Rapid mouth covering is a body language consistent with a high empathy quotient. It is seen during moments of high surprise and disbelief - either with something very wonderful or very awful. Those who rarely do exhibit this and other gestures have relatively low empathy.
This phenomenon results from an emotional overload and is a nonverbal signal that the brain is rapidly processing new data. The emotional brain is essentially playing catch-up to what the logical brain already knows.
This image shows Ireen Wüst (Netherlands) during her gold medal award ceremony for the 3000 meter speed skating event. She became the first openly gay athlete to medal at the Sochi Olympic Games.
See also:
Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1138: Jennifer Hudson's Whitney Houston Tribute
Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1212: Sudden Mouth Covering
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2719: Julia Mancuso at Sochi Olympics - Body Language of a Heightened Adrenaline State
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2663: Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy Engaged - A Body Language Sign of Affection
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2661: Second Suicide Bombing in Russia in 24 Hours - Body Language of Leaders
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