Body Language Analysis №4693: Brie Larson at Cannes Film Festival Press Conference (Video, Photos, and Analysis)

 

Last week, the Cannes Film Festival opened with “Jeanne du Barry” written, co-produced, and directed by Maïwenn — in which she also co-stars, playing the role of Jeanne du Barry alongside Johnny Depp as Louis XV.

Brie Larson won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and BAFTA Awards as Best Actress in 2015 for her portrayal of Joy “Ma” Newsome in “The Room”.

What follows is a nonverbal, verbal, and paralanguage analysis of Ms. Larson’s response to a particular question from a journalist at the Cannes Film Festival.

Note: I’m a strong advocate of #MeToo and #WomensRightsAreHumanRights.

This analysis is not a critique of Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, their relationship, their behavior, or the recent defamation lawsuit. 

In one of the pressers for the festival, Brie Larson was asked, “…As thee [sic] sort of outspoken and very vocal, um, ah, advocate for Times Up and Me Too, I’m curious how you feel about Johnny Depp’s film opening the festival and do you plan to see it?”

(It’s notable that the reporter referred to Jeanne du Barry as “Johnny Depp’s Film” [one his companies’ was a co-producer] — however, Maïwenn, not only played the title role [Jeanne du Barry] — but she wrote, directed, and co-produced it as well.)

*Please note: the analysis descriptions appear below their corresponding images*

 

At the 0:01 second mark, just as the journalist was saying, “…outspoken…”, Ms. Larson displays a Hard Swallow — a common anxiety tell. 

As he continued to ask his question, Ms. Larson nodded several times while she’s displaying a Social Smile.

As soon as “Times Up” and “Me Too” were spoken, her eyelids opened significantly — wider than baseline (indicating an adrenaline surge). 

Immediately after he says, “…Johnny Depp’s film opening …” (0:07), Ms. Larson’s smile disappears — the contour of her mouth opening is replaced with a horizontal configuration (anger).

Also, her head turns slightly away from the reporter (to her right), (disapproval and distancing herself from the question) with a mild increase in muscle tension in her midface (nostrils, area above upper lip), (anger) as well as a slight jaw jut (adrenaline surge).

After he says, “… and do you plan to see it?”, Ms. Larson looks up to her right.

Although it can sometimes be an unreliable indicator (use caution, for not everyone follows this pattern and norming their behavior is crucial), looking up to one’s right can indicate visualizing a future event or an unwitnessed past event (visually constructing).

In this context, immediately after she’s asked, “… and do you plan to see it?” (a future event), Ms. Larson does indeed look to this expected corresponding quadrant.

After Ms. Larson asks what may initially appear to be a clarification (“You’re asking *me* that?”), we note her eyebrows and upper eyelids significantly elevate.

When a question is asked rhetorically, sarcastically, or for purposes of time-stalling — eyebrows will elevate.

However, when a question is asked in a sincere context, the eyebrows will move downward.

After the reporter answers, “Yes”, Ms. Larson rotates her head to her right as she displays a momentary Fear response.

Her fear amplifies as she looks further to her right.

Then, very rapidly — Anger replaces her Fear. Note the momentary downward dynamic of Brie’s inner (medial) eyebrows, partial closing of her eyelids, and tension in her midface.

Next (0:15–0:17), although we can’t see it directly, it’s easy to infer Larson rubbing the tops (anterior surface) of both of her thighs with her hands as she says, “… know. I’m sorry, I don’t understand the …”,

As she then says, “or why me specifically”, Ms. Larson first pats, then for about 10 seconds, has prolonged contact her suprasternal notch/body of her sternum area with her right four fingers. This is one area commonly touched/self-massaged when we’re feeling anxiety.

On its long path, both the left and right vagus nerves courses through the neck. During moments of anxiety, (subconsciously) touching/massaging the neck and upper sternum (and branches of the Vagus nerve), we lower our heart rate and slow our respiration.

For this same reason we fiddle with necklaces, pull/loosen collars, and falsely adjust our neckties — when it’s not really needed. The real purpose is to diminish our anxiety by subconsciously lowering our pulse and respiration.

After she says, “… why me specifically?” (0:19) she displays a Loose Tongue Jut. This is deceptive. Ms. Larson DOES know why the journalist is asking her the question — but it doesn’t mean his question is contextual, proportional, or proper to the situation at hand.

Ms. Larson feels that the Journalist is manipulating her. She feels he’s trying to get her to wade into Johnny Depp’s and Amber Heard’s relationship (and to try to get her to endorse [and/or demonize] one over the other).

At 0:20, Brie Larson closes her eyes in an extended blink while she, again, displays another Hard Swallow (Swallowing will stimulate the production and release of saliva during a Dry Throat of Anxiety).

At the 0:28 mark, just as she removes her hand from her suprasternal notch/sternum — Ms. Larson displays a subtle, suppressed mouth smile — displaying a microexpression of Joy-Happiness — as she now knows how she’s going to answer his question to her advantage.

Did you notice the deep inhalation she also takes at this moment (also at 0:28 just as she smiles and immediately after she says, “understood”)?

Ms. Larson takes a much deeper breath at 0:33 (and opens her eyes very wide along with retracting her torso away from the reporter) just after the reporter says, “So I’m just curious …”

Please watch the video at regular and slower speeds as it’s impossible to catch this dynamic behavior in a still image.

This example highlights the classic Statement Analysis tell of, “I’m just curious…” — When a person says this, they’re virtually never “just curious” — they’re trying to maneuver you into a “gotcha” moment.

Just after this second, deeper inhalation (anxiety), Brie Larson looks away from the reporter (0:34) — visually and mentally/emotionally distancing herself from the reporter and his question.

As Brie Larson says (beginning at 0:36), “Um, well you’ll see I guess if I’ll see it …”, she again rubs the tops (anterior surface) of her thighs with both hands — repeating a display of this anxiety tell.

Her lip smacking during 0:36 (just before she says, “Um”) is one signal that Brie Larson is transitioning back to a higher confidence level.

During 0:38, after she says, “… um…”, Ms. Larson displays a mild feigned-pout/feigned-consideration expression (note her protruding lip and jaw with mildly flared nostrils) which telegraphs her strong feelings of dismissal.

As she gives the second part of her answer, “… and, um, I don’t know how I’ll feel about it if I do — yeah”, Ms. Larson displays an elevated Central (medial) Forehead Contraction (along with medial eyebrow elevation) together with a partial (insincere) mouth smile.

Simultaneously elevated CFC + partial Mouth Smile is an expression all human beings make (on occasion) when we’re feeling:

• Incredulity (Smug Incredulity)
• Contempt (one of several manifestations of contempt)
• Arrogance (one of multiple expressions of arrogance)

Brie Larson, in this particular example, was displaying high levels of Incredulity toward the reporter.

Everyone makes this expression from time to time (hopefully not too often) — but beware of anyone who displays this expression often (this Body Language Axiom is not applicable here since we see Ms. Larson exhibit this behavior only once).

Ms. Larson’s “Yeah” after a noticeable pause — as well as her rapid blinking (distancing herself/closing a metaphorical door on the query), and tight-mouth pseudo-smile all convey her feelings of pushback about attempted manipulation by being asked this question.

SUMMARY: In this video, Brie Larson is responding to a reporter whom she felt was trying to manipulate her into choosing sides between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.

We see Ms. Larson’s Body Language as she’s being caught off guard in a “gotcha” moment, displaying varying examples of anxiety, fear, some anger, incredulity, pushback, dismissal, and then reasserting her confidence.

nterested in Learning Body Language/Nonverbal Communication and Behavior Analysis in Group-Zoom sessions? We’ll be meeting the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month (90 minutes/session for 1 year, 36 hours total). One-on-One and Corporate group instruction are also available. Please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com for details.

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This post and others accompanying it, serve as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts.

Body Language Analysis №4690: Greg Abbott, Deception, and the Lip Curl (Photos)

 

A ‘Lip Curl’, when the lips flare/curl outward in disproportionate and melodramatic manner is a highly reliable indicator of the thought-emotions of:

• Hubris

• False Bravado

• Braggadocio

• Pretentiousness

• Righteous Indignation

• Deception

• Insincerity

• Agenda Driven (Manipulation is Present)

• This cannot be stressed enough: If a Lip Curl is displayed even with modest frequency, there’s a high likelihood of Machiavellian Personality (and very often, an accompanying Dark Triad or Dark Tetrad).

 

It’s a crucial tell, an out-of-context lip and mouth configuration — hyperbolic with respect to the word being spoken.

 

You’ve probably detected this subtle nonverbal behavior subconsciously (or at the edge of consciousness) but dismissed it.

 

It’s also commonly (but not always) accompanied by pseudo-accent sounding by word pronunciations — with an air of haughtiness (i.e., “Country Club Accent”).

In addition, there’s almost always a significant and simultaneous degree of jaw muscle tension/contraction present during a Lip Curl.

Interested in learning Body Language/Nonverbal Communication and Behavior Analysis in Group-Zoom sessions? We’ll be meeting the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (90 minutes/session for 1 year, 36 hours total). Please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com for details (one-on-one and private corporate group instruction also available).

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This post and others accompanying it, serve as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in the many varied contexts of personal and professional life.

Body Language Analysis №4689: Ron DeSantis' Faux Pas and Head Wobbles in Japan - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (Video, Photos, and Analysis)

What follows is a paralanguage, body language, and statement analysis of a portion (0:43–0:52) of the above video of Ron DeSantis’ response to a crucial question asked to him recently in Japan.

*The corresponding descriptions appear below each of the following images.*

After meeting with Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida on 24 April 2023 in Tokyo, Ron DeSantis was asked, “Governor, polls show you falling behind ah, T, Trump. Any thoughts on that?

DeSantis immediately looks away from the reporter with his eyes (with his head is still oriented in their direction) as soon as he hears the words, “falling behind” (0:44).

DeSantis then tilts his head/neck backward…

…followed immediately by a hard-swallow (his Adam’s Apple moves up just before he speaks) as he hears the word, “Trump” (0:45).

DeSantis does not have a prominent ‘Adam’s Apple’ (Laryngeal Prominence/Thyroid Cartilage) — so this is somewhat difficult to see on him.

Hard swallows are commonly displayed during moments of anxiety as this helps to stimulate saliva production (in an effort to alleviate the dry mouth of nervousness).

We can also see DeSantis fixate his gaze in the distance (probably on the far wall, above the faces of the audience) with his head/neck rotated more towards his center (relative to his torso).

People will very often refixate their gaze upon a distant/mid-distant inanimate object in order to suppress strong emotions (and the corresponding emotional displays). It’s helpful to think of this micro-behavior as a method of emotional re-centering.

Did you see the expression of Contempt on DeSantis’ face?

Note the prominence of his left nasolabial fold (the natural furrow all humans have that runs diagonally between the lateral aspect of the corner of each mouth to the sides of the nose).

There’s also a subtle tightening of the region above his left upper lip as well as mild flaring of his left nostril — all of these findings clustered are indicative of Contempt.

DeSantis then looks straight (relative to his torso and face) — again in the mid-distance again as he begins a high-frequency, low-amplitude lateral wobbling of his head/neck (note the tightening of his neck muscles). This is a classic Self-Righteous Head Wiggle (AKA a High-Confidence Head Wiggle).

We then hear two successive lip-smacks (the second of which was made by DeSantis as he prepares to answer). Lip smacking is also a sign of high confidence (0:46).

Unfortunately, the video then is edited (between 0:46 and 0:47) as the view switches to a close-up. In this brief interim (and immediately before his answer) we missed crucial nonverbal behavior tells.

After the camera goes to a close-up view, we can see DeSantis continuing and dramatically amplifying his self-Righteous Head Wiggle as says, “I’m not, I’m not a candidate so we’ll see if ah-, if and when that changes.”

The movement of Self-Righteous Head Wiggles are usually fairly rapid (high frequency) and of varying amplitude. Sometimes, it’s extremely short in duration (almost a microexpression) and at other times it lasts longer.

Because this is a dynamic display, please view the video, as the still images do not capture the motion and nuance of this nonverbal behavior.

The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle (SRHW) is typically displayed by individuals who are of relatively high-alpha personalities — but during moments of extra-high confidence (or arrogance) and when they’re expressing particularly strong opinions.

The SRHW can be thought of as a form of nonverbal swagger and often nonverbal arrogance/high confidence. Additionally, the SRHW will sometimes have a superimposed forward head and/or torso movement component when Arrogance and/or Condescension are simultaneous.

The first moment after the camera switches (0:47), DeSantis’ expression is extremely hyperbolic. It’s also profoundly telling that he first dramatizes his face — and holds this expression briefly before speaking.

This exaggerated facial expression of DeSantis actually lasted longer than we see in this video — for it was artificially truncated by the video edit.

Did you notice the sweat on DeSantis’ face, particularly above his upper lip?

Did you notice DeSantis’ mouth asymmetry?

Asymmetrical mouth configuration whilst speaking is an indication of deception, melodrama, braggadocio, and feigned machismo (commonly overlapping behaviors).

Post-match/game interviews of winning strikers, quarterbacks, point guards, etc. — (and politicians) are common scenarios to witness asymmetrical mouth configurations during speaking.

Intriguingly, many actors unknowingly adopt asymmetrical mouth displays while acting, for acting is a special form of lying — lying with consent of the audience.

DeSantis also raises up quickly TWICE on his toes — together with some hand/arm movement this gives the false appearance of a shoulder shrug (please watch the video as these are quick and impossible to discern with simple image capture).

We cannot see his toe-raising directly, as we’re only able to see the upper 20% of his body, but we can infer this based on the relative movements of his chest, shoulders, upper arms, neck, and head.

Elevating up on one’s toes is an indication of an adrenaline surge. This up-on-toe elevation is sometimes a manifestation of excitement and joy — but it’s also commonly seen accompanying anxiety and fear.

Another nonverbal cluster/combination that should jump out at you is Ron DeSantis’ eyes and forehead during his answer. Note while his eyelids are partially closed (versus his resting baseline) the entire width of his forehead is simultaneously contracted.

Thus the upper eyelid muscles are moving in opposite directions (down) versus the immediately adjacent forehead muscles (up). This configuration is highly consistent with deception and/or withheld information (a lie of omission).

Bizarrely, with the second portion of his answer, as he says, “…if ah-, if and when that changes”, DeSantis rotates most of his face, his torso, hips, and his left foot and to a lesser extent, his right foot to his left 90º.

This near full body turn-away and lack of eye contact are secondary manifestations of DeSantis’ extreme emotional discomfort with his lagging poll numbers and his chances for a possible, but of late, significantly diminished odds for a 2024 presidential candidacy.

This is extreme avoidance behavior — and given the nature of this question and his chosen answer, it’s a flashing red light with a blaring siren. It’s also another attempt of DeSantis trying to recenter and suppress his strong emotions.

Notice also, Ron DeSantis’ stuttering. DeSantis has no history of stuttering — so his repetition of “I’m not, I’m not” (“a candidate”) is profoundly telling. DeSantis goes on to say, “… if ah-, if and when that changes”.

Together with his look-away/turn-away these two rapidly stuttered, “I’m not”s — then two “if”s — are glaring alarm bells.

From a body language and statement analysis perspective, DeSantis’ answer screams.

SUMMARY: Based on his body language, paralanguage, and statement analysis of this short but crucial video segment, Ron DeSantis feels strong contempt toward Don Trump and has extreme anxiety about running against the former president.

Ron DeSantis is wavering. While his mind is not yet made-up, he’s strongly considering not entering the 2024 Presidential race.

I’m starting something new — Group Zoom sessions teaching Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. We’ll be meeting the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month (90 minutes/session for 1 year, 36 hours total). All those interested, please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

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This post and other accompanying it, serve as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts.

Body Language Analysis №4688: Ron DeSantis and Casey DeSantis meet with the Japanese Prime Minister — Ron’s Low Confidence and Casey’s Dominance

 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis met with Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida on 24 April 2023 in Tokyo. His wife, Casey DeSantis accompanied him. The above image shows the couple just after they had walked through a doorway and in view of some Press.

*The corresponding descriptions appear below each of the following images.*

Note that the couple were holding hands — and Casey DeSantis’ hand is positioned in front.

In about 96% of the time, when male-female couples are holding hands, the man’s hand is positioned front. There are several reasons for this gendered behavioral asymmetry.

Male shoulders are typically rotated slightly inward while female shoulders are usually rotated slightly outward. These anatomical tendencies lend themselves, fairly strongly, for the man’s hand to usually be placed in front.

So when we see a male-female couple holding hands with the woman’s hand in front we know there’s a strong behavioral override factor present — a behavior that outweighs the anatomic tendency for just the opposite.

If we look a second or two prior, we can see that Casey DeSantis initiated this hand holding.

Some men will view themselves as being a protector — thus putting themselves/their hands in front.

Some men will view themself as the dominant person in the relationship — and placing a hand or any body part in front of or on top of their partner is classic dominance behavior.

Overlapping with dominance are the motives of controlling and subordinating others. A hand on top is a method of direct control and subjugation of others (The euphemism, “Gaining an upper hand” is not simply a metaphor).

It’s crucial to point out that simply because a man’s hand is held in front, it does not automatically indicate that he’s the dominant person in the relationship or that he’s a “control freak”.

Moreover, hand holding can be (and usually is) an affection display. And affection is one of the deepest human needs.

However, because of the anatomical bias for a man’s hand to be in front, when we see the woman’s hand consistently in front, we can, with high confidence, know that she is the dominant of the two (which, of course, is independent of affection).

It’s also important to point out that Casey DeSantis’ hand is not always in front when the couple are holding hands. But lately, since Ron DeSantis’ favorability rating has been slipping, this pattern has predominated.

SUMMARY: Casey DeSantis’ hand-holding in front (particularly since she initiated the hand holding) is, with very high probability, an indication of her dominance as well as Ron DeSantis’ lowering confidence and increasing emotional discomfort as his poll numbers fall.

Hey followers, I’m starting something new — group Zoom sessions teaching Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. We’ll be meeting the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (90 minutes per session for 1 year, 36 hours total). All those interested, please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

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This post and other accompanying it, serve as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts.

Body Language Analysis №4685: Vladimir Putin meets with Chinese Defense Minister, Li Shangfu — Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (Photos)

 

Vladimir Putin met with Chinese Defense Minister, Li Shangfu in Moscow this on Sunday 16 April 2023. Li is China’s Minister of National Defense. New to the office, it was Li’s first trip to another country in this role.

The above image of the meeting between Putin and Li was released by the Kremlin (Photo credit: Pavel Bednyakov). Putin’s body language screams in this moment.

*The corresponding descriptions appear below each of the following images.*

 

Note Putin’s position in his chair while meeting with Li. His buttocks are resting almost halfway forward (relative to backrest, compared with the front edge of the seat). Moreover he’s also leaning 20º-25º forward.

Putin is usually slouching backward (a backward angle to his spine), with his buttocks slightly away from the back of the chair (pictured here with President Biden in 2021). This configuration (along with Putin’s default facial expression) convey aloofness and arrogance.

… or (less often) Putin is usually sitting with his buttocks and back touching the back of his chair (spine relatively vertical, seen where with Donald Trump in July 2018).

…but not on this occasion. When meeting with Li, the body language cluster displayed by Putin (buttocks forward *and* leaning forward), is relatively unusual for him. It’s a strong indication that Putin needs/wants something.

Now look at Putin’s feet. Both of his feet are tilted inward (excessively pronated) to such a degree that the lateral aspect (outer portion) of each foot is elevated off the floor. This is extremely unusual for Putin, particularly on home soil.

Hyper-pronate your own feet in a manner similar to Putin’s right now. What does this do to the relative position of your knees? It moves the knees closer together — as are Putin’s (along with the adjacent portions of the upper and lower legs).

In both of the other examples shown above (Putin with Biden and Trump, respectively), Putin is sitting with his legs splayed wide (colloquially known as “Manspreading” — signaling dominance/hyper-dominance and/or masculinity). But not with Li.

Close your eyes. What effect does Putin’s specific leg-knee-foot configuration (as he is doing while meeting with the Chinese Defense Minister) have on your emotional state? Answer: It makes people feel lower confidence, unsure, and anxious. Knock-kneed and elevated outer edges of the feet = beta.

This leg-knee-foot cluster is profoundly telling. It’s highly indicative of a person feeling subordinate emotions. That this particular nonverbal signal cluster is being displayed by Putin toward Li Shangfu — especially while in the Kremlin, is simply staggering.

Now look at Li Shangfu. He’s also sitting with his buttocks forward his chair — but he’s *not* leaning forward. Li’s back is straight. His eyes, head, shoulders, arms, chest, abdomen, hips, and legs are all pointing toward Putin.

Li’s body language is not hyper-alpha, nor is it projecting low confidence. Li is not acquiescing. Li is engaged and respectful in this moment. Li doesn’t need Putin (Russia). Putin needs Li (China).

Putin’s head, shoulders, arms, chest, abdomen, hips (and even his chair) are not pointing toward Li — rather they’re pointing straight ahead. Putin’s feet, however, while not fully directed toward Li, are partially turned to the Chinese Defense Minister.

Note that Li’s feet are flexed. He’s up on his toes, with his knees bent (legs flexed) approximately 40º backward, past the perpendicular.

Li is alert and engaged with mild anxiety (normal for context). Li is not hyper-confident or arrogant but also he’s not in a mental/emotional mindset of weakness. Li (China) doesn’t need Putin (Russia).

Note the position of Putin’s and Li’s eyes. We have a poor angle/view of Putin’s eyes, but because his head is facing forward (relative to his body, not directed at Li), it necessitates Putin’s eyes to gaze somewhat laterally in order to look at Li Shangfu.

Since Li is ‘full body pointing’ at Putin, Li’s eyes don’t have to turn laterally in order to look at the Russian President.

Putin’s centrally-placed right (dominant) hand on top of his left hand is another attempt at looking calm, controlled, and in-charge — however, it’s actually an analog form of an elevated fig-leaf (indicating his mental-emotional vulnerability and relative weakness).

Putin is trying to ‘play it cool’ *above the table*. He’s trying to not look too needy — but we can see by the configuration of his lower body (particularly his feet and knees) that Putin is quite anxious about the ramifications of this meeting. Putin is off his game.

Li’s body language, in this moment, is quite typical of what we would expect from an engaged, alert, mildly anxious, *but not needy* government official in discussions with a head-of-state in a foreign capital (normal, given the context).

Note also Li’s statement regarding the meeting: “China is willing to work with Russia to make new contributions to the maintenance of world and regional security and stability”.

The components of Li’s multiple paralanguage tells are also quite noteworthy, nebulous, placating statement, and its non-committal language:

• “willing to work with” — is anything but an enthusiastic commitment or full-partnership.

• “to make new contributions to” — is classic ambiguous language. Li’s language is hedging.

• “the maintenance of” — Translation: “China is not going to improve Russia’s military situation or add anything directly to the equation — we’ll just maintain our relationship/maintain our current status”.

• “regional” — China does not consider Ukraine to be in its “region”.

• “security and stability” — Starting the largest war in Europe since WWII doesn’t equate to “stability”. Depleting one’s military whilst provoking growth of NATO does not enhance Russia’s “security”.

SUMMARY: Putin’s body language in this image indicates his low confidence, subordinate mental-emotional tone, his unsureness, and anxiety. He’s asking and feeling vulnerable and beta while meeting with Li Shangfu.

That Putin felt this soup of emotions while meeting with the Chinese Minister of Defense is highly telling of his vulnerability. Moreover, this meeting is on Russian soil — in the Kremlin. Red lights flashing, sirens blaring.

Putin does not think-believe (and feels vulnerable) that China will not enhance, in any meaningful way, Russia’s military or (from Putin’s POV) positively influence Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Li Shangfu was not sent to Moscow to give Russia weapons — only to maintain the current China-Russia status-quo.

Are you/your company/your organization interested in learning Body Language and using it to improve your personal and/or professional life — via one-on-one lessons, in-person lectures, or online group Zoom teaching? Email me (Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com).

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This post and other accompanying it, serve as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts.