Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3544: John Kasich's Honest Anxiety - Body Language (PHOTOS)

This is an image of John Kasich in Glastonbury, Connecticut on 22 April 2016. Scratching or rubbing the back of the head is highly correlated with "Honest Anxiety". That is to say, although Governor Kasich is certainly feeling anxiety here - there is no deception occurring.

Touching, rubbing or scratching the face in particular places (do you know where?) is correlated with lying. It's profoundly important to note that in order to have high reliability, these deception tells should be clustered simultaneously (or nearly so) with other nonverbal signals, paralanguage and verbal language. However, when these MAPs (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers) involve the back (or top) of the head - or the back of the neck - the anxiety is real - and so is the sincerity.


 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, religious or other agenda. 
 
See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3543: Donald Trump, "It Felt Like I Was Crossing The Border Actually"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3521: Woman Mistakes Kevin Hart For Chris Rock

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3517: Before His Walk Back, Donald Trump "There Has To Be Some Form of Punishment" to Women who have Abortions

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3396: President Obama's Oval Office Address - Dialing up The Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3402: UFC 194: Conor McGregor and José Aldo - Octagon Post Fight Interview 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3416: LeBron James Catches a Golden State Fan "calling" him a Cry Baby 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3381: Ariana Grande, Flirtatious Body Language and the American Music Awards 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3393: Syed Rizwan Farook, Tashfeen Malik, San Bernardino Shooting and Predicting Violent Behavior

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3543: Donald Trump, "It Felt Like I Was Crossing The Border Actually" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

At the GOP Convention in Burlingame, California today, Donald Trump entered and exited the building through a back door and via a circuitous path due to strategic placement of hundreds of demonstrators. Once began speaking, he told some lies - providing for us some excellent nonverbal examples. What follows is a partial analysis.

At 0:02 in the above video, Trump continues, ".... That was not the easiest entrance I've ever made. My wife called, she said, 'There are helicopters following you' - and we did, and then we went under a fence and through a fence and - [pause] oh boy, it felt like I was crossing the border actually, yeah - it's true ..."

During 0:12 Trump says, "... we went under a fence ..."

Note his hand gesture (in body language parlance, this is an example of an illustrator) is moving in an up-and-over motion, which contradicts his verbal statement of going under a fence. Whenever the nonverbal language contradicts the verbal language - it's the nonverbal that's always true.

0:16 - 0:18
Trump says, "... it felt like I was crossing the border actually..."

Whenever Donald Trump performs a false microphone adjustment, there's an extremely high likelihood he's telling a lie. Of course this is not his only deception tell - but it is one he commits often - and here we know it's a lie. In this example, he was using hyperbole, yet this deception tell still is displayed. This false microphone adjustment is a "MAP Surrogate" (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) as a substitute for self-touching.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3542: Lara Croft, Keeley Hawes, Sexual Energy and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3495: Donald Trump swarmed by security on stage in Ohio

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3508: Batman V Superman - Sad Affleck? (NOT!)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3523: Jaws - "You're Going to Need a Bigger Boat"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3510: Lindsey Graham - The Senator Picks His Poison: Ted Cruz vs. Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3486: Donald Trump and Chris Christie on Super Tuesday - Display the Same Telling Nonverbal Signal to Same Statement re: Trump's Wall

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3264: Hillary Clinton, Likability and Perceived Trustworthiness

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3542: Lara Croft, Keeley Hawes, Sexual Energy and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Graham Norton rarely disappoints - and this video is no exception. Keeley Hawes gets very embarrassed regarding some of her voice over emotions of Lara Croft, Tomb Raider. It's hilarious, but of course it's included here to showcase another particular body language display. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.

Beginning at 1:30, Graham Norton continues, " ... Well, Let me say, a, a person, let's call them a - fan, has put together - seriously - has put together - every noise you make -"

Keeley Hawes: ... [lower lip biting during 1:39] ...."Not every noise"

Norton: "I, I, I beg to differ."

Keeley Hawes biting her right lower lip (during 1:39)













Depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered, lip biting can indicate anxiety, mischievousness, frustration, vulnerability, anger, sadness, focused thought - and sexual provocativeness/sexual display/sexual arousal.

What other nonverbal signals seen in this video indicate that this lip biting is projection sexual energy?

What is the significance of biting on the left vs. the right? Or the upper lip vs. lower lip?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3541: Chris Christie's Wife - Mary Pat's, Reaction to Donald Trump's "Woman Card" Comment 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3528: Brothers Prank their younger sister with an ongoing Zombie Apocalypse 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3515: Jimmy Kimmel asks Ted Cruz, "Who Do Like Better, Obama or Trump?"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3503: John Kasich interview regarding Republican Convention

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3509: Bernie Sanders meets Birdie Sanders

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3532: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and The Graham Norton Show

Nonverbal Communication No. 26: Hugh Grant's Cheeks

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2840: Shailene Woodley, Jon Steward Show and a Body Language of Sexual Interest Display

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3541: Chris Christie's Wife - Mary Pat's, Reaction to Donald Trump's "Woman Card" Comment - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday after Donald Trump won all five republican primaries, he gave a victory speech. Throughout it, Governor Chris Christie and his wife stood behind Mr. Trump. Mary Pat Christie displayed some very telling nonverbal signals - her body language editorializing on Mr. Trump. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.

Trump: "Well I think the only card she has is the woman's card. She's got nothing else going. And frankly, if Hillary Clinton were a man, I don't think she'd get five percent of the vote. The only thing she's got going is the woman's card - and the beautiful thing is - women don't like her. Okay? And look how well I did with women tonight, okay?..."


























During 0:12 - just after Trump says, "... The only thing she's got going ...."

and as he finishes his sentence - during 0:13 as he says, ".... is the woman's card ...", she displays this same eye maneuver again - in addition to a suppressed smile. 

This is a suppressed eye roll. The upper eyelids open very widely without the eyebrows or the forehead moving upward. An eye roll is a conscious nonverbal signal of impatient dismissal and contempt. The eyelids open wide, suppressing the upward "rolling" of the eyes. It's an attempt to at least partially suppress the outward display of this action.

Mary Pat then puts on this classic facial expression of disgust just after Trump says, "... and look how well I did with women tonight, okay?...

So while Mary Pat Christie does not roll her eyes here - she very much wanted to but suppressed it because of the social context. Her thoughts and emotions regarding Donald Trump's statement is very clear - she does not like him, she has contempt and disgust for him - and she thinks he is completely wrong in his assessment of Hillary Clinton's electability.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3540: Johnny Manziel's Ego 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3518: Donald Trump's Feminine and Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3529: Vladimir Putin's Alpha Body Language - Correlations between the Hands and the Face

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3516: Hillary Clinton, Finger Pointing, Fossil Fuels, Bernie Sanders and Lying

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3485: Chris Christie's Facial Expressions standing behind Donald Trump - Bad Body Language on Super Tuesday

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3363: Chris Christie's Viral Video - Why do even Democrats love it?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3448: Ted Cruz's Challenge to Debate Donald Trump One-on-One; Cruz's Default Facial Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3253: John Kasich Formally Announces His Candidacy for President

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3540: Johnny Manziel's Ego - Body Language Tells (PHOTO)

A grand jury in Dallas, Texas has indicted Johnny Manziel on a charge of assault. Colleen Crowley, Manziel's ex girlfriend, is alleging the former NFL quarterback of threatening, restraining and hitting her - causing her to lose hearing in one ear.  The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner has denied hitting Ms. Crowley. The indictment accuses Johnny Manziel of "intentionally and knowingly and recklessly (causing) bodily injury to" Ms. Crowley.

Be careful here to observe specifically the prominence of the lower lip (compared with the upper one). Moreover, it's crucial to note that this lower lip pout is also accompanied by a jutting forward of the jaw (Jaw Jut). The lip prominence largely camouflages the jaw's movement. It's an attempt of the psyche at misdirection. Every human being makes this expression from time to time - but those who display this expression chronically have personalities with a higher incidence of egocentric behaviors and narcissistic qualities as well as poor impulse control.

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, religious or other agenda. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3539: Conspicuous by it's Absence - Donald Trump's Missing Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3522: Felicity Jones in New Star Wars Trailer: "Rogue One"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3517: Before His Walk Back, Donald Trump "There Has To Be Some Form of Punishment" to Women who have Abortions 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3510: Lindsey Graham - The Senator Picks His Poison: Ted Cruz vs. Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3367: Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3490: Conor McGregor, being a Plumber and LeBron James

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3481: Gordon Ramsay Tries Girl Scout Cookies for the First Time 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3467: Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Dies 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2576: Chris Brown's Body Language - a Signal of Psyche's Suppressing Emotions ... and Anger and ....  

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3539: Conspicuous by it's Absence - Donald Trump's Missing Expression - Body Language (PHOTO)

For ten months I've been looking for an example of a facial expression of empathy on Donald Trump. There are none. No expressions, no clusters, no body language at all of empathy. On the contrary - the image above is one of Trump's common default expressions. In many ways it's the antithesis of empathy. It screams ego, dismissiveness and judgement.

Specifically, the cluster of a backward tilting of tilted head/neck - characterizes the classic idiom of "looking down his nose". Moreover the further jutting of his jaw/chin with the pout of his lips - particularly his lower lip combined with the partial closure of his eyelids, the indirect gaze (torso turned away with a partial rotation of the head/neck and eyes) further project his dismissiveness, distancing and passing of judgement. 

One of the most valuable benefits of being skilled in nonverbal communication is that you can discern those people who have low empathy vs. high empathy - and low sincerity vs. high sincerity. This is a profound life skill - whether it's in choosing a presidential candidate, a date, a business partner, a potential juror, a new hire, etc. - there is no substitute for being able to qualify and quantify these two emotions. How skilled are you in determining the empathy or sincerity levels of others?

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, religious or other agenda.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3538: Barack Obama, David Cameron, Number 10, Brexit and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3532: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and The Graham Norton Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3526: Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler Meet - the Munich Agreement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3531: Helen Mirren, Subways, Sincerity, Empathy and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3292: Empathy, Yawning and Dogs

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2787: Korean Ferry Sinking, Empathy and Emotional Processing

Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1570: Shiva, a Signal of Empathy and the Subcontinent


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2669: Sara Bareilles and the Body Language of the Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3538: Barack Obama, David Cameron, Number 10, Brexit and Body Language (PHOTO)

President Obama stirred massive controversy when two days ago he told the World if the United Kingdom would have to "go to the back of the queue" if it leaves the European Union (Brexit) and subsequently attempts to negotiate its own trade agreement with the United States. The President further stated that an US-UK trade agreement is not going to happen "any time soon" ... "Not because we don’t have a special relationship but because given the heavy lift on any trade agreement, us having access to a big market with a lot of countries rather than trying to do piecemeal trade agreements, which is hugely inefficient".

The image above of David Cameron and Barack Obama was captured Friday at Number 10. From a nonverbal communication perspective the President - who normally has pretty good body language instinct - here he committed an enormous faux pas.

With the exception of an injury or a handicap (and then only when invited to do so) a President should never invade another person's personal space and touch them (intimate space) in an attempt to (appear to) "assist" them through a doorway (or similar). The only other exceptions for this action in public are his family. This is true for multiple reasons:

A. It's an invasion of intimate space and thus a projection of false intimacy.

B. The people who commit this body language error are always alpha personalities and perceive the people to whom they are "guiding through the door" to be their betas. Even if such a scenario were true (e.g., a boss to a subordinate employee) - the leader should never want to make others feel inferior, rather they should endeavor to lift and inspire their behavior - to make them feel more capable, not less.

C. In this example, President Obama is doing this to another Head of State - David Cameron. They are equals. In treating him in this manner, Mr. Obama sends the wrong message to Mr. Cameron, The UK and the World. 

D. This is not The White House - this is Number 10. President Obama should not treat a member of his own cabinet in the Rose Garden this way. It is particularly bad body language when performed in its analog setting on foreign soil, for then it become a further invasion of space - as if he were taking a momentary (false) "ownership" of David Cameron's Residence.

E. "Guiding" another adult through a doorway by placing a hand on their arm, shoulder, back, etc., particularly in such a public setting (with the exceptions of those listed above) is patronizing and condescending. Even if the two men were roommates and best friends in grad school - in a public context this should never be done.

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, religious or other agenda.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3537: Stephen Colbert, Reince Priebus and a Flubbed Monologue

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3517: Before His Walk Back, Donald Trump "There Has To Be Some Form of Punishment" to Women who have Abortions 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2935: David Cameron and ISIL-ISIS-IS, Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2940: David Cameron at NATO Summit - His Thin Lip Grows Thinner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2433: Vladimir Putin & David Cameron Disagree on Syria - A Body Language Evaluation of Russian Leader

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3238: Ex-Footballer Sol Campbell, the Mayor of London and a Some Classic Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3247: Barack Obama's Response to Question regarding Revoking Bill Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3499: President Obama Nominates Merrick Garland to Supreme Court
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3537: Stephen Colbert, Reince Priebus and a Flubbed Monologue - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

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, religious or other agenda.

During this recent Stephen Colbert episode, the comedian botches his Reince Priebus Baileys-on-his-cereal-monologue (beginning at 3:03). In the process he exemplifies a rarely noted but commonly seen nonverbal display.

When there is a temporary disparity between we have just said - and what we intended to say - a variation of transient disbelief occurs. This manifests itself nonverbally in several ways. One type are specific facial touching MAPs (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers). Most commonly these are the nose rub/scratch or ...

the eye rub or (not exampled here) the ear screw, ear pull.
















Stephen is sincerely laughing at himself - and he can't believe he messed up. What are the other nonverbal signals present in this cluster which solidify this conclusion? What other thought-emotions should come to mind when you see a nose rub/scratch, an eye rub or an ear screw/pull clustered with different body language signals?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3536: Prince Explains His Name Change in 1999 Interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3524: Paddleboarder's Encounter with Spinner Shark

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3512: Emilia Clarke, "Me Before You" and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3439: Ted Cruz and the Lateral Lip Purse 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3349: Justin Trudeau, Stephen Harper, Sophie Grégoire, & Laureen Harper in Ottawa for Nathan Cirillo's Ceremony

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. 2297: Rooney Mara on Conan O'Brien - A Common Body Language Tell - Fear Apology Query Expression-Cluster 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3328: PewDiePie on Stephen Colbert's Late Show - a Common Body Language Alpha Up-Regulator

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3536: Prince Explains His Name Change in 1999 Interview - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

The video above is an excerpt from a 1999 interview of Prince by Larry King. Prince (whose birth name was Prince Rogers Nelson) changed his name legal name in 1992 to a that of a symbol:

Beginning at 0:27, their dialog continues ...

Larry King: "Why then did you choose, 'The Artist Formerly Known As'?"

Prince: "Well, I didn't choose that, that was chosen."

King: "They chose it for you?"

Prince: "Yeah, pretty much."






What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.

From 0:31.8 to 0:35, Prince partially covers his mouth with a (mostly) closed fist. Initially he also displays a partially suppressed mouth smile.









At first he also looks briefly up and to his left (very common but not universal when right hand dominant people are recalling something that is primarily visual).

We then see a full sincere smile (Duchenne Smile) with the additional component of blushing.












Taken in toto, this nonverbal cluster is highly consistent with embarrassment and a hesitancy for Prince to fully disclose all he is thinking-feeling.


Thank you Prince. Rest in Peace.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3535: Prince, Sexual Signals and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3473: Adele's Tongue and Ellen DeGeneres

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3514: Casting Rey - The Force Awakens Bonus Features - Daisy Ridley's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3501: Salah Abdeslam of Paris Attacks is Captured - Body Language Traits Shared by Terrorists

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3464: Of Katie Holmes, Super Bowls, Smiles and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3441: Michigan Governor Rick Snyder Interview regarding Flint's Water Crisis - Is He Being Honest and Sincere? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3377: Holly Holm's post-fight interview after defeating Ronda Rousey

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3417: Freshman Debate Mistakes and Faux Pas Abound

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3535: Prince, Sexual Signals and Body Language (PHOTO)

When one eye is covered - usually by hair or by part of a hat, it evokes the playfulness of a child's peek a boo game. As we grow out of childhood, in the context of romantic relationships, this playfulness overlaps with and morphs into a sex appeal. While it is certainly more common with women and those who are androgynous, it's also a body language signal seen in straight men with longer hair or with the brim of a hat.

When flirting, one should take care not to stare with the uncovered eye. Only short glances, with brief eye contact - made only for a second or two - then broken by looking down (not sideways) - and then reestablished for another evanescent moment - will send signals of sexual interest. A simultaneous sincere smile (Duchenne smile) - particularly a partially suppressed one, will potentiate the message of sexual attraction.

Displaying only part of the face also adds to an ambiance of mystery - which helps with advertising, attention and establishing romance.

Thank you Prince - you'll be missed. My condolences to your friends and family.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3534: Taylor Swift's Rapid-fire 73 Q & A Session

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2840: Shailene Woodley, Jon Steward Show and a Body Language of Sexual Interest Display

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3299: Kim Davis, Contempt-of-Court, Same-Sex Marriages and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2462:  San Diego Mayor Bob Filner -  Sexual Harassment, Body Language and Foreheads

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3518: Donald Trump's Feminine and Beta Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3516: Hillary Clinton, Finger Pointing, Fossil Fuels, Bernie Sanders and Lying 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3511: Ted Cruz Statement Regarding Allegations of Extramarital Affairs - Body Language and Statement Analysis

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3507: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck and Amy Adams Do The Batman Voice - The Graham Norton Show 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3534: Taylor Swift's (Vogue's) Rapid-fire 73 Q & A Session - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Vogue just released a video of Taylor Swift giving an interview as she also takes her guest on a mini-tour of her Beverly Hills home. Ms. Swift is also featured on the cover of Vogue Magazine's May issue.

From a nonverbal perspective, Taylor Swift transmitted a preponderance of beta (and even hyper-beta) body language signals during this video interview. What follows are three different nonverbal displays which demonstrate a range from hyper-beta, alpha-beta hybrid - and alpha.

1:07

Early in the video, as she was answering questions regarding song writing and similar subjects, Taylor sat with her knees together - with her lower legs & feet spayed out - while her hands were positioned between her distal thighs, just superior to her knees. Not only is this a beta body language configuration - it's indeed Hyper-Beta, projecting particularly low emotional comfort. No professional, public figure, leader of any kind, etc., should ever sit in this manner in public or while on camera - unless it's in the context of acting.

1:50

While she was in her kitchen, Ms. Swift puts her right hand in her back pocket - thumb forward, with her elbow pointed out and backward.

Her other hand is pointing toward her MTV Award.

2:01

This thumbs-forward with one or both hand(s) in back pocket(s) configuration is a good example of an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid" nonverbal signal (of which there are many). Alpha-Beta Hybrids are excellent ways of not transmitting emotional tones which are either too strong (alpha or hyper alpha) or too weak (beta or hyper-beta).

9:03

Near the end of the video, as she ushers her guest out, Taylor displays a similar alpha-beta hybrid - however it's a bit more alpha with her thumb hooked in her back pocket.

7:16

When asked, "What's your favorite fashion trend of all time?" - Taylor answers, "High-waisted stuff" - as she grabs the waist of her garment with her thumbs and forefingers, with her elbows high and out laterally, she lets her waist snap back. This gesture projects alpha thought-emotions.

7:17

Swift then proceeds to lift her hands and arms high - a further alpha nonverbal display segueing immediately from the second before.






There are certainly times when one should use beta body language - e.g., when there's an ego you want to/should feed, or with many bosses, etc. There are other times when you want to definitely want to send out alpha signals - though be very careful not to do so too often or too extremely, lest it backfire, project arrogance and destroy rapport. Most people aren't good at recognizing these moments in real-time and extremely few know how to tweak these moments. Alpha-beta hybrids have benefits of both worlds and a good nonverbal repertoire allows one to leverage all of these - and nuance the moment rather than stumbling through blindfolded.

Taylor Swift would be surprised to know she is projecting significantly lower emotional comfort than she intended. Taylor Swift is of course human. We all are human. Not surprisingly, while many extremely talented musicians, actors and athletes - when they are on camera while performing the skill for which they are famous, they do very well - when being interviewed, appearing on talk shows, receiving awards, etc., - they're very much out of their element. Although their fans will label these social faux pas as "cute" or idiosyncrasies, others certainly will not. This emotional discomfort shows and it has ramifications.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3533: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard - Australian Biosecurity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3530: Justin Trudeau, Quantum Computing and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3519: Vladimir Putin, The Panama Papers and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3516: Hillary Clinton, Finger Pointing, Fossil Fuels, Bernie Sanders and Lying

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3473: Adele's Tongue, Ellen DeGeneres and Body Language

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3504: Raúl Castro Lifts Barack Obama's Arm at Press Conference


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3533: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard - Australian Biosecurity - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Last May Amber Heard allegedly tried to smuggle her two dogs (Pistol and Boo) into Australia - and she recently pled guilty to falsifying travel documents. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard recorded a video apology which the Australian Government (Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources) then placed on YouTube on 17 April 2016.

The following is a partial nonverbal analysis of the Hollywood couple's mea culpa.

At 0:03.7, Depp Displays a Microexpression of Disgust as Heard says "Australia ..."

During 0:10, Johnny purses his lips just after he says, "... it has to be protected." Lip pursing is significant for Clandestine Disagreement (or Clandestine Plans).

During 0:21, Depp is leans significantly backward with his head and neck. This posture projects contempt and exemplifies the classic, "Looking Down The Nose" arrogance after he says, "and Australians are just as unique ..."

0:37, More Disgust after he says, "Declare everything when you enter Australia"


Despite what words might say - an apology is never sincere without matching sincere body language (and also vocal qualities). Depp's nonverbal behavior was not congruent with either his or Heard's words - thus this was not a sincere apology.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3532: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and The Graham Norton Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3530: Justin Trudeau, Quantum Computing and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3512: Emilia Clarke, "Me Before You" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3494: Donald Trump reacts to questions about Breitbart News reporter allegedly getting roughed up by his Campaign Manager 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3457: Chelsea Clinton refers to Bernie Sanders as "President Sanders" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3439: Ted Cruz and the Lateral Lip Purse 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3287: Hillary Clinton, Email Servers and Crisis Management

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2685: Amber Heard, Johnny Depp Engaged - When They Fell In Love

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3532: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and The Graham Norton Show - Body Language Expert (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

As usual, The Graham Norton show is hilarious - and this clip is no exception. Also typical, but oft overlooked - the body language examples showcased here. In this recent appearance of Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, Ms. Streep shows off her improv skills as she answers an otherwise rhetorical and slightly sarcastic question of Mr. Grant's.

Hugh Grant (beginning at 1:19): "... Who was the third one?"

Graham Norton: "Ah, Drew Barrymore."

Grant: "She made the mistake of giving me notes. Which a, how would you take that?" [shifting his eye contact to Meryl Streep]

Streep: [Laughing] Well

Grant: "You're acting with someone and they?"

Streep: [over-talking] "I took ..."

Grant: [over-talking] "they, they ..." [inaudible]

Steep: "... them very well, didn't I?" [laughing while shifting her gaze at Hugh Grant]

Grant: "Wowser!"

Ms. Streep laughs and then leans toward Mr. Grant rather dramatically. This leaning toward another person during laughter is a both a nonverbal signal of sincerity - as well as a rapport amplifier.

Psychological research shows that laughing is primarily a bonding phenomenon much more than a pure reaction to humor. This is well exemplified during the viewing of films and TV - for we laugh and cry more frequently and more deeply during comedy when we're with other people (and more specifically when we're part of a larger audience) versus when we are viewing the same material alone.

Moreover, leaning toward another person (only after a sufficient degree of baseline rapport has been established - which is a crucial point which cannot be emphasized enough), in the presence of underlying sincere laughter, will act as a rapport-building amplifier. However note that Hugh Grant does not lean in and also doesn't return much laughter either. This lack of reciprocal action is a form distancing and dissing behavior (serving to destroy rapport). Thus afterward, Meryl Streep may very well be left with a feeling of emotional distance and dislike for Grant - particularly because this occurred in such a public venue.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3531: Helen Mirren, Subways, Sincerity, Empathy and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3530: Justin Trudeau, Quantum Computing and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3528: Brothers Prank their younger sister with an ongoing Zombie Apocalypse

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3523: Jaws - "You're Going to Need a Bigger Boat"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3508: Batman V Superman - Sad Affleck? (NOT!)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3479: Vicente Fox regarding Donald Trump's Proposed Wall - ‘I’m not going to pay for that F***ing wall!’

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3425: Donald Trump's first Campaign Ad Commercial

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3448: Ted Cruz's Challenge to Debate Donald Trump One-on-One; Cruz's Default Facial Expression

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