Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2326: Russian Ballet Dancer Pavel DmitrichenkoConfesses to Sulfuric Acid Attack on Colleague Sergei Filin Body Language Signals of Anxiety

In the above video, Pavel Dmitrichenko - a lead solo dancer at Bolshoi, the famed Russian Classical Ballet company confesses to masterminding the attack on Sergei Filin. Dmitrichenko says that he orchestrated the attack, but that it was not intended to involve sulfuric acid. The caustic chemical was thrown onto the face of the Bolshoi's artistic director on 17 January 2013. He suffered severe burns of his face and eyes requiring numerous surgeries. It is not known to what extent his vision will recover.

During the 0:15 - 0:40 segment of this video, when first he states he is a suspect and subsequently confesses to organizing the assault, his rate of blinking is quite dramatic. The individual blinks are also of longer duration. These are both strong  nonverbal indicators of anxiety. It is most important to note any increase frequency of blinking at these moments of suspected stress - compared to other times when the anxiety level is much lower. With rare exception however, Dmitrichenko' blinking is so frequent - this body language stands on its own.

Another coexistent nonverbal is his relatively rapid rocking back and forth. In this context - what is indicated by this body language?

There are several other signals here which indicate Pavel Dmitrichenko confessed prior to this video - e.g. this was the second (or third, etc.) time he made this confession. What nonverbals point to this conclusion?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1876:  Noomi Rapace, Anxiety & False Mastication

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2053:  Strong Signal of Fear-Sadness Anxiety -  Aurora, Colorado "Batman Shooting"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1901:  Maria Sharapova's Anxiety

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1209:  Even Putin has Anxiety -  False Tie Adjust

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1869:  One Body Language Signal a President Should Never Display

Nonverbal Analysis # 1820: What Causes David Beckham's Greater Anxiety -  Barack Obama Teasing Him About His Age or His Underwear?

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2230: Susan Rice's Interview Immediately after Withdrawaling from Secretary of State Consideration -her Body Language and her Sincerity Quotient

In her first interview after withdrawaling her name from consideration for the next U.S. Secretary of State, Susan Rice voiced her concern that she did not want her confirmation to be a distraction or disruptive from more important matters the country faces.

From a body language stand point, Ambassador Rice's rate of blinking is increased over normal at times during this short video segment. This is a nonverbal signal of generalized increased anxiety. When evaluating blinking frequency it's important to compare the times in question of expected anxiety - to other more routine, mundane and typically non-nervous periods. By itself, an increased blink rate does not indicate deception. She did not display any other body language-facial displays consistent with anxiety or lying. Thus, during this interview, Susan Rice's sincerity quotient is high.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1843: United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice in Response to Syrian Government's Houla Massacre 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2198: Susan Rice's Body Language at United Nations - Her First Public Appearance Since her Initial  Post Benghazi Attack T.V. interviews  

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2195: Sen. John McCain's Body Language when  Comparisons made between Condoleezza Rice to Susan Rice & War with Iraq to Benghazi, Libya Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2214: John McCain Jokes - sort of .... and  John Kerry senses Deception - Senatorial Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2131: President Obama's Blink Rate, Body Langauge ... and His Anxiety

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1149: Who was More Nervous in Last Night's Debate?  Santorum, Romney, Gingrich or Paul?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1901: Maria Sharapova's Body Language of Anxiety

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 931: Harbaugh's Body Language of Fear and Anxiety

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2168: John Sununu's Comments on Colin Powell's Endorsement of Barack Obama - Anger, Anxiety and Contempt

John Sununu was interviewed by Piers Morgan on CNN on Thursday 25 October 2012. One question he was asked was how he felt about Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama. His response, now well-known, was that the former Secretary of State was motivated by racial bias. 

     Sununu:  " .... and frankly when you take a look at Colin Powell, you have to wonder whether 
                    that's an endorsement based on issues or whether he's got a slightly different reason
                    for preferring President Obama."
     Morgan:  "What reason would that be?" 
     Sununu:  "Well I think that when you have somebody of your own race that you're proud of
                    being President of the United States, I applaud Colin for standing with him."

Sununu's Body Language is noteworthy. At the 0:45 mark, just as Piers asks the question, Sununu displays a tongue protrusion. This is indicative of anxiety and here also is suggestive of disgust. Shortly thereafter, at 0:47 mark, the former George H.W. Bush White House Chief of Staff displays a great example of lip compression - a nonverbal which is highly specific for the emotion of anger. His eyelids open very wide for a split-second here as well, indicating an intense anger level - that of rage. Sununu also shows subtle signals of contempt at this same time (left side of mouth, nose & mid-face).

During the first forty-four seconds of this clip, Sununu blinked an average of once every 2.2 seconds. When the subject of Powell's endorsement was raised (the final forty-two seconds) his rate of blinking increases to once every 1.4 seconds. Both blink frequencies are elevated significantly over normal, and particularly with the further increase demonstrates a strong and well known nonverbal tell of anxiety.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2167: Colin Powell Endorses President Obama - His Body Language Display of Anxiety, Contempt & the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle 

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 813: Ask Osama Bin Laden Appeasement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2164: Mitt Romney's Disgust Display regarding President Obama's Relationship with Putin and Russia - ".... I'll give you more flexibility after the election ...."

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2146: Biden vs. Ryan Vice Presidential Debates - Both Candidates Displayed Body Language of Contempt

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2155: Body Language Tells at the Second Presidential Debate - Mitt Romney at Attention & President Obama's Disapproval-Subtle Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2045: Disgust in New Delhi

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1841: Disgust in Response to Rep. Barney Frank's "Hoodie" Joke 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1496: Tiger Woods' Disgust, Body Language & Biofeedback

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2161: Body Language of the Third Presidential Debate - Barack Obama and Mitt Romney - What Did They Do With Their Hands When They Weren't Talking?

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2136: Some Body Language Highlights from First Obama - Romney Presidential Debate in Denver

This is but one of many highlights clips of the first of three Presidential Debates of this election year. There are some interesting nonverbal tells in this video - and here are a few:

It's a well-documented characteristic of any Presidential debate that the blink rate of the participants increases significantly. A Crescendo in the rate of blinking indicates a heightened level of anxiety - and/or deception. It is certainly understandable to be anxious during any debate - particularly a presidential one. At various times during this video we can see both candidates blink rate are dramatically increased. It's important to compare blinking during these (or any suspected) times to the blink rate earlier and later in the conversation - and even (in the same person) to different settings on different days. If the blink rate is indeed increased, there is a solid reason to suspect increased anxiety or worse.

At the end of the debate, each of the candidates give their closing statements - in part captured here during  2:58 - 3:24 Note how Mitt Romney repeatedly elevates up on his toes - even through his feet or lower any part of his lower extremities are not visible here, we can see his shoulders jutting up repeatedly. Mitt's adrenaline is flowing and he's elated regarding his performance and it's manifesting as if he's a little boy before Christmas. This spontaneous "up on toes" maneuver is a subconscious display of excitement.

Mitt Romney is showing us his self-critique - and he thinks he hit a home run.


See also:

Analysis # 2125: Presidential Debate Body Language - George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Ross Perot 1992

Analysis # 346: Rick Perry Forgets: 8 Republican Presidential Hopefuls Debate in Detroit - 60 seconds of Oops, Body Language and Empathy

A Watershed Body Language Moment: Nixon - Kennedy Debates 1960

Analysis # 2131: Presidential Debate Highlights - Bush vs. Gore 2000 - Gore's Invasion of Bush's Personal Space

Analysis # 2104: Mitt Romney's Convention Speech - Part II

Analysis # 1149: Who was More Nervous in Last Night's Debate? Santorum, Romney, Gingrich or Paul?

Analysis # 915: Interpersonal Space of Candidates

Nonverbal Analysis # 2135: Ronald Reagan in Nashua, New Hampshire: "I'm Paying for this Microphone Mr. Green!"

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Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1872: Blinking - Friendly Territory vs. Enemy Airspace

The rate of blinking is often a body language indicator as to one's level of concentration. Fighter pilots blink more often when over enemy territory compared when flying in friendly airspace. This is because there is less crucial information to absorb. The same is true for police officers, attorneys, physicians and the rest of us. A good generalization is that the blink rate is roughly inversely proportional to the importance of the information being observed, absorbed and/or processed.

See also:

Analysis # 2131: President Obama's Blink Rate ... and His Anxiety

Analysis # 1149: Who was More Nervous in Last Night's Debate - Santorum, Romney, Gingrich or Paul

Analysis # 1548: Trayvon Martin's Death - George Zimmerman's First Court Appearance

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1548: Trayvon Martin's Death - George Zimmerman and his First Court Appearance

George Zimmerman appeared in a Florida courtroom yesterday. He is being charged with second degree murder in the death of 17 year old Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman claims he acted in self-defense in what will be the most visible case to date of a "Stand Your Ground" Law in the U.S.

As Paul Ekman so very astutely has pointed out - when attempting to judge someone's guilt or innocence, we must (among many other things) be very aware of what he calls the "Othello Error". This mistake may occur when those who are the "lie detectors" or "deceit prosecutors" - don't take into account that a person who is telling the truth is also experiencing anxiety - and thus because of this stress appear as if he/she is lying.

In Shakespeare's famous play, Othello evokes this type of fear in his innocent wife, Desdemona - when she learns that the only person (Cassio) who can prove her innocence is now dead (Othello had him killed). Othello saw the fear and anxiety on Desdemona's face and interpreted this as being caused by her emotions over losing her alleged lover. Othello failed to consider that the stress he saw - although very real - was the result of anxiety Desdemona was experiencing over losing her only witness. She feels trapped! His observations were accurate - but his conclusions are false!

I was not there (neither were you) so we cannot claim to know whether Mr. Zimmerman is guilty or innocent. 

Zimmerman shows us a relatively stoic face. His rate of blinking is substantially increased in frequency. Comparing his blinking to that of the officer on Zimmerman's right, we can easily see that the frequency is substantially increased. It is very important to consider what his normal blink rate is however (i.e., What is his baseline?). If we saw him before and after his court appearance - and he blinked substantially less, then we would be much more confident that this change was indicative of increased stress-anxiety. It is also important to ensure Mr. Zimmerman does not suffer from an ophthalmic condition which causes him to blink so often. As pointed out above though, this level of stress is not surprising, regardless of any guilt or innocence.

The duration of some of Mr. Zimmerman's blinks are also increased. Provided that there is no medical or habitual etiology here, this is consistent with psychological "blocking" - wanting to make everything disappear. George Zimmerman's intellect knows he's in court, but his emotional brain is still processing this. It's coming to terms with this reality. This is very normal behavior for anyone in this context.

Zimmerman's eyes are opened wider than those in a normal resting state. It is particularly apparent when he first walks into the courtroom. In this context, this "white and wide" appearance is indicative of fear and associated increased sympathetic nervous system activity and elevated adrenaline (epinephrine). Again, both the guilty and the innocent would have fear in such a setting.

Mr. Zimmerman's elevated anxiety increases both the rate and depth of his breathing. Several (but not a lot) deep swallows are also noted. These are also normal physiologic changes in this context.

At the 1:05 - 1:06 time-mark, Mr. Zimmerman's temporalis muscle on the sides of his head tighten (contract). This is visibly centered in front of and slightly above the ears (only his left side is visible). It occurs because he clenches his jaw. With this one exception, George Zimmerman's mouth/lips/tongue/jaw demonstrate very little activity and remain relatively neutral during this video. This calm is unusual and tends to suggest that Mr. Zimmerman has a higher degree of confidence that he will be found innocent.

In summary, from a body language point-of-view, George Zimmerman's first court appearance demonstrated a mildly increased level of anxiety which - either guilty or innocent is very expected in such a scenario. Indeed, most people would display more stress than Zimmerman is in this setting.

See also:

Analysis # 1491: Barack Obama on Trayvon Martin"If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon" 

Analysis # 1590: President Obama's Blink Rate ... and His Anxiety

Secret # 1149: Who was more nervous in Last Night's Debate? Santorum, Romney, 
               Gingrich or Paul?

Secret # 491: Eyes White and Wide

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2131: President Obama's Blink Rate ... and His Anxiety

When the rate of blinking increases, it's a solid nonverbal signal that people are nervous. 

It is well known that blink frequency increases when anxiety increases. Provided that the eyes are in good health and the air is relatively humidified, men blink about every 7-8 seconds and women blink about every 5-6 seconds. There is some variability to this, and as with all body language, it is important to establish a baseline - i.e., what is "their normal". What's much more important though is any change in the blink rate. 

In this video clip of President Obama, notice his blinking considerably increase in the middle portions of this video. This clearly indicates he is nervous about poking fun at Mitt Romney. Let the games begin.

See also: Secret # 1149: Who was More Nervous in Last Night's Debate? Santorum, Romney, Gingrich or Paul?

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1149: Who was More Nervous in Last Night's Debate? Santorum, Romney, Gingrich or Paul?

One measure of anxiety is how often a person blinks. Men tend to blink a bit less often than women. When the heath of the eyes are good and the air is adequately humidified, men on average blink once every 7 - 8 seconds whereas women on average blink every 5 - 6 seconds. There is a fair amount of variability between one person and another though. But if the rate of blinking increases - or if in an absolute sense, the blinking frequency is high, this is a very reliable body language signal of nervousness. 

In this video segment in the Republican Presidential Debate last night, the four remaining candidates can be seen introducing themselves. Ron Paul first, followed by Rick Santorum, then Mitt Romney and finishing with Newt Gingrich. Paul's and Gingrich's blink rate were not increased over baseline normal. However Santorum's and Romney's blink rate are dramatically increased. All four candidates have considerable debate experience as well as national television exposure .... so why are two of them nervous? Since Romney and Santorum are the front-runners and most pundits feel that one of these two will most likely be the Republican Presidential candidate - one conclusion that we can draw, is that Mitt and Rick have the most to lose by a poor performance. After all, Super Tuesday awaits.

Blink rate can be used to assess nervousness in other contexts. When a person tells a lie, especially if the ramifications of being caught in the lie are more extreme, an increase blink rate is a very reliable indicator of their level of anxiety.

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