Body Language Analysis No. 4259: Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (Photo)

It's no secret that Bashar al-Assad is beholden to Vladimir Putin - and we don't need nonverbal skills to figure this out. Yet this image provides us an utterly classic display of the Syrian President's beta body language bowing to the Russian President's alpha status.

What's most obvious in this moment is the angle formed by Assad's legs - his entire legs are held almost straight, with his knees slightly closer together than his hips. His feet are also parallel (even slightly toed-in). He looks quite uncomfortable.

Now look at Vladimir's legs - his upper legs are angled outward. Even though he is 7 inches (17.8 cm) shorter than Assad, Putin's knees are about 50% further apart than his Syrian subordinate. His lower legs are angled even further apart - with Putin's feet about 2.5x further than Assad's. Moreover, his feet are not pointed straight, but splayed outward. Putin's seated crotch display ("manspreading") is an overt dominance display.

Bashar al-Assad's hands are configured in what is known as a Seated Fig-Leaf. In this context, such genital guarding is a profound display the low confidence and vulnerability he feels in Putin's presence. But former KGB officer's hands are not in protection-mode. Specifically, note that Putin's wrists are flexible and laid-back - while Assad's nervousness doesn't allow him this luxury.

Bashar's feeling of beta-ness is further exemplified by the position of his upper arms - for, along with his elbows, they are drawn in, touching his torso. He's not using his armrests - not even touching them. In contrast, President Putin's arms are relaxed. Unlike Assad, his right elbow is taking up much more space - leaning on his armrest.

Summary: Assad's nonverbal behavior is nervous, weak, and acquiescing - while Putin, the puppet-master, is relaxed, projecting his power.


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See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4258: Sarah Huckabee Sanders' reaction to the question: "Has the President at Any Time thought about Stepping Down?"

Body Language Analysis No. 4256: President Trump's Reaction to FBI Raid on Michael Cohen

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4252: Donald Trump says he didn't know about Stormy Daniels payment

Body Language Analysis No. 4248: My Extended interview re: Security Video of Stephen Paddock (1 October Las Vegas Shooter) - KTNV • Channel 13 Las Vegas

Body Language Analysis No. 4219: Ivanka Trump's Reaction to Question regarding Donald Trump's Sexual Assault Accusers

Body Language Analysis No. 4183: Aly Raisman, Larry Nassar, and USA Gymnastics

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3904: Sean Spicer Draws Criticism with Hitler-Assad Comparison and Denial of Use of Chemical Weapons in WWII - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday, Sean Spicer, in an understandable desire to denounce of Bashar al-Assad's recent use of chemical weapons said, "... We didn't use chemical weapons in World War II. You know, you had a, y-, you know, someone who's as despicable as Hitler, who didn't even sink to the, to the, to using chemical weapons ...".

Spicer, of course, was grossly incorrect saying that Hitler did not use chemical warfare. He probably was referring to was his belief that the Germans did not use Chemical warfare in battle - but indeed they did. Both the German's and the Japanese used chemical weapons in World War II. Germany deployed this outlawed warfare against the Russians in Sevastopol in 1941-42, on Russian troops in the catacombs of Odessa in November 1941, as well as in May of 1942 in eastern Crimea during the Battle of the Kerch Peninsula. Japan deployed chemical weapons against both the Communist Chinese and the Kuomintang people.

Yet what alarmed most people who heard the Press Secretary's statement, and indeed even evoking gasps in the White House Briefing Room, was the non-acknowledgment of the largest genocide in human history. Millions of innocent people (the majority of whom were Jewish) were murdered in Hitler's extermination camps. When Cecilia Vega asked him to clarify his statement, Sean Spicer struggled.

Generally speaking, Mr. Spicer uses palm-down gestures and other dominant and hyper-dominant nonverbal illustrators far too frequently and aggressively. These and other tendencies of his, have exaggerated in the form of parody in many venues.

Palm-down gestures should be used very sparingly - added deliberately yet very briefly during moments when extra authority or assertiveness is needed (almost choreographed).

As with many alpha displays, palm-down gestures rapidly crescendo to a hyper-alpha status if used too frequently or aggressively.

While palm-down gestures will serve to solidify the mindsets of those who already strongly agree with you, others who only mildly agree or who are undecided - will be alienated to your cause. Thus a palm-down gesture most often is an intimidating one - and a rapport destroyer. If a person is using palm-down illustrators - their mind is already closed. You won't convince them. It's best to re-address any disagreements you may have at another time.

Palm-up gestures are examples of "Alpha-Beta Hybrids". When used skillfully, they will project authority - but understanding, power - but not aggressiveness, confidence - but also open-mindedness. Palm-up gestures also display a willingness to listen. In addition, and of profound importance, is if one uses palm-up gestures, their audiences will have significantly greater recall of the subject matter versus when palm-down gestures are used.

Notice when Sean Spicer was attempting to back-pedal, he went into a more aggressive nonverbal pattern, repeatedly using palm-down gestures. At a time when he should have been apologizing (which later, on a different broadcast, he did), Spicer was becoming more defensive, aggressive, and hyper-authoritative with his words, tone of voice - and with his body language.

It's particularly - even viscerally painful, to see Mr. Spicer using palm-down gestures with added frequency and vigor during his attempt to explain his earlier statement once Ms. Vega reminded him of the Nazi death camps and The Holocaust. The Nazis, of course, notoriously used an elevated palm-down gesture as their salute.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3903: Rex Tillerson Disagrees with Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3901: Jared Kushner in Iraq

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3899: President Trump regarding Poison Gas Attack in Syria - What Will Trump Do?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3884: One Important Expression James Comey Displayed Often During His Testimony Before the House Intelligence Committee

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3827: Sean Spicer's Saturday Night Press Briefing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3717: Creepy Clowns, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3621: Bernie Sanders Endorses Hillary Clinton


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3900: Donald Trump's Statement Regarding US Retaliation for Syria's Chemical Weapons Attack - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Arm and hand nonverbal "gestures"- when used contextually and proportionately are powerful communicators. With respect to body language behavior nomenclature, gestures belong to the category of  either "MAPs" (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers) or "Illustrators". We can either build rapport with these nonverbal signals - yet just as often, without realizing, we will destroy it. MAPs and Illustrators may project qualities such as arrogance, humility, compassion, dominance (or hyper-dominance), alpha behavior, beta behavior (or alpha-beta hybrids), confidence, acquiescence, deception, etc.

Many people use gestures in incongruently with respect to their vocal qualities (paralanguage) and their verbal language - and in so doing, they "leak" their true thought-feelings. Sincerity is present (and we recognize it) when - in contrast, people use all three modes of communication (verbal, nonverbal, paralanguage) congruently.

Last night, during his statement regarding the US retaliation in Syria for Bashar al-Assad's recent chemical gas attacks, Donald Trump displayed almost no hand gestures. Although he did use some shoulder illustrators, there were NO arm gestures and only very brief finger extensions during 1:04 (as he says, "... It is in this vital, nation security interest of the United States ...") - and during 1:59 - 2:02 and 2:02 - 2:04 ("Tonight I call on all civilized nations [fingers briefly back to lectern] to join us in seeking to end this slaughter ...") - with the remainder of each hand staying anchored on this lectern/podium. This near abstaining of arm and hand usage is very rare for President Trump.

During a speech or statement regarding recent tragedy, loss of life - and/or that of a military attack - particularly as events are in the early stages - hand and arm movements which are held lower on the body and are minimal (as we see exampled here) - send messages of greater respect and reverence for the lives lost and somber nature of the events.

If President Trump had used hand and arm movements which, for him, are typical (flamboyant, hyper-alpha, dominant, etc.) - this would have been dramatically out of context here and it would have been "felt" by many to be self-serving. Even moderate arm and hand gestures would have seemed "tone-deaf" and insensitive.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3899: President Trump regarding Poison Gas Attack in Syria - What Will Trump Do?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3897: Roger Stone, Donald Trump, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3895: Donald Trump Walks Out of Oval Office without signing Executive Orders   

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3884: One Important Expression James Comey Displayed Often During His Testimony Before the House Intelligence Committee

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

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

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

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3899: President Trump regarding Poison Gas Attack in Syria - What Will Trump Do? - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today, during a joint press conference with King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Trump was asked about the recent deadly gas attack in Syria.

What follows is a portion of his response followed by a partial nonverbal analysis.

JULIA IOFFE [This question was edited out of this specific clip of the press conference, however, it is the one to which President Trump is responding]: You've condemned the chemical attacks in Syria, but you also appeared in your statement yesterday to pin some of the blame on the Obama administration. You are the president now. Do you feel like you bear responsibility for responding to the chemical attacks and does the chemical attack cross a red line for you?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I think the Obama administration had a great opportunity to solve this crisis a long time ago when he said, "The red line in the sand". And when he didn't cross that line after making the threat, I think that set us back a long ways - not only in Syria, but in many of the parts of the world - because it was a blank threat. I think it was something that was not - one of our better days as a country. So I do feel that, Julia, I feel it very strongly.

IOFFE: Do feel like you now have the responsibility to respond to the chemical attack?

TRUMP [over-talking]: I now have responsibility and I will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly - I will tell you that. It is now my responsibility. It was a great opportunity missed.

[CNN's video edit gap] 

IOFFE: Before I move on to the King, can I just quickly ask you if the chemical attack "crosses a red line" for you?

TRUMP: Ah, it crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill - innocent children - innocent babies, babies, little babies - with a chemical gas that is so lethal - ah - people were shocked to hear what gas it was [Lip Smacking, Head Torquing, Disgust Display, Eyelids Partially Closing, Mid-Facial Tension], that crosses many, many lines - beyond a red line. Many, many lines.

During 0:38 - 0:39, as he says, "... I now have responsibility and I will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly - I will tell you that. It is now my responsibility ...", Donald Trump spreads his arms quite widely, in a palms-up fashion.

This nonverbal signal indicates that the President is very accepting of and welcomes the responsibility to, "... respond to the chemical attack".

Just prior to the President saying, "... that crosses many, many lines - beyond a red line. Many, many lines" (during 1:06), he displays a nonverbal cluster containing the key signals of:

• Lip Smacking
• Head Torquing
• Eyelids Partially Closing
• Mid-Facial Tension 
• Disgust Display

This temporal combination of nonverbal displays is highly indicative of Trump's critical evaluation, a high degree of confidence in a decision(s) he has made, and he has determined a specific course of action to be taken regarding Syria.

Summary: Donald Trump's body language during the press conference earlier today, indicates with very high probability, the President intends to order a heavy military retaliation in response to the Poison Gas Attack of Bashar al-Assad upon the Syrian People.


See also:


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3898: President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Meet at The White House

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3896: Did Matthew Perry Really Beat Up Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3894: Michael Flynn and Russia - "When are given immunity, it means you probably committed a crime" 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3858: Milo Yiannopoulos resigns from Breitbart with "Apology"

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3596: Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3348: Vladimir Putin, Bashar al-Assad and the World Stage (PHOTOS)

After four and a half years of the Syrian Civil War which is rapidly escalating with multiple actors, Bashar al-Assad has found a stronger ally in Vladimir Putin. Beginning on 30 September 2015, Russian planes began bombing al-Assad's opponents. And while initially, Putin claimed the purpose of these attacks were to fight ISIS, the Russian President has since admitted his priority of strengthening al-Assad.

Surprise ... the Syrian President met with his Russian counterpart earlier today in Moscow. In the above moment, al-Assad and Putin are shown shaking hands. From a body language perspective, this photo tells us several important things.

Bashar al-Assad's "smile" is a false one (AKA a pseudo-smile, fake smile or social smile) and more importantly, in this particular flavor contains a significant component of disgust.

In addition, Putin's body is turned 90 degrees away from where it should be. Vladimir is facing the camera when he should be looking at al-Assad. In order to build rapport - and show respect, your feet, hips, torso, head and eyes must be pointed at the person whose hand you're shaking. Vladimir's behavior here is highly unusual - even for a head-of-state, posed greeting.

In summary, President Putin's body language is tremendously disrespectful toward the Bashar al-Assad and very much validates the assertion of many - that Putin is using the Syrian President and conflict in order to re-assert himself on the World stage and hold onto Russia's only strong ally in the Middle East. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3347: Paul Ryan, The Speakership, Four Conditions and One Repetitive Facial Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3325: Vladimir Putin, the United Nations, Russian Soil and Confidence Levels 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3300: Vladimir Putin, Narcissism and Body Language  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3324: Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Shake Hands at UN Luncheon

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1162:  Ahmadinejad, Napoleon, al-Assad and Dominance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1874:  Bad Handshake - Political Prevalence


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2919: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama - Friends? - will they Hug it Out? (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today, Hillary Clinton appeared at a book signing on Martha's Vineyard. While there, she briefly addressed the controversy of her relationship with Barack Obama and her distancing language she used in a recent interview in The Atlantic magazine. In it, she voiced her disagreement with the President regarding his policies and decisions made about Israel, Iran, as well as arming Syrian Moderates who oppose Bashar al-Assad.

Beginning at 0:50 Mrs. Clinton says, "We agree. We are committed to the values and the security of country together. We have disagreements as any partners and friends as we are might very well have, but ah, I'm proud that I served with him, and for him and I'm looking forward to seeing him tonight."

In this image, taken during the 0:58 segment (just as she says "... friends ..."), notice how widely Mrs. Clinton's eyelids are opened. One of the most common and reliable signals of insincerity is overly frequently contracting the forehead muscles. Often co-existing with this is a similar behavior of the upper eyelids.

This is a great example of over-compensatory and over-emphasis behavior where, if sincerity were indeed present, neither the forehead nor upper eyelids would be contracted so much or so often. These nonverbals are analogous to a child using many exclamation marks at the end of a sentence. Bad actors and many politicians (and no political party is excluded) - are both examples of the chronically insincere - and thus will display this body language frequently in their efforts to convince others.

Two seconds later (1:00) the former Secretary of State displays a prolonged eyelid closure. Notice that her forehead is contracting upward while her eyelids are closing - pulling in an opposite direction of the forehead. This forehead configuration is unnatural during normal eye closure.

Again this isn't a simple blink - but one of longer duration. It is a nonverbal metaphor for emotional blocking and emotional processing. While she is a colleague of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton does share similar goals for the country - she is friendly with, but not friends with the President (and objectively, few people could be friends after vigorously campaigning against each other as they did in 2008).

Do you think that Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama will "Hug it out"?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2918: Lauren Bacall, Flirting and a "Come-hither look"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2917: Thank you Robin Williams - examples of a Suppressed Smile and a Bitter Smile - Dead Poets Society

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2783: Hillary Clinton asked again about 2016 - Body Language Tells

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2855: Hillary Clinton, 2016 Presidential Race and Duping Delight - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2876: President Obama on Key Bridge regarding John Boehner's Lawsuit - "So Sue Me"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2812: Barack Obama to Heckler, "You kinda screwed up my ending, but that's Okay" - Body Language
 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2889: Bashar al-Assad takes his Oath of Office (again) - Body Language Signals of Low Confidence and ... (PHOTOS)

This past week, Bashar al-Assad has once again taken his oath of office as President to serve the people of Syria. Yet something is amiss in Damascus - and we detect what it is and with great certainty from the hints in this photo.

Al-Assad is the man standing behind the lectern in this picture. Note how close his feet are together (note the man to his right has his feet further apart). In this context (and in the vast majority of them) a confident leader should never stand with his feet so close together. Take a break from reading this post now and stand with your feet close together as he is doing - and then stand with them about a shoulder's width apart. Switch back and forth a few times and notice how your confidence changes. Al-Assad has low confidence and feels low emotional comfort. He is faking it. He's pretending to be alpha - yet his true emotions are beta. He is worried about his ability to lead.

Disparities between what people profess and what they are really thinking-feeling are of paramount importance. How many dozen of these incongruities have slipped by you this week?

What other immediate emotional and cognitive benefits immediately result from standing with your feet in a shoulder's width stance?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2888: Hillary Clinton, Jon Stewart and Destroying Rapport

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2759: Vladimir Putin, Annexation of Crimea and Mouth Asymmetry

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1861:  Bashar al-Assad's Denial and Deception

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2518:  Bashar al-Assad Shows Body Language Tell of Extreme Stress  Charlie Rose Interview, Part III

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2501:  Bashar al-Assad, Chemical Weapons and a  Body Language Signal of a Sociopath

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2827: Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy - She was the Alpha, He was the Beta 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2857: Barack Obama on Syria, Belief that Syrian opposition could have overthrown Assad with U.S. arms a "fantasy" - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Norah O'Donnell interviewed Barack Obama earlier today. A portion of that interview is included above and a partial nonverbal analysis follows below.

At 0:00.5 Norah O'Donnell begins, "... Would that vacuum exist had we backed the moderate rebel forces in Syria?"

President Obama, answers, "... ah, yes.... I, I, I think th, this notion that somehow there was this ready made, moderate, ah, Syrian force that was able to defeat, ah, al-Assad, is, simply not true, ah ..."

As O'Donnell finishes up her question, and before the President even answers, he displays a brief expression of contempt.

While this is too long in duration to technically qualify as a "Microexpression" - it still is quite evanescent and has the same level of significance.

Note his asymmetrical smile - with Mr. Obama's right corner of his mouth vectored upward.

His right "mustache area" also contracts - as his right nostril flares as well. Additionally, and an amplifier of his contempt is betrayed in his eyelids partially closing - with greater prominence on his right.

At 0:07, further mouth asymmetry is displayed.

Still at 0:07, greater eyelid closure is manifested, particularly on the president's right side.

Even further eyelid closure with the President gazing down to his right (still at 0:07).

This and other eye moment directionals are epiphenomena of different emotional-thoughts. And while they are not 100% predictive - once normed, they can provide significant nonverbal adjunctive diagnosis. President Obama's brain behaves more like a right handed dominant person's (even though he is left handed) - do you know why?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2856: Coleen Rooney (Wayne Rooney's Wife) at England's 2-1 Loss to Uruguay - What Emotions? - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin  Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2704: Barack Obama, John Boehner and the State of the Union Address - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2758: Barack Obama Regarding Further Sanctions to Russia for Annexation of Crimea

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2442:  Nancy Pelosi's Subtle Contempt Display  Body Language Regarding "Who Cares?" Retort

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2822: Ludacris, Low Confidence, High Confidence and Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2811: Jason and David Benham are Dropped from HGTV - Body Language of Subtle Contempt, Anger & Disgust

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2518: Bashar al-Assad Shows Body Language Tell of Extreme Stress Charlie Rose Interview, Part III (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This is the third nonverbal evaluation of Bashar al-Assad highlighting his recent interview in Damascus by Charlie Rose. On the very next day the serendipitous/accidental/off-hand remark by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was reflected back as a serious idea by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last night President Obama asked the U.S. Congress to back-burner an approval vote on military action against the Syrian government's forces so as to diminish their ability to deploy chemical weapons (a vote that was increasing looking that he would lose). It has certainly been a whirlwind the last few days.

The following is a transcript of the above video - a short section of the interview. Afterwards yet another particularly telling nonverbal signal is discussed.

CHARLIE ROSE: "The President is prepared to strike, ah, and perhaps we'll get the authorization of Congress or not. Ah, the question then is - would you give up chemical weapons if it would prevent the president from authorizing a strike?"

BASHAR AL-ASSAD: "Ah ..."

CHARLIE ROSE: "If that is a deal you would accept?"

BASHAR AL-ASSAD:  "Again, you always imply that we have chemical weapons. [Laughs]"

CHARLIE ROSE: "I have to because that's the assumption of the President."

BASHAR AL-ASSAD: "Yeah"

CHARLIE ROSE: "That is his assumption and he's the one who will order the strike."

BASHAR AL-ASSAD:  "It's his problem if-- if he has an assumption. But for us, in Syria, we have principles. We'll do anything to prevent the region from another crazy war. It's not only Syria. Because it will start in Syria ..."

CHARLIE ROSE: "You'll do anything to prevent the region from ... "

BASHAR AL-ASSAD: "The region."

CHARLIE ROSE:  "... having another crazy war?"

BASHAR AL-ASSAD: "Yes."

CHARLIE ROSE: "You recognize the consequences for you if there is a strike?"

BASHAR AL-ASSAD: "It's not about me. It's about the region."

 At 0:27 just after Rose says, "That is his assumption and he's the one who will order the strike" - al-Assad's intertwined fingers straighten (We do not see how long this lasts because the camera view changes). This body language sign is a particularly strong signal of anxiety. Notice also how he stutters, "It's his problem if-- if he has an assumption ..." - a common paralanguage manifestation of anxiety.


Many have said that al-Assad was calm during the interview. While he was more polished than he has been compared with some of his other public appearances - and while his words to some may have seemed composed - the Syrian dictator demonstrated multiple anxiety tells. This was but one. He strongly fears the wrong end of a cruise missile. This legit fear has moved him to a different course of action in the ensuing days.

When the verbal and the nonverbal signals are not congruent - it is the nonverbal that always 'speaks' the truth. How many times have you been deceived because you believed someone's words and missed their body language signals?

What other nonverbals did you spot in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2517:  Bashar al-Assad Fears Over-Throw if U.S. Attacks, Body Language Tell During Charlie Rose Interview, Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2516:  Bashar al-Assad's Interview with Charlie Rose, Body Language Tells, Part I

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 387:  John Kerry's Extended and Intertwined Fingers

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 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 # 2281:  Inaugural Luncheon Anxiety  Barack Obama's Body Language  Michelle's Mirroring 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2450:  Daniel Radcliffe on The Graham Norton Show -  Deception, Mirroring and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2493:  Jewel in Disguise at Karaoke Bar, Body Language Cues to Lack of Nervousness

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2517: Bashar al-Assad Fears Over-Throw if U.S. Attacks, Body Language Tell During Charlie Rose Interview Part II (VIDEO, PHOTO)

Two days ago, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was interviewed in Damascus by veteran journalist, Charlie Rose. This was the most important television appearance of al-Assad's life and as noted by many, the Syrian dictator appeared relatively calm during the interview. He was not however. He was betrayed by his body language - as everyone is when they are trying to look calm in the face of fear. What follows is a showcase and brief analysis of a rarely recognized nonverbal manifestation of fear. 

Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The images below however, were captured from this video. 

At 2:29 Charlie Rose says, "But some have suggested that it [an American attack on Syria] might tip the balance in the favor of the rebels, ah, and lead to the over-throw of your government."

Bashar al-Assad then begins his answer at 2:37, "Exactly [pause], any strike will be as direct support to Al Qaeda offshoot that's called al-Nusra, Jabhat al-Nusra [?] and the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria. You're right ... about this. It's going to be direct support."

Within the short space of the 2:38 mark, The Syrian President's subconscious turned informer as he displayed an under-appreciated signal of fear. Look carefully at the back, left side of al-Assad's neck. His trapezius, splenius capitis and levator scapula muscles all momentarily tighten and this short-lived contraction can clearly be seen (primarily trapezius). Although this evanescent nonverbal muscular dynamic does not occur on the face - it is highly characteristic of fear and can be thought of as a (non-facial) microexpression analog.

In short, Bashar al-Assad is in significant fear of a U.S. attack, however limited and surgical it is proposed to be, and despite his calm (to some) words, he shows us this primal emotion in one brief body language moment at two minutes and thirty-eight seconds into this video. The dynamics and subtlety can be seen clearly in the video.

There are multitudes of other nonverbal signals in this interview. How many can you spot?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2516:  Bashar al-Assad's Interview with Charlie Rose  Body Language Tells, Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2384:  Bashar al-Assad on 1 May 2013 - Demure, Beta and Nervous - Body Language Lessons on how NOT to appear Confident

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2501:  Bashar al-Assad, Chemical Weapons and a  Body Language Signal of a Sociopath

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2257:  Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian People and Spotting a Sociopath  Another Naked Emperor 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2509:  Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Al'Afari Defends al Assad  Body Language of Insincerity, Contempt and ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2212:  Barack Obama warns Bashar al-Assad,  A Body Language Signal of Conviction

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1141:  al-Assad's Elbows in Syria

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2516: Bashar al-Assad's Interview with Charlie Rose - Body Language Tells, Part I (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday Charlie Rose interviewed Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. This was the only television interview of al-Assad since President Obama asked congress for an endorsement to attack Syria in retaliation for that government's chemical weapon usage on its own citizens. Below is a partial analysis of the Syrian President's body language and sheds significant light on the dictator's emotional tone.

Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The images below however, were captured from this video. 

At 0:51, Charlie Rose says, "Even at this date you are not sure that chemical weapons, even though you have seen the video tape, even though you've seen the bodies, even though your own officials have been there ...", al-Assad retorts, "... No, I ... No, I ... I haven't finished. Our soldiers in another area were attacked chemically. Our soldiers...."

At 1:02, as al-Assad says the first syllable of the first word "...soldiers...", he displays a nonverbal expression of contempt. While other signs of contempt have different appearances, this configuration is the most common - easily recognized by the unilateral "snarl" appearance where his (left) upper lip and left "mustache area" tighten and vectors primarily upwards. This is accompanied by a simultaneous nostril flaring (dilation) on the same side. In addition these nonverbals are accompanied here by another common component of contempt - the partial unilateral eyelid closure (his left in this example). This cluster is very short in duration (lasting just fractions of a second) and thus is classified as an example of a "microexpression".

In this image from 1:06, al-Assad demonstrates a nonverbal cluster that is particularly troubling. It also happens that this is a facial expression that al-Assad commits often. Note that there is a contraction of his central forehead - here it is mild yet it is quite significant. The central forehead contraction (aka CFC) is seen when there is physical or emotional pain, either for oneself or for another person via empathy. However in these contexts there should ALWAYS be an expression of pain, sorrow, fear expression of the mouth. Yet here we see the CFC occurring along with a mouth smile. This is always a bad combination. Everyone displays this expression on occasion; however those who display this nonverbal cluster CHRONICALLY are narcissists, sociopaths or worse. As mentioned, the Syrian President exemplifies this face very often.

This expression is displayed just after Mr. al-Assad referred said, "...Our Soldiers" (the second time) at 1:08. Note he has his right eyebrow raised, maintains a mild central forehead contraction and still has a mild mouth smile together with a forward head tilt.

This nonverbal cluster says, "I am correct, you know I am. Admit it. You are wrong."

At 1:31 al-Assad begins, "...We're not like the American administration. We're not social media administration, our government. We are the government that deal with reality. When we have evidences we will announce." At 1:33 as he begins the fourth syllable of the word "administration", the Syrian dictator displays another excellent example of a microexpression of contempt.

This expression cluster at 1:41 (as he says "announce" noted in sentence above) is a good example of an anger cluster together with incredulity. While his inner eyelids are drawn together and downwards (indicative of anger), al-Assad's right lateral eyebrow is elevated - expressing disbelief.

In addition note this highly characteristic mouth display showing that his lips are very much thinned out and horizontally straight (slight appearance/illusion of upturned mouth corners due to the angle of his downward tilted head-neck).

Also his mildly opened eyelids and lower lid tension together with the dilated nostrils complete this fairly intense nonverbal anger cluster.

What other telling body language does al-Assad display?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2509:  Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Al'Afari Defends al Assad  Body Language of Insincerity, Contempt and ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2501:  Bashar al-Assad, Chemical Weapons and a  Body Language Signal of a Sociopath

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 665:  al-Assad's Strong Sign of Insincerity

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1162:  Ahmadinejad, Napoleon, al-Assad and Dominance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2259:  Game Show Killer Rodney Alcala Gets Two More Sentences - His Body Language Warning Signs

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2492:  Jared Remy Arrested for Murder of His Girlfriend -  Three Jaw Signals in a Cluster,  Thee Body Language Meanings 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2269:  Travis Tygart's (Chief Executive of U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) Body Language re: Lance Armstrong Doping on  "60 Minutes Sports" Interview
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2506: Barack Obama, the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle and Retaliation Against Syrian Poison Gas Attack (VIDEO, PHOTO)

Today President Obama gave a speech in The Rose Garden wherein he surprised most everyone. There he announced that, although he believes the United States should take military action against Syria for using chemical weapons on its own people, he has asked both houses of Congress to take a vote on the issue.

Of course there were many body language signals displayed by the President in this speech. A significant and rarely noted one is the "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle".

At 1:44 in the above video, the President says, "... After careful deliberation I have decided that the United States should take military action against Syrian regime targets...." Within this sentence during the 1:46 - 1:47 (very subtle) and 1:49 - 1:51 (a bit easier to see, yet still subtle) segments you will see a high frequency side-to-side movement of the President's head. These are relatively difficult to see for the untrained eye, yet they're highly significant examples of the SRHW (Most anyone can see dramatic examples of body language, but if you want to benefit and see what everyone else misses, you should endeavor to see the moderate and the subtle displays which most people indeed overlook).

It is helpful to think of the SRHW as a form of body language swagger. People who display it are displaying alpha qualities. They feel particularly passionate and have very high confidence levels about the idea/issue being verbalized when they use it (although it can be seen on occasion where no words are being spoken). There is nearly always an increase in the frequency and volume of the voice simultaneous with and proportional to the nonverbal display.

As with all alpha nonverbal signals, the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle and the closely related Self-Righteous Torso Wiggle are rapport destroyers and thus should be used very sparingly. Barack does not over-do it here. There may also be a similar jaw component or primary shoulder wiggle seen. In addition, super imposed over the side-to-side movement there may be a backward vectoring (signifying incredulity or disgust) or a forward motion (adds a reprimanding or scolding meaning to the mix).

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2464:  Gen. Martin Dempsey (Chairman U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff) Sen. John McCain and The Self-Righteous Torso Wiggle Body Language on Capitol Hill

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2398:  Self Righteous Head Wiggle, Alpha Behavior &  First Drone Flight Off of an Aircraft Carrier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1552:  The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle &  The Buffett Rule

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1923:  Hillary Clinton's Body Language re: Syrian Government -  The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2130:  Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Helping Syria -  Interview with Charlie Rose and Norah O'Donnell

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




This image was captured at the 1:50 mark. Note the President's head is blurred due to the side-to-side movement of the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle. Compare this to his torso which does not show signs of movement.








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