Yesterday was Veteran's Day in America (Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, etc. in other countries) in honor those who fought and those who died in World War I. President Barack Obama paid his respects at United States' The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
There are few occasions when a Head-of-State should stand with his feet so close together and his hands loosely clasped in front as Mr. Obama does here. Hands held clasped in front of one's lower abdomen or groin is known as the "Fig Leaf" (aka "Genital Guarding"). Also known as genital guarding, it normally sends signals of low confidence and a demure emotional mindset.
The same principle holds true for feet which are planted closely together - also sending out signals of low comfort and beta behavior. Standing with feet shoulder-width apart (and slightly less so for women) in most scenarios is recommended as this transmits confidence, emotional-comfort and significant alpha signals.
In a few select settings - such as meetings with religious figures, funerals, receiving remains, weddings or other religious ceremonies, such a stance of deference projects respect, empathy and other non-egocentric leadership qualities.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2595: Barack Obama's Emotional Dissonance, Low Confidence and the "Turtle Retreat" - He Does Not Want To Be There
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2541: Barack Obama, Permanent U.N. Security Council Members, Syria's Chemical Weapon Disarmament and a Presidential Gaffe - Body Language in the Oval Office
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2568: Barack Obama Catches Near-Fainting, Pregnant Woman (Karmel Allison) During Speech
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511: Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2190: President Obama's Body Language - Press Conference 14 October 2012 - Defense of Ambassador Susan Rice
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2560: A Debt Default is (for now) Averted - President Obama's Microexpression of ....
Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1153: President Obama's Tongue in Cheek
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