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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Body Language Analysis No. 3987: Chris Christie Denies His Day at The Beach - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Due to a political budget infighting at the state government level, New Jersey public beaches have been closed for the past three days.

Yet the beaches were not to everybody.

At a press conference on Sunday, Governor Christie was asked (beginning at 1:16 in the above video), "Governor, you look like you got some sun -"

Governor Christie answered: "No, I didn't Claude, but, ahum, go ahead. I didn't get any sun today."

As he says, "I didn't get any sun today", the Governor looks far to his right - well away from Claude (the journalist).

Eye contact very frequently either greatly diminishes during deception - or turns into a stare (unnaturally high eye contact).

When he made this statement, Chris Christie was unaware he and his family had been photographed on a public New Jersey Beach which was closed to the public.

A few seconds later (during 1:23), just before he takes a drink, Governor Christie is displaying a mixture of both contempt (primarily noted on his left midface with deepening of his left nasolabial fold, tension in his "mustache area", and flaring of his left nostril) as well as disgust disgust (his entire midface and mouth).

Taking a drink allows a person to, at least temporarily, break their existing expression (here contempt/disgust) and "reset" their game face or "lying mask".

When we cover, touch, or rub/scratch our mouths or lips when making a declarative statement - it is extremely suggestive of deception. When we have a drink in our hands (or pick one up) - it acts as a catalyst - disinhibiting the resistance to touching our face during a lie (with the cup and drink acting as a surrogate for the fingers) - therefore making this telling gesture much more likely.

Thus, if you're suspect someone may lie to you (whether you're a supervisor,  detective, parent, etc.) - always make sure they have a drink available and positioned close to their dominant hand.

Their drink is your lie detector.

The mouth and throat also become rapidly dry prior to and during a lie - making this is an additional reason for "deception quenching" (and hard swallows).

Taking a drink also stalls for a few seconds - such that one can psychologically recover from the act of lying as well as formulate a verbal answer or clever (misdirecting) follow-up statement.


Summary: Governor Chris Christie was caught in a blatant lie regarding his family's day at the beach. His press conference, a portion of which is detailed here, provides some classic body language examples of deception detection.

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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3986: Anthony Kennedy, The Supreme Court, and Predicting Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 3984: Trump's Tweets, Tics, and Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Body Language Analysis No. 3982: Bangkok Police Officer's De-Escalation Genius

Body Language Analysis No. 3979: Ivanka Trump, "I Try to Stay Out of Politics"

Body Language Analysis No. 3977: Anthony Kennedy - One Signal You Never Want to See From a Judge During Your Testimony

Body Language Analysis No. 3975: Travis Kalanick and Sheryl Sandberg - and Uber's Need for Empathy, Sincerity, and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 3959: Vladimir Putin - Megyn Kelly Interview, Part II

Body Language Analysis No. 3937: Mr. Lavrov Goes To Washington - “Was he fired? You’re kidding!” - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and James Comey

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3623: Donald Trump's VP Pick - Mike Pence & Chris Christie - Body Language (PHOTOS)

Who will Donald Trump pick as his running mate? From a nonverbal communication perspective, this image (with Trump Shaking Indiana Governor Mike Pence's hand while Christie looks on) provides a glimpse into the Chris Christie's mind. The Governor of New Jersey is certainly not known for his poker face - and this moment is no exception.

In this close-up view of Christie, we can see his clear display of two emotions - both Disgust and Anger. Of these two, disgust is a bit more prominent (approximately 60/40). His eyebrows are pulled down and inward with tension in his (right) lower eyelid - these findings are indicative of anger. His lower face (mouth) is projecting both feelings (If you configure your own mouth similarly, you will even begin to feel these two emotions). Christie's mid-face also displays significant tells - with his "Mustache area" tightening and his nostril(s) flaring.

Take home point: Chris Christie feels both disgust and anger toward his fellow republican Governor - which indicates that he believes Pence has the inside track to Trump's VP pick.

This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3622: Theresa May's First Speech as Prime Minister - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3142: Mike Pence - Governor of Indiana interview with George Stephanopoulos & the Religious Freedom Restoration Act - What Makes Gov. Pence Look Worse?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3553: Donald Trump, Deception, Facial Touching and Empathy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3482: Donald Trump Refuses to Disavow David Duke and the KKK

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3485: Chris Christie's Facial Expressions standing behind Donald Trump - Bad Body Language on Super Tuesday

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3363: Chris Christie's Viral Video - Why do even Democrats love it?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1858: What the Eyes Do - Transitioning from Mild to Severe Anger

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2579: Brandon Bryant Body Language of Disgust and Empathy - Confessions of a Drone Operator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3593: What does Tulsi Gabbard think about Hillary Clinton?



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3541: Chris Christie's Wife - Mary Pat's, Reaction to Donald Trump's "Woman Card" Comment - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday after Donald Trump won all five republican primaries, he gave a victory speech. Throughout it, Governor Chris Christie and his wife stood behind Mr. Trump. Mary Pat Christie displayed some very telling nonverbal signals - her body language editorializing on Mr. Trump. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.

Trump: "Well I think the only card she has is the woman's card. She's got nothing else going. And frankly, if Hillary Clinton were a man, I don't think she'd get five percent of the vote. The only thing she's got going is the woman's card - and the beautiful thing is - women don't like her. Okay? And look how well I did with women tonight, okay?..."


























During 0:12 - just after Trump says, "... The only thing she's got going ...."

and as he finishes his sentence - during 0:13 as he says, ".... is the woman's card ...", she displays this same eye maneuver again - in addition to a suppressed smile. 

This is a suppressed eye roll. The upper eyelids open very widely without the eyebrows or the forehead moving upward. An eye roll is a conscious nonverbal signal of impatient dismissal and contempt. The eyelids open wide, suppressing the upward "rolling" of the eyes. It's an attempt to at least partially suppress the outward display of this action.

Mary Pat then puts on this classic facial expression of disgust just after Trump says, "... and look how well I did with women tonight, okay?...

So while Mary Pat Christie does not roll her eyes here - she very much wanted to but suppressed it because of the social context. Her thoughts and emotions regarding Donald Trump's statement is very clear - she does not like him, she has contempt and disgust for him - and she thinks he is completely wrong in his assessment of Hillary Clinton's electability.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3540: Johnny Manziel's Ego 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3518: Donald Trump's Feminine and Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3529: Vladimir Putin's Alpha Body Language - Correlations between the Hands and the Face

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3516: Hillary Clinton, Finger Pointing, Fossil Fuels, Bernie Sanders and Lying

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3485: Chris Christie's Facial Expressions standing behind Donald Trump - Bad Body Language on Super Tuesday

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3363: Chris Christie's Viral Video - Why do even Democrats love it?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3448: Ted Cruz's Challenge to Debate Donald Trump One-on-One; Cruz's Default Facial Expression

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3498: Donald Trump Mocks Chris Christie when criticizing John Kasich - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTO)

Yesterday in Vienna, Ohio, Donald Trump made an appearance while campaigning for today's primary there.

In an effort to criticize Governor John Kasich, he also dished out the same criticism to Governor Chris Christie - who was on stage with him at that very moment.

A small section of his speech appears above. During 0:29 - 0:31, as he says, "... I hated-ed (stutter) to do that, but I had to make my point ...", Trump displays a Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression (aka R2E2).

The Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression is a nonverbal facial signal which may last milliseconds (a microexpression) or several seconds (here it lasts about 2 seconds). Most body language beginners will mistake it for disgust - yet a very different emotion is being expressed (Can you tell the difference?).

It's very important to stress that every human being displays the R2E2 from time to time. However when you see this body language - know that the person is either trying to rationalize - trying to get others to rationalize - or to co-rationalize with him. They have a course of action, idea, opinion, etc., they want someone to take/believe and they're trying hard to get others to see/feel their point of view. The twist is this - very often (depending on the other nonverbal signs with which it is clustered) the R2E2 is a sign that the person displaying it doesn't really believe their own words. Thus it's a beacon of disparity between a person's thought-feelings and what they are saying aloud.

Thus when you see the R2E2, ask yourself: 

Of what precisely is this person trying to convince me? 
Why are they trying so hard to convince me? 
Do they seem to really believe what they are saying? 
What's their claimed motive?
What is another possible motive?
Does their tone of voice seem sincere?
What are their other nonverbal signals telling me?

The R2E2 is an attempt to gain our empathy and our rapport.

This is an excellent example of a nonverbal signal that's used (subconsciously) in an effort convince us. And once again - we all use it, but when you see it often or intensely, approach with caution. There's a can of snake oil nearby.



See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3497: Sasha Obama, Malia Obama, Ryan Reynolds and a State Dinner 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3154: Marco Rubio's Body Language Tell

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2669: Sara Bareilles and the Body Language of the Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2977: Raven-Symoné: "I'm Tired of Being Labeled" - Interview with Oprah

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2643: Is this Hug More Sexual or Affectionate? Student Suspended One Year for Hugging a Teacher

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3465: Hillary Clinton's Dominant Spider


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3486: Donald Trump and Chris Christie on Super Tuesday - Display the Same Telling Nonverbal Signal to Same Statement re: Trump's Wall - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During Donald Trump's victory speech on Super Tuesday in Palm Beach, Florida - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie stood behind him. A portion of the New Jersey Governor's response has famously since been memed World-wide (a body language analysis of that moment: Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3485: Chris Christie's Facial Expressions standing behind Donald Trump - Bad Body Language on Super Tuesday).

In the midst of his press conference there was another very telling set of nonverbal signals - the same one displayed by each man a fraction of a second apart - a tongue jut (see the 18:02 - 18:03)

"... As sure as you're standing there. One hundred percent Mexico's going to pay! One hundred percent! [Donald Trump displays a tongue jut followed a split second later by Chris Christie's] And - the reason, the reason is I'm a business man. I know how to do this ..."

The tongue jut (also known as a "Lizard Tongue") is a nonverbal signal indicating variations of the emotions, "I've been foolish", "I've been bad", "I got caught". Trump's tongue jut and mouth is conformed somewhat tighter than Christie's. This is because he has greater hesitancy. Mr. Trump has more to lose and a portion of his psyche very much does NOT want to say this. As his possibility of getting to the Oval Office increases, he dislikes making this statement because he believes that fulfilling this promise is highly unlikely. This bears repeating - TRUMP BELIEVES making Mexico pay for a wall is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.  And - we see very shortly thereafter, Christie believes the same thing.

Donald Trump's Tongue Jut at 18:02.9















The fact that these two identical nonverbal signals made by two men essentially simultaneously (it took Christie a bit longer to process because he was only hearing, whereas Trump was thinking and then speaking it too) very much indicates they both believe the same thing regarding the same subject - AND it also speaks to the fundamental way the human brain is wired, and thus the reliability of using body language as a profoundly important communication skill - both in the interpretation of others' nonverbals, but also using our own body language in the many nuanced context of our business and personal lives.

Chris Christie's Tongue Jut at 18:03.1
















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3482: Donald Trump Refuses to Disavow David Duke and the KKK

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3475: John Kasich Hugs a Supporter - Was He Sincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3465: Hillary Clinton's Dominant Spider

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3460: Eli Manning Reacts to Bronco's Super Bowl Touchdown 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3445: Harrison Ford Re-enacts 'I Love You' Scene from Star Wars - The Graham Norton Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3429: Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward met with Ammon Bundy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3303: Gorilla watching pics of other gorillas on Man's Phone at Zoo - Body Orientation, Personal Space and Emotional Comfort


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3485: Chris Christie's Facial Expressions standing behind Donald Trump - Bad Body Language on Super Tuesday (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Chris Christie is definitely not used to riding in the backseat. Last night in Florida, during Donald Trump's press conference/Super Tuesday victory speech, this became painfully evident.

The Governor of New Jersey exhibited many nonverbal faux pas while Mr. Trump was speaking - but the following one is particularly glaring.

Governor Christie was fully "in the moment" here. His thoughts were elsewhere. This is an expression consistent with emotional shock and emotional processing.

Christie has "baggy skin" drooping down over his eyes/eyelids (from the region below the eyebrows and above the eyelids) - the medical term for this is "dermatochalasis" - it's very common and is not directly influencing his nonverbal behavior - yet it prevents most people from noticing the fact his upper eyelids (particularly on HIS left) are opened significantly wider than baseline. Having said that, most people can see there is something abnormal regarding his eyes and their gaze in this moment. This wider than baseline eyelid opening is secondary to Christie's increased adrenaline.

Chris Christie's mouth is configured in what is colloquially referred to as "Slack-Jawed". Body language novices will often confuse this with a mouth of surprise - yet it's not. Note that it's not widely opened - AND there are no visible teeth.

The slack-jawed nonverbal clustered with his widely opened eyelids together indicates emotional shock. Governor Christie knows he's been reduced to one of Trump's "yes men" and he's not been in such a position (to Trump or anyone) in many a year. His intellectual brain knows what is happening - however his emotional brain is having trouble fully grasping it.

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3363: Chris Christie's Viral Video - Why do even Democrats love it?

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. 3233: Chris Christie formally enters the 2016 Presidential Race 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3109: Why Chris Christie Will Never Win The White House in 2016 (or the Republican Nomination)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3265: Donald Trump, Exaggerated Mouth Movements and Narcissistic, Hyper-Alpha Personalities

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3436: Is Hillary Clinton Intimidated by Donald Trump? 
 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3363: Chris Christie's Viral Video - Why do even Democrats love it? - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

A segment of Chris Christie's recent town hall style meeting in Belmont, N. H. has gone viral. And even Democrats like it. Why? - one reason is the subject matter. Many people from all walks of life, socioeconomic status and political ideologies agree with what the Governor Christie is saying here - that in the U.S., we must do some major rethinking for those in need of treatment for drug addiction.

Another reason Christie's speech struck a nerve is the fact that he shared very personal stories. The Governor spoke at length regarding his mother's addiction to nicotine and her subsequent death from lung cancer. The addiction of his law school friend and classmate to Percocet (Oxycodone combined with Acetaminophen) was particularly painful to listen to. Christie did an excellent job painting a story of this man's storybook successful life and then his profoundly sad downfall. The fact that these were personal stories with real people whom Christie had deep affection was translated into sincerity. And sincerity has a funny way of crossing partisan boundaries.

Sincerity is very often falsely ascribed when the opinion being expressed is in agreement with what we want to hear or believe. This phenomenon, among other things, is an example of what is known as "confirmation bias". Many other parameters influence our subjective experience when assessing for sincerity - these include factors such as our affection for the other person, their physical attractiveness, any financial benefit we may reap, if our employment depends on the outcome, etc. - it's a long list.

However in moments when we're closer to being objective beings, the feeling of sincerity is accurately sensed by most people if three key behaviors are in alignment - these are the verbal message, the nonverbal behavior and the paralanguage (vocal qualities). When all three of these are congruent - whether we agree with the opinion being expressed or not - we "feel" the other person's sincerity. In distinction, the next time you're listening or interacting with someone and something doesn't "feel" right - virtually always there is a significant disparity with these crucial three pillars of communication.

Gov. Christie's words (verbal content), his paralanguage (his tone, cadence, rhythm, volume, crescendo, decrescendo, etc.) and his nonverbal behavior were all in alignment during this speech. You may be a democrat, a republican or even Vladimir Putin - and you may even disagree with his opinion here - yet you should get a very high feeling of sincerity from this speech by Chris Christie.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3362: Marco Rubio and Alleged Misuse of State Party Credit Card

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3278: Chris Christie's Feeling Weak in the Knees - Body Language and The Republican Debate

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3308: Hillary Clinton's Apology - Certainly Late, Yet Was It Sincere?

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1905:  Ann Curry's Smile and Sincerity Quotient 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3278: Chris Christie's Feeling Weak in the Knees - Body Language and The Republican Debate (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Chris Christie is not known for keeping his emotions concealed - and the first Republican Debate was no exception. In this example he's betrayed by his body language - and it's not what you may expect.

A friendly reminder: This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc. are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda

Governor Christie does something that's quite rare in a debate - he leans on the lectern. Moreover this isn't done when the cameras are on another candidate - but when all attention is focused on him - during his answer.

Bret Baier begins, "Governor Christie, you’re not exactly the darling of conservatives. You tout your record as a Republican governor in a blue state. On Facebook, the most people talking about you, not surprisingly, come from your state of New Jersey, and one of the top issues they are talking about is the economy. This, this may be why, under your watch, New Jersey has undergone nine credit rating downgrades. The state’s 44th in private sector growth. You face an employee pension crisis and the Garden State has the third highest foreclosure rate in the country. So why should voters believe - that your management of the country’s finances - would be any different?"

At 0:43 Governor Christie answers, "If you think it’s bad now, you should’ve seen it when I got there."  (LAUGHTER), (APPLAUSE). [Christie then leans on lectern with his right forearm/elbow and shifts his weight, 0:45 - 1:01] Um, ya - fact is - fact is, in the eight years before I became governor, taxes and fees were raised at the state level 115 times. In the eight years before I became governor, spending was increased 56 percent. And in the eight years before I became governor, there was zero net private sector job growth in New Jersey. Zero. For eight years.  So, what did we do? We came in, we balanced an $11 billion deficit on a $29 billion budget by cutting over 800 programs in the state budget. We brought the budget into balance with no tax increases. In fact, we vetoed five income tax increases during my time as governor. We cut business taxes $2.3 billion, and we cut regulation by one-third of what my predecessor put in place.  And, what’s happened since? A hundred ninety-two thousand private sector jobs in the five and a half years I’ve been governor. We have a lot of work to do in New Jersey, but I am darn proud we’ve brought our state back."

In body language parlance, Governor Christie is using the lectern as a MAP surrogate (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) - and even momentary for direct physical support. This lectern-leaning may have appeared to some as a form of swagger, a type of sloppy nonchalance - yet this was far from it. The economy of New Jersey gave the Governor enough anxiety that his knees became weak. You can almost hear his heart palpitating and feel his blood pressure drop.

"Lean on me, when you're not strong. And I'll be your friend - I'll help you carry on ..."

Thus the lectern served the Governor in two ways - for temporary physical support until he gained psychological momentum with his answer - but also in lieu of rubbing the back of his neck, scratching his opposite shoulder, touching his forehead, etc. (none of which he should ever do in a public appearance, particularly during a national debate) - touching an inanimate physical object may also help to down-regulate one's anxiety level (although this is by no means an absolute).

Although he is proud of what he's done for the economics of New Jersey, Mr. Christie either feels he could/should have done more - and/or that this issue will hurt him significantly in his efforts to win the Republican nomination.

As usual, there is a multitude of body language displays in this short video and only one example is highlighted above.

A crucial take-home point here for the other presidential hopefuls: Gov. Christie feels vulnerable on his economic record. Exploit his Achilles' heel to your advantage (just be aware that your weaknesses are equally as visible).

Got body language?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3277: John Kasich reflecting on Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3233: Chris Christie formally enters the 2016 Presidential Race - What about his 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. 3274: Chris Christie, Rand Paul, The Republican Debate and National Security 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2595: Barack Obama's Emotional Dissonance, Low Confidence and the "Turtle Retreat" - He Does Not Want To Be There 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2906: President Obama, "... We Tortured Some Folks ..."  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2918: Lauren Bacall, Flirting and a "Come-hither look" 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3274: Chris Christie, Rand Paul, The Republican Debate and National Security - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

At the Republican Debate last Thursday, Chris Christie and Rand Paul sparred on issue of balancing national security vs. American civil liberties. Mr. Paul didn't like it when Mr. Christie made his Senate Subcommittee responsibility sounded like he was playing in a sandbox. And the New Jersey Governor didn't like it when the Kentucky Senator reminded the American voters of him hugging President Obama in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Between the two of them however, Chris Christie is much less skilled at camouflaging his anger.

The image below was captured at the 3:01 mark just after Paul references Christie and Obama embracing. Although the resolution is not optimal here, this cluster of nonverbal signs is easily seen:

• Inner (medial) eyebrows directed downward
• Partial closure of the eyelids
• Lower lid tension
• Flaring of the nostril
• Tense "mustache area"
• Evanescent thinning of the lips
• Horizontal configuration of the lips
• Clenching of the Jaw and its muscles (An excellent example displayed a second earlier at 3:00)

Going a step further, the ability to recognize the nuances of one's own anger signals - as anger crescendos (and hopefully very early in this process) - then responding by modifying the nonverbal response - is of profound practical value - for it is truly a form of biofeedback. Those who are skilled at this use their emotions to their advantage - rather than reacting to them. It puts them in the driver's seat.

See also:

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

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. 2676: Nancy Pelosi, Chris Christie, Bling and a Handkerchief 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2174:  President Obama, Hurricane Sandy,  Body Language and Thumbs Backwards Arms Akimbo

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3150: Rand Paul Announces His Candidacy for Presidency of United States - Body Language Truth Check 

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

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

Chris Christie made his 2016 Presidential Campaign official yesterday - giving his announcement speech at the high school from which he graduated. Many people, including the New Jersey Governor himself, have described his style as "plain-speaking" and "blunt" (e.g., "... I mean what I say and I say what I mean ..."). This is political-speak for a "working man's sincerity" in attempt to court "the common person's vote". What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of his speech.

From a body language perspective, Christie very commonly not only projects an alpha emotional tone - but is often quite hyper-alpha. His paralanguage and his verbal communication are also similarly more extreme. Of course Governor Christie may still be very sincere and plain-speaking without being hyper-alpha, overly-aggressive and out-right angry. He is confusing the two qualities of anger/assertiveness with sincerity/plain-speaking - as if they were two parts of the same whole - yet of course they're not. Chris Christie can still be blunt and sincere without getting angry.

At the 16:35 mark, Governor Christie continues, "... America is tired of hand-wringing and indecisiveness and weakness in the oval office. We need to have strength and decision-making and authority back in the oval office and that is why today I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Republican nomination for President of the United States of America! ..."

It is curious (and ironic) that in this particularly important paragraph Governor Christie uses the nonverbal metaphor of "hand-wringing". Hand-wringing in both body language and common speech conjures up images and emotions of indecisiveness, emotional dissonance and anxiety. Yet for much of this speech Chris Christie paces back and forth across the stage in what also signals similar anxiety and inner-conflict as well as the "bleeding" of nervous-energy. He is criticizing others for worrying (outwardly and inwardly) while he himself is doing that exact same thing - and telegraphing it too.

It is never good to use any body language too often. Over-doing anything will inevitably back-fire. Chris Christie should have had a wireless microphone so as to have both hands free (during this or any speech). A hand-held microphone engenders monotonous behavior with the free hand. Index finger (forefinger) pointing is cross-culturally and universally negatively received. It makes people feel berated and belittled. It destroys rapport and will cost votes (it does however make it's user feel powerful ... while it simultaneously up-regulates the users anger). The Governor moreover amplifies this negative nonverbal even further by his dramatic and repetitive use of the hand-chop - thus becoming a "finger-point hand-chop" illustrator. This is one of the worse nonverbals signals anyone can use (even in a highly-partisan, hand-picked crowd such as this setting).

Christie's courted the center-leaning voters during his last gubernatorial race - which served him well. He may be well served by a similar strategy in such a crowded republican presidential primary. However by using such anger and hyper-alpha qualities expressed in his verbal language, paralanguage and body language - will dramatically reduce his ability to win the his party's nomination.

Governor Christie - you can be both plain speaking and blunt without being angry and aggressive.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3232: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner announce Divorce - a Body Language Signal of Diminishing Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2999: Chris Christie to James Keady "Sit Down and Shut Up" - Body Language Congruent with ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2612: Chris Christie 'Calls a Spade a Spade' (Well … Almost) - Body Language of the 2016 Republican Presidential Hopeful

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2222:  Corey Booker's Body Language Indicates that  He does NOT want to Run for Governor of New Jersey

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2174:  President Obama, Hurricane Sandy,  Body Language and Thumbs Backwards Arms Akimbo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3002: How NOT to sit in the Oval Office - Mitch McConnell ... your Beta is Showing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2595: Barack Obama's Emotional Dissonance, Low Confidence and the "Turtle Retreat" - He Does Not Want To Be There


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