This video, published yesterday, shows Anderson Cooper interviewing Florida's Attorney General, Pam Bondi. Cooper was relatively confrontational, not allowing the AG off the hook very easily. During the 2:21 to 2:23 segment, Bondi exemplifies a very common nonverbal display.
When Mr. Cooper pursues the LGBT subject matter to a place where Ms. Bondi becomes more emotionally uncomfortable, she collects her hair and pulls it back behind her shoulders. This "Hair Sequestering" body language is a signal of alpha up-regulation. Even though she is Florida's top attorney (ergo a very alpha position), Ms. Bondi felt the need to momentarily dial-up her assertiveness even higher.
Although common, the significance of this body language is misunderstood by all but a few. Many people will say that their hair "itches" or "it was in my face", etc., - and that's why they adjusted or "fixed" their hair. Yet if you watch closely, virtually every time this maneuver is performed, there is an effort being made by the person to "step up" their alpha qualities.
This "Hair Sequestering" is not as common as its cousin - the "Hair Adjustment Behind the Ear" (aka HABE). Additionally, it's seen more often with women as well as those with longer hair (although it's displayed by both genders and even with those individuals with short hair).
It's very helpful to recognize those specific moments when the person with whom your speaking feels the need to dial-up their alpha qualities. How many other body language signals of "alpha up-regulation" can you name?
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3589: Barack Obama's retort to Donald Trump regarding ISIS
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3587: The Orlando Mass Shooting, Omar Mateen and Warning Signs - Body Language Red Flags
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3583: Donald Trump, Reaching out to Bernie Sanders' Supporters and Insincerity Tells
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3581: Hillary Clinton, Likability and Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3426: Barack Obama, Executive Action, Gun Control and Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3263: Barack Obama on Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" - The Sarcastic Bobble Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3286: Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black & C'est la vie
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3320: Pope Francis speaks before the U.S. Congress - Body Language of Boehner and Biden
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