Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3777: Donald Trump, Ben Carson - and Mike Pence's Poor Poker Face - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Most politicians believe they have good poker faces, yet few do - and VP Elect Mike Pence's is particularly poor. This short video segment from earlier today contains many tells - two of which are highlighted here.

Beginning at 0:03, the future Vice President says, "Ah, we're excited ta, we're excited to have Dr. Carson - ah, as our ah, intended nominee - of,  for ah, Housing and Urban Development. We're looking forward to another very productive week - in the transition and setting a historic pace and, ah - ah, I'll be spending some time in New York this week - and be spending some time in, ah, here in the Trump Tower ..."

Note during  0:11 - 0:12, Governor Pence lifts his briefcase with his middle, ring and little finger of his left hand - while his thumb and forefinger (index finger) adjusts his jacket in a pseudo-buttoning maneuver as he says, "... We're looking forward to another ...".

This false buttoning/jacket adjustment is a strong signal of anxiety - yet we can slice this nonverbal MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) even thinner. The movement (which, of course, was never a legit attempt to button his jacket) of both his arm and brief case momentarily covering his torso, is a classic blocking maneuver. Pence feels emotionally uncomfortable with respect to the cabinet choices and/or cabinet position selection process - signaling a strong contrast with his own words. Anytime there is disparity between verbal and the nonverbal messages - it's the nonverbal signals which always tell true feelings.

A second later, as he says, ".... very .... ", Mike Pence's eyebrows and forehead elevate while his eyelids simultaneously close in an extended blink. This is an unnatural movement - as these closely juxtaposed tissues are pulling in opposite directions. Such an eyelid/eyebrow incongruity in is a strong signal of insincerity.

Summary: Vice President Elect Mike Pence feels significant anxiety with the cabinet member selection process and/or some of the specific people picked.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3776: VP Elect Mike Pence Defends Trump's Claim of Voter Fraud 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3774: Luke Bryan Hits/Slaps a Fan For Flipping Him Off

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3760: Rory McIlroy's "Little Interviews"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3712: Lloyd Bentsen to Dan Quayle - "You're No Jack Kennedy"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3689: Times Square Kiss on V-J Day

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3669: Jordan Spieth, Bill Murray and the Asymmetrical Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3573: Angela Merkel, the G7, Destroying Rapport and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3525: Kristen Bell Slaps a Reporter On "The Boss" Red Carpet

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3493: Reince Priebus regarding Ben Carson's anticipated endorsement of Donald Trump - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

When Erin Burnett asks Reince Priebus regarding Ben Carson's anticipated endorsement of Donald Trump, Priebus responds (beginning at 0:16): ".... [inaudible] I mean that's what you guys are reporting, I, I, I don't know w-, what the details are of that but, you know look, it's, ah [inaudible] Dr. Carson's done, did a great job, I mean he's been expanding our party. He's an important voice in our party. He's a good man, ummmm, but I don't know the details of it, but certainly there're a lot of endorsements going on around the country right now, ahhhh, and if it's true then that's a, that's a, that's a, that's a, that's a big get ..."

At three different times in this brief video the RNC Chair displays variations of a shoulder shrug.


When he says, "... you know look it's ..." (0:22) both of his shoulders elevate.



Again at 0:35 as he says, "... ahhhh ...", both shoulders shrug - although it's less prominent then the previous display.

Then during 0:37 (in above still image) when he says, his second of five consecutive "... that's a ...", his shrug is exclusive to his left shoulder. This is one excellent example of a what is known as a Partial Emblematic Slip.

An emblem has an accepted regional, national or universal meaning and is nearly always performed consciously (but not always). Emblems are often used in place of words because of their very specific meanings (e.g., a head nod yes, a head shake no, the middle finger, etc.). This third example of Priebus' shrug however, was a partial emblem because it was only on his left. It was subconscious and thus a slip - and thus leakage of his true feelings.

A shrug indicates either, "I don't know", "What can I do?" or "What does it matter?". Mr. Priebus either believes Carson's endorsement of Trump has no significant consequence or there's nothing he/the RNC can do to stop Trump.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3492: Maria Sharapova Admits Failed Drug Test

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3488: Donald Trump Brags about the size of penis - but His Body Language Indicates Anxiety/Deception 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3480: What Does RNC Chairman Reince Priebus think about Donald Trump?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3484: Chris Rock's Opening Monologue at the 2016 Oscars

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 343:  Nicolas Sarkozy's Clandestine Thumbs Up - an Emblematic Slip

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3268: Advice to the Ten Republicans for Thursday Night's Presidential Debate 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 743 and No. 744:  Sarkozy's Shhhh!  and a Partial Emblematic Slip

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2603: Sarah Palin's Body Language - She Feels Disgust toward Pope Francis and ... She Tells a Fib 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3459: Miscues on the Introductions to New Hampshire Republican Debate - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

As with all debates, there were literally thousands, if not tens of thousands of body language moments during Saturday night's Republican debate in Manchester - just three days before the 2016 Primary in New Hampshire.

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

Below are but four body language moments which occurred during the introduction. Apparently the applause was so loud, that several of the candidates didn't hear their names being called. Ben Carson was the first to make this mistake.

While waiting, Ben Carson made the profound mistake of standing in a configuration that no Presidential Candidate should ever do during a debate (or indeed anywhere with the rare exception of a religious ceremony, meeting a major religious figure, a wedding, a funeral, while at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, etc.).

As seen in this image, while waiting for his name to be called (and it already had been) - Dr. Carson is standing with his feet together while his hands are held in a fig-leaf variation. This stance carries with it an extremely beta emotional tone. Not only will this send signals of acquiescence to his opponents, but it also will down-regulate the all the alpha qualities of confidence, strength, assertiveness, etc., which are needed during a such a high level political debate (or any debate). It's impossible to believe any debate coach or body language expert ever recommended this behavior to the brain surgeon. The damage done by this nonverbal faux pas cannot be over-emphasized. There's simply no way a person who stands in this manner will ever win a high-level debate.

When Jeb Bush passes by Donald Trump, Bush of course, touches Trump's upper arm. Most of the candidates committed this or a very similar intimate space invasion - which in almost any other setting should be strongly discouraged - yet here it serves to help disturb their opponents and displace them from their emotional "game face" baseline.

Here the former Florida Governor displays a classic, Social Fear Face - which is nonverbally shouting, "I'm glad you guys screwed up and not me."

It's important to note that those who display this expression for others (even here, Bush for his own opponents) have higher empathy quotients.

After Bush passes him, Trump displays a classic contempt display with a component of regret.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3458: Marco Rubio and Donald Trump Shake Hands at Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3449: Natalie Portman's Hands 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2322: Jeb Bush & Matt Lauer - Which one is the Narcissist? Body Language Red Flags

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3434: Donald Trump and the Verbal vs. Nonverbal Disparity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3274: Chris Christie, Rand Paul, The Republican Debate and National Security

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3253: John Kasich Formally Announces His Candidacy for President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3446: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Body Language

Dating & Romance Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1010: Rashida Jones - What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye?

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3417: Freshman Mistakes and Faux Pas Abound - Debates and Body Language (PHOTOS)

Although they all have professional debate coaches who presumably advise them accurately (or maybe not), Presidential candidates are very often are slow learners (always rationalizing, "I must be pretty good if I've gotten this far!").

Although there are rare exceptions (can you name one?), the vast majority of the time one cardinal rule of a political debate is to never turn toward your opponent when they are speaking. Doing so makes you look like a follower - not a leader. It's a prime example of very public self-subordination.

In the vast majority of all other scenarios, the exact opposite is true - when engaged in healthy conversation, we should point our entire body (feet, hips, torso, face and eyes) toward the other person (An important nuance here is that it should not be directly - rather offset by approximately 15-20 degrees to one side). Doing so conveys respect. However a debate is a highly-contextualized situation, and not only will turning toward your opponent make you appear acquiescing - it will truly engender your neurobiology to this self-fulfilled (defeat) prophecy as well. You might just as well say, "I'm the beta, he's/she's the alpha".

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3416: LeBron James Catches a Golden State Fan "calling" him a Cry Baby

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3339: First Democratic Presidential Debate - Jim Webb's Proud of Making this Enemy 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3405: Republican Debate, Ben Carson and Timidity 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3407: GOP Debate, the National Anthem and Shades of Napoleon 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3371: John Kasich at the Republican Debate 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3268: Advice to the Ten Republicans for Thursday Night's Presidential Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2357: Why is this Image so Sexy? Body Language of "Hide & Seek" 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3407: GOP Debate, the National Anthem and Shades of Napoleon - Body Language (PHOTO)

On Tuesday, 15 December, the republican candidates vying for their party's nomination for the 2016 U.S. Presidential election gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada in their fifth debate to date.

The above image shows Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz at the commencement for the singing of the National Anthem.

It is often speculated as to why paintings Napoleon Bonaparte often shows him with his (right) hand in his vest or jacket. While some say this was due to a chronic stomach ailment (many think he died of stomach cancer), or the relative difficulty portraitists had in painting hands - however in the 17th and 18th centuries it was a custom for men of higher sociology-economic classes to pose in such a manner. It was widely interpreted as a "manly boldness yet tempered with modesty". Thus the hand-in-vest pose was an alpha-beta hybrid of the era.

Most who know history consider Napoleon a very skilled general - but also a megalomaniac, and since so many people associate this (and similar illustrators) so strongly with Bonaparte - one would be well advised NOT to emulate him. Yet there is another reason - that is hardwired into the human brain.

Take note of Ted Cruz's hand placement INSIDE of his jacket. There is an extremely strong human instinct to be suspicious those who hide their hands. This lack of trust is particularly true at strategic/key moments.

A common variation of this behavior is inserting hands into one's pant (or jacket) pockets when a question is asked. This should raise a red flag. At the very least such behavior would indicate a significantly heightened anxiety level - and depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered, it very well could indicate a lie.

Even if Cruz were outside in Bangor, Maine in January - his hand should be outside of his jacket (and with no glove) during the national anthem, pledge of allegiance - and when shaking hands.

What other candidate's body language in this image suggests a lack of sincerity?

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.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3406: Republican Debate, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and a Body Language Tell for Insincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3395: President Obama's Oval Office Address, ISIS and the Split-Finger Fastball

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3398: Orangutan Sees a Magic Trick - Bonding, Rapport and Laughter

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3357: Justin Bieber leaves/walks off the stage in Oslo
  
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3343: Michigan State vs. Michigan, Football and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3384: Donald Trump Repeats Controversial 9/11 Claims


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3332: Ben Carson's New Book Cover is a Rapport Destroyer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3273: Marco Rubio, The Republican Debate, Monotonous Body Language and Anxiety



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3405: Republican Debate, Ben Carson and Timidity - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Anytime the verbal language and the body language are contradictory - it's the body language which is always correct. Everyone, Politicians included, send out these disparate messages constantly - and yet few can spot the specific signals consistency.

In this short video segment from the Republican Debate last night in Las Vegas, we see an excellent example of this nonverbal rule. 

Beginning at 0:44 Dr. Ben Carson says, "Right now, the United States of America is the patient - and the patient is in critical condition - and will not be cured by political correctness - and will not be cured by timidity."

This variety of MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) - is often colloquially referred to "Hand Wringing" and indicates a high level of anxiety with a significantly beta emotional tone.

Keeping the elbows (and therefor upper arms) close to the torso during a gesture (Illustrator) is particularly demure and projects low levels of confidence.

This image captured as Dr. Carson says, "timidity", again shows his low level of assertiveness and low self-confidence.






See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3404: Bush to Trump, "You're not going to be able to insult your way to the presidency" - Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3403: "Johnnie Walker - Dear Brother" Commercial 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3394: People react to being called beautiful - Body Language of a Sincere Smile  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3391: Tense Exchange Between Mike Allen and Chicago Mayor Emanuel

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3356: Anna Faris and Chris Pratt are Dressing their Son Up as a Dinosaur for Halloween

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3345: Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama and a Handshake at the U.N. 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3320: Pope Francis speaks before the U.S. Congress - Body Language of Boehner and Biden

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3169: Baltimore Deputy Police Commissioner Jerry Rodriguez regarding the Death of Freddie Gray - Body Language Tells 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3378: Ben Carson Likens Some Syrian Refugees to "Rabid Dogs" - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today in Mobile, Alabama - Ben Carson compared some Syrian refugees to rabid dogs and the need to protect one's children. Many have criticized the Presidential candidate for say this, believing his metaphor was both inaccurate and in poor taste. However what did Carson himself think about his statement? His body language speaks volumes.

At in the above video, 0:39 Dr. Carson continues:

".... and I'm going to call the humane society and hopefully they come and take this dog away and create sa-, a safe environment on again." [Tongue Jut at 0:49].

At the very end of the video (at 0:49) we see Dr. Carson display what is known as a "Tongue Jut". Here it is so brief, it's a form of a microexpression.

In this body language cluster-context, Carson's tongue jut indicates: "I've got caught", "I've been bad" or "I did a foolish thing"(Navarro). Dr. Carson believes he went too far here and he regretted this comparison as soon as he said it. What other nonverbal signals present in this video support this conclusion?

With what other thought-emotions can a tongue jut be associated when other simultaneous body language signs are seen (not present in this example)?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3377: Holly Holm's post-fight interview after defeating Ronda Rousey

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3081: More Bill Belichick Body Language Deception Deflategate Tells

Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 48:  A Lizard Tongue gives us a Great Glimpse into  Katie Holmes' Psyche 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3334: Kevin McCarthy, Judy McCarthy and the Representative's Decision to Withdraw from Pursuing the Position as Speaker of the House - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3332: Ben Carson's New Book Cover is a Rapport Destroyer 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3372: Ben Carson, Low Expressivity & Body Language 

Dating & Romance Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1010: Rashida Jones - What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye? 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3375: Donald Trump Questions Ben Carson's Stabbing Story - Body Language Tell (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Last Thursday in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Donald Trump gave a 95 minute speech which some have likened to a reality show monologue (The above video is a small excerpt).

Although the body language teaching points in this appearance are too numerous to count - one in particular stands out.

While refuting Ben Carson's story of how his knife was deflected by an alleged victim's belt/belt buckle, Donald Trump stepped from behind the lectern to his right and began in a dramatically  twisting his belt.

At 0:26 he continues, "Lemmie tell ya', I'm pretty good at this stuff, so. I have a belt. Somebody hits me with a belt, it's going in - because the belt moves this way, it moves this way, it moves that way. He hit the belt buckle. Any body, anybody have a knife? You wanna try it on me? ..."

This overt and melodramatic belt manipulation was a sexual display. In this moment, Donald Trump was trying to project his virility - and the belt twisting-reenactment was a surrogate of sorts (MAP surrogate [Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier]) and thus provided for him this opportunity.

In body language terminology, this maneuver was a form of a partial emblematic slip. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3374: Paris Attack Suspect Named - Salah Abdeslam

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3373: Barack Obama Delivers a Statement on the attacks in Paris - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3293: Why is Donald Trump a Better Liar than Most Politicians? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3352: Donald Trump's Contradictory Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3336: Donald Trump, Kevin McCarthy, Deception and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3355: Spin the Microphone on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show - Gwen Stefani is very attracted to Blake Shelton - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3160: Warren Sapp Recounts Night with Prostitutes - Body Language 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3372: Ben Carson, Low Expressivity & Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Many have made the observation that Ben Carson displays an "even temperament" or "always has a calm demeanor". One reason for this is that Dr. Carson has Botox treatments on the upper 1/3 of his face.

While most use Botox for aesthetic reasons, others - particularly politicians and other "leaders" will undergo these treatments in an effort to appear less angry or less impatient. Of course it's normal to feel these feelings - as long as they aren't too frequent or too extreme. Yet an extreme detriment of Botox treatment is that emotional expression can be significantly suppressed or prevented. Nonverbal expression is normal and healthy. We expect to see facial expressions in context - however when we see almost none (or there's a lack of congruity) it should (and many times does) send up red flags. Thus moderate (or greater) use of Botox reduces significantly our ability to establish and build rapport - and win over voters' hearts.

An example of reduced emotional expression is seen here (0:58) when Dr. Carson's eyebrows are raised - yet there is no dynamic contraction furrows on his forehead.




"I tried Botox one time and was permanently surprised for a couple of months. It was not a cute look for me. My feeling is, I have three children who should know what emotion I'm feeling at the exact moment I'm feeling it... that is critical."   

Julia Roberts


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3371: John Kasich at the Republican Debate - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3260: Cara Delevingne vs. Emila Clarke in an Eyebrow-Off (plus some Schwarzenegger and Gyllenhaal) Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3351: A Body Language Signal of Sincere Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2975: Devon Still & Daughter Leah - A Body Language of Affection and ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3355: Spin the Microphone on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show - Gwen Stefani is very attracted to Blake Shelton 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3335: The Presidential Race, Electability, Facial Hair and Ben Carson (PHOTOS)

The fact that Ben Carson has facial hair places him at a steep disadvantage for winning the Republican nomination or the White House. Although some may call it purely statistical - the correlation of the presence of facial hair to a lower electability is not to be ignored.

Moreover, the higher the political office, the less likely it is that a man will win the seat if he has facial hair. The incidence of facial hair World-wide is 50%. In the United States, Europe, Canada and Pacific Rim Countries it's 33% (with some regional variability).

Incredibly, the last U.S. President to be elected with any facial hair was William Taft in 1908 - 107 years ago.

Of the male U.S. Senators, house members and governors, typically only between 1 and 11% of them will have facial hair. Within this population - the Senators have the least - and the House Members are closure to 11% with the male governors intermediate. This is even true with city council and school board elections - although the phenomenon is not as strong when the political office is lower on the food chain.

There's something hard-wired into the human brain (a fact every neurosurgeon should know) when it comes to facial hair, likability and trust. Human children (who are preverbal) will strongly prefer men without facial hair. This is true even when viewing both images of their own fathers (despite having become accustomed to them with facial hair).

Although there is, of course, a waxing and waning of facial hair styles/trends throughout the decades - as well as some occupational exceptions to this rule (e.g. college professors, baseball pitchers and many other athletes' roles [but not all, e.g. - golf]) - this correlation of low trust with facial hair is dramatic and should not be ignored. Arrest photos of men have a significantly higher incidence of facial hair - and in the courtroom there is notably higher rate of guilty verdicts.

Dr. Carson - if you want to win, shave. Shave now.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3334: Kevin McCarthy, Judy McCarthy and the Representative's Decision to Withdraw from Pursuing the Position as Speaker of the House

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3332: Ben Carson's New Book Cover is a Rapport Destroyer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3283: Trivago Guy - It's Not His Wardrobe or Haircut - It's the Body Language Stupid!

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3275: Carly Fiorina, The Republican Debate and Likability (or not)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3207: Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3241: Trump - a Hyper-Alpha Donald vs. a Kinder, Gentler Version - Body Language and Likability 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3264: Hillary Clinton, Likability, Perceived Trustworthiness and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2930: Rand Paul and "Likability" - Building vs. Destroying It 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3332: Ben Carson's New Book Cover is a Rapport Destroyer - Body Language (PHOTOS)

No doubt Ben Carson, or someone/group which supports his candidacy paid a professional $50,000 dollars or thereabouts to photograph him for his new book (A More Perfect Union - published today). Photographic skills aside, with regards to judgement - this was a quite amateurish and very poor choice for the cover - particularly when the goal is to win Carson the White House.

Carson's "smile" is not a smile at all - far from it - and most importantly it does not signal sincerity. Moreover his facial expression has components impatience as well as subtle contempt. The position of Carson's hand will (erroneously) suggest to some the emotion of boredom - which of course is never a good quality for a candidate. Yet together with these facial nonverbals, his specific hand configuration is projecting (rather significantly) the emotions of critical evaluation and dismissal. 

Dr. Carson's left arm, across his chest with his palm resting on his right bicep - projects a closed mind (an example of blocking behavior) and an emotional tone of impatience.

In addition, in this day of high-definition video and images, most everyone senses this picture was photo shopped. If you show us your blemishes and imperfections, we will bond with you (for we have them too) - but if you hide them (and we see you pretending) you will push us away. 

The next you're negotiating (or trying to make a sale) - never try to close if your opposition (or customer) takes on this body language. Ben Carson's nonverbal behavior on his new book cover will destroy rapport, not built it. It will cost him votes, not win them.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3331: Mila finds out Adam Levine got married - Rapid Transitioning of Emotions

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3311: Ben Carson to Donald Trump - "He's an Okay Doctor" - Trump's Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3316: Ben Carson does not think that a Muslim Should be President - Is He Sincere - or Mimicking Trump's Tactics?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3317: Scott Walker Drops Out of Presidential Race - A Classic Body Language Tell

 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3316: Ben Carson does not think that a Muslim Should be President - Is He Sincere - or Mimicking Trump's Tactics? - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Ben Carson has now stepped into an Anti-Muslim limelight - a door which Donald Trump walked through two days ago. Since the seventeen (now sixteen) candidates began seeking the republican nomination - some have taken the tactic (or out of sincerity) of being anti-Trump, while others have tried to ride his coat-tails (or simply truly shared Donald's ideology). A few of these examples are more obvious while many are not - and these are very important distinctions to make.

Pundits and others have inquired along these lines with respect to Ben Carson's statement earlier today on Meet The Press. Was the retired neurosurgeon truly sincere (or was he trying to ride the Trump train?) when Chuck Todd asked him, "So do you believe that, ah, Islam is consistent with the - Constitution?"

Ben Carson responded, "Ah, No I don't. I do not. I, I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that."

Answer: Yes. Ben Carson meant what he said - regardless of what Trump thinks. He is sincere.

Although Ben Carson has agreed with Trump on multiple issues in what appears to many to be tactical decisions in an attempt to climb in the polls - this Anti-Muslim stance of Caron's is indeed sincere.

Sincerity is a congruently between one's stated opinions and their true feelings. Politicians are famous for their chronic insincerity. A person may very well be sincere regarding a subject which you find reprehensible - or an opinion you hold dear. Ben Carson's nonverbal signals, his verbal language and his paralanguage are all congruent in this video segment. That's not to say Carson's sincere all the time (no one is) - but here the man meant what he said.

Can you dissect all of Carson's components of sincerity? Can you suss-out the B.S. as well as you think you can?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3315: Carly Fiorina, John Kasich and the Ten Dollar Bill - Republican Debate Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3311: Ben Carson to Donald Trump - "He's an Okay Doctor" - Trump's Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3287: Hillary Clinton, Email Servers and Crisis Management

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3247: Barack Obama's Response to Question regarding Revoking Bill Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2928: Oscar Pistorius, Hugging, Affection and Sincerity 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2951: Miss America 2015 - Sincerity, Surprise and Botox 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3233: Chris Christie formally enters the 2016 Presidential Race - What about his Body Language? 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3311: Ben Carson to Donald Trump - "He's an Okay Doctor" - Trump's Body Language Faux Pas (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier tonight the second Republican Presidential Primary debate for the 2016 race was conducted at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. It was entertaining (About a week ago in a phone interview, Trump had called Carson an "Okay doctor, not a great doctor". Toward the end of the above video, Ben Carson throws it back to Donald Trump referring to the real estate man with, "He's an okay doctor").

This post is the first of several body language analyses regarding this debate and is not intended to be comprehensive - but to highlight specific nonverbal examples in a teaching forum.

This exchange between Ben Carson, Donald Trump and the debate moderator, Jake Tapper - dealt with the subject of autism and how some people feel that perhaps vaccinations have a causative relationship. Dr. Carson pointed out that the medical research does not support this popular opinion but recognized that vaccines in infancy and childhood should be spread out over a longer duration - which Donald Trump had just said (although a bit less eloquently).

Trump then reiterates and agrees with Carson interrupting, "And that's all I'm saying Jake, that's all I'm saying."

A second later, Trump then touches Carson on his elbow. This act was an invasion of Carson's personal space (more specifically his "intimate space") and outside the scenario of culturally recognized invitation (e.g., handshake, "high-five","low-five", fist bump, etc.) should never have been done - particularly in such a public setting. While the elbow is indeed the least invasive place to touch another person - such a clear display of "False Intimacy" was a manifestation (one of many) of Trump's Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It's a patronizing act and an attempt to show dominance. Note this body language is also highly incongruent with Trump's earlier statement - referring to Carson as an "Okay doctor, not a great doctor."

In business, negotiation, personal scenarios, etc. - touching another person when it's uninvited will destroy rapport - usually irreparably. Once a certain level of familiarity, comfort and rapport has truly been established - then carefully selected touching can further enhance rapport - but NOT before. Even then, such an act should be reserved, for the most part, for personal, non-business and private/semi-private settings.

Even as Trump is still touching Carson, both men turn away from each other - with their heads and necks - as well subtly turning and leaning with their torsos.



These simultaneous subconsciously driven acts indicate their mutual disdain for what just occurred.


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.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3310: Carly Fiorina's response to Donald Trump's, "Look at that Face!"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3257: Donald Trump at the Texas-Mexico Border - Body Language of a Hyper-Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2276:  Michelle Obama's Eye Roll .... What was she thinking? and  What Did Boehner's & Barack's Body Language Say? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3268: Advice to the Ten Republicans for Thursday Night's Presidential Republican Debate (First Debate)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3209: G7 Summit - Angela Merkel, Barack Obama and Matteo Renzi - and a Major Body Language Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3244: Serena Williams' on-court interview at Wimbledon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2831: "Walking Contest", Anxiety, Mirroring and False Intimacy

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2350: Ben Carson and Contempt - both dramatic and subtle - Backpedaling and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In the both interviews shown in the above video, Dr. Benjamin Carson shows multiple displays of contempt - some of these were in the form of microexpressions. These are most notable in the original interview on FOX earlier this week (exampled below). And although they are significantly more subtle examples - contempt is still seen with his explanation-apology.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2312: Bruce Willis' Body Language - Contempt vs. Suppressed Smile vs.  Pseudo Smile vs. Sincere Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2276:  Michelle Obama's Eye Roll .... What was she thinking? and  What Did Boehner's & Barack's Body Language Say?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2228:  Jay Carney's Body Language -  Contempt disguised as a Sniff ....  for Republicans' Solutions to the Fiscal Cliff

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2271:  Golden Globe Awards - Best Original Song Adele & Taylor Swift - both Nominated, One Winner  One Body Language of Sincerity  Another of Contempt then a Suppressed Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2256: Steubenville, Ohio High School Alleged Rape - Body Language of Sincere Contempt on the Small Screen

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2264:  Kate Middleton's First Portrait as Duchess of Cambridge  Captures Body Language of  Contempt, Disapproval and Fatigue

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2243:  The NRA, Asa Hutchinson's Body Language,  Speaking out of the “Side of the Mouth”  and the Importance of "Norming"

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