Body Language Analysis No. 4299: Bill Clinton confronted regarding Monica Lewinsky Affair - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence

Bill Clinton and James Patterson were recently interviewed by NBC's Craig Melvin as part of their book tour for their recent collaboration, The President is Missing. During this interview published on Monday, Mr. Melvin asked President Clinton several questions regarding his affair with former White House Intern, Monica Lewinsky. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of this interview.

In this image, captured as he says the word "Constitution" ("I think I did the right thing. I defended The Constitution", during 1:37 - 1:40), Bill Clinton is crossing both his legs and arms. Few people will be surprised to know this conveys a significantly defensive mindset. While it's possible that a  person sitting in this nonverbal posture may feel cold - and it's important to rule out that possibility - in this moment, President Clinton emotions are significantly beta, vulnerable, and of low confidence.

He maintained this body posture throughout most of this interview.

This image was taken during 3:35, as President Clinton says, "I had a sexual harassment policy when I was governor in the eighties" - and it shows a classic Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression (R2E2).

A Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression may be of very short duration (a microexpression) - or it can last several seconds.

Body language beginners will often confuse an R2E2 with a disgust display - yet the underlying emotions of each are vastly different (How do to differentiate between these two signals?).

All human beings make the R2E2 expression on occasion. But when it's displayed frequently - or during crucial moments - you should always ask yourself:

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

A person displaying of an R2E2 expression is actively rationalizing. They are either trying to convince themselves of something - and/or they're also trying to recruit you to agree with them - as a Co-Rationalizer.

A second later, during 3:36 we see a fascinating amalgamation of two classic nonverbal signals:

In the image immediately above, you can see a classic expression of:

• Elevated Central Forehead Contraction combined with
• a Partial (Insincere) Mouth Smile.

We all make this expression from time-to-time (hopefully not too frequently). It indicates one of the following three emotions:

• Disbelief (more specifically, a Smug-Disbelief with an element of Impatient-Dismissal)
• Contempt
• Arrogance

It's important to point out that all three of these emotions may also be manifested by different facial expressions.

But we all make this expression, on occasion - yet those people who make it frequently with high probability are Sociopaths (Antisocial Personality Disorder).

Another superimposed and simultaneous nonverbal signal (3:36 - 3:40, 3:44 - 3:45) which can't be captured in this still image - due to its movement - is what is called a Self-Righteous Head Wiggle (SRHW, aka, High-Confidence Head Wiggle).

A Self-Righteous Head Wiggle is a relatively rapid, side-to-side motion of the head and neck. Sometimes it occurs with a similar movement of the torso - and on occasion the jaw as well (and may be even isolated to only the jaw).

Sometimes the SRHW is very brief (a near-microexpression) - however, in these examples, it's a few seconds in duration.

The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle (SRHW) is commonly displayed during moments of hyper-alpha emotions of particularly high confidence - and primarily while also verbally expressing similarly strong opinions.

It's somewhat helpful to think of the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle as one variety of nonverbal swagger.

Please watch this video several times to note it's full context and dynamic nature.

Now, look at this image taken from a later moment in this video which includes an older segment of President Clinton during his 1998 Public "Apology" (4:22) as he says, "... Monica Lewinsky ..."

Note it's similarity to the other example previously cited:

• An Elevated Central Forehead Contraction
• A Partial (Insincere) Mouth Smile

But in addition, there's also a:

• Raised Right Eyebrow (with his right forehead also being preferentially contracted just above it) - projecting an additional emotion of Disbelief/Incredulity.

This expression does NOT project sincerity or empathy - and it's absolutely NOT an expression which should ever accompany an apology (Notice his face did not adopt this same expression when President Clinton speaking to his family).
 

In this moment (4:49) as James Patterson comes to The President's defense - it shows Clinton in a Tongue-in-Cheek configuration which, in this context, signals the thought-emotion of I Just Won.

Whenever an apology is made - whether during a relatively small everyday event with a single individual, in a workplace environment, or an entire nation -  from a psychological perspective as well as from a crisis management perspective - several key elements must always be included if the apology is to interpreted as sincere.  

The components of a Sincere Apology are: 

1. An apology must always be given by the person who committed the act in question - not by a manager, an attorney, a press secretary - or other surrogates.  

2. An apology must never be scripted - but must be spoken from the heart. 

3. An apology to the public should be given live - with press access. While some substitute this with a prerecorded video-audio format - this projects an attempt at control and viewed as considerably less sincere.

4. A public apology to a surrogate or group should never be a substitute for apologizing a person face-to-face.

5. There must be a clear acknowledgement of responsibility.

6. A commitment to change must be made - so as to prevent further infractions.

7. An apology must include a specific repair offering (which should also include an asking, "What would you have me do to help make amends?")

8. Asking for forgiveness is required with an apology (e.g., Saying, "I'm sorry", while required - is incomplete. One must also say, "Please forgive me", or "In time, I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me", or similar. 

9. Regret must be expressed - "I very much regret what I did to you". 

10. The vocal qualities (tone, cadence, volume, etc.) must be congruent with sincerity. 

11. The facial nonverbal signals and other body language displays must reflect sincerity.


SUMMARY:  This analysis does not address the political ramifications of President Clinton's relationship with Monica Lewinsky. Nor does it address the immorality vs. morality of an extramarital affair. Rather it focuses on some of Bill Clinton's nonverbal behavior - and what constitutes an emotionally intelligent and evolved apology.

I call upon President Clinton to publicly re-address his statements and his stance taken in this video - and the manner in which he believed he "apologized" to Monica Lewinsky. Bill Clinton should sincerely apologize to Monica Lewinsky - and this can only be fully conveyed in-person. In addition, President Clinton should state publicly that he was absolutely wrong and that the burden of responsibility was completely on him, not Monica Lewinsky.

When a person fails - and fails privately - then one day recovers to right their wrongs - they become better a better person. That's growth. That's maturity. That's character. When a person fails - and fails publicly - then one day recovers to right their wrongs - we all become better people by their example. That's leadership.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

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. 4294: LeBron James, Adrenaline Surges, and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 4286: Aaron Schlossberg's Racist Rant

Body Language Analysis No. 4280: David Beckham, Princess Leia, and Embarrassment

Body Language Analysis No. 4254: Tony Robbins, Nanine McCool, and the #MeToo Movement

Body Language Analysis No. 4200: Mike Pence re: Rob Porter and Why It Seems Pence is "Out Of The Loop" on Major News

Body Language Analysis No. 4035: Hope Hicks, Jared Kushner, and Phone Tells

Body Language Analysis No. 3969: Vladimir Putin Offers James Comey Asylum

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Body Language Analysis No. 4166: Logan Paul's Apology - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On 31 December 2017, Logan Paul, a well known YouTube vlogger and actor, uploaded a video of himself and three other people in Aokigahara (aka, Japan's "Suicide Forest") showing their reactions after coming across the body of a man who had hanged himself. Less than a day later, the video was removed. In the video, although the man's face was blurred - the rest of his body was visible. Mr. Paul joked about what he had seen - later calling it a coping mechanism. The backlash towards Mr. Paul has been widespread. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of the Logan Paul's video apology.

You'll notice that during the majority of this video, Mr. Paul's central forehead and inner (medial) eyebrows are elevated. Simultaneously, his mouth corners are also slightly down-turned in a "sad mouth" configuration. This expression is indeed consistent with sincere sorrow and empathy.

You'll also note that Mr. Paul's upper eyelids (more so on his left) are elevated significantly higher than baseline - indicating a heightened adrenaline level - as well as the anxiety-fear consistent with such a public apology (which is entirely within context). 

Beginning at 1:08, however, Mr. Paul continues, "... um, the goal of my content - is always to entertain - to push the boundaries - to be all-inclusive. In the world I live in, I share - most everything I do - the intent is never to be heartless, cruel, Ω or malicious ..."

During 1:23 - 1:24, just after he says, "... the intent is never to be heartless, cruel ..." and just prior to saying, "... and malicious ...", Logan Paul displays a specific sub-type of a "Loose Tongue Jut" (notated by Ω ).

He juts his tongue out to one side...

... and then sweeps it to the opposite side.

As with the more typical loose tongue juts (seen earlier in Mr. Paul's apology during 0:22 - 0:23 and 0:55), not only does this Sweeping-Loose-Tongue-Jut signify the thought-emotions of "I've been bad", "I've been caught", "I've done a stupid thing" (Navarro) - but the additional sweeping dynamic also tells us that Mr. Paul doesn't believe what he is saying in this moment.

Summary: While Logan Paul is primarily being sincere in his apology - he also does believe, that some of his actions in the past have been deliberate and planned (not necessarily this event). In other words, Logan Paul felt at the moment he said, "the intent is never to be heartless, cruel, Ω or malicious..." - that he had, in fact, intended to be malicious, heartless, and/or cruel.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4165: Kim Jong-un's New Years Faux Pas

Body Language Analysis No. 4163: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping - (Relatively) Beta and Alpha

Body Language Analysis No. 4162: Is Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Going to Run for President in 2020?

Body Language Analysis No. 4160: Detecting Liars When They're Not Lying

Body Language Analysis No. 4141: Vladimir Putin and Michael Flynn in Moscow (Part II)

Body Language Analysis No. 4134: Hope Hicks, Emotional Intelligence, and Communicating Nonverbally

Body Language Analysis No. 4111: Selena Gomez, Francia Raisa, and a Kidney Transplant

Body Language Analysis No. 4108: Sarah Huckabee Sanders' White House Briefing regarding Paul Manafort and George Papadopoulos

Body Language Analysis No. 4030: Charlottesville, Empathy, Ronald Reagan, and One Expression Donald Trump Should Have Displayed


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Body Language Analysis No. 4110: Yuli Gurriel "Apologizes" to Yu Darvish for a Gesture of Prejudice During The World Series - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

The image above was captured during game three of this year's World Series. The Houston Astro's first baseman Yuri Gurriel had just hit a home run off Los Angeles Dodgers' pitcher Yu Darvish. After he returned to the dugout, Gurriel made this racially charged gesture - placing his fingers to the sides of his face, lifting the lateral corners of his eyes - while mouthing the word "chinito," (Spanish for "Chinese boy"). He was directing his gesture and racial slur at Darvish, who was born in Japan - and is of Iranian and Japanese descent. Needless to say, Yuri Gurriel was unaware he was being filmed.

During tonight's game seven, Yuli Gurriel "apologized" to Yu Darvish by tipping his hat to the pitcher. Note that Fox Sports tagged this tweet with #RESPECT. Yet Gurriel's body language shows the complete opposite. There is absolutely no respect here.

Of course, tipping one's hat is an accepted symbol (Emblem) of respect. It is also a very conscious gesture. In sharp contrast, a quite unconscious nonverbal signal - Yuli Gurriel's facial expression, displays the components of:

• An Elevated Central Forehead Contraction (Elevated CFC)
• Elevated inner (medial) eyebrows
• A partial "mouth smile"
• The "mouth smile" has a unilateral component (biased to his left) of Contempt

Whenever there is an elevated CFC accompanied with even a slight "mouth smile", the "smile" is NEVER sincere. Rather the expression represents:

• Disbelief
• Contempt
• Arrogance

Moreover, the unilateral "smile" of Yuli Gurriel's is not a smile at all (far from it) - but, signals contempt. This would true if it were displayed in isolation, yet when coupled with the elevated central forehead contraction - these two facial components project a 10 out of 10 level of DISRESPECT.

Summary: Yuli Gurriel's "apology" to Yu Darvish was profoundly insincere. Mr. Gurriel's emotions in this moment are arrogance, disbelief, and contempt. He feels Yu Darvish is beneath him. Although the conscious tipping of the hat is one traditional signal of respect - this is feigned; Gurrie's unconscious facial expression tell his true feelings.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4109: John Kelly, Robert E. Lee, and the US Civil War

Body Language Analysis No. 4107: Paul Manafort, Robert Mueller, Russian Oligarchs, and Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 4105: An interview with Sophia the Robot at the Future Investment Institute

Body Language Analysis No. 4103: Las Vegas Shooter, Stephen Paddock's and His Brother's Common (Behavioral) Denominator

Body Language Analysis No. 4088: Kit Harington's April Fools' Prank on Rose Leslie

Body Language Analysis No. 4073: Prince Harry and Melania Trump Meet in Canada for Invictus Games - Harry's Hand Signal

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

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

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


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Body Language Analysis No. 4022: Jessica Alba's Rules for Naming Her Baby - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Jessica Alba was recently a guest on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show. During her appearance, she spoke about her recently announced her third pregnancy - and the rules she and her husband have for naming their child.

At 1:11, Ms. Alba continues, "... So, our kids had to have unusual names, that also were words, and for some reason we chose, 'H'. So it has t' be single or double syllable, has to be an 'H', and it also has to be a word."

Immediately after making this statement, Ms. Alba's jaw moves laterally (to her right). This movement is sudden in onset, and lasts only for about three seconds, from about 1:23 - 1:26. This nonverbal signal is what is known as a "Jaw Confessional".

Sometimes a jaw confessional is accompanied by a similar component of lip movement - which is seen in the latter half of this particular example.

A jaw confessional indicates some level of embarrassment as well as a hesitancy to disclose. Often times it is also accompanied with an apology. Jessica Alba is a bit embarrassed as to her particular rules of child-naming - and taking the context into account, it's easy to correlate this as the cause of her embarrassment. Thus, for an observer, the jaw confessional serves as a sincerity validator. Moreover, if we already like the person, this action can often amplify our endearment to them.

However, if you were to see a jaw confessional - but it was NOT followed by a disclosure of awkward/embarrassing information or an apology, then you would know at the very last second the person decided to withhold information and therefore trying to deceive you.

Note that this jaw movement was very sudden in onset and lasted for only three seconds. If the mandibular movement were instead, slowly initiated, and of long duration, it would then have a completely different meaning. What would this second scenario indicate?


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4021: Stephen Miller and Jim Acosta

Body Language Analysis No. 4019: John Kelly and Donald Trump in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 4017: Elisabeth Moss, Anthony Rizzo, and a Signal of Sincerity 

Body Language Analysis No. 4015: Reince Priebus' First Post-Resignation Interview

Body Language Analysis No. 4004: US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher asks NASA scientist about Civilizations on Mars

Body Language Analysis No. 4000: Garbiñe Muguruza, Wimbledon, and Sincerity

Body Language Analysis No. 3968: The Grenfell Tower Fire, Empathy, and Emotional Processing 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3796: Bryan Cranston, Donald Trump, Anxiety and Alpha Up-Regulators


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3858: Milo Yiannopoulos resigns from Breitbart with "Apology" - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Tuesday Milo Yiannopoulos resigned from Breitbart News. Two days earlier a video of an interview of Yiannopoulos by Joe Rogan surfaced on social media and various websites. In this interview, Yiannopoulos very clearly defended pedophilia and pedophiles. Subsequently, Yiannopoulos has had his invitation to speak at the currently ongoing Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) rescinded - and he's also lost a book deal he had had with Simon & Schuster.

A portion of Yiannopoulos' "apology" is included within the above video. What follows is a nonverbal analysis with some additional discussion of its verbal content.
 
To begin with, Yiannopoulos should not be reading anything. A sincere apology is never read from a script. For if it is written by an attorney or anyone else (as this clearly was) - or if it is not spoken from the heart (no script needed), then it is by definition, insincere.

A very blatant and obvious verbal display of Yiannopoulos' insincerity is evidenced toward the end of this video when he blames others for his own actions, "... But let’s be clear what is happening here. This is a cynical media witch hunt from people who don’t care about children. They care about destroying me and my career, and by extension my allies..."

A profound body language mistake one makes when reading to an audience is dramatically diminished eye contact. Many novice speakers - who otherwise may have deep knowledge and extensive experience in their given area of expertise - will become obsessed with following scripts. The result of this tactic is poor quality speaking - while their audience perceives them to be no such expert (only exceeding boring). Lack of eye contact during an apology is strong evidence of guilt and insincerity. And while lack of eye contact can also signal shame, in order to do so - and this is an absolute - it must be accompanied by other signals (none of which are present here).

Looking over your glasses while speaking to anyone (even an audience of one) is extremely patronizing - and Yiannopoulos clearly knows this. You may recall the colloquial, I felt like he was 'looking down' at me - or remember a particularly harsh teacher reprimanding you in your younger years (e.g., the quintessential 'schoolmarm'). Looking over one's glasses while speaking (depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered) is often a manifestation of contempt - not sincerity or shame.

Never once during this "apology" does Yiannopoulos make an expression indicative of empathy or remorse which is required in such scenarios when sincerity is present. Empathy for another person's pain (emotional or physical) is characterized by an Elevated Central Forehead Contraction (Elevated CFC) accompanied by a simultaneous mouth of sadness (lips mildly protruding with the corners of the mouth down-turned).

You may notice at multiple times, the entire width of Yiannopoulos' forehead became momentarily elevated - but never just the central forehead. This difference is profound and cannot be over-stated - for the over-use (over-contraction, with respect to both frequency and amplitude) of the full width of the forehead (without a 'sad mouth') is the single most common signal of insincerity - and this is also exactly the facial configuration that Yiannopoulos was projecting.

The only two times Yiannopoulos displayed regret in this video was at the beginning - immediately after he said, "...which is why today I am resigning from Breitbart, effective immediately..."[regret expression], in the image immediately above at 0:07 and ....

...again just after he said, "I haven't ever apologized before" [regret expression] during 1:03, image immediately above.

Thus Yiannopoulos regrets having to apologize as well as from resigning from Breitbart - but, in this video, gives no evidence of another reason for regret.

Another tremendous nonverbal tell of insincerity, repeatedly displayed by Yiannopoulos' was a "Loose Tongue Jut" (aka "Lizard Tongue") as is seen above (from 0:38). The loose tongue jut indicates the thought-emotion of "I got caught" or "I've been/about to be Bad" (Navarro). This is not to be confused with a "Tight Tongue Jut" which means an entirely different thing.

Most people will notice Yiannopoulos' repeated, quick, jerking forward motion of his head-neck and torso (Please view the video for this, as a still image does not capture the dynamics). This is an analog of the over-contracted forehead muscles behavior described above. It's an epiphenomenon of the lack of his sincerity - for because he doesn't feel any of the emotions which he's professing with his words (a verbal-nonverbal disparity) - this excessive motion/over-compensatory behavior arises (somewhat similar to shouting when a person doesn't speak the same language).

Summary: Milo Yiannopoulos' nonverbal behavior in the video above indicates his "apology" was insincere.

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3855: Mike Pence regarding Donald Trump and Michael Flynn at NATO Headquarters

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3853: Tom Hiddleston, a School Play and Eddie Redmayne

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3833: Samuel L. Jackson, Magic Johnson and a Yacht

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3735: Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Mean Tweets

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3700: George Clooney comments regarding the News of Brad Pitt's and Angelina Jolie's Divorce

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3664: Benjamin Netanyahu, Viktor Yanukovych and Vladimir Putin

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2922: Evacuating Yazidis from Iraq's Mount Sinjar - A Daughter's Anguish, Empathy and Mirror Neurons


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3719: Donald Trump's "Apology" - Crisis Management, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Whenever an apology is made - whether during an everyday experience with a single individual, from psychological perspective or from a point of view of crisis management - several key elements must always be included if the apology is to interpreted as sincere.

The components (in no particular order of priority) of a Sincere Apology are:

1. An apology must be given by the person who committed the act - not by a manager, an attorney or other surrogate.

2. An apology must not be scripted. Although a person may use notes (provided they're not lengthy and we don't rely on them too much - for we all forget subtopics when we're nervous), apologies must be spoken from the heart.

3. An apology must be given either live with press access - or at least in a video-audio format 

4. There must be an acknowledgement of responsibility (partial) - "I said it, I was wrong and I apologize" and "I’ve said some foolish things ..."

5. A commitment to change must be made so as to prevent further infractions “I pledge to be a better man tomorrow and will never, ever let you down,”

6. An apology must include a repair offering

7. Asking for forgiveness is required with an apology

8.  Regret must be expressed - "I've said and done things I regret"

9.  The vocal qualities (tone, cadence, volume, etc.) must be congruent with sincerity

10.The facial nonverbals and other body language qualities must be reflect sincerity

On Friday, Donald Trump issued an 'apology' for the 2005 Access Hollywood video published earlier that day by the Washington Post (Just two days prior to the second of the thee 2016 Presidential Debates). This statement by Mr. Trump can be seen in the video above. Here is the transcript:

"I’ve never said I’m a perfect person, nor pretended to be someone that I’m not. I’ve said and done things I regret, and the words released today on this more than a decade-old video are one of them. 

Anyone who knows me knows these words don’t reflect who I am. I said it, I was wrong, and I apologize. I’ve traveled the country talking about change for America, but my travels have also changed me. I’ve spent time with grieving mothers who’ve lost their children, laid-off workers whose jobs have gone to other countries, and people from all walks of life who just want a better future. I have gotten to know the great people of our country, and I’ve been humbled by the faith they’ve placed in me. I pledge to be a better man tomorrow and will never, ever let you down. 

Let’s be honest — we’re living in the real world. This is nothing more than a distraction from the important issues we’re facing today. We are losing our jobs, we’re less safe than we were eight years ago, and Washington is totally broken. Hillary Clinton and her kind have run our country into the ground. 

I’ve said some foolish things, but there’s a big difference between the words and actions of other people. Bill Clinton has actually abused women, and Hillary has bullied, attacked, shamed and intimidated his victims. We will discuss this more in the coming days. See you at the debate on Sunday."

Mr. Trump deserves some credit for delivering this statement himself and not by a surrogate. It was performed via a release of a video - and not by phone or a full written statement.

It was however, very scripted - and read off a teleprompter. Such "apologies" are, by definition, never sincere. They must be freely spoken, never read.

Although Mr. Trump did acknowledge wrong doing - and importantly expressed regret, he failed to differentiate between the lewd language he used - and the acts (which if true fit the legal and medical definitions of sexual assault) he was describing. This distinction is of profound importance and each should be addressed.

Mr. Trump did not ask for forgiveness.

Mr. Trump did not say, "I'm sorry".

Mr. Trump did not offer to repair any wrongs done to the individuals whom he violated.

Mr. Trump's tone of voice (and other vocal qualities) at no time was even close to sincere. On the contrary, his voice was defensive and angry.

With respect to Donald Trump's Nonverbal Behavior - His face changed very little throughout his 90 second statement. He was in effect, wearing a living mask. This was of course particularly true of the top half of his face. Donald Trump's facial expression was locked in anger. At several times he also displayed contempt and at multiple times hubris.

Although some of Mr. Trump's shoulder movement were secondary to his (off camera) hand movements, he did display several partial shoulder shrugs are indications of the thought-emotions of: "I don't know", "I don't care", "What could I do?", "What does it matter?"

There was absolutely no facial expressions even remotely indicative of empathy, sorrow, regret or shame. This absence is most notable during 0:17 - 0:19 as he says, "I said it, I was wrong and I apologize".

Summary: Although Donald Trump's statement does meet some of the requirements of an apology, the majority of these criteria are omitted. At no time was Mr. Trump's body language congruent with a sincere apology.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3718: Donald Trump's "Access Hollywood" Hot Mic Video

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3716: Fatherhood, Body Language, Emotional Intelligence and Ashton Kutcher's Pants

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3709: Kate Middleton - The face you make when you’re married to a prince but you meet Justin Trudeau

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3695: Donald Trump, "Take Their Guns away", "Let's see What Happens to Her"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3702: Hillary Clinton: "Why aren't I 50 points ahead (of Trump)?''

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3692: Donald Trump Gets Interrupted by Pastor in Flint, Michigan 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3649: Donald Trump's Endorsement of Paul Ryan 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3638: Hillary Clinton's DNC Speech - and One Expression Which Profoundly Lowers Her Likability

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3671: Trump's and Pence's Tweets

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3234: Whole Foods Market, Message to Customers, Damage Control and Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3092: Brian Williams' Apology - Was He Sincere?


This post and the associated website serve as reference sources for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed here 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 – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3645: Miss Teen USA's Apology - Is She Sincere? Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Recently, Karlie Haye won the 2016 Miss Teen USA contest. Within a few hours it became widely known that as a 15 year old, she made several racist tweets. Many are dismayed that her award was not rescinded while others say that she made these statements when she was not an adult (she is now 18) and because of this she should keep her crown.

In the above video, Ms. Haye was given the opportunity to apologize on Good Morning America. Yet was her apology sincere? What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.

She deserves credit for appearing on National TV. A lot of people with much more experience in front of a camera often issue a statement or a tweet when apologizing - or even have an agent or attorney read it for them. Furthermore, she also deserves credit for not reading a prepared statement herself - but rather participated in an interview/dialog setting. However from a nonverbal perspective, at no time during this video did Ms. Haye demonstrate empathy, remorse or sincerity during this "apology".

George Stephanopoulos: "I think what a lot of people are waiting to hear is a clear apology."

Karlie Haye: "Yes, and I am very sorry"

Note as she replies, she leans her head/neck forward, nods and raises the entire width of her forehead while also raising both of her entire eyebrows.

If at this time, had she felt remorse, empathy or sincerity - only her central forehead would have elevated and only the inner, central portions of her eyebrows would have contracted and elevated. Her lateral forehead (outside portions, closer to her ears) as well as her lateral eyebrows would have either remained a neutral position or indeed, been vectored downward. It's also of paramount importance that such forehead changes be accompanied by a corresponding saddened mouth configuration (If an elevated CFC accompanies a subtle/partial mouth smile - it's a red flag for other emotions. Do you know which ones?) This cannot be emphasized enough - if a person is feeling emotional pain (including remorse) or physical pain for oneself or another (via empathy) this central forehead contraction-elevation (elevated CFC) should always be present.

In contrast, the entire width of both of Ms. Haye's eyebrows elevate along with the full width of her forehead. This nonverbal dynamic, when coupled with this mouth configuration and the verbal statement, "Yes, and I am very sorry" - is indicative of insincerity. The image immediately above was captured at the end of the word "very" (2:01).

Both of the image immediately above and below were captured during the word "... ashamed ..." within the sentence, "It's embarrassing, it's something I'm ashamed of ..." (2:03). Both of these show a component of a suppressed smile (more so the one below) - which, in this context, is a variation of duping delight. The image below also has an element of disgust.

The quick snapping back and to one side of her head and neck, when coupled with the cluster of a suppressed smile and disgust, indicates an impatient dismissal (e.g., "I can't believe I have to apologize!").

The image above was captured during 2:52, just after Ms. Haye says, "There is no excuse to say that word - ever - at all." Her expression is one of fear - with a mouth of fear and eyelids opened significantly wider than baseline. She also displays very rapid blinking of her eyelids - which is a general anxiety indicator when viewed in isolation, yet in this context it also goes further and amplifies her fear expression. Her deep inhalation is also part of this fear cluster.

Summary: Karlie  Haye's "apology" does not display any nonverbal markers indicative of sincerity, empathy or remorse. When nonverbal signals are not aligned with the verbal language - it's the nonverbal message which always tells the truth.

This website serves 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 – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

See also:


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3644: Eric Trump, Humayun Khan, Sexual Harassment and Patronizing Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3642: Does Donald Trump Know Vladimir Putin?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3640: Khizr Khan’s DNC Speech, Donald Trump & Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3638: Hillary Clinton's DNC Speech - and One Expression Which Profoundly Lowers Her Likability

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3598: Gary Johnson, Donald Trump's Wall and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3559: Kit Harington, Game of Thrones, Jon Snow and Body Language - Spoiler Alert

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3530: Justin Trudeau, Quantum Computing and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3510: Lindsey Graham - The Senator Picks His Poison: Ted Cruz vs. Donald Trump


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3533: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard - Australian Biosecurity - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Last May Amber Heard allegedly tried to smuggle her two dogs (Pistol and Boo) into Australia - and she recently pled guilty to falsifying travel documents. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard recorded a video apology which the Australian Government (Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources) then placed on YouTube on 17 April 2016.

The following is a partial nonverbal analysis of the Hollywood couple's mea culpa.

At 0:03.7, Depp Displays a Microexpression of Disgust as Heard says "Australia ..."

During 0:10, Johnny purses his lips just after he says, "... it has to be protected." Lip pursing is significant for Clandestine Disagreement (or Clandestine Plans).

During 0:21, Depp is leans significantly backward with his head and neck. This posture projects contempt and exemplifies the classic, "Looking Down The Nose" arrogance after he says, "and Australians are just as unique ..."

0:37, More Disgust after he says, "Declare everything when you enter Australia"


Despite what words might say - an apology is never sincere without matching sincere body language (and also vocal qualities). Depp's nonverbal behavior was not congruent with either his or Heard's words - thus this was not a sincere apology.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3532: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and The Graham Norton Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3530: Justin Trudeau, Quantum Computing and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3512: Emilia Clarke, "Me Before You" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3494: Donald Trump reacts to questions about Breitbart News reporter allegedly getting roughed up by his Campaign Manager 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3457: Chelsea Clinton refers to Bernie Sanders as "President Sanders" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3439: Ted Cruz and the Lateral Lip Purse 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3287: Hillary Clinton, Email Servers and Crisis Management

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2685: Amber Heard, Johnny Depp Engaged - When They Fell In Love

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