Sunday, March 17, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2337:
Rick Santorum at 2013 CPAC
Body Language,Facial Tension & Hand Tension
























We all have moments like this - when we're expressing strong (or very strong) emotions - but their words are very often not congruent. Here former Senator Rick Santorum is seen in this still image in the midst of a speech at the 2013 CPAC. Most people will see that Senator Santorum is expressing anger here. This is primarily displayed by his jaw jut (thrusting forward) and his teeth clenching. He also has significant mid-face tension and nostril dilation. What many people overlook is coexisting hand tension. Anger and anxiety are very often manifested via hand tension - however these are not always as obvious as Santorum's tight, raised fist. If you're unsure as to the subtle emotional signs you're seeing - look at their hands. Often, while their arms may be "resting" at their sides - their hands will very often show tension. This will often betray what's really going on in their emotional brains. Don't just listen to their words - for when their verbal and nonverbal communication are in conflict, the body language is always correct. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1918: Vladimir Putin - Pointing with Pen Surrogates Sharp vs. Blunt

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1995: Barack Obama, Social Darwinism and the Political Point

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2132: Variations on a Theme - The Palm-Forward Dominant Spider (The Claw) vs. The Split-Finger Fastball

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2161: Body Language of the Third Presidential Debate -  Barack Obama and Mitt Romney - What Did They Do With Their Hands - When They Weren't Talking?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2291: A Tight Fist and Tension in The Face - Jay Carney's Body Language as he defends  Chuck Hagel's performance during  Senate Confirmation Hearings

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1888: Rod Stewart & Ron Wood - How the Hand and Face Collaborate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1812: Jamie Dimon on JPMorgan Chase's $2 Billion Loss - The Day After

___________________________________________________________________________________