Body Language Analysis No. 4130: Norah O'Donnell and Gayle King regarding Charlie Rose - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Charlie Rose, a veteran television host has been fired by CBS after the Washington Post published a story detailing his sexual harassment of eight women from the late 1990s through 2011.

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of his co-hosts' responses - Norah O'Donnell and Gayle King - on CBS This Morning.

NORAH O'DONNELL (continuing at 0:12): I also want to say this - that this is a moment that demands a frank and honest assessment about where we stand and more generally the safety of women. Let me be very clear: there is no excuse for this alleged behavior. It is systematic and pervasive and I've been doing a lot of listening and I'm going to continue to do that. This I know is true Ω : women cannot achieve equality in the workplace or in society until there is a reckoning and a taking of responsibility. I am really proud to work at CBS News. There are so many incredible people here, especially on this show - all of you here. This will be investigated. This has to end. This behavior is wrong. Period. ∑


GAYLE KING: Ah, I, I, I certainly echo that. And I, I have to say, Norah, I really am still reeling. Ah, I got an hour and 42 minutes of sleep last night. Both my son and my daughter called me, Oprah called me and said, 'Are you OK?' I am not OK. Ah, After reading that article in the Post, it was deeply disturbing, troubling and painful for me to read. Ah, that said, I think we have to make this matter to women - the women that have spoken up, the women who have not spoken up because they're afraid. I'm hoping that now they will take the step to speak out, too. That this becomes a moment of truth. You know, I've enjoyed a, a friendship and a partnership with Charlie for the past five years. I've held him in such high regard and I'm really struggling because - how do you - what do you say when that someone that you deeply care about has done something - that is so horrible? How do you wrap your brain around that? I'm really grappling with that. Ahum §, that said, Charlie does not get a pass here. He doesn't get a pass from anyone in this room. We are all deeply affected. We are all rocked by this. And I, I want to echo what Norah said, I really applaud the women that speak up despite the friendship. He doesn't get a pass because I can't stop thinking about the anguish of the, of these women. What happened to their dignity, what happened to their bodies, what happened, a - maybe to even their careers. I can't stop thinking about that and the pain they're going through. I also find that, it's, it's - you can hold two ideas in your head at the same time - you can grapple with things. And I'm, to be very honest with you, I'm still trying to process all of this. I'm still trying to sort it out because this is not the man I know, but I'm also clearly on the side of the women who have been very hurt and very damaged by this..."

During 0:13, as Norah O'Donnell says, "... I also want to say this - that this is a moment ...", she displays a "Self Righteous Head Wiggle".

A Self-Righteous Head Wiggle (aka "High Confidence Head Wiggle"), is characterized by a rapid, side-to-side movement of the head and neck (sometimes isolated to, or in conjunction with an analog jaw and/or torso component). It's indicative of an alpha emotional tone - one of high confidence and/or self-righteousness. This particular SRHW/HCHW was quite brief.

It's important to emphasize that a SRHW must be viewed in the context of a video as a still image does not capture its dynamics.

The SRHW may also sometimes have as a component a simultaneous backward motion (when disgust, contempt, and/or disbelief are present). Alternatively, a superimposed forward motion may occur when there is an arrogance or condescending emotions are coexisting.

It's crucial to listen carefully too - for the vocal pitch grows higher during a Self-Righteous Head Wiggle - linking body language with paralanguage. Please re-watch/re-listen to this segment and for a moment you'll hear Ms. O'Donnell's elevate an octave or two.

"... This I know is true Ω : women cannot achieve equality in the workplace or in society until there is a reckoning and a taking of responsibility ..."

During 0:34, just after she says, "This I know is true ...", Ms. O'Donnell displays an expression of contempt. More specifically, this is a microexpression of contempt. It's a quick and subtle contraction of the region adjacent to and above her left mouth corner. Watch this several times at regular speed and again at 1/2 and 1/4 speed. It's helpful to think of this as a fast, slight, snarl.
 

 




















"This will be investigated. This has to end. This behavior is wrong. Period. ∑ "

Just after she says, "... Period." (during 1:00), Ms. O'Donnell turns to Ms. King with a combined expression of Disgust and Anger.

We can see the region above her upper lip evanescently tighten along with flaring of her (left) nostril. Her laterally-vectored tightened lips projects her anger. Ms. O'Donnell's partially closed eyelids - while not a required component of either anger or disgust - here serves to amplify both emotions.

During the vast majority of the time Ms. King was speaking, she was displaying an expression of Grief. More specifically, her Central Forehead was contracted and Elevated - combined with a simultaneous "Mouth of Sadness".

It's crucial to emphasize here, that when the Central Forehead Contraction is Elevated combined with even a slight upward turning of the mouth corners (e.g., those of a pseudo-smile, smirk, contempt, regret, etc. - none of which are seen here) - the emotion is completely different.

The image immediately above was captured during 1:05, as Ms. King said, "... I have to say, Norah, I really am still reeling..."

On multiple occasions during Ms. King's statement, you'll notice she displayed some intense clusters of very rapid blinking. Some particularly good examples occurred when she said, "... I'm really (1:39) struggling because - how do you - what do you say when that someone that you deeply (1:45) care about has done something - that is so (1:49) horrible? ..."

In this context (with her other concomitant nonverbal, verbal, and paralanguage displays) these rapid blinking clusters signify the phenomenon of Emotional Processing. The intellectual brain knows what has occurred - but her emotional brain is still trying to digest the events and the ramifications. Fascinatingly, Gayle King even gives verbal evidence of this same emotional-intellectual incongruity when she says, "... How do you wrap your brain around that?...", "... I also find that, it's, it's - you can hold two ideas in your head at the same time - you can grapple with things...", and "... I'm still trying to process all of this..."

During 1:55, just after she says, "... I'm really grappling with that, ahum § ...", Gayle King displays a classic display of Regret superimposed on her Sadness. This regret display - a directly lateral vectoring of the right mouth corner - is technically a bit too long-lasting to be a microexpression (ergo, a "near-microexpression").

Summary: We remember such moments of sincerity - when those professionals who, while reporting the news, also display their humanity. And whether it's in joy, sadness, or disbelief - it's in these rare, sincere times when we are most emotionally connected.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4129: Charles Manson's Crazy Eyes

Body Language Analysis No. 4127: Al Franken, Leeann Tweeden, and the Mea Culpa Face

Body Language Analysis No. 4125: Michael Flynn, Trick Arrows, and Suppressing Strong Emotions

Body Language Analysis No. 4123: Jason Momoa, Aquaman, the Quindent, and a Secret

Body Language Analysis No. 4110: Yuli Gurriel "Apologizes" to Yu Darvish for a Gesture of Prejudice During The World Series

Body Language Analysis No. 4093: Fear and Harvey Weinstein - Emma Watson's Reaction

Body Language Analysis No. 4061: Pennywise,"IT", and Bill Skarsgård's Demonic Smile - Why is IT so Scary?

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

Body Language Analysis No. 3947: Benjamin Netanyahu's reaction to Donald Trump's statement, "I never mentioned the Word or Name 'Israel' "


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Body Language Analysis No. 4059: Steve Bannon Interview - Part II - "60 Minutes" - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This article is part II of Steve Bannon's recent interview on 60 Minutes. (see Body Language Analysis No. 4057: Steve Bannon's "60 Minutes" Interview). The following analysis focuses on a crucial segment regarding Robert Mueller.


CHARLIE ROSE: Do you believe Mr. Mueller should be fired?

STEVE BANNON: No, I do not.

CHARLIE ROSE: Has there been discussions in the White House about firing him?

STEVE BANNON: N-, a-, d-, d-, a-, I would not tell you about discussions in the White House, but I would tell ya I n-, nothing I ever heard like that.

During 1:07, just after Charlie Rose asks, "Do you believe Mr. Mueller should be fired?" - the camera switches to Mr. Bannon. The image above captures his facial expression at that moment. Note in particular his lips. This configuration is known as an "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR). Both upper and lower lips are rolled inward as the teeth gently to moderately bite down on them. An inward lip roll is one method the psyche uses in its attempt to suppress both the inward growth of strong emotions - as well as any outward manifestations of these same feelings (of course it's not always successful). Most of the time the ILR is seen in the context of negative emotions (particularly anger), but occasionally with positive emotions (e.g., suppressing laughter when it's not socially acceptable).

In this context - immediately following a definitive and "yes-or-no type question", this nonverbal prefacing with an inward lip roll indicates, with high certainty, that a lie is about to be told.

And Mr. Bannon's answer? "No, I do not."

Immediately after saying this, he returned to another, less pronounced, ILR.

The fact that Mr. Bannon didn't use a contraction here - e.g., "No I don't" - or simply, "No" - adds significantly to the weight of the nonverbal inward lip roll display. This is an example of how language, paralanguage, and nonverbal language are all congruently pointing to deception.

A moment later we see another paralanguage tell after Charlie Rose asks, "Has there been discussions in the White House about firing him?"

Steve Bannon begins his answer with a five syllable stutter, "N-, a-, d-, d-, a-, I would not tell you about discussions in the White House, but I would tell ya I n-, nothing I ever heard like that."

 
Moreover, during his answer - first, he looks down to his left ...

... and then to his right. Such dynamic lack of eye contact during an answer is highly suggestive of a lie (this is an example of the colloquial, "shifty-eyed").

Furthermore, listen carefully to his answer - it's not at all a clear yes or no. "N-, a-, d-, d-, a-, I would not tell you about discussions in the White House ..." then he finishes his sentence with, "but I would tell ya I n-, nothing I ever heard like that."

Rather it's a stutter, followed by "I would not tell you" - followed by another stuttering indirect "nothing I ever heard like that". There's no "no" in his answer. This is a fantastic example of statement analysis coupled with nonverbal analysis.


Summary: Steve Bannon does believe President Donald Trump should fire Robert Mueller - and discussions of this nature have indeed occurred between the two men.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4056: Ed Sheeran and a Hesitancy to Disclose

Body Language Analysis No. 4054: Donald Trump and Chuck Schumer in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 4052: Hitler's Cryptorchidism and Emotional Dissonance

Body Language Analysis No. 4039: Blue Angels, Surprise, Emotional Processing, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 4002: Justin Trudeau Meets His Namesake

Body Language Analysis No. 3978: Keanu Reeves, Chuck Spadina, Sincerity, and Empathy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3911: Simone Biles gets Pranked on "Ellen"


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Body Language Analysis No. 4057: Steve Bannon's "60 Minutes" Interview - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In the 60 Minutes preview video above, Charlie Rose interviews Steve Bannon - President Trump's former Chief White House Strategist (a newly created position) and CEO of candidate Trump's campaign.

From a body language perspective, there multiple valuable tells in this interview - one of which is discussed here.

During 1:37 - 1:38, as Charlie Rose says, "You seem to have done that at every point in the campaign - when he was in trouble, asking him to double-down on his rhetoric, double-down in terms of appealing to his base .... ", when the camera switches to Bannon's face, at the very end of Mr. Rose's sentence and for about a second afterward, Mr. Bannon Clenches his jaw muscles (Masseter muscles). Look carefully at the back of his jaw - in front of and slightly below his ears for a bulging muscle. His upper lip, which although is not very thick on Bannon's resting face - thins out so dramatically, it disappears. The area above his upper lip and below his nose (the "mustache area") also is significantly tightened.

We see this same pattern at 2:08 - 2:09 on Mr. Bannon's face as Mr. Rose says, "Did you lose confidence of anybody because they came at you at that point and said, 'Look, w, w, he ought to get out of this race - other than - Reince Priebus'?..."

If you look carefully, you can even see Bannon doing this when he is back-lit during 2:05 - 2:08.

Also, during 3:18, 3:27 - 3:28, and 3:29 - 3:30 - as Steve Bannon and Charlie Rose were discussing
Governor Chris Christie, Mr. Bannon again displays these same nonverbal signals multiple times. Intriguingly, there was also an additional component of nostril flaring and forward jutting of the jaw present in this segment.


 


In this second video of the same interview, at 1:10 Charlie Rose says, "I tell ya where many people suggest it should have gone. It should have gone in terms of denouncing - specifically from the very beginning - neo-Nazis and white supremacists and people of that political view - and they should have gone there because - ahhh, those were people that Americans in World War II went to fight against and you should have instantly have denounced them - and you didn't at first instinct. In fact, you seemed to be doubling-down in terms of a moral equivalency."

During most of Mr. Rose's statement, Mr. Bannon is clenching his jaw repeatedly. This is best seen on Bannon's face during 1:22 - 1:32. Yet as with the examples already discussed - if you look carefully, some of this jaw-clenching display can even be seen from behind when Mr. Bannon is back-lit.

All of these examples show Mr. Bannon, to varying degrees, in moments of adrenaline surges specific to anger. Please watch the videos carefully, as the still images do not capture the dynamic nature of these nonverbal signs.

Of course, we're all allowed to feel anger.  We're human beings. Yet - in a healthy individual, as with all emotions, anger should be:

• Contextual
• Proportional
• Not too frequent

Summary: This is but one conversation/interview. However, it's profoundly important to note that when jaw clenching, forward jutting of the jaw, thinning of the upper lip, nostril flaring, tightening of the mustache region (or other anger signals) are frequently displayed - take heed, for the person is far from emotional baseline - and Impulse Control Disorder may very well be lurking.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4056: Ed Sheeran and a Hesitancy to Disclose

Body Language Analysis No. 4054: Donald Trump and Chuck Schumer in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 4052: Hitler's Cryptorchidism and Emotional Dissonance

Body Language Analysis No. 4050: Lady Di - Alpha vs Alpha-Beta Hybrids

Body Language Analysis No. 4039: Blue Angels, Surprise, Emotional Processing, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 4002: Justin Trudeau Meets His Namesake

Body Language Analysis No. 3968: The Grenfell Tower Fire, Empathy, and Emotional Processing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3927: Jimmy Kimmel's Emotional Monologue regarding His Son’s Birth & Heart Disease

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3885: Vogue's 73 Questions with Selena Gomez


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3821: Alicia Keys Sings for Charlie Rose - Sincerity Amplifiers - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This is video is not recent (it's from 5 January 2005), but of course body language is timeless. It in, Alicia Keys is a guest on Charlie Rose's show and she sings him "Happy Birthday".

Note that both Charlie Rose and Alicia Keys both blush. They also both smile sincerely. If there is ever a doubt in your mind regarding whether a smile is truly sincere (aka Duchenne Smile) - always remember this: when blushing is present, the smile is ALWAYS one of sincerity.

There are also two "Sincerity Amplifiers" present in this short video. In the context of a sincere smile - when a person is also singing - AND they're rocking back and forth (as Alicia does), this rocking display acts as a SINCERITY AMPLIFIER.

Charlie Rose displays another variety of a sincerity amplifier. When a blushing person (with or without a smile) - is also touching their face (particularly with the PALM of the hand as Rose does) - this action also amplifies their sincerity.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3820: Mr. Trump: "Who would you trust more, Angela Merkel or Vladimir Putin?"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2818: Representative John Lewis: "Donald Trump Won’t Be A 'Legitimate President' "

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2816: Secretary of State Nominee Rex Tillerson

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3809: Horse Lays His Head On Coffin As He Mourns The Loss Of His Human Best Friend - Cross-Species Body Language & Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3796: Bryan Cranston, Donald Trump, Anxiety and Alpha Up-Regulators

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3558: Mila Kunis Nixes Ashton Kutcher's choice regarding Their Baby's Name

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3640: Khizr Khan’s DNC Speech, Donald Trump & Body Language

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3691: Natalie Portman's Emotional Tell - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During a significant portion of this recent interview with Charlie Rose, Natalie Portman looks down to HER right. When a right hand dominant person looks down to their right (Ms. Portman is right-handed), it's a highly reliable (but not 100%) indicator that the subject being discussed, holds for them sincere and significant emotional content.

Another possible association seen when a person looks in their lower right quadrant is recalling/feeling/discussing/imaging experiences of a kinesthetic nature.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3690: Stan Wawrinka beats Novak Djokovic to win US Open

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3688: Vladimir Putin, Phone calls, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3685: Hillary Clinton at Commander-in-Chief Forum

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3662: Weverton Dives, Neymar Kicks and Brazil Wins Gold

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3635: Michelle Obama's DNC Speech and a Body Language Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3610: Star Swain sings The Star-Spangled Banner at the Lincoln Memorial - Why Do Singers Close Their Eyes?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3564: Kanye West, Ellen and Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3590: Pam Bondi (Florida's Attorney General), Anderson Cooper and LGBT support


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3427: George Lucas regarding Star Wars, "I sold them to the white slavers" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today, after only 20 days after its release, the Disney and Lucasfilm, Star Wars: The Force Awakens - overtook James Cameron's Avatar with respect to North American office earnings ($760.5 million) - although it remains a ways off from Avatar's global record of $2.78 Billion).

George Lucas was recently interviewed by Charlie Rose. The two men know each other well. When Lucas spoke of the selling of Lucasfilms along with the legal rights to the Star Wars franchise - he used the metaphor, "white slavers" when referring to Disney. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of that exchange:

Beginning at 1:45 George Lucas continues:

Lucas: These are my kids - so ...
 
Rose: All the Star Wars Films.

Lucas: All the Star Wars Films.

Rose: They were your kids.

Lucas: Yeah, the well, they ARE my k-,  ya know - I loved them, I created them, - ah-um, I'm very intimately involved in 'em - and obviously to sell 'em off -

Rose: [over-talking] And you sold them.

Lucas: I sold them to the [pause] white slavers that take these things and [deep inhalation] and [inaudible], [nervous laugh], [extended blink], [looks down to his left] ...

Rose: Okay, But, but, but having said all that, and having talked to you for the last, and known you for a while, and admired you, I mean it must hurt you.

Mr. Lucas immediately realizes he made a mistake.

2:07

Looking down to left

Blushing

Sincere Smile after Nervous Laughter

Embarrassment








Body Language Axiom: Although all embarrassment is not accompanied by a smile - when a smile accompanies embarrassment it's virtually always a sincere smile - though it may sometimes be suppressed.

Body Language Axiom: Moreover when blushing occurs with a "smile", the smile is always sincere (although you, as an observer, may not find the cause a reason to smile). This is also often a suppressed, sincere smile as well.

2:09.2

Inward Lip Roll (ILR)

Psyche trying to suppress strong feelings and their corresponding facial expressions

2:09.5

Tongue Jut signaling:

"I've been bad"
"I got caught"
"I've misbehaved"(Navarro)

Lucas knows he made a huge mistake

2:09.8

Second Inward Lip Roll

Still trying to prevent crescendo of and expression of strong feelings

2:10 - 2:12

False Mastication

Mr. Lucas' mouth is dry (normal response to anxiety) and this false chewing (aka false mastication) serves to stimulate the salivary glands and distribute saliva 





See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3426: Barack Obama, Executive Action and Gun Control

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3408: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Star Wars

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3415: David Beckham, John Boyega, Star Wars and Lightsabers 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3242: Jennifer Lawrence, Singing Cher and Liam Hemsworth 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3370: Michael Fassbender and an Under-recognized Body Language Tell  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2778: April Fools Prank and Embarrassment 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3125: Vladimir Putin, Suppressed Smiling & Blushing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2911: Becky Hammon Part II - Blushing & a High Sincerity Quotient


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2518: Bashar al-Assad Shows Body Language Tell of Extreme Stress Charlie Rose Interview, Part III (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This is the third nonverbal evaluation of Bashar al-Assad highlighting his recent interview in Damascus by Charlie Rose. On the very next day the serendipitous/accidental/off-hand remark by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was reflected back as a serious idea by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last night President Obama asked the U.S. Congress to back-burner an approval vote on military action against the Syrian government's forces so as to diminish their ability to deploy chemical weapons (a vote that was increasing looking that he would lose). It has certainly been a whirlwind the last few days.

The following is a transcript of the above video - a short section of the interview. Afterwards yet another particularly telling nonverbal signal is discussed.

CHARLIE ROSE: "The President is prepared to strike, ah, and perhaps we'll get the authorization of Congress or not. Ah, the question then is - would you give up chemical weapons if it would prevent the president from authorizing a strike?"

BASHAR AL-ASSAD: "Ah ..."

CHARLIE ROSE: "If that is a deal you would accept?"

BASHAR AL-ASSAD:  "Again, you always imply that we have chemical weapons. [Laughs]"

CHARLIE ROSE: "I have to because that's the assumption of the President."

BASHAR AL-ASSAD: "Yeah"

CHARLIE ROSE: "That is his assumption and he's the one who will order the strike."

BASHAR AL-ASSAD:  "It's his problem if-- if he has an assumption. But for us, in Syria, we have principles. We'll do anything to prevent the region from another crazy war. It's not only Syria. Because it will start in Syria ..."

CHARLIE ROSE: "You'll do anything to prevent the region from ... "

BASHAR AL-ASSAD: "The region."

CHARLIE ROSE:  "... having another crazy war?"

BASHAR AL-ASSAD: "Yes."

CHARLIE ROSE: "You recognize the consequences for you if there is a strike?"

BASHAR AL-ASSAD: "It's not about me. It's about the region."

 At 0:27 just after Rose says, "That is his assumption and he's the one who will order the strike" - al-Assad's intertwined fingers straighten (We do not see how long this lasts because the camera view changes). This body language sign is a particularly strong signal of anxiety. Notice also how he stutters, "It's his problem if-- if he has an assumption ..." - a common paralanguage manifestation of anxiety.


Many have said that al-Assad was calm during the interview. While he was more polished than he has been compared with some of his other public appearances - and while his words to some may have seemed composed - the Syrian dictator demonstrated multiple anxiety tells. This was but one. He strongly fears the wrong end of a cruise missile. This legit fear has moved him to a different course of action in the ensuing days.

When the verbal and the nonverbal signals are not congruent - it is the nonverbal that always 'speaks' the truth. How many times have you been deceived because you believed someone's words and missed their body language signals?

What other nonverbals did you spot in this video?

See also:

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. 2516:  Bashar al-Assad's Interview with Charlie Rose, Body Language Tells, Part I

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 387:  John Kerry's Extended and Intertwined Fingers

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2408:  Sen. Kelly Ayotte's Anxiety & Regret via Senators Graham & McCain - Republican Body Language in Response to President Obama's National Defense University Speech

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2450:  Daniel Radcliffe on The Graham Norton Show -  Deception, Mirroring and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2493:  Jewel in Disguise at Karaoke Bar, Body Language Cues to Lack of Nervousness

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

Two days ago, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was interviewed in Damascus by veteran journalist, Charlie Rose. This was the most important television appearance of al-Assad's life and as noted by many, the Syrian dictator appeared relatively calm during the interview. He was not however. He was betrayed by his body language - as everyone is when they are trying to look calm in the face of fear. What follows is a showcase and brief analysis of a rarely recognized nonverbal manifestation of fear. 

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

At 2:29 Charlie Rose says, "But some have suggested that it [an American attack on Syria] might tip the balance in the favor of the rebels, ah, and lead to the over-throw of your government."

Bashar al-Assad then begins his answer at 2:37, "Exactly [pause], any strike will be as direct support to Al Qaeda offshoot that's called al-Nusra, Jabhat al-Nusra [?] and the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria. You're right ... about this. It's going to be direct support."

Within the short space of the 2:38 mark, The Syrian President's subconscious turned informer as he displayed an under-appreciated signal of fear. Look carefully at the back, left side of al-Assad's neck. His trapezius, splenius capitis and levator scapula muscles all momentarily tighten and this short-lived contraction can clearly be seen (primarily trapezius). Although this evanescent nonverbal muscular dynamic does not occur on the face - it is highly characteristic of fear and can be thought of as a (non-facial) microexpression analog.

In short, Bashar al-Assad is in significant fear of a U.S. attack, however limited and surgical it is proposed to be, and despite his calm (to some) words, he shows us this primal emotion in one brief body language moment at two minutes and thirty-eight seconds into this video. The dynamics and subtlety can be seen clearly in the video.

There are multitudes of other nonverbal signals in this interview. How many can you spot?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2516:  Bashar al-Assad's Interview with Charlie Rose  Body Language Tells, Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2384:  Bashar al-Assad on 1 May 2013 - Demure, Beta and Nervous - Body Language Lessons on how NOT to appear Confident

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2501:  Bashar al-Assad, Chemical Weapons and a  Body Language Signal of a Sociopath

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2257:  Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian People and Spotting a Sociopath  Another Naked Emperor 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2509:  Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Al'Afari Defends al Assad  Body Language of Insincerity, Contempt and ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2212:  Barack Obama warns Bashar al-Assad,  A Body Language Signal of Conviction

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1141:  al-Assad's Elbows in Syria

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2516: Bashar al-Assad's Interview with Charlie Rose - Body Language Tells, Part I (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday Charlie Rose interviewed Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. This was the only television interview of al-Assad since President Obama asked congress for an endorsement to attack Syria in retaliation for that government's chemical weapon usage on its own citizens. Below is a partial analysis of the Syrian President's body language and sheds significant light on the dictator's emotional tone.

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

At 0:51, Charlie Rose says, "Even at this date you are not sure that chemical weapons, even though you have seen the video tape, even though you've seen the bodies, even though your own officials have been there ...", al-Assad retorts, "... No, I ... No, I ... I haven't finished. Our soldiers in another area were attacked chemically. Our soldiers...."

At 1:02, as al-Assad says the first syllable of the first word "...soldiers...", he displays a nonverbal expression of contempt. While other signs of contempt have different appearances, this configuration is the most common - easily recognized by the unilateral "snarl" appearance where his (left) upper lip and left "mustache area" tighten and vectors primarily upwards. This is accompanied by a simultaneous nostril flaring (dilation) on the same side. In addition these nonverbals are accompanied here by another common component of contempt - the partial unilateral eyelid closure (his left in this example). This cluster is very short in duration (lasting just fractions of a second) and thus is classified as an example of a "microexpression".

In this image from 1:06, al-Assad demonstrates a nonverbal cluster that is particularly troubling. It also happens that this is a facial expression that al-Assad commits often. Note that there is a contraction of his central forehead - here it is mild yet it is quite significant. The central forehead contraction (aka CFC) is seen when there is physical or emotional pain, either for oneself or for another person via empathy. However in these contexts there should ALWAYS be an expression of pain, sorrow, fear expression of the mouth. Yet here we see the CFC occurring along with a mouth smile. This is always a bad combination. Everyone displays this expression on occasion; however those who display this nonverbal cluster CHRONICALLY are narcissists, sociopaths or worse. As mentioned, the Syrian President exemplifies this face very often.

This expression is displayed just after Mr. al-Assad referred said, "...Our Soldiers" (the second time) at 1:08. Note he has his right eyebrow raised, maintains a mild central forehead contraction and still has a mild mouth smile together with a forward head tilt.

This nonverbal cluster says, "I am correct, you know I am. Admit it. You are wrong."

At 1:31 al-Assad begins, "...We're not like the American administration. We're not social media administration, our government. We are the government that deal with reality. When we have evidences we will announce." At 1:33 as he begins the fourth syllable of the word "administration", the Syrian dictator displays another excellent example of a microexpression of contempt.

This expression cluster at 1:41 (as he says "announce" noted in sentence above) is a good example of an anger cluster together with incredulity. While his inner eyelids are drawn together and downwards (indicative of anger), al-Assad's right lateral eyebrow is elevated - expressing disbelief.

In addition note this highly characteristic mouth display showing that his lips are very much thinned out and horizontally straight (slight appearance/illusion of upturned mouth corners due to the angle of his downward tilted head-neck).

Also his mildly opened eyelids and lower lid tension together with the dilated nostrils complete this fairly intense nonverbal anger cluster.

What other telling body language does al-Assad display?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2509:  Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Al'Afari Defends al Assad  Body Language of Insincerity, Contempt and ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2501:  Bashar al-Assad, Chemical Weapons and a  Body Language Signal of a Sociopath

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 665:  al-Assad's Strong Sign of Insincerity

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1162:  Ahmadinejad, Napoleon, al-Assad and Dominance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2259:  Game Show Killer Rodney Alcala Gets Two More Sentences - His Body Language Warning Signs

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2492:  Jared Remy Arrested for Murder of His Girlfriend -  Three Jaw Signals in a Cluster,  Thee Body Language Meanings 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2269:  Travis Tygart's (Chief Executive of U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) Body Language re: Lance Armstrong Doping on  "60 Minutes Sports" Interview
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