Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2672: Dennis Rodman, Kim Jong Un and the Finger-Point Hand-Chop, Body Language from North Korea (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Dennis Rodman, the former NBA star has once more ventured to North Korea. Dennis has always enjoyed the spotlight (no big surprise here), yet now retired and much to the chagrin of the Obama Administration - he now seeks notoriety as a pseudo-diplomat. The former Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls player claims Kim Jong-un is a good friend. He has even said, "I love my friend" when referring to the North Korean Dictator who only last month had his Uncle executed.



Many times during this interview with CNN's Chris Cuomo, Rodman shook his left hand and index finger in a body language dynamic known as a "Finger Point Hand Chop" his interviewer.

In the context of a confrontation, the finger point hand chop is highly consistent with deception. Dennis Rodman has no idea what North Korean law Kenneth Bae is alleged to have broken and he does not believe he should be held against his will or imprisoned. 

Take note that Dennis Rodman is also right handed. All of these finger point hand chop examples here are displayed with his non-dominant left hand. If he had the full convictions of his words, he would have used his dominant hand. Can you think of any other famous lie which was told with this same body language configuration?




At another time during this same interview, Rodman displays the finger point hand chop with a cigar in the same hand. If he had only pointed the cigar rather his index finger (aka forefinger) and middle finger - then it would have somewhat down-regulated the additional patronizing emotional tone he is projecting (in addition to the lying). However this is not the case, thus the additional presence of the cigar up-regulates the condescending and hostile feelings he is projecting.

What other nonverbal signals and signs of deception do you see in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2623: Kim Jong-un Impersonator - A Valuable Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2638: North Korean Senior Official Chang Song-taek (aka Jang Sung-thaek) Executed, Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2364:  Kim jong-un Tells a Lie to His Generals  North Korea, Body Language and Third Rate Vetting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2670: Janet Yellen Confirmed by Senate for Federal Reserve Chair - Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2644: Barry Hinson's Rant - (Southern Illinois Basketball Coach) Body Language Tells

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