Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are shown here during a recent trip to Thailand. Here, the President and the Secretary of State are at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), in Bangkok. Both are pictured here with their hands in nonverbal configuration known as the "Fig Leaf". Normally a leader should not adopt this body language position - for in most circumstances it signals a submissive, beta personality and/or low confidence. However, during a religious ceremony or when inside a temple, church, mosque, etc. is one exception to this rule. Here this nonverbal conveys reverence and respect.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2197: President Obama & Secretary Clinton at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) - You Want to Pray for What?!
Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1563: Geithner and Holder - In Deference to the President - One Occasion to Use the Fig Leaf
Negotiation and Leadership Secret # 415: When is it Appropriate for a President to Stand in the "Fig-leaf"?
Negotiation Body Language Secret # 441: Bill Clinton's Rapport and His Temporary Universe
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1873: Hillary Clinton & Kofi Annan on Syria
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2155: Body Language Tells at the Second Presidential Debate Mitt Romney at Attention & President Obama's Disapproval-Subtle Contempt
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