Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3143: Jay Z's "Tidal" Music Service - An Alpha Dominant Display - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Yesterday Jay Z launched a music streaming service - "Tidal". Of course it's in its infancy - but this innovation has as a primary goal of putting more money in the musicians' pockets - even at the expense of less profit for the company. Jay Z has a little help from family (Beyoncé) and a few of his friends - Kanye West, Madonna, Jack White, Jason Aldean, Deadmau5, Rihanna, Daft Punk, J. Cole, Nicki MinajAlicia Keys, etc. - but make no mistake Jay Z is at the helm. And although most feel this video is slickly produced - it's full of insincerity and thin veneers.

The palm-down, hand gesture Jay Z repeatedly uses here is termed "The Dominant Spider". This illustrator is used by those with an alpha emotional tone. It tends to be displayed primarily by alpha males and somewhat less-so with alpha females. The up-and-down motion amplifies this emotion (He strikes down on the table multiple times [0:45-0:47 and 1:19-1:22]). When directed toward the audience - it grows even more aggressive and is then called "The Claw" (and in the vast majority of scenarios, the claw is too aggressive).  The dominant spider is not as dominant or as negatively received as the palm-down, closed-fingered or gesture. The dominant spider should be used sparingly - only for a short moment or two in order to assert dominance, confidence and authority. As with most alpha body language, it's very often over-used - which doesn't take much - and thus backfires and becomes offensive and specifically will project arrogance as well as condescending and patronizing emotions (Notice that Kanye is gazing at his hand).





















See also:

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?

Negotiation Secret No. 702: The Dominant Spider - Muammar Gaddafi (Moammar Gadhafi)

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1059:  Santorum's Dominant Spider

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1871: Barack Obama  Explains His "Private Sector is Doing Fine" Comment -  The "Dominant Spider" vs.The "Split-Finger Fastball"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2132: Variations on a Theme - The Palm-Forward Dominant Spider (The Claw) vs.  The Split-Finger Fastball

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2499: NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, "Stop and Frisk" and a  Body Language Display of Dominance

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Monday, March 30, 2015

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? (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Governor Mike Pence was interviewed on Sunday by George Stephanopoulos regarding the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" - a new law in the State of Indiana. Governor Pence has also expressed interest in the possibility of running for President in 2016. From a nonverbal communication perspective, one issue of particular note here is that Governor Pence has a partial facial nerve palsy on his left side. This is probably old - and from an injury or possibly idiopathic (Bell's Palsy). Below are just five of many examples captured during this recent interview.

When only one eyebrow is raised (or both, yet with significant asymmetry) this should call to mind incredulity and or deception (depending on what other nonverbal signals with which it is clustered and the verbal language and paralanguage which accompanies it).

When a person has such facial asymmetry - and they're speaking sincerely - they're often interpreted as not believing their own words, being insincere or lying. Thus Gov. Pence and others who are trying to convey truth and confidence (and that of course should include everyone) must strongly consider Botox injections on the stronger (healthy) side so as to bring about more facial symmetry - and thus avoid such misinterpretations.

Whether Governor Pence is going to remain governor of Indiana or run for President, he is in need of some therapeutic Botox.

Yet there's another conundrum here - one for us. How do we:
  • Recognize this condition in others?
  • Once you know someone has this facial nerve palsy, how do you differentiate: 
    • Simple Facial Asymmetry from
    • Insincerity, Disbelief, or Deception? 
Hmmm ....

What other recent U.S. Presidential Candidate had this same condition? Did he win?




0:16
















 0:46


















0:50
















1:01
















2:00













See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3141: Carly Fiorina "Higher than 90%" Chances She's Running for President - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3134: Ted Cruz to Announce his Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Why He Will Never Win - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3056: Jeb Bush Interview - 14 Dec. 2014 - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2322:  Jeb Bush & Matt Lauer - Which one is the Narcissist?  Body Language Red Flags

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2783: Hillary Clinton asked again about 2016

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3141: Carly Fiorina "Higher than 90%" Chances She's Running for President - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Today on "Fox News Sunday", Carly Fiorina, all but announced her intention to run for President in 2016. The former Hewlett-Packard CEO, who also ran for U.S. Senate in 2010 (California) but lost to the incumbent Barbara Boxer - stopped just short of an official announcement.

Ms. Fiorina's VERBAL statement was straightforward - "Higher than 90%". Most people would judge, and rightly so, when reading between the lines this - this is essentially saying 99% or higher - but why? It's because of her body language (and paralanguage). What specifically does her body language say? Is it congruent or is there disparity between her verbal and nonverbal messages?


When Chris Wallace asks, "What are the chances - that you're going to run for President?" - Fiorina answers, "Very high."

Wallace then says, "You, You're a former business woman, give me a number."

This image captured at 0:30 shows a suppressed smile (Please watch the video as the dynamics of her facial movement better demonstrates this subtle yet significant tell). What does this tell you?



0:32

Ms. Fiorina answers, "Higher than ninety-percent".

During the word "Higher", her eyes close for an extended blink. In this context, particularly timed to this word - indicates a significantly elevated level of confidence.



During the 0:32 - 0:34 segment (as she says the words, "ninety-percent", Carly Fiorina displays a mild-to-moderate and classic Self-Righteous Head Wiggle (SRHW) nonverbal signal with a torso component (Please watch the video as a still image simply cannot capture this dynamism).

A self-righteous head wiggle - as the names implies - is side-to-side movement of the head/jaw and or torso (with usually a moderately high frequency of oscillation). It may involve just the head & neck with little or no torso component, while sometimes it's almost entirely a torso signal and to varying degrees with jaw involvement. It's very important to not confuse the SRHW with the more common and mundane "no" head signal or head-wag (however negative words may be used) or other head and neck body language. 

When displaying the SRHW, people very much feel that they are in relative alpha position. Such alpha mindsets of course feel very passionately about the subjects of which they are speaking - however it's possible, even common to see this nonverbal dynamic in the absence of any verbalization.

It's also interesting to note that the frequency and volume of the spoken word often increase during or just before displaying the self-righteous head/torso/jaw wiggle. Moreover, a forward motion vector (in addition to the primary side-to-side movement) is often superimposed. This second motion dynamic is often seen when there is a component of scolding or reprimanding. In contrast, when a backward motion is seen (again, superimposed on the side-to-side movement) - this often indicates an incredulity or an overlapping emotion of disgust.




When Chris Wallace says, "Really?", the former HP CEO answers, "Yes sir." (0:34 - 0:35) - During which she displays another extended blink. 

Both the self-righteous head wiggle (with torso and/or jaw components) as well as the prolonged eyelid closures (extended duration blinking) when used very sparingly will send signals of high confidence and an alpha emotional tone. However many who use these and other alpha nonverbals (99.8% of the time subconsciously driven) will very often end up over-using them. Thus what in small doses sends signals of confidence and assertiveness - when used only slightly more (and here Ms. Fiorina does indeed overuse these during this interview) will project arrogance and a condescending mindset. This will not build rapport - it will destroy it. A candidate or any leader must certainly look the part - yet arrogance does not capture that middle third of the electorate. And without the emotional buy-in of the swing voter, no one can win in November.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3140: Italian Court Overturns Murder Conviction - Amanda Knox is She Sincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2398:  Self Righteous Head Wiggle, Alpha Behavior &  First Drone Flight Off of an Aircraft Carrier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2561: President Obama's Self-Righteous Jaw Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3134: Ted Cruz to Announce his Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Why He Will Never Win - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3127: Hillary Clinton's Press Conference and a Body Language Down-regulator of Sincerity

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3140: Italian Court Overturns Murder Conviction - Amanda Knox is She Sincere? (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Yesterday an Italian court overturned the previous conviction of Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito in the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher. This is the fourth verdict in this very drawn-out case and the second time both Knox and Sollecito have been acquitted. Rudy Guede was sentenced to a 16 year sentence in 2008 for Kercher's murder. Guede's DNA was found on Kercher's body.

Many inquiries have been put forth regarding Amanda Knox's sincerity? Is she sincere or feigning?


0:03

Deep Inhaling

Double Palmar touch - centered on Sternum 

Looking Down to Right (in this context for a right-handed person, this has a high correlation with sincerity - processing a highly emotional subject) just before she says, "... I'm incredibly grateful ... "





0:21

Just after Ms. Knox says, "... from family, from my friends, to strangers, to people like you - I - it - you saved my life ..."












0:48

"... What comes to mind is my Gratitude for - for the life that's been given to me ..."














0:52

".... for the life that's been given to me ..."

Amanda persists with dominant (her right) hand over sternum










1:28

Amanda's right (dominant) hand moves higher - centered on her manubrium (bone at the top of the sternum) with her fingers touching the lower portions of her throat as she says, " ... Meredith was my friend ..."

This Manubrial Touch indicates a very high level of sincerity along with an elevation of anxiety. She goes on to say, "... it's - she deserved so much in this life - um - I've - I'm the lucky one ..."



If Amanda had just been touching her chest with the tips of her fingers - or if this was over the right side of her chest (not over the heart) - we should question her sincerity ... and her honesty. However when the full palm of the hand touches the chest - particularly the sternum, the manubrium or on the left side (over the heart) - this is highly correlative with sincerity.

Sincerity amplifiers seen her include touching with both palms - and when using one - it's her dominant hand (Amanda's right) that persists. Contrast this with the second cross-reference analysis below (Gary Oldman's apology)

Conclusion: Amanda Knox's statement to the press yesterday and her feelings of gratitude are highly sincere - however, this does not speak to Amanda's guilt or innocence.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3139: "Villanova Piccolo Girl" on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon - Fully Sincere (Duchenne) Smile vs. Sincere yet Suppressed Smile

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3016: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and a Suppressed yet Sincere Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2508: Anne Frank, Sincere Smiles and Emotional Comfort

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2873: Raffaele Sollecito, Amanda Knox and Meredith Kercher - Raffaele's Press Conference - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1706: Amanda Knox Interview after Guilty Verdict - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2778: April Fools Prank, Embarrassment and Body Language


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3139: "Villanova Piccolo Girl" on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon - Fully Sincere (Duchenne) Smile vs. Sincere yet Suppressed Smile (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Roxanne Chalifoux (aka Villanova Piccolo Girl) drew on our national empathy when, despite her Basketball team's March Madness loss - she played her piccolo through her tears. No fear .... Jimmy Fallon and The Roots to the rescue!


Notice Ms. Chalifoux's central forehead - it's contracted and elevated with its peripheral portions relaxed (an elevated-CFC). Her inner (medial) eyebrows are also elevated. Of course we can see the tears - yet this forehead configuration is highly indicative of emotional or physical pain - and only because she is forcing herself to play the piccolo through her tears, does her mouth not also adopt a correspondingly saddened form.
 

A few days later on with Jimmy Fallon, Ms. Chalifoux is displaying a sincere smile - the components of which include a relaxed (non-contracted) forehead, partially closed eyelids, dynamic concave-up furrows in the lower eyelids and upwardly contracted cheek muscles. All of these ingredients are required in order for the smile to be a sincere one (Duchenne smile).



A little-discussed component of a sincere smile which is extremely subtle but also present here - is a dynamic lowering of the entire width of the eyebrows.

The mouth is not required to be opened in order for the smile to be a sincere one - yet a fully expressed sincere smile does indeed display the teeth - however only the upper ones (exceptions here are when there is a camera angle is looking downwards [or if the observer is relatively taller to afford a similar angle], if the smile was sincere - but through fatigue is losing its vigor, or if the smile is transitioning from or to sincere laughter [sincere laughter may display both upper and lower teeth]).


In this moment, Roxanne Chalifoux has all the facial components of a sincere smile displayed above - EXCEPT the mouth portion is suppressed . It's profoundly important to note that this is still a sincere smile - albeit suppressed.

An interesting additional corollary is noted here with respect to Ms. Chalifoux's blushing. There often tends to be a persistence of blushing - or often an in increase - during moments of suppression of mouth smiling. This is a form of what in body language parlance is termed "leakage" - when attempting to suppress an emotion by not displaying one nonverbal component (e.g., here the full mouth element of a smile) - another nonverbal component (e.g. in this example blushing) persists or grows stronger.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3138: Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes, "God She's Beautiful" and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3125: Vladimir Putin, Suppressed Smiling & Blushing - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3056: Jeb Bush Interview - 14 Dec. 2014 - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2554: Harry Reid's Body Language Lets Us Know What He's Thinking - Short Term Debt Limit Hike

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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3138: Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes, "God She's Beautiful" and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Earlier in the March Madness Tournament, Wisconsin forward Nigel Hayes had some fun with the stenographers when he said, "Before I answer that question, I would like to say a few words — catawampus, onomatopoeia and antidisestablishmentarianism". Yesterday there were some more good-spirited antics - as well as some unplanned embarrassing humor. This hilarious segment is captured in the above video. From a body language perspective, this includes some excellent teaching moments. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.


0:09

Just after Nigel Hayes says, "Syzygy" - he leans backward with his torso and suppresses the mouth component of a smile - while he does smile with his eyes. He also draws his arms in, and although we cannot see his hands, we can readily see his arms move inward (medially) allowing a seated fig-leaf - signaling a lower confidence and a beta emotional tone.



0:09.5

We see the Wisconsin star display a "Tongue Jut" while continuing his seated fig-leaf and a backwards leaning torso and head.

A tongue jut signifies "I've been bad" or "I got caught" - as Hayes' psyche tattles in this highly characteristic self-deprecating display.



0:13

Nigel's looking at the woman who he finds attractive (Stenographer Ms. Debra Bollman).

A little known facial microexpression can sometimes be seen when person finds another sexually attractive - and Hayes displays it here. This is very similar to a mouth and neck component of a microexpression of fear - yet in this context it indicates sexual attraction. The mouth corner pulls backwards or backwards-and-down. There is also a characteristic tightening of the neck muscles. In this moment it is very subtle and short-lived, but it's a fantastic example of this nonverbal signal. To fully appreciate the dynamics of this mouth microexpression of sexual attraction, you must watch the video (Repeat several times during the 0:13 segment).



0:23

With his eyelids opened widely, Nigel displays both Surprise and Fear after he realizes everyone heard him say, "God she's beautiful!" to his teammates.

There are several other components to these emotions. What other signals do you see? What is the third thought-emotion present here?






0:23.5

Frank Kaminsky displays a Mouth Covering with a cup (a surrogate) and his hand signifying emotional processing of this embarrassing situation - AND empathy for his teammate.








0:27

Mr. Hayes covers almost his entire face - showing both his obvious embarrassment and (another) less-obvious demonstration of emotional processing (e.g. Nigel's intellect knows what has occurred, but his psyche needs time to sort it out).

His other teammate, Sam Dekker, displays a nonverbal similar to Kaminsky's - a Mouth Cover - yet he also has an additional turning away with his head and torso.


0:29

In this final frame, note that both Dekker's and Kaminsky's Arms & Elbows are directed moderately-to-mildly outward, while Hayes' are inward and repositioned to that of another seated fig-leaf.

Their facial expressions are also in stark contrast.




Below is the interview with the stenographers just prior to Hayes' above:




See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3137: Reaction to Children Climbing on the Vietnam Women's Memorial

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2910: Becky Hammon, First Female Full-Time NBA Assistant Basketball Coach and an Under-used Body Language Illustrator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3028: Chris Rock's (and other Comedians) Body Language Trick that Gets You Laughing Easier

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3126: Congressman Aaron Schock and allegations of misuse of taxpayer dollars and campaign funds


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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3137: Reaction to Children Climbing on the Vietnam Women's Memorial - Body Language (PHOTOS)
























This incredible moment, captured in an image by Matt Munson this past weekend, has gone viral while elevating the national dialog regarding respect, aspects of parenthood and empathy. Almost no one would blame children of this age for climbing on many things which are "climbable" (and even some that are not) - yet at this instant this photo of two children climbing on the Vietnam Women's Memorial was taken ... their parents were laughing.

From a nonverbal perspective, the two gentleman expression's on the right act as mirrors for what most other people feel that see this image. We are immediately drawn to the National Mall with them.


The man pushing the wheelchair has primary expression of disgust - recognized most easily by his mid-facial tension and flaring of his nostrils.

Also of note are the temporary, deepened furrows which course from the sides of his mid-nose to the corners of the mouth (nasal-labial furrows). Both of his lips are elevated and the lower one is protruding. The chin is subtly dimpled and his torso is also leaning away. Notice that his eyebrows are both lowered (all of the above are consistent with disgust) but they're also drawn together - indicating the presence of a component of anger. At the same moment his forehead is also contracted and elevated - projecting disbelief. The simultaneous emotions of disgust, anger and disbelief are completely within the emotional context of this scenario.


The gentleman in the wheelchair - a veteran - has a facial configuration which is somewhat less fully expressed. With his left side is contracted and elevated more than his right side - (baring any medical causes) - this is indicative of contempt. The left nostril flaring and his lower lip protrusion both also project this emotional tone. His eyelids are also opened very widely along with a dramatically contracted and elevated forehead across its entire width - once again, more disbelief.


A picture tells a thousand words ... and a few very powerful emotions.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3136: Barack Obama and Brother-in-Law Craig Robinson at Princeton's Game - Contrasting Low Empathy vs. High Empathy - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1841:  Disgust in Response to Rep. Barney Frank's "Hoodie" Joke

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2228: Jay Carney's Body Language - Contempt disguised as a Sniff .... for Republicans' Solutions to the Fiscal Cliff

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

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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3136: Barack Obama and Brother-in-Law Craig Robinson at Princeton's Game - Contrasting Low Empathy vs. High Empathy - Body Language (PHOTO)




















Barack Obama took in a bit of the Women's NCAA basketball tournament on Saturday. Here the President is seen sitting next to his brother-in-law, Craig Robinson at the Princeton vs. Wisconsin-Green Bay game. The President's niece, and Robinson's daughter - Leslie Robinson is a freshman play on the Princeton Tigers (They won the game 80-70 but lost to first seed Maryland yesterday).

From a body language perspective, this picture is a great contrast in empathy. The President is inhaling - his cheeks collapsed in a tight-lip purse. His eyelids are slightly closed and not-tensed. Barack is leaning toward his brother-in-law and slow-punching Robinson's shoulder.

Craig Robinson is seen in an expression in what many would describe as "wincing". He is experiencing a significant level of emotional pain - his eyebrows are pulled together and downward, with eyelids closed tightly, with significant mid-face tension, his jaw clenched/teeth together, the corners of his mouth are pulled backwards-down and his head-neck are leaning backwards. Robinson is feeling a father's emotional pain as his daughter's team is being scored-on. In contrast, the President's body language-facial expression is much lower in its empathy level - it's essentially saying, "Hey bro, I know you feel it (but I don't REALLY feel it)". After all, it is not HIS daughter and of course he has been desensitized with insight to much greater sufferings.

Another significant nonverbal teaching point here is the fact that Robinson is while holding a child - and thus his arms and hands restricted - and need to be gentle. These appendages are therefore greatly dampened in what is otherwise a powerful outlet for nonverbal expression. Whenever the arms and hands are suppressed - a greater amount of expression "leaks" out via other places - and in this example we see it on Craig Robinson's face.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3135: Ariana Grande Does a Spot-On Celine Dion Impression on Jimmy Fallon - Body Language Signals of ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3030: Rashida Jones, Jimmy Fallon, Twin Peaks, Toy Story 4 ... and a Rarely Recognized Meaning of the Inward Lip Roll

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2281:  Inaugural Luncheon Anxiety  Barack Obama's Body Language  Michelle's Mirroring

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2968: President Obama tells a Lie in Jest and yet ...

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Monday, March 23, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3135: Ariana Grande Does a Spot-On Celine Dion Impression on Jimmy Fallon - Body Language Signals of .... (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Ariana Grande was a guest last Friday on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.  Early on in her appearance she self-deprecates while admitting "... I'm so nervous ..." (as this was her first appearance speaking on any talk show). What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis highlighting some of the singer-actress's body language.




0:09

Ariana Grand biting her nails in significant and obvious anxiety.













0:43

Prolonged Eyelid Closure and Hard Swallow just after Jimmy Fallon says, ".... I've heard you do, ah, Celine Dion ...."

Indicative of high levels of anxiety and emotional processing (These two very often occur simultaneously).

 

 


0:44

Ariana is looking down - the timing of which is indicating anxiety and possibly deception.

Brief Suppressed Mouth Smile - which suggests a prior knowledge of this "spontaneous Celine request".








0:44.5

Trace Fear-Anxiety facial expression

What are the subtle configuration changes on Ms. Grande's face which indicate this particular emotional tone?










0:48

A subtle but very characteristic Mouth of Fear













0:48.7

Looking Down with Mouth Covering & Nose Touch

Emotional processing of what Ariana's intellect knows - but her psyche has yet to fully grasp the significance of (Although she has pretended to be Celine many times - Ms. Grande has not done so during a talk show - especially The Tonight Show). The timing of this nose touch is highly indicative that her Celine Dion imitation was choreographed. 





Ariana's impression of Celine Dion was indeed spot-on - both with her voice and her body language (1:52).

It's profoundly important to note that in the act of mirroring another person's nonverbal idiosyncrasies - the easier it's also to imitate their vocal qualities.




See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3134: Ted Cruz to Announce his Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Why He Will Never Win - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2914: François Hollande, Anxiety and Dialing up his Alpha

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. 2281:  Inaugural Luncheon Anxiety  Barack Obama's Body Language  Michelle's Mirroring

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2831: "Walking Contest", Anxiety, Mirroring and False Intimacy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3061: Jimmy Fallon Blew a Chance to Date Nicole Kidman

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2096:  Canadian Tenors, Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) and Celine Dion

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Sunday, March 22, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3134: Ted Cruz to Announce his Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Why He Will Never Win - Body Language (PHOTOS)





















A Reminder: 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 or religious agenda.

Ted Cruz has leaked the fact that tomorrow he will formally announce his 2016 candidacy for the Presidency of the United States. Politics aside, the freshman Senator from Texas has absolutely no chance to win either the Republican nomination - let alone the White House. One non-political reason is - while he's very good at stirring up emotions, Cruz lacks even a fundamental understanding of building likability and rapport - and the psychology behind it. Without such knowledge and ability, no candidate will ever capture a significant fraction of that middle 1/3 of the electorate.

One example of this interpersonal blind spot is demonstrated above. This image was captured last month at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference - of course a very friendly audience for a republican candidate - yet even here faux pas abound.

Note Cruz is pointing his index finger towards the audience. Forefinger (index finger) pointing is universally offensive across all cultures on the planet - so even if a republican is in front of a conservative group - THIS BODY LANGUAGE WILL ALIENATE. Moreover his finger pointing is the only thing preventing his hand from forming a full, closed-fist. Such an 80% fist is another high-tension illustrator which destroys rapport. In addition Cruz's arm/fist is raised - further drawing tension. And while perhaps solidifying his hardline followers, this gesture pushes away the vast majority of any possible "maybe voters".

Another profoundly important nonverbal principle demonstrated in this image is the correlation between the Senator's face and his hands. When the emotions are sincere - hand tension will tend to strongly mirror facial tension - and vice versa. When the emotions are being feigned - the hands and facial stress levels will very often be quite disparate. Thus we can conclude absolutely that Senator Cruz's anger and disgust displayed on his face in this moment are indeed very sincere - for this anger is reflected by the configuration of his left arm, fist and forefinger - yet these will not build rapport or get him the swing voters he or any candidate needs.

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2150:  Body Language Advice for  President Obama and Governor Romney in Tonight's Debate

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. 2596: What Motivates Ted Cruz's Regarding Anti-Obamacare, Body Language Tells on Jay Leno

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Saturday, March 21, 2015

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






















Robert Durst was arrested last week for the alleged murder of Susan Berman. In 2003, the eccentric real estate heir was acquitted of the 2001 murder Morris Black - although he did admit to dismembering his body and dumping it in Galveston Bay. Many suspect he's also the killer of his former wife, Kathleen "Kathie" McCormack. Durst was the subject of the recent HBO Documentary-Investigation "The Jinx" in which valuable evidence was produced.

In this image he's seen in back seat of a police vehicle with handcuffs on dressed in a classic orange prison jumpsuit - yet it's the expression Durst is wearing on his face that should raise our alarm bells. Many would label this as a "smile" - however it's anything but a sincere smile. Although his mouth has its corners contracted - they are primarily laterally vectored and not upwards - thus he has no concave-up furrows in his lower eyelids (a sincerity requirement in the context of a smile). In addition and very dramatically - Durst's eyes are opened widely - rather than partially closed - which complete negates any possibility of a true joy-happiness smile. Also termed a "Duchenne" Smile, a sincere smile must have a non-contracted/relaxed forehead. Despite the resolution being poor here, we can see Durst's forehead is indeed contracted - and more prominently in its center - and his left-central portion of his forehead is elevated (an "Elevated CFC").

But we shouldn't stop with the fact Durst's smile is insincere though. What else is wrong? For one, he's smiling out of context - which is a huge red flag - particularly in the back of a police car with handcuffs on. Moreover, when an elevated CFC is seen in the context of a full but often partial "mouth smile" (albeit insincere) - this is either a signal of arrogance (although there are other expression of arrogance), contempt (this is one of several signals which may indicate contempt) or incredulity (and once again - there are other nonverbals indicating disbelief). We all feel contempt, incredulity and arrogance once in a while - this is part of being human - therefore we all will display the elevated-CFC with an (insincere) mouth smile (usually a partial one) on occasion. However, when a person's facial expression displays this configuration chronically - there is an extremely high correlation with a sociopathic personality.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3132: Ashley Judd responds to Twitter Troll Harassment - "I'm pressing charges" - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3129: Robert Durst, HBO's "The Jinx" and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2747: Adam Lanza's Warning Sign - Body Language

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Thursday, March 19, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3132: Ashley Judd responds to Twitter Troll Harassment - "I'm pressing charges" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Recently Ashley Judd was harassed via some very malicious twitter trolls. The talented actress took some time to speak about this incident and her intention to press charges during an MSNBC interview with Thomas Roberts earlier this week (Monday 16 March).

Curt Schilling recently made similar news in defense of his daughter who is a minor.



From a nonverbal communication perspective, Ms. Judd can be seen here beginning a "Double Index Finger (Forefinger) Point". Note this begins with her pointing in the upward direct as she says, "... and by the way, I'm pressing charges ...."







For an instant, Thomas Roberts serves as a surrogate for the perpetrators of the harassment - as Ms. Judd points in his direction (her left hand obscured by the screen labeling).

The dynamics of this body language illustrator are best appreciated via the dynamics of the video.




A fraction of a second later the actress ends her gesture pointed upwards - the same orientation in which this nonverbal signal was initiated.

(What is her facial express projecting in this split second?)






Index finger (forefinger) pointing is universally and highly offensive across all cultures. In such cases as this - the interviewer (and secondarily the TV audience) knows that they are a momentary stand-in for the accused. And yet, when despite all parties know this - to be pointed at (or to watch another being pointed at) still feels very demeaning. Most attorneys would be surprised to learn that when in trial - such pointing whether initiated subconsciously or as a deliberate tactic - very often backfires (Their ego tell tells them they are establishing authority, but in the jury's mind - this is a strong rapport destroyer).

The double index finger point is an example of a "Hyper-Alpha" nonverbal which, in the vast majority of scenarios is to be highly avoided. Ashley's occasion is perhaps one exception. Most everyone feels strong disgust for such trolling and thus have a good amount of empathy for Ashley.

Another important distinction here is that those who double point - or even point with a single finger - are showing us a sign that their temper is thinning. Ashley is NOT acting in this moment. 

By both beginning and ending pointing upwards - as Ms. Judd displays here - the intensity of the pointing is somewhat softened - and yet it is still quite caustic. So always remember - when in doubt, never, ever point.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3131: Kim Jong-un, his Uncle Jang Song-thaek and a Warning sign of Potential Violence - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2160:  Index Finger (Forefinger) Pointing in Politics - The Third (and Final) 2012 Presidential Debates - Body Language of Being an Alpha Male without Offending

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2150:  Body Language Advice for  President Obama and Governor Romney in Tonight's Debate

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1181: Helle Thorning-Schmidt & her False Praying Gesture

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1918:  Vladimir Putin - Pointing with Pen Surrogates  Sharp vs. Blunt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3122: Lebanese TV Host Rima Karaki Cuts Short London-Based Islamist's (Hani Al-Seba'i) Interview following Insolent Remarks

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