Monday, December 10, 2012

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2223:
Dick Armey's Body Language and the Fiscal Cliff





Dick Armey  is seen interviewed here by Charlie Rose and Norah O'Donnell on "CBS This Morning" earlier today, talking about the "Fiscal Cliff". Despite his extensive speaking experience, the former U.S. House Majority Leader is seen making a major body language mistake in the above video. Mr. Armey repeatedly and extensively uses an amalgam of the "Classic Steeple" combined with "Pseudo-Praying" (In the image below he is only using the Classic Steeple). These nonverbals, when displayed, should be used very sparingly - in a deliberate and essentially choreographed manner for very brief moments. However most people who use theses gesture - over use them - and they backfire in waves of arrogance. The former congressman is no exception - dramatically over-displayed this body language Illustrator throughout this segment - and thus sending strong signals of condescension and a patronizing attitude.

See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1181: Helle Thorning-Schmidt & her False Praying Gesture



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