During 5:35 to 5:36 in the above video, as Bryan Cranston is telling his tale - he wipes tears from his eyes. Note that this wiping is conducted with the palms of his hands - and more specifically the palm area corresponding to the base of the metacarpals (just past the wrist) - most often the thenar eminence (fleshy/muscular area of the palm at the base of the thumb).
When tears associated with deep, sincere laughter occur in straight men - the majority of the time these tears are wiped away using the palms of the hands. With other gender identities, the fingers are more commonly used.
Question: Is Trump 'thankful' for any Anthony Weiner-related scandals and possible connections with Hillary Clinton? Answer: Yes.
Question: When people are thankful, do they sometimes smile. Answer: Often.
Question: Is Trump smiling as he professes this new-found thank you to Anthony Weiner? Answer: No (but many will mistake it for one).
What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of a crucial segment of the above mentioned event.
Many nonverbal novices (and most otherwise socially adept professionals) will confuse subtle (or even moderate) contempt for a partial smile. They couldn't be more wrong.
In the image above (captured during 0:09), Mr. Trump's eyebrows lowering, his eyelids are partially closed, the left corner of his mouth is beginning to be pulled up and laterally - along with a similar vectoring (as well as tightening) of the left portion of his "mustache area" (region between upper lip and nose regardless of the presence of facial hair or gender).
It's absolutely true that during a sincere smile, there is always (a sometimes subtle but most of the time not-so-subtle) partial eyelid closure. Sometimes (particularly when punctuated with sincere laughter) the eyelid closure may be momentarily complete. In the above image however, Mr. Trump's eyelid closure (0:10.2) is not accompanied by an upward movement of the cheek muscles (which is required with all sincere smiles). This variety of eyelid closure involves almost exclusively Trump's upper eyelids. This is but one (but very important) signal that Trump's smile is insincere.
Note the furrow between the left corner of Donald Trump's mouth running up to the left lateral portion of his nose. This is termed the "nasolabial fold". Its relative prominence on Trump's left is also indicative of contempt (as is the further tightening of his left mustache area).
In this last image (0:10.8), Trump's mouth component of his contempt is slightly more developed. His partial eyelid (as well as his complete eyelid closure above) in this context are examples of contempt amplifiers (eyelid closure of any degree is not required during contempt displays - but it does augment the baseline expression and emotion).
Summary: This is an excellent example of a subtle contempt display. Moreover its presence during a statement of a "thank you" is outstanding example of a different variety - this one of a nonverbal expression contradicting a verbal expression. Whenever simultaneous verbal and a nonverbal messages are in disagreement - it's the nonverbal one which 'speaks' the truth.
What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of Secretary Clinton during her statement and the subsequent Q &A.
When a person reads a speech, prepared remarks, a script, etc., - they tend to be of lower confidence and of lower emotional comfort. This behavior is very common (even with experienced speakers) and is particularly true when the words are written by another person(s) rather than by the person who's reading them. An extremely common body language phenomenon accompanying such scenarios is standing with one's feet close together.
When she's reading her statement (which was no doubt prepared by others), Hillary Clinton's feet are indeed closer together. However after she finishes reading and prepares to take questions, Secretary Clinton then readjusts her feet - moving them further apart (0:56 -1:00 and more so during 1:08 - 1:10). Although we cannot see this directly, we can see her head and shoulders move lower - (this is not be confused with the separate and also significant nonverbal superimposed actions of the relaxing of her shoulders, arms, hands and face).
Please watch the video to appreciate this relatively subtle yet nonverbally profound dynamic.
The fact that Secretary Clinton moved her feet apart (along with her other relaxing displays) when it was time to answer questions is significant. This switching to a higher confidence stance - as well as her more relaxed torso, arms and face when she went into 'an unscripted mode' strongly suggests that she believes she is innocent of any new wrong-doing.
In distinction, a person who believes they are guilty may 'say all the right things' - however their feet will stay close together (e.g., 'at attention') - and other body language and facial expressions would also grow even more tense once they 'moved off script'.
After a Guardian Reporter pressed him on his sagging poll numbers as well as his tax policy, Gary Johnson simultaneously switched the subject while losing his temper.
From a nonverbal perspective, during the time leading up to his outburst, there were two signals of Governor Johnson's which were particularly telling.
Throughout much of this interview (leading up to his loss of temper), Governor Johnson was standing in a fig leaf configuration (aka "Genital Guarding"). Much of the time we can't directly visualize this MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier), however we can discern it by the position of his upper arms. Although the presidential candidate does occasionally gesture (Illustrate) with his arms and hands - he repeatedly returned to this fig-leaf position.
In some settings a fig-leaf display infers respect, deference and/or reverence (e.g., in a religious service or ceremony, at a funeral, meeting a high-level religious figure, at the tomb of the unknown soldier, etc.) However during the vast majority of scenarios, standing (or sitting) in this manner is a signal of lower confidence, lower emotional comfort, a beta mindset and defensiveness.
In addition, the entire width of Governor Johnson's forehead was contracted and elevated during the majority of this interview.
When such prolonged forehead elevation is simultaneous with and/or overlapping in time with a fig-leaf display, you can be sure the person who's displaying this nonverbal cluster is experiencing a lower confidence/defensive emotional state.
Because Governor Johnson was emotionally primed from an earlier incident (note the HBO segment at the beginning of this video - as well as The Guardian reporter referencing, "I could hear some loud voices there"), the candidate should have taken greater time or perhaps changed his schedule before participating in this second interview. He also increased the odds of his outburst when he responded with, "Maybe you'll get it now too" - a script his psyche followed shortly thereafter.
A person with a higher level of emotional intelligence may have known (in real time) that by simply conducting the interview with each man standing a slightly greater distance apart, this would have decreased the likelihood of any confrontation. A seated conversation (using chairs with arm-rests) would have also helped to down-regulate Johnson's emotional volatility.
Last week, during the very end of the Third Presidential Debate, a secondary camera captured a relative close up Donald Trump's facial expression as Hillary Clinton walked to moderator Chris Wallace and shook his hand. Although this six-second video is of somewhat low resolution - it's profoundly telling.
As Mr. Trump rips some of his note pages apart his jaw juts forward - first skewed to his left.
A slit-second later his jut juts to his right. In this context (with the other coexisting nonverbal signals) this is a strong indication of anger.
Then his head tilts slightly backward, his mid-face tightens (more so on his left), his nostrils flare (also greater on his left) and his eyebrows are drawn together as they vector downward. His face is primarily expressing contempt - with secondary emotions of disgust and anger.
In this next moment, Trump's head/neck tilt back further, his eyebrows
elevate - as his eyelids partially close (amplifying his negative contempt and disgust). His mid-face and mouth are
relatively unchanged (increased contempt and disgust with less anger).
And in the last second of the video, as Secretary Clinton walks in front of him - Mr. Trump displays what was perhaps the most telling expression of the night - a classic expression of regret.
This cluster of rapid nonverbal displays is a manifestation emotional release after being pent-up for 90 minutes. We are for a few moments seeing very clearly Mr. Trump's true feelings. It's a phenomenon also seen in actors after they 'come out of character' from a particularly intense scene.
What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of a portion of this interview.
Beginning at 4:45 in the above video clip, Ms. Kelly said "... If Trump is a sexual predator, that is -"
Gingrich [over-talking]: He's not a sexual predator - You can't say that! -
Kelly [over-talking]: Okay that's your opinion -- I'm not taking a position on it -
Gingrich [over-talking]: You could not defend that statement! -
Kelly [over-talking]: I, I, I am not taking a position on it -
Gingrich [over-talking]: Now I'm sick and tired of people like you! - using language that's inflammatory! - that's not true! -
Kelly: Excuse me Mr. Speaker - you have no idea whether it's true or not -
Gingrich [over-talking]: Donald, Donald, Donald Trump is not se[inaudible] -
Kelly [over-talking]: what we know are that there area at least -
Gingrich [over-talking]: Neither, neither do you!-
Kelly: That's right and I'm not talking a position on, on it - unlike you-
Gingrich [over-talking]: Yes you are! When you use the words - you took a position! -
Kelly [over-talking]: So what I said is-
Gingrich: and that's very unfair of you to do that Megyn! -
Kelly [over-talking]: Incorrect -
Gingrich [over-talking]: I think that is exactly the bias people are upset by -
Kelly: I think that your defensiveness on this may speak volumes sir -
At multiple times during his exchange with Megyn Kelly, Speaker Gingrich uses a "Finger-Point Hand-Chop" - primarily with his right hand and later bilaterally - in his defense of Donald Trump.
Pointing with an index finger (forefinger) is universally offensive in every culture and country on the planet. It's also highly consistent with an element of anger (What are some other signals of anger seen on Gingrich?). But we can thin-slice this nonverbal display even thinner - for when a person uses a "Finger-Point Hand-Chop" in the act of refuting an accusation, there's a very high probability they're also in the midst of committing deception.
President Obama responded (beginning at 1:33), "Well - at Real Donald Trump - at least I will go down as 'A President'."
The image above was captured during 1:33 as the President says, "Well ...". The expression on his face (Elevated Central Forehead Contraction along with a Partial Mouth Smile) is one of both Contempt and Disbelief.
In the next image (1:39, captured just after he says, "... President'." ) note that the Obama's eyelids are opened wider than baseline with his left mustache area contracted and elevated as well as left nostril flaring. This cluster is characteristic of Anger - along with Contempt (This contempt expression is a different from that in first image).
This next image (immediately above) is from 1:40 after he's done speaking. This expression is Contempt mixed with Disgust.
A second later (1:41), Obama's facial expression has not changed much - but he drops the phone (a version of a mic drop).
When the fingers are left open/splayed at the end of this dropping gesture - it has the additional message of "I Wash My Hands of You" or "You are Dismissed".
As expected, all three actors did an amazing job - not only did they 'bring the funny', but they uncannily replicated the three characters ... and some of their flaws.
What follows are some particular nonverbal signals by Hanks, McKinnon and Baldwin acting as Wallace, Clinton and Trump - and these expressions captured elements of insincerity that Chris, Hillary and Donald routinely project.
If we were working with Chris Wallace, we'd be telling him to not speak out of the side of his mouth. While some people do this routinely as an idiosyncrasy (or facial tic) - it's statistically relatively unusual. Medical causes - such as peripheral facial nerve palsy or stroke are potential causes which should be considered.
Depending on the other nonverbal signs with which it's clustered, asymmetrical speaking can also indicate an admission of fault or acquiescence. Much more commonly however, particularly when being interviewed on TV or in some other significant spotlight - speaking out of the side of the mouth is a signal of bravado and/or insincerity (the Venn diagrams of which overlap). Tom Hanks does a fantastic job capturing Wallace's mouth movements.
One question I routinely get asked is, "What the most important nonverbal signal to look for when assessing for insincerity?" Of course, the nonverbal tells of insincerity are many, however the most common one is an over-use of the forehead muscles (both in amplitude and in frequency). It's also very common, although not required, that excessively opened upper eyelids often accompany such over contracted forehead displays.
Now of course, in the context of an emotional debate, it's normal that people will open their eyes wide and elevate their forehead muscles when emphasizing a particularly important opinion or recommended course of action. And although Secretary Clinton has improved this body language faux pas of late, she did slip back into this previous pattern multiple times. She tends to do worse on this issue during her speeches and interviews - and improves when it comes to debates.
When people over-use their forehead muscles, they are trying to hard to sell you a thing or more commonly an idea/opinion.
Kate McKinnon was spot on.
It's hard to believe, but Alec Baldwin improved even further in his near perfect portrayal of Donald Trump. One striking pattern Trump has - is a very low variability of his facial expressions. Said another way, his face goes into its default settings easily and routinely - which acts as a living mask. The expressions he does make tend to be more extreme - but the overall variety of his expressions are relatively minimal. Depression and other conditions of a blunted affect are possible causes to consider when we see faces adopting these physiologic masks - but it's also is a method some psyches use to minimize mental workload - thus making it much easier to multitask - and therefore to also tell lies. Insincerity takes more work - and if one's face isn't moving quite as frequently, this frees up more mental energy for deception.
Summary: Tom Hanks, Kate McKinnon and Alec Baldwin near perfectly portray Chris Wallace, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump - and in so doing, also accurately captured some of their classic insincerity signals.
What was the turning point of the third Presidential Debate? Did you see it? It came about 20 minutes after the candidates were introduced. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis and a glimpse inside Donald Trump's emotional mind.
Hillary Clinton (beginning at 0:15 in the above video): "... Getting rid of any violent person, anybody who should be deported, we should deport them. When it comes to the wall that Donald talks about building - he went to Mexico - had a meeting with the Mexican president. He didn't even raise it. He choked. And then got into a Twitter war because the Mexican president said we're not paying for that wall... "
During 0:31 - 0:33 as Secretary Clinton says, "... And then got into a Twitter war because the Mexican president said ...", (coming just after Trump processes the "He Choked" statement), Donald Trump displays a truly classic example of a subtle expression of contempt. Some may falsely label this a microexpression, and although it is certainly short-lived (lasting about 1.7 seconds), it's technically too long to be classified as such. Don't get hung-up on this definition though - for the significance of this subtle expression of contempt is just as significant as that of a microexpression.
Watch it at regular speed and then at 1/2 and even 1/4 speed - then once again at regular speed. It's quite illustrative to view it with the sound muted as well.
Also of note, is that Trump briefly closes his eyelids in an extended blink during this display. In this context, this dynamic is a contempt amplifier. It also acts as a flag to careful observers. Moreover, when Trump opens his eyelids - he's looking down to his right - the quadrant right-hand dominant people tend to gaze toward much more often when the emotions of regret, sadness, self-criticism are present. Trump knows that he committed a big mistake.
This is the exact moment when the debate turned. This is when Hillary Clinton got under Donald Trump's skin. Prior to this exchange Trump was more composed, polished and well spoken. So not only is this a text-book classic example of a subtle expression of contempt - but it also serves to illustrate just how our performance in any activity, particularly when it involves communication, can be dramatically altered when we let it throw us off our emotional-baseline.
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3733: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part IV - The Turning Point of the Debate - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)
Colleen Marshall (beginning at 0:56): Nineteen days out from the election - you've been labeled a racist, you've been called a sexist -
Donald Trump: Thank you very much. [Begins to walk away]
Marshall: H.... How do you respond to that?
Trump: [Turns back] Ah, I am the LEAST racist person you've ever met.
Immediately after he says,"Ah, I am the LEAST racist person you've ever met" - Mr. Trump turns and completes his walk-away. The expression on his face upon doing this (1:07 - 1:08) is indicative of a combination of both disgust and regret.
It's also noteworthy here that, although the camera does not show this fully, Mr. Trump most probably invaded Ms. Marshall's personal space [intimate space] and touched her near the left elbow. In the context of a walk-away, this act of physical contact is also patronizing, narcissistic and intimidating.
This is another recent example of how Mr. Trump's behavior has become more volatile and impulsive. I cannot recall another post-convention, major presidential candidate ever walking away during an interview. Coupling this observation with Mr. Trump's dichotomous World-view as well as his inability to admit failure - and it's not a stretch to speculate that if his poll numbers keep dropping (or even remain at current levels), Donald Trump will drop out of the Presidential race so as not to go in the history books as losing the election.
Earlier this week, during 2016's third Presidential Debate, each candidate interrupted the other multiple times - yet this is the one you probably will remember ten years from now:
Chris Wallace: Secretary Clinton, same question because at this point Social Security and Medicare are going to run out -- the trust funds are going to run out of money. Will you, as president, consider a grand bargain, a deal that includes both tax increases and benefit cuts to try to save both programs?
Hillary Clinton: Well, Chris, I am record as saying we need to put more money into Social Security Trust fund. That's part of my commitment to raise taxes on the wealthy. My Social Security payroll contribution will go up as will Donald's assuming he can't figure out how to get out of it, but what we want to do is - Donald Trump [over-talking]: Such a nasty woman.
Hillary Clinton: Replenish the trust fund by making sure that we have sufficient resources, and that will come from either raising the cap and/or finding other ways to get more money into it...
What follows is a nonverbal snapshot into Mr. Trump's psyche just prior to - and just after his declaration.
In the image above (captured during 0:19 of the above video), just prior to his "Such a Nasty Woman"
statement, Mr. Trump is displaying a classic expression of contempt -
with a slight upturn in the left mouth corner, a tightening of his left
mustache area and a trace flaring of his left nostril.
An eyelid closure (here bilateral), while not required in this particular contempt expression (for there are other nonverbal varieties for this emotion) is, in this context, a contempt amplifier. This principle also holds true for a partial eyelid closure. Because of it's very short duration, this is also classified as a microexpression.
Donald Trump's second expression of contempt - just after his interruption (0:23) - is not as pronounced, however it's longer in duration.
With the addition of an elevated central forehead contraction, Trump's expression quickly (0:24) morphs into one of contempt mixed with incredulity.
Please watch the video to more fully appreciate the dynamic and evanescent nature of this nonverbal moment.