In light of today's news that Michael Cohen received at least $500,000 from a Russian Oligarch (Viktor Vekselberg, the chairman of asset manager Renova Group - who has close ties to Vladimir Putin), I've received multiple requests for a reposting of this previous analysis. It's classic and profound - and was originally published on 30 October 2017. Updated cross-references are included at the bottom of the page.
With criminal charges expected in just a few hours, many believe that Paul Manafort is high on the list to be one of those first named by Robert Mueller's team in their investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US Presidential election. The above interview of Paul Manafort was conducted on 27 July 2016 (above). At that time, Mr. Manafort was Donald Trump's campaign manager. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.
NORAH O'DONNELL (beginning at 1:58): So to be clear, Mr. Trump has no financial relationships with any Russian Oligarchs?
PAUL MANAFORT: Th-, that's what he said. I, I'd d-, that's what I sa-, that's - obviously what the, th, our position is.
Paul Manafort's verbal response alone is profound. "... that's - obviously what the, th, our position is". This is not, by any means, anywhere close to a denial. If he were confident and truthful he would say, "That's correct" or "No, he doesn't" or similar.
From a paralanguage perspective, his stuttering is also extreme. Mr. Manafort also confuses his pronouns - and interrupts his own sentences.
After he answers Ms. O'Donnell, Mr. Manafort displays a classic nonverbal tell (2:10). His lips grow very thin and take on a horizontal configuration. This is highly indicative of Anger.
Paul Manafort's jaw also clenches as well as juts forward. Both Jaw Clenching and Jaw Jutting are here indicative of an adrenaline surge associated with his Anger.
During 2:04, as he said, "Th-, that's what he said...", Mr. Manafort displays a shoulder shrug on his left side (e.g., this is one type of a Partial Emblematic Slip).
A shoulder shrug indicates:
• I don't know
• I don't care
• What does it matter?
• What difference does it make?
He also simultaneously closes his eyelids during this moment in an extended blink. This is blocking/distancing behavior - and a form of diminished eye contact. In this context it's indicative of deception.
As he says, "... that's - obviously what the, th, our position is...", President Trump's campaign manager (during that time), re-adjusts his position - in a textbook example of "Squirming in his Chair"/Butt Adjustment.
Manafort once again displays extended blinking along with gazing down and down-right (the quadrant/direction commonly associated with guilt, regret, and similar deep emotions)
Summary: Paul Manafort's multiple nonverbal signals indicate he believed that Donald Trump did indeed have financial relationships with Russian Oligarchs. Mr. Manafort's dramatic stuttering - and other paralanguage tells - along with his non-definitive/non-answer serve to drive even more nails in his proverbial coffin. This section of the interview is such a classic deception-detection nonverbal teaching example - that it will be shown for decades.
Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available
See also:
Body Language Analysis No. 4279: Rudy Giuliani regarding President Trump's alleged Sexual Relationship with Stormy Daniels
Body Language Analysis No. 4277: Donald Trump's First Person Shooter/Terrorist's POV Display at the NRA Convention
Body Language Analysis No. 4180 (REPOSTING): White House Press Briefing Re: President Trump's Physical - Dr. Ronny Jackson
Body Language Analysis No. 4269: Michael Cohen and the Joker Smile
Body Language Analysis No. 4254: Tony Robbins, Nanine McCool, and the #MeToo Movement
Body Language Analysis No. 4196: Trey Gowdy on "Face The Nation"
Body Language Analysis No. 4161: Vladimir Putin's Not-So-Poker Face
Body Language Analysis No. 4008: Veteran Who Survived Dunkirk Reacts to Film
Body Language Analysis No. 3937: Mr. Lavrov Goes To Washington - “Was he fired? You’re kidding!” - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and James Comey
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