Sunday, July 31, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3641: How Marina Joyce is like Donald Trump - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





One is a Brit, the other is American. One is 19 years old and the other is 70. One is a woman and the other is a man. Yet there seems to be many more parallels between Marina Joyce and Donald Trump than there are differences.


























Similarities between Donald Trump and Marina Joyce:

1.  Both have tremendous internet presence
2.  Both are actors (although not quality acting and not in the traditional sense)
3.  Both project very insincere personae
4.  Both use hand gestures (Illustrators or MAPs)
     A. Far too often
     B. In a manner often incongruous with their words
5.  Both consistently display a limited variation of facial expressions
     (a sort of mask, or default setting making it easier to deceive and be insincere)
6.  Both include penises in their public discourse (a form of sexual display out of context)
7.  Both market their personalities as end-products
























8.  Both use Botox
9.  Because of Botox, their facial expressions are limited even further
     (and some other facial expressions tend to "misfire" and over-display)
10.  Both have limited variation of their vocal tones
11.Both frequently repeat themselves
12.Both use limited vocabularies
13.Both blink their eyes at a frequency greater than normal (e.g., anxiety display)
14.Both shout or talk with a volume that is out of normal for context (narcissistic behavior)





Take home point: Of course not everyone is running for President or a star YouTube vlogger, yet in the everyday world we see this same behavior all around us. Limited and repetitive Nonverbal Behavior, Vocabulary and Vocal Variety - are patterns of behavior in those with poor acting skills - but also ubiquitous in those who are insincere and narcissistic.


This website serves as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. 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. 3640: Khizr Khan’s DNC Speech, Donald Trump & Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3638: Hillary Clinton's DNC Speech - and One Expression Which Profoundly Lowers Her Likability

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3610: Star Swain sings The Star-Spangled Banner at the Lincoln Memorial - Why Do Singers Close Their Eyes?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3603: David Cameron's Resignation, The Brexit and Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3595: LeBron James, Disbelief and Emotional Processing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3590: Pam Bondi (Florida's Attorney General), Anderson Cooper and LGBT support

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3568: Hillary Clinton, (Low) Likability, Rapport (Destroying) and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3527: North Carolina's Governor Pat McCrory Statement regarding His Order That "Clarifies" Controversial Gender Identity Bill

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


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Saturday, July 30, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3640: Khizr Khan’s DNC Speech, Donald Trump & Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





In many hearts and minds, it was the most moving moment of either convention. With his wife by his side, Khizr Khan gave an extremely heartfelt speech regarding their son, Humayun Khan, who was a captain in the United State Army - and who, on 8 June 2004, sacrificed his own life to save his fellow soldiers.

This is a partial nonverbal analysis of Khizr Khan's of speech.

One thing you may notice, is that Mr. Khan very frequently rose up on his toes. This dynamic is but one example of a multitude of body language signals termed "Illustrators". An illustrator serves to punctuate, emphasize, underline, etc., the spoken words, vocal qualities (paralanguage) as well as other simultaneous (or nearly so) nonverbal signals. In this context, rising up on his toes (although we could not see his feet, this is very evident) gives the effect of an exclamation point. Please watch this speech to more fully appreciate this "up on toes" body language.

























Mr. Khan also pointed with his (right) index finger (forefinger) repeatedly. While the vast majority of times this illustrator should never be used, there were many exceptions in this speech. Why? Because Khizr Khan lost his son defending America and he was, in effect, talking to Trump much of the time. He was taking Trump to task - and taking Trump to school - teaching him the United States Constitution and its very real ramifications.

























Several times Mr. Khan places his hand over his heart. It's profoundly important to recognize the detail of his palm making full contact with his chest. This is know as "palmar contact" - and it's a nonverbal signal indicative of high sincerity.

Often time people with stop short and do not touch their chest. Other times just the finger tips (and NOT the palm) will touch. Sometimes people use their non-dominant hand (Mr. Khan indeed used his right and dominant hand). And intriguingly, there are even times when people will gesture to the left side of the chest (where, there IS NO HEART). These variations (which are not seen here) are examples are signals of insincerity. Mr. Khan's full palmar touch is very sincere and "heartfelt".
























The highlight of Mr. Khan's entire speech was when he said, "Donald Trump, you're asking Americans to trust you with their future.  Let me ask you: have you even read the United States constitution? [he pulls it out] I will, I will gladly lend you my copy. In this document, look for the words 'liberty' and 'equal protection of law' ..."

Khizr Khan did many things right in this moment. First produced a physical copy of the US Constitution. This moment would still have had a strong effect if he had not done so, but pulling it out of his pocket was such a powerful nonverbal metaphor for freedom and the United States - that this act cannot be overstated.

He also lifted it high (over his head) with his dominant hand and waving it - offering to lend it to Donald Trump. These maneuvers served to further potentiate the presence of constitution, the country, the election and the power of this moment. Mr. Khan choreographed the exact second of the constitutional display nearly perfectly (however, one could make the argument that saving this for the very end of his speech would have been even more powerful).

No one knows what the next 101 days will hold, but if Donald Trump loses, many will point to the moment Khizr Khan took the Constitution from his pocket as the tipping point.

On Thursday Humayun Khan, a citizen of the United States and U.S. Army captain, cast his vote.



See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3639: Donald Trump regarding DNC - "I wanted to hit a couple of those speakers so hard"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3621: Bernie Sanders Endorses Hillary Clinton

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3614: Daniel Radcliffe, Imperium and a Subtle Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3605: John Kennedy, Hands on Podium

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3587: The Orlando Mass Shooting, Omar Mateen and Warning Signs

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3552: Hillary Clinton, Body Language and variations on the Pistol Steeple

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3389: Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama meet in Paris - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2863: Gary Oldman's Apology on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" - Sincere or Insincere? - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2135: Ronald Reagan in Nashua, New Hampshire "I'm Paying for this Microphone Mr. Green!"

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3639: Donald Trump regarding DNC - "I wanted to hit a couple of those speakers so hard" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)






Yesterday morning Donald Trump responded to the DNC speakers and specifically, how he felt about how he was referenced. A portion of his response is included in the video above and a partial body language

At 0:08 Trump continues, "... You know what? I wanted ta - I wanted to hit a couple of those speakers so hard - I would have hit them, no, no. [disgust display] I was going to hit them so - I was all set [anger display]. And then I got a call from a highly respected governor, 'How's it going Donald?' ..."
























In past posts, Trump's display of a "Jaw Jut in the Absence of Anger" has been discussed. This nonverbal cluster (depending upon the absence and/or presence of other nonverbal signals) is an indication of both Hubris and Insincerity (which are overlapping thought-emotions). Trump projects this facial expression extremely frequently.

The image immediately above is an example of Donald Trump displaying this particular facial expression. This was from an interview wherein Trump was defending himself against accusations that he was racist in his stance regarding U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel.

























This second image (immediately above) was captured during 0:23 in the above video as Trump said, "... I was all set [anger display]. And then I got ...". Note that his jaw is also thrust out (forward) - so this is also a jaw jut - but it's a different variation. Look at the rest of his face.

In the first image, his eyebrows are significantly raised - while in the second, his eyebrows are vectored downward.

In addition, although it's a bit more difficult to see (secondary to the angle and lighting as well as his age-related eyelids conditions [Dermatochalasis and herniation of his lower orbital fat pads]), there is considerable eyelid tension in both his upper and lower eyelids with the near closure of his eyelids in the second image. In the first image, although his upper eyelids are passively drooping (age-related ptosis), they are not actively partially closed.

What is very pronounced in the second image yet absent in the first is Trump's mid-facial tension. Note the extreme tightness in his "mustache area" accompanied by a temporary flaring of his nostrils.

The entire nonverbal cluster displayed in the second image (and in the video above during 0:23) is a classic display of a significant (moderate) level of anger.

























Now go back earlier in this same video - to when Trump says, "... I would have hit them, no, no. [disgust display] I was going to hit them so ...". During 0:17, just after he says, "... no, no ...", Donald Trump displays a classic disgust display as he looks down to his right.

When disgust or anger are displayed frequently (as well as contempt), it signals much greater tendency of impulse control disorder (commonly referred to as a "short temper"). When these emotions are clustered together frequently (here approximately 6 seconds apart), there is even a greater correlation with this psychiatric disorder.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3638: Hillary Clinton's DNC Speech - and One Expression Which Profoundly Lowers Her Likability

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3636: Donald Trump, Hillary's Emails, Putin and Russia

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3634: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the Democratic National Convention, Emails and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3632: Hillary Clinton formally introduces Tim Kaine as her VP Choice

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3630: Ted Cruz Refuses to Endorse Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3628: Donald & Melania Trump's interview with Matt Lauer Prior to Her Speech at Republican Convention

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3626: Mike Pence's Wikipedia Profile Picture says "WTF"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3618: Salma Hayek regarding Donald Trump


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Friday, July 29, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3638: Hillary Clinton's DNC Speech - and One Expression Which Profoundly Lowers Her Likability (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Hillary Clinton's likability and trustworthiness are polling parameters which have been discussed heavily during the last 18 months. Many pundits will argue, in a left-brained, logical fashion that relying on likability is a poor way to pick a President. And yet we are human. Personality matters. It's bad advice to ask a person to put aside their instincts. And while no one's instinct's are 100%, learning to trust your instincts is of profound importance. So likability matters. Likability matters a lot.

























One expression that we should almost never use (but Hillary Clinton did excessively last night during her Presidential nomination acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention) is that where our eyelids are opened wide, with eyebrows lowered (or at a neutral, baseline position) with the forehead muscles relaxed (not contracted). This is an expression indicative of a high level of anger (rage). If you use it too frequently (which doesn't take much), people will rapidly become alienated.
























Granted, if you were in Hillary's shoes, you have reason to be angry. Few could stand the mudslinging that accompanies seeking political office - particularly the Presidency.
























But if you appear angry too often - even if you're saying 'all the right things' - it will be interpreted (consciously or unconsciously) as emotional dissonance - and it will destroy rapport, not build it. This is a nonverbal absolute and is true regardless of one's gender.
























This expression also tends to creep people out. In Hollywood (to the point of even for decades included in cartoons), and in the real-world, this "Eyes Wide Open" - with the brows down or neutral - and the forehead relaxed - is a red flag. Keep away.

























It's very important to note that this facial expression should not to be confused with another - which to the casual observer may appear identical or very similar - but it's not. The second expression is this: eyelids wide open, eyebrows up and forehead contracted (image immediately above). Hillary also displays this second facial expression often (far too often) - and although this expression - when used too frequently is also very much not advised AND also rapport destroying, it's indicative of a completely different emotion (do you know which ones?).


























Secretary Clinton, was of course, amp'ed up and full of adrenaline. This may be one cause which would give rise to the second expression (elevated forehead and eyebrows) - but not the first (eyebrows neutral or down and forehead relaxed). Whenever a person is so far from emotional baseline, the ability to accurately assess their own body facial expressions - as well as those of other people - is greatly diminished.

Take home point: If you're an office holder, seeking political office, giving a speech or in any position of leadership, sales, teaching, etc., - stop using this nonverbal expression. Immediately. If Hillary Clinton wants to build rapport, trustworthiness and likability, she'll never succeed unless she stops projecting this facial expression.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3637: President Obama's Speech at the DNC, Hillary Clinton and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3632: Hillary Clinton formally introduces Tim Kaine as her VP Choice 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3627: Donald Trump regarding President Obama & Shooting of Baton Rouge Police Officers, "But you just look at the body language - there's something going on" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3610: Star Swain sings The Star-Spangled Banner at the Lincoln Memorial - Why Do Singers Close Their Eyes? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3602: Samantha Cameron's Beta Behavior - How Not to Stand Beside the Prime Minister

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3591: Jo Cox, The Brexit and Sincere Smiles

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3564: Kanye West, Ellen and Beta Body Language 

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



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Thursday, July 28, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3637: President Obama's Speech at the DNC, Hillary Clinton and Anxiety - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)



Most experienced politicians rarely touch their face or any place else on their head (or neck). Last night at the Democratic National Convention however, in the midst of his endorsement of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama committed one of these fundamental body language mistakes.

Continuing at 12:54 in the above video, President Obama says, " ... Now, eight years ago ... [laughs] ... that's right .... Let me tell ya'. Eight years ago, you may remember, Hillary and I were rivals for the democratic nomination...".

During 12:55 - 12:57, as he says, "... eight years ago ...", Barack scratches in back of and below his right ear. The point of contact is very often the Mastoid Process (protuberance or "bump" behind the ear) or just in front of or below it. In nonverbal parlance, scratching or rubbing another part of the body is termed a MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor or Pacifier) and, the vast majority of the time, it's at least in some measure, indicative of anxiety. This example is no exception. Yet to further nuance the meaning behind this nonverbal signal here - it indicates an "Honest Anxiety" - or said another way, anxiety which is NOT associated with deception.


Media Inquiries and Group Appearances 
One-on-One and Online Courses Available 

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. 3636: Donald Trump, Hillary's Emails, Putin and Russia - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3634: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the Democratic National Convention and Emails

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3629: Donald Trump's interview regarding Melania's Speech and Plagiarism

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3615: Store Owner Abdullah Muflahi Interview regarding the Shooting of Alton Sterling

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3592: Gary Johnson, The Libertarian Party and Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3573: Angela Merkel, the G7, Destroying Rapport and Body Language

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

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 - Body Language


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3636: Donald Trump, Hillary's Emails, Putin and Russia - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





This short video excerpt of Donald Trump discussing Hillary Clinton's missing emails on Tuesday 27 July 2016, has raised concerns. It's also loaded with nonverbal information. One of these in particular stands out and is discussed below.

Beginning at 0:09, Mr. Trump says, "What do I have to get involved with Putin for? I've nothing to do with Putin. I've never spoken to him. I don't know anything about him other than he will respect me. He doesn't respect our President. And if it is Russia - which it's probably not - nobody knows who it is, but if it is Russia - it's really bad for a different reason. Because it shows how little respect they have for our country - when they would hack into a major party and get everything. But it would be interesting to see. I, I will tell you this, 'Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the thirty thousand emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.' Let's see if that happens. That'll be next. Yes, sir?"

Note that during 0:39 - 0:41, as he says, "...  I, I will tell you this ...", Mr. Trump looks directly to his (punctuated by a blink). While it is not 100% definitive, with a vast majority of right-hand dominant people (and Trump is right-handed), when they look directly to their left, it's Highly Suggestive of Auditory Recall. This strongly implies that Mr. Trump is remembering conversation regarding the invitation of Russian sources to actively hack and locate Hillary Clinton's missing emails.

Moreover, the phrasing of "...  I, I will tell you this ...", is a particular interesting clustered paralanguage correlate. For not only does he stutter at the beginning - this preposition is also typically not what would be expected when making an invitation. He started to say something addressing the press audience directly in front of him - and then Trump quickly changes directions to addressing Russia.

Red Flags abound.



























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3635: Michelle Obama's DNC Speech and a Body Language Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3631: Donald Trump's Acceptance Speech at the GOP Convention

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3628: Donald & Melania Trump's interview with Matt Lauer Prior to Her Speech at Republican Convention

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3612: Sam Querrey defeats Novak Djokovic at Wimbeldon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3601: Casey Neistat & Candice Pool - Water Spit Challenge - Body Language, Laughing and Mirror Neurons

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3582: Brock Turner's Dad Draws Outrage of "20 Minutes of Action" - Lack of Empathy and No Remorse


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3569: Johnny Depp Surprises Pink on Jimmy Kimmel

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

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Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3635: Michelle Obama's DNC Speech and a Body Language Mistake (VIDEO, PHOTOS)






By most accounts, Michelle Obama did a good job in her speech last night in her endorsement of Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention. However, going beyond her spoken words and looking at her body language, there were several things she could have definitely improved upon. One of these nonverbals highlighted in this post is what is known as a "Political Point".

The political point resembles what many would call an "Okay sign". It's a "softer" way to point (thus an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid) and therefore it's used instead of an index finger point (AKA a forefinger point, which should almost never be used).

Michelle Obama, to a fairly dramatic degree, overused the political point. While it is indeed an example of an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid" - and the display of this class of nonverbal signals are to be encouraged, the political point is somewhat of an exception. The reason for this is that it's a gesture that's almost exclusively used in the political realm - and while this alone makes it suspect, politicians also tend to rather naively overuse it. Anytime a body language display is overused, at the very least, it's considered a bad habit or poor form. It also can be a signal of anxiety. In addition, although it's not a reason in this particular context (we know this by Mrs. Obama's other nonverbal displays), it can also be a signal of insincerity.

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. 3634: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the Democratic National Convention, Emails and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2276: Michelle Obama's Eye Roll .... What was she thinking? and What Did Boehner's & Barack's Body Language Say?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3124: Michelle Obama & George W. Bush at Selma-to-Montgomery March 50th Anniversary 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2797: Michelle Obama, a Ten Year Old Girl and a Résumé - Body Language of Fear

Negotiation Secret No. 299: Michelle Obama and Silvio Berlusconi ... At Arm's Length

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3454: Donald Trump - Buying the Farm after 2nd Place Finish in Iowa Caucuses

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3470: Taylor Swift's Speech at 2016 Grammys

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3622: Theresa May's First Speech as Prime Minister


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Monday, July 25, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3634: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the Democratic National Convention, Emails and Body Language (PHOTOS)
























At the end of the Democratic Convention later this week, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz will resign as chair of the DNC. This morning at the breakfast meeting for the Florida delegates she was heavily booed. The image above was captured during that meeting.

Although we can't see her mouth, from a nonverbal perspective, we know Ms. Wasserman-Schultz is feeling deep sadness. She knows she's made a big mistake - as the contents of her and others' emails at the DNC are being "submitted to a candid world" via WikiLeaks.

When emotional pain or physical pain is significant (either for oneself or for others via empathy), the central forehead is contracted and elevated (elevated CFC). Charles Darwin was the first to describe this in the scientific literature, nicknaming it "The Grief Muscle".

Note also the considerable contraction and tension of Rep. Wasserman-Schultz's lower eyelids. Along with this, her entire eyebrows (as a unit) are lowered - simultaneous with the elevation of the inner (medial) portions of her eyebrows.

In addition the muscles on the upper "bridge" of the nose and between the eyelids are also contracted.

Ms. Wasserman-Schultz is NOT covering her mouth and nose to prevent others from seeing her tears. The reason we configure our hands in this manner during times of such pain is a epiphenomenon of emotional processing. The logical brain knows what is transpiring - but the emotional brain has not yet fully grasped what is happened.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3633: David Duke's Duplicity & The US Senate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3409: Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Reaction to Bernie Sander's Criticism of the DNC

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3595: LeBron James, Disbelief and Emotional Processing

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3333: Did Bill Clinton ask Donald Trump to Run for President? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3614: Daniel Radcliffe, Imperium and a Subtle Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3568: Hillary Clinton, (Low) Likability, Rapport (Destroying) and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3625: Donald Trump Introduces Mike Pence as his "1st Choice" VP Pick (Not!)


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Sunday, July 24, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3633: David Duke's Duplicity & The US Senate - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





David Duke is an "American white nationalist, antisemitic conspiracy theorist, Holocaust denier, politician, and former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan"(Wikipedia). On Friday, 22 July 2016, Duke announced he is running for the republican nomination for the US Senate for the State of Louisiana.

The video above is Duke's YouTube announcement. There are several significant nonverbal signals in this ad, however one in particular stands out and is discussed below.
























The above video ad of David Duke's ends with this expression (which appears on the video from 2:22 - 2:25). Note how the right side his mouth is down-turned in what many would label a slight frown (yet it's not), while his left side is up-turned in an attempt at a "social smile". This mouth configuration is in no way indicative of a sincere smile. This "smiling out of one side of the mouth while frowning out of the other" (aka a "Twisted Smile") is highly characteristic of duplicity and deceit and thus a profoundly valuable red flag.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3632: Hillary Clinton formally introduces Tim Kaine as her VP Choice

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3630: Ted Cruz Refuses to Endorse Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3612: Sam Querrey defeats Novak Djokovic at Wimbeldon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3605: John Kennedy, Hands on Podium and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2942: Vladimir Putin's & Recognizing Duplicity in Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3462: Donald Trump calls Ted Cruz a "Pussy"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2959: The Hunger Games Mockingjay - What makes Donald Sutherland (as President Coriolanus Snow) look so Evil?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3482: Donald Trump Refuses to Disavow David Duke and the KKK



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Saturday, July 23, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3632: Hillary Clinton formally introduces Tim Kaine as her VP Choice - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)






Today Hillary Clinton formally introduced Senator Tim Kaine as her pick for VP. Kaine has also held the offices of the Governor of Virginia as well as the Mayor of Richmond.

This was his first speech as a Vice Presidential candidate and although many felt he performed well, he did show several significant nonverbal signals of anxiety - two of which are discussed here.

Tim Kaine displayed a relatively rapid shifting back and forth from foot to foot, swiveling his weight and turning his body as he did so. While this can certainly be associated with an inexperienced speaker, here it is a signal of what many would call "nervous energy" - a byproduct of his temporary hyper-adrenaline state. Most probably in the upcoming weeks, this relatively high frequency shifting and turning will slow down considerably.

Another signal of anxiety is Kaine's frequent placing of his left hand in his front pant pocket. More specifically, this behavior signals a momentary "Beta-flux" (more beta, less alpha) - projecting a temporary lower emotional comfort and a short-lived shift to lower levels of confidence.

While occasionally placing one or both hands in the back pants pockets (overly the buttocks, with the elbows pointed out and vectored slightly backward - see example below) is a good example of an alpha-beta hybrid and should be employed from time to time (as long as it's not practiced too frequently or for relatively longer duration) - placing either or both hands in the front pants pockets should never be practiced. This is particularly true during a speech while seeking (or holding) a position of leadership.

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. 3631: Donald Trump's Acceptance Speech at the GOP Convention

Negotiation Body Language Secret No. 831: Santorum's Hands and the Alpha-Beta Hybrid

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3628: Donald & Melania Trump's interview with Matt Lauer Prior to Her Speech at Republican Convention

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3626: Mike Pence's Wikipedia Profile Picture says "WTF"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3611: Salma Hayek, Danny Trejo and a Tattoo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3551: Donald Trump, Body Language and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2605: President Obama and Health Insurance Cancellation Fix - and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid Body Language Illustrator



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Friday, July 22, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3631: Donald Trump's Acceptance Speech at the GOP Convention - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTO)






Last night Donald Trump accepted his party's nomination as the 2016 Republican candidate for President. He gave a long speech (73 minutes) and there are thousands of body language signals to evaluate, however three in particular are analyzed here.

Beginning at 0:01 Trump says, "America is far less safe - and the World is far less stable, then when Obama made the decision to put Hillary Clinton in charge of America's foreign policy. Let's defeat her in November, 'K? [Tight Forward Lip Purse, Whole Body Turn Left, Lapel Pull] I am certain - that it was a decision that President Obama truly regrets ..."



























During 0:50 we see Donald Trump configure his mouth and lips in what is termed a "Forward Lip Purse". This is an indication of a clandestine plan and/or a clandestine disagreement. It is displayed only by a person who perceives himself to be an alpha relative to the people with whom he is speaking/interacting. Moreover it also signals that he believes he has a relatively good chance of implementing and succeeding in his plan.
























During 0:50.8 - 0:53, Trump rotates to his left and then back forward again.
























 The Republican Candidate then pulls forward his lapels in a false straightening gesture (0:54 - 0:55). This is an example of a hyper-alpha body language maneuver. It has the same emotional tone as if he were patting himself on the back, flexing his muscles in the mirror and marking his territory - all at the same time. This is a truncated version of our distant cousins - a dominance display of a silver back gorilla pounding on his chest. It's a wonderful example of how nonverbal behavior is so deeply rooted in our brains (yes, all of us - both republicans and democrats).

The earlier tight forward lip purse, the brief sideways turn and the lapel pull are all clustered together - grouped, congruent and reinforcing.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3630: Ted Cruz Refuses to Endorse Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3628: Donald & Melania Trump's interview with Matt Lauer Prior to Her Speech at Republican Convention

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3621: Bernie Sanders Endorses Hillary Clinton 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3609: Emma Watson, Tina Turner, Ring Tones and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3385: Adele, "Hello" and SNL - Body Language Tell

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3436: Is Hillary Clinton Intimidated by Donald Trump?


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Thursday, July 21, 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3630: Ted Cruz Refuses to Endorse Donald Trump - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Last night Ted Cruz spoke at the GOP Convention. He also refused to endorse Donald Trump for President and was booed in the closing moments of his speech.

This morning Cruz spoke to the Texas Delegates. He also spoke his mind and explained his reasoning for not following the party line. What follows is an excellent example of a very telling and particular nonverbal display.

Beginning at 0:28 in the video above, Cruz says, "I am not in the habit - of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father. [audience applause and booing] And that pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi - that I'm goin' to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog and say thank you very much for maligning my wife and maligning my father."


























During 0:50 as he says, "... goin' to ...", Senator Cruz begins an evanescent display of Disgust which lasts just slightly longer than a textbook microexpression (thus termed a near-microexpression).


























The junior Senator from Texas continues his disgust expression as he says, "... nonetheless ...". 

There were certainly other body language tells displayed here by Ted - yet this one in particular stands out. And while his verbal message matches his nonverbal behavior in this particular moment - tens or hundreds of times a day in the typical, professional or personal life - they won't. In such cases of verbal-nonverbal disparity - it's the nonverbal message which always tells the true thoughts and emotions.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3629: Donald Trump's interview regarding Melania's Speech and Plagiarism

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3626: Mike Pence's Wikipedia Profile Picture says "WTF"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3621: Bernie Sanders Endorses Hillary Clinton


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3619: Lone Protester, Baton Rouge Police and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3615: Store Owner Abdullah Muflahi Interview regarding the Shooting of Alton Sterling

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3598: Gary Johnson, Donald Trump's Wall and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3565: Adolf Hitler, Jesse Owens, Archie Williams and Body Language

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


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