Body Language Analysis No. 4065: The Murder of Laci Peterson (Part 3 of 3) Scott Peterson's Red Flag - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This is an image of Scott Peterson - who was convicted of murdering his wife, Laci Peterson and his unborn son, Connor. It was taken from a video (during 9:11 in the video included below) captured during the early stages of the search for Laci. From a body language perspective, this image contains a profoundly valuable tell - so much so, that had we been there, or seen this video on the evening news - we would have immediately, and with very high confidence, made him the prime suspect.

Notice Scott Peterson's right arm. We can see from this camera angle that his upper arm (humerus) is parallel with the ground. This is extremely significant.

Note also the angle his upper arm makes with his torso. Imagine, for a moment, we were viewing Peterson from directly above. The angle his arm makes with his torso - is approximately 70° (with 0° being straight ahead and 90° oriented directly laterally). This angle is also critical.

When talking on a phone, the vast majority of people, the vast majority of the time - will position their "phone holding-arm" close to their torso, with the elbow pointed down toward the floor/ground.  

However occasionally, when any of us hears good news - or when we assume an alpha/hyper-alpha role (e.g., reprimanding a subordinate) - scenarios which are both temporarily high adrenaline states - we will configure our arm in a manner similar to Mr. Peterson.

Yet there are some individuals who will talk on their phone a high percentage of the time with their "arm-holding phone" held in this same manner. When performed frequently, this behavior has a very high correlation with Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Impulse Control Disorder.

Moreover, men who display this phone behavior will also have a higher likelihood of inflicting abuse on their partners.

This association is even higher when the room is relatively small, relatively crowded, or when standing close to another person.

Summary: Scott Peterson's phone behavior, in the midst of actively conducting a search for his recently missing wife, indicates a high alpha emotional tone which is extremely out of context. This is a polar opposite display from a husband who normally we would expect to be worried, panicking, distraught, grieving, etc. Even a husband who is hopeful and "level-headed" would not be exhibiting this crucial nonverbal tell.





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See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4064: The Murder of Laci Peterson - Part II - A Red Flag Conspicuous by its Absence

Body Language Analysis No. 4062: President Donald Trump meets with Senator Tim Scott

Body Language Analysis No. 4060: Ted Cruz's Default Facial Expression

Body Language Analysis No. 4058: Cara Mund - Miss America 2018

Body Language Analysis No. 4048: Lady Di - Ambassador of Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 4017: Elisabeth Moss, Anthony Rizzo, and a Signal of Sincerity

Body Language Analysis No. 4016: Anthony Scaramucci - Faux Pas and Harbingers

Body Language Analysis No. 3976: Bill Conner bicycles 1,400 miles to hear his daughter's beating heart again

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3922: Vladimir Putin and Michael Flynn in Moscow

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3891: Donald Trump and Jared Kushner - Alpha and Beta Tells - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

When Jared Kushner testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee regarding Russian interference in the US Presidential Election, those questioning him would be well advised to evaluate his body language at least as much as his verbal responses. And while certainly Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior advisor won't be on his cell phone during these proceedings, the images here provide body language examples of contrasting emotional states.

When a person holds a mobile phone with their index finger (forefinger) extended along the long axis of the phone, as Jared Kushner is doing in this image (close-up in the image immediately above of the wide angle below) they're in an alpha mental state. More specifically, they are either receiving or delivering messages which are in their favor - or they are speaking to a person with whom they perceive as a beta.

When a person holds their cell phone with all their fingers on one side of the phone with their thumb on the other side - they are in a relatively beta mental state. They are getting or delivering news which is less in their favor. And while the President of the United States has relatively few people who make him feel more beta - even the most powerful people are still human - and thus have frequent moment-to-moment fluctuations in their relative alpha-beta emotional states.

Thus while watching a person as they are speaking on their phone, and you observe the index finger change position and proceed to extend up and alone - you know they've just fluxed into a higher level of confidence, assertiveness, decisiveness, and power. And when you see the index finger return back - grouped with the other fingers - they have down-regulated into a relatively beta state.

The barometers of body language have many qualifiers and quantifiers - read them well and succeed.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3890: Ted Koppel on why he thinks Sean Hannity is bad for America

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3888: Paul Ryan's Response to the House's Failure to Overturn Obamacare and Pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA) of 2017 - "This is a disappointing day for us"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3886: Donald Trump, Russia, Healthcare, and "Huge" Negotiation Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3871: Emma Watson's Old Habit, Harry Potter Outtake and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3862: Oscars Mistake - "La La Land" erroneously named Best Picture over "Moonlight"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3823: Nina Dobrev, Flyboarding, Laughter and a Rapport/Bonding Amplifier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3792: Notre Dame's Matt Farrell and Family Surprised by Brother Bo's Military Homecoming at Basketball Game

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3711: Vin Scully calls Kirk Gibson's legendary walk-off homer during Game 1 of the 1988 World Series


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3231: Jeb Bush just prior to the Announcement of his Candidacy - What his Body Language Tells Us (PHOTO)

This image of Jeb Bush was captured just before he formally announced his candidacy for President of the United States. He was taking with his father - the potential Bush 45 speaking with Bush 41. What is Jeb's emotional tone in this moment? What does his body language tell us?

First look at his legs. His feet are about a shoulder-width apart. Generally speaking, the wider the legs and feet are apart - the greater the confidence a person is feeling in that moment. Of course - this only goes so far and if a person has their feet too widely spaced, this effect ceases - and will look odd (as well as signal other emotions - Do you know what this indicates?). Could Jeb increase his alpha emotions if his feet were even further apart? Yes, however the degree to which he he's doing so here is consistent with the level assertiveness he needs (without over-doing it).

The former Governor of Florida's back, neck and shoulders are straight and squared respectively - all consistent with high confidence.

When we look the configuration of his arms, both tell us valuable information. In concert with his shoulder his right arm is held a bit away from his body. To those who are in-tune with his nonverbal cue, they will sense a physical strength from this arm position. His right hand is relaxed - indicating no anger or undue tension.

His left hand and arm are busy with his mobile phone - yet there are two crucial components here which signal us Jeb's relative alpha-beta balance. The angle of his arm/elbow (to the axis of his torso if viewed from above him - as if we were looking directly down from the ceiling) is about 45 degrees. Viewed from the angle we have in this photo we see his arm is significantly elevated (although it could be and with some people the elbow matches the height of the shoulder and occasionally it moves even higher - do you know what such a configuration signifies?). With these two angles we can say that Mr. Bush's confidence is certainly high - but not too elevated.

Now look at his left index finger - it's centered on the back of his phone - and not with the other fingers (that is, not on opposite side of the phone from his thumb). This shows us a relatively high alpha tone predominates in the Governor's psyche.

Unlike George W. Bush, his younger brother is right handed. Jeb has got his cell phone in his left hand tell while speaking with his father - what does this tell you about his thought-feelings here?

In summary, when we take all his body language displayed in this cluster, the moment this picture was taken, the 2016 Presidential candidate has a relatively high alpha emotional mindset - he's feeling confident and assertive at about a level of 7 or 8 on a 1-to-10 scale.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3230: Kanye West arrives at Glastonbury - But What Does He Think? - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2674: Did Chris Christie Orchestrate Bridge Closure or Cover Up His Subordinates Actions? Body Language Tells Us ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3152: Hillary Clinton First Campaign Ad - "Getting Started"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2973: Rand Paul's Body Language Tells Us His Plan B for 2016

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3134: Ted Cruz to Announce his Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Why He Will Never Win

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3226: Bobby Jindal Jumps In the 2016 Presidential Race - Puts "Family Meeting" online 

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

This image of Oscar Pistorius was taken several weeks ago during his trial of which he is accused of murdering his then girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp (vs. accidentally killing her believing she was an intruder).

In this photo Mr. Pistorius is hugging a supporter. The identity of the woman is unknown (It may very well be that she is a member of the general public or an acquaintance) and we do not have this in a video format to put this moment in a greater context - yet there is a huge nonverbal lesson here.

Human-to-human contact is a relatively rare event - accounting for a very small percentage of any given day (even among family members).  Whenever a hug is given, it should generally be given with two hands - unless a deliberate emotional distance is being sought or maintained. Thus a large majority of the time, when a higher level of affection is being projected or desired - a hug should be more fully expressed. Put down your phone, your car keys, your brief case, your purse, etc. - and be entirely present in the moment. This is particularly true when the other person is family, a lover or a good friend - but again, if a hug is being initiated - most of the time it should be done so sincerely and with some level of affection. If it is given sincerely and not returned similarly (or a vice versa) - this interpersonal information is very valuable and should be known.

The act of hugging well is a huge rapport builder. Don't pass up the opportunity to build rapport and affection in those who want or deserve it.

If the other person is not an individual with whom you have affection or feel socially obligated to hug - a one-armed hug is advisable and acceptable - however do so from a standpoint of full social-situational awareness - rather from one of naïveté, lack of mindfulness or poor body language knowledge/skill. There are of course numerous other nonverbal parameters of hugs which will either up-regulate or down-regulate the affection and intimacy level of the hug, kiss or other encounter (how many you can list?).

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2927: Barack Obama regarding ISIS/ISIL - Atypical for the President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2785: Oscar Pistorius - Another Day of Testimony - Low Confidence Body Language Display

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2809: Oscar Pistorius, Reeva Steenkamp and Kim Myers

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2788: Oscar Pistorius Trial - Frustration & Anger

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2750: Oscar Pistorius, Reeva Steenkamp and Lies

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2778: April Fools Prank, Embarrassment and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On 1 April Taylor Nefcy and some other students at Thomas Aquinas College punked their Macroeconomics professor Stephen Barrows. He had a policy that if anyone got a call on their cell during class - they would have to answer it on speaker phone so everyone could hear. He didn't count on this hilarious "April Fools" prank though. The moment is captured in the above YouTube video.

Barrow's Body language analysis (partial) demonstrates several key signals of embarrassment as well as sincerity and empathy tells.


Here Professor Barrows covers both his mouth and nose with his lecture notes. This and other surrogates may substitute for the hands during moments of emotional processing.

Had he not been so embarrassed, Barrows would have noticed other students covering their mouths as well - thus giving a clue that he is being set up.

The professor turns away here in an example of a body language amplifier (and extension of his emotional processing). This is a very common nonverbal accompanying embarrassment.

Note the two women to the right of Ms. Nefcy are mirroring Barrows' nonverbals and are also turning away. He is embarrassed for himself - and they are embarrassed for him.

For most of the video Barrows' left hand is in his pocket - for he didn't like embarrassing Ms. Nefcy. He was and still is withdrawing from the moment. He doesn't want to be there - yet he must. 

The moment he figures out that this was an April fool's Joke - he covers his whole face, flexes his entire body in a startle-like response and blushes deeply.

Here Barrow's blushing is easily seen.

What other important nonverbals are seen here?

In this moment - just after Barrows finds out he is being videoed - he displays a full palmar contact over the apex of his heart.









We see encapsulated in this short and funny video several body language signals of high sincerity as well as high empathy quotients - extended mouth and nose covering (by hand and via surrogate), whole face covering, mirroring, blushing and full palmar contact.

Any guesses as to whether Professor Barrows has changed his phone policy?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2777: President George W. Bush's Paintings of World Leaders - Putin, Berlosconi - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2764: Embarrassment, Affection & Flirtation - Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher - Kiss Cam Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2122:  Eyes White and Wide - Three Body Language Examples with Two Different Emotional Causes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2664: Anchorman 2 Cast on Graham Norton - A Body Language Signal of Embarrassment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2582: Jay Carney Dismisses (and is Embarrassed by) Low Obamacare Enrollment Numbers 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2776: James Franco's Mea Culpa - Body Language Tells 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2583: German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle - Is Your Cell Phone Being Tapped? (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Guido Westerwelle is shown in this short clip interviewed by Christiane Amanpour. He speaks about the NSA's alleged tapping of Angela Merkel's mobile phone in reference to fighting terrorism. Beginning at 0:13 seconds the German Foreign Minister says, "... You cannot, ah fight, ah terrorism by ah, ah taping the Chancellor's (Angela Merkel's) cell phone."

Amanpour: "Do you think your phone has been taped?"

Westerwelle: [Hand and partial Face/Head Shrug at 0:23 seconds] "I cannot exclude it, but I'm, ah prepared to everything."

At 0:23 Westerwelle displays a partial shrug. A shrug is an emblem - a body language term for a nonverbal display, the meaning of which is precise and known within a specific cultural group, city, country or region. Emblems can indeed be universal or nearly universal.

The meaning of a shrug can be, "I don't know", "I don't care" or "What does it matter?" (Ekman). Most people falsely believe a shrug to be manifested only in the shoulders, yet here Westerwelle shoulder's do not shrug - they move only secondarily because of his "hand shrug" and his head/neck tilt.

The thumbs are nearly always pointed up during a hand shrug and the fingers may be intertwined or in some form of a steeple (although the hands can be previously at rest and not in contact).

Although the German Minister's forehead has very little reaction, a shrug may often involves the forehead - which contracts across its entire width along with a concomitant elevation of the eyebrows. The eyelids will also commonly closed along with a thinning/tightening of the lips and a protrusion of the lower lip with a modest jaw jut. The corners of the mouth are typically vectored downward.

Flaring of the nostrils can also be seen. Indeed the toes/distal end of feet can even elevate along with the knees and a slight splaying of the legs (more commonly when sitting).

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2571: Angela Merkel, the NSA and Cell Phones - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2572: Angela Merkel's, Mobile Phones and Eavesdropping - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2580: Angela Merkel's Fingers, Emotions and Mobile Phone

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

Negotiation secret # 301: Angela Merkel's Expressions of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2567: Keanu Reeves, "Man of Tai Chi" and a Beta Posture 

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 743 and 744:  Sarkozy's Shhhh!  and a Partial Emblematic Slip 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2580: Angela Merkel's Fingers, Emotions and Mobile Phone (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

If you know what to look for, you don't need the likes of the NSA to detect the emotional content of what others are thinking-feeling while on their cell phones.

In these two images taken a few seconds apart and from different angles, Angela Merkel speaks on her mobile - and tells us more than she believes.

Note how the German Chancellor's pinky (aka fifth, smallest digit) finger is extended away from and not in contact with her phone. Moreover Merkel's middle finger - while touching her mobile - is gripping more loosely.

This configuration a reliable nonverbal indicator that she feels in need of distancing herself from the person and/or the subject manner with whom/what she is speaking. In addition her fingers are splayed slightly more apart than is her (or most others') normal baseline when holding a phone. She feels that the person or subject matter is in some way "dirty" and she wants to minimize contact with it/them.

A useful and parallel body language metaphor is brought to mind when visualizing picking up a soiled rag - we extend some our fingers apart from it, lessening our contact with what is undesirable.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2572: Angela Merkel's, Mobile Phones and Eavesdropping - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2571: Angela Merkel, the NSA and Cell Phones - Body Language Tells

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

Negotiation secret # 301: Angela Merkel's Expressions of Fear

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 741: Pencil in Mouth - Angela Merkel  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2539: Calvin Johnson, the Index Finger and Alpha Behavior - A Body Language Tell of Mobile Phones

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2547: Amanda Knox's ex-Boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, Piers Morgan Interview, Body Language Tells and Avoiding the Othello Error 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2572: Angela Merkel's, Mobile Phones and Eavesdropping - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In this brief video of Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor - and the most powerful woman in the World - voices her concern over the alleged NSA's massive collection of phone data on tens of millions of Europeans - including the direct tapping into Mrs. Merkel's and 35 other Heads-of-State Mobile phones.

Intriguingly, on several occasions in this particular video, the German leader displayed multiple mild fear expressions. The best example of this occurred during the 0:22 - 0:23 segment - captured below in the still image. Note the corners of her mouth pull backwards and slightly down. This is subtle yet a very significant nonverbal signal of fear. Notice also the lack of any fear-related nonverbal indicators of the eyes or neck.

What nonverbal manifestations of Anger did Angela display in this Video?

What body language is present which signifies Mrs. Merkel's high-alpha personality?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2571: Angela Merkel, the NSA and Cell Phones - Body Language Tells

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2556: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Star Trek - Even Great Actors Leak Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2274:  The Eyes & Mouth of Fear -  Body Language of Ahmed Dogan during Attempted Assassination

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2064:  David Cameron & Boris Johnson - Wincing at Wimbledon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1927: Italy's Fans watching Euro 2012 Final - Expressions of Fear 

Negotiation Secret # 351:  Lars Von Trier, Kirsten Dunst - Some Subtle and not-so-subtle signs of  anxiety, discomfort, anger, fear, etc.

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2571: Angela Merkel, the NSA and Cell Phones - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Recently Angela Merkel and François Hollande learned that the U.S.'s NSA is alleged to have tapped into tens of thousands of Germany's and France's citizens' phones - including it is said the personal mobile phones of the both the German Chancellor and the French President.

Most people are unaware of the degree to which they become "nonverbally naked" when they're talking on the phone. Facial expressions become more pronounced and body language becomes more exaggerated. This phenomenon occurs with otherwise socially adept and experienced professionals (e.g., physicians, attorneys, senators, heads of state, etc.). Thus during such moments it is possible to observe these amped-up, often melodramatic signals in the context specific speech and glean valuable emotional tells. Intriguingly, the moment the individual gets off the phone, their psyche and body language returns to a different, non-telephonic baseline. If care is taken to observe their nonverbal details, patterns and idiosyncrasies during the phone conversations - the subtleties and nuances when they're off the phone becomes much easier to see. It's like seeing the (real) man (or the woman) behind the curtain. The camouflage is lifted.

Tell us what you really think Angela ...


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2539: Calvin Johnson, the Index Finger and Alpha Behavior - A Body Language Tell of Mobile Phones

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 341:  Narcissism, Parking and Cell Phones

Negotiation and Dating Secret # 111:  The Great Phone Tell

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

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 741: Pencil in Mouth

Leadership Secret # 222: Angela Merkel - Palms Down vs. Palms Up

Negotiation secret # 301: Angela Merkel's Expressions of Fear

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2539: Calvin Johnson, the Index Finger and Alpha Behavior - A Body Language Tell of Mobile Phones (PHOTO)

Calvin Johnson is of the best wide receivers to ever play the game of American Professional Football. In 2012 he set a record for single season receiving yards eclipsing the great Jerry Rice. Earlier that same year he signed an eight year, $132 million contract extension with the Detroit Lions - one of the World's most lucrative.

In the image above Johnson is seen speaking on a mobile phone - a setting in which a lot of key body language tells can be gleaned. As a conversation changes throughout the duration of a phone call, it is extremely useful to monitor the relative alpha-to-beta flux throughout the call.

There are many nonverbal signals which will point the way here - one of which is the position of the index finger (aka forefinger) and is particularly more prominent in men. When it is extended and alone, along the back of the cell phone (in contrast to the other fingers flexed and on the phone's side as Calvin Johnson is shown in this photo) - it is a considerable alpha signal. Subsequently it often will be seen flexing - and joining the other fingers when the context of the phone call takes on a more beta/bad news/submissive emotional tone. Later, when once again a more dominant or joyful context takes a more prominent role, the forefinger will then re-extend. This nonverbal tell is an extremely reliable signal and yields golden insight within any type of negotiation or sales setting.

Happy birthday Calvin. Good luck against the Bears.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2277: Diane O'Meara, Lennay Kekua, Ronaiah Tuiasosopo & Manti Te'o - O'Meara's Body Language - Part I

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1163: A Body Language Cheat Sheet - Mobile Phone Tells

Negotiation and Dating Secret # 111: Another Great Phone Tell

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 341: Narcissism, Parking and Cell Phones

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2035: Mitt Romney's Body Language Amplifier - (it works on the rest of us too)

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 179:  Loss of Inhibitions on Phone - Nicolas Sarkozy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1921: Who was More Dominant - Tom Cruise or Katie Holmes?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2263: A.J. McCarron's Body Language as hears about his Girl Friend's  (Katherine Webb's) new found Twitter Popularity 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2389: Tom Cruise, Gerard Butler & Olga Kurylenko on The Graham Norton Show Alpha Body Language Behavior - on The Phone and on the Couch(Video) (Pictures)

Tom Cruise was recently on the Graham Norton along with the Olga Kurylenko to promote his recent movie, "Oblivion". Gerard Butler was pitching his as well - "Olympus has Fallen". As are most talk shows, this was full of great examples of nonverbal behavior. Some of these are described below.

When speaking on a mobile phone, the further the elbow goes out - the higher our internal alpha emotional tone. For the vast majority of time (>99%) the vast majority of people will speak with their elbows close to the side of their torso (see below). Whenever our subconscious feels the need to "dial up our alpha" or we're feeling a need to increase our dominance, the elbow elevates out to the side further. Say you heard you just got a raise, just got a date with Olga Kurylenko or if you have to reprimand a subordinate - your elbow will often elevate out to the side. Here Tom Cruise is speaking to audience member's family on the Graham Norton - and very much in the spotlight - so he is feeling the need to elevate his alpha and his arm & elbow follows. This nonverbal is much more common in men and is indeed relatively rare in women. In this example Cruise's arm is at about a 45 or 50 degree angle to the side of his body. When displayed at "full sail" the arm is elevated higher and parallel with the floor (thus 90 degrees to the side of the torso) or sometimes even higher. An interesting detail that goes along with this - is the position of the index finger (forefinger). The index finger is held alone on the back of the phone with the thumb and the remaining fingers on the sides of the phone (see below).

If a person speaks constantly (or nearly so) with their elbow out and arm raised (especially in public and in relatively crowded areas), this is a sign of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (although certainly not the only one). Again, we ALL display this nonverbal once in a while.

Here Gerard Butler's arm is only slightly elevated. This configuration (or even with less arm elevation) is much more typical. Note the position of Gerard's fingers too - they're all on the same side of the phone with his thumb on the opposite side - unlike Mr. Cruise's alpha forefinger position. Therefor both his elbow and his fingers signify significantly less alpha (less ego) and more beta behavior present in this moment. This is similar to the way most of us hold our phones the vast majority of the time.

In this image Tom Cruise's legs are widely splayed in a configuration known as the "Seated Crotch Display". This is another alpha nonverbal and although it is also much more common in men, occasionally women will use this body language as well. In some settings and depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered, the seated crotch display signals sexual attraction. Men will sit in such a manner around women all too often and particularly in a business setting it routinely offends female clients/colleagues. Also on the first date it will come off as overbearing - and most women will read it like a neon sign.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1916:  Katie Holmes & Tom Cruise are getting a Divorce -  What Body Language Metric could have Predicted this  Back When They Were Dating?

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 113:  What Blagojevich can Teach Us

Negotiation and Dating Secret # 111:  The Great Phone Tell

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2336:  Jodi Arias "Secret Video" Jury Will Not See -  Extremely Out of Context Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2374:  Tom Cruise on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Body Language of Emotional Dissonance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1921:  Who was More Dominant -  Tom Cruise or Katie Holmes?

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2035: Mitt Romney's Body Language Amplifier - (it works on the rest of us too)

When can we gain an extra amount of insight into someone's body language and therefore also their emotional mind? When they're on the phone. In addition, this is a rapid method of "norming" someone's nonverbal behavior. When we speak on a telephone, for the vast majority of us, our social filters are partially dialed-down. While this phenomenon varies from person to person, our reactions and nonverbal displays are considerably more open and exaggerated vs. when we're partaking in in-person conversations. Mitt Romney is of course no different. Fascinatingly, this is particularly true when we're on a cell vs. a land line. 

While the person we're talking to on the phone can't of course see the nonverbal behavior, for anyone nearby, witnessing the non-private phone call - if they watch carefully, they'll be able to notice extremely valuable body language tells which will aide them in accessing (sometimes minor) idiosyncrasies - and gain a huge advantages/knowledge base for other times. You'll often notice the surprising frequency where the verbal and the nonverbal are in disagreement. This is dramatic illustration while one should always trust the nonverbal message. Never pass up the opportunity to nuance the body language behavior of associates, bosses, subordinates, clients, potential employees, etc. during non-private phone calls, for it will give you a much more open door to their psyches.

This careful observation during phone calls amounts to a body language cheat-sheet ... and there's a test for every tomorrow.

See also:

Analysis # 1553: Ann & Mitt Romney's Body Language at NRA Meeting

Analysis # 1915: Mitt Romney's Response to The Supreme Court's Decision on "Obamacare"

Analysis # 1867: Ann Romney - Demure vs. Assertive Stance

Analysis # 1555: Ann Romney Hits it Back Over the Net to Hilary Rosen

Analysis # 771: Ann's and Mitt's Affectionate Hug

Analysis # 375: Signals of Confidence, Non-Engagement and Defeat


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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1163: A Body Language Cheat Sheet Mobile Phone Tells

President Barack Obama is seen here talking on his mobile phone - somewhat of an unusual photo nowadays. For the vast majority of us, when we talk on the phone, our social filters largely, or at least partially, drop away. Ironically, we express ourselves very openly nonverbally while on the phone, but of course the person we're speaking with cannot see us - of course, those around us can see our behavior. However, if this same person were standing next to us in an identical conversation, our body language would usually be dialed-down. The same nonverbal communication and emotions are still expressed, but they're simply diluted and harder to see. Thus when politicians, business associates, clients, politicians, friends, family members, etc. are talking on their cell, it's a fantastic opportunity to nuance their body language baseline behavior. We also usually have a fair amount of "background information" regarding the subject matter being discussed, and as we correlate their verbal with their nonverbal - which is always a goal of good body language analysis - we will be able to use this to our dramatic advantage when this same person on another occasion is speaking to us - for they have given us glimpse inside their "primer".

Observing another on a phone call is a body language cheat sheet into their psyche. Read well.

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 179: Loss of Inhibitions on Phone

When talking on the phone, it is very common to have less filtering of our emotions and emotional displays (e.g., a loss of inhibition), thus significantly more (unconscious) nonverbal tells may be seen. Ergo when observing for baseline body language, when possible - it's particularly valuable to observe others for their phone behavior. It's a short cut into their psyche.

In this image, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is exhibiting a classic fear display - an emotion rarely displayed in public by a head of state. His eyelids are opened significantly wider than normal ("eyes white and wide") along with an elevation of his eyebrows (asymmetrically here, more on the right - indicating the additional nonverbal tell of skepticism) and forehead contraction/elevation. His lower teeth are on display with the corners of his mouth pulled back (laterally) towards his ears. The underside of his jaw is tensed, giving a "double chin" appearance - this occurs because of the contraction of the platysma muscle which often additionally "tents up" the front of the neck & throat (although this is not exampled well in Mr. Sarkozy, see Negotiation Secret # 329: The Neck of Fear).

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 341: Narcissism, Parking and Cell Phones

A few weeks ago, I was at one of my favorite restaurants. It was at the beginning of the evening rush and the parking lot was about three-quarters full. Someone had taken up two parking places. Such behavior is consistent with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Before I walked in, I thought it may be a useful Body Language exercise to try and predict, to which customer this vehicle belonged. It took me less than 10 seconds to identify my number one suspect. His nonverbal signals were also narcissistic. One body language cue was the way he was speaking on and holding his cell phone. See Negotiation and Dating Secret # 111: The Great Phone Tell. Do you ever park like this? How do you hold your cell when speaking on it? This obviously is not the only nonverbal sign of Narcissism, but in this case it was 100% predictive. What are some other Body Language signals of NPD?

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Negotiation and Dating Secret # 111: The Great Phone Tell

There's no diplomatic way to say this, but those who hold their cell phones with their elbows high and straight out to their sides have big egos (exceptions - see below). This is especially true when it's done in public and in crowds. It is a dominance display and it's rarely seen in women. It's typically seen in  alpha-males with narcissistic tendencies, however it can also be seen in beta-males when there are women in close proximity to whom there is an attraction or if he feels the need to project confidence (e.g. constructive or nonconstructive criticism of a subordinate). But in these circumstances, this nonverbal signal is only temporary. If it's seen consistently, then it's a very reliable sign of an "excessive alpha", narcissistic personality. All the ladies out there take note - when the man in your life holds the phone this way - always approach with caution. In the business world - this is a sign that he will probably be very difficult to deal with. Despite what he may say, he will be thinking, "What's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine." Come prepared with a strong plan B in your back pocket.

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