Idris Elba is by most all accounts, an excellent actor. But despite many accolades and awards, Idris, is of course, only human. During his recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, he experienced a very human moment - and displayed a classic nonverbal tell.
Just after Graham Norton says, "... a-, but we have to say, it was a-, your American accent has not always been - that good."
As Idris says, "Mm-hmm, mm-hmm", he sucks his cheeks inward (1:06). Often times this MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) involves biting the insides of one's cheeks with a mild-to-moderate degree of force. This cheek-biting indicates significant anxiety.
It's important to note that this dynamic of biting the inner cheeks has the effect of pursing the lips forward - but this is a secondary effect - and does not carry the same meaning of a primary forward lip purse. Be careful not to mistake the two expressions.
A second later, his central forehead is contracted and elevated (along with his inner eyebrows). Mr. Elba's central face has grown tense. His nostrils are flared. Simultaneous with his inner cheek biting, Idris' lips take on an additional slightly sad configuration.
Kate Winslet then displays a bilateral full palm-of-hand (full palmar) contact with her upper sternum/heart region as well as her lower sternum as she says, "My insides ...".
Her nonverbal signal indicates both elevated empathy and high sincerity.
As she finishes her sentence, "... are constricting for you right now", Ms. Winslet, also physically constricts her fists.
SUMMARY: Despite being outstanding actors, when Idris Elba and Kate Winslet are not in-character (and just being themselves), their body language gives us glimpses into their psyches.
Idris Elba was experiencing significant anxiety which elicited similar feelings in Kate Winslet. Ms. Winslet displays considerable empathy and sincerity toward Mr. Elba.
Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available
See also:
Body Language Analysis No. 4342: Alleged Jacksonville Shooter David Katz
Body Language Analysis No. 4341: Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, and Hush Money
Body Language Analysis No. 4339: Pre-Confession Interview of Murderer, Chris Watts
Body Language Analysis No. 4337: Donald Trump regarding Omarosa, "Lowlife. She's a lowlife"
Body Language Analysis No. 4335: Donald Trump Jr. Interview Six weeks after Trump Tower Meeting
Body Language Analysis No. 4309: The Little Girl in Red, "Tender Age" shelters, and Empathy
Body Language Analysis No. 4298: LeBron James Walks Out of Post Game Press Conference after Game One Loss
Body Language Analysis No. 4276: Waffle House Hero James Shaw Jr. Meets His NBA Idol Dwyane Wade
Body Language Analysis No. 4078: Toddler Steals Prince Harry's Popcorn
__________________________
