Yesterday Vladimir Putin signed the documents formalizing Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. A video of the speech he gave is included above. Mr. Putin's mouth adopted an asymmetric configuration numerous times throughout this address - biasing towards his right side. This particular appearance is known as "mouth swagger". It is a manifestation of machismo - and is very common among politicians.
Like a coach giving a pep-talk prior to a game or a drill sergeant before new recruits - this nonverbal is seen when there is excessive melodrama ... or adrenaline - and thus is also seen after real victory on the sports field, the political arena or the battle field.
Intriguingly, Mr. Putin also shifts his weight from foot to foot many times during this speech - which is a very common body language with anxiety. This nervousness reflects an incongruity in Mr. Putin's emotional state - he feels both bravo and anxiety - and is thus a great manifestation of emotional dissonance.
What are some other emotions are indicated by different asymmetrical mouth configurations?
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2656: Threat Assessment during Robbery - Body Language of Perpetrator
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2714: Justine Dufour-Lapointe Wins Olympic Gold in Sochi and Brandishes Swagger - Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2739: Barack Obama at DNC Speech - Quieting a Heckler
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2670: Janet Yellen Confirmed by Senate for Federal Reserve Chair - Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2735: Mother confronts Driver about Brain-Damaged Son, Is His Apology Sincere?
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2755: Vladimir Putin on Time Magazine, An Iconic Body Language Image
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2758: Barack Obama Regarding Further Sanctions to Russia for Annexation of Crimea - Body Language
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