Monday, August 13, 2012

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2084:
Lolo Jones's False Mastication/Jaw Clenching





Lolo Jones finished fourth in the 110 meter hurdles at the 2012 London Olympics. Fourth in a World of 3.6 Billion women. And people still give her a hard time. Above is yet another example. You can't blame her for being nervous or angry. Jones shows signals of both here. Note at the beginning of this video when Mike Galanos is asking his question, Lolo is tightening (clenching) her jaw muscles (masseter muscles) in an alternating fashion. This body language is a variation of "False Mastication" (false chewing) and is a nonverbal highly consistent with anxiety. Jaw clenching can also signal anger. While not nearly as obvious as Ms. Jones's eye brows contracting together and downward (during significant portions of this clip), this false mastication/jaw clenching is more subtle body language is often the only sign displayed. Miss it at your own risk.

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