Monday, March 20, 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3884: One Important Expression James Comey Displayed Often During His Testimony Before the House Intelligence Committee - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)




Today, FBI Director James Comey testified before the House Intelligence Committee. He verified that there is an ongoing investigation as to whether Donald Trump or any members of his associates or campaign staff - colluded with Russian officials to interfere with the US Presidential election. Moreover, Mr. Comey also rejected President Trump's recent allegations that President Obama ordered a wiretap on him or his staff.

From a nonverbal perspective, there were several expressions which Director Comey displayed often during his testimony - one of which is highlighted here. A partial nonverbal analysis follows the transcript of the above video.


JAMES COMEY (beginning during 0:00): "As you know, our practice is not to confirm the existence of ongoing investigations, especially those investigations that involve classified matters. But, in unusual circumstances, where it is in the public interest, it may be appropriate to do so - as Justice Department policies recognize. This is one of those circumstances [Lower Lip Retraction during 0:24].

I have been authorized by the Department of Justice to confirm - that the FBI, as part of our counterintelligence mission, is investigating the Russian government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election - and that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government - and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts. As with any counterintelligence investigation, this will also include an assessment of whether any crimes were committed.  

Because it is an open, ongoing investigation - and is classified, I cannot say more about what we are doing and whose conduct we are examining. [Lower Lip Retraction during 1:12] At the request of congressional leaders, we have taken the extraordinary step - in coordination with the Department of Justice - of briefing this Congress' leaders, including the leaders of this committee, [Lower Lip Retraction during 1:25] in a classified setting in detail about the investigation ..."


























Just after Director Comey says, "But, in unusual circumstances, where it is in the public interest, it may be appropriate to do so - as Justice Department policies recognize. This is one of those circumstances" - he displays a Lower Lip Retraction (during 0:24). This is shown in the image immediately above.



























Another Lower Lip Retraction (the subtlest of the three) is displayed during 1:12 (image immediately above), just after James Comey says, "Because it is an open, ongoing investigation - and is classified, I cannot say more about what we are doing and whose conduct we are examining. 



























A third Lower Lip Retraction is projected during 1:25, just after Mr. Comey says, "At the request of congressional leaders, we have taken the extraordinary step - in coordination with the Department of Justice - of briefing this Congress' leaders, including the leaders of this committee. Of the three examples, this is the easiest to see (The camera angle is not the most optimal here, so please take some time to watch the video and to appreciate the dynamics, brevity, and subtlety of this display).


A Lower Lip Retraction, as the name implies, is characterized by a pulling inward of the lower lip over the teeth (often with a coexisting jaw retraction) while the upper lip remains relatively unchanged. It's indicative of determination, a resolute emotional tone, and strong feelings of anticipatory success (and, although not applicable in this particular scenario, sometimes, depending on the other nonverbal signals with which it's clustered, the Lower Lip Retraction is even a signal anticipatory excitement).

Summary: James Comey feels very resolute, determined and anticipates strong feelings of success in the ongoing FBI investigations. This suggests a definitive outcome is, at this time, foreseen by the Director (rather than one characterized by "loose ends). In turn, this bodes ill for President Trump and/or his campaign staff.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3883: Donald Trump Greets Angela Merkel at The White House - The Handshakes and Mistakes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3881: Donald Trump Snubs Angela Merkel's Handshake in Oval Office

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3879: Donald Trump, Wiretapping, Adam Schiff & Russia - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3869: James Clapper regarding Alleged Wiretap of Trump

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3806: The Bachelor Nick Viall Awkwardly Reunites with Ex-Girlfriends Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe on Jimmy Kimmel

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3801: Marion Cotillard, Lip Syncing and Honest Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3759: Nicole Kidman's and Jimmy Fallon's Almost Date Redux


_____________________________________________________________________________________