Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3232: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner announce Divorce - a Body Language Signal of Diminishing Affection (PHOTOS)







































Some who follow celebrities have been speculating for a while about the health of Jennifer Garner's and Ben Affleck's marriage. Such Hollywood watchers may have seen something similar to above photo. Today Ben and Jenn announced their plans to divorce.

From time to time most everyone will walk in front of their significant other. When this behavior is demonstrated occasionally, it usually is symptomatic of anxiety. More specifically it signifies a preoccupation with an upcoming event (or the ramifications of a past event). Another way to think of this body language - is that the person guilty of it is not being mindful (not living in the present moment).

However when a person consistently walks a bit ahead of their partner, it's a strong nonverbal example of diminishing affection. In addition, such signals of sentiment shrinkage will virtually always be seen prior to an affair. Can you name any other body language harbingers of relationship failure?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis 3231: Jeb Bush just prior to the Announcement of his Candidacy - What his Body Language Tells Us

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2424: Giada De Laurentiis on Conan O'Brien - Beautiful Teeth but Insincere Smiles and Some Body Language Signals of Waning Love

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2:  Body Language of Blake Lively and Penn Badgley  Strongly Suggests an Impending Break-up in Near Future

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2701: Cuddling, Romance, Affection and Foot-Shunning - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2827: Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy - She was the Alpha, He was the Beta

Romance, Marriage and Dating - Body Language Secret No. 609:  Going from High Heels to Flats and then back to Heels

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1916:  Katie Holmes & Tom Cruise are getting a Divorce - What Body Language Metric could have Predicted this  Back When They Were Dating?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2508:  Surfer Kelia Moniz and a  Classic Flirtatious Body Language Display


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Monday, June 29, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3231: Jeb Bush just prior to the Announcement of his Candidacy - What his Body Language Tells Us (PHOTO)








































This image of Jeb Bush was captured just before he formally announced his candidacy for President of the United States. He was taking with his father - the potential Bush 45 speaking with Bush 41. What is Jeb's emotional tone in this moment? What does his body language tell us?

First look at his legs. His feet are about a shoulder-width apart. Generally speaking, the wider the legs and feet are apart - the greater the confidence a person is feeling in that moment. Of course - this only goes so far and if a person has their feet too widely spaced, this effect ceases - and will look odd (as well as signal other emotions - Do you know what this indicates?). Could Jeb increase his alpha emotions if his feet were even further apart? Yes, however the degree to which he he's doing so here is consistent with the level assertiveness he needs (without over-doing it).

The former Governor of Florida's back, neck and shoulders are straight and squared respectively - all consistent with high confidence.

When we look the configuration of his arms, both tell us valuable information. In concert with his shoulder his right arm is held a bit away from his body. To those who are in-tune with his nonverbal cue, they will sense a physical strength from this arm position. His right hand is relaxed - indicating no anger or undue tension.

His left hand and arm are busy with his mobile phone - yet there are two crucial components here which signal us Jeb's relative alpha-beta balance. The angle of his arm/elbow (to the axis of his torso if viewed from above him - as if we were looking directly down from the ceiling) is about 45 degrees. Viewed from the angle we have in this photo we see his arm is significantly elevated (although it could be and with some people the elbow matches the height of the shoulder and occasionally it moves even higher - do you know what such a configuration signifies?). With these two angles we can say that Mr. Bush's confidence is certainly high - but not too elevated.

Now look at his left index finger - it's centered on the back of his phone - and not with the other fingers (that is, not on opposite side of the phone from his thumb). This shows us a relatively high alpha tone predominates in the Governor's psyche.

Unlike George W. Bush, his younger brother is right handed. Jeb has got his cell phone in his left hand tell while speaking with his father - what does this tell you about his thought-feelings here?

In summary, when we take all his body language displayed in this cluster, the moment this picture was taken, the 2016 Presidential candidate has a relatively high alpha emotional mindset - he's feeling confident and assertive at about a level of 7 or 8 on a 1-to-10 scale.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3230: Kanye West arrives at Glastonbury - But What Does He Think? - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2674: Did Chris Christie Orchestrate Bridge Closure or Cover Up His Subordinates Actions? Body Language Tells Us ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3152: Hillary Clinton First Campaign Ad - "Getting Started"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2973: Rand Paul's Body Language Tells Us His Plan B for 2016

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3200: Martin O'Malley announces Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language of Emotional Processing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3226: Bobby Jindal Jumps In the 2016 Presidential Race - Puts "Family Meeting" online 

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Sunday, June 28, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3230: Kanye West arrives at Glastonbury - But What Does He Think? - Body Language (PHOTOS)






















Despite at least 133,000 signatures collected an online petition with the goal replacing him at the 2015 Glastonbury Festival, Kanye West nonetheless took the stage. He and Kim Kardashian arrived by helicopter. They were not impressed. In the image above (a close up below), Kanye West is seen just after he stepped off his private flight.

More than any other expression - the one the rapper/producer star displays most frequently is that of disgust. This emotion is manifested on his face chronically. Those who display chronic disgust (as well as contempt or anger chronically) have a much higher incidence of narcissistic personality disorder, problems with impulse control, a tendency to solving problems physically rather than using diplomacy - and a higher likelihood of initiating violent acts.

























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3229: Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers and a SNL Reunion - REALLY!?! - a Body Language Trick of Comedians

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3172: Jameis Winston, the NFL Draft, Body Language and Predicting Violent Behavior

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. 2300:  Kim Kardashian & Kanye West in Rio at  Christ the Redeemer Statue and the  Body Language of Palms Up vs. Palms Down

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Saturday, June 27, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3229: Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers and a SNL Reunion - REALLY!?! - a Body Language Trick of Comedians (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Like many other comedians, Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers routinely use a nonverbal trick which makes it easier for their audiences' to laugh. They constantly slip in and out of expressions - between those of neutral faces - and back to those of partially suppressed smiles. Seeing this fluctuation automatically elevates the mood of everyone who views them thus increasing the likelihood of them smiling too - and therefor laughing as well. There is a strong tendency for us to mirror the facial expressions and body language of others. This sets our emotional bar higher (or lower, depending on the expression) - making it more likely for us to "catch" the humor (or sadness). Humor is an emotional contagion and smiling (or laughing) facilitates it's transmission.

















It's also very true that maintaining (or oscillating in and out of) such comedic expressions sets up a positive emotional feed-back loop in those very people displaying it. We make ourselves more joyful. The best mood elevator we have at our disposal is not any drug - but in how we nuance our face (and body) - steering our emotions to more joyful waters.


















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3228: Barack Obama in Rose Garden - The President regarding Supreme Court Decision on Marriage Equality

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3227: Bobby Jindal's, "... I am tanned ..." remark - What does his Body Language tell us?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3078: Tom Brady, Deflategate, Deception and Body Language

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

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1287:  Barack Obama & David Cameron - Mirroring

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3071: Twins Come Out to Dad - The Rhodes Bros - Body Language of Mirroring


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Friday, June 26, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3228: Barack Obama in Rose Garden - The President regarding Supreme Court Decision on Marriage Equality (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Today was a huge day for President Obama. There's a good chance that years from now, the average American and Barack Obama himself will remember this day more than any other of his eight years in the White House. The President's eulogy for Reverend Clementa C. Pickney was very moving. And Mr. Obama began his day giving another speech - in the Rose Garden addressing the World regarding the Supreme Court's 5 to 4 decision in favor of the full recognition of Marriage Equality.

From a nonverbal perspective both of these events could be dissected at great length - and indeed there are some fantastic body language teaching points. However in the first two seconds of the first event we can see a gesture that is rare for the American President - a "shirt cuff adjust". This is also referred to as a "false cuff adjust" - since the sleeve is rarely out of place. This is a common anxiety tell and is seen much more often in males and those of higher socioeconomic status. Yet we can slice this body language even thinner. This nonverbal "illustrator" signals us that the President's psyche is up-regulating his alpha qualities (He's attempting [successfully] to "psyche himself up"). Understanding such a flux in the alpha-beta dynamic is useful not only in "dialing-up" one's own assertiveness - but also in the recognition of a change in emotional tone in others - whether in a sales setting, a negotiation, the court room, the board room or the Roosevelt Room.
























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3227: Bobby Jindal's, "... I am tanned ..." remark - What does his Body Language tell us?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3226: Bobby Jindal Jumps In the 2016 Presidential Race - Puts "Family Meeting" online - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3210: Matteo Renzi, Christine Lagarde, Barack Obama and Up-Regulating Alpha Emotions

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3046: Chris Pine Dials Up His Alpha - "Into the Woods" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2569: Hillary Clinton, Visibility, Trust and a Harbinger of 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2674: Did Chris Christie Orchestrate Bridge Closure or Cover Up His Subordinates Actions? Body Language Tells Us ....

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3227: Bobby Jindal's, "... I am tanned ..." remark - What does his Body Language tell us? (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Regardless of their political affiliation, nationality, ethnicity, skin color or affinity for tanning beds - most everyone found Governor Bobby Jindal's reference yesterday to being "tanned" extremely odd and prejudicial. Yet what do his nonverbal signals show during this statement?

Beginning at about 16:14, Governor Jindal says, ".... In case it's not clear by now - I am running for President without permission from headquarters in Washington D.C. [applause] ... but rest assured, I am tanned, rested and ready for this fight ..."




This image was captured at 16:36 - just before he says, "... but rest assured ..."














This photo is from 16:41 just after the Louisiana Governor says, "... I am ready for this fight ..."












In both of these moments Bobby Jindal displays a (lower) central forehead contraction with a (social aka false aka insincere) mouth smile. Regardless of how the mouth is configured, whenever there is a simultaneous central forehead contraction (CFC) - the "smile" is never sincere.

Now in the governor's defense - we all display this expression from time-to-time. When? We make this expression when we feel arrogant (for as human beings, we all occasionally feel arrogant - yet this is not the only expression of arrogance), or when we feel incredulous (and of course there are other nonverbal signals of disbelief) or when we are feeling contempt (hopefully not too often, but we all sometimes feel this emotion - and, again, there are other facial signs of contempt). Was the governor feeling any of these here? If so which one? If the (false) mouth-smile is seen together with a CFC is chronically - what very reliably does this tell us?

If we go back and look at Governor Jindal's mouth - we see that in both of these moments (when there was also a pause in his speaking) his mouth was vectored primarily laterally - rather than vertically (as it would have been seen with a sincere smile). One way to help make this distinction is the tension visible in his "mustache area" (a term used regardless of any facial hair or gender). The mouth in the second photo projects an additional component of bitterness. Why?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3226: Bobby Jindal Jumps In the 2016 Presidential Race - Puts "Family Meeting" online - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2124:  This Body Language-Facial Display  Should always make you think "Insincere"

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2945: Roger Goodell's Interview regarding Ray Rice - Denies NFL saw Video before Monday


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Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3226: Bobby Jindal Jumps In the 2016 Presidential Race - Puts "Family Meeting" online - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Bobby Jindal made it official today - he's running for President. He's the thirteenth republican to vie for the White House in the 2016 race. No one was surprised by this announcement - not even his family.

The current Governor of Louisiana's announcement is the most bizarre, low-energy, ill-advised and poorly thought-out modes of declaring candidacy ever seen for such a high office.

The 1:49 second video appears to be some semblance of a family-meeting, yet most of the family for the majority of the time was emotionally uncomfortable - including the candidate. The video seems to be clandestinely recorded. And while, as a campaign tactic, this certainly won't win him points with privacy advocates - it is creepy across the board (and whose foot is that on the far left of the video?).

The person we see the least of all is the Governor himself - as he positioned himself behind a tree limb. From a nonverbal perspective, this sends very strong signals of emotional dissonance - like a child hiding behind his mother's skirt at a public gathering, not wanting to be fully seen. This nonverbal alone projects very low confidence. In addition - it's a fundamental nonverbal axiom, that the less we see of a person - the less we trust them - which of course is congruent with the apparent secrecy. If he wanted to use such a video, he should have been seated facing the camera.


For about 5 seconds (0:30 - 0:35) the Governor leaned forward in his chair (when he said to his two sons not to tell to anyone at baseball or soccer - more than a bit ironic - holding his children to a different standard and letting everyone see this).

Mrs. Jindal maintained a position in the middle of her chair - not against its back, yet not fully forward either. Along with her hands hiding below the table - this cluster projects low emotional comfort and non-disclosure. She felt "on display" and with high likelihood had foreknowledge of the video. The Jindal son at the right was the only one seated significantly forward. He was also the only one with his hands above the table. The Governor displayed low-trust and high anxiety with his hands on the front of his thighs (briefly on his knees) throughout the video's duration. This MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) would also be a huge red-flag if this were a business meeting or negotiation.

If both parents would have been seated-forward at the table (taking a cue from their one son), then the other children would have been more engaged. This would also been more and engendered affection. Hugs, hand holding, high-fives, smiling and sincere laughter would have been spontaneous. The laughter here was in large majority nervous and lacking sincerity.




0:41, just after Gov. Jindal says, "... we have decided that we will be running for president this year."

Yet very low energy was projected by everyone.







0:45

Thumbs-up illustrator given by the son in the bright yellow-green shirt. He also appears to have a sincere smile when his mother asks, "What do you think about that?"





The Jindal's daughter displays a "hand-shrug" when her mom asks, "What about you?" - at 0:48.

In this context this body language indicates she isn't sure or she doesn't care. If the Governor wanted to show his children as part of this announcement for his candidacy for President of the United States - there's absolutely no way this universal nonverbal display should have been included.

In summary, Bobby Jindal sent strong signals of low confidence, low trust and secrecy on an occasion when he should have been projecting high confidence, assertiveness and openness. Moreover the family image and/or idea of the Governor as a loving family man backfired big-time with this heavily botched announcement.

Time for damage-control.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3225: Fox News Reporter Pete Hegseth Accidentally Hits Bystander While Throwing an Ax - Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2657: Keanu Reeves's, "47 Ronin" and a Hesitancy to Discuss - a Key Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2595: Barack Obama's Emotional Dissonance, Low Confidence and the "Turtle Retreat" - He Does Not Want To Be There

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2939: Barack Obama in Tallinn, Estonia - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2016: Hillary Clinton, Roosevelt Island, Building Rapport and Body Language

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


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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3225: Fox News Reporter Pete Hegseth Accidentally Hits Bystander While Throwing an Ax - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Pete Hegseth, a Fox News reporter, accidentally hit a bystander on 14 June 2015 while throwing an ax. This was an attempt at what is known as a "segment tease" - this particular one celebrating the Flag Day and the 240th birthday of the U.S. Army. The victim here, a West Point drummer - Jeff Prosperie - posted a video of the event recently on his Facebook page. The mishap and his injury were never mentioned or shown on the Fox News broadcast. Although injured by the double-bladed ax, Prosperie was extremely lucky to have only been hit broadside on the elbow.


After the ax was thrown well past the intended target, Hegseth can be seen in this low-resolution image making fists and pulling his hands towards his face with his arms drawing in to his torso. There is also a foreshortening of his neck.

If we could see Hegseth's face in this moment it would show fear.





A split-second after the above moment, Hegseth continues to retract his arms tightly towards his torso and his hands (although we can't see them directly) to his face-neck region. His whole upper body flinches away from Mr. Prosperie.




 




Although of low resolution, we can see a significant "Mouth of Fear" displayed in this second - with its corners vectored laterally and down. Mr. Hegseth's upper limbs remain contracted and defensive.








The body language signals seen here are highly consistent with fear. There is also a component of empathy in this action - although with this low-resolution and edited video - it's difficult to quantify empathy. If Mr. Hegseth were another person (e.g. an observer) on the side-lines and his body language still showed similar configurations - it would be associated with a higher empathy quotient.




Note the woman covering her mouth circled in red (watch video at 0:19 second mark). She also has fear, yet there's significantly more discernible empathy in her emotion. What specifically allows us to conclude this?








See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3223: Jordan Spieth, the U.S. Open, Annie Verret, Kissing and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2:  Body Language of Blake Lively and Penn Badgley  Strongly Suggests an Impending Break-up in Near Future

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3198: Sepp Blatter, FIFA, Subtle Fear & Body Language

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Monday, June 22, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3224: Jordan Spieth, the U.S. Open, and a Classic Fear Expression - Body Language (PHOTOS)


































This is a great example of a fear expression on Jordan Spieth. Just after he was awarded the trophy upon winning the U.S. Open yesterday - its top accidentally fell off. In this moment the corners of his mouth are classically pulled backwards and laterally as well as slightly downwards. The World's top-ranked golfer's jaw is also clenched. His mid-face and lower eyelids are tense. Flaring of his nostrils is pronounced. Because his head and neck are tilted down and forward, the tissue on front of his neck has adopted an evanescent pseudo-double (multiple) chin configuration (more so than simply bending forward creates). If his head were more upright, this "neck of fear" would have had a more common "tenting" and taught appearance.

How can you differentiate this lower-level social fear expression from that of a more threatening fear - such as would be seen with a physical danger scenario?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3223: Jordan Spieth, the U.S. Open, Annie Verret, Kissing and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2338:  Why Does Keit Pentus-Rosimannus feel Fear?  Body Language of Estonia's Minister of Environment 

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. 2344:  Jillian Michaels Body Language  Neck of Fear & Mouth of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2827: Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy - She was the Alpha, He was the Beta

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3154: Marco Rubio's Body Language Tell

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Sunday, June 21, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3223: Jordan Spieth, the U.S. Open, Annie Verret, Kissing and Body Language (PHOTOS)























The image above shows Jordan Spieth kissing his girlfriend, Annie Verret - after winning the Masters earlier this year. Ms. Verret was noticeably absent from Spieth's victory at the U.S. Open today. Spieth is the first to win the first two of the year's majors since Tiger Woods in did so 2002. And Jordan Spieth won't even turn 22 until next month.

From a body language perspective, it's notable that the World's number one ranked golfer has his eyelids closed in both images. As human beings, we close our eyes during a kiss when true affection is present. Forty percent of the mass of our brain is dedicated to the visual system. In addition, ninety percent of the sensory input is visual. The other four senses must "share" the left-over ten percent. Most every child will tell you that people who are blind will acquire a greater tactile sense. This is absolutely true of course - however few are aware that this phenomenon will also happen immediately with those who have excellent (or any) vision - though to a lesser extent.

When we close our eyes, the blood flow and electrical activity of the visual portions of our brains' diminishes slightly (and immediately). This mild decrease allows greater resources to be redistributed and divided-up between the other four senses - as well as our brains' cognitive and emotional centers. Thus we close our eyes during a sincere kiss because we want to feel it more - we want to drink-in every ounce of emotion. We want to live more deeply. Spieth is shown here kissing two things for which he truly feels deep affection - Annie Verret and the U.S. Open Trophy. The trophy is a surrogate for the accomplishment as well as representing the moment of victory. Like a sommelier tasting fine wine or a lover - he is drinking-in the moment to its fullest.























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3222: First Look Promo: Nick's Escape: Fear the Walking Dead: Series Premiere

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3221: Gov. Nikki Haley Choking Back Tears - is She Sincere? Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1855: Sincere Kisses & Closed Eyes

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2424:  Giada De Laurentiis on Conan O'Brien  Beautiful Teeth but Insincere Smiles and  Some Body Language Signals of Waning Love

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2701: Cuddling, Romance, Affection and Foot-Shunning

Romance, Marriage and Dating - Body Language Secret No. 609:  Going from High Heels to Flats and then back to Heels

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Saturday, June 20, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3222: First Look Promo: Nick's Escape: Fear the Walking Dead: Series Premiere - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





A "First Look Promo" was released yesterday for The Walking Dead Companion/Spinoff Series, Fear the Walking Dead.  It's titled Nick's Escape (see above). Nick is played by Frank Dillane - and he's running from something - presumably a walker. This video clip is included here because, from a body language perspective, Dillane does a considerably better job than most actors in achieving and maintaining the nonverbal signals indicative of a fear expression.



0:07

If you're a director, be aware that when a head is turned and (or) the eyes are looking laterally (as both is occurring here) they will naturally open considerably wider. This adds to the emotional feel of the face of fear - especially when looking back during a chase.







0:11

While Dillane's eyes are not opened as widely as they would be here (if he truly were being chased by a walker), his mouth - pulled extremely laterally and downward - is particularly well acted in this moment.










0:13


Mid-facial tension is common and expected with fear.
















0:16

Once again - very widely opened eyes achieved with a lateral gaze.













0:18

Flared nostrils accompanies both fear and physical exertion - both of which are components of this "fleeing from fear" (remember Flight of Fight [or Freeze] from biology/physiology class?).

What other emotions also have flared nostrils?








0:19

Most people can open their eyelids widely if the forehead muscles are recruited to assist - however in high adrenaline states (such as fear) the eyelids themselves will open very widely without the forehead muscles (although they may also be contracted).








0:24

When the head/neck is tilted back - and the eyes are looking straight ahead - the eyelids naturally are less open. However had this been true high level fear, the eyelids would be retracted higher even with this temporary tilt - and we would see more "white" (sclera) on the upper part of his eye.





See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3221: Gov. Nikki Haley Choking Back Tears - is She Sincere? Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3220: Charleston, South Carolina Shooter Dylann Roof - Social Media, Public Persona and Predicting Violent Behavior

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2434:  Brad Pitt's Tongue-in-Cheek regarding  Reasons for Choosing to Work on "World War Z"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3065: Meryl Streep "Not Pretty Enough" To Be In King Kong - The Graham Norton Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2344:  Jillian Michaels Body Language  Neck of Fear & Mouth of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3198: Sepp Blatter, FIFA, Subtle Fear & Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2097:  Mitt Romney's "No one's ever asked to see my birth certificate" defense - Body Language of Rationalization, Rapport and Empathy

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Friday, June 19, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3221: Gov. Nikki Haley Choking Back Tears - is She Sincere? Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)






At the very beginning of this video (0:03), Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina briefly looks upward twice. Such an upward gaze is a rarely recognized yet very common and subconscious mechanism which is seen during moments when a person is trying to suppress their sadness and crescendo to tears. Some people have suggested that Gov. Haley's emotions here were insincere. They were very sincere. Of course this doesn't mean that every issue she will speak about regarding this shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston will all be directly from her heart - however this moment was indeed very sincere.

What other nonverbal signals seen in this video are indicative of sincerity?























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3220: Charleston, South Carolina Shooter Dylann Roof - Social Media, Public Persona and Predicting Violent Behavior

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3099: Jon Stewart Announces he's Leaving "The Daily Show" - A Classic Body Language Cluster

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3192: Jimmy Kimmel Chokes-up in his Tribute to David Letterman - a Body Language Signal of Crying Suppression & Sincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2604: Obamacare Girl "Adrianna" on GMA - Body Language Harbingers of ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2404:  Internal Lip Roll and other Body Language  associated with Suppression of Sadness

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

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Thursday, June 18, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3220: Charleston, South Carolina Shooter Dylann Roof - Social Media, Public Persona and Predicting Violent Behavior (PHOTOS)


























Dylann Roof, pictured above, has been arrested this morning in Shelby, North Carolina. He is alleged to have been the perpetrator in a mass-shooting event last night in downtown Charleston, South Carolina at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Nine people were killed and one was wounded. Among the deceased is Clementa C. Pinckney - who was a senior pastor at the church and South Carolina State Senator.

This photo of Dylann Roof was one he had posted on his Facebook and is his current profile picture. His primary emotion displayed here is anger while his secondary emotion is disgust. Although both of these emotions share the characteristic of flared nostrils, his mid-facial tension has a significant disgust component. The downward-forward tilt of his forehead, his partially closed upper eyelids, lower eyelid tension and downward vectoring of his eyebrows are all strong anger indicators. In addition his jaw is mildly clenched and his chin is dimpled. The thinning of his upper lips and his concave-down mouth configuration are all indicative of anger.

This is the image he chose as his public persona. It conveys the emotions which encapsulate his self-image - the ones he projects onto the public and therefore the ones he wishes the World to perceive. Those who perpetrate violent crimes have a very strong tendency to post on social media images which display them showing during moments of contempt, disgust and anger. People who project such emotions will also tend to have a greater tendency toward a narcissistic profile as well as possessing shorter tempers. They have a predilection to react to verbal conflicts and confrontations with physical responses and much less so with diplomacy. Thus when time permits, social media images play a valuable role in threat assessment.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3219: "Slow Jam the News" with Jeb Bush, Jimmy Fallon and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2828: Elliot Roger, Isla Vista/U.C. Santa Barbara Mass Shooting & Threat Assessment - Body Language and Threat Assessment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2231:  A Common Facial Expression of Mass Killers - Using Body Language as a Threat Assessment Tool

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

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3219: "Slow Jam the News" with Jeb Bush, Jimmy Fallon and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





It's almost difficult to watch - yet funny - Jeb Bush is the latest to "Slow Jam" with Jimmy Fallon. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of the former Florida Governor.




Beginning at 3:24 Jimmy Fallon asks Jeb Bush to explain his stance on immigration. Governor Bush first explains his response in English - during which his forehead only contracts for a split second (when he says, " ... Jimmy ..."). However when he "translates" (a word he should have not have used for in this context it is demeaning and condescending) to Spanish - the entire width of his forehead remains contracted for the duration. This tells us definitively that although the Republican nominee hopeful can speak the language well - something is amiss. His words are theoretically "the same" (After all he translated it, didn't he?) - however his change in body language lets us know his emotional tone is significantly different. He feels different. Bush's nonverbal disparity should not be ignored (to the voters nor unto himself). Jeb is either uncomfortable either speaking Spanish, is trying to project a disproportionate emphasis (and an example of a body language "illustrator") to this voting demographic (e.g. pandering) - or has anxiety speaking regarding this subject to this voting demographic. 

Overall however, in the vast majority of his interviews and speeches, Bush's forehead remains relaxed and uncontracted the majority of the time (so far in this campaign at least). This is a rare nonverbal pattern in politician population - and it's also a quality that's indicative of a high sincerity quotient.




Through this Slow Jam video, Bush can be seen in the background (out of focus of course) repeatedly sitting up in his chair - even bouncing (or in this context and from a body language aspect - similar to if he were standing and elevating up on his toes). This "bouncing" in this context is "a nervous energy bleeder" and also acts to suppresses Jeb's own laughter (he's trying to maintain as straight face). Another person may very well use an "Inward Lip Roll" in this same setting to suppress their laughter.




The possible third President Bush also displays multiple "Hard Swallows" throughout this video - which a highly reliable indicator for generalized anxiety (Here clearly seen at 1:20).







See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3218: Jeb Bush Formally Announces His Candidacy for President - Body Language Tells

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2440:  Vladimir Putin Dials Up His Alpha ... Foot Position, Projecting Leadership,  Confidence & Body Language

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. 3207: Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Body Language

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


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