Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2099:
Nikki Haley & Sarah Palin - Governors in Contrast




















Nikki Haley, the current Governor of South Carolina (left) and Sarah Palin, the previous Republican Vice Presidential candidate and past Governor of Alaska are pictured here at a campaign event. Haley has a sincere smile although it was held too long and thus her bottom teeth are beginning to show. Note also her partially closed eyelids, the concave-up furrows in each lower eyelid, and her relaxed forehead - all required of a sincere, Duchenne smile (Ekman).

Palin's face is one of moderate disgust. This is characterized by her tight and raised upper lip, the tightened area above the upper lip (aka the "mustache area" regardless of sex), her flared nostrils and her mildly wrinkled chin. Palin's facial expression is in strong dissonance with her "friendly" (feigned) waving nonverbal as well as Haley's body language. Sarah's hand waving is conscious and deliberate act while her facial expression - is unconsciously displayed and betrays her true emotional tone.

See also:

Analysis # 2019: Sarah Palin's "Co-Hosting" on the Today Show - She Fears Romney's Candidacy 

Analysis # 1267: John McCain, Sarah Palin and Bell's Palsy

Analysis # 54: The Manubrial Touch Betrays Our Feelings - Sarah Palin's Mistake

Analysis # 703: Bad Handshake? Let me count the ways!

Analysis # 1841: Disgust in Response to Rep. Barney Frank's "Hoodie" Joke

Analysis # 1496: Tiger Woods' Disgust & Biofeedback

Analysis # 1552: The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle & The Buffett Rule 

Analysis # 353: Brad Pitt's Smiling Eyes - Sincere and Insincere Smiles

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