Body Language Analysis No. 4359: Trump and Putin in Paris - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During the remembrance ceremonies marking the Centenary of the end of WWI today in Paris, the interaction between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin was noteworthy.

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of the two men's exchange.

Many people have speculated regarding the significance of President Trump's jacket adjustment after shaking hands with President Putin. This is a common alpha-upregulatory behavior. Alpha upregulators are a set of body language behaviors displayed by individuals who normally may be moderately or even highly alpha personalities - when they're caught in the midst of a relatively beta moment. This is exactly what's occurring here.

Although he's normally alpha, Donald Trump feels he's beta to Vladimir Putin's alpha status. It's important to emphasize that this is Trump's perception - and this is why he feels the need to upregulate. Yet while Trump's psyche attempts to dial itself up, Putin is already walking away to his seat.

This is literally the same behavior of a beta gorilla halfheartedly pounding his chest - after the alpha male gorilla has already established his dominance.

Now, let's back up a bit. Just as Putin finishes shaking Trump's hand, he's trying hard to suppress his mouth smile. This is not a sincere smile - and in Putin's efforts to suppress it, along with his tightened mustache region, his eyelids are opened very wide as his eyebrows also elevate. Putin, an ex-KGB officer, in this moment, cannot maintain a poker face (a skill at which he's quite accomplished and otherwise routinely successful). This is profound.

Putin then gives Trump the Thumbs-up gesture. This universal nonverbal signal of optimism very much matches his facial expression. Note how his forehead has now relaxed, his eyebrows are also lowered and he has concave-up furrows in his lower eyelids (all requirements for a sincere smile). His mouth smile, while still somewhat suppressed, has broken through the thin facade. Putin is pleased.

As Vladimir reaches to shake Melania's hand (whilst still smiling), Trump pats Putin on the back. Note Trump's Jaw Retraction - along with an Inward Lip Roll. In this context, this nonverbal cluster indicates an effort to suppress strong emotions. 

Notice Emmanuel Macron's expression in this instant - it's one of contempt (a slight snarl-like configuration).

Trump maintains this jaw retraction as he stands back up. Macron's expression of contempt continues - combined with his right forehead elevating in disbelief.

Angela Merkel's central forehead is elevated along with a pseudo-smile, indicating her disgust and incredulity.

Putin then pats Trump on his left arm - just above his elbow. It's important to note that Putin did not touch Macron or Merkel in this manner.



But if we look back even further - at a few crucial seconds  -just as Putin was approaching the other leaders, we see a display of his which was omitted in the first video. Please watch just a few seconds - beginning at the 1:37:45 mark - of this second, comprehensive video.

As Putin approaches - walking closer to the other heads-of-state, he shows us a classic Tongue-In-Cheek display.

In this context - clustered with the other simultaneous nonverbal signals (e.g., his elevated central forehead), Putin's tongue-in-cheek behavior telegraphs his smug feelings of "I just won", "I gotcha".

SUMMARY: Donald Trump's nonverbal behavior in Paris today, indicates he feels that he is beta to Vladimir Putin's alpha. The American president clearly doth acquiesce. Moreover, Putin cannot contain his sincere emotions of joy-happiness with his dominance over Trump - and by extension, the United States.

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Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4358: Donald Trump, Pseudo-Christianity, and the Not-So-Subliminal Cross 

Body Language Analysis No. 4356: Donald Trump: "When I can, I tell the truth"

Body Language Analysis No. 4354: Mass Shooting at Pittsburgh Synagogue

Body Language Analysis No. 4352: Donald Trump, Mohammed bin Salman, and Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

Body Language Analysis No. 4350: Ashley Kavanaugh during Brett Kavanaugh's Swearing-in Ceremonies for the Supreme Court

Body Language Analysis No. 4334: Ivanka Trump and the Pistol Steeple

Body Language Analysis No. 4332: Richard Nixon, Nikita Khrushchev, and The Kitchen Debate

Body Language Analysis No. 4317: Scott Pruitt Confronted in Restaurant by Kristin Mink

Body Language Analysis No. 4303: Donald Trump, the G7 Summit, Women's Empowerment, and Rage

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Body Language Analysis No. 4303: Donald Trump, the G7 Summit, Women's Empowerment, and Rage - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

On Saturday morning at the G7 Summit in La Malbaie, Quebec - Donald Trump arrived late to the Gender Equality Advisory Council meeting. Trump missed Justin Trudeau's opening statement and interrupted Isabelle Hudon's statement (the council's co-chair - and Canada's ambassador to France) during his arrival.

Christine Lagarde (Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund [IMF]) is seated immediately to his right while Canadian Lieutenant General Christine Whitecross (currently the commandant of the NATO Defense College in Rome) is sitting immediately to Trump's left.

The image immediately above (and the cropped, close-up below) shows President Trump later during this same meeting.

Although we don't know the complete context of this moment (who just spoke, what was said, who is currently speaking, etc.), President Trump's facial expression is quite telling and worthy of analysis. Here we see clear evidence of:

• Jaw Jut (forward displacement of mandible)
• Clenched Jaw
• Dimpling/wrinkling on Front of Chin
• Bottom Teeth Bared
• Considerable tightening in the "Mustache area"
• Flaring of Nostrils
• Eyelids partially closed
• Tension in lower eyelids
• Not looking directly at another person (e.g., as opposed to a full or partial rotation of the torso along with a greater rotation of the head/neck)
• Inner (medial) Eyebrows vectored downward
• Eyebrows drawn together

This nonverbal cluster is indicative of significant anger with elements of rage. Certainly, anger of any magnitude, let alone rage is completely out of context for any professional setting. Moreover, with high probability, it also signals the presence of underlying impulse control disorder.

SUMMARY: In this moment, while at the Gender Equality Advisory Council meeting at the 2018 G7 Summit, Donald Trump's facial expression exemplifies a classic expression of Elevated Anger bordering upon Rage.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

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Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4302: G7 Leaders Surrounding Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 4300: Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and Water Bottles

Body Language Analysis No. 4298: LeBron James Walks Out of Post Game Press Conference after Game One Loss

Body Language Analysis No. 4296: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Chokes Up

Body Language Analysis No. 4284: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Deadpool 2, and Alpha Up-Regulation

Body Language Analysis No. 4232: Betsy DeVos' 60 Minutes Interview

Body Language Analysis No. 4155: Luis Elizondo Interview - Former Military Intelligence Official Who Ran AATIP (The Pentagon's Secret UFO Unit)

Body Language Analysis No. 4100: Bryan Cranston and The Eyelid Pull

Body Language Analysis No. 4022: Jessica Alba's Rules for Naming Her Baby

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Body Language Analysis No. 4302: G7 Leaders Surrounding Donald Trump - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

No doubt you've seen it - the photo shown above of the other G7 leaders gathered around Donald Trump on Saturday (taken by Jesco Denzel, a German Government photographer). Most anyone could tell you the basic gist of the some of the emotions which were present in the room, yet it's very much worth our time to break down this moment and evaluate each component.

Shinzō Abe:

• The Japanese Prime Minister's primary emotion is Contempt (note his left mid-facial region is slightly drawn upward and lateral in a mild snarl)
• His crossed arms - left open palm (we can't visualize his right hand) - together with his contempt signals defensiveness and impatience 
   

John Bolton:

• He appears to be talking directly to Emmanuel Macron
• Although the frame of his glasses obstructs our view of his right eye - his left eyelid is elevated significantly in the presence of a relaxed forehead - which indicating fear.
• The manner in which he's holding his legal pad - in front of his groin and lower abdomen - is a form of an amplified fig leaf. This genital guarding indicates he's intimidated by the international environment in which he finds himself - his position as the National Security Advisor - and/or by Emmanuel Macron. The fact that Bolton's speaking as he displays this fig-leaf further supports this conclusion.

Emmanuel Macron:

• Our view of the French President's face is significantly limited
• Forehead is fully elevated on his right side (and very probably on his left as well) is indicative of a moment of strong disbelief and/or possibly emphasizing his accompanying or recent verbal statement
• His right hand/fingers are splayed out on the table with his right arm straightened is significantly alpha - and encroaching into Trump's personal space

Angela Merkel:

• Leaning forward at her waist
• Encroaching forward toward Trump
• Palms on the table
• Elbows straight
• This particular cluster of body language was a smart tactic. It projects power, assertiveness, and ownership. Most professionals fail to use contextual and proportional alpha body language when dealing with alpha men - but not Chancellor Merkel.

Donald Trump:

• Sitting back, away from the table
• Sitting at an approximate 45º angle to the table
• Legs are uncrossed
• Feet are flat on the floor
• Arms are crossed - but not with buried fists as is his usual configuration - his right hand appears to be gripping his left upper arm- signaling defensiveness and close-mindedness
• Mouth corner (left side) has a mild lateral vectoring - with the slightest hint of a mouth smile
• Mustache area is mildly tensed
• Nostrils are mildly-moderately flared
• Forehead is elevated - probably along its entire width, although the medial portion of the forehead is suppressed secondary to Botox treatments (note the contraction furrows above the extreme lateral portion of his forehead)
• Despite the contraction of the forehead noted above, his upper eyelids are passively drooping. Along with his mid-facial tension - and a trace of a (suppressed) smile - this cluster-combination signals both arrogance and contempt.

If you ever find yourself in a similar position as Donald Trump is here, you'd be well-advised to slowly stand up and walk around the table. Such a maneuver would increase his confidence and remove physical advantages that both Emmanuel Macron - and particularly Angela Merkel have over him in this scenario.

SUMMARY: It's no secret that Donald Trump enjoys being the center of attention. Yet some emotional dissonance is on full display in this photo. For in his smug moment, the outnumbered American President is also feeling significantly defensive. This example of passive-aggressive behavior is foretelling of his decision to withdraw his support for any U.S. endorsement of the G7 joint communique - one which he had only just agreed to a few hours earlier (shortly after this photo was taken).

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4301: Donald Trump and the G7 Summit "Family Photo"

Body Language Analysis No. 4299: Bill Clinton confronted regarding Monica Lewinsky Affair

Body Language Analysis No. 4297: Donald Trump's Fearful Forefinger

Body Language Analysis No. 4295: Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos, and Red Flags

Body Language Analysis No. 4249: Will Smith, Sophia the Robot, Robot-Empathy, and Responding in Context

Body Language Analysis No. 4230: Kim Jong-un, Donald Trump, and the Home Field Advantage

Body Language Analysis No. 4205: Chloe Kim, Albert Einstein, and Creativity

Body Language Analysis No. 4149: Zendaya, Zac Efron, and "The Greatest Showman"

Body Language Analysis No. 4093: Fear and Harvey Weinstein - Emma Watson's Reaction

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Body Language Analysis No. 3992: Angela Merkel's Eye Roll for Vladimir Putin's Mansplaining - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Maybe you've heard - Angela Merkel gave Vladimir Putin an Eye Roll yesterday at the G20 Summit. This particular eye roll will be shown for decades.

But what emotions are indicated by an eye roll?

• Contempt
• Impatient Dismissal

There are certainly other body language signals for both of these emotions. Intriguingly though, an eye roll has a much more conscious component. That is to say, while the vast majority of nonverbal behavior is subconsciously initiated - the eye roll is significantly consciously driven. It's openly declaring:

"I am dismissing you/your opinion - and/or I have contempt for you - and I want you to know it."

In the next moment, the German Chancellor suppresses a second eye roll (while fixating her gaze in the mid-distance). This moment provides a fantastic illustration of a phenomenon known as "Leakage" - describing how, when we suppress a nonverbal signal in one area - it readily "Leaks" out in other places.

What do we see during this leakage?

Angela Merkel's jaw clenches - and her lips become thinned. This is significant for anger. In addition, her jaw and lips retract (vectoring backward) along with significant tension in the region above her upper lip and below her nose. This is an expression of partially suppressed disgust. The flaring of her nostrils overlaps into both disgust and anger.


Summary: Angela Merkel has open contempt and dismissal toward Vladimir Putin - and she wants him to know it. She also feels anger and disgust for the Russian President.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3991: Donald Trump's and Vladimir Putin's First Meeting and Handshake

Body Language Analysis No. 3989: Peter Sagan Regarding his Disqualification from the Tour de France and Mark Cavendish's Crash

Body Language Analysis No. 3987: Chris Christie Denies His Day at The Beach

Body Language Analysis No. 3985: Grief, Pain, and Barometers of Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 3958: Vladimir Putin interview with Megyn Kelly

Body Language Analysis No. 3952: Emmanuel Macron's Handshake with Donald Trump at NATO Summit

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3873: Brie Larson's Eyes, The Bachelor, and the Edge of Consciousness

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3846: Donald Trump, Shinzō Abe and Handshake Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3541: Chris Christie's Wife - Mary Pat's, Reaction to Donald Trump's "Woman Card" Comment


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Body Language Analysis No. 3951: Angela Merkel, Donald Trump, the G7 Summit, and The Paris Agreement - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

This image (and the close up below) of Donald Trump and Angela Merkel was taken at the recent G7 Summit in Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

Angela Merkel's expression is very much worth nuancing. Note that her central forehead is contracted and elevated along with her inner (medial) eyebrows. There is also significant tension of her lower eyelids. From a nonverbal perspective, when an Elevated Central Forehead Contraction (Elevated CFC) occurs - it's of profound significance. However, the CFC must always be correlated with "what the rest of the face is doing" - particularly the mouth.

We can see that, simultaneously, Merkel's jaw is "hanging open" - in what is often colloquially referred to as a "Slack Jaw". Notice too, that it's not widely open as it is displayed during sincere surprise, rather only mild-to-moderately so.

It's also important to point out that none of her teeth are visible.

Another detail which correlates with the sincerity of this moment (and the "Slackness" of the jaw) is that her jaw (mandible) is retracted backward (posteriorly). This gives the appearance of a (momentary) over-bite (less noticeable, however, because no teeth are visible). The value of this subtle yet significant finding cannot be overstated when assessing sincerity and emotional shock.

This is the face of emotional shock and emotional processing. Chancellor Merkel is feeling a form of grief and emotional pain. She's having difficulty wrapping her logical-rational mind around her emotions in her response to what Trump is telling her.

Summary: Angela Merkel is bewildered and astonished at what Donald Trump is saying to her. This is not political posturing - rather her emotions are sincere.

Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3950: Donald Trump, Angela Merkel, and Donald Tusk at the G7

Body Language Analysis No. 3948: The Manchester Bomber, Nonverbal Communication, Threat Assessment, and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 3946: Melania Swats Away Donald Trump's Hand as They Arrive in Israel

Body Language Analysis No. 3944: Dwayne Johnson, The 2020 Presidential Election, and The Rock Dialing Up His Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3928: Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3922: Vladimir Putin and Michael Flynn in Moscow

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3885: Vogue's 73 Questions with Selena Gomez

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3862: Oscars Mistake - "La La Land" erroneously named Best Picture over "Moonlight"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3808: Felicity Jones' Sincere Smile

Body Language Analysis No. 3949: Donald Trump Shoves Montenegro's PM Dusko Markovic at NATO HQ



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Body Language Analysis No. 3950: Donald Trump, Angela Merkel, and Donald Tusk at the G7 - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

In this image, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Council President Donald Tusk (his left side to camera) are shown speaking with President Trump at the 2017 G7 Summit.

Note the configuration of Donald Trump's mouth and lips. This is a variation of a "Lip Purse", and more specifically, a "Forward Lip Purse".

A forward lip purse is a very common (and rarely understood) nonverbal display. It signals disagreement. To nuance this further - this particular flavor of disagreement is not always fully verbalized, in fact, a portion or even all of it is frequently kept secret. Thus when you see a forward lip purse, the accompanying spoken words are often misleading or deliberately deceptive. Therefore this particular nonverbal sign is also indicative of a clandestine plan.

Summary: When you see a forward lip purse, you should have a strong suspicion of deception. Do not trust the person's words - for they are planning, but not sharing. Protect your flank.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3949: Donald Trump Shoves Montenegro's PM Dusko Markovic at NATO HQ

Body Language Analysis No. 3947: Benjamin Netanyahu's reaction to Donald Trump's statement, "I never mentioned the Word or Name 'Israel' "

Body Language Analysis No. 3945: Donald Trump's Anxiety

Body Language Analysis No. 3943: Donald Trump hugs James Comey

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3927: Jimmy Kimmel's Emotional Monologue regarding His Son’s Birth & Heart Disease

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3918: The Image of Kim Jong-un He Most Prefers the World to See - and What It Tells Us

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3871: Emma Watson's Old Habit, Harry Potter Outtake and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3857: Taunting a Snowplow Driver - Belleville, Ontario

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3823: Nina Dobrev, Flyboarding, Laughter and a Rapport/Bonding Amplifier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3791: Russian Ambassador to Turkey Assassinated in Ankara


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3883: Donald Trump Greets Angela Merkel at The White House - The Handshakes and Mistakes - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

These images capture the first few seconds after President Trump greeted Chancellor Merkel during her recent visit to the White House. And although it was not nearly as "newsy" as his snubbing of her handshake in the Oval Office - or the expression she shot back at him after his "Forced Teaming" with his alleged wiretapping reference of, "... at least we have something in common ...", this moment provides several important body language lessons.

Of course, there are cultures who bow when greeting each other, yet that is not the case in modern Europe or North America (with the exceptions of certain religious ceremonies or royalty). With that in mind, most astute observers will note that it's the unfortunate habit of many taller men to bend forward during handshakes with individuals of shorter stature. When this nonverbal behavior is directed toward another man - it often projects condescending and patronizing emotions. Moreover, when a taller man (Trump is 6'1" or 1.85 meters) bends forward during a handshake with a woman (Merkel is 5'5" or 1.65 meters) - this dynamic projects an additional misogynistic message.

Politicians of all parties often will often grab the elbow, upper arm, or shoulder of the other person during handshakes. This is an example of an alpha power display - although often it's rationalized as an affectionate gesture (both to oneself and outwardly to others). Trump and Merkel don't know each other very well - thus this would not only be a "False Affection Display" - but it's also indicative of narcissism.
 

Notice too that Donald Trump pulls Angela Merkel's close to his lower chest. This component of his handshake is somewhat improved compared with some of other recent ones, e.g., Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and his Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch - but he still leaves a lot of room for improvement. Not only do people find the pulling of their arm created by such an action quite uncomfortable (even painful) - it frequently throws them off balance (as occurred with Judge Gorsuch). Moreover, this behavior is strongly correlated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Additionally, men who have a pattern of shaking women's hand in this manner - by the pulling (rather than shaking) of her hand-arm close to his chest - tend to also objectify women, treating them as property/objects to be controlled/used rather than as another sentient and deserving being.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3881: Donald Trump Snubs Angela Merkel's Handshake in Oval Office

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3882: Donald Trump to Angela Merkel During Press Conference, "At least we have something in common"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3846: Donald Trump, Shinzō Abe and Handshake Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3836: President Trump nominates Judge Neil Gorsuch for The Supreme Court

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3864: Uber's CEO, Travis Kalanick Arguing with an Uber Driver regarding Falling Fares - Escalation v. De-Escalation, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3843: 84 Lumber Super Bowl Ad - "The Entire Journey"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3594: Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Fareed Zakaria

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3820: Mr. Trump: "Who would you trust more, Angela Merkel or Vladimir Putin?"


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3882: Donald Trump to Angela Merkel During Press Conference, "At least we have something in common" - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Friday, during their joint press conference, there was a particularly odd moment between Angela Merkel and Donald Trump. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of that portion (contained in the video above, with key expressions isolated in the still images below).

DONALD TRUMP (continuing at 0:20): "... Ah, as far as, ah, wiretapping I guess, by, you know, this past administration - at least we have something in common perhaps ..."

During 0:22, as he says his second "ah" of this sentence, President Trump looks down, closes his eyes, inhales deeply and displays a "Loose Tongue Jut". This cluster of nonverbal behavior is highly consistent with the thought-emotions of "I've been (or about to be) bad" and "I got caught".

As he says, "... at least we have something in common ...", Donald Trump gestures toward Angela Merkel with an open, palms-up illustrator.

President Trump is using a manipulative/negotiation technique sometimes referred to as "Forced Teaming" (de Becker). By saying outright that he and the German Chancellor share a commonality - and specifically by his use of the word, "... we ..." - together with simultaneously display of the, open, palm-up illustrator toward the person to whom he's referring ("I'm open", "We're friends", "I'm extending my hand to you", "We are of one mind") - tends to make others' temporarily feel as if they are "on the same team". These actions, in turn, engender success with subsequent agreements, negotiations, and manipulations.

But Chancellor Merkel was having none of it...

After he completes his sentence, Chancellor Merkel looks over at President Trump. She does this twice, in quick succession. The image above was captured during 0:29, just as Trump begins the second syllable of the word, "... perhaps ..."

This nonverbal two-look dynamic is often colloquially referred to as a "Double-Take". A double take is associated with various combinations the thought-emotions of Disbelief, Surprise and/or Shock.

More specifically, with this example, the expression on Angela Merkel's face during this first head turn toward Trump (captured in the image immediately above) is consistent with Shock and Disbelief (e.g., "Did he really just SAY that?"). There also is a simultaneous element of Fear - note that her eyelids are opened wider than baseline with some tension around the eyes - and her jaw is [mildly] slackened [shock].

The next image (immediately above) shows Angela Merkel during the "second look" of her double take (0:32). In the approximate three second interval since her first glance, she has processed her thoughts and is here expressing the emotion of critical evaluation with some contempt.

Although we cannot see his entire face, Trump is expressing a smugness and contempt.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3881: Donald Trump Snubs Angela Merkel's Handshake in Oval Office 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3879: Donald Trump, Wiretapping, Adam Schiff & Russia

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3877: Kellyanne Conway re: "Wiretapping" Investigation - Alpha Displays

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3868: Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, The West Bank and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3812: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone & La La Land - Backstage Interview Golden Globes 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3765: Conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald - See each other directly for the first time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3742: Evan McMullin, Donald Trump and Winning Utah

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3696: Jimmy Kimmel's 2016 Emmys Opening Monologue - Sarah Paulson brought Marcia Clark


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3881: Donald Trump Snubs Angela Merkel's Handshake in Oval Office - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Donald Trump's snubbing of Angela Merkel's handshake today was one of the most socially and emotionally uncomfortable moments in recent political memory. There has been speculation and reports that Trump did not hear Chancellor Merkel, nor the journalists asking - yet this is nearly impossible to believe at face-value and moreover Trump's body language clearly contradicts such a claim.

From a nonverbal perspective, this interaction is very much worthy of thin-slicing.

The image above (during 0:24) shows Angela Merkel blushing. Those who blush easily, have, for the most part, a higher "Sincerity Quotient". The German leader is embarrassed.

Later, towards the end of the above video, there's a profoundly phenomenal example of Nonverbal "Leakage" and "Leakage Transfer". In the nonverbal world, the term "Leakage" is a metaphor used to describe the phenomenon whereby body language and facial signals "trickle out" despite the desire and attempt to suppress them.

At 0:54, some of the journalists begin asking for a handshake (this is also included, but somewhat edited/truncated, at the beginning of the video). A few seconds later, Donald Trump begins shaking his head side-to-side in a classic but somewhat blunted "No" gesture ("Illustrator"). It was not his intention to openly express his true feelings by this head shake - and when he then realizes (perhaps just at the edge of consciousness) his internal thoughts are then being outwardly and involuntarily expressed - he immediately stops shaking it.

Yet once Trump's horizontal head motion stops - his anxiety is immediately transferred to his hands (ergo termed, "Leakage Transfer") - which quickly morph from a fingers-intertwined configuration (primarily indicative of frustration with a minor component of anger)...

Then to a modified low classic steeple/pseudo-prayer - telling us he's trying to be an alpha, yet he's being flooded with anxiety....

(A classic steeple [whether low, mid-level, or high] is configured with the palms a good bit further apart as well as with the fingertips approaching each other end-to-end [like a spider's legs reflected while walking on a mirror]. In contrast, here, the long axes of Trump's fingers are much closer to being parallel).

And then to a pseudo-clap with the base of his hands touching/nearly touching while his fingers move-together, move-apart, move-together, move-apart, etc. - indicating a further elevation in his anxiety.

During 1:04, Trump distances himself from Merkel by momentarily leaning away from her - while Merkel's expression screams, "Bewildered" (above).

Then Angela Merkel's expression (1:06 - 1:07) transforms into an amalgam of Disbelief, Disgust, and Embarrassment.

Notice also how Merkel is both leaning toward and partially turning (rotating) to Trump - yet he is "Whole Body Pointing" 90 degrees from her - giving her proverbial "The Cold Shoulder". One way to show respect is to turn your body (eyes, face, torso, hips, feet) toward a person. When we turn away from another - it's showing that we don't care, don't respect, don't like and/or don't believe them.

Colloquially, Chancellor Merkel's face is very much saying, "Okay - I'll just stay over here and watch while you have your tantrum".

Simultaneously (and throughout the majority of this video segment), Donald Trump's emotional tone is that of Contempt.

Conclusion: Donald Trump heard the request for a handshake from both the journalists and Chancellor Merkel and deliberately ignored it. Throughout most of this segment, President Trump displayed contempt, disrespect, and significant anxiety. Angela Merkel was shocked, embarrassed, and bewildered.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3880: Donald Trump Trying to Suppress his Anger the Day after Jeff Sessions' Recusal (and The Day Prior to Trump's Wire Tapping Accusations)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3831: Donald Trump's and Theresa May's Press Conference - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3849: Donald Trump's and Justin Trudeau's Relative Confidence Levels During Yesterday's Press Conference

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3850: Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump and Michael Flynn - Press Conference 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3873: Brie Larson's Eyes, The Bachelor, and the Edge of Consciousness

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3861: Emma Stone, The Oscars and Sincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3810: Mark Wahlberg, Justine Bieber and Ellen DeGeneres

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3209: G7 Summit - Angela Merkel, Barack Obama and Matteo Renzi - and a Major Body Language Faux Pas (PHOTO)


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