Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3586: Barack Obama, Jimmy Fallon, Alpha-Beta Hybrids and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier this week President Obama was a guest on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show. He spoke at length regarding several subjects - including the Republican Party, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Of course, this website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

The President is very good at his use of a type of body language know as "Alpha-Beta Hybrids". As this sounds, these are comprised of a group of nonverbal signals which are not too alpha and not too beta - but somewhere in between.

One variety of alpha-beta hybrid is termed a "Basketball Steeple". It's called this because it looks a bit like a person is holding an invisible basketball.

This first image (left) is a prototypical basketball steeple.


This post includes examples of some of the variations of the Basketball Steeple.

Here the President's hands are a bit further apart - yet this configuration still transmits alpha-beta hybrid emotions.

However, if his hands were held even further apart (beginning at about shoulder width and greater) - this would increase the strength of this nonverbal signal to that of one with a pure alpha status. If he were to hold his upper arms and elbows further out - this would also increase the alpha factor.

When the hands are held too close together - it is no longer a basketball steeple and becomes a "Classic Steeple". A classic steeple is much more alpha - and when performed it must be essentially choreographed and be maintained for only about a second. In over 200,000 images and thousands of hours of video, I haven't one example of any U.S. President, republican or democrat, displaying a classic steeple - why are such examples so rare?

A unilateral or one-handed basketball steeple - is a bit more beta than the examples above (and it's made even more beta by the fact that this is President Obama's right [non-dominant] hand).

Here the President's hands are turned toward himself (vs. toward the audience or Fallon) - thus, while still an alpha-beta hybrid, morphing this more to the beta side of the spectrum.

Similar to above with his hands further apart.

This index finger pointing variety is one of a higher alpha coefficient, but still an alpha-beta hybrid (note how the other fingers are not tightly curled as with a classic index finger point).

If he were to turn his hands and index fingers (forefingers) out and point toward the audience, then it would transmute into a Full Alpha body language display.

Similar to the example immediately above only with one hand - his dominant, left hand - so this increases the "alpha-ness" of this gesture.











Take home points:

A basketball steeple is one type of alpha-beta hybrid body language display.

Alpha-beta hybrids show leadership, assertiveness and strength - but are not overly so and therefore they build rapport rather than destroy it (as does using too much alpha body language).


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3585: Bernie Sanders Visits Barack Obama

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3582: Brock Turner's Dad Draws Outrage of "20 Minutes of Action" - Lack of Empathy and No Remorse

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3579: Donald Trump, Trump University Lawsuit, a Judge's 'Mexican heritage' and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3552: Hillary Clinton, Body Language and variations on the Pistol Steeple

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3545: Eric Trump's Reaction to President Obama's Comments at the 2016 White House Correspondents' Dinner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3464: Of Katie Holmes, Super Bowls, Smiles and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3445: Harrison Ford Re-enacts 'I Love You' Scene from Star Wars - The Graham Norton Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3531: Helen Mirren, Subways, Sincerity, Empathy and Body Language


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3253: John Kasich Formally Announces His Candidacy for President - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Today Ohio Governor John Kasich announced his candidacy for President. He is the 16th major Republican to make a bid for his party's nomination. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of his speech.

At multiple times Governor Kasich put a hand in his pocket. This is an awful body language for any leader to use - particularly while on camera and speaking - and especially during his announcement to run for the highest office in the land. It does not build rapport. On the contrary - it signals reluctance, tentativeness and nondisclosure. Some people will occasionally use this MAP (manipulator, adaptor, pacifier) in an effort to look relaxed or approachable - yet it does not - rather it projects non-engagement.

Simply put - hands in pockets will lose you votes and rapport. If you're running for office or leading people, keep your hands OUT of your pockets. Mitt Romney did this far too much in 2012 - thus sending signals he was not emotionally comfortable.

This gesture (in body language terminology - one type of "illustrator") is a "basketball steeple". And although the tempo of movement associated with Kasich's use of this nonverbal is a bit too quick (see video at 39:00) - the basketball steeple is a great example of an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid" - not too aggressive/dominant - yet not too demure/sedate. Alpha-beta hybrid body language (which can be up and down-regulated in the moment depending on the need and/or feedback) are fantastic body language displays for leaders to use - for they build rapport and assertiveness without arrogance - as well as increase likability without sending signals of weakness. The basketball steeple is but one of many varieties of an alpha-beta hybrid.

This image captured at 40:34 shows Gov. Kasich with his fingers interlocked (intertwined). This MAP indicates low emotional comfort and anxiety - and should in general not be used. However, Kasich used this fairly display relatively briefly (several 1- 3 second intervals) and while he was speaking about the almost unfathomable condition of family fighting against family in the U.S. Civil War. If one truly has empathy for those in War - this gesture is sincere - for it was congruent with his vocal qualities as well as his words (but still should never be used for very long).  

45:43

This chin, mouth and mid-face cluster is indicative of brief (near-microexpression) fear-sadness as Kasich describes a man who watched helplessly as his wife and two children were swept away in a flash flood several days ago. This was another sincere moment of empathy.

Just after Governor Kasich announces his attention to run for President he looks down with his head/neck and while closing his eyes. A few moments prior, he stepped back several inches and braced himself by grabbing the sides of the podium (lectern). Such humbled body language (and similar) is common and displayed by most candidates in the context of announcing their candidacy - particularly for high office. Of course eye contact with the audience and upright posture are essential for good rapport and the projection of strength, confidence and assertiveness - yet most of us want (and need) our leaders (during certain moments at least) to be humble. Like most body language however, a balance is needed. Too much humility (weakness) or too much confidence (thus arrogance) does not win elections.

Although he could certainly make some significant improvements, more than the majority of candidates - John Kasich projected a good balance of alpha and beta qualities during his formal announcement speech. Both his sincerity and empathy were relatively high during this event - and it's these qualities more than most which translate to likability.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3252: Shark Attacks Surfer Mick Fanning in the midst of competition at J-Bay Open - Body Language of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No 1915: Mitt Romney's Response to Supreme Court's Decision on "Obamacare"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2074:  Mitt Romney and Senator Kelly Ayotte  What Body Language Tells? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2595: Barack Obama's Emotional Dissonance, Low Confidence and the "Turtle Retreat" - He Does Not Want To Be There 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2281:  Inaugural Luncheon Anxiety  Barack Obama's Body Language  Michelle's Mirroring 

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2896: Hillary Clinton - Vladimir Putin Bears Some Responsibility for the Downing of Malaysia Air Flight MH17 (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Here Mrs. Clinton (clearly showing her desires for 2016) tells Fareed Zakaria and the rest of World that she believes Vladimir Putin bears at least some of the responsibility for the downing of Malaysia Airline MH17 by Pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine.

When any leader - (political or otherwise) is speaking (to one or to millions) they should be very aware of their nonverbal signals - yet most are considerably unaware. Some of these signs are very alpha, and others are considerably beta - while some are a good blend (These are known as alpha-beta hybrids).  

Alpha body language projects strength, leadership and assertiveness. Beta body language sends signals of low emotional comfort, submissiveness and acquiescence. Many "leaders" who use alpha nonverbals tend to over-use them - and thus transmit arrogance and condescending feelings. Others of course use beta signals too dramatically or frequently (or just at the wrong time) and therefore show their Achilles heels'.

One solution to this conundrum is to become very aware of one's body language and to never be too alpha or too beta - in either magnitude or frequency. Another way of approaching this problem is by utilizing what is rarely spoken about and yet extremely effective - "Alpha-Beta Hybrids" - two of which are discussed below.

At first glance these illustrators may look close to identical - however when you take the time to view the video you will see that they're considerably different in their dynamics. 

Towards the end of this segment (approximately 0:49 - 0:52) Hillary Clinton displays a "Basketball steeple". It is named this because it's as if the person is holding an invisible basketball. Here, the former U.S. Secretary of State has her hands configured somewhat closer together (as if she was holding a large grapefruit instead). When seated, many will use this and other nonverbals with less amplitude.



The basketball steeple is a fantastic example of an alpha-beta hybrid -for it projects assertiveness, strength and decisiveness - without being patronizing or arrogant.

A few seconds later (during 0:52 - 1:01), Mrs. Clinton changes her hand position to the "Advancing Fortress". This usually is seen with fingers closed together and the tips of the hands pointed towards each other. There is nearly always an up-and-down motion to the hands and arms (which move in unison) as they advance forward (away from the speaker and towards the other person/audience.



Although the advancing fortress is an outstanding alpha-beta hybrid, it is seen even less frequently than the basketball steeple.

What other nonverbals in this video does the 2016 Presidential hopeful demonstrate which convey classic beta body language? What are some pure-alphas (non hybrids)?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2895: "Fifty Shades of Grey" Trailer - If Christian Grey was a real person ..... 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2783: Hillary Clinton asked again about 2016

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

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

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2877: Zac Efron and Michelle Rodriguez Dating - Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2710: Microsoft's New CEO Sayta Nadella's Body Language vs. Bill Gates (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Microsoft named Sayta Nadella as its new CEO today. In the video above, Bill Gates speaks of Nadella and gives a short monolog regarding Steve Balmer's replacement as well as his own increasing role in the company he co-founded with Paul Allen in 1975.

Bill Gates is both a technical and business genius. There are also few in the history of the planet who have been as philanthropic as has he and Melinda Gates. I would like to think that if I were in his shoes - I would be similarly as generous.

Mr. Gates needs some body language 101 remedial lessons though; for in this video he commits a common nonverbal faux pas of over-using a MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier). Most MAPs are indicative of beta emotional tones - primarily and specifically that of a low confidence level. This however is one exception. Bill clasps his hands 28 times in this short video. This particular nonverbal sends a patronizing signal. Moreover its extreme repetition along with his thin lipped "bitter smile" (one variety of a false smile) amplifies these condescending emotions (Be very careful of interpreting any nonverbal in isolation, for it nearly always lead to a body language misdiagnosis).

In contrast, Satya Nadella in the video below displayed a much lower frequency of MAPs. Keep in mind though that Gates had a distinct disadvantage in this comparison for he's giving a monolog, looking directly into the camera and is standing still - while Natella is walking, in a conversation (albeit rehearsed) and he is gets to (as expected) look at his interviewer most of the time.





In the isolated frame below, Sayta Nadella displays a "basketball steeple" (named so because it looks as if its user is holding and invisible one). This nonverbal is "not too beta" and "not too alpha" but just right - thus it is one example of a class of body language signals known as "alpha-beta hybrids". It signals strength yet open-mindedness and a willingness to be "gentle" without weakness.

Good luck Sayta Nadella.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2533: Angela Merkel's Low Steeple "Trademark" - A Major Body Language Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2577: Bill Clinton and Terry McAuliffe - Alpha and Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2698: Lupita Nyong'o on Jimmy Fallon - an Underused Body Language Display

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1083:  Brewer's MAPs Flag Foreboding

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2642: Tom Hanks Can't Act Away a Fib - His Body Language Tells a Little Lie

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2698: Lupita Nyong'o on Jimmy Fallon - an Underused Body Language Display (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Lupita Nyong'o recently appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The image above however, was captured from this video. The brilliant actress was nominated for an Oscar for "Best Supporting Actress" for her role as Patsey in "Twelve Years a Slave". In the above video segment, she describes her brother, "... he lives in an exclamation point - his whole life is just like...". During the 2:44 - 2:47 segment (see image below) Ms. Nyong'o displays what is known as a "Basketball Steeple". This particular nonverbal is underutilized. It is an example of an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid" body language - not hyper-dominant (such as a conventional steeple) and not too demure (like a fig-leaf), but a healthy intermediate.

What is the difference between a traditionally female-displayed basketball steeple and those typically displayed by most straight males?


See also:


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2533: Angela Merkel's Low Steeple "Trademark" - A Major Body Language Mistake

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2577: Bill Clinton and Terry McAuliffe - Alpha and Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2496:  Would You Buy a Car from this Man? (a Lykan Hypersport?), Destroying Rapport with Arrogant Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2235:  Barack Obama and John Boehner -  The Fiscal Cliff and Contrasting Body Language

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1503:  The Conventional Steeple vs. The Basketball Steeple - Seeking a Balance

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

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2577: Bill Clinton and Terry McAuliffe - Alpha and Beta Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In this image below, captured during the 3:54 - 4:03 segment in the above video, Bill Clinton is shown campaigning for Terry McAuliffe - who is running for Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Here we see an example of two different hand nonverbals - one is advisable while the other is not.

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

Bill Clinton is exampling a "Basketball" steeple. In a simplistic way of thinking, the basketball steeple is a "watered down" version of a "conventional steeple". However, while basketball steeple is certainly less alpha - it also has the effect of building rapport, conveying confidence and assertiveness - without being hyper-alpha as would be projected an extended conventional steeple. Conventional steeples should be used very briefly - otherwise they will destroy rapport, alienate and project arrogance.

The basketball steeple is one of the best examples of a class of body language signals (here specifically an illustrator) known as alpha-beta hybrids. Alpha-beta hybrids are the nonverbal equivalents of "having one's cake and eating it too". Knowing when and being able to dial down the alpha emotions a bit or fine-tuning the beta body language - is paramount in projecting leadership and confidence without alienating ... something few people can do.

What other alpha-beta hybrid body language combos can you name? How many and how often do you use these?

In dramatic distinction to the former President, Terry McAuliffe is not projecting confidence by picking his fingers and fingernails. This is an excessively beta, nervous and acquiescing body language. Even when standing next to a Head-of-State - no one should be doing this. McAuliffe knows better. This nonverbal display projects weakness, anxiety and insecurity. It in no way projects anything resembling strength, power or leadership. It also does not convey respect to the speaker.

What simple maneuver would you advise to prevent this demure, self-touching faux pas?

What undesirable nonverbals did the former President display in this video?

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2564: Hillary Clinton Stumping for Terry McAuliffe ... but Did She Hint at Running in 2016?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2523:  Hillary Clinton, Body Language and the 2016 Presidency -  Rapport Builder vs. Rapport Destroyer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2534: Bill and Hillary are going to be Grandparents; President Clinton's Body Language is Telling Us that Chelsea is Pregnant

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2487:  Chelsea Clinton's Beta Body Language -  The Elevated Fig Leaf

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2490:  Hillary Clinton and the Two-Handed Point - The American Bar Association, Body Language and  Variations on a Theme

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2360:  Bill Clinton and the Body Language of a  "Loose Hand, Palm Up Point" 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2245: The Fiscal Cliff Grows Closer & Tempers Fray - Barack Obama's Body Language

The fiscal cliff is closer with each passing hour and President Obama, who normally rarely shows any anger, displayed some yesterday during his press conference. Barack Obama is very skilled at the use of nonverbal hand illustrators. For example, he makes good use of both the two-handed & one-handed basketball steeple, the loose-fist-thumbs-up point, the claw, the split finger fastball, etc. during this appearance in the White House Press Room. However when photographers and others were making excessive noise, his he broke into an index-finger point (2:02). This indicates a momentary heightened alpha state in emotional-tone in a person who seldom uses this nonverbal and should, to the astute body language observer, indicate a shortening of his fuse. This somewhat subtle but highly significant nonverbal signal indicates anger.

Anyone can spot extreme changes in emotion. However everyone should endeavor to nuance their ability to see inside others' emotional brains - for therein is great advantage.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2152:  Second Presidential Debate - 6 October 2012 - Barack Obama's Duping Delight - Benghazi, Libya Attack was an "Act of Terror" - Alpha, Beta, Confidence & Acquiescence ...

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

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1224: Two Handed Index Finger Point 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1918:  Vladimir Putin - Pointing with Pen Surrogates  Sharp vs. Blunt 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1652: Crude Oil, Speculators and Counting with Thumb First 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2777: Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin, John McCain and John Boehner

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

Negotiation Secret # 339: Dwayne Wade to David Stern, "Don't Point at Me! I am not your child!"

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2235: Barack Obama and John Boehner - The Fiscal Cliff and Contrasting Body Language

Use of the hands as "Illustrators" during speech can go a long ways to detecting and projecting sincerity - as well as confidence. It also contributes very significantly to developing rapport. Comparing yesterday's two press conferences - the President's (a portion of) vs. The Speaker's brief press conference, both provides significant contrast.

Note how Barack Obama uses his hands in conjunction with his speech. No over dramatic movements are displayed, in either speed or amplitude. Nor is there any self-touching (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers - aka MAPs). One particular nonverbal Mr. Obama uses a fair amount here is termed a "Basketball Steeple" - with his hands held and moved as if holding an invisible basketball. This sends signals of confidence, authority, with open-mindedness. Moreover, it's extremely rare to see any president displaying a "Conventional Steeple" - which when used, must be very briefly - lest is send signals of arrogance and condescending emotions. Neither man used the conventional steeple in either of these videos.

Contrastingly, John Boehner barely used his hands at all. This works against him. It doesn't engender rapport or sincerity. It also makes a person less believable in addition to projecting less confidence - which, after Speaker Boehner withdrew his "Plan B" for the Fiscal Cliff due to lack of support, suggested the Ohio Congressman knew his plan lacked significant backing. Of course, just using one's hands and using them to illustrate well are at two ends of the body language spectrum. Many people gesticulate in a haphazard manner - which will backfire. The basketball steeple is but one of a multitude of nonverbal tools.

See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1503: The Conventional Steeple vs. The Basketball Steeple -  Seeking a Balance

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 901: The Over-used Steeple - Body Language Backfire in Berlin

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2063: Mitt Romney and Ed Miliband - Under Used and Backfiring Uses of Hands

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2223: Dick Armey's Body Language and the Fiscal Cliff

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2228: Jay Carney's Body Language - Contempt disguised as a Sniff .... for Republicans' Solutions to the Fiscal Cliff

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2224: Barack's Body Language - It's (NOT) good to be back in Michigan President Obama Campaigns for Fiscal Cliff Resolution 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2190: President Obama's Body Language - Press Conference 14 October 2012 - Defense of Ambassador Susan Rice

 

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

This video explores some the controversy regarding a young boy from Grand Island, Nebraska, his parents and administrators at his public school. Three year old Hunter Spanjer is hearing impaired and his parents contend that they were asked to change or modify his name or the spelling of it. The Grand Island Public School System disputes this claim.

In the video above, school marketing and communications coordinator, Jack Sheard is shown in two brief segments. In the first segment (0:12 - 0:20), one of several body language tells Mr. Sheard displays is the "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" (SRHW). Note how his head rocks then snaps back and forth when he is making his statement. This rapid and short-lived side-to-side movement of the head is an extremely reliable indicator of a highly confident, self-assured attitude and sometimes smugness. Often there is a backward vector (a pulling back motion of the head) component performed simultaneously with the side-ward movement. Occasionally there is a forward motion instead - which tends to be seen when the audience is smaller (particularly one-on-one), an obvious superior-subordinate relationship and/or when accompanied by anger.

Other emotions seen with the SRHW are disgust and contempt. Often vocal pitch, volume and speed will increase as well. Such movements can be translated into the upper torso - and, as is seen here, into the similar movements of the jaw. The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle is often seen in settings where hierarchical mindsets predominate and is more common among those with lots of traditional education.

In the second clip of Mr. Sheard (from 1:11 to 1:20), he can be seen displaying a modified basketball steeple (hands apart) - then a traditional steeple - followed briefly by a modified basketball steeple again. The traditional steeple is a strong alpha signal. It sends messages of authority, confidence and power - but it is almost always over-used. It should be used very briefly - only for a second or two - otherwise it is patronizing and projects arrogance and condescension. Even the four seconds displayed here too long. This is in contrast to the basketball steeple, with hands held slightly apart (as if holding a basketball or here a bit closer together). Mr. Sheard would build more rapport if he leaned forward in his chair and held his hands a bit more apart than he is here. The basketball steeple also projects an alpha emotional tone - but it is not patronizing - rather it projects confidence and self-assuredness WITHOUT arrogance - a combination all too rarely seen.

It's quite ironic that a communications coordinator has such little self-awareness for messages he himself is sending. A title does not a skill make.

See also:

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

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

Analysis # 1503: The Conventional Steeple vs. The Basketball Steeple - Seeking a Balance

Analysis # 1811: Jamie Dimon - the Day Before Announcement of JPMorgan Chase's $2 Billion Loss

Analysis # 2063: Mitt Romney and Ed Miliband - Under Used and Backfiring Uses of Hands

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1698: Susan Rice, Bashar Ja'afari & Kofi Annan's Six Point Peace Plan for Syria

In this Video of United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice and her Syrian Counterpart, Bashar Ja'afari, some very instructive body language signals are seen. Overall, Ambassador Rice displays very good use of her hands. Her use of the particular "Illustrator" - the "Basketball Steeple" - at the very beginning of this segment, is relatively underutilized by stateswomen/statesmen, attorneys, the politically minded or those in business. It engenders the allusive persona of confidence and strength without arrogance. Later in the video (2:21 - 2:26), Ambassador Ja'afari, in a poor attempt at the basketball steeple, gives it too much of a vertical component while also moving too fast - and thus loses rapport while demonstrating his adamant emotional mindset.

See also::
Secret # 1503: The Conventional Steeple vs. The Basketball Steeple - Seeking a Balance
Secret # 493: Contrasting David Cameron and Nicholas Sarkozy - Alpha & Beta Behavior

At the 0:16 - 0:19 mark, Ms. Rice gesticulates with another illustrator - a "Loose Fist Thumbs Up" configuration. It is considerably less provoking than a closed, thumb-pointed-down-fist. This variation sends the emotional message of confidence and determination without the anger of the traditional fist. It is without a doubt an alpha body language signal, and can be overused. Rice, however, uses it like a scalpel - during a brief and very strategic time in her speech - when she is driving home the importance of Syria complying with "...item two..." of Kofi Annan's Six Point Peace Plan for Syria.

The U.S. Ambassador, during the 0:36 - 0:38 segment, uses the "Pseudo-Prayer" nonverbal with the up-and-down chopping motion - from which she should immediately refrain. The pseudo-prayer (particularly with the chop component), in most cluster contexts, sends signals of patronizing and condescending emotions and as it is doing here - and works to destroy rapport.

See also: Secret 1181: Helle Thorning-Schmidt & Her False Praying Gesture

At the 0:46 - 0:48 mark, Ms. Rice adjusted her left cuff and watch with her right hand just as she finishes the statement, "... I can't imagine how the Syrian Ambassador, who wasn't in the room, could accurately characterize what was said ..." This is a common nonverbal signal of "Dialing Up One's Alpha". It is commonly displayed by alpha personalities and is somewhat more commonly seen in males. It's as if the person is calling on their psyche for a bit more assertiveness at certain moments. Prince Charles does this quite a bit.

See also:
Secret # 121:  Mubarak, King Abdullah and Netanyahu
Secret # 1459: Geithner gets his Alpha on

Susan Rice's thumb and forefinger (index finger) are separated by about 2-3 centimeters at the 0:58 mark as she gestures and speaks about a "... brief positive step ...". This nonverbal signal is seen when there is hesitancy, uncertainty or ambivalence - but also for its more obvious meaning of "a little bit".

See also: Secret # 1559: Timothy Geithner on "Face the Nation"

Bashar Ja'afari, uses a vertical hand chop from 0:39 - 0:49 and again at 2:48 - 2:56. This is a confident, alpha illustrator - but Mr. Ja'afar's chop has an exaggerated height and speed component - belying his adamant emotions. Along with his mid-face tension - particularly nasal flaring (throughout the majority of his segment in this video) - are body language tells which signify anger as well as a component of disgust.

At the 2:04 through 2:06 mark, Mr. Ja'afari gives three palm-down gestures in rapid succession. While his fingers are open during these illustrators (thus watering down the full effect), palm-down gestures are ill-advised, since audiences receive them negatively and will alienate even those who have supported one's cause.

See also: Secret # 222: Palms Down vs. Palms Up

When asked, "When are going to comply with this?", Ambassador Ja'afari steps back as he answers, "We have already complied." - a strong tell of defensiveness. Richard Nixon did something very similar during a famous denial.

See also: Secret # 323: I am Not a Crook!

During most of his segment on this video, Bashar Ja'afari speaks out of the side of his mouth. While this could be normal for him, it is somewhat unusual - particularly because his skewed mouth configuration changed sides during this video. Speaking asymmetrically - out of the side of the mouth should raise strong concern for insincerity and/or co-existing contempt.

See  also: Secret 1163: The Importance of "Norming" in the Evaluation of Body Language

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1503: The Conventional Steeple vs. The Basketball Steeple - Seeking a Balance

Bill Burton, senior strategist for the super PAC, Priorities USA, is seen here in an interview discussing big oil money, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. At various times during this video, Mr. Burton uses both the conventional high steeple as well as the basketball steeple. 

The conventional steeple should be used very sparingly. For while it is true, that it can transmit emotions of confidence - it should only be displayed for a second or two. As deliberately as a surgeon wields a scalpel ... or a laser - this steeple variation should "dance" in unison with a particular word or phrase - not held there for long periods of time and/or dialog as if they were Super Man posing with his fists-closed, arms akimbo. Many use this nonverbal, without realizing it, as if they are using a wall brush to paint a fine portrait (e.g. Angela Merkel uses it excessively). It's wields sloppy results. It may make the SPEAKER feel like he's powerful, but a rapport builder it's not. It alienates much more often than it projects confidence. The conventional steeple is almost always overused and gives strong signals of arrogance and condescension. A few seconds too much at the wrong time and it will backfire. This is particularly true if the higher-held conventional steeple is used, but it's also true for lower-held positions. If you're TRULY in a position of power, confidence or leadership - this "body language version of wearing a muscle shirt" isn't needed.  This is much more than a metaphor though, for people who over-use the conventional steeple tend to also have strong narcissistic qualities.

A variation of the steeple that doesn't resemble it's over-alpha cousin, is known as the "Basketball Steeple". This is where the hands and fingers are held apart, fingers slightly curved, about the width of a basketball. Mr. Burton also displays this variety of the steeple in the video. This body language gesture sends signals and engenders feelings of confidence without arrogance - a combination of emotions that is far too rare.

See also: Secret # 375: Signals of Confidence, Non-Engagement and Defeat

See also: Secret # 493: Contrasting David Cameron and Nicholas Sarkozy - Alpha & Beta Behavior

See also: Secret # 901: The Over-used Steeple - Backfire in Berlin

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 375: Signals of Confidence, Non-Engagement and Defeat

In the Sioux City Republican debate last night, Newt Gingrich used a modified version of the basketball steeple. His variation shown here, is with his hands more widely apart than usual - and he also tends to use a vertical-chop motion. The vertical-chop is dynamic is not necessarily advisable - as it can transmit negative emotions if used too often or too forcefully. 

In general though, the basketball steeple is a very good gesture to use. Unlike the conventional steeple (which is dramatically over-used by those in power positions and large egos), the basketball steeple projects feelings of confidence and authority - without arrogance. Unless the conventional steeple is used very sparingly and strategically it will signal patronizing and condescending emotions (See: Negotiation Secret # 277: The Conventional Steeple: Use it on Rare Events and in Small Doses).

A negative nonverbal displayed here by Mitt Romney - is that incredibly, he's has his placed left hand (and perhaps his right one as well) in his pants pocket. Stop doing this Mitt! Any debate coach will tell you that this sends messages of non-engagement and acquiescence - which are two signals you never want to send when you're running for President! It's as if you're conceding a point to Newt here. Putting hands in our pockets will even make us feel and thus become less confident. When you're on stage - you never want to over-alpha the crowd (see Gov. Rick Perry's negative example in: A tale of two Ricks .....), but you also never want to appear - and thus become too beta either.

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 493: Contrasting David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy - Alpha & Beta Behavior

This video shows a great contrast in the Body Language of French President Nicolas Sarkozy and U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron - as they speak on the U.K. not being given concessions and the ability to "opt-out" of financial rules of an EU treaty should they so choose. President Sarkozy displays significant low confidence posture throughout - with multiple shoulder shrugs, shoulder elevation/foreshortened neck (think of a turtle who's head is not quite withdrawn in its shell) as well as multiple palms up displays. His forehead is nearly constantly contracted and elevated along with his eyebrows. This forehead-eyebrow elevation tends to be strongly concomitant with the shoulder shrugs (and is a common manifestation of the shrug-gesture cluster).  All these collectively form and reinforce the nonverbal message of a beta, low confidence emotional mindset. Sarkozy's body language is strongly saying, "Don't blame me, what else could I do?" 

Interestingly, the French President also gives us a clear nose rub near the very end of his segment (1:32 mark) when he says, "...which according to the basic treaty, we are all destined to be in the Eurozone." His nose rub at this moment indicates a high probability he does not believe this.

Prime minister Cameron displays confidence for the duration with confident shoulder posture (no shrugs), an extended (confident) neck as well as multiple alpha, hand-arm displays such as the half and full basketball steeple, a brief low conventional steeple (it's good to be brief when displaying the traditional steeple) and an arm-not-fully-extended-fingers-held-loose-hand-chop (which should never be done with an extended finger point or with the arm fully extended). David Cameron is doing a very good job displaying confident, alpha leadership nonverbals. His words match his body language nicely.

European Commission President Jose' Manuel Barroso is shown in the final third of the video. At the 3:32 mark he rocks side to side (moderate frequency) and he repeats this just before the end of the clip. When a speaker displays this nonverbal, it's a strong indicator that he/she has high degree of confidence in what they are saying.

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Public Speaking Secret # 133: The Basketball Steeple

Rather than using the conventional steeple gesture, strongly consider using the "Basketball Steeple" instead - as demonsrated above by Ukranian President Viktor Yankovych. It gets its name because it looks like the speaker is holding an invisible basketball. A great example of an empowering "illustrator", it has the advantages of projecting authority and confidence, without appearing arrogant - as the Conventional Steeple does. President Barack Obama uses the Basketball Steeple to his advantage quite often

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