Earlier today this video was published on YouTube. In it, Robert Downey Jr. speaks of his thoughts on super heroes, Iron Man as well as his latest film "Avengers: Age of Ultron". However the talented actor did not care for Krishnan Guru-Murthy's questions (along with most everyone who watched it) and he walked out early. This interview is so very full of nonverbal signals - below is a partial analysis of some of the more telling moments.
3:55.3
Downey displays some Subtle Contempt
Do you detect some signals of disbelief as well?
His contempt is slightly more expressed - although still mild-moderate. Many would falsely label this a "bit of a smile" or a "polite smile" or "social smile".
Note also his left eyebrow is further raised signaling incredulity (e.g., "I can't believe you're making this inference!").
[Prominent Head Shaking follows- a further incredulity signal, please view the video to see this dynamic].
What other nonverbal signals here telegraph some anger?
3:56
Sincere Smile (Downey's smiling at what he feels is a ridiculous situation - thus partially sarcastic-sardonic and to a degree - a [healthy] coping mechanism)
4:01
Downey looks up and slightly to HIS left while temporarily focused at a distance. This is significant for Visual Recall when Guru-Murthy asks him about a quote Downey gave to the New York Times. He is trying to and/or visualizing the quote, in print, in his mind's eye.
4:46"I couldn't even tell you what a liberal is ... so ..." [then "Take it or leave it Expression"]
Elements of dismissive emotional tone
Elements of incredulity as well
Subtle anger here too
After the 5:00 minute mark, Mr. Downey's respiration increased. An even greater increase in his breathing is seen about 5:25 mark.
5:42
Robert Downey Jr. displays an extended blink as Guru-Murthy implies Downey's lack of comfort level with the subject matter. It's at this exact moment that Downey "Emotionally Red-lined" with respect to reaching the mental state of realistically walking out of the interview.
Robert Downey Jr. says, "Your foot is starting to jump a little bit, you better get to your next question."
Note Downey's Deep Inhalation after his statement.
When he is visible, Guru-Murthy's legs and feet were much of the time in motion along with frequent readjustments in his chair signifying significant anxiety.
(As a body language expert, I must say I was tickled pink when Downey called out Guru-Murthy on this nonverbal display - implying its significance. However in YOUR day-to-day world, the vast majority of the time it is best to keep such knowledge to oneself thus maintaining a profound advantage.)
A greater increase in respiration is noted at about 6:00 - as Robert Downey Jr.'s breathing even becomes significantly audible. The Videographer notices this significant emotional change and thus zooms in.
6:48
Clear defensiveness on the part of the interviewer as he crosses his arms across his chest.
6:54
Jaw Jut displayed by Guru-Murthy - indicating significant anger.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3161: John Stamos Announces Full House is Coming Back on Jimmy Kimmel - Body Language regarding Bob Saget
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2768: Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin - and the VERY UNconscious Uncoupling foretelling their Conscious Uncoupling
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2838: Robert De Niro, Graham Norton and Acting Advice - Body Language Tells
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3005: Barack Obama, "I would enjoy having some Kentucky Bourbon with Mitch McConnell" - Body Language Tells
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3121: Barack Obama and George W. Bush at the 50th Anniversary of the First Selma-to-Montgomery March
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