Monday, July 31, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4016: Anthony Scaramucci - Faux Pas and Harbingers - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)





Ten days ago, Anthony Scaramucci was named as the new White House Communications Director. Earlier today, he was fired by President Trump, reportedly at the request of the new Chief of Staff, John Kelly.

The video above contains Mr. Scaramucci's first press conference on 21 July 2017. He begins speaking at 29:48:

"So I, I'm going to be very brief. I'm going to make my remarks informal and then I'll take, take questions from everybody. First off, I'd like to announce, ah, formally, that Sarah Huckabee, Sanders is going to be the Press -

Oh, you can't hear me? I'm sorry. Better?

Sarah Huckabee Sanders is going to be the Press Secretary - and, ah, so you can congratulate her after the, ah, session. You still can't hear me? No sound? Okay. 

Better? Better Now? Better Now? I'm going to start over. You guys heard me in the front though, right? What did, what did I say Sarah's going to be the Press Secretary right? Okay, so congratulations to you Sarah. Um, and so, I, I wanna make a, a couple of statements..."

























In the first 41 seconds of speaking, the new Communications Director gestured with his thumb - pointing and moving his arm pointing in a jerking motion directly backward - on four different occasions (simultaneous with his words printed above in red).

When used in reference to a person or group of people - particularly people who are present, this Backward, Thumb-Arm Jerking dynamic is a significantly negative gesture. It's dismissive, derogatory, and degrading. It's contemptuous. This body language very much says, "You belong in back of me", "You're inferior", "You don't belong here", "Get out of here", etc. In this setting, it's particularly out of context - for Anthony Scaramucci is fully aware that Sarah Huckabee Sanders was standing directly to his right.
 

























Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com



See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4015: Reince Priebus' First Post-Resignation Interview

Body Language Analysis No. 4012: Anthony Scaramucci's and Reince Priebus' First (and Last) Photo in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 4010: Lisa Murkowski Responds To Donald Trump's Criticism

Body Language Analysis No. 4008: Veteran Who Survived Dunkirk Reacts to Film

Body Language Analysis No. 4001: Jodie Whittaker, Dr. Who, and Flirting from a TARDIS

Body Language Analysis No. 3992: Angela Merkel's Eye Roll for Vladimir Putin's Mansplaining

Body Language Analysis No. 3983: Female Kurdish sniper fighting IS narrowly cheats death

Body Language Analysis No. 3958: Vladimir Putin interview with Megyn Kelly

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


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Sunday, July 30, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4015: Reince Priebus' First Post-Resignation Interview - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





The above video is an excerpt from Reince Priebus' first interview after his resignation on Thursday as the White House Chief of Staff. Mr. Priebus' body language signals are worthy of examining. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of a crucial portion of his exchange with CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

REINCE PRIEBUS (Beginning at 0:44): "...One other thing - I'm always going to be a Trump fan, I'm on 'Tream Trump', ahum, and, I look forward to helping him achieve, ah, his goals and his agenda for the American people."

WOLF BLITZER: "But why did you resign? I'm still, ah, I'm still trying to understand. I, I underst- stand that you told the President you wanted to resign, he accepted your resignation yesterday, but why? What were there a series of issues? Was there one thing that one thing that came up and se-,  and you decided, you know what, I no longer can do this?"
























Just after Reince Priebus says, "...One other thing - I'm always going to be a Trump fan, I'm on 'Tream Trump', ahum, and, I look forward to helping him achieve, ah, his goals and his agenda for the American people" - his nostrils momentarily flare (0:57).

Reince Priebus' stuttering and his mispronunciation of "Team Trump" as "Tream Trump", is a signal of his anxiety, low confidence, and low emotional comfort. Given the fact that he was essentially forced into resigning, his beta behavior is contextual and "leaks" out during this television interview.

Mr. Priebus' nostril flaring at the very end of his statement, signals a significant adrenaline surge and further signals the "leaking" of his true emotions. This is analogous to an over-boiling pot - momentarily pushing its lid off.
























As Wolf Blitzer says, "... I, I underst- stand that you told the President ...", Reince Priebus displays a "Tight Tongue Jut" coincident with an extended blink (1:02). Note this signal came just after Blitzer said, "But why did you resign?"

A tight tongue jut (not to be confused with a loose tongue jut) signals emotions of strong distaste, disdain, and being repulsed by a thought, an action, person, group of people, etc. This is a clear signal that Mr. Priebus did not at all want to resign.

If you've ever fed an infant creamed asparagus or any other food they didn't want - it's no coincidence that their tongue behaves in this exact same manner.
























During 1:03, simultaneous with Mr. Blitzer saying, "... that you told the President you wanted to resign ...", Mr. Priebus immediately segues into an "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR).

An inward lip roll is the psyche's attempt at both suppressing strong emotions from appearing on one's face as well as also preventing crescendoing internally.


























As Blitzer says, "... you wanted to resign, he accepted your resignation yesterday, but why?", Priebus displays a Hard Swallow (1:04) - which is a non-specific signal of anxiety.


Summary:

Although considered by many to not be a very effective White House Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus was forced into resigning - and it was not act of his free will. As with anyone else in a similar situation, and very much contradictory to his verbal statement - he very much resents this and has disdain for the person or persons who precipitated his leaving the West Wing.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4014: Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Donald Trump, and Healthcare

Body Language Analysis No. 4011: Anthony Scaramucci's First UK Interview

Body Language Analysis No. 4009: Donald Trump regarding Jeff Sessions - "Time Will Tell"

Body Language Analysis No. 4007: Donald Trump, Robert Mueller, and Anthony Scaramucci's First Press Conference

Body Language Analysis 3988: Kim Jong-un, ICBMs, False Joy, and Fake Laughter

Body Language Analysis No. 3976: Bill Conner bicycles 1,400 miles to hear his daughter's beating heart again

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3911: Simone Biles gets Pranked on "Ellen"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3885: Vogue's 73 Questions with Selena Gomez

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


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Saturday, July 29, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4014: Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Donald Trump, and Healthcare - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)






















The image above was taken on Tuesday, 25 July 2017 - only about two days prior to the failure of a Republican effort to pass the "Skinny Repeal" of Obamacare early Friday morning. The final vote was 51-49 against - with Republican Senators John McCain, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski - voting against their 49 Republican colleagues.






























In this close up of Senator Collins, sitting next to President Trump, she displays a considerable expression of Disgust. Notice the tension in her mid-face, particularly the contraction of the region between her nose and her upper lip. What's less noticeable from this angle is the significant flaring of her nostrils. The corners of her mouth are also angled slightly downward. In this moment Senator Collins is feeling, and expressing disgust.































In the wide angle photo, notice how Senator Murkowski is also sitting back - a good distance away from the table. Her hands are in her lap. With her torso, head, and neck - she is leaning away from Donald Trump.

The close-up image of Senator Murkowski reveals her inner (medial) eyebrows are vectored downward while her upper eyelids are opened slightly wider than baseline. There's tension in her lower eyelids and her nostrils are also flaring. There is a more than a tinge of anger here.

Unlike Senator Collins, however, Senator Murkowski is displaying a subtle Forward Lip Pursing (in distinction from Lateral Lip Pursing). While this expression is quite mild, it's a fantastic example of a "real world" scenario - for a forward lip purse is a signal of Clandestine Disagreement and/or a Clandestine Plan.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4012: Anthony Scaramucci's and Reince Priebus' First (and Last) Photo in the Oval Office 

Body Language Analysis No. 4010: Lisa Murkowski Responds To Donald Trump's Criticism 

Body Language Analysis No. 4008: Veteran Who Survived Dunkirk Reacts to Film 

Body Language Analysis No. 4006: Vladimir Putin and Melania Trump at the G20

Body Language Analysis No. 3965: Manspreading, Madrid, and a Business Faux Pas

Body Language Analysis No. 3975: Travis Kalanick and Sheryl Sandberg - and Uber's Need for Empathy, Sincerity, and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 3933: Sally Yates Testimony before Senate Judiciary Committee

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3908: Kim Jong-un's Mask of Insincerity

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


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Friday, July 28, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4012: Anthony Scaramucci's and Reince Priebus' First (and Last) Photo in the Oval Office - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence




















Reince Priebus resigned as the White House Chief of Staff this afternoon. John F. Kelly, who had previously the held position of Secretary of Homeland Security, has been named as his replacement. The image above was captured in the Oval Office on 25 July 2017 during Donald Trump's interview with journalists from the Wall Street Journal.

This scenario is reminiscent of a bar scene - or that of  an elementary school playground. Most notably, the two men are staring at each other. Both Priebus' and Scaramucci's central eyebrows are lowered. Their lips are thinned and horizontal. Each of their faces are expressing anger.






Note Scaramucci's stance. His heels are planted several inches closer than his shoulder's width. Yet his feet are angled outward - and this gives his overall foot position, and his lower body configuration, a higher alpha tone. Mr. Scaramucci also has more of his weight on his right leg - leaning toward Mr. Priebus.
























Reince Priebus is leaning on the back of the coach - with his shoulders slanted - leaning away from Scaramucci. This gives him a significantly less alpha (more beta) appearance. An additional subtle but important gesture here is Priebus' pointing of an orange sharpie at his nemesis. The act of pointing a pen/pencil/marker at another person serves as a surrogate for the more alpha (hyper alpha) index finger pointing (a nonverbal signal Scaramucci practices in abundance).








Another body language component in this moment, perhaps the most profound signal of all, is Anthony Scaramucci's hooking of his thumbs in the top of his belt/waist of his pants. Because of the other body language present, this "Thumbs Hooked in Belt" dynamic signals aggressiveness and a surging of his adrenaline. In many contexts, especially between two males, this particular nonverbal clustering of Mr. Scaramucci's would portend a high probability of an escalation from a verbal disagreement and aggressiveness - to that of physical aggressiveness/violence.

(In other contexts, and clustered with other facial expressions which are NOT present or suggested here, the "Thumbs Hooked in Belt" signal can often be a sign of sexual readiness/sexual assertiveness.)

A profound nonverbal signal in this image is each man's relative position to the President's desk - Mr. Scaramucci is much closer while Mr. Priebus' is significantly further away.

Summary: Reince Priebus is acquiescing his West Wing power while Anthony Scaramucci is very much asserting his dominance. This image captures a moment which is very much a visual metaphor for a classic Alpha-Beta dynamic.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4011: Anthony Scaramucci's First UK Interview

Body Language Analysis No. 4009: Donald Trump regarding Jeff Sessions - "Time Will Tell"

Body Language Analysis No. 4007: Donald Trump, Robert Mueller, and Anthony Scaramucci's First Press Conference

Body Language Analysis No. 4005: O.J. Simpson's Parole Board Hearing

Body Language Analysis No. 3989: Peter Sagan Regarding his Disqualification from the Tour de France and Mark Cavendish's Crash

Body Language Analysis No. 3983: Female Kurdish sniper fighting IS narrowly cheats death

Body Language Analysis No. 3978: Keanu Reeves, Chuck Spadina, Sincerity, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 3959: Vladimir Putin - Megyn Kelly Interview, Part II

Body Language Analysis No. 3944: Dwayne Johnson, The 2020 Presidential Election, and The Rock Dialing Up His Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2313: Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel - What Her Body Language Tells Us ....


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Body Language Analysis No. 4011: Anthony Scaramucci's First UK Interview - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Some say Anthony Scaramocci is simply acting under Donald Trump's instruction. Other's say that his personality has naturally become more Trump-like (by design) - or even perhaps it's his baseline personality. Which ever the reason, the new White House Communications Director needs a remedial course in body language.

The video above is Mr. Scaramocci's first interview with the BBC (with Journalist Emily Maitlis). There's a myriad of nonverbal tells in this eleven-minute video. The images below capture only those demonstrating the Communication Director's multiple personal space (intimate space) infractions.
 
























1:22 - It's offensive to direct a palm towards another person, particularly in such close quarters.























1:56 - Palm-down gestures - especially so close to another person is hyper-alpha signal and universally offensive.

Note also the near-full extension of Scaramucci's arm. The further the arm is extended (elbow, shoulder, and wrist) this amplifies to the overall alpha-tone of the hand gesture.























2:11 - On multiple occasions, Mr. Scaramucci uses an index finger point - which is offensive in every culture on the planet.
























2:38 - Another index finger point in intimate space. This has a wag-variation, which adds an element of a patronizing emotional tone.
























2:40 - This is an example of touching a person out of context and without permission. This does not build rapport - rather it destroys it.
























3:45 - More touching out of social context.
























4:32 - Palm-down gesture - hyper alpha and much too close.
























5:41 - More touching without permission. Emily Maitlis' mouth is configured in a thinned-lipped manner. Her nostrils are flared. She's angry - and she reflexively crosses her arms across her upper abdomen/lower chest.























5:59 - Repeated index finger pointing - universally offensive.

























6:11 - Another touch - this "feels" a bit less offensive because it involves two fingers and is vertical rather than palm-down.

























6:13 - Two seconds later, a repeat performance.





6:16 - This palm-finger forward gesture is hyper-aggressive, very offensive, and particularly discouraged when directed at a woman's breasts.
























7:08 - More Palm-down touching.
























7:33 - A double index-finger point is especially contemptuous. This is a tremendous rapport destroyer and an illustrator which is never recommended.

























7:34 - Mr. Scaramucci tells Emily Maitlis she is a bit of an elitist (with a very elitist gesture)

























8:11 - Right hand with an index finger point with the left hand in a tight fist. This is not how a gentleman behaves - and, crucially, it's indicative of a significant adrenaline surge. It's dramatically out of proportion to context - and is a profound warning sign.























8:14 - Ungentlemanly redux

























8:53 - Yet another palm down infraction
























9:02 - May I touch you? (No, you may not!)

























9:06 - More is better? (NOT!)























9:16 - Mum always told you not to point.
























9:37 - Especially not with both hands ...

























11:00 - Additional touching without permission (Ms. Maitlis' mid-back)







11:02 - One last index finger point in intimate space


Summary: Anthony Scaramucci's multiple violations of Emily Maitlis' personal and intimate space is certainly not diplomatic - nor is it consistent with even a rudimentary understanding of body language (particularly ironic given he is the White House Communications Director). This behavior is universally offensive, rapport destroying, and narcissistic.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4010: Lisa Murkowski Responds To Donald Trump's Criticism

Body Language Analysis 4008: Veteran Who Survived Dunkirk Reacts to Film

Body Language Analysis No. 4006: Vladimir Putin and Melania Trump at the G20

Body Language Analysis No. 4004: US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher asks NASA scientist about Civilizations on Mars

Body Language Analysis No. 4002: Justin Trudeau Meets His Namesake

Body Language Analysis No. 3985: Grief, Pain, and Barometers of Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 3979: Ivanka Trump, "I Try to Stay Out of Politics"

Body Language Analysis No. 3965: Manspreading, Madrid, and a Business Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3867: What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye? Emma Stone, Romance and Flirting - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence


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Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4010: Lisa Murkowski Responds To Donald Trump's Criticism - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





This morning, President Trump criticized Lisa Murkowski - a Republican Senator via a tweet














In the video above, Senator Murkowski responded to Trump's tactic (beginning at 0:26), "I am in, ahum, in a position where I'm not looking to a re-election until 2022. That's a long time away - and, quite honestly, I don't think it's, it's wise to be operating on a daily-basis thinking about what a statement, or, or ahum, a response, ah, that, that, causes you to be fearful of, of - of your electoral prospects. We're here to govern."

In the entire second half of her statement, beginning at 0:38, Senator Murkowski displays a "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" (aka "High Confidence Head Wiggle"). A Self-Righteous/High Confidence Head Wiggle (SRHW/HCHW) is a rapid, side-to-side shaking of the head and neck. An analog behavior can sometimes also be exhibited with the torso and/or jaw (with motions existing in isolation or superimposed with the more common head and neck oscillation).

Sometimes a SRHW/HCHW will be very evanescent (a microexpression or near-microexpression), but often times (as with this example) it can last much longer.

A Self-Righteous/High Confidence Head Wiggle is displayed during hyper-alpha moments of very high confidence when particularly strong opinions are being expressed. It's very much a type of nonverbal swagger

Please watch the video, as the SRHW/HCHW is a dynamic process, and is not able to be captured via a still image. 

Although not always present - in this example, the SRHW/HCHW is accompanied with an additional superimposed backward vectoring of the head and neck. This is seen when there are emotions of contempt, disgust, and/or disbelief are also present. This variation is seen beautifully, during 0:50, as Senator Murkowski says, "... fearful ..."

In other examples (not seen here), there may be an overlapping forward motion (with coexisting condescending emotions or arrogance).

Fascinatingly, the vocal pitch often temporarily grows higher during the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle. In this example, this phenomenon is heard during the same moment when the Senator from Alaska says, "... fearful ...". This is a fantastic example of congruity of body language and paralanguage.

Another detail in this exchange is Lisa Murkowski's two displays of Lip-smacking (during both 0:29 and 0:54). Lip smacking is also a signal of high confidence.

Summary: Senator Murkowski exhibits very high confidence with her response to President Trump's criticism of her. She's in disbelief at Donald Trump. She's not afraid nor intimidated by him.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com



























See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4009: Donald Trump regarding Jeff Sessions - "Time Will Tell"

Body Language Analysis No. 4007: Donald Trump, Robert Mueller, and Anthony Scaramucci's First Press Conference

Body Language Analysis No. 4005: O.J. Simpson's Parole Board Hearing

Body Language Analysis No. 4003: Donald Trump, "Let Obamacare Fail"

Body Language Analysis No. 4001: Jodie Whittaker, Dr. Who, and Flirting from a TARDIS

Body Language Analysis 3988: Kim Jong-un, ICBMs, False Joy, and Fake Laughter

Body Language Analysis No. 3978: Keanu Reeves, Chuck Spadina, Sincerity, and Empathy
 
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3929: Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3905: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, and Deep Joy


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Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Body Language Analysis No. 4009: Donald Trump regarding Jeff Sessions - "Time Will Tell" - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





Earlier today, during a press conference at the White House with Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, Donald Trump was asked several questions regarding Attorney General Jeff Sessions. One of these exchanges is included below, followed by an analysis of a particular nonverbal tell.

JOURNALIST (beginning at 0:00): "You spoke earlier today to the Wall Street Journal, we've all seen those comments, but I think everybody here probably is hoping, ah, that you could talk a little more about this. Ah, you have called your Attorney General, 'Beleaguered', you've criticized his decision to recuse himself on the Russia matters, ah - and, you're kind of catch phrase or motto before the White House was, 'You're fired', so, I'm wondering if you would talk to us a little bit about whether you've lost confidence in Jeff Sessions, w-whether you want him to resign on his own, ahum, whether you're prepared to fire him if he doesn't - and, and, why you're sorta letting him twist in the wind, rather than just making the call for him?"

DONALD TRUMP: "Well, I don't think I am doing that. But I am disappointed - in the Attorney General. Ah, he should not have recused himself, almost immediately after he took office, and if was going to recuse himself, he should have told me prior to taking office, and I would have quite simply picked somebody else. Ah, so I think that's a bad thing, not for the President, but for the Presidency. I think it's unfair to the Presidency. And, ah, that's the way I feel. Thank you."

Note that as the journalist says, "... you want him to resign on his own, ahum ..." (during 0:28 - 0:31), Donald Trump configures his lips in what is known as a "Forward Lip Purse" (be careful to not confuse this with a "Lateral Lip Purse").

A Forward Lip Purse is an extremely valuable nonverbal signal indicating a Clandestine Plan and/or a Clandestine Disagreement. This is a particularly fantastic example of this facial expression, for President Trump is very much not telling the public (and very probably his staff) whether he plans to fire Attorney General Sessions or is trying to force him to resign (or maybe another alternative).

Fascinatingly, the forward lip purse is only made by a person who perceives himself to be a relative alpha within the context of the interaction (e.g., in this example, Donald Trump is the alpha to relative Sessions', the journalist's - and the American public's relative beta status).

Moreover, when the forward lip purse is made, those who display it believe their plan of action has a high probability of success.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


























See also:

Body Language Analysis 4008: Veteran Who Survived Dunkirk Reacts to Film

Body Language Analysis No. 4006: Vladimir Putin and Melania Trump at the G2 

Body Language Analysis No. 4004: US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher asks NASA scientist about Civilizations on Mars 

Body Language Analysis No. 4002: Justin Trudeau Meets His Namesake

Body Language Analysis No. 3987: Chris Christie Denies His Day at The Beach

Body Language Analysis No. 3976: Bill Conner bicycles 1,400 miles to hear his daughter's beating heart again

Body Language Analysis No. 3960: James Comey, Critical Evaluation, and The Side-Eye

Body Language Analysis No. 3952: Emmanuel Macron's Handshake with Donald Trump at NATO Summit

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3873: Brie Larson's Eyes, The Bachelor, and the Edge of Consciousness

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


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