Body Language Analysis No. 4672: Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin (PHOTO)

 

 

 

 

This image of Vladimir Putin speaking with Barack Obama was captured in November 2014 during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Beijing, China (Photo Credit: Pete Souza).

Although we cannot see President Obama's face, President Putin's expression is unmistakable.

Note how his forehead his elevated. In addition, his left eyebrow is elevated higher than his right.

Putin's eyelids are opened considerably wider than baseline. This is true for both his upper and lower eyelids (signaling an adrenaline burst).

Putin's nostrils are flared (the momentary physiologic need for more oxygen).

The area above Putin's upper lip and below his nose (mustache region) is taut.

The corners of Putin's mouth/lips are pulled sharply backward.

Crucially, Putin's jaw is also being pulled backward. The angle of this image makes it a bit difficult to see, however, if you note the vertical creases on the side of and beneath his mid-jaw as well as the evanescent excessive bunching of his neck tissue, this jaw retraction dynamic becomes obvious.

SUMMARY:  During this November 2014 conversation with President Obama, Vladimir Putin was exhibiting considerable anxiety and fear. Putin was also displaying true disbelief.

 

If you want to learn body language and how it can dramatically improve your emotional intelligence — whether in your corporation, professional organization, via one-on-one coaching — or within a group Zoom webinar, please contact me via email at: Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

Ω

Body Language Analysis No. 4094: Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and Calling the Families of Fallen Soldiers - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today, President Trump held a press conference in the Rose Garden. Along with Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell he took questions on a wide range of topics.

From a body language perspective, it's noteworthy that Donald Trump touched his face several times during this event. One of these moments is highlighted here. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.

JOURNALIST (beginning at 19:48): Why haven't we heard anything from you so far about the soldiers that were killed in Niger? What do you have to say about (OFF-MIKE)? 

PRESIDENT TRUMP (beginning at 19:52): Ah, I've written them personal letters. Ah, they've been sent, or they're going out tonight, but they were - nt [stutter] written during the weekend. Ah, I will, at some point during the - the period of time, call the parents and ah, the families, because I have done that traditionally. Ah, I felt very, very badly about that. I always feel badly. It's m-, it's the toughest - the toughest calls I have to make - [deep inhalation] are the calls where, ah - this happens. Soldiers are killed. Ah, it's a very difficult thing. Now, it gets to a point - wherrrre, you know, you make four or five of them in one day - it's a very, very tough day. For me, that's - by far the toughest. So the traditional way - if you look at ah, President Obama and other presidents, ah, most of 'em - ah, didn't make calls. A lot of them didn't make calls. I like to call when it's appropriate, when I think I'm able to do it. Ah, they have made the ultimate sacrifice. So generally I would - say that I like to call. I'm going to be calling them. I want a little time to pass. I'm going to be calling them. I have - as you know, since I've been president, I have. Ah, but in addition, ah, I actually wrote letters individually to the, ah, soldiers we're talking about, and they're going to be going out - either today or tomorrow. Yes.

Several other questions were then asked and answered. A few minutes later, a follow-up question regarding calls to families of fallen soldiers was then asked.

PETER ALEXANDER (beginning at 29:13):  “Mr. President, earlier you said that President Obama Never called the families of fallen soldiers. How can you make that claim?”

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I don’t know if he did. No no no. Ah, I, I was, I was told that he didn’t often. And a lot of presidents don’t - they write letters. I do, excuse me - Peter. I do a combination of both. Ah, sometimes it's, it’s a very difficult thing to do, but I do a combination of both. Ah [stutter], President Obama, ah - I think probably did sometimes and maybe sometimes he didn’t. I don’t know. That’s what I was told. All I can do, all I can do is ask my generals. Ah, other, other presidents did not call. They’d write letters. And some presidents didn’t do anything. But I like, I like the combination of – I like, when I can, the combination of a call and also a letter.

At 29:18, President Trump began reaching - and then (during 29:19 - 29:20) he rubbed/scratched just in front of his right ear with his right index finger as he said, "I don’t know if he did. No no no. Ah, I, I was, I was told that he didn’t often ..." (Image above).

It's a Nonverbal Axiom that in the context of a voicing a denial or affirmation, an ear scratch/rub or scratching/rubbing in front of the ear (but not behind) has a very high correlation with deception. This correlation is particularly strong when this nonverbal signal is displayed during a direct response to a question.

Summary: President Trump's nonverbal behavior in the above-mentioned segment indicates, with very high probability, that he was lying when he said, "I don’t know if he did. No no no. Ah, I, I was, I was told that he didn’t often. And a lot of presidents don’t - they write letters" and thus also when he said, "The traditional way, if you look at President Obama and other presidents, most of them didn’t make calls. A lot of them didn’t make calls..."


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

See also:

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4091: John Kelly's Press Briefing, "I'm not quitting"/"I'm not getting fired"

Body Language Analysis No. 4089: Donald Trump's Reaction to Bob Corker's World War III Comment

Body Language Analysis No. 4087: Harrison Ford Accidentally Punches Ryan Gosling in the Face - Blade Runner 2049

Body Language Analysis No. 4079: Tom Price, Private Jets, and Nonverbal Disparity

Body Language Analysis No. 4056: Ed Sheeran and a Hesitancy to Disclose

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

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

Body Language Analysis No. 3988: Kim Jong-un, ICBMs, False Joy, and Fake Laughter


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3879: Donald Trump, Wiretapping, Adam Schiff & Russia - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Today the leaders of a crucial US House of Representative committee conducted a press briefing in which they said they had seen no evidence of President Trump’s allegation that he or his staff had been wiretapped by President Obama during Trump's campaign.

The Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Devin Nunes (R-CA), said, “We don’t have any evidence that that took place." The top-ranking democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff, agreed (D-CA), saying, “I have seen no evidence that supports the claim that President Trump made.”

The video above contains a portion of this press briefing. In this clip, only Representative Schiff is speaking.

From a body language perspective, one thing, in particular, jumps out regarding Rep. Schiff - his eyes. More specifically, both of his upper eyelids are, throughout most of this segment, opened much wider than baseline.

This "White and Wide" configuration of Adam Schiff's eyes (eyelids) is due to a hyper-adrenaline state. It's a very common physiologic response to anxiety. Even a person who's accustomed to being on national TV will be a more nervous when it involves an investigation with such high ramifications.

Although it's not captured in this portion of this press conference, it's crucial to note that Rep. Schiff and Rep. Nunes did not agree on whether or not there was yet, any evidence that Trump's campaign staff had any improper contact with the Russians during the campaign.

When a question regarding evidence of any possible link was posed, Mr. Nunes said, "Not that I'm aware of", while Rep. Schiff interjected saying, "You know, I, I'm, I wouldn't answer that question, ah, as categorically as my colleague and - ah, you know we're not privileged to talk about the contents of the investigation, but I, you know, I-I think we need to be very precise, ah, when we talk about this, ah-um - and I, I just don't think answer that, answer categorically, ah, and not in this forum." Thus it is possible that the details regarding this specific disagreement was the reason for Adam Schiff's heightened adrenaline.

The eyes are always of the utmost importance in the endeavor to accurately interpret (or project) nonverbal signals. What some people would call "subtleties" are often glossed-over or go completely unnoticed. And, in this example, Representative Schiff's eyelid changes are far from subtle.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3878: Sean Spicer, White House Briefing, Donald Trump's Wiretapping Allegations 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3876: John McCain's "State of the Union" Interview re: Donald Trump, Michael Flynn, Wiretap Allegations and Russia

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3874: EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt Denies that Carbon Dioxide is the Cause of Global Warming

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3872: "Fearless Girl" Statue in Manhattan's Financial District

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3856: "Belle" Clip - Beauty and the Beast

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3811: Hayden Panettiere, Stephen Colbert and Personal Space

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3657: Abbey D'Agnostino, Nikki Hamblin and the Olympic Spirit

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3647: Yusra Mardini, Refugees, Syrian Swimmer, and Sincere Smiles


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3817: President Obama Awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to Joe Biden - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Thursday Barack Obama awarded Joe Biden "The Presidential Medal of Freedom". Vice President Biden is one of the few who have also been bestowed with the additional honor "With Distinction".

From a nonverbal perspective, Joe Biden displayed "The Puffer Fish" at multiple times during the ceremony. The puffer fish is a characteristic out-pouching of the cheeks with slow exhalation (although it may occur through consecutive breathing cycles).

The Puffer Fish has the benefit of lowing the blood pressure and the heart rate. It's also consistent with deeper breathing at a slower rate compared to baseline. The net effect of The Puffer fish is to have an overall psychological and physiological calming effect.

Take care to avoid confusing the puffer fish display with "Tight Lipped Breathing" which can look somewhat similar but has a completely different meaning and effect.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2816: Secretary of State Nominee Rex Tillerson

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2814: Claire Foy's recounting of Meeting Kate Winslet

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3811: Hayden Panettiere, Stephen Colbert and Personal Space

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3767: Joseph Gordon-Levitt on playing Edward Snowden - but How Do Tom Hanks and Gemma Arterton feel?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3683: Milo Yiannopoulos believes trolling is his way of "Doing God's work" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3618: Salma Hayek regarding Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3558: Jack Whitehall, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Lawrence and Body Language


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3804: Barack Obama, Shinzō Abe and The Pearl Harbor Memorial - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Shinzō Abe is the first Japanese Prime Minister to visit Pearl Harbor in the company of a sitting US President. In this image, the Prime Minister and President Obama are seen at the USS Arizona Memorial.

Note Barack Obama's body language:

• Head Bowed
• Feet Close together
• Hands in a Fig Leaf (aka "Genial Guarding")

While normally such a nonverbal cluster sends signals of acquiescence, submission and a beta emotional tones, during a ceremony at a war memorial it sends sincere signals of respect and reverence.Thus it is also normal contextual behavior for a head of state to use identical body language during weddings ceremonies, funerals and when receiving remains of the deceased. A president should also use these nonverbal signals when meeting a high-ranking religious figure (and thus send signals of deference as well as respect/reverence). Outside of these and similar scenarios, such body language would not be advisable for the leader of any country.

It's important to note that the two navy personnel are at attention, and thus their nonverbal behavior is practiced protocol.

Prime Minister Abe's right hand can be seen in relatively tight fist (his left hand obscured by his jacket blowing in the wind), which, based on his other nonverbal signals, projects significant anxiety.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3803: A Common Gesture of Donald Trump's - Variation on Alpha-Beta Hybrids

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3801: Marion Cotillard, Lip Syncing and Honest Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3799: Carrie Fisher and Princess Leia - Full Lips and Lip Pursing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3794: Racist Rant at Jefferson Mall in Louisville

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3772: Mitt Romney Meets with Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3730: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part II - Donald Trump won't commit to accepting election results

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3683: Milo Yiannopoulos believes trolling is his way of "Doing God's work"


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3788: President Obama's Press Conference - "Not much happens in Russia without Vladimir Putin" - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today President Obama gave his last press conference of the year (and the longest of his presidency). Not surprisingly, a good share of the questions revolved around the subject of the US Presidential Election, Russian hacking and Vladimir Putin.

One particular high point of the conference and it's accompanying set of body language behaviors is highlighted here.

Beginning at 58:25, President Obama says, "... But I'd, I make a larger point which is - Not much happens in Russia without Vladimir Putin ....". Just after saying this, during 58:31 Barack Obama displays a bilateral "Eyebrow Shrug" along with a bilateral "Thumb Shrug". Notice his shoulders barely moved - but this is none-the-less a shrug. Both of his thumbs point upward along with an elevation of his eyebrows and an upward contraction of his forehead muscles. He also extends his neck forward while turning it slightly to his left - as well as displaying an extended blink (a form of a pseudo-blink).

President Obama repeats this display again during 58:34 - only this time he rotates his head to his right and pseudo-blink display is partial.

This nonverbal cluster is a classic display indicating the thought-emotion: "Isn't it obvious?" / "Isn't it common knowledge?" / "What other conclusion is possible?".


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3787: Meghan Markle's Body Language - and some Ramifications for Prince Harry 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3785: Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson "Edge of Seventeen" - Behavioral Contagions, Mirroring and Laughing 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3783: John McCain on CIA's assessment of Russia's Tampering in US Presidential Election 

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

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3668: Donald Trump, Nigel Farage and The Brexit

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


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3753: Donald Trump in The White House - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

On Thursday Barack Obama met with Donald Trump in the Oval Office. After his White House visit, Donald also had a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building.

The President-Elect's face in the image above (cropped close-up below) is indicative of emotion unlike any other public display of Trump's since announcing his candidacy seventeen months ago.

In this moment, walking through the halls of the Capitol Building, Donald Trump is feeling a significant level of fear combined with anxiety.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis 3752: Barack Obama's and Donald Trump's Handshake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3750: Bill's Reaction to Hillary Clinton's Concession Speech

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3748: Donald Trump, Bill Belichick and Exaggerated Mouth Movements

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3743: Ronda Rousey's Anxiety - Anticipating Her Next Fight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3739: Hillary Clinton's Statement regarding FBI Probe

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3707: The Presidential Debates Part III - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton and Sniffing 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3622: Theresa May's First Speech as Prime Minister


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3752: Barack Obama's and Donald Trump's Handshake - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday the President met with the President-Elect at the White House. Barack Obama and Donald Trump met for about 90 minutes and afterward they each made brief statements.

From a body language point-of-view, their handshake was particularly interesting.

Barack Obama initiates the Handshake - which is almost always wisest in terms of projecting dominance and authority.

The handshake lasted for about 2.2 seconds.

The second image (immediately above) was captured from a slightly different angle, while the other four still images here were screen-grabs from the video included at the top of this post.

Mr. Trump rapidly adopts a rather strong expression of regret. He also lacks any eye contact with President Obama during the handshake.

In this second image, the President begins to disengage from the handshake and look away responding to the reporters. At this time Barack Obama also manifests an expression of regret - although it's quite subtle. Trump's regret continues to be strongly manifested as he looks up - yet he's still not making eye contact with the President - rather he's focusing in the distant, looking past Obama.

If Trump wanted to project leadership, strength, to build rapport - or even if he were trying to intimidate Obama - he should have made eye contact. It's utterly dumbfounding just how often, otherwise very worldly and educated people (and "leaders") don't practice good eye contact (especially during handshakes).

After the handshake is complete, Trump's regret expression is maintained as the President responds to reporters.

Mr. Trump's arms and hands then adopt a (low) pseudo-prayer configuration (as he repeatedly separates his fingers and brings them back together). This is a beta body language configuration and is indicative of considerable anxiety.

President Obama's posture - with his thighs at a significantly greater angle, with his palm-down on his thigh and his forward torso lean and tilt - is a nonverbal cluster indicating alpha status, high confidence and emotional comfort.

Conclusion: Both the President and the President-Elect expressed regret during their handshake yesterday at the White House - although Mr. Trump's level of regret was much greater. In addition, Donald Trump exhibited significant anxiety and relatively low emotional comfort - while Barack Obama projected high confidence and greater emotional comfort. This is one of the few times you'll see Mr. Trump assuming a relative beta status to anyone in his close proximity.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3751: Barack Obama and Donald Trump Meet at the White House

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3749: Election Day - Donald Trump Caught on Camera - Making Sure Melania is Voting For Him

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3744: Donald Trump - "Stay on Point", Hats, Eye Contact and Trust

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3720: The 2nd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3705: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump Presidential Debate - Trump: I'm 'smart' for paying no taxes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3672: Jessica Alba, Swass, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3636: Donald Trump, Hillary's Emails, Putin and Russia

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3610: Star Swain sings The Star-Spangled Banner at the Lincoln Memorial - Why Do Singers Close Their Eyes?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3751: Barack Obama and Donald Trump Meet at the White House - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Today Barack Obama and Donald Trump met at the White House. It was the first ever meeting between the two men.

From a nonverbal perspective, there's a multitude of signals shown by the President and President-Elect. One moment (captured in the image below from a slightly different angle) is especially telling.

Note both men's legs - in particular the angle made by their thighs. I've analyzed hundreds of videos of Donald Trump and I've never (before) seen him sitting with his thighs splayed at a lesser angle than anyone else in the room. The angle made by the thighs is proportional to and indicative of a dominance display - and although Donald Trump's configuration here is by no means submissive - he is projecting a relatively beta emotional tone relative to President Obama's alpha. Moreover, this is the greatest seated thigh angle of dominance in which I've ever seen the President sit. Barack's body language very much saying, "I outrank you."

Another fascinating nonverbal signal in this video is the position of Donald Trump's hands. While his hands are very typically displaying in a hyper-alpha "Low Steeple" (more specifically a "Low Convention Steeple"), here his hands are configured in a significantly beta "Low Pseudo-Prayer" manner. Furthermore, in the video you'll notice his fingers repeatedly separating and coming back together again. This hand cluster-dynamic indicates a relatively high level of anxiety.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3750: Bill's Reaction to Hillary Clinton's Concession Speech

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3748: Donald Trump, Bill Belichick and Exaggerated Mouth Movements

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3746: Alicia Keys, Questlove, Krispy Kremes and Connecting the Dots

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3740: Donald Trump Thanks Anthony Weiner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3676: Colin Kaepernick Says He Be Sitting Down During the National Anthem

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3736: Newt Gingrich and Megyn Kelly re: Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3708: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump - Presidential Debates - Part IV - Hillary's Email Anxiety


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3735: Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Mean Tweets - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday President Barack Obama was featured on Jimmy Kimmel's "Mean Tweets". The last tweet he read was from none other than Donald Trump.

President Obama responded (beginning at 1:33), "Well - at Real Donald Trump - at least I will go down as 'A President'."

The image above was captured during 1:33 as the President says, "Well ...". The expression on his face (Elevated Central Forehead Contraction along with a Partial Mouth Smile) is one of both Contempt and Disbelief.

In the next image (1:39, captured just after he says, "... President'." ) note that the Obama's eyelids are opened wider than baseline with his left mustache area contracted and elevated as well as left nostril flaring. This cluster is characteristic of Anger - along with Contempt (This contempt expression is a different from that in first image).

This next image (immediately above) is from 1:40 after he's done speaking. This expression is Contempt mixed with Disgust.

A second later (1:41), Obama's facial expression has not changed much - but he drops the phone (a version of a mic drop).

When the fingers are left open/splayed at the end of this dropping gesture - it has the additional message of "I Wash My Hands of You" or "You are Dismissed".


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3734: SNL's spoof on the 3rd Presidential Debate - and 3 Insincerity Flags

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3732: Donald Trump cuts short interview after Question Regarding Racism - Predicting Trump's Behavior

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3730: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part II - Donald Trump won't commit to accepting election results

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3697: NYC Bombing Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami in Custody - Body Language, Threat Assessment and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3662: Weverton Dives, Neymar Kicks and Brazil Wins Gold

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3619: Lone Protester, Baton Rouge Police and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3547: Kate Middleton on Cover of Vogue's 100th Anniversary Issue


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3728: Barack Obama Tells Donald Trump to Stop Whining - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Today, during a press conference in the Rose Garden with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Barack Obama took a jab at Donald Trump. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of the above video clip from that event.

At the very end of this video (beginning at 2:26), President Obama says, "And so - ah, I'd invite Mister Trump to stop whining and go try and make his case to get votes ...."

As he says, "Mister", President Obama displays a microexpression of contempt on the left side of his face (his left), which is relatively subtle.

A split second later as he says, "Stop", the President makes a more pronounced contempt display - this time on his right (again, a microexpression).

Both of these examples are not able to be fully appreciated via still images, therefore watching the video at 1/2 or 1/4 speed is highly recommended.

Notice that President Obama is leaning on his lectern with his right arm/elbow. This should never be done, particularly at the presidential level - unless of course one wishes to convey a lower energy, low assertiveness and casual sloppiness. This body configuration does not convey strength and is inconsistent with an alpha personality. Moreover, this body language is made even worse because the President is, to a degree, turning his back on Prime Minister Renzi.

Although there are exceptions to the rule, the vast majority of time, when speaking in any capacity at a lectern, podium, on stage, television, etc. the hands should be free of a pen (or pencil). One reason for this is the speaker may point with the sharp end of the pen - performing a surrogate of an index finger point. And while this while this doesn't have the full impact of pointing with that finger, it certainly is negatively received and should be strongly avoided.

Another common error while holding a pen is "clicking" it - or as President Obama did (during 0:23 - 0:26) uncapping and recapping it. This is a very distracting and a common rookie mistake - and yet here is one of the more accomplished speakers in the World making this error.

Of course, tomorrow night during the third and final of the 2016 Presidential Debates, both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will probably occasionally be taking notes. In such a context it can serve to give the appearance of critical thinking (which of course is often also true) and can sometimes unnerve one's opponent.

There are also individuals (usually relative beginners) who feel uncomfortable speaking and will often admit, "I don't know what to do with my hands". Intriguingly, if one holds a pen (recommended to be small and capped with each end blunt) it often relaxes the hand, the whole arm - and even the shoulders as well as the opposite hand and arm. This trick is not recommended for everyone and must be approached with caution - as it's extremely easy to begin fiddling with the pen - thus backfiring the entire technique.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3727: Donald Trump and Children

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3725: Donald Trump Challenges Hillary Clinton to a Drug Test before Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3723: The 2nd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Body Language, Emotional Intelligence and Deception

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3721: The 2nd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - The Handshake That Wasn't

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3681: Hillary Clinton's Low Transparency

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

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


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3684: Barack Obama's and Vladimir Putin's "Stare-Down" at the G20 - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Much has been made of this "stare down" between Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama during the recent G20 Meeting in Hangzhou, China. However, without the dynamics of real-time experience or a video to put it this moment in context, it most probably is simply eye contact during conversation (but between the two most power people in the World).

Yet further evaluation yields some other notable details. Notice how Mr. Putin is "Body Pointing" toward Mr. Obama, yet Obama is rotated outward. While it is absolutely important to point one's feet, hips, torso, shoulders, head and eyes directly at the person with whom you're shaking hands, after 5 - 7 seconds there should be a slight (20 - 30 degrees) rotation of the lower limbs, hips and to a slightly lesser degree the torso. This is particularly important with men as this rotation maneuver helps to diminish feelings of confrontation.

Note also that Putin keeps his head and neck straight - and does not tilt them back - rather he just rotates his eyes in an upward gaze toward Obama's eyes. By adopting this configuration Putin does not subordinate himself to the taller American (Obama is 6'1" [1.85 M] while Putin is 5'7" [1.70 M]). It also can make him look a bit intimidating to taller individuals - because from their perspective, it gives the appearance that he's looking at them through "Lowered Brows".

Another important detail here is Putin arm position. He's keeping his hand and arm up, positioned at his central lower-chest level - acting as a barrier between him and Obama. This is good example of beta body language. Putin is very alpha (often Hyper-Alpha) when he's on Russian soil - yet when he's visiting another country, he slips into lower levels emotional comfort. Putin's tentativeness is showing. His arm and hand are acting as a barrier. He's being protective.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3683: Brock Turner Released from Prison after 3 Months

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3682: Donald Trump Surrogate Pastor Mark Burns Caught in Deception

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3677: Chris Brown's Pre-Arrest Instagram Rant

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3672: Jessica Alba, Swass, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3620: Cristiano Ronaldo's Injury and UEFA Euro 2016

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3505: Barack Obama is Interrupted by Raúl Castro & Aide at Press Conference

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

_____________________________________________________________________________________