Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3025: Vladimir Putin, Alpha Hand Signals and "The Claw" (PHOTOS)

This image of Vladimir Putin was taken several months ago just after Russia's annexation of Crimea. Here we see great examples of two nonverbal illustrators. The Russian President's right hand is formed in what is known as "The Claw" - his hand held up with fingers forward as if he were a raptor about to grab his prey with talons. This is a considerably alpha body language illustrator - and as with most alpha nonverbal signals - if used too often, for too long a duration or out of context - it rapidly becomes hyper-alpha. Note Vladimir's face - particularly his mouth and mid-face - they are contracted - displaying considerable tension. Aggressive hand signals are very often accompanied by simultaneous or nearly simultaneous facial tension. The hands mirror the face.

Mr. Putin's left hand is held out far from his torso and forward. His palm is directed downward and it's grasping the side of the lectern. This cluster is also an alpha body language configuration - though a good amount less than "The Claw" - so it can be held for longer duration and has less chance of "back-firing with too much alpha".

Politicians will virtually always use an excessive amount of alpha body language when speaking to audiences which already share their views and/or when they are trying to engender enthusiasm - and Vladimir Putin is certainly no stranger to such scenarios.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3024: Officer Darren Wilson's Interview - Does He Feel Remorse For Killing Michael Brown?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3009: Vladimir Putin, Chivalry and China's first lady Peng Liyuan

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2942: Vladimir Putin's & Recognizing Duplicity in Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2937: Vladimir Putin - “If I want to, I can take Kiev in two weeks” and Critical Evaluation - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3014: Vladimir Putin - Odd Man Out Down Under at the G20 Summit

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2616: John Kennedy and Richard Nixon Handshake at Kennedy Inaugural Address, One Body Language Maneuver to Counter a Dominance Display

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2337:  Rick Santorum at 2013 CPAC  Body Language,Facial Tension & Hand Tension

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2765: Obama, Romney, Russia and Facial Asymmetry - Contempt at The Hague (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Like most people, President Barack Obama has some degree of facial asymmetry. In this momentary and relatively neutral emotional moment, we can see that the nasal-labial furrow (which runs from the side of the nose down to the corners of the mouth) is more shallow on Barack's right side - however it runs down past his mouth corner. On his left - it is more deeply defined but stops at the corner of the mouth. This asymmetry (among other things) makes some nonverbal signals more difficult to interpret. One example of this phenomenon is that - to many Mr. Obama will seem as if he is feeling contempt when he is not. Below however are examples of two very subtle and very real microexpressions of contempt. 

During the 0:14 second mark in his speech yesterday at The Hague,  just prior to and just after "... Russia's ..." (during 0:19 shown in image below) when President Obama says, "..... With respect to Mr. Romney's ah, assertion that, ah ... Russia's, ah, number, our number one, geo-political foe ... " (highlighted with red).

Note that at both of these moments, the presidents eyelids are closed in a slightly extended blink.

This extended blink in this context serves as a "Contempt-Amplifier" - which is extremely valuable yet very  under-appreciated body language signal.




There are multitudes of additional nonverbal examples seen in this short video. How many did you miss?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2646: Does Barack Obama Want to Go to the Sochi (Russia) Winter Olympics? What His Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2752: Barack Obama, Zach Galifianakis, Funny or Die - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2758: Barack Obama Regarding Further Sanctions to Russia for Annexation of Crimea - Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2727: "I am a Ukrainian" Video - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2647: Vladimir Putin regarding Edward Snowden, What Does the Russian Leader Think? 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis 2759: Vladimir Putin, Annexation of Crimea and Mouth Asymmetry - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday Vladimir Putin signed the documents formalizing Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. A video of the speech he gave is included above. Mr. Putin's mouth adopted an asymmetric configuration numerous times throughout this address - biasing towards his right side. This particular appearance is known as "mouth swagger". It is a manifestation of machismo - and is very common among politicians.

Like a coach giving a pep-talk prior to a game or a drill sergeant before new recruits - this nonverbal is seen when there is excessive melodrama ... or adrenaline - and thus is also seen after real victory on the sports field, the political arena or the battle field. 

Intriguingly, Mr. Putin also shifts his weight from foot to foot many times during this speech - which is a very common body language with anxiety. This nervousness reflects an incongruity in Mr. Putin's emotional state - he feels both bravo and anxiety - and is thus a great manifestation of emotional dissonance.

What are some other emotions are indicated by different asymmetrical mouth configurations?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2656: Threat Assessment during Robbery - Body Language of Perpetrator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2714: Justine Dufour-Lapointe Wins Olympic Gold in Sochi and Brandishes Swagger - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2739: Barack Obama at DNC Speech - Quieting a Heckler

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2670: Janet Yellen Confirmed by Senate for Federal Reserve Chair - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2735: Mother confronts Driver about Brain-Damaged Son, Is His Apology Sincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2755: Vladimir Putin on Time Magazine, An Iconic Body Language Image

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2758: Barack Obama Regarding Further Sanctions to Russia for Annexation of Crimea - Body Language

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2758: Barack Obama Regarding Further Sanctions to Russia for Annexation of Crimea - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

President Obama spoke today on the South Lawn of the White House. A video of this address is included above. Mr. Obama discussed the recent Russian annexation of Crimea and announced sanctions both in retaliation for this action - and in addition, in an attempt to prevent possible similar events with regards to other regions of Ukraine.

We live in interesting times.

At multiple times during this speech the President displayed nonverbal microexpressions of regret. Some of these are isolated in the still images below.  This particular body language/facial expression goes widely unrecognized and thus unappreciated.

What other emotions do you see displayed in Barack's Body Language?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2755: Vladimir Putin on Time Magazine, An Iconic Body Language Image

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2743: Liz Wahl Resigns on air from RT-America ("Russia Today") News Network - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2742: Vladimir Putin on the Crisis Ukraine - Thin Slicing Levels of Anger - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2757: Phillip and Phil Martelli, St. Joseph Hawks, March Madness and Mirroring - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2558: Reggie Jackson Displays a Great Combined Microexpression, Mr. October's Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2727: "I am a Ukrainian" Video - Body Language

Microexpression of regret at 0:37

Displayed just and the end of the statement, "... These are all choices that the Russian government has made ..."

At 1:02 more regret is shown (microexpression) just as the President says, "... we're imposing sanctions on more senior officials of the Russian Government ..."

One more regret microexpression at the very end of the word "situation" (1:46):

"...For this reason we've been working closely with our European partners to develop more severe actions that could be taken if Russia continues to escalate the situation...."

At the 2:01 - 2:02 mark another microexpression of regret is shown on Mr. Obama's face at the very end of this sentence:

"...As part of that process, I signed a new executive order today that gives us the authority to impose sanctions - not just on individuals, but on key sectors of the Russian economy. This is not our preferred outcome...."





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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2755: Vladimir Putin on Time Magazine, An Iconic Body Language Image (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Vladimir Putin has garnered more attention than any man in the World the last few weeks - and that's the way he likes it. With the Crisis in Ukraine and the Russian orchestrated election in Crimea - a region which it has now annexed, many leaders are focusing on particulars of Putin's personality.

In December 2007 Mr. Putin was chosen as "Man of the Year" by Time Magazine. The photo has become iconic. What follows is a body language analysis.

Note his forehead is relaxed. This helps to convey that Vladimir is not worried and in control.

Putin's mouth is configured in a display of mild contempt with its left corner contracted. 

Putin's "mustache area" is slightly tightened. 

His left nostril is slightly flared (dilated).

The partial closing of the Russian President's upper eyelids in this cluster-context act as a "contempt amplifier". And although not present in this image, they can also heighten the emotional projection of disgust and anger.



What other subtle nonverbal is seen here which lets us glimpse inside of Mr. Putin's emotions and thoughts?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2742: Vladimir Putin on the Crisis Ukraine - Thin Slicing Levels of Anger - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea - Body Language

Communication Analysis No. 2754: Einstein, Gravity Waves, The Big Bang and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2721: Vladimir Putin at U.S. Hockey Victory over Russia at Sochi Olympics - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2647: Vladimir Putin regarding Edward Snowden, What Does the Russian Leader Think?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2684: Controversial Sex Ed Poster - A Concerned Parent and a Contemptuous School Official - Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2559: John Boehner's Body Language - Microexpression of Contempt vs. Facial Tic 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2749: President Obama, Ukraine's Interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Today President Obama met with Interim Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk in an effort to put pressure on Russia to not meddle with Ukraine and to respect its sovereignty.

President Obama is very good at displaying body language which is not too alpha yet also not excessively beta. These nonverbals are collectively known as "Alpha Beta Hybrids". In the video above one of these amalgams is exampled which can be seen using quite a bit - the "Loose Fist Thumbs Up". This illustrator helps to drive home an important issue or phrase in an assertive manner without being too confrontational or offensive - such as an index finger point.

Some do not execute this particular body language well and thus with a stiff or extended arm or a fist clenched tightly - it escalates their own emotions towards anger. In these scenarios, the anger and tension are manifested simultaneously on the face.

The position of the thumb on top of index finger (forefinger) - rather than in a more tightly griped position of a full fist on the side of the index, middle and ring fingers - is a crucial regulator in preventing this emotional crescendo towards anger. 

The President however, down-regulates his own potential anger about this delicate crisis by maintaining his fist, elbow and shoulder in a more relaxed configuration. Thus he uses the alpha-beta hybrid (whether he fully realizes this or not) to both illustrate diplomacy and for his own emotional self-regulation. This body language is indeed is a form of biofeedback.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2748: Tatia Pilieva's Brilliant Video "First Kiss" - Body Language of Romance and Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2291:  A Tight Fist and Tension in The Face - Jay Carney's Body Language as he defends Chuck Hagel's performance during  Senate Confirmation Hearings

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2541: Barack Obama, Permanent U.N. Security Council Members, Syria's Chemical Weapon Disarmament and a Presidential Gaffe - Body Language in the Oval Office

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2152:  Second Presidential Debate - 16 October 2012 -  Barack Obama's Duping Delight -  Benghazi, Libya Attack was an "Act of Terror" -  Alpha, Beta, Confidence & Acquiescence ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2245:  The Fiscal Cliff Grows Closer & Tempers Fray -  Barack Obama's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2668: Ryan Seacrest - Less Offensive Variations on Pointing - Body Language Nuance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2727: "I am a Ukrainian" Video - Body Language

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This post is the second from Vladimir Putin's press conference earlier this week regarding the crisis in Ukraine. At multiple occasions during this video, the Russian President exhibited a unilateral eyebrow elevation. For example, in the image and moment highlighted below (0:54 seconds), this nonverbal indicates doubt and disbelief and contradicts his simultaneous definitive statement "... I am convinced that Ukrainian personnel and Russian personnel will not be on different sides ...". In addition his "Finger-Point Hand Chop" in same this cluster-context is also strongly consistent with deception.

Notice also the intriguing use of the double-negative: ".. will not be on different sides ...". 

Mr. Putin routinely "leaks" a unilateral forehead and eyebrow elevation in disparity with his verbal statements. This body language sign is a common tell of dishonesty. Mr. Putin displays it much more often than he realizes. Of course, Vladimir does not have a monopoly on this nonverbal as plenty of American politicians show this body language on a daily basis.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2742: Vladimir Putin on the Crisis Ukraine - Thin Slicing Levels of Anger - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2744: Oscar Pistorius, Reeva Steenkamp and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2129:  Barack Obama's Body Language, Misspeaks "Export More Jobs" Displays Incredulity and ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1600:  Senator Marco Rubio -  Sincerity, Self-directed Incredulity & Humor, Blocking and Appeals for the Vice Presidency

Negotiation Secret # 335 & 353: Incredulous with Contempt  Amanda Knox Redux

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1907:  Governor Rick Scott tells a Lie

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2644: Barry Hinson's Rant - (Southern Illinois Basketball Coach) Body Language Tells

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2742: Vladimir Putin on the Crisis Ukraine - Thin Slicing Levels of Anger - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday Vladimir Putin gave his first Press Conference regarding the Crisis in Ukraine and his of Russia's role there.  As with most such occasion, there are a multitude of body language tells here. Below are just two - yet important nonverbal moments of the above edited video.

One very important factor helping to differentiate between subtle to mid-levels of anger vs. more elevated anger are the position of eyelids.

Here at the 1:04 mark, note that Putin's eyebrows are lowered and his eyelids are partially closed (narrower vs. his normal resting eyelid position).

Notice also the tension of the lower eyelids and mild tension of his mid-face.

In this image, only 4 seconds later, the Russian President's upper eyelids have opened significantly - wider than his resting/baseline state. His lower eyelids exhibit increased tension and are also opened further (as his brows are lowered even more).

Note that Mr. Putin's mid-face is considerably more tense. Specifically there is contraction of his "mustache area" and dilation of his nostrils (only left one is visible).

What does the change in Mr. Putin's pupils diameter (vs. the above image) indicate in this moment?

The veins in the President's forehead/temple region are also more (and subtly visible in his neck as well) dilated/congested in the lower picture compared to the upper image. This finding indicates the relative increased intra-thoracic and intra-cranial pressure consistent with a Valsava phenomenon associated with Vladimir's (or anyone's) elevated anger level.

What other body language signals do you see in this short by very telling video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1858:  What the Eyes Do - Transitioning from Mild to Severe Anger

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2647: Vladimir Putin regarding Edward Snowden, What Does the Russian Leader Think?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2721: Vladimir Putin at U.S. Hockey Victory over Russia at Sochi Olympics - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2519:  Vladimir Putin Speaks Syria,  Chemical Weapons and Disarmament -  Body Language just after his New York Times Op-Ed

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin  Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2433:  Vladimir Putin & David Cameron Disagree on Syria -  A Body Language Evaluation of Russian Leader 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2741: Lupita Nyong'o Wins an Oscar - Signal of high sincerity and empathy

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