Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2553: Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke and Barack Obama - What their Body Language Tells Us of their Emotions (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Here Ben Bernanke is seen with a classic horizontally straight and thin-lipped configuration of anger (at 1:37, just after President Obama says, "...and one of the most important contributors to this whole process ah has been the federal reserve under the strong leadership of Ben Bernanke. For nearly eight years ah Ben has led the Fed through some of the most daunting economic challenges in our life time...").


Note this facial expression is accompanied by extended blinking wherein the psyche is very briefly trying to suppress and forget the source of anger.

This asymmetric expression has a frown of bitterness on Bernanke's left while a weak false smile is exhibited on his right. This nonverbal signal indicates regret. Body language rookies will often falsely interpret this as contempt (What are the primary differences between these two expressions?) This is seen at 2:15 - 2:17, just after Barack Obama says, "... I want you to know Ben that I am personally very grateful to you  ..."

Janet Yellen, understandably is in a state of heightened adrenaline. She has just been nominated for the Federal Reserve Chair - and she is the first woman for this position. She indeed will be one of the most powerful women in the World.

Throughout her speaking segment, we see fear manifested through significantly bilaterally elevated upper eyelids (What other emotions might some mistake with this finding?). You would be well advised to begin watching carefully the position of others' upper eyelids. Astute observations of these specific organelles are one of the most telling areas of the entire human body.

What other significant nonverbal tells of Ms. Yellen's raises your attention?

See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication # Analysis 1492:  Ben Bernanke's Duping Delight &  Partial Emblematic Slip

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2505:  Marine Jesse Cottle and Wife Kelly  Body Language Expression of Regret and Sincere Smiles

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 # 2323:  Jodi Arias Murder Trial  The Body Language of Unilateral Regret vs. Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2485:  Barack Obama on Next Federal Reserve Chairman -  Anger, Disgust, Regret and Contempt 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2525:  President Obama's Anger in Response to Republicans'  Threat to Shut Down Government & Possibly Default on Debt  In Efforts to Appeal Obamacare 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2371:  Barack Obama & Anger in the Rose Garden -  POTUS's Body Language & the Gun Laws 
 

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication # Analysis 1492: Ben Bernanke's Duping Delight & Partial Emblematic Slip

Ben Bernanke is showing us a sincere but suppressed smile in this image. His eyes, particularly his lower lids are great examples of the specific configurations we should always see with an authentic smile of joy-happiness (see Secret # 353: Brad Pitt's Smiling Eyes - Sincere and Insincere Smiles). The mouth component of his smile is suppressed - not being opened. The primary reason he is smiling it is directly related to what his left hand is doing - specifically the middle finger. The FED Chairman is flipping off whoever is speaking.

An Emblem is a specific body language term for a signal that is recognized within a region, culture, country - or in this case worldwide. Its meaning is non-ambiguous within that described region. But emblems can vary from culture to culture, etc. - so great care must be given so as to not misinterpret their meanings. An emblem may be a positive in one country and quite derogatory in another. A Partial Emblem is a modification of the complete emblem - such that it is displayed in a not-traditional location. It is also common for partial emblems to be displayed in fragmented form - i.e. not fully unfurled. A Partial Emblematic Slip (PES) is a subconscious display of an emblem which often contradicts the words being spoken. 

Note also the force being applied by Ben's middle finger to his left temple region. It is displacing the skin and underlying tissue easily 1.5 cm or more. This signal of force speaks to the amplitude of his negative emotional tone. If his finger were a pencil, it would have broken.

Here, Mr. Bernanke is displaying his smile in unison with giving the Bird. Thus his smile is a variation of  "Duping Delight". The Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank may be smiling for several reasons, but the primary (perhaps only) one is that he is fooling (duping) the speaker - giving him a profane gesture in a camouflaged manner. Ben is sincerely happy - yes ... but not for the usual reasons. When a partial emblematic slip is displayed in the company of language with which is not congruent - always believe the body language. In such scenarios, the PES is a highly reliable method of deception detention (Ekman). 

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