Thursday, December 31, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3421: Jennifer Lawrence, Eddie Redmayne and Emotional Comfort - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Along with Jennifer Lawrence, Eddie Redmayne was a guest recently on The Graham Norton Show.
Redmayne was promoting his current film, The Danish Girl and Lawrence was pushing her movie, Joy.

Lawrence sat between Norton and Redmayne - so it was natural for Eddie to turn to his right. From a body language perspective, it's interesting to note that Redmayne sat with his right leg/ankle beneath his left leg/knee.

This particular body language configuration (captured in the image below) is significant for higher levels of emotional comfort. Statistically, it's seen commonly in women and GBT men - yet plenty of straight men sit in this fashion too. With men, it's also more commonly seen in Europe vs. North America.

If questioned, a person who's sitting in this manner will say, "It's comfortable". And yet it's only physically comfortable if it's first an emotionally comfortable setting for that individual. Despite the fact he's on a major talk show, Redmayne is at ease. If a person who is sitting like this is asked a question which makes them nervous - they will immediately change to a lower-comfort, heightened-anxiety position





















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3420: Bill Cosby's Mug Shot - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2963: Barack Obama at the United Nations General Assembly regarding ISIS/ISIL, 24 September 2014 - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3414: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3364: Jennifer Lawrence accidentally kisses Natalie Dormer on the Mouth

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3242: Jennifer Lawrence, Singing Cher, Liam Hemsworth and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3261: The Killing of Cecil the Lion, Walter Palmer and a Sociopath's Smile 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3294: Ana Ivanovic, Lip Biting and the U.S. Open

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3258: Hillary Clinton speaks out on "inaccuracies" of private email controversy

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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3420: Bill Cosby's Mug Shot - Body Language Tells (PHOTOS)








































This is Bill Cosby's mug shot. He was arraigned today on a felony count of aggravated indecent assault which allegedly occurred in 2004. Andrea Constand, who at the time was the director of operations for Temple University's women's basketball team, alleges Cosby used medication and wine to incapacitate her and subsequently sexually assault her. Over 50 women have come forward in the last several years to allege similar sexual assaults and misconduct by Cosby.

Evaluating this image from a nonverbal perspective, there are two primary emotions seen here:

1. Disgust: nostril flaring, mid-face tightening, corners of his mouth vectored downward, lower lip
    pulled downward

2. Anger: lowered eyebrows, eyebrows pulled together, tightened eyelids (primarily lower lids),
    lips horizontally oriented and tightened

Some may say that Bill Cosby makes this and similar expressions on a chronic basis. Those who chronically display disgust, contempt and/or anger have dramatically increased likelihood of having an impulse control disorder (commonly known as having a short temper). Moreover those who perpetrate premeditated violent acts (assault [sexual or otherwise], mass shootings, terrorist acts, etc.) will virtually all make expressions of contempt, anger or disgust at a frequency much greater than average.

Threat assessment training and practice should always take this and other nonverbal behaviors into account in personal, professional or public protection.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3419: George Pataki, Asymmetry, Trust and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3019: Bill Cosby, Rape Allegations, AP Interview - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3022: Bill Cosby's Decades-Long Trademark Look - What Does It Tell Us? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3247: Barack Obama's Response to Question regarding Revoking Bill Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3062: Phylicia Rashad interview regarding Bill Cosby

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3384: Donald Trump Repeats Controversial 9/11 Claims 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3406: Republican Debate, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and a Body Language Tell for Insincerity 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2312: Bruce Willis' Body Language - Contempt vs. Suppressed Smile vs. Pseudo Smile vs. Sincere Smile 

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3419: George Pataki, Asymmetry, Trust and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





And then there were twelve.

George Pataki ended his campaign for president of the United States today. From a body language perspective, the former Governor of New York has an idiosyncrasy which works against him. He speaks chronically out of the side of his mouth.























Normally when a person speaks with such mouth asymmetry, it is temporary. Depending on the other nonverbals and paralanguage with which it is clustered, such speaking out of the side of one's mouth can be a signal of bravado or acquiescence/resignation (and medical causes such as stroke and Facial Nerve Palsy must be excluded). Yet this is not the what accounts for the majority of this nonverbal mouth pattern.





















The human psyche is hard-wired to interpret this asymmetrical mouth configuration as dishonest. And while this facial appearance is by no means 100% indicative of deception (e.g., the above causes must be ruled-out) - there is a relatively high correlation with lying and insincerity while speaking out of the "corner of the mouth".

Yet for Governor Pataki, this is simply an idiosyncrasy. Of course, every politician lies - it's just that with Pataki, we cannot and should not use this particular signal when it comes to nonverbal deception detection. Nor should we use it to discern any bravado or acquiescent behavior (even though of course, he is withdrawing from the race today). He certainly experiences all of these thought-emotions, but we just can't use this sign to suss him out. Fortunately there area many other nonverbal tools we may use.

If George were to hop in his DeLorean and go back to 1985 however, he'd be well-advised to "unlearn" this facial habit - for it's profoundly important to emphasize that this certainly does NOT engender trust or sincerity.


 



See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3418: Mayor Eric Garcetti, The Port of Los Angeles and a Body Language Mistake Leaders Commit Routinely


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3416: LeBron James Catches a Golden State Fan "calling" him a Cry Baby - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate - Body Language Faux Pas 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3402: UFC 194: Conor McGregor and José Aldo - Octagon Post Fight Interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3393: Syed Rizwan Farook, Tashfeen Malik, San Bernardino Shooting and Predicting Violent Behavior

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3352: Donald Trump's Contradictory Body Language

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1267: John McCain, Sarah Palin and Bell's Palsy 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3142: Mike Pence - Governor of Indiana interview with George Stephanopoulos & the Religious Freedom Restoration Act - What Makes Gov. Pence Look Worse? 

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Monday, December 28, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3418: Mayor Eric Garcetti, The Port of Los Angeles and a Body Language Mistake Leaders Commit Routinely (PHOTOS)























This image was taken yesterday at the Port of Los Angeles, with the "Benjamin Franklin" - the largest container ship ever to dock in North America - in the background. In the foreground we see Eric Garcetti (seventh from our left), the Mayor of Los Angeles with thirteen other individuals.

From a body language perspective, Mayor Garcetti is configured in a manner which is the very antithesis of a strong or confident leader (and particularly ironic given the layered metaphors here). Take note of the position of his hands. This is what is known as the "Fig Leaf" or "Genital Guarding".

While there are certainly scenarios when a "leader" (elected or otherwise) should stand with hands in a fig leaf (e.g., at a funeral, wedding, religious service, when meeting major religious figures, ceremonies involving receiving the remains of soldiers) - the VAST majority of the time, those who are in a leadership position should NEVER stand in this manner for it projects beta and acquiescing emotional tones. And moreover, not only will others perceive these feelings - but this body language will truly engender low emotional comfort, low confidence and low assertiveness. The body and face will thus act as a control panel, changing our neurochemistry and telling our minds how we will feel.

How should Mayor Garcetti's hands (as well as the remainder of his body) be positioned? What other body language critiques can you make regarding this photo?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3417: Freshman Mistakes and Faux Pas Abound - Debates and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2924: Michael Brown, Captain Ron Johnson, Church Rally and Ferguson, Missouri - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2763: Richard Nixon, My Lai Massacre - Conscious and Subconscious Body Language Display  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2944: Derek Jeter Answers Reporter's Cell Phone

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2894: Maria Kirilenko, Alex Ovechkin and Subtle Body Language of .... 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2900: Lionel Messi and the Lateral Lip Purse 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3052: Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Chief Bill Bratton

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3412: Affluenza Teen Ethan Couch is on the Run 


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Sunday, December 27, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3417: Freshman Mistakes and Faux Pas Abound - Debates and Body Language (PHOTOS)



















Although they all have professional debate coaches who presumably advise them accurately (or maybe not), Presidential candidates are very often are slow learners (always rationalizing, "I must be pretty good if I've gotten this far!").

Although there are rare exceptions (can you name one?), the vast majority of the time one cardinal rule of a political debate is to never turn toward your opponent when they are speaking. Doing so makes you look like a follower - not a leader. It's a prime example of very public self-subordination.

In the vast majority of all other scenarios, the exact opposite is true - when engaged in healthy conversation, we should point our entire body (feet, hips, torso, face and eyes) toward the other person (An important nuance here is that it should not be directly - rather offset by approximately 15-20 degrees to one side). Doing so conveys respect. However a debate is a highly-contextualized situation, and not only will turning toward your opponent make you appear acquiescing - it will truly engender your neurobiology to this self-fulfilled (defeat) prophecy as well. You might just as well say, "I'm the beta, he's/she's the alpha".

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3416: LeBron James Catches a Golden State Fan "calling" him a Cry Baby

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3339: First Democratic Presidential Debate - Jim Webb's Proud of Making this Enemy 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3405: Republican Debate, Ben Carson and Timidity 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3407: GOP Debate, the National Anthem and Shades of Napoleon 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3371: John Kasich at the Republican Debate 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3268: Advice to the Ten Republicans for Thursday Night's Presidential Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2357: Why is this Image so Sexy? Body Language of "Hide & Seek" 

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Saturday, December 26, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3416: LeBron James Catches a Golden State Fan "calling" him a Cry Baby - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





On Christmas day, the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Golden State Warriors in the first meeting of the teams since the 2015 NBA finals. Golden State won the game 89-83.

A short video of a fan sitting court-side and her brief interaction with LeBron James has gone viral. This exchange was essentially all nonverbal in nature and is discussed along with the images below.



An "Emblem" is a body language signal which has a recognized and accepted meaning within a geographic region and/or culture.

The blonde woman uses a universally recognized emblem for crying - and thus nonverbally calling LeBron James a crybaby. It appears that maybe LeBron sees her signal (although this is questionable [Why?]). She believes he has indeed seen her - that is certain. This image was captured at the split-second of her realization. Her hands are still up near her face displaying the "crybaby emblem" - however her eyes have suddenly opened wider than baseline.



A split second later, the blonde woman's eyes are opened even wider (signaling fear) while she fixates on a distant object. This distant focusing helps to bring a person's emotional mindset out of the present moment in an attempt to realign the psyche. The other very obvious function here is to not look at LeBron's when he's looking back at her. She simply doesn't want to get caught or feel his anger. Her widely opened eyes gives her away.

Her torso also suddenly leans away from LeBron. 

Have you noticed the expression of the brunette woman? Is she suppressing a smile or is that a different emotion?
























Coincident with LeBron looking away (image immediately above) - there is a classic example of an additional manifestation of fear (along with her eyes) via a microexpression on her mouth (note her left mouth corner pulling down and back).

This classic "mouth of fear" is best seen by viewing the Vine Video - as it captures the dynamic and very short-lived nature of this nonverbal expression.

She also briefly sits up off the chair while stiffening her torso and shifting away from James (again, please watch the video several times to best view the dynamics).



Next, she briefly displays an inward lip roll (ILR). The inward lip roll is a signal that the psyche is trying to suppress the full manifestation (both internal and external) of a person's emotion (in this case, that of fear).



See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3415: David Beckham, John Boyega, Star Wars, Lightsabers and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3408: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Star Wars and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3212: LeBron James stealing ball from Stephen Curry - then pointing at his Temple

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2881: LeBron James and What He Learned About the Way He Switched Teams

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3224: Jordan Spieth, the U.S. Open, and a Classic Fear Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3079: Tom Brady, Deflategate - Part Deux

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3277: John Kasich reflecting on Debate
 
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Friday, December 25, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3415: David Beckham, John Boyega, Star Wars, Lightsabers and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





David Beckham, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Kylie Minogue and Carrie Fisher were all guests last week on The Graham Norton Show.

When Beckham and Boyega briefly squared off with lightsabers, it led to Beckham displaying an evanescent facial expression - one that is very often misinterpreted or simply not even seen.

During 1:01 - 1:02, David Beckham is show with a "Lateral Lip Purse". A lateral lip purse is a signal of an open, non-secretive decision-making thought process. It's important to never confuse this with a forward lip purse, (which has a strong element of clandestine decision-making).

If you want to see a lateral lip purse - the next time you're at a restaurant, pay attention to others perusing their menus'.





This lateral lip purse (during 1:01 and to Beckham's left) is somewhat difficult to see because of the camera angle.










Close-up of above screen capture.

Mr. Beckham was very probably briefly considering precisely how to show his athletic prowess - but decided against it.





See also:
 
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3414: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2900: Lionel Messi and the Lateral Lip Purse

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 126: Anxiety Like Beckham 

Nonverbal Analysis No. 1820: What Causes David Beckham's Greater Anxiety - Barack Obama Teasing Him About His Age or His Underwear? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2819: Erik Spoelstra, Loose Forward Lip Purse and Clandestine Disagreement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3330: Vladimir Putin on 60 Minutes  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3390: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Henry Cavill is portraying what emotions?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3398: Orangutan Sees a Magic Trick - Bonding, Rapport and Laughter - Body Language


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Thursday, December 24, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3414: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Affection - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Jennifer Lawrence was recently a guest on Watch What Happens Live. When Andy Cohen asked her whether she kissed Liam Hemsworth off-camera, we repeatedly see her look down to her right as well as tilting her head while looking down to her right. 

Cohen: It has recently been rumored that you and Liam Hemsworth had some PDA at the Waverly Inn. Have you two ever kissed when the cameras weren't rolling?

Lawrence: Liam and I grew up together. Liam's real hot.

Cohen: I, I agree.

Lawrence:  What would you have done? [Laughing]

Cohen: [overtalking] I would guess.

Lawrence: [continues laughing]

Cohen: I would say yes.

Lawrence: Yeah.

Cohen: Very good.

Lawrence [inaudible]

Cohen: Very good. Ahhhh, I mean, I'd pick Gale over Peeta any day.

Lawrence: I did.

Cohen: Yes, Okay.

Lawrence: [overtaking, laughing] I did at one point.





0:26

Looking Down to Her Right

(as Cohen says, "... have you two ...")












What does Cohen's "False Tie Adjust" during 0:35 - 0:36 indicate?















0:42

Just after she says, "Yeah"

Looking with her eyes as well as head-heck down to her right

Co-display of Blushing








0:48

Looking Down to Her Right (just before she says, "I did")


Simultaneous partial Inward Lip Roll (ILR) which is
demonstrating her psyche's attempt to quell emotions and emotional display



It's extremely common for a person to look down to their right when they're feeling strong emotions of love, affection, grief, empathy and post-fiero states. Kinesthetic thought-feelings of high intensity (re-living a memory with a significant physical component) also are associated with this same type of eye movement. While by no means a 100% type-phenomena, in this specific example of eye/head/neck movement, it very strongly suggests Jennifer Lawrence had and continues to have sincere affection for Liam Hemsworth.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3412: Affluenza Teen Ethan Couch is on the Run - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3376: Liam Hemsworth, The Hunger Games and "Honest Anxiety" - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3242: Jennifer Lawrence, Singing Cher, Liam Hemsworth and Body Language  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3377: Holly Holm's post-fight interview after defeating Ronda Rousey

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2691: Barbara Bush, "I Love Bill Clinton"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3363: Chris Christie's Viral Video - Why do even Democrats love it?

Body Language Secret No. 105: Parental Affection and Love

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2649: How a Kiss can Change the World - Body Language of Affection 


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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3412: Affluenza Teen Ethan Couch is on the Run - Body Language (PHOTOS)


This is an undated photo of Ethan Couch published by the U.S. Marshal Service.

When Couch was 16 he killed four pedestrians and seriously injured two others while drunk driving.  Although he was convicted for this, he avoided prison time and was sentenced to ten years probation. As a defense tactic, his attorney successfully argued that Couch suffered from "Affluenza" (e.g., The inability to link bad behavior with consequences because of his parents teaching Couch that wealth buys privilege).

Ethan Couch is currently 18 years old and is the subject of a manhunt since 11 December 2015 when his probation officer was unable to contact him.


Context is paramount when determining the meaning of any nonverbal behavior - and this fundamental cannot be overemphasized. Yet in addition to the image above, there are a good number of images of Ethan Couch with similar facial expressions in the context of various legal settings (court, pre or post-court contexts, etc).

Displaying this expression during legal proceedings when four people have been killed is certainly an example of smiling out-out-of-context - which is a form of "Duping Delight" (Ekman). This pattern suggests that Ethan Couch either believed he was fooling others into believing a false narrative (and he takes sincere joy in doing so - which he cannot hide - and his joy "leaks" out in the form of a suppressed smile) - and/or he has a clandestine plan (which of course now he has implemented).

For some, it may be difficult to believe, yet this is a common facial expression displayed by a fair percentage of criminal perpetrators.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3411: Donald Trump's Vulgarity, "Schlonged" and Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3403: "Johnnie Walker - Dear Brother" Commercial 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3398: Orangutan Sees a Magic Trick - Bonding, Rapport and Laughter - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3385: Adele, "Hello" and SNL

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2932: Fred Couch ("Affluenza" Father) Arrested and a Body Language Signal of ....
 

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Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3411: Donald Trump's Vulgarity, "Schlonged" and Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTO)





Yesterday in Grand Rapids, Michigan - Donald Trump used form of the Yiddish word, "Schlong" in describing Hillary Clinton losing to Barack Obama for the Democratic Nominee in 2008. Here Trump changed a noun into a verb - in what some linguists refer to as "verbing".

Beginning at about 0:14.8 in the above video, Trump continues, "... and she got schlonged, she lost, I mean she lost ....".

As Trump says the word, "... and...", his jaw juts out quite dramatically (see screen capture image below).

Whenever a jaw jut is seen, the first thing you should think of is anger - particularly higher levels of anger with a significant risk of escalating to violence. Jaw jutting also occurs in other nonviolent, yet high-adrenaline acts such as throwing a football, lifting a heavy object or stressful moments of operating a vehicle.

Once these high-adrenaline states of anger or physical acts have been excluded (and from a nonverbal standpoint, how do you know Trump is not angry in this example?), a jutting of the jaw signals either hubris or insincerity. In this moment, Donald Trump is exhibiting both.






















Image captured during 0:15 of above video

Donald Trump displaying a dramatic Jaw Jut (in the absence of either anger or a strenuous physical act).

Here signalling both:
  •  Hubris &
  •  Insincerity

This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2458: The Pain in Spain Hurts Mainly in the Spleen - Running of the Bulls & Body Language in Pamplona

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3051: Jim Harbaugh & 49ers Part Ways - Onwards to Michigan

Nonverbal Communication Quiz No. 3120: Benjamin Netanyahu Speaking Before Joint Session of Congress - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2724: Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan Twenty Years Later  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis 2759: Vladimir Putin, Annexation of Crimea and Mouth Asymmetr

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3336: Donald Trump, Kevin McCarthy, Deception and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3384: Donald Trump Repeats Controversial 9/11 Claims 

 
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Monday, December 21, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate - Body Language Faux Pas (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





On Saturday Night Bernie Sanders apologized to Hillary Clinton for his campaign staff's role in the, now well publicized, data breach.

Senator Sander's mishandled this apology in multiple respects.

1. If he had the intention to apologize, he should have done so without being asked. Moreover, with the exception of an introductory statement, an apology should have been the first thing he said - and only then expounding on the details.

2. Bernie Sanders should have used an apologetic tone of voice and slowed down his rate of speech.

And from a body language perspective:

3. Senator Sanders should have turned toward Secretary Clinton with his whole body - feet, hips, torso, shoulders, head and eyes. Eye contact during an apology cannot be over-emphasized. This is one of the rare circumstances when, during a debate, one candidate should directly face another.

Take note of the image below, captured during 2:54 in the above video - during the exact moment the Vermont Senator is speaking the word "... apologize ...". Mr. Sanders' head/neck are only turned approximately 45 degrees toward Mrs. Clinton - while the rest of his body was pointed straight toward the audience. Again, this is a rare circumstance - yet if the apology is sincere, an exception should be made - and Sanders should have turned fully toward Clinton.

We point our body, face and eyes directly at those we respect (or to whom we're attracted - although this is, of course not the context here). When one person is not body-pointing toward another person while speaking to them - they either don't respect them, don't believe them, don't like them, they're not being sincere - or they're lying (these last two categories obviously overlap).

4. Sanders should have shaken Clinton's hand. If his body was fully pointed at her, and his tone and words were sincere - this would have been a profoundly powerful moment for Sanders (as well as contrasting strongly against the discord of the Republican party). Bernie would have most certainly enjoyed a boost in the polls as well.

5. Quiz: What other major body language mistake did Sanders make?

This fumbled moment was a major missed opportunity for Senator Sanders.





















This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3409: Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Reaction to Bernie Sander's Criticism of the DNC

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2863: Gary Oldman's Apology on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" - Sincere or Insincere? - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3092: Brian Williams' Apology - Was He Sincere? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2839: Jonah Hill's Apology on Jimmy Fallon - Sincere or Insincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3115: Giuliana Rancic apologizes to Zendaya Coleman comment made regarding her dreadlocks at the Oscars - that she "smells like patchouli oil and weed" on "Fashion Police" - Is She Sincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2578: Obamacare Website Apology - Sincere vs. Insincere? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3133: The Red Flag of Robert Durst's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3293: Why is Donald Trump a Better Liar than Most Politicians? - Body Language 

 
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Sunday, December 20, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3409: Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Reaction to Bernie Sander's Criticism of the DNC - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





One of the more interesting body language moments from Saturday night's Democratic Debate occurred when the camera was briefly directed at the audience and the DNC Chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz was shown during Bernie Sanders' explanation of the data breach (Full transcript of Debate) - during which he criticizes the Democratic National Committee's actions.

Beginning at 1:38, Sanders continues: Thirdly, what I have a really problem, and as you mentioned - this is a problem, I recognize it as a problem. But what the DNC did arbitrarily without discussing it with us is shut off our access to our information crippling our campaign. That is an egregious act. I'm glad that late last night, that was resolved.

 Fourthly, I work -- look forward to working with Secretary Clinton for an investigation, an independent investigation, about all of the breaches that have occurred from day one in this campaign, because I am not convinced that information from our campaign may not have ended up in her campaign. Don't know that.

Although the lighting and therefore the resolution is poor, enough nonverbal detail can be seen in her 4.7 second appearance (~2:02 - 2:07) to glean some valuable body language tells (all four of the following images are shown in sequence).

Note that Wasserman Schultz's head is tilted to her right. Together with the rest of her facial expression, this tilting speaks of or a relatively lower anxiety.

At this moment she is also showing subtle mid-facial tension. Her lower eyelid tension is the most notable signal of anger in this image.


A second later Ms. Wasserman Schultz straightens her neck - telegraphing a higher level of alertness and anxiety.

Her eyelids also display a prolonged blink - a signal of emotional processing and an attempt to suppress strong emotions.

Her mid-face tension has also significantly increased - with her lips have becoming stretched and thinned horizontally as her nostrils exhibiting a mild flaring.


While this image was captured mid-blink, it continues to show the DNC Chair's lower lid tension - but also a quite significantly increased horizontal tension of her lips/mouth.





Both of these dynamic facial configurations, when clustered, signal significant anger.


At the very end of her appearance (2:06), Wasserman Schultz's primary emotion of anger is diminishing while being somewhat replaced by that of regret.

What, specific facial features in this moment signals regret?


This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3408: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Star Wars and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2313: Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel - What Her Body Language Tells Us ....  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1517: Signals of Acquiescence and Regret - Rick Santorum Drops Out (2012)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2320: Estonian Skier Andrus Veerpalu Denies Performance Enhancing Drugs - What his Body Language Tells Us

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3287: Hillary Clinton, Email Servers and Crisis Management - Body Language   

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1863: Sharapova's Lips of Anger

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3340: Bernie's and Hillary's Big Moment - Body Language at the Democrat Debate


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Saturday, December 19, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3408: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Star Wars and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Daisy Ridley and John Boyega were guests on The Graham Norton Show recently promoting (what else?) Star Wars: The Force Awakens. When actors are interviewed, it provides a fantastic forum in which to learn body language - for even though they are essentially, professional liars - skilled and paid to deceive us (within the context of a social contract known as acting [e.g., we WANT to be fooled]), when Daisy is just being Daisy and John is just being John, they no better at hiding their true feelings than are the rest of us.




















Whenever the central forehead is contracted and elevated (aka a CFC or elevated-CFC) simultaneous with a partial mouth smile - there are three primary emotions which should always come to mind. One of these body language tells is exampled wonderfully here on Ms. Ridley's face.



This image (cropped from the one above) was captured (during 0:56) just after Daisy recounts her father's reaction after she told him she had be casted in a Star Wars film.

Her father said, "Oh, I was always more of a Trek fan".

It's important to note that this partial "mouth smile" is not a sincere smile at all. In addition, notice that Ridley's eyebrows are also elevated. This is a classic expression of incredulity/disbelief. What are the other two emotions seen with an elevated CFC in conjunction with a partial (and insincere) mouth smile?




Although we cannot see his whole face, what emotion is John Boyega feeling at this same moment?














See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3407: GOP Debate, the National Anthem and Shades of Napoleon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3402: UFC 194: Conor McGregor and José Aldo - Octagon Post Fight Interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3393: Syed Rizwan Farook, Tashfeen Malik, San Bernardino Shooting and Predicting Violent Behavior 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3389: Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama meet in Paris - Body Language Faux Pas  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3384: Donald Trump Repeats Controversial 9/11 Claims - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3354: Rape Victim (13 year old girl) Demands to Make a Statement at the Sentencing of Perpetrator 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2115: Prince Harry in Afghanistan - Incredulity & Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3156: Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens - Body Language Tells

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