Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3798: Elle Fanning, Channing Tatum and Dialing Up the Alpha - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Elle Fanning was recently a guest on The Tonight Show. In the telling of her story of her encounter with Channing Tatum at a Beyoncé concert, Ms. Fanning repeatedly displayed a particularly common, although rarely understood nonverbal behavior - known as "Hair Adjust Behind the Ear" - aka HABE.

Adjusting the hair behind one's ear is very commonly dismissed as "habit" or tic-like behavior (which it may well be, to some degree). Body language novices may describe it as a "preening behavior". And while it does, in a general sense, fit within the category of preening, it has a much more precise meaning.

A HABE also fits into a class of behaviors termed "MAPs" (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers) - in short, these are a variety of self-touching body language displays . When a HABE is used, it indicates level of anxiety (a common occasion is within the sub-context of embarrassment, as Ms. Fanning is experiencing) - but even more specifically, it shows that a person both recognizes and feels the need to be more assertive and thus "Up-Regulate" their alpha qualities (e.g., "I need to step it up"). This is often referred to as "Dialing Up One's Alpha".

You may note that the Hair Adjust Behind the Ear behavior is more common in women - yet this is only because of the current social tendency for women to have longer hair (it is used by shorter-haired women as well as men too, just not as frequently). And while of course, longer hair does occasionally need to be moved out one's way - it occurs much frequently when assertiveness is necessary.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3797: Donald Trump's Out of Context Christmas Tweet

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3795: Donald Trump's White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer comments regarding Trump's, "Let It Be An Arms Race" Statement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3793: Donald Trump Comments Regarding Berlin Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3738: Gary Johnson Loses His Temper 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3652: Simone Manuel & Penny Oleksiak Win Olympic Gold 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3604: Nigel Farage, Jean-Claude Juncker, The Brexit and "Why Are You Here?" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3535: Prince, Sexual Signals and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3506: Jake Gyllenhaal Bombed His Lord of the Rings Audition

__________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3622: Theresa May's First Speech as Prime Minister - Body Language Faux Pas (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Theresa May became the UK's new Prime Minister today. She also gave her first speech outside of Number 10. Understandably she was a bit nervous and this manifested in several ways - one in particular is discussed here.

The PM gestured with her hands and arms so minimally throughout the majority of the speech, that they did not emerge from behind the lectern until the 3:10 mark.

Certainly there are some who use their hands and arms too often or too dramatically (e.g., Bernie Sanders) - while others who use them in a fashion "out of sync" with their spoken words. In each of these cases, these "Illustrators" lose their potency or convey conflicting messages and thus backfire. However using one's hands and arms too minimally (or not at all) projects a timidity, a beta emotional tone and lack of confidence. Moreover when people hide their hands (in pockets, under the table, behind the lectern, etc.) we trust them less.

This particular lectern the Prime Minister is using should be perhaps 10 percent shorter - as well as reduced in width. It would help tremendously if it was made from a transparent material - and of a slimmer design. The more others see of you - the more they tend to trust you. The way this lectern is configured now, she's largely blocked - so that when Mrs. May makes minimal gestures with her hands, this remains unseen. The audience and camera only see it manifested as a shoulder shrug. Shrugs of course have their context (and some of Mrs. May's may indeed be "only" shrugs), but when these are displayed too frequently - it will further lower confidence (both of those using it as well as those watching).

One occasion when hands and arms usage should be quite minimal - is just after a tragedy.

 
This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. 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. 3621: Bernie Sanders Endorses Hillary Clinton

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2935: David Cameron and ISIL-ISIS-IS

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2409: David Cameron & François Hollande - Variations on the Hand Chop & Palm Orientation

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3526: Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler Meet - the Munich Agreement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3617: President Obama and Speaker Ryan regarding the Dallas Shooting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3407: GOP Debate, the National Anthem and Shades of Napoleon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3207: Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3609: Emma Watson, Tina Turner, Ring Tones and Body Language


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3590: Pam Bondi (Florida's Attorney General), Anderson Cooper and LGBT support - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This video, published yesterday, shows Anderson Cooper interviewing Florida's Attorney General, Pam Bondi.  Cooper was relatively confrontational, not allowing the AG off the hook very easily. During the 2:21 to 2:23 segment, Bondi exemplifies a very common nonverbal display.

When Mr. Cooper pursues the LGBT subject matter to a place where Ms. Bondi becomes more emotionally uncomfortable, she collects her hair and pulls it back behind her shoulders. This "Hair Sequestering" body language is a signal of alpha up-regulation. Even though she is Florida's top attorney (ergo a very alpha position), Ms. Bondi felt the need to momentarily dial-up her assertiveness even higher.

Although common, the significance of this body language is misunderstood by all but a few. Many people will say that their hair "itches" or "it was in my face", etc., - and that's why they adjusted or "fixed" their hair. Yet if you watch closely, virtually every time this maneuver is performed, there is an effort being made by the person to "step up" their alpha qualities.

This "Hair Sequestering" is not as common as its cousin - the "Hair Adjustment Behind the Ear" (aka HABE). Additionally,  it's seen more often with women as well as those with longer hair (although it's displayed by both genders and even with those individuals with short hair).

It's very helpful to recognize those specific moments when the person with whom your speaking feels the need to dial-up their alpha qualities. How many other body language signals of "alpha up-regulation" can you name?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3589: Barack Obama's retort to Donald Trump regarding ISIS

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3587: The Orlando Mass Shooting, Omar Mateen and Warning Signs - Body Language Red Flags

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3583: Donald Trump, Reaching out to Bernie Sanders' Supporters and Insincerity Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3581: Hillary Clinton, Likability and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3426: Barack Obama, Executive Action, Gun Control and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3263: Barack Obama on Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" - The Sarcastic Bobble Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3286: Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black & C'est la vie

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3320: Pope Francis speaks before the U.S. Congress - Body Language of Boehner and Biden


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3453: Marco Rubio's Hyper-Alpha, Backfiring Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On this day of the 2016 Iowa Caucuses, take a moment to view the above video segment from the most recent republican debate in Des Moines, Iowa. Senator Marco Rubio is featured three times during this clip. In each of these segments, especially the first two, the junior senator from Florida uses one particular nonverbal signal far too much.

Using any body language excessively (regardless of the type), just as with speaking or writing any word too frequently, will strongly suggest lack of vocabulary (spoken language, written language or body language), lack of experience (at least in this example, on such a large and important national stage) - or anxiety (the brain has difficulty multitasking during times of distress so it resorts to using the few "default settings" with which it has grown accustomed).

Sen. Rubio's intention is to project his assertiveness, determination and anger - by using a downward index finger (forefinger) point with the added hand chop dynamic. This is most certainly a high alpha body language display. The trouble is, as with most politicians and almost everyone using alpha nonverbal signals - is that they go overboard and use them far too dramatically and much too frequently. When over-used, alpha body language is, by definition, hyper-alpha and will polarize and destroy rapport rather than creating or building it.

In the political realm we will see hyper-alpha body language displays by members of the opposing party challengers (in this case the republicans opposing President Obama) much more often than members of the incumbent party running for the same political office. Moreover, hyper-alpha displays are also seen more often before the respective national conventions and a final party representative is then chosen. After the republican and democratic conventions the candidates will of course be trying to win the middle third of the electorate who are undecided - thus their nonverbals (intuitively or coached) will become more diplomatic/rapport building and less hyperbolic/less polarizing.

Did you notice Rubio's additional mistake? He wasn't really using an index finger downward point as much he was pointing directly toward the audience/camera. This is a profound faux pas, as pointing with an index finger towards anyone, even if they otherwise like you (and will vote for you) will alienate them. Index finger pointing is viewed world-wide as extremely offensive and patronizing.

As with any athlete after a game, Senator Rubio (and his staff) should take time to view and critique his performance, alerting him to this and other mistakes.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3452: A Ted Cruz Rapport Destroyer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3450: Kanye West reacts to Paparazzi's questions regarding Wiz Khalifa

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3446: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3443: Donald Trump - "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and Shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any Voters!"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3258: Hillary Clinton speaks out on "inaccuracies" of private email controversy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3371: John Kasich at the Republican Debate 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2840: Shailene Woodley, Jon Steward Show and a Body Language of Sexual Interest Display 


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3328: PewDiePie on Stephen Colbert's Late Show - a Common Body Language Alpha Up-Regulator (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

PewDiePie was a guest yesterday on Stephen Colbert's Late Show.

Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg - best known for his "Let's Play" commentaries and other blogs - goes by his online alias "PewDiePie". His YouTube channel is the most popular - with over 39 Million subscribers and 10 billion views.

In the image below PewDiePie can be seen pulling up/adjusting his sock. This sign is a very common nonverbal indicator of anxiety - and mores specifically of  "dialing-up" one's alpha qualities. The psyche is in effect saying, "We need to be more assertive, more alpha." It's more commonly displayed in men vs. women. In addition, the sock adjust is more frequent seen in individuals with alpha personalities (and/or alpha moments) when the person realizes (subconsciously and consciously), that they need to up-regulate their alpha emotional tone (and down-shift their beta characteristics [at least for the moment]).

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3327: Chris Harper Mercer - School Shooter - Umpqua Community College near Roseburg, Oregon - Body Language Red Flags

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2914: François Hollande, Anxiety and Dialing up his Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3256: Katie Holmes on Jimmy Fallon - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3200: Martin O'Malley announces Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language of Emotional Processing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2848: Iliza Shlesinger, Hair Adjust Behind Ear, Dialing Up Your Alpha & Comedy 


___________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3256: Katie Holmes on Jimmy Fallon - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Katie Holmes was a guest The Tonight Show yesterday. As with most highly skilled actors, when they are "in character" - their anxiety tells are relatively minimal (although not absent). However when actors are not acting and thus "just being themselves" - their anxiety is just as frequent and obvious as it would be for any average person.

Ms. Holmes' conversation with Jimmy Fallon provides for us several excellent body language tells - what follows is a partial analysis.

During 0:06 - 0:10 (and again from 2:06 - 2:11), Katie is seen twisting her ring on her right hand. This is an example of a MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) surrogate display and is a very common anxiety tell.

It's referred to as a surrogate because the ring is a worn object - rather than part of the body.

During 0:29, Ms. Holmes displays a (bilateral) Hair Adjust Behind the Ears (HABE) configuration. More commonly this is performed on one side. Each example is indicative of anxiety (with the bilateral correlative with a higher amount).

Yet we can slice this thinner - this is an example of a nonverbal "Alpha Up-regulator". It is seen as the psyche is dialing up an alpha characteristics while down-regulating beta qualities. Put another way - despite the fact she has anxiety, Ms. Holmes is entering into an "Assertiveness Mode".

During the 1:22 - 1:24 segment, Katie reaches across her body with her right hand to scratch behind her left ear (on the mastoid process).

Reaching across the body is significant for increased "blocking" (temporarily forming a protective barrier) and thus a greater level of anxiety is signaled here vs. if she had scratched on the same side. Additionally, this specific nonverbal MAP has a high correlation with "honest anxiety" and a low correlation with deception. (e.g., this is rarely a lie tell).

During the 1:43 - 1:44 segment, we see another MAP surrogate (and anxiety tell) - very similar to the ring twisting showcased above - here Katie adjusts/fondles her bracelet.








These examples are shown in the context entertainment during a low-consequence interview. Yet these same tells are displayed repeatedly on the campaign trail, in the board room, the court room, in high-level negotiations and during virtually every sales scenario - and very often they are contradicting the verbal language. When verbal and nonverbal communication are not congruent - the nonverbal always is telling the truth. How many did you miss this week?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3255: Donald Trump and a Body Language Signal of Social Fear and Hesitancy

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1209:  Even Putin has Anxiety -  False Tie Adjust

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3078: Tom Brady, Deflategate, Deception and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2408:  Sen. Kelly Ayotte's Anxiety & Regret via  Senators Graham & McCain -  Republican Body Language in Response to  President Obama's National Defense University Speech

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2831: "Walking Contest", Anxiety, Mirroring and False Intimacy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3134: Ted Cruz to Announce his Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Why He Will Never Win

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3002: How NOT to sit in the Oval Office - Mitch McConnell ... your Beta is Showing

___________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3228: Barack Obama in Rose Garden - The President regarding Supreme Court Decision on Marriage Equality (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Today was a huge day for President Obama. There's a good chance that years from now, the average American and Barack Obama himself will remember this day more than any other of his eight years in the White House. The President's eulogy for Reverend Clementa C. Pickney was very moving. And Mr. Obama began his day giving another speech - in the Rose Garden addressing the World regarding the Supreme Court's 5 to 4 decision in favor of the full recognition of Marriage Equality.

From a nonverbal perspective both of these events could be dissected at great length - and indeed there are some fantastic body language teaching points. However in the first two seconds of the first event we can see a gesture that is rare for the American President - a "shirt cuff adjust". This is also referred to as a "false cuff adjust" - since the sleeve is rarely out of place. This is a common anxiety tell and is seen much more often in males and those of higher socioeconomic status. Yet we can slice this body language even thinner. This nonverbal "illustrator" signals us that the President's psyche is up-regulating his alpha qualities (He's attempting [successfully] to "psyche himself up"). Understanding such a flux in the alpha-beta dynamic is useful not only in "dialing-up" one's own assertiveness - but also in the recognition of a change in emotional tone in others - whether in a sales setting, a negotiation, the court room, the board room or the Roosevelt Room.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3227: Bobby Jindal's, "... I am tanned ..." remark - What does his Body Language tell us?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3226: Bobby Jindal Jumps In the 2016 Presidential Race - Puts "Family Meeting" online - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3210: Matteo Renzi, Christine Lagarde, Barack Obama and Up-Regulating Alpha Emotions

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3046: Chris Pine Dials Up His Alpha - "Into the Woods" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2569: Hillary Clinton, Visibility, Trust and a Harbinger of 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2674: Did Chris Christie Orchestrate Bridge Closure or Cover Up His Subordinates Actions? Body Language Tells Us ....

 __________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3045: How Vladimir Sits - Body Language Tells (PHOTOS)

Vladimir Putin often sits with his legs widely splayed - particularly when sitting with other heads-of-state, and these recent meetings with Barack Obama and David Cameron are no exception. In body language parlance this is known as the "Seated Crotch Display".

Men will often sit in this manner for two primary reasons: sexual attraction (which of course is NOT applicable here) and to assert their dominance. Mr. Putin is very interested in projecting his alpha qualities - and the seated crotch display is one of many nonverbal modes of sending signals of such hyper-assertiveness.

Many men make the huge mistake of sitting in this configuration around women in a business context. And while the vast majority of them are unaware of it, in such a setting this body language is offensive.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3044: Barack Obama regarding "The Interview", North Korea and His Choice in Films

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3014: Vladimir Putin - Odd Man Out Down Under at the G20 Summit

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3009: Vladimir Putin, Chivalry and China's first lady Peng Liyuan

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2982: Politicians Should Never Do This If They Want To Be Elected - Hillary Clinton's Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2837: Of Spelling Bees, Alpha Posture, Decision Making and Visualizing - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2914: François Hollande, Anxiety and Dialing up his Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2749: President Obama, Ukraine's Interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid

___________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2914: François Hollande, Anxiety and Dialing up his Alpha (PHOTOS)

François Hollande (L), the President of France, is seated here next to Belgium's Queen Mathilde and King Philippe (R) at the recent ceremony at the Cointe Inter-allied Memorial in Li ge, Belgium in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I.

President Hollande is seen adjusting his right sock. This is a very common signal of male anxiety - and more specifically it signals an attempt at up-regulating of alpha qualities. And while most every man's socks occasionally do droop a bit - feeling the need to re-adjust them comes at times when their confidence level ebbs. There is little doubt that François certainly has an alpha personality - yet even top-dogs occasionally feel emotionally uncomfortable.

There are many alpha up-regulators - this is but one. The ability to spot these nonverbal alpha-beta fluxes in business, leadership positions or personal scenarios will give you a dramatic view into others psyche's.

What other body language is President Hollande displaying which gives significant insight into what he is feeling?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2912: Gerald Ford Pardoning of Richard Nixon - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2678: French President François Hollande, Valerie Trierweiler and Julie Gayet - Of Affairs, Affection and Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1705:  François Hollande & the French Presidential Election  The Pistol Steeple and Emotional Dissonance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2409:  David Cameron & François Hollande -  Variations on the Hand Chop & Palm Orientation

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2848: Iliza Shlesinger, Hair Adjust Behind Ear, Dialing Up Your Alpha & Comedy - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2905: Paul George's Injury - a Common Body Language Signal of Emotional Processing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2831: "Walking Contest", Anxiety, Mirroring and False Intimacy

_________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2910: Becky Hammon, First Female Full-Time NBA Assistant Basketball Coach and an Under-used Body Language Illustrator (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday the San Antonio Spurs hired Becky Hammon as an assistant coach. She is just the second female coach in the history of the NBA - however she's the first in a full-time, salaried assistant position.

As many women leaders know, it is often a difficult balance to be assertive and alpha - and yet to not over-do these emotions. Many leaders, male or female do just that. The opposite extreme - too beta and diminutive is of course not an option. Hitting a happy-medium requires someone with both great interpersonal and intrapersonal skill.

In the sphere of nonverbal communication, there are many alpha-beta hybrids - and they are sorely underutilized. It is pure coincidence that the body language illustrator highlighted here is termed the "Unilateral Basketball Steeple".

While the "Conventional Steeple" is certainly a very strong alpha gesture - if used more than a second or two it will transmit feelings of arrogance and condescending emotional tones (and even when used very briefly, it must be choreographed for specially selected and very important moments of emphasis. See: Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2496:  Would You Buy a Car from this Man? [a Lykan Hypersport?],  Destroying Rapport with Arrogant Body Language)

An outstanding alpha-beta body language alternative to the conventional steeple is the basketball steeple - with the hands gesturing and held apart as if holding an invisible basketball (See: Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2710: Microsoft's New CEO Sayta Nadella's Body Language vs. Bill Gates). In this image (captured at the 9:57 mark) while at a press conference, Becky Hammon uses the unilateral basketball steeple. It is a nonverbal which projects strength, healthy leadership, assertiveness and confidence - and yet it is not over-zealous like the conventional steeple.

There is a ton of great nonverbals in this video - what others do you see?

Congratulations Becky Hammon!

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2102:  The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle and the  Conventional Steeple vs.Basketball Steeple

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2835: Jay Carney Resigns - President Obama Shows Us a Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2605: President Obama and Health Insurance Cancellation Fix - and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid Body Language Illustrator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2749: President Obama, Ukraine's Interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid

 _________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2848: Iliza Shlesinger, Hair Adjust Behind Ear, Dialing Up Your Alpha & Comedy - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Iliza Shlesinger recently appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon". The video above is hilarious - yet she also gives us an example of body language used in context. Like all comedians, Shlesinger goes "into character" here and there throughout her shtick - and she uses body language in multiple ways to suspend our disbelief and thus laugh deeper. Below is just one of these nonverbals.

At multiple times throughout her routine, Iliza displays the "Hair Adjust Behind the Ear" (aka HABE). This is one of many examples of what in body language parlance is known as a MAP (manipulator, adaptor, pacifier). This particular MAP has a very specific meaning. It indicates that the person is seeking to "dial up their alpha". They may indeed be very alpha to begin with - yet in the moment - they need more assertiveness. The HABE is a clear (and subconsciously driven) nonverbal signal indicating they feel they need more alpha. It is a very valuable signal in the setting of a negotiation, the courtroom, etc.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2177:  "I'm Tired of Bronco Bamma and Mitt Romney" -  We're all Abigael Evans  Dialing up her Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2823: Kendall Jenner, 5 Seconds of Summer & One Direction at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards - Anxiety Tells

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1411:  Dialing Up Her Alpha -  Dana Perino

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2801: Adam Silver Bans Donald Sterling for Life - Alpha Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2830: Petro Poroshenko, Ukrainian Elections and an Hyper-Alpha Body Language Signal

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2837: Of Spelling Bees, Alpha Posture, Decision Making and Visualizing - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2847: Eric Cantor, Concession Speeches and Low Affection - Body Language Tells

_________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2830: Petro Poroshenko, Ukrainian Elections and an Hyper-Alpha Body Language Signal (PHOTO)

It appears that billionaire Petro Poroshenko has been elected as Ukraine's next president. And while arm separatists continue to create significant unrest in the eastern portions of the country, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to respect the Ukrainian people's choice in the election.

Poroshenko, who made his fortune in the candy business, is show in this image with his hands in a configuration in what in body language parlance is known as a "Steeple" - and more specifically a "Mid Conventional Steeple" (This steeple is a mid-level one as opposed to one more highly displayed - at the upper chest or face, or near the waist which is a lower steeple).

When used sparingly and for short duration the conventional steeple is a strong assertive signal. However most people who use the steeple - end up over-using it - rather than displaying it rarely and essentially choreographing its use. In such over-steepling scenarios it backfires and sends signals of arrogance, condescending and patronizing emotional tones. This alpha nonverbal then becomes a hyper-alpha one. Many leaders make this crucial mistake - and thus destroy rapport rather than building it.

What nonverbal signals on the "Chocolate King's" face?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2806: Russian "Separatists" in Ukraine - Body Language of .....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2814: Ukraine, Pro-Russian Separatists, Bilateral Eyelid Closure and Emotional Processing - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2727: "I am a Ukrainian" Video - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2829: Respect, Funerals, Memorials and Alpha vs. Beta - Body Language Tells

__________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2440: Vladimir Putin Dials Up His Alpha ...Foot Position, Projecting Leadership, Confidence & Body Language

Vladimir Putin is shown in the above image with his feet slightly greater than his shoulder-width apart. Although neither a video or the translation is currently available for this moment, we can certainly diagnose his emotions in the moment this photo was taken.

Mr. Putin is rarely feeling a lack of confidence. And this is no exception. He felt particularly alpha & adamant about an issue when he was speaking here. The Russian President is only 1.70 meters (5'7") in height - and some shorter men have an aversion of standing in such a way because it momentarily decreases their height. However standing with your feet about shoulder width apart or slightly closer projects (outwardly to others as well as to one's own psyche) confidence, strength of purpose, leadership, courage and increases the over-all "Alpha Quotient". It even engenders greater fluidity to speech and increases confidence in vocal tone. Those who stand with their feet too close together will experience the opposite. And while it is not advocated for women to stand with their feet separated as widely as men - the same phenomena holds true for both genders - as well as the animal kingdom (women configure their feet about 20- 25% closer in equivalent scenarios). Too often women avoid doing so for fear of looking masculine/not looking feminine. However, women need to take advantage of this nonverbal principle too. 

Very occasionally, if one wants to place a powerful punctuation regarding a particular point - a momentary slightly wider stance of the feet will add alpha. This is exactly what Vladimir is doing here.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2043:  Foot Position at a Funeral/Receiving of Remains Ceremony -  Respect vs. Disrespect

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2313:  Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel -  What Her Body Language Tells Us ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2137:  Mitt Romney vs. Barack Obama - First Presidential Debate -  Barack's Bad Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2199:  Thailand, Body Language,  Barack Obama and Yingluck Shinawatra -  Mirroring and Foot Point

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 337:  Michele Bachmann's Low Confidence Stance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1843:  United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice  in Response to Syrian Government's Houla Massacre

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2155:  Body Language Tells at the Second Presidential Debate  Mitt Romney at Attention &  President Obama's Disapproval-Subtle Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1867:  Ann Romney - Demure vs. Assertive Stance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2426:  Remembering Ronald Reagan,  "Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall"  Body Language at the Brandenburg Gate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2436:  Vladimir Putin next to Barack Obama - G8 Body Language

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2221: How NOT to Pose if You Want to Project Confidence -Heisman Body Language

While this is possibly an example of Nonverbal Mirroring, Johnny Manziel, Manti Te'o and Collin Klein were almost surely told to deliberately stand in this pose. Whether mirrored or deliberate, hands clasped over the lower abdominal region (known as the "fig leaf" or "genital guarding") is, in most settings a signal of low confidence. It can also signal reverence or respect - such as in a religious ceremony or in the presence of a dignitary, etc. And while these men have great respect for the Heisman Award and their nominations, this is a body language position which sends message of non-engagement, low confidence, demure and beta behavior. In this setting, they would have been much better advised to stand with their hands loosely clasped behind their backs (with feet a shoulder's width apart) - which projects the alpha emotions of confidence, assertiveness and strength. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1563: Geithner and Holder  In Deference to the President - One Occasion to Use the Fig Leaf

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 441:  Bill Clinton's Rapport and His Temporary Universe

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1770: White House Correspondents' Dinner - Lindsay Lohan's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1873: Hillary Clinton & Kofi Annan on Syria

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2155: Body Language Tells at the Second Presidential Debate  Mitt Romney at Attention &  President Obama's Disapproval-Subtle Contempt

Leadership Secret # 99:  One Body Language configuration a leader should (almost) never adopt - Steven Harper

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1865:  Five Presidents Standing in the Oval Office - Who has the Lowest Confidence?  Who is the Least Emotionally Comfortable? 

__________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2185: Paula Broadwell, David Petraeus, an Alpha Personality and a Telling Body Language Signal ....

In the above interview with CNN's Erin Burnett (16 February 2012), Paula Broadwell gives her opinions regarding Iran, its anticipated nuclear capability and the geopolitical ramifications of possible military intervention. At several times during the interview, Ms. Broadwell exemplifies a pseudo-blink with her left eye (e.g. 0:37, 1:06 and 1:28). This unilateral nonverbal is characterized most often by a partial blink (although it can sometimes involve complete eyelid closure) and is reflective of an alpha personality with a strong point of view. This body language is displayed by those who are very confident in their opinion and individuals in a position of relative power. It's an attempt by the subconscious to create rapport through false-familarity and when coupled with other nonverbals, paralanguage and verbals - even false-affection. It's also a signal that they're not receptive to taking in new information, but only interested in advancing their position or agenda.

Paula Broadwell has a very alpha personality.

The pseudo-blink can be mistaken or confused with the unilateral partial eyelid closure sometimes seen with incredulity (as Erin Burnett examples at the 0:11 mark) or that which may accompany contempt or disgust.

Paula Broadwell is alleged to have had an extra-marital affair with former CIA Director and Four Star General David Petraeus. Broadwell is the Petraeus' Biographer (All In: The Education of General David Petraeus) - herself a West Point Grad ('95) and currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. Petraeus met with Barack Obama on 8 November and offered to resign. The President accepted Petraeus' resignation on 9 November 2012.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2160:  Index Finger (Forefinger) Pointing in Politics -  The Third (and Final) 2012 Presidential Debates -  Body Language of Being an Alpha Male without Offending

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2048:  The Arm Grip, Shoulder Touch and Back Touch Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1871: Barack Obama  Explains His "Private Sector is Doing Fine" Comment -  The "Dominant Spider" vs.The "Split-Finger Fastball"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1889:  Vladimir Putin & Barack Obama at the G-20

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2148:  Joe Biden vs. Paul Ryan and the  "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" in the Vice Presidential Debate

Nonverbal Communication Intelligence # 2113:  Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran, the U.S. and the  Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2061:  David Cameron Defends London Olympics against  Mitt Romney's Remarks -  Alpha Dominance and Illustrators -  Matching Hands and Feet as Sincerity Amplifiers

Nonverbal Communication Application # 2012:  Mitt Romney and Vetting the V.P. ....  or an Attorney, a Physician, a C-Level Executive,  a Juror, a Suspect, etc. ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1843:  United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice  in Response to Syrian Government's Houla Massacre

___________________________________________________________________________________