopefully not too often.

A Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression may have a split second duration (ergo, a microexpression) but it can last a good bit longer (several seconds).

The R2E2 is expression indicating that the person is trying to Rationalize something, trying to gain your Rapport, and/or trying to gain your Empathy (it’s crucial to note that it’s not an indication that they’re empathic — only that they’re trying to gain YOUR empathy.

Nonverbal novices will often confuse the R2E2 with that of disgust or contempt — however, the expression-scenarios have very different meanings (Do you know how these emotions and facial manifestations differ?).

When a person displays an R2E2 *frequently*, always ask yourself the following questions:

What was their primary emotion as they spoke?
• What, specifically, are they trying to convince me of?
• Why are they trying to Gain my Rapport?
• What are my gut feelings of their motive(s)?
• Do they truly believe what they, themselves, are saying?
• How do I feel about their overall level of sincerity? (What’s their Sincerity Quotient?)
• Are they feigning a weakness?
• If so, what is it?
• Are they trying to Gain my Empathy?
• Why?
• If so, what is it?
• Are they trying to Gain my Empathy?
• Why?

The vast majority of the time, those who make the R2E2 expression are trying to rationalize — to convince themselves of something — AND, more importantly, they’re also trying to recruit you/convince you to be a Co-Rationalizer via the manipulation of your Empathy.

 

 

Did you notice DeSantis’ facial sweating? Could he be ill? Possibly. The lights could be hot or the room temperature could be elevated — but probably not. This is most likely secondary to his anxiety or other causes (1:12).

 

 

At multiple times, DeSantis displayed an Index Finger (forefinger) Point (1:20–22, 1:25–27, and to a lesser degree at 0:20–0:21).

Index Finger Pointing is extremely negatively received across all cultures around the World. With rare exception, it’s a rapport destroyer.

SUMMARY: On multiple occasions during this interview, Governor Ron DeSantis displayed a highly repetitive Lateral Jaw Movement with a secondary and less pronounced forward vectoring (jaw jutting) component.

The degree of repetitiveness of this particular jaw movement demonstrated in these examples is NOT routine body language behavior. With extremely high likelihood, the cause of this jaw movement is a secondary manifestation of a specific and diagnosable medical condition.

More specifically (after other medical conditions are ruled out), with considerably high likelihood, Ron DeSantis’ repetitive jaw movement is most probably secondary to effect of drug(s) — specifically, a stimulant (i.e., cocaine), colloquially, known as ‘Cocaine Jaw’.

All those familiar with stimulant abuse who would recognize ‘Cocaine Jaw’ are encouraged to comment.

Interested in learning Body Language/Nonverbal Communication & Behavior Analysis in Group-Zoom sessions? Want to learn how to identify a Sociopath, a Psychopath, or other Manipulative Behaviors? We’ll be meeting the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month (90 minutes/session for 1 year, 36 hours total). Please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com for details.

Ω

This post and others accompanying it, serve as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts.

Body Language Analysis №4694: Ron DeSantis asks Reporter, "Are you Blind?!" (Video, Photos, and Analysis)

 

This morning while in Laconia, New Hampshire, Ron DeSantis was asked, “Governor, how come you’re not taking questions from voters?”

What follows is a Body Language, Paralanguage, and Statement Analysis of his response.

*The corresponding descriptions appear below each of the following images.*

DeSantis responds, “People talkin [sic] coming up to me talking to me. What are you talkin’ bout? I’m out here [inaudible] with people. Are you, are you blind?!” The reporter says, “What?” DeSantis again asks, “Are you blind?” — The reporter answers, “I’m not blind.” 

DeSantis then says, “Okay, so people are coming up to me and talkin’ to me whatever they want to talk to me about.”

 

During 0:19, as DeSantis says, “I’m out here [inaudible] with people”, the candidate displays a Lip Curl.

A Lip Curl is a description given to the evanescent dynamic of the lips curling/flaring outward in a disproportionate and melodramatic manner relative to normal lip configuration necessary for the pronunciation of the word being spoken.

A Lip Curl is a highly reliable indicator of the thought-emotions of:

• Braggadocio
• False Bravado
• Righteous Indignation
• Pretentiousness
• Deception
  
  

DeSantis then asks (the first time), “Are you Blind?!” Note as he says, “Blind”, his head oscillates back and forth (side-to-side) as well as moving forward. This is an example of a “Self-Righteous Head Wiggle” (SRHW).

A Self-Righteous Head Wiggle is fairly rapid (high frequency) and of varying amplitude movement of head from side-to-side. While it’s often extremely short in duration (a microexpression or near-microexpression, as we see here) and at other times it lasts longer.

Please watch the video several times (even at slower speeds) as an image does not capture the motion and nuance of this dynamic nonverbal behavior.

The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle is typically displayed by individuals who are of relatively high-alpha personalities — but also by others during extra-high confidence moments and when people are expressing particularly strong opinions.

Additionally, the SRHW will sometimes have a *superimposed forward movement component* when Arrogance and/or Condescension are simultaneous (as DeSantis emotes in this, and even more so during his reiteration of the question).

When, instead, an *overlying Backward motion/pulling away dynamic* is displayed (not seen here), there are feelings of Disgust, Contempt, and/or feigned-disbelief/disbelief is being felt.

Another common feature of the SRHW is a temporary increase in pitch (vocal frequency), volume, as well as speaking speed (i.e., words per second). Note each time DeSantis says, “Blind”, his pitch increases. 

This paralanguage/verbal elevated pitch-change is virtually always simultaneous with the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle.

There’s often a similar side-to-side motion of the torso (as is seen to a mild degree in this example) — and sometimes even with the jaw (not seen here).

Prolonged eyelid closure (not seen here), although not a necessary component of the SRHW, when seen simultaneously, is an amplifier of self-righteousness, disgust, and/or contempt.

The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle is one form of nonverbal hyper-swagger and nonverbal arrogance.

 

Immediately after the first time he asks, “Are you blind?!”, DeSantis displays a Loose Tongue Jut.

A Loose Tongue Jut is an indication of the thought-emotions of:

• “I’ve just said/about to say something stupid”

• “I’ve just/about to mess up”

• “I’ve been/about to be caught”

• “I’ve just lied/about to lie”

Take care not to confuse a Loose Tongue Jut, with a Tight Tongue Jut, or a Wide-Open Tongue Jut — as these three nonverbal behavior signals have completely different meanings.

 

The second time he says, “Are you blind?!”, DeSantis’ Torso jerks his torso even closer toward the reporter (compared with the first iteration), but without a side-to-side motion component.

This forward-thrusting of the torso, particularly from a person in power, is especially arrogant and aggressive. It’s often a component of an invasion of personal space (intimate space) and will feel this way even when the person may be technically outside this space.

 

When used in reference to a person or group of people — particularly people who are present, DeSantis’ backward, Thumb-Arm Jerking dynamic (seen during 0:23, also with a pen in his hand) is a significantly negative gesture.

This is a form of pointing — and although it’s less offensive than the universally highly-offensive index finger (forefinger) pointing, it’s still quite dismissive, derogatory, degrading, arrogant, and contemptuous.

It’s a body language dynamic that very much says, “You (they) belong in back of me”, “You’re (they’re) inferior to me”, “You (they) don’t belong here”, “Get out of here”, etc.

Note DeSantis did not answer the reporter’s question. Talking with voters is not equivalent to answering their questions. This is a classic technique used in the context of deception — appearing to answer a question, but not actually answering the question.

Moreover, bullies, chronic liars, and manipulators (considerable Venn diagram overlapping) will often shout rhetorical, accusatory, and intimidating questions at the person asking the question — getting them to back down. Does this behavior look familiar?

 

SUMMARY: In this short video, Ron DeSantis displays multiple signals of Deception. In addition, he displays Arrogance, Contempt, Manipulation, Bullying, and Self-righteousness. His behavior is highly consistent with Impulse Control Disorder and Low Self-Esteem.

Interested in Learning Body Language/Nonverbal Communication and Behavior Analysis in Group-Zoom sessions? We’ll be meeting the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month (90 minutes/session for 1 year, 36 hours total). Please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com for details.

Ω

This post and others accompanying it, serve as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts.

Body Language Analysis №4693: Brie Larson at Cannes Film Festival Press Conference (Video, Photos, and Analysis)

 

Last week, the Cannes Film Festival opened with “Jeanne du Barry” written, co-produced, and directed by Maïwenn — in which she also co-stars, playing the role of Jeanne du Barry alongside Johnny Depp as Louis XV.

Brie Larson won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and BAFTA Awards as Best Actress in 2015 for her portrayal of Joy “Ma” Newsome in “The Room”.

What follows is a nonverbal, verbal, and paralanguage analysis of Ms. Larson’s response to a particular question from a journalist at the Cannes Film Festival.

Note: I’m a strong advocate of #MeToo and #WomensRightsAreHumanRights.

This analysis is not a critique of Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, their relationship, their behavior, or the recent defamation lawsuit. 

In one of the pressers for the festival, Brie Larson was asked, “…As thee [sic] sort of outspoken and very vocal, um, ah, advocate for Times Up and Me Too, I’m curious how you feel about Johnny Depp’s film opening the festival and do you plan to see it?”

(It’s notable that the reporter referred to Jeanne du Barry as “Johnny Depp’s Film” [one his companies’ was a co-producer] — however, Maïwenn, not only played the title role [Jeanne du Barry] — but she wrote, directed, and co-produced it as well.)

*Please note: the analysis descriptions appear below their corresponding images*

 

At the 0:01 second mark, just as the journalist was saying, “…outspoken…”, Ms. Larson displays a Hard Swallow — a common anxiety tell. 

As he continued to ask his question, Ms. Larson nodded several times while she’s displaying a Social Smile.

As soon as “Times Up” and “Me Too” were spoken, her eyelids opened significantly — wider than baseline (indicating an adrenaline surge). 

Immediately after he says, “…Johnny Depp’s film opening …” (0:07), Ms. Larson’s smile disappears — the contour of her mouth opening is replaced with a horizontal configuration (anger).

Also, her head turns slightly away from the reporter (to her right), (disapproval and distancing herself from the question) with a mild increase in muscle tension in her midface (nostrils, area above upper lip), (anger) as well as a slight jaw jut (adrenaline surge).

After he says, “… and do you plan to see it?”, Ms. Larson looks up to her right.

Although it can sometimes be an unreliable indicator (use caution, for not everyone follows this pattern and norming their behavior is crucial), looking up to one’s right can indicate visualizing a future event or an unwitnessed past event (visually constructing).

In this context, immediately after she’s asked, “… and do you plan to see it?” (a future event), Ms. Larson does indeed look to this expected corresponding quadrant.

After Ms. Larson asks what may initially appear to be a clarification (“You’re asking *me* that?”), we note her eyebrows and upper eyelids significantly elevate.

When a question is asked rhetorically, sarcastically, or for purposes of time-stalling — eyebrows will elevate.

However, when a question is asked in a sincere context, the eyebrows will move downward.

After the reporter answers, “Yes”, Ms. Larson rotates her head to her right as she displays a momentary Fear response.

Her fear amplifies as she looks further to her right.

Then, very rapidly — Anger replaces her Fear. Note the momentary downward dynamic of Brie’s inner (medial) eyebrows, partial closing of her eyelids, and tension in her midface.

Next (0:15–0:17), although we can’t see it directly, it’s easy to infer Larson rubbing the tops (anterior surface) of both of her thighs with her hands as she says, “… know. I’m sorry, I don’t understand the …”,

As she then says, “or why me specifically”, Ms. Larson first pats, then for about 10 seconds, has prolonged contact her suprasternal notch/body of her sternum area with her right four fingers. This is one area commonly touched/self-massaged when we’re feeling anxiety.

On its long path, both the left and right vagus nerves courses through the neck. During moments of anxiety, (subconsciously) touching/massaging the neck and upper sternum (and branches of the Vagus nerve), we lower our heart rate and slow our respiration.

For this same reason we fiddle with necklaces, pull/loosen collars, and falsely adjust our neckties — when it’s not really needed. The real purpose is to diminish our anxiety by subconsciously lowering our pulse and respiration.

After she says, “… why me specifically?” (0:19) she displays a Loose Tongue Jut. This is deceptive. Ms. Larson DOES know why the journalist is asking her the question — but it doesn’t mean his question is contextual, proportional, or proper to the situation at hand.

Ms. Larson feels that the Journalist is manipulating her. She feels he’s trying to get her to wade into Johnny Depp’s and Amber Heard’s relationship (and to try to get her to endorse [and/or demonize] one over the other).

At 0:20, Brie Larson closes her eyes in an extended blink while she, again, displays another Hard Swallow (Swallowing will stimulate the production and release of saliva during a Dry Throat of Anxiety).

At the 0:28 mark, just as she removes her hand from her suprasternal notch/sternum — Ms. Larson displays a subtle, suppressed mouth smile — displaying a microexpression of Joy-Happiness — as she now knows how she’s going to answer his question to her advantage.

Did you notice the deep inhalation she also takes at this moment (also at 0:28 just as she smiles and immediately after she says, “understood”)?

Ms. Larson takes a much deeper breath at 0:33 (and opens her eyes very wide along with retracting her torso away from the reporter) just after the reporter says, “So I’m just curious …”

Please watch the video at regular and slower speeds as it’s impossible to catch this dynamic behavior in a still image.

This example highlights the classic Statement Analysis tell of, “I’m just curious…” — When a person says this, they’re virtually never “just curious” — they’re trying to maneuver you into a “gotcha” moment.

Just after this second, deeper inhalation (anxiety), Brie Larson looks away from the reporter (0:34) — visually and mentally/emotionally distancing herself from the reporter and his question.

As Brie Larson says (beginning at 0:36), “Um, well you’ll see I guess if I’ll see it …”, she again rubs the tops (anterior surface) of her thighs with both hands — repeating a display of this anxiety tell.

Her lip smacking during 0:36 (just before she says, “Um”) is one signal that Brie Larson is transitioning back to a higher confidence level.

During 0:38, after she says, “… um…”, Ms. Larson displays a mild feigned-pout/feigned-consideration expression (note her protruding lip and jaw with mildly flared nostrils) which telegraphs her strong feelings of dismissal.

As she gives the second part of her answer, “… and, um, I don’t know how I’ll feel about it if I do — yeah”, Ms. Larson displays an elevated Central (medial) Forehead Contraction (along with medial eyebrow elevation) together with a partial (insincere) mouth smile.

Simultaneously elevated CFC + partial Mouth Smile is an expression all human beings make (on occasion) when we’re feeling:

• Incredulity (Smug Incredulity)
• Contempt (one of several manifestations of contempt)
• Arrogance (one of multiple expressions of arrogance)

Brie Larson, in this particular example, was displaying high levels of Incredulity toward the reporter.

Everyone makes this expression from time to time (hopefully not too often) — but beware of anyone who displays this expression often (this Body Language Axiom is not applicable here since we see Ms. Larson exhibit this behavior only once).

Ms. Larson’s “Yeah” after a noticeable pause — as well as her rapid blinking (distancing herself/closing a metaphorical door on the query), and tight-mouth pseudo-smile all convey her feelings of pushback about attempted manipulation by being asked this question.

SUMMARY: In this video, Brie Larson is responding to a reporter whom she felt was trying to manipulate her into choosing sides between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.

We see Ms. Larson’s Body Language as she’s being caught off guard in a “gotcha” moment, displaying varying examples of anxiety, fear, some anger, incredulity, pushback, dismissal, and then reasserting her confidence.

nterested in Learning Body Language/Nonverbal Communication and Behavior Analysis in Group-Zoom sessions? We’ll be meeting the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month (90 minutes/session for 1 year, 36 hours total). One-on-One and Corporate group instruction are also available. Please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com for details.

Ω

 

This post and others accompanying it, serve as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts.

Body Language Analysis №4690: Greg Abbott, Deception, and the Lip Curl (Photos)

 

A ‘Lip Curl’, when the lips flare/curl outward in disproportionate and melodramatic manner is a highly reliable indicator of the thought-emotions of:

• Hubris

• False Bravado

• Braggadocio

• Pretentiousness

• Righteous Indignation

• Deception

• Insincerity

• Agenda Driven (Manipulation is Present)

• This cannot be stressed enough: If a Lip Curl is displayed even with modest frequency, there’s a high likelihood of Machiavellian Personality (and very often, an accompanying Dark Triad or Dark Tetrad).

 

It’s a crucial tell, an out-of-context lip and mouth configuration — hyperbolic with respect to the word being spoken.

 

You’ve probably detected this subtle nonverbal behavior subconsciously (or at the edge of consciousness) but dismissed it.

 

It’s also commonly (but not always) accompanied by pseudo-accent sounding by word pronunciations — with an air of haughtiness (i.e., “Country Club Accent”).

In addition, there’s almost always a significant and simultaneous degree of jaw muscle tension/contraction present during a Lip Curl.

Interested in learning Body Language/Nonverbal Communication and Behavior Analysis in Group-Zoom sessions? We’ll be meeting the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (90 minutes/session for 1 year, 36 hours total). Please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com for details (one-on-one and private corporate group instruction also available).

Ω

This post and others accompanying it, serve as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in the many varied contexts of personal and professional life.

Body Language Analysis №4689: Ron DeSantis' Faux Pas and Head Wobbles in Japan - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (Video, Photos, and Analysis)

What follows is a paralanguage, body language, and statement analysis of a portion (0:43–0:52) of the above video of Ron DeSantis’ response to a crucial question asked to him recently in Japan.

*The corresponding descriptions appear below each of the following images.*

After meeting with Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida on 24 April 2023 in Tokyo, Ron DeSantis was asked, “Governor, polls show you falling behind ah, T, Trump. Any thoughts on that?

DeSantis immediately looks away from the reporter with his eyes (with his head is still oriented in their direction) as soon as he hears the words, “falling behind” (0:44).

DeSantis then tilts his head/neck backward…

…followed immediately by a hard-swallow (his Adam’s Apple moves up just before he speaks) as he hears the word, “Trump” (0:45).

DeSantis does not have a prominent ‘Adam’s Apple’ (Laryngeal Prominence/Thyroid Cartilage) — so this is somewhat difficult to see on him.

Hard swallows are commonly displayed during moments of anxiety as this helps to stimulate saliva production (in an effort to alleviate the dry mouth of nervousness).

We can also see DeSantis fixate his gaze in the distance (probably on the far wall, above the faces of the audience) with his head/neck rotated more towards his center (relative to his torso).

People will very often refixate their gaze upon a distant/mid-distant inanimate object in order to suppress strong emotions (and the corresponding emotional displays). It’s helpful to think of this micro-behavior as a method of emotional re-centering.

Did you see the expression of Contempt on DeSantis’ face?

Note the prominence of his left nasolabial fold (the natural furrow all humans have that runs diagonally between the lateral aspect of the corner of each mouth to the sides of the nose).

There’s also a subtle tightening of the region above his left upper lip as well as mild flaring of his left nostril — all of these findings clustered are indicative of Contempt.

DeSantis then looks straight (relative to his torso and face) — again in the mid-distance again as he begins a high-frequency, low-amplitude lateral wobbling of his head/neck (note the tightening of his neck muscles). This is a classic Self-Righteous Head Wiggle (AKA a High-Confidence Head Wiggle).

We then hear two successive lip-smacks (the second of which was made by DeSantis as he prepares to answer). Lip smacking is also a sign of high confidence (0:46).

Unfortunately, the video then is edited (between 0:46 and 0:47) as the view switches to a close-up. In this brief interim (and immediately before his answer) we missed crucial nonverbal behavior tells.

After the camera goes to a close-up view, we can see DeSantis continuing and dramatically amplifying his self-Righteous Head Wiggle as says, “I’m not, I’m not a candidate so we’ll see if ah-, if and when that changes.”

The movement of Self-Righteous Head Wiggles are usually fairly rapid (high frequency) and of varying amplitude. Sometimes, it’s extremely short in duration (almost a microexpression) and at other times it lasts longer.

Because this is a dynamic display, please view the video, as the still images do not capture the motion and nuance of this nonverbal behavior.

The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle (SRHW) is typically displayed by individuals who are of relatively high-alpha personalities — but during moments of extra-high confidence (or arrogance) and when they’re expressing particularly strong opinions.

The SRHW can be thought of as a form of nonverbal swagger and often nonverbal arrogance/high confidence. Additionally, the SRHW will sometimes have a superimposed forward head and/or torso movement component when Arrogance and/or Condescension are simultaneous.

The first moment after the camera switches (0:47), DeSantis’ expression is extremely hyperbolic. It’s also profoundly telling that he first dramatizes his face — and holds this expression briefly before speaking.

This exaggerated facial expression of DeSantis actually lasted longer than we see in this video — for it was artificially truncated by the video edit.

Did you notice the sweat on DeSantis’ face, particularly above his upper lip?

Did you notice DeSantis’ mouth asymmetry?

Asymmetrical mouth configuration whilst speaking is an indication of deception, melodrama, braggadocio, and feigned machismo (commonly overlapping behaviors).

Post-match/game interviews of winning strikers, quarterbacks, point guards, etc. — (and politicians) are common scenarios to witness asymmetrical mouth configurations during speaking.

Intriguingly, many actors unknowingly adopt asymmetrical mouth displays while acting, for acting is a special form of lying — lying with consent of the audience.

DeSantis also raises up quickly TWICE on his toes — together with some hand/arm movement this gives the false appearance of a shoulder shrug (please watch the video as these are quick and impossible to discern with simple image capture).

We cannot see his toe-raising directly, as we’re only able to see the upper 20% of his body, but we can infer this based on the relative movements of his chest, shoulders, upper arms, neck, and head.

Elevating up on one’s toes is an indication of an adrenaline surge. This up-on-toe elevation is sometimes a manifestation of excitement and joy — but it’s also commonly seen accompanying anxiety and fear.

Another nonverbal cluster/combination that should jump out at you is Ron DeSantis’ eyes and forehead during his answer. Note while his eyelids are partially closed (versus his resting baseline) the entire width of his forehead is simultaneously contracted.

Thus the upper eyelid muscles are moving in opposite directions (down) versus the immediately adjacent forehead muscles (up). This configuration is highly consistent with deception and/or withheld information (a lie of omission).

Bizarrely, with the second portion of his answer, as he says, “…if ah-, if and when that changes”, DeSantis rotates most of his face, his torso, hips, and his left foot and to a lesser extent, his right foot to his left 90º.

This near full body turn-away and lack of eye contact are secondary manifestations of DeSantis’ extreme emotional discomfort with his lagging poll numbers and his chances for a possible, but of late, significantly diminished odds for a 2024 presidential candidacy.

This is extreme avoidance behavior — and given the nature of this question and his chosen answer, it’s a flashing red light with a blaring siren. It’s also another attempt of DeSantis trying to recenter and suppress his strong emotions.

Notice also, Ron DeSantis’ stuttering. DeSantis has no history of stuttering — so his repetition of “I’m not, I’m not” (“a candidate”) is profoundly telling. DeSantis goes on to say, “… if ah-, if and when that changes”.

Together with his look-away/turn-away these two rapidly stuttered, “I’m not”s — then two “if”s — are glaring alarm bells.

From a body language and statement analysis perspective, DeSantis’ answer screams.

SUMMARY: Based on his body language, paralanguage, and statement analysis of this short but crucial video segment, Ron DeSantis feels strong contempt toward Don Trump and has extreme anxiety about running against the former president.

Ron DeSantis is wavering. While his mind is not yet made-up, he’s strongly considering not entering the 2024 Presidential race.

I’m starting something new — Group Zoom sessions teaching Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. We’ll be meeting the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month (90 minutes/session for 1 year, 36 hours total). All those interested, please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

Ω

This post and other accompanying it, serve as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts.