Body Language Analysis №4698: Donald Trump's Neck of Fear

 

 

After being arraigned and arrested on Federal charges this week, this image of Donald Trump during a subsequent golf outing not only gives us a peek into his psyche, but it also provides an excellent example of a particular body language behavior commonly displayed, but rarely described in the nonverbal literature:

The Neck of Fear.

 

At first glance of this photo, a body language novice might say that Donald Trump is displaying a fairly good ‘Social Smile’ — but they would be oh-so wrong.

We can’t see Trump’s forehead — and a relaxed (non-contracted) forehead is a requirement for a sincere smile. His eyelids are partially closed and he does have concave-up furrows in each of his lower eyelids (another requirement for a sincere smile) — however …

 

…When we examine the configuration of his mouth and the area around his mouth, we see elements of insincerity, disgust, and indeed, fear. The corners of Trump’s mouth are stretched primarily laterally, not upwards (as we would expect, had his smile been sincere). 

 

This more lateral (vs upward) pull of mouth corners, not only indicates insincerity — it’s also consistent w/ the emotion of Fear (note accompanying semi-circular furrows of cheeks indicative of laterally-pulled mouth corners, not present w/ true smiles of joy-happiness). 

 

The lateral vectoring of the corners of his mouth is underscored by the evanescent horizontal lines in Trump’s ‘mustache region’ (the tissue above his upper lip and below his nose).

The tightening of the tissue in Trump’s mustache region along with the nearly-always simultaneous nostril-flaring gives this pseudo-smile an element of disgust — thus, these dynamic facial characteristics are collectively sometimes referred to as a ‘Disgust Smile’ — which is a surprisingly common variation of a social smile. This is a default smile (pseudo-smile) for many people.

Let’s look further…

Trump’s jaw is jutting outward (extended forward). A jaw jut is another dead-giveaway that a smile is being feigned and that there are important underlying emotions present (emotions which are contradictory to joy-happiness). During sincere smiles, the jaw is retracted.

A Jaw Jut is a sign of heightened adrenaline. Trump is in the middle of a round of golf, and while this activity does take some physical effort, we’d perhaps expect to see a jaw-jut in the midst of a club-swing — not whilst posing for a picture. Let’s dig further…

If we look at Trump’s neck we can see two sets of muscle contractions at work:

• The tenting-up of the skin of the neck (indicating a contraction of the Platysma muscle)

• The ‘rope-like’ appearances indicating simultaneous contraction of the sternocleidomastoids.

Try replicating this neck appearance on yourself right now. The Platysma muscle (superficial anterior aspect of the neck) lies just beneath the skin (it’s very thin and flat) — and tightening it will give this tented (‘bowstring’) appearance to the neck.

(The platysma muscle also extends above the jaw-line to the lower portions of the face and outward/downward to the deltoids and the upper portions of the pectoralis major muscles).

Tightening one’s sternocleidomastoids will give rise to the neck having a component of a rope-like appearance — also seen in this photo of Trump.

 

When they do contract, it’s common that both the sternocleidomastoids and the platysma muscles will contract together, however, you may notice the effect of one of these being more prominent at any particular time. We see both of these effects in this image of Trump.

It’s very common that during microexpressions/near-microexpressions of fear, we see very brief contractions of these neck muscles (in such evanescent scenarios, these events more typically involve the Platysma muscle and not the sternocleidomastoids).

*Thus, if we’re observant, during moments of fear, we’ll often see the highly-characteristic and extremely-brief tenting-up of the platysma neck muscles — without any signs of fear on the face.*

Although it’s impossible to see w/out an accompanying video, due to the magnitude of Trump’s contraction of both his platysma & sternocleidomastoids, this dynamic probably was of significantly longer duration — an indirect but reliable signal of a deeper level of fear.

A Jaw Jut + Laterally Vectored mouth corners + teeth displayed + a Neck of Fear may cause you to ask, “Is Trump in pain?” and/or “Is this a ‘grimace’ expression?” And that would be an astute question — however, in this example, Trump is not in pain. Here’s why…

If this were an expression of pain, Trump would be:

• Displaying lower teeth also
• He would not be displaying concave-up furrows in his lower eyelids
• Additionally (but not required here) if we could see his forehead, we’d see an Elevated Central Forehead Contraction

So an important take-home point here is that a “Neck of Fear” configuration can also be “Neck of Pain” display — and this is always an important though-emotion to consider, however, it’s just not the case in this moment with Trump.

 

Now look at Trump’s “Thumbs-up” gesture (illustrator). Note his thumb is hyper-extended (bent backward) in the middle (at the interphalangeal joint).

Only the distal portion of his thumb is directed upward — while the remainder of the thumb (second/distal phalanx) ‘wants to stay down’/unextended.

This is a reliable sign that the conscious component of this behavior (the second/distal phalanx pointing upward) is in disagreement with the subconscious component (the first/ proximal phalanx staying unextended) of the thumb.

This subtle, yet classic thumb-contradictory signal (commonly seen displayed by politicians) is a quintessential manifestation of cognitive-emotional dissonance. Trump displays this behavior often.

A True/sincere thumbs-up signal is a classic display of optimism. In this example (a feigned thumbs-up), it appears simultaneously with a feigned smile (a fear-disgust pseudo-smile). Both body language behaviors are manifestations of deceptive thought-emotions.

 

Moreover, notice how low Trump is holding his forearm. His elbow is flexed enough only to elevate his hand to the level of his waist — nor is his forearm raised to a level parallel with the ground (his forearm is angled toward the ground).

If Trump had been enthusiastic (and sincere) regarding a ‘Thumbs-up’ sentiment, his forearm would not be directed down — rather, it would be pointed upward (at a positive slope, relative to the ground).

Indeed, the higher the Thumbs-up gesture is held (relative to one’s body), the greater the tendency for the facial expression in that same moment to be in agreement with sincere optimism and joy-happiness. In this example, neither nonverbal behaviors are sincere.

Just as a person can tell lies with their words, they can try to tell lies with their body language too (which may be conscious or subconscious displays). Such nonverbal deceptions are ubiquitous. 

Recognizing the difference between sincere behavior and feigned behavior is crucial (whether it’s nonverbal, verbal, or paralanguage) in avoiding criminal behavior, manipulation, deception, financial loss, heartache, abuse, or worse.

 

As a separate observation, Trump either has some food in his ‘teeth’, or, it’s more likely that he is using a new/different oral prosthesis (or he uses a different oral prosthetic device when he’s golfing).

SUMMARY: Donald Trump’s display of a classic ‘Neck of Fear’ is a reliable barometer of his mental-emotional state after his first Federal Criminal arrest and arraignment this week. Trump’s mouth also displayed fear (along with a component of disgust).

Moreover, Trump’s thumbs-up gesture contains signals of cognitive-emotional dissonance — AND any true thumb’s-up display is contradictory to (and in dissonance with) a feigned smile (said another way, both behaviors [the ‘smile’ and the ‘thumbs-up’] are deceptive here).

Interested in Learning Body Language & Behavior Analysis in Group-Zoom sessions? Choose either of two diff. sessions (2nd & 4th Tuesday or Thursdays) each month (90 minutes/session for 1 year, 36 hours total).

Please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com for details.

One-on-one and corporate group teaching scenarios are 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 many different contexts.

Body Language Analysis №4695: Ron DeSantis Unusual Repetitive Jaw Movement (Video, Photos, and Analyses)

 

This past week, Ron DeSantis embarked on his first out-of-state trip after formally announcing his candidacy for President — including stops in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.

What follows is a partial Body language, Paralanguage, and Statement analysis of Ron DeSantis during an interview in New Hampshire on Thursday, 1 June 2023.

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

 

 

Note that at the 0:03 mark, DeSantis hard-swallows. Although his Adam’s apple [thyroid cartilage] is less prominent than most men, we can clearly see it moving up and down.

Hard Swallowing is an extremely common anxiety tell. More specifically, it’s a sign of a dry mouth/throat — and thus, an indicator of potential anxiety. Deep swallowing stimulates the production of saliva.

 

 

A second Hard-Swallow is displayed during 0:18.

Note DeSantis begins this first answer with, “You know, it’s interesting …”. We all know the dictionary definition of “interesting”, yet here’s an extremely common context where its meaning is highly sarcastic, accusatory, and aggressive.

 

 

Note also, DeSantis is holding his hands (fingers intertwined) in front of his groin area. This behavior is a variation of what is known as a Fig Leaf (aka Genital Guarding).

Fig Leaf/Genital Guarding is a very common body language manifestation of emotional discomfort, low confidence, and feelings of intimidation. DeSantis displays this body language far more than most Governors or Presidential Candidates.

 

 

Fig Leaf/Genital Guarding is also seen during moments of respect and/or deference for a political, powerful, or religious superior (i.e., VP meeting with/standing next to their President [political or corporate] — or when meeting with the Pope).

 

Fig Leaf/Genital Guarding is also commonly displayed during some religious and other formal/respectful ceremonies (i.e. Weddings, Funerals, visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, etc.).

 

 At the beginning of the above video (0:04–0:18), DeSantis repeatedly moves his jaw back and forth (laterally). There’s also an occasional less prominent but noticeable forward motion component. Please watch the video, as this is impossible to see the dynamics in images.

 

…And during another video (same interview, immediately above), DeSantis exhibits this same Jaw movement behavior (0:00–0:14):

 

 

…And yet another clip (same interview, immediately above) of this identical Jaw movement is seen (0:03–0:09, 0:54–0:57) in this video segment.

Note each of these above three highlighted segments clearly show this jaw movement when DeSantis is not speaking (at rest). However, in order to accurately discern if this behavior also occurs whilst he’s speaking — a direct, forward facing camera view is required. 276

Said another way, this same noted jaw movement is easily camouflaged (and probably also present) when superimposed with other body language and, of course, together with normal speech — if the proper (forward) camera angle is not viewed.

*It’s profoundly important to note that the degree of repetitiveness of the particular jaw movement demonstrated in these examples is NOT routine body language behavior.*

With extremely high likelihood, the cause of this jaw movement is a secondary manifestation of a specific and discernible medical condition.

Tardive dyskinesia is a possible etiology of this jaw movement, but this would be a highly atypical presentation for TD — and thus it’s extremely unlikely the cause for this specific repetitive movement.

A less remote possible cause for this repetitive jaw movement is Tourette’s syndrome or another, similar tic/tic-like condition.

Tourette’s Syndrome and other Tic-like conditions can be exacerbated by anxiety, depression, tiredness, or even excitement.

(It’s crucial to rule out various medical causes of tic-associated conditions — such as Huntington’s Disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Wilson’s Disease, Hypothyroidism, Head Trauma, Poisons, Drugs, etc. [this is not a complete list])

Ron DeSantis has *no known* history of any of the above conditions.

 

 

Note DeSantis’ Elevated Central Forehead Contraction simultaneous with a partial/subtle Mouth Smile (i.e. during 0:36).

Everyone (but hopefully not too often) displays this facial expression *on occasion* during times of:

• Arrogance 
• Contempt
• Incredulity (specifically, Smug Incredulity)

§ Note each of these emotions may be manifested using other body language/facial expressions.

However, those who display this combination of expressions *frequently or during crucial moments* — have an extremely high correlation with Sociopathy or Psychopathy (collectively referred to as Antisocial Personality Disorder).

 

 

DeSantis displays this Elevated Central Forehead Contraction with a simultaneous Mouth Smile Expression multiple times during this interview — i.e., again during 1:20.

When DeSantis was asked (1:14), “Do you want Florida — or do you believe Florida is welcome [sic] to the LGBT community?” — He answered, “Have you ever been to places in South Florida?”

Note that DeSantis did NOT answer the question that was asked — instead, he spun his answer into yet another attack on Disney.

Moreover, notice his qualifier, “*South* Florida” — implying that *he thinks* perhaps that Miami is accepting of the LGBTQ community — but the rest of Florida is not.

 

 

During 0:54, we see an example of an Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression (R2E2).

Once again, everyone makes this expression from time-to-time, but hopefully not too often.

A Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression may have a split second duration (ergo, a microexpression) but it can last a good bit longer (several seconds).

The R2E2 is expression indicating that the person is trying to Rationalize something, trying to gain your Rapport, and/or trying to gain your Empathy (it’s crucial to note that it’s not an indication that they’re empathic — only that they’re trying to gain YOUR empathy.

Nonverbal novices will often confuse the R2E2 with that of disgust or contempt — however, the expression-scenarios have very different meanings (Do you know how these emotions and facial manifestations differ?).

When a person displays an R2E2 *frequently*, always ask yourself the following questions:

What was their primary emotion as they spoke?
• What, specifically, are they trying to convince me of?
• Why are they trying to Gain my Rapport?
• What are my gut feelings of their motive(s)?
• Do they truly believe what they, themselves, are saying?
• How do I feel about their overall level of sincerity? (What’s their Sincerity Quotient?)
• Are they feigning a weakness?
• If so, what is it?
• Are they trying to Gain my Empathy?
• Why?
• If so, what is it?
• Are they trying to Gain my Empathy?
• Why?

The vast majority of the time, those who make the R2E2 expression are trying to rationalize — to convince themselves of something — AND, more importantly, they’re also trying to recruit you/convince you to be a Co-Rationalizer via the manipulation of your Empathy.

 

 

Did you notice DeSantis’ facial sweating? Could he be ill? Possibly. The lights could be hot or the room temperature could be elevated — but probably not. This is most likely secondary to his anxiety or other causes (1:12).

 

 

At multiple times, DeSantis displayed an Index Finger (forefinger) Point (1:20–22, 1:25–27, and to a lesser degree at 0:20–0:21).

Index Finger Pointing is extremely negatively received across all cultures around the World. With rare exception, it’s a rapport destroyer.

SUMMARY: On multiple occasions during this interview, Governor Ron DeSantis displayed a highly repetitive Lateral Jaw Movement with a secondary and less pronounced forward vectoring (jaw jutting) component.

The degree of repetitiveness of this particular jaw movement demonstrated in these examples is NOT routine body language behavior. With extremely high likelihood, the cause of this jaw movement is a secondary manifestation of a specific and diagnosable medical condition.

More specifically (after other medical conditions are ruled out), with considerably high likelihood, Ron DeSantis’ repetitive jaw movement is most probably secondary to effect of drug(s) — specifically, a stimulant (i.e., cocaine), colloquially, known as ‘Cocaine Jaw’.

All those familiar with stimulant abuse who would recognize ‘Cocaine Jaw’ are encouraged to comment.

Interested in learning Body Language/Nonverbal Communication & Behavior Analysis in Group-Zoom sessions? Want to learn how to identify a Sociopath, a Psychopath, or other Manipulative Behaviors? We’ll be meeting the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month (90 minutes/session for 1 year, 36 hours total). Please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com for details.

Ω

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 №4694: Ron DeSantis asks Reporter, "Are you Blind?!" (Video, Photos, and Analysis)

 

This morning while in Laconia, New Hampshire, Ron DeSantis was asked, “Governor, how come you’re not taking questions from voters?”

What follows is a Body Language, Paralanguage, and Statement Analysis of his response.

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

DeSantis responds, “People talkin [sic] coming up to me talking to me. What are you talkin’ bout? I’m out here [inaudible] with people. Are you, are you blind?!” The reporter says, “What?” DeSantis again asks, “Are you blind?” — The reporter answers, “I’m not blind.” 

DeSantis then says, “Okay, so people are coming up to me and talkin’ to me whatever they want to talk to me about.”

 

During 0:19, as DeSantis says, “I’m out here [inaudible] with people”, the candidate displays a Lip Curl.

A Lip Curl is a description given to the evanescent dynamic of the lips curling/flaring outward in a disproportionate and melodramatic manner relative to normal lip configuration necessary for the pronunciation of the word being spoken.

A Lip Curl is a highly reliable indicator of the thought-emotions of:

• Braggadocio
• False Bravado
• Righteous Indignation
• Pretentiousness
• Deception
  
  

DeSantis then asks (the first time), “Are you Blind?!” Note as he says, “Blind”, his head oscillates back and forth (side-to-side) as well as moving forward. This is an example of a “Self-Righteous Head Wiggle” (SRHW).

A Self-Righteous Head Wiggle is fairly rapid (high frequency) and of varying amplitude movement of head from side-to-side. While it’s often extremely short in duration (a microexpression or near-microexpression, as we see here) and at other times it lasts longer.

Please watch the video several times (even at slower speeds) as an image does not capture the motion and nuance of this dynamic nonverbal behavior.

The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle is typically displayed by individuals who are of relatively high-alpha personalities — but also by others during extra-high confidence moments and when people are expressing particularly strong opinions.

Additionally, the SRHW will sometimes have a *superimposed forward movement component* when Arrogance and/or Condescension are simultaneous (as DeSantis emotes in this, and even more so during his reiteration of the question).

When, instead, an *overlying Backward motion/pulling away dynamic* is displayed (not seen here), there are feelings of Disgust, Contempt, and/or feigned-disbelief/disbelief is being felt.

Another common feature of the SRHW is a temporary increase in pitch (vocal frequency), volume, as well as speaking speed (i.e., words per second). Note each time DeSantis says, “Blind”, his pitch increases. 

This paralanguage/verbal elevated pitch-change is virtually always simultaneous with the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle.

There’s often a similar side-to-side motion of the torso (as is seen to a mild degree in this example) — and sometimes even with the jaw (not seen here).

Prolonged eyelid closure (not seen here), although not a necessary component of the SRHW, when seen simultaneously, is an amplifier of self-righteousness, disgust, and/or contempt.

The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle is one form of nonverbal hyper-swagger and nonverbal arrogance.

 

Immediately after the first time he asks, “Are you blind?!”, DeSantis displays a Loose Tongue Jut.

A Loose Tongue Jut is an indication of the thought-emotions of:

• “I’ve just said/about to say something stupid”

• “I’ve just/about to mess up”

• “I’ve been/about to be caught”

• “I’ve just lied/about to lie”

Take care not to confuse a Loose Tongue Jut, with a Tight Tongue Jut, or a Wide-Open Tongue Jut — as these three nonverbal behavior signals have completely different meanings.

 

The second time he says, “Are you blind?!”, DeSantis’ Torso jerks his torso even closer toward the reporter (compared with the first iteration), but without a side-to-side motion component.

This forward-thrusting of the torso, particularly from a person in power, is especially arrogant and aggressive. It’s often a component of an invasion of personal space (intimate space) and will feel this way even when the person may be technically outside this space.

 

When used in reference to a person or group of people — particularly people who are present, DeSantis’ backward, Thumb-Arm Jerking dynamic (seen during 0:23, also with a pen in his hand) is a significantly negative gesture.

This is a form of pointing — and although it’s less offensive than the universally highly-offensive index finger (forefinger) pointing, it’s still quite dismissive, derogatory, degrading, arrogant, and contemptuous.

It’s a body language dynamic that very much says, “You (they) belong in back of me”, “You’re (they’re) inferior to me”, “You (they) don’t belong here”, “Get out of here”, etc.

Note DeSantis did not answer the reporter’s question. Talking with voters is not equivalent to answering their questions. This is a classic technique used in the context of deception — appearing to answer a question, but not actually answering the question.

Moreover, bullies, chronic liars, and manipulators (considerable Venn diagram overlapping) will often shout rhetorical, accusatory, and intimidating questions at the person asking the question — getting them to back down. Does this behavior look familiar?

 

SUMMARY: In this short video, Ron DeSantis displays multiple signals of Deception. In addition, he displays Arrogance, Contempt, Manipulation, Bullying, and Self-righteousness. His behavior is highly consistent with Impulse Control Disorder and Low Self-Esteem.

Interested 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). Please email me at Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com for details.

Ω

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 №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

Ω

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 №4681: Ron DeSantis and Disney — Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Thursday 30 March 2023, Ron DeSantis made an appearance in Smyrna, Georgia. Like many politicians, this is touted as a ‘book tour’ but it’s an obvious, thinly-disguised campaign event ahead of his announcement for a presidential bid.

What follows is a highlight of some crucial Body Language, Paralanguage, and Statement analyses of Ron DeSantis during this appearance.

The corresponding descriptions appear below each of the following images.

From 0:00 to 0:06 DeSantis displays a Pseudo-Prayer Hand Chop.

A Pseudo-Prayer Hand Chop is a hyper-alpha display. Its users view themselves in a position of power and authority.

Of course, like all body language behaviors, this display can be used in an overtly religious context (i.e., by clergy, etc.).

Although in the vast majority of times, the Pseudo-Prayer Hand Chop is used outside a directly religious context, those displaying this gesture view themselves as being morally correct.

So while it’s often not directly religious, this nonverbal behavior *is* overtly “preachy”.

Those using the Pseudo-Prayer Hand Chop are not interested in your opinion (although they may very well pretend to be) — they’ve made up their mind and there’s virtually zero chance of you changing their mind.

The Pseudo-Prayer Hand Chop is a strongly ego-driven behavior. It’s particularly common in those with manipulative personalities, narcissists, sociopaths and psychopaths (APD).

DeSantis also moved his hands from his right to his left in a sweeping motion. Although not a required component of the Pseudo-Prayer Hand Chop, this sweeping motion acts as a thought-emotion amplifier.

The Pseudo-Prayer may also be used without the Hand-Chopping dynamic.

It’s important to separate the Pseudo-Prayer and the Pseudo-Prayer Hand Chop from an actual prayer used in a religious context.

Note DeSantis’s simultaneous verbal language: “First of all, I don’t know that it’s the appropriate use of shareholder’s resources …”. This statement is passive-aggressive.

DeSantis is very much in disagreement with Disney on this (and other issues). He’s playing coy with the audience because he thinks it makes him look witty and self-righteous.

The adjective “appropriate” pretends to be an objective descriptor — but it’s highly subjective. Of course, it’s okay to be subjective — but subjective behavior is often disguised as objective information by the self-righteous and in order to manipulate.

Note DeSantis’s language as he says (beginning at 0:11), “… ah, but you don’t have a right to force my citizens to subsidize that.” His use of the first person singular possessive pronoun, “my” is particularly telling.

People who reside in Florida are citizens of the United States and citizens of Florida — they’re not citizens who belong to DeSantis. This isn’t a semantic error, it’s an indication of DeSantis’s ego-driven worldview.

A few seconds later, as DeSantis says, “… and the fact is …” (0:15–0:16) he first elevates up on his toes and then rapidly drops back onto his heels.

Although we can’t see his feet directly, this dynamic is easily inferred through observations of his head, neck, and shoulders.

Please watch this evanescent toe-raising behavior at 1/4 speed, 1/2 speed, 3/4 speed, and then full speed. Repeat this cycle, viewing it multiple times, until this nuance begins to jump out at you in real-time.

This up-on-toes behavior is symptomatic of an adrenaline surge (typically with excitement, anxiety — but sometimes with other strong emotions).

A few seconds later (0:23–0:24) as he says, “…got everything they wanted…”, DeSantis intertwines his fingers (indicating frustration & anger — although lots of politicians display this as a default because they *falsely* believe it makes them look patient & strong).

DeSantis’s use of word “basically” earlier in this sentence is a hedging word (“… and they basically got everything they wanted …”). It gives him wiggle room to make deceptions and sweeping generalities.

He then adjusts his suit jacket in an act of self-preening behavior (0:25–0:27). This is but one example of a MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) and a strong anxiety indicator.

This self-preening behavior is mostly obstructed by the sign on his lectern, but we can see it indirectly via his jacket and hand-arm movement. Please watch the video, as still images do not capture this important subtlety.

DeSantis Saying, “… ah, because now there’s a new Sheriff in Town”, is an odd and telling thing to say — for DeSantis has been in office for over 4 years. It’s a metaphor that plays into the machismo, corruption, and mythology of the Old West — where violence ruled.

A few seconds later (0:34), immediately after he says, “…we’ve taken away their self-governing status…”, DeSantis looks down and displays a Loose Tongue Jut.

A Loose Tongue Jut is indicative of the thought-emotions of “I’ve done/I’m about to do a stupid thing”, “I’ve been caught”, and “I’ve been bad”.

Be careful not confuse a Loose Tongue Jut with a:

• Tight Tongue Jut or a
• Wide Open Tongue Jut

— as they indicate very different thought-emotions.

As DeSantis says, “control” (0:40, “…with the State taking control…”), note how his jaw juts forward/outward. This dynamic is a strong sign of an adrenaline surge. Coupled with the context of this sentence, this behavior betrays DeSantis’s lust for power.

Simultaneously, DeSantis also speaks out of one side of his mouth during this sentence. An asymmetrical mouth opening whilst speaking can signal machismo/false bravado as well as deception.

Close to the very end of the video (0:47), DeSantis looks down to his right as he simultaneously:

• Suppresses a smile
• Displays a variation of a Tongue-in-Cheek
• Displays a Forward Lip Purse

This nonverbal amalgam is highly indicative of the thought-emotions of Deception, an Undisclosed Plan, and “I gotcha”/”I Just Won” (“I’m going to Win”).

This combination of body language behavior is highly consistent with DeSantis’s just finished statement, “…but rest assured, ah, ya know, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. There’s more to come in that regard”.

DeSantis then follows it up with another Loose Tongue Jut (0:47), (Indicating the thought-emotions of “I’ve done/I’m about to do a stupid thing”, “I’ve been caught”, “I’ve been bad”).

SUMMARY: Ron DeSantis’s behavior in this video indicates self-righteousness, anxiety, frustration, deception, and clandestine planning. He wants to be perceived as machismo. He demonstrates strong ego driven behavior and a lust for power.

This list of behavior traits are highly consistent with Fascism, Authoritarianism, and Dictators.

All those interested in learning #BodyLanguage & using it to improve your personal professional & life, please email me (Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com), esp. attorneys, judges, actors, directors, crisis management, C-level executives, sales, teachers, parents, health care professionals, etc.

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