Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The images below however, were captured from this video. The video above is a different video of the same event with poorer quality sound and from a different angle.
Cam Newton has received a lot of criticism regarding the way he handled the Super Bowl 50 post game press conferences. The purpose of this article is not to criticize or explain this act further (yes, many are holding Newton to different standards than others and yes, the room was crowded and he could hear members of Denver's defense speaking), but to evaluate some of the key moments of this video from a nonverbal perspective. What follows is a partial analysis.
Partially closed upper lids
Head tilted down
Subtle mid-face contempt (his right side)
The head tilt and the partially closed upper eyelids both as contempt amplifiers.
Contempt is blatant
Clenched Jaw
Tight Forward lip purse
Lower lid tension
These comprise a nonverbal cluster highly indicative of Anger
Primary emotion in this second is Bitter Regret (note vectoring of mouth corners laterally) with dimpling
There is a lesser component of anger in this moment (thinning of lips)
Jaw Confessional
Quick Lateral Movement of Jaw
Just prior to Cam Newton saying, "I mean, we had our opportunities ..."
Highly indicative of embarrassment-anxiety as well as indicates honesty-sincerity.
Tongue Jut
Just before Newton says, "It wasn't nothing special that I did. We dropped balls, we turned the ball over ..."
The tongue jut indicates, "I've been bad" or "I messed up"
Regret after he says, "Threw errant passes"
Regret and Contempt
Just prior to the Quarterback walks out of the press conference
There's one other component to Cam Newton's body language which is profoundly important to take into account. Although the wearing of a hooded sweat shirt or "hoodie" has, particularly the last 2-3 years, been assigned by some people to speak with racial overtones, that is not now, has never and will never be the case here. Without a doubt in this context, Newton's wearing of his hood during this appearance speaks volumes about his reluctance to talk and not wanting to be there. Outside of certain ethnic, religious and cultural settings (which are never to be ignored), the covering of one's face (whether conscious or subconscious with hands or with some surrogate) has very real nonverbal meanings. In this scenario, Newton's hoodie acts as an extension of his body and to some degree a mask. If, prior to his speaking at this conference, he had considered it - and then decided to not wear his hood, he would have spoke with more openness, fluidity, with less anger or contempt and certainly would have built more rapport.
This press conference was horrendous PR for the Carolina Panthers and appalling PR for Cam Newton. Indeed it's a symptom of poor crisis management. Having superior nonverbal skills is just one component of handling yourself in such a scenario - yet it's extremely an important one. Body language management is nearly always handled via a "wing-it" or "learn as you go" approach - which are mammoth psychological mistakes and awful strategies.
Those who use nonverbal skills deftly, can (among other things) use it as a form of biofeedback and use it as a tool to help control their mood. This is not only very helpful for those with impulse control disorders, depression, etc. - but for everyone, even those who otherwise have good emotional intelligence and social skills.
Manage your brand. Control the room.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3460: Eli Manning Reacts to Bronco's Superbowl Touchdown
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3457: Chelsea Clinton refers to Bernie Sanders as "President Sanders"
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3453: Marco Rubio's Hyper-Alpha, Backfiring Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3443: Donald Trump - "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and Shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any Voters!"
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3438: Hillary Clinton, What's Your Relationship with Vladimir Putin? - Democratic Debates
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3428: Jenna Dewan Tatum performs Ginuwine's "Pony" - Lip Sync Battle
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. 3420: Bill Cosby's Mug Shot
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