Body Language Analysis No. 4385: William Barr Testimony - Part II - Senate Judiciary Committee - 1 May 2019 - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This is the second nonverbal analysis of Attorney General William Barr's 1 May 2018 testimony. Barr was testifying under oath before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary regarding the Justice Department’s Investigation of Russian Interference with the 2016 US Presidential Election.

Since this appearance, the Barr has refused to appear before the House Judiciary Committee - which was scheduled for 2 May 2019.

In addition, following President Trump’s declaration of executive privilege, the Justice Department declared it will not be complying with the House's subpoena for the full Mueller Report.

What follows is a nonverbal analysis of a second crucial portion of William Barr's Senate testimony and his exchange with Senator Kamala Harris (please see the first of the cross-reference links below for the initial analysis of this series).

KAMALA HARRIS (continuing at 1:39): My question - is in reaching your conclusion - did you personally review all of the underlying evidence?

WILLIAM BARR: Ah, no. We took - a, and accepted -

KAMALA HARRIS (over-talking): Did, did, did -  

WILLIAM BARR (over-talking): We accepted -

KAMALA HARRIS (over-talking): - did Mr. Rosenstein?

WILLIAM BARR (over-talking): - statements. No [quietly]. We accepted the statements in The Report as the factual record. We did not go underneath it - to see whether or not they were accurate. We accepted it as accurate. And made our - made our decision -

KAMALA HARRIS (over-talking): So you accepted, you accepted The Report as the evidence?

WILLIAM BARR: Yes.

KAMALA HARRIS: You did not question or look at the underlying evidence that supports the conclusions in the report? 

WILLIAM BARR: No.

KAMALA HARRIS: Did, ah, Mr. Rosenstein review the evidence that underlines and supports the conclusions in the report? To your knowledge? 

WILLIAM BARR: Not to my knowledge. We accepted the statements in The Report -

KAMALA HARRIS (over-talking): Did anyone in your -

WILLIAM BARR (over-talking): - and the characterization of the evidence as true.

KAMALA HARRIS: Did anyone in your executive office review the evidence supporting The Report?

WILLIAM BARR: No.

KAMALA HARRIS: No. Yet you represented to the American public that the evidence was not, 'sufficient to support an obstruction of justice offense'.

As Barr says, "see" ("We did not go underneath it - to see") during 2:01, he displays a Lip Curl.

A Lip Curl is a signal of:

• Braggadocio
• Bravado
• Hubris
• Bluster

A lip curl often has an accompanying verbal component of a slight lisp (in people who don't otherwise exhibit a lisp) - which can be heard as William Barr says, "see".

A prolonged eyelid closure (prolonged false blinking) is exhibited during 2:13, just as Kamala Harris says, "that supports the" ("You did not question or look at the underlying evidence that supports the conclusions in the report?"). This lasts for a full second. A normal blink has a duration of 0.100 to 0.150 seconds (with some exceptions, as long as 0.400 seconds).

Such long duration blinking is a form of diminished eye contact. In so doing, Barr is momentarily psychologically blocking Harris - and her confrontation.

During 2:15, just after he says, "No", Barr display an expression of Contempt. It's a bit difficult to see from this camera angle - as it's asymmetrically focused on the right (far) side of his face (a contraction and elevation of the right mouth corner and right half of his 'mustache area'). The rotation of his head partially obstructs our view. However, if you view the video at 1/2 and then 1/4 speed, you'll see it more easily. Next, watch it again at regular speed - and it will jump out at you.

A second later, during 2:16, if you look carefully, you'll see Barr clenching his jaw (circled above in red). In this cluster-context, such jaw clenching signals his anxiety. Watch this at 1/4 and 1/2 speeds as well as normal speed.

A Forward Lip Purse is displayed by Barr (2:25) just after Harris asks, "Did, ah, Mr. Rosenstein review the evidence that underlines and supports the conclusions in the report?"

A Forward Lip Purse signals a clandestine plan and/or an undisclosed disagreement. It's only displayed by people who believe they are the alpha person in the exchange. It's also a sign that they believe they have a significant probability of success.

Senator Harris then further focuses her line of questioning. Just after she says, "Did anyone in your executive...", Attorney General Barr displays an Inward Lip Roll (2:33).

An Inward Lip Roll (ILR) is an attempt by our subconscious/edge-of-conscious mind to suppress both the inward crescendo of emotions - as well as their corresponding outward (facial) expressions.

In the next second, we see a Barr display a Lateral Lip Purse (2:34). When a Lateral Lip Purse (LLP) immediately follows an Inward Lip Roll - it's a perfect example of a nonverbal sentence (aka a "Cluster"). In this context, a Lateral Lip Purse tells us that he's deciding on a course of action, and what, exactly, he's going to say regarding the thought-emotion of which he was trying to suppress in the prior second. These nonverbal juxtapositions have an extremely high correlation with deception and clandestine behavior.

Senator Harris then asks, "Did anyone in your executive office review the evidence supporting The Report?" and Barr answers, "No" (2:40 - 2:41) as he barely shakes his head, side-to-side. Yet, immediately following (during 2:41 - 2:42), as Senator Harris says, "No.", he immediately morphs - moving his head up-and-down rapidly, in affirmation. This verbal-nonverbal contradictory behavior is profoundly telling - and indicative of deception.

Please watch this particular behavior at regular speed as well as in slow motion, several times.

A second later, during 2:43, Barr displays a short burst of very rapid blinking. He repeats this during 2:46. This nonverbal behavior is highly correlated with anxiety.


SUMMARY: Attorney General William Barr's nonverbal, verbal, and paralanguage behavior analyzed in this exchange indicates he lied, under oath, to Senator Kamala Harris when he denied that anyone in his executive office had reviewed - at least a portion of - the evidence contained in the Mueller Report.

Media Inquires and Group Appearances 

One-on-One and Online Courses Available 

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

702-239-8503

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4384: William Barr's Testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on 1 May 2019

Body Language Analysis No. 4383: William Barr's 27 March 2019 Senate Testimony

Body Language Analysis No. 4382: Why is Donald Trump Leaning Forward?

Body Language Analysis No. 4381: Trump 'jokes' about staying in office for "at least for 10 or 14 years"

Body Language Analysis No. 4380: Tiger Woods Wins his first Masters in 14 years

Body Language Analysis No. 4379: Katie Bouman, Black Holes, and Emotional Processing

Body Language Analysis No. 4376: Jacinda Ardern and Donald Trump - a Study in Contrasts

Body Language Analysis No. 4367: Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer Argue in the Oval Office - The Border Wall and Government Shutdown

Body Language Analysis No. 4323: Part II - Trump Putin Helsinki Summit Press Conference

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Body Language Analysis No. 4378: William Barr questioned regarding The Mueller Report (on 9 April 2019 before the House) - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Tuesday, 9 April 2019, Attorney General William Barr testified before the US House Appropriations subcommittee. The hearing was intended to address the Justice Department budget.  Democrats, however, took the opportunity to ask questions regarding other topics - including special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election. What follows is a partial nonverbal, verbal, and paralanguage analysis of a portion of AG Barr's questioning by Congresswoman Nita Lowey.

NITA LOWEY (beginning at 7:13): Did the White House see The Report, before you released your summarizing letter? Has the White House seen it since then? Have they been briefed on the contents beyond what was in your summarizing letter - to the, Judiciary Committee?

WILLIAM BARR (beginning at 7:30): Um, I've said what I'm going to say about The Report today. Ah, I've s- 've[stutter] issued three letters about it - annnd [sic] I'm - I was willing to discuss - ahhh the historic information of how Thee [sic] [pause] Report came to me and my decision on Sunday - buuut, I've already laid out the process that is going forward, ah, to release these reports, ah, hopefully ah within a week - and I'm not going to say anything more about it until the report is out and everyone has a chance to look at it.

As soon as Representative Lowey says, "White House" ("Did the White House see The Report" ...), Attorney General Barr Displays an Inward Lip Roll (7:13 - 7:17). An inward lip roll is the psyche's attempt to suppress both the inner crescendo of strong emotions as well as their corresponding facial expressions.

In this context, an extended blink and/or increase of blinking frequency, while not required as part of an inward lip roll (ILR), acts as a nonverbal amplifier.

Note that Barr's forehead muscles are also contracting (across the entire width) and elevating. This is in the opposite direction of his eyelids during a blink (downward). These adjacent tissues moving in opposite directions are yet a further signal of blocking behavior - a manifestation of psychological push-back.

Just after Rep. Lowey says, "Has the White House seen it" (and as she is saying, "since then?"), AG Barr's jaw (mandible) moves to his right (7:20 - 7:21). This is what is known as a Jaw Confessional.

A Jaw Confessional is a nonverbal signal characterized by a quick and short-duration sideways (lateral) movement of the jaw. It indicates shame, regret, embarrassment. However, it's of profound importance here that these emotions are NOT expressed verbally.

Please view the video, as this dynamic is somewhat subtle and not captured well in a single image.

During 7:30, just before he begins speaking (just prior to him saying, "Um, I've said what I'm going to say about The Report today"), Bill Barr displays what is known as a Loose Tongue Jut (Not to be confused with a Tight Tongue Jut or a Wide Open Tongue Jut). A loose tongue jut indicates the though-emotions of:

• I've been bad
• I got caught
• I've just done a stupid thing

This next expression (immediately above), which Barr makes just prior to saying, "issued three letters about it" (7:36) is one of Feigned Consideration and is NEVER made by a person who's in a state of a beta mindset, rather only by individuals who are feeling superior to the others around them. It indicates a classic alpha emotional tone and a not-so-subtle arrogance.

During 7:58, as he says, "not going" ("I'm not going to say anything more about it until the report is out"), Barr displays a Microexpression of Contempt combined with a partial smile of Schadenfreude. Barr is taking true joy-happiness in snubbing Congresswoman Lowery.

Just after he says, "everyone has a chance to look at it", AG Barr displays this expression (during 8:03). This facial configuration is indicative of Disgust combined with Impatience.

From a Statement Analysis standpoint, what's most obvious in this exchange is that AG Barr didn't answer any of Congresswoman Lowey's questions. He stonewalled her.

Barr's use of the word, "hopefully" - is noncommittal and indicates a verbal nonchalance/dominance display. 

Also, take note of Barr's pronouncing the word "the" as "thee" - with a "long e" (ē) - "Thee [pause] Report". This verbal pattern is a subconscious/edge-of-consciousness stalling tactic which is associated with deception and inflated/false importance.

Note also, Barr's use of the phrase "going forward". This word combination is used by those who perceive themselves to be alpha relative to whom they're speaking - and who are also pursuing their agenda. It's a strong signal that the speaker is trying to appear as if they're being objective - yet they're being highly subjective.


SUMMARY: Attorney General Barr's nonverbal, verbal, and paralanguage behavior during this exchange with Congresswoman Nita Lowey indicates, with extremely high probability, that President Trump has seen the Muller Report in full.

Moreover, William Barr is taking pleasure (Schadenfreude) in his stonewalling - by not releasing Robert Mueller's Report. In addition, he displays contempt, impatience, and disgust toward Congresswoman Lowey. He believes he is highly alpha to her beta.

Media Inquires and Group Appearances 

One-on-One and Online Courses Available 

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

702-239-8503

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4377: Donald Trump, "These aren't people, these are animals"

Body Language Analysis No. 4376: Jacinda Ardern and Donald Trump - a Study in Contrasts

Body Language Analysis No. 4375: Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Security Clearances

Body Language Analysis No. 4374: Nancy Pelosi's Clap-Back to Donald Trump during the 2019 SOTU

Body Language Analysis No. 4373: Matthew Whitaker's Press Conference regarding Robert Mueller's Investigation

Body Language Analysis No. 4371: "Mr. President ... have you ever worked for Russia? Yes or no?" - Donald Trump's Reaction

Body Language Analysis No. 4370: Donald Trump, Fist-Pumping, and Vladimir Putin at 2017 G20

Body Language Analysis No. 4360: GE's CEO Larry Culp's CNBC Interview and Subsequent Stock Sell-off

Body Language Analysis No. 4278: Jaws - "You're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat" - vs. A Real Shark Encounter on a Paddleboard

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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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3196: José Maria Marin, FIFA Corruption and Body Language of the "Forward Lip Purse" (PHOTOS)

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch was introduced today on the World stage. José Maria Marin (pictured above) along with other top FIFA officials were arrested in the early morning hours at the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zürich. He was one among fourteen indicted today on charges of money laundering, wire fraud, bribery and racketeering in connection with an extensive investigation by the American FBI.

Most can see that José Maria Marin is angry in this photo. His eyebrows are pulled together and directed downward. His eyelids are partially closed in a manner consistent with mild-moderate anger (What happens to the eyelids during extreme anger/rage?). His nostrils are also mildly flared along with the typical associated mid-facial tension. Yet what nearly every will completely overlook - is Marin's forward lip purse.

A forward lip purse is made by those who have a clandestine plan or a clandestine disagreement. They will voice little or no opposition - however they will be harboring significant discord. A lip purse is always made by a person who feels he's a relative alpha to another's beta personality. They virtually always have a plan that they're not sharing - and they also believe they have a strong chance of success.

When you see a forward lip purse - it's a HUGE red flag - take heed.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication No. 3195: Kinky Boots, Jeopardy, Body Language & Sheepishness

Body Language at The FIFA World Cup  Fiero after Accomplishment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3056: Jeb Bush Interview - 14 Dec. 2014 - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3164: Johnny Depp's portrayal of Whitey Bulger in "Black Mass" trailer - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3118: Leonard Nimoy, Spock and the Vulcan Hand Signal/Salute

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2964: Eric Holder Interview After Announcing Resignation - Microexpressions and other Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

The day after he announced his resignation as U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder gave an interview with Pete Williams. The above video includes a brief portion of this interview and provides significant insight into the thought-emotions of Mr. Holder as he answered these questions. What follows is a partial body language analysis.

During the 0:48 mark, we see a microexpression of fear as he speaks about situations similar to Ferguson, Missouri.

"I think part of it has to do with, um, the lack of knowledge on the part of, [fear microexpression] ah, certain communities - communities of color, to understand the fear ...."

(continued dialog from above)
"....that police officers have - in just being on the streets ...."

As he says "... have ..." (at 0:53) his mouth movements are exaggerated.
Melodramatic mouth movements are highly significant for the speaker believing that they have dominance over those viewing them.



Note this "pecking order" point-of-view often is NOT congruent with the words being spoken (or what others may believe/think about who is in charge). Such a disparity is always a red flag - for when the verbal and the nonverbal signals are in disagreement, the nonverbal is always representative of the true thought-emotions.

"... when it comes to certain police officers, the notion of implicit bias - looking at people and having stereotypical reactions to them."

More hyperbolic mouth motion is seen as Mr. Holder says, "... reactions ..." (at 1:02) again signifies his belief/knowledge in his relative alpha status.

"Well I think the, the level of vehemence that has been directed my way I think has been perhaps a little different than, um, I have seen, ah, other attorneys general have to, have to deal with."

When he says, "... little ..." at 1:25, Mr. Holder displays a classic microexpression of contempt.

(1:40 - 1:45)

".... and I don't like the idea that I'm necessarily leaving before the end of his term - but it's ah - it's the right time for me to go."

This is a moderate, intermittent nonverbal expression of regret - and is completely congruent with the verbal message.



See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2963: Barack Obama at the United Nations General Assembly regarding ISIS/ISIL, 24 September 2014 - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2769: Smiling Out of Context in a Mass Shooter - T.J. Lane

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2312:  Bruce Willis' Body Language -  Contempt vs. Suppressed Smile vs.  Pseudo Smile vs. Sincere Smile  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1890:  Eric Holder has (Emotional) Contempt toward Darrell Issa -  while Rep. Issa is Very Excited to be Seeking  "Contempt of Congress" against Holder

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2528: Sen. Ted Cruz, Obamacare and Filibusters - Differentiating Ego vs. Other Motives with Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2871: Kate Middleton, Andy Murray and Wimbledon - Body Language of Empathy-Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2771: Australian PM Tony Abbott regarding Malaysian Airlines MH370 Search - Body Language Misinterpretations and Regret

 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1890: Eric Holder has (Emotional) Contempt toward Darrell Issa - while Rep. Issa is Very Excited to be Seeking "Contempt of Congress" against Holder

This is a short but very telling video of United States Attorney General, Eric Holder and Darrell Issa (R-CA) the Chairman of the House Oversight & Governmental Reform Committee. Representative Issa is seeking "Contempt of Congress" against Holder. He is willing to postpone a vote scheduled for tomorrow if the Attorney General turns over more documents regarding the botched "Fast and Furious" gun smuggling probe.

Not to be confused with the legal term, "Contempt of Congress", Holder has emotional contempt for Rep. Issa, who he believes is using his position for political motives. In this video, Holder shows subtle nonverbal displays of contempt toward the committee and its Chairman, Darrell Issa (0:09 - 0:10 on Holder's left and on his right side at 0:40 - 0:41). While these are not microexpressions, which must, by definition be less than 0.50 seconds in duration, they are evanescent and relatively subtle.

Representative Darrell Issa is overjoyed and excited to be in the political limelight. Note at several times he bounces on his feet (his shoulders bounce up and down very quickly - most notably at 0:53 and 1:04, and more subtly at 0:49, 0:50). This is a very strong signal of positive, excited emotional energy. Children do this often when they are anticipating a birthday party or exciting event. Adults do it as well however it is typically less conspicuous. It's is a fantastically reliable nonverbal tell. The congressman, for the moment of the interview keeps a straight and relatively "business-like" poker face - but his true emotions leak out if one knows what body language to look for ... Do you?

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