Shades of October 1962 ... and things are moving quickly.
Earlier today, after a new report from US intelligence agencies said, they believe North Korea has now successfully produced a miniaturized nuclear warhead - such that it can fit inside its ICBMs - Donald Trump made the following declaration:
“North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen. He has been very threatening - ah, beyond a normal state - and as I said, they will be met with fire and fury and, frankly, power, the likes of which this world has never seen before.”
In response, Kim Jong-un is now threatening Guam.
What does Donald Trump's nonverbal behavior in this video tell us?
It's highly unusual for Mr. Trump to have his arms crossed - particularly in such a hand-covered and tighten fashion. It's even rarer for him to do so while he's speaking. Moreover, he's also sitting back, away from the table, against the support of his chair - which is also highly unusual for him. This cluster of behavior is highly beta and a form of self-hugging/self-comforting. It indicates a low level of emotional comfort and lower confidence.
And yet - the President's verbal statement, vocal qualities (paralanguage) and his facial nonverbal displays during this same time are quite extreme and very alpha in nature.
Summary: This is an excellent example of alpha-beta hybrid behavior. Part of President Trump's display is very alpha - while other portions are quite beta. He is trying to be what he considers presidential while weighing the very real ramifications of "fire and fury". This indicates that Donald Trump's threat is very real - and, because his statement was extemporaneous, it carries even more weight. He is strongly and seriously considering a preemptive strike against North Korea in the near future.
Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com
See also:
Body Language Analysis No. 4023: Mike Pence, The 2020 Presidential Race, and Anger
Body Language Analysis No. 4021: Stephen Miller's and Jim Acosta's exchange
Body Language Analysis No. 4019: John Kelly and Donald Trump in the Oval Office
Body Language Analysis No. 4017: Elisabeth Moss, Anthony Rizzo, and a Signal of Sincerity
Body Language Analysis No. 4002: Justin Trudeau Meets His Namesake
Body Language Analysis No. 3989: Peter Sagan Regarding his Disqualification from the Tour de France and Mark Cavendish's Crash
Body Language Analysis 3988: Kim Jong-un, ICBMs, False Joy, and Fake Laughter
Body Language Analysis No. 3965: Manspreading, Madrid, and a Business Faux Pas
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3872: "Fearless Girl" Statue in Manhattan's Financial District
_____________________________________________________________________________________