The above image was captured on 28 May 2024 just prior to the beginning of proceedings on the final day of Donald Trump's election interference trial.
The expression on Trump's face in this image is, surprisingly, relatively neutral, however ...
The expression on Trump's face in this image is, surprisingly, relatively neutral, however ...
... Trump's left-hand-over-his-right-fist configuration was a common behavior exhibited by him during the trial:
Trump is right-handed. Covering one's dominant hand, clenched in a fist – with the non-dominant hand is classic body language behavior indicative of trying to cover, sequester, and control one's temper.
Todd Blanche's fingers are interlaced – indicative of frustration, impatience, and sometimes anger. While it's important to not interpret body language in isolation, people often adopt this hand pose when they're trying to appear 'leaderly' and composed:
Todd Blanche's facial expression tells us much more. Note his eyelids are closed. This is a still image, so this could be simply coincidence (caught during a normal blink) but most likely it's not:
Closing one's eyelids frequently and/or for 'extended blinks' in this context indicates impatience, frustration, disbelief, and possibly anger.
Now look at Blanche's mid and lower face – it displays an amalgam of:
• Frustration **
• Impatience **
• Disbelief **
• Frustration **
• Impatience **
• Disbelief **
• Regret *****
In particular, note his mouth and cheek asymmetry – with more expression on Blanche's right side – 'hiding' on the side away from Trump.
Also note the 'bunching up' of the area above his upper lip, together with his flared nostrils, and moderately clenched jaw.
SUMMARY: This image of Todd Blanche shows a good nonverbal encapsulation of much of his overall experience as Donald Trump's attorney:
• Regret
• Regret
• Disbelief
• Frustration
• Impatience
Trump displays diminished impulse control – covering his right (dominant hand) fist with his left hand. A thin veil of restraint.
Inquiries regarding teaching (one-on-one or groups), keynotes, consulting, and press: Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com
Ω
