Sunday, February 22, 2015

Nonverbal Communication No. 3110: Scarlett Johansson gets invaded by John Travolta - An Awkward Moment from the 2015 Oscars - Body Language Tells (PHOTOS)



John Travolta provided a very awkward moment at the 2015 Oscars.

From a body language perspective there were two huge faux pas by the two-time best actor nominee when he encountered Scarlett Johansson.

Never approach a person from behind. In all but very few scenarios, such a maneuver is rarely endearing and even those who love us other will often become rapidly unnerved. Of course if there is no true affection, such an action is even more offensive.

Not only does he spring a sneak-attack, Travolta also touches Johansson on her mid abdomen. This is of course an intimate area for which Travolta had no invitation - and particularly true in such a public setting as the Academy Awards and when Scarlett recently had her first child.

Johansson's face reveals more than a little bit of anger here. Can you spot its subtle signs?

Those who are skilled and have a good amount of mindfulness can sometimes not react or at least slow down with their response with their arms or hands for a few moments in these and similar social situations. It's very difficult to do though. Such adept arm and hand control in turn tends to engender more control of the rest of the body. Yet even the untrained eye can look at Scarlett Johansson in these photos and feel their back stiffen along with hers.




Because of the rapidity and clandestine nature of Travolta's sneaky kiss & semi-embrace, Johansson did not really have much time to turn her head. Yet she could have responded more (her stomach was touched first providing a warning). A "Side-Eye" is telling. We do not look directly at someone who we don't respect, don't believe or we dislike.

Notice Johansson's head is also tilted away from Travolta. This subtle signal is a definite distancing phenomenon and is often seen in couples months or years prior to a break-up or divorce.

If you look carefully, you can also see Scarlett's lips and jaw shifting away from Travolta.

Given the context, John Travolta's action tends to strongly suggest narcissism (Surprise).



See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3109: Why Chris Christie Will Never Win The White House in 2016 (or the Republican Nomination) - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1779:  Girl with a Pear Earring, Johannes Vermeer, Scarlett Johansson & Emotional Dissonance - Pain & Concern mixed with Flirting, Sexuality & Attractiveness

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3105: Joe Biden, Ashton Carter & Stephanie Carter - Vice President Encroaches into New Defense Secretary's Wife's Intimate Space

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2995: 10 Hours of Walking in NYC as a Woman - Catcalls, Street Harassment, Body Language, Personal Safety & Threat Assessment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2563: President Obama's Subtle Anger - Body Language of Government Shutdown & the Debt Ceiling

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2811: Jason and David Benham are Dropped from HGTV - Body Language of Subtle Contempt, Anger & Disgust

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3068: John Boehner Kissing Nancy Pelosi
 
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