Sunday, September 29, 2013

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2540: Rep. Darrell Issa 'Snaps' at Reporter - Was His Anger Real or Fake? Body Language and the Forward Lip Purse (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This blog and following post have no political agenda. Their purpose is to illustrate body language examples in the context of current, real-world scenarios and is not oriented towards any particular party's stand on Obamacare or any other ideology, religion, etc.

Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The images below however, were captured from this video.

Darrell Issa (R - CA), is said to have "snapped" at a reporter yesterday was asked (at 0:50 in the above video), "When this fails will you go for a one week Clean CR?" (Continuing resolution)

Rep. Issa said, "How dare you presume a failure? How dare you? How dare you?

Reporter: "Harry Reid ... "

Rep. Issa: "How dare you presume a failure? The fact is ..."

Reporter: "Harry Reid ..."

Rep. Issa: "The fact is this country is based on people saying they won't do things, and at the end of the day coming together for compromise. We continue to anticipate that there's an opportunity for sensible compromise..."

There are several nonverbal signals which tell us that Rep. Darrell Issa's "anger" is feigned. One of these is discussed here.

At 0:52, just after the reporter asks his initial question, but an instant prior to Rep. Issa beginning his answer, Issa displays a classic forward lip purse (captured in this image).

A forward lip purse (as opposed to a lateral lip purse) is a clear body language signal of clandestine disagreement. Now less than a second later, Issa appears to be anything but clandestine - he appears to be very openly disagreeing. However this is pretended.

The forward lip purse is a very strong indicator that he has a plan which he believes is superior to what is on the table (put forth openly) and that he also believes he has a good chance of implementing his plan, action, idea. The lip purse is also a highly reliable nonverbal indicator in disparity in what is said with words and what is being thought-felt emotionally. Political brinksmanship for the other politicians and acting for the public at large and yet another play within a play - 'The gentleman doth protests too much ... methinks.'

It is paramount to note that a forward lip purse is also not performed in the presence of superiors (alphas) - but only for peers or subordinates (betas) - thus it also a signal of where those who display this nonverbal believe they are in the pecking order.

When you see a forward lip purse it's a signal that you better have a strong 'Plan B'. What's yours?

What other body language signals do you see which indicate Darrell Issa is faking his anger?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2439:  Michael Jackson's Wrongful Death Suit - AEG Live CEO's Body Language During Deposition

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2480: Alex Rodriguez's Press Conference - 2 August 2013,  A-Rod's Body Language Part Deux

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2446:  Harry Reid's Lip Purse -  Body Language, the Immigration Bill & Negotiation

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2072:  Jay Carney's Lip Purse while NOT commenting on  Mitt Romney's Visits to the U.K., Israel and Poland

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1151:  Xi Jinping's Subtle Pursed Lips

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2538: Governor Chris Christie's Body Language Tells regarding Shutting Down the Government and Telling us He’s Running for President in 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2495:  The White House, Josh Earnest, Egypt and a Coup - Body Language Tells
 
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