Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3863: Kellyanne Conway, Disrespect and The Oval Office - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)
























On Monday, President Trump hosted dozens of leaders from America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at the White House. The photograph above was taken in the Oval Office. Kellyanne Conway has taken much criticism for kneeling on the couch.

Regardless of one's political ideology - from nonverbal communication and emotional intelligence perspective - her behavior (to borrow a bit from Winston Churchill) was disrespectful, wrapped in rudeness, inside a political faux pas.

Let's break it down the body language:

Mistake: Protocol and etiquette dictate, that while in the White House when the President stands, staff and guests must also stand. But Conway's mistake was much more than bad etiquette or poor protocol

Mistake: From a public relations, empathy as well as a political point of view - this was slow pitch softball and the Trump administration struck out. The fact that the only person in the room who is sitting is white and (with the exception of the President) everyone else is African American and standing up - projects profoundly poor optics.

Let's assume for a moment, that Donald Trump was not President of the United States, but instead, a president of a mid-sized company somewhere in Ohio - and the women and men surrounding him were potential business partners. Let's also posit, that Ms. Conway was one of Trump's vice presidents helping to facilitate the meeting.

Mistake: Unless you're injured, suffering a disease, handicapped or being honored in a ceremony, you should NEVER sit while others are standing. It conveys a high level of disrespect as well as contempt and/or disgust (e.g., "You are beneath me").

Mistake: Forget your phone! Be fully present. Be in the moment. There is a professional photographer in the room (ergo the picture above). You can get a copy of the image from them. If you're texting someone or posting to social media, then you're projecting an even greater level of disrespect. You wouldn't expect this behavior from anyone else who was trying to gain your respect - so don't treat others (with whom you're supposed to be showing similar courtesy) in this manner.

Mistake: The lack of eye contact (phone or otherwise) is a profound breach of respect.

Mistake: If a person had to sit, for whatever reason, their feet should be flat on the floor - not crossed - and certainly not sitting on one's knees. From a nonverbal behavior perspective, the LACK of her feet being FLAT on the floor - projects a further and strong level of disrespect. This is true whether a person is sitting or standing.

Mistake: Conway is whole-body-pointing away from the President and the other dignitaries. Instead,  her eye contact, head, torso, abdomen and feet - should all be pointing toward the person in the room who commands the most respect.

Mistake: Shoes off the couch.



























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3862: Oscars Mistake - "La La Land" erroneously named Best Picture over "Moonlight"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3860: Ian McKellen, The Oscars and a spot-on Maggie Smith Impression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3845: Kellyanne Conway's Commercial for Ivanka Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3838: Kellyanne Conway's Statement Regarding the "Bowling Green Massacre"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3805: Mariah Carey's New Year's Eve Lip Sync Fail On Live TV

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3717: Creepy Clowns, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3596: Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3673: Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin separate after Sexting Scandal


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Monday, February 27, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3862: Oscars Mistake - "La La Land" erroneously named Best Picture over "Moonlight" - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Last night at the Oscars, in the first few seconds while those on stage were realizing the mistake which was made, there were many others who perhaps momentarily believed a tremendous stunt was being staged - but there was no ruse.

From a body language point-of-view, this incident was laden with examples. A particularly illustrative nonverbal signal was displayed by one of La La Land's producers, Jordan Horowitz.

Once Warren Beatty handed the envelope to Faye Dunaway - and she erroneously announced "La La Land", the entire La La Land team, of course, then came on stage. Jordan Horowitz and Marc Platt (also a producer) each gave speeches. That's when The Academy Awards' staff rushed on stage in an effort to fix this awful faux pas.

Jordan Horowitz said, “Guys, guys, I’m sorry. No. There’s a mistake, ‘Moonlight,’ you guys won best picture.

Marc Platt then added, “This is not a joke. I’m afraid they read the wrong thing.

The audience collectively and very audibly gasped.

Horowitz then reiterated, “This is not a joke, ‘Moonlight’ has won 'Best Picture.He then held his left hand to his chest - with his entire hand - including his palm - making full contact (primarily against his sternum but also involving his left, mid-upper chest [0:19 - 0:21]). Next, again with his left hand, he held the correct card high for the cameras and everyone to see and repeated, “‘Moonlight’ - Best Picture.”

























Full contact of the entire hand - including the palm of the hand - particularly over the sternum and adjacent left chest - is a strong signal of sincerity. When people touch only with the tips of their digits - or gesture toward their chest without touching during moments of (otherwise) significant emotional content - they are projecting (without knowing it) low levels of sincerity.

We touch over this particular region of our bodies because it is "heartfelt" - for our heart beats just beneath the surface. It's full of emotional impact. Even those who have never held an infant will intuitively hold the child's head over this same area - because it "feels right", more protective and emotionally comfortable.

Thus Jordan Horowitz's body language immediately after he spoke, “This is not a joke, ‘Moonlight’ has won best picture”, told us he was being truthful. Of course after only a few more seconds - no one doubted his words. Yet in many such "everyday" settings, this and a myriad of other nonverbal signals are available for all to look - however, few will see them and know their meaning.




























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3861: Emma Stone, The Oscars and Sincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3859: Steve Bannon Touches Reince Priebus' Leg at CPAC

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3857: Taunting a Snowplow Driver - Belleville, Ontario

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3855: Mike Pence regarding Donald Trump and Michael Flynn at NATO Headquarters

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3829: Mary Tyler Moore - Flirtatious, Sexy, Alpha Female Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3785: Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson "Edge of Seventeen" - Behavioral Contagions, Mirroring and Laughing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3558: Mila Kunis Nixes Ashton Kutcher's choice regarding Their Baby's Name

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2812: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone & La La Land - Backstage Interview Golden Globes 2017


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Sunday, February 26, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3861: Emma Stone, The Oscars and Sincerity - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





At the time of this writing, the 2017 Academy Awards have already begun. It's an hour or so before we know if Emma Stone will win an Oscar for "Best Actress in a Leading Role" for her portrayal of Mia Dolan in the film La La Land.

During this recent interview with Lee Cowan, Ms. Stone displays several excellent body language signals.

























In the image above, Emma is reunited with a childhood mentor, Bobb Cooper of the Valley Youth Theater in Phoenix. Notice that during their hug, although Ms. Stone is not much shorter than Mr. Cooper, when she hugs him, she elevates up on her toes - with both feet - for an extended period of time. Although, of course, such toe elevation during a hug is not at all required for a sincerity to be present - we can be sure that when it is performed bilaterally (that is, with both feet) and for an extended time, it indeed is a signal that high sincerity and true affection are being experienced (and projected).





























In this next image, Ms. Stone and Mr. Cowan are fairly closely mirroring each other. We cannot see most of Cowan's hands - but we can see much of Emma's. She is displaying a good example of an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid". As the categorical name implies, these are a class of nonverbal behaviors which are not too alpha - not too beta, but somewhere intermediate. To slice it even thinner, this particular alpha-beta hybrid is a bit closer to the alpha end of the scale (but certainly not "Hyper-Alpha).

Much of the time when the hands are positioned in the pockets - it does project a beta and sometimes submissive/low confidence emotional tone. Depending on the dynamics, the coexisting verbal cues and the other nonverbal signals with which it may be clustered - hands in the pockets can even be a signal for deception. Yet these examples don't apply to Stone in this scenario - for only her fingers on her right hand (and slightly more on her left) are in her pockets. Moreover, these are her front pockets - allowing a more assertive variation of an "Arms Akimbo" configuration. Her elbows, which are protruding laterally - but not excessively so, is an alpha quality.

Notice too, each of Emma's thumbs are hooked in her belt loops. This is a stronger alpha component adding to this body language cluster, and indeed contains a significant element of sexuality (not for her interviewer, rather that she is "on camera", being herself - rather than a character. This feeling of being "on display", given the right setting and situation, can make a person feel confident and sexy.



























This last image is on the set of Saturday Night Live (which Stone has hosted on three occasions). Her "Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo" is another example of an Alpha-Beta Hybrid body language display. When the thumbs are positioned forward (and thus the palms are directed up), it projects a confident, open-minded and supportive emotional tone. Depending on the other nonverbal signals present, there may also be an inquisitive component present too.

Good Luck Emma Stone!


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3860: Ian McKellen, The Oscars and a spot-on Maggie Smith Impression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3858: Milo Yiannopoulos resigns from Breitbart with "Apology"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3856: "Belle" Clip - Beauty and the Beast

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3854: Donald Trump's Press Conference - "I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2814: Claire Foy's recounting of Meeting Kate Winslet

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3809: Horse Lays His Head On Coffin As He Mourns The Loss Of His Human Best Friend

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3729: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part I - Vladimir Putin, Body Language & Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2802: Emma Stone & Jimmy Fallon Lip Sync Battle


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Saturday, February 25, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3860: Ian McKellen, The Oscars and a spot-on Maggie Smith Impression - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




During his recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Sir Ian McKellen recounted a story involving Dame Maggie Smith at the 2002 Oscars. That year, he had been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Gandalf in the 2001 film, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

As Norton was asking - and McKellan was anticipating his question (seen during the 0:09 - 0:10 portion of the video), the actor displayed a particular facial expression known as a "Lateral Lip Purse". Although extremely common, it's very rarely discussed in the nonverbal literature.

It's crucial to note that the remainder of his face is relaxed and neutral. For if there are other nonverbal signals accompanying the lateral lip purse - especially involving the eyes/eyelids - it has an entirely different meaning. 

Moreover, be careful not to confuse this with a "Forward Lip Purse" (as the name suggests, with the lips protruding forward, rather to one side) - as it too projects a very distinctive and different set of thought-emotions.

This example of a lateral lip purse is quite classic, however, the camera angle does not afford an optimal view. If McKellan were looking straight at the camera it would have been better for teaching purposes - yet after careful observation one can discern his lips are vectored strongly to his right. 

A lateral lip purse (with the remainder of the face neutral) is a signal of open, non-secretive decision making. The easiest place to see this expression is at a restaurant - while the patrons are perusing their menus'.


























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3859: Steve Bannon Touches Reince Priebus' Leg at CPAC

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3857: Taunting a Snowplow Driver - Belleville, Ontario

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3855: Mike Pence regarding Donald Trump and Michael Flynn at NATO Headquarters

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3853: Tom Hiddleston, a School Play and Eddie Redmayne

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3827: Sean Spicer's Saturday Night Press Briefing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3802: Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey and UFC 207

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3761: Mitt Romney meets with Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3709: Kate Middleton - The face you make when you’re married to a prince but you meet Justin Trudeau


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Friday, February 24, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3859: Steve Bannon Touches Reince Priebus' Leg at CPAC - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Yesterday at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an interesting moment occurred during Reince Priebus' and Steve Bannon's on-stage interview. Toward the very end of their appearance (24:53), Bannon pats Priebus' right thigh - and Priebus reacts - swiftly swatting him away.
























Outside the arena of contact sports, there are only a few causes/reasons why one adult would touch another adult on their thigh. These include:

1. Power/Alpha/Deliberate Intimidation Display
2. Narcissism (a large overlap with cause No.1, above)
3. Sexual (However, this cause is not being suggested in this example)
4. Autistic Spectrum Disorder

What we're seeing here is an amalgam of both a Power/Alpha/Intimidation Behavior display- as well as a very deliberate manifestation of Narcissism (Nos. 1 & 2 above). Entering into another person's personal space without their permission (AKA, "an invasion" of their personal space [intimate space]) - particularly in such a public forum - and especially on the thigh, does not fall within the realm of normal behavior. Bannon is very much letting Priebus know - and letting the World know - who is the alpha male in President Trump's inner circle - and who is the beta.





























Intriguingly, just prior to and during the precise instant of contact (24:53), both men were displaying "Tongue Juts" - yet not the same variety. Steve Bannon's jaw and lips were significantly more relaxed - ergo a "Loose Tongue Jut". This signifies the thought-emotion of, "I've been/about to be bad" or "I got caught" (Navarro/Captured in photo immediately above).




























However, Reince Priebus' mouth and jaw were more contracted - thus his was a "Tight Tongue Jut" - indicating a Disdain for or being Repulsed/Disgusted by someone or something (isolated in the image immediately above).




























A split second later, Priebus then exhibits an "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR). An inward lip roll is one way our subconscious/edge of consciousness attempts to suppress both the outward display of - and also the inner growth of strong emotions.


























After being touched in such a manner in a highly visible and public context, Priebus' experiences a burst of adrenaline and anxiety - resulting in burning"/strong itching of his ear - which of course, he then grabs/rubs (24:56).

You may have also noticed that about a second prior to this (24:55), Priebus makes a "hard swallow" - signaled by his Adam's Apple (thyroid cartilage) vectoring up and down - which is also highly indicative of anxiety (best viewed in the dynamic context of the video).


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3858: Milo Yiannopoulos resigns from Breitbart with "Apology"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3856: "Belle" Clip - Beauty and the Beast

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3854: Donald Trump's Press Conference - "I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3842: Bill Belichick and Julian Edelman

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3808: Felicity Jones' Sincere Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3763: Matt Smith, Claire Foy and Where NOT to be stung by a Wasp

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3691: Natalie Portman's Emotional Tell

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


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Thursday, February 23, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3858: Milo Yiannopoulos resigns from Breitbart with "Apology" - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





On Tuesday Milo Yiannopoulos resigned from Breitbart News. Two days earlier a video of an interview of Yiannopoulos by Joe Rogan surfaced on social media and various websites. In this interview, Yiannopoulos very clearly defended pedophilia and pedophiles. Subsequently, Yiannopoulos has had his invitation to speak at the currently ongoing Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) rescinded - and he's also lost a book deal he had had with Simon & Schuster.

A portion of Yiannopoulos' "apology" is included within the above video. What follows is a nonverbal analysis with some additional discussion of its verbal content.
 
To begin with, Yiannopoulos should not be reading anything. A sincere apology is never read from a script. For if it is written by an attorney or anyone else (as this clearly was) - or if it is not spoken from the heart (no script needed), then it is by definition, insincere.

A very blatant and obvious verbal display of Yiannopoulos' insincerity is evidenced toward the end of this video when he blames others for his own actions, "... But let’s be clear what is happening here. This is a cynical media witch hunt from people who don’t care about children. They care about destroying me and my career, and by extension my allies..."

A profound body language mistake one makes when reading to an audience is dramatically diminished eye contact. Many novice speakers - who otherwise may have deep knowledge and extensive experience in their given area of expertise - will become obsessed with following scripts. The result of this tactic is poor quality speaking - while their audience perceives them to be no such expert (only exceeding boring). Lack of eye contact during an apology is strong evidence of guilt and insincerity. And while lack of eye contact can also signal shame, in order to do so - and this is an absolute - it must be accompanied by other signals (none of which are present here).

























Looking over your glasses while speaking to anyone (even an audience of one) is extremely patronizing - and Yiannopoulos clearly knows this. You may recall the colloquial, I felt like he was 'looking down' at me - or remember a particularly harsh teacher reprimanding you in your younger years (e.g., the quintessential 'schoolmarm'). Looking over one's glasses while speaking (depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered) is often a manifestation of contempt - not sincerity or shame.

Never once during this "apology" does Yiannopoulos make an expression indicative of empathy or remorse which is required in such scenarios when sincerity is present. Empathy for another person's pain (emotional or physical) is characterized by an Elevated Central Forehead Contraction (Elevated CFC) accompanied by a simultaneous mouth of sadness (lips mildly protruding with the corners of the mouth down-turned).

























You may notice at multiple times, the entire width of Yiannopoulos' forehead became momentarily elevated - but never just the central forehead. This difference is profound and cannot be over-stated - for the over-use (over-contraction, with respect to both frequency and amplitude) of the full width of the forehead (without a 'sad mouth') is the single most common signal of insincerity - and this is also exactly the facial configuration that Yiannopoulos was projecting.


























The only two times Yiannopoulos displayed regret in this video was at the beginning - immediately after he said, "...which is why today I am resigning from Breitbart, effective immediately..."[regret expression], in the image immediately above at 0:07 and ....



























...again just after he said, "I haven't ever apologized before" [regret expression] during 1:03, image immediately above.

Thus Yiannopoulos regrets having to apologize as well as from resigning from Breitbart - but, in this video, gives no evidence of another reason for regret.



























Another tremendous nonverbal tell of insincerity, repeatedly displayed by Yiannopoulos' was a "Loose Tongue Jut" (aka "Lizard Tongue") as is seen above (from 0:38). The loose tongue jut indicates the thought-emotion of "I got caught" or "I've been/about to be Bad" (Navarro). This is not to be confused with a "Tight Tongue Jut" which means an entirely different thing.

Most people will notice Yiannopoulos' repeated, quick, jerking forward motion of his head-neck and torso (Please view the video for this, as a still image does not capture the dynamics). This is an analog of the over-contracted forehead muscles behavior described above. It's an epiphenomenon of the lack of his sincerity - for because he doesn't feel any of the emotions which he's professing with his words (a verbal-nonverbal disparity) - this excessive motion/over-compensatory behavior arises (somewhat similar to shouting when a person doesn't speak the same language).

Summary: Milo Yiannopoulos' nonverbal behavior in the video above indicates his "apology" was insincere.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3857: Taunting a Snowplow Driver - Belleville, Ontario

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3855: Mike Pence regarding Donald Trump and Michael Flynn at NATO Headquarters

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3853: Tom Hiddleston, a School Play and Eddie Redmayne

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3833: Samuel L. Jackson, Magic Johnson and a Yacht

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3735: Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Mean Tweets

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3700: George Clooney comments regarding the News of Brad Pitt's and Angelina Jolie's Divorce

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3664: Benjamin Netanyahu, Viktor Yanukovych and Vladimir Putin

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3843: 84 Lumber Super Bowl Ad - "The Entire Journey"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2922: Evacuating Yazidis from Iraq's Mount Sinjar - A Daughter's Anguish, Empathy and Mirror Neurons


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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3857: Taunting a Snowplow Driver - Belleville, Ontario - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Although the back story of this incident was not known at the time of this post, it's an outstanding example of facial changes indicative of crescendoing anger. 


























In the image immediately above, note the configuration of the snowplow driver's lips. Although they're not fully visible, we can see that they're thinned and stretched. This horizontal configuration is highly characteristic of anger.

His nostrils are also flaring - which indicates increased respiration, blood pressure and heart rate - all secondary to elevated adrenaline which accompanies anger.

Notice too, the left side of his jaw  - we can see that it's clenching.

With lower to moderate levels of anger, the eyelids partially close - with considerable tension of the lower eyelids. This is well exemplified in this moment.




























In this second image, his lips stretch even thinner - almost disappearing - indicative of growing anger. His jaw is thrust forward - known as a "Jaw Jut" - and is virtually always present just before a punch, slap or other act requiring physical strength.

His jaw clenching has also noticeably increased.

The nostril flaring has amplified.

Notice also that his eyelids - particularly his left eye - has opened wider. With high levels of anger (aka "rage") - the eyelids - which were instant earlier, partially closed, are now opening wider.




























In this last image, the man's anger is growing even greater - and he is initiating a violent physical act - a strike/slap/hit at his provoker.

His jaw is jutting even further forward as evidenced by the gap opening up between his lips.

In addition, his eyelids are opened even further (still greater on his left) - a classic signal of his anger and an elevated adrenaline state.

Take Home Point: Whenever you see a jaw jut - especially with a clenched fist and/or eyes open widely - protect yourself immediately. Oh, and don't hassle snowplow drivers...


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3856: "Belle" Clip - Beauty and the Beast

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3854: Donald Trump's Press Conference - "I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3852: Donald Trump's Impromptu Press Conference - Part II - "Are they friends of yours?"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3841: Tom Brady's and Roger Goodell's Handshake after Super Bowl LI

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3809: Horse Lays His Head On Coffin As He Mourns The Loss Of His Human Best Friend - Cross-Species Body Language & Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3767: Joseph Gordon-Levitt on playing Edward Snowden - but How Do Tom Hanks and Gemma Arterton feel? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3708: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump - Presidential Debates - Part IV - Hillary's Email Anxiety 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3620: Cristiano Ronaldo's Injury, UEFA Euro 2016 and Body Language

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Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3856: "Belle" Clip - Beauty and the Beast - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




In this latest trailer of Beauty and the Beast, Emma Watson who stars as the lead protagonist "Belle" - sings a song by the same name.


There goes the baker with his tray, like always,
The same old bread and rolls to sell,
Ev'ry morning just the same,
Since the morning that we came,
To this poor provincial town.

From the perspective of body language, in this moment (captured in the image above during the 0:10 as she sings "... always ..."), Watson's character Belle is projecting a particular impishly playful expression. When a suppressed mouth smile accompanies a unilateral, elevated eyebrow - it indicates and projects mischievousness and often flirtation.

A head tilt - elevated on the same side as the elevated eyebrow - acts to amplify this emotion message.

Whenever you see such a face, take heed - for your Emotional Intelligence should immediately tell you that this person is thinking-feeling in a "deliberately naughty" manner - and you can bet there's a clandestine plan in the works (although it's not always "Rated G").


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


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3855: Mike Pence regarding Donald Trump and Michael Flynn at NATO Headquarters

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3853: Tom Hiddleston, a School Play and Eddie Redmayne

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3851: Donald Trump's Impromptu Press Conference - "Russia is a Ruse"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3819: Turkey's Parliament, Presidential Powers and Constitutional Amendments

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3798: Elle Fanning, Channing Tatum and Dialing Up the Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3782: Zoey Deutch, Ryan Seacrest and Embarrassment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3760: Rory McIlroy's "Little Interviews"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3688: Vladimir Putin, Phone calls, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3835: Beauty and the Beast – Official Final Trailer


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3855: Mike Pence regarding Donald Trump and Michael Flynn at NATO Headquarters - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Earlier today, US Vice President, Mike Pence gave a very strong statement in support of NATO while visiting its headquarters in Brussels. As many have noted, this stance is very different compared with Donald Trump's calling NATO "Obsolete". Moreover when asked if NATO should be "gotten rid of?", Trump responded, "It’s possible. It’s possible. I would certainly look at it..."

What follows is a portion of the transcript from Vice President Pence's press conference at NATO Headquarters (corresponding to the first 44 seconds of the above video) as well as a nonverbal analysis.

Journalist: I wanted to you about the dismissal of General Flynn, ah, recently, um, did you feel like you were misled, or, by members of the Trump administration - or were you frustrated that you were left out of the loop on this situation? And What assurances have you received from President Trump that something like this will not happen again?

Mike Pence: Let me say, I'm, I am very grateful - for the close working relationship I have with - the President of the United States and [deep inhale] um, [more inhale] and um [inhale] and it, it, I - I, I would tell that - I, I was disappointed to learn [deep inhalation, head turn+tilt] that this, the, um, [deep inhalation] the facts that have been conveyed to me by General Flynn, ah, were inaccurate, um ... 

End of (Partial) Transcript, Nonverbal Analysis begins below:

Each description corresponds to the image immediately above it
























"Let me say, I'm, I am very grateful - for the close working relationship I have with - the President of the United States."

Just after he says, "... I'm ...," the VP begins to smile. It's not a full smile - it's suppressed. It's asymmetrical (a phenomenon very common with suppressed smiles) - and biased to his right. Importantly, it's also an insincere smile.



























Let me say, I'm, I am very grateful - for the close working relationship I have with - the President of the United States. 

This image was captured during the first syllable of "... grateful ..." Note that as Mr. Pence says this word he turns (rotates) his head away from the journalist asking the question - while maintaining eye contact. And he's still suppressing his insincere smile.

Turing our head away from the person with whom we're speaking when we're making such an important declaration indicates high anxiety and is consistent with deception.



























Let me say, I'm, I am very grateful [continued suppressed and insincere smile] for the close working relationship I have with - the President of the United States.

Smiling insincerely is something we all do - unfortunately, many of us much more compared with our frequency of smiling sincerely. Those who appear on camera often commit this nonverbal faux pas with even greater frequency - and most politicians even more so (they're always running for re-election). Yet, still a person should smile when the emotion is contextual - if it's not "normal for context" then it's a profound red flag.

The fact that the Vice President did not first answer the questions asked of him - and instead made a statement about being grateful for his close professional relationship with Donald Trump - and all the while trying to smile, but only pushing out an insincere one - is a highly suspicious cluster of verbal and nonverbal behavior.

While a classic "Duping Delight" smile is a partially suppressed, out of context smile - it is sincere. However if when we see a suppressed smile - and it's insincere, but also out of context - it shares some of the similar suspicion.

Summary: Vice President Pence's smiling out of context is feigned. Because this occurred when he was answering a question regarding a very important matter - the controversy regarding the circumstances which led to the firing of General Flynn - in which he played a central role - it strongly suggests a high level of insincerity with his answer-non answer. His simultaneous, frequent stuttering, multiple deep inhalations and head turning away during this same statement - are all congruent with and thus reinforcing the conclusion that Mike Pence was being deceptive.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3854: Donald Trump's Press Conference - "I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3852: Donald Trump's Impromptu Press Conference - Part II - "Are they friends of yours?"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3850: Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump and Michael Flynn - Press Conference

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3839: Andrew Garfield, Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling - Embarrassment, Protection, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3823: Nina Dobrev, Flyboarding, Laughter and a Rapport/Bonding Amplifier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3739: Hillary Clinton's Statement regarding FBI Probe

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3699: The Tulsa Police and the Shooting Death of Terence Crutcher

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3676: Colin Kaepernick Says He Be Sitting Down During the National Anthem


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Sunday, February 19, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3854: Donald Trump's Press Conference - "I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life" - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





During his press conference on Thursday, President Trump was asked about, "... an uptick in anti-Semitism and how the government is planning to take care of it ...". Mr. Trump's response was immediately one of the most controversial of the entire presser.

What follows is the transcript of that portion of the event, followed by a partial body language analysis of a crucial component.


DONALD TRUMP (continuing at 1:04:01 in the above video) :  Wait, let's see who's - I want to find a friendly reporter. You [inaudible] -

JAKE TURXRight here, I'm friendly

TRUMP:  Are you a friendly reporter?

TURX:  I'm friendly

TRUMP:  Watch how friendly he is. 

TURX:  I've been, I've been - I've been good to you -

TRUMP:  Now wait, wait - watch how friendly he is. Go ahead. 

TURX:  I've been good to you the entire campaign Mr. President. 

TRUMP: Go ahead.

TURX:  So - first of all, my name is Jake Turx, from Ami Magazine and I, despite what some of my colleagues may ah, have been reporting, I haven't seen anybody in my community, ah, accuse either yourself or any, ah, anyone on your staff of being anti-Semitic. Ah, we understand that you have Jewish grandchildren. You are their zayde ("Zadye" is a Yiddish, deeply affectionate term for “grandfather”).

TRUMP: Thank you.

TURX: However - what we are concerned about - and what we haven't really, ah, heard being addressed is an uptick in anti-Semitism and how the government is planning to take care of it. There's been a report out that 48, ah, ah - bomb threats have been made against Jewish centers all across the country in the last couple of weeks. There are people who are committing anti-Semitic acts, or threatening to -

DONALD TRUMP: [over-talking] You see, said - he was going to ask a very simple, easy question - and it's not. It's not. Not a f-, not a simple question, not a fair question. OK. Sit down. I, I understand the rest of your question.

So here's the story folks. Ah, number one, I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life. Number two - racism - the least racist person. 

In fact we did very well relative to other people running as a Republican. 

TURX: Inaudible

TRUMP: Quiet, quiet, quiet. See he lied about - he was going to get up and ask a very straight, simple question. So you know, it's welcome to the world of the media. But let me just tell you something, that, um - I hate the charge. I find it repulsive. I hate even the question because people that know me and you heard the prime minister, you heard, ah - Betanyahu [sic], [mispronounciation] yesterday, did you hear him? Bibi. He said, "I've known Donald Trump for a long time" and then he said - "forget it". See you should take that instead of having to get up and ask ah, a very insulting question like that.


End of (Partial) Transcript, Analysis begins below:

Each description corresponds to the image immediately above it
























1:04:14, Disgust display after Trump said, "Go ahead."



























1:04:15, Tight Tongue Jut indicating the thought-emotions of, "Disgust, Disdain and Repulsion".



























1:04:31, just prior to the "Tongue Exit" of a second "Tight Tongue Jut". Notice the tightening and forward protruding of the lips and adjacent tissue - as well as the retraction of the jaw and dimpling of the front of the chin.


























1:04:46, a hyperbolic Forward Lip Purse indicating disagreement and a plan of action (both are very often kept clandestine).


























1:04:49, Disgust + Anger


























1:04:50, yet another Tight Tongue Jut




























1:04:52 - 1:04:53, Tight Forward Lip Purse - a signal for clandestine disagreement/clandestine plan mixed with a secondary, lesser component of anger



























1:04:53 - 1:04:54, Contempt

























1:04:55, Looking away during contempt (or disgust or anger) amplifies the contempt (a "Contempt Amplifier").

























1:04:58, Palm down gestures - leads to lower audience recall - it's authoritative, dismissive and rapport destroying.


Summary: President Trump's rapid sequence of nonverbal displays are profoundly non-contextual relative to the question being asked.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3853: Tom Hiddleston, a School Play and Eddie Redmayne

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3851: Donald Trump's Impromptu Press Conference - "Russia is a Ruse"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3849: Donald Trump's and Justin Trudeau's Relative Confidence Levels During Yesterday's Press Conference

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3829: Mary Tyler Moore - Flirtatious, Sexy, Alpha Female Smile 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3794: Racist Rant at Jefferson Mall in Louisville

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3765: Conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald - See each other directly for the first time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3655: Rescue In Baton Rouge Floodwater

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3710: Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte Compares Himself With Hitler


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