Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2639: Denver School Shooting and a Body Language of High Empathy (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Yesterday another School shooting occurred just a day before the anniversary of the Newtown, Connecticut Sandy Hook Elementary shooting and only eight miles from the 1999 Columbine H.S. massacre. Karl Halverson Pierson, a senior at Arapahoe High School near Denver, with the apparent motive of revenge against a former teacher/librarian and debate/speech coach - critically wounded one student before killing himself. No one else was harmed.

The above images were captured during the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Covering of one's mouth is a strong nonverbal indicator of the personality trait of high empathy. Such mouth covering is more obvious during dramatic and obviously tragic events; however it is seen daily in the context of considerably less significant matters. This MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) is NOT performed out of embarrassment or in an effort to cover emotion. Noticing this body language tendency is one method of gauging another person's "Empathy Quotient". And the quality of empathy is one of the most important characteristics predictive of human behavior. The ability to accurately and rapidly gauge another's empathy level is paramount.

Got Empathy?

Can you spot empathy? Are you sure?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2231:  A Common Facial Expression of Mass Killers - Using Body Language as a Threat Assessment Tool

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2629: Sandy Hook Audio Tapes - A Body Language Sign of Disbelief

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2238:  Sandy Hook Elementary Teacher Lauren Rousseau's  Boyfriend's Body Language - Grief & Suppression of Negative Emotions & Empathy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2232:  Vicki Soto, a Hero, Body Language  and a Mother's Love & Affection -  Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2233:  Body Language, President Obama, 20 Children  and the Tongue-in-Cheek

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

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1499:  Bill Clinton's Empathy for Eric Fehrnstrom and  Mitt Romney ... What's Your Sincerity Quotient?

Leadership Secret # 221:  Spontaneous Mouth Covering & Empathy - Hillary Clinton & Osama Bin Laden

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2622: Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, What Faces Reveal - Body Language in Foxborough (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In Foxborough last Sunday, Tom Brady's Patriots beat Peyton Manning's Broncos 34-31 in overtime. One of the highest rated rivalries in American sports, Brady leads in their head-to-head match ups, winning in ten of fourteen meetings.

This image (left) was captured after the October 12, 2012 game where New England also beat Denver (31-21).



In this moment (above), Manning's facial expression, particularly his mouth and mid-face, is classic for the common combined nonverbal of both Regret (the primary emotion) and Anger (secondary emotion). Some refer to this combination as Bitterness. 

In this second image taken after an earlier victory over Manning's then Indianapolis Colts, Brady displays his relative alpha status with his hand & arm turned about 45 degrees so that it is in the dominant, top position (look at their forearms as well). Peyton acquiesces his hand position while accepting the more beta configuration.  Had Manning won the game, Brady's hand would have been in the weaker position.








See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1055:  The Subtle Lip Purse

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1059:  Tommy's Fear Factor and Anxiety

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 No. 2505:  Marine Jesse Cottle and Wife Kelly  Body Language Expression of Regret and Sincere Smiles

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2586: Harrison Ford in "Ender's Game" - Microexpression and Macroexpression of Regret - Harrison's Brand and the Stanislavski Method

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2476:  Scandal, Perception and The Bitter "Smile" Weiner, Spitzer and Sanford

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1177:  Mitt Romney's Bitter Smile 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2137: Mitt Romney vs. Barack Obama - First Presidential Debate - Barack's Bad Body Language

A couple of interesting Body Language Faux Pas are seen in this image of the first Presidential Debate in Denver. 

Note the position of President Obama's feet. The vast majority of his weight is on his left foot, while only the toes of his right foot are touching. Moreover, his right foot is crossed-over in back - past the vertical axis of his left leg. Although to the casual observer this may appear relaxed - it's far from it ... While Mitt Romney has got both feet planted flat on the floor, they should be a bit further apart - about shoulder width. Such a foot configuration would be more alpha, assertive and engenders more confidence. It will even lead to more fluid thought, better word choice and improved speech flow.  While neither man's legs & feet are perfect, Mr. Obama's are horrible for any type of leadership appearance - particularly for a speech or debate. In this context, his lower limb nonverbals indicate non-assertive, demure and beta emotional tone. 

A similar emotional message is being signaled by Obama's hand position. His hands are hidden. The less we see of a person, the more difficult it is to establish and build rapport - AND the less we trust them. This is particularly true when it comes to the hands. Hidden hands also indicate a less than confident emotional mindset. A much better place for his hands would be resting on the sides of the lectern - popularized by John Kennedy and also used very effectively by Bill Clinton and recently by Ann Romney.

The combination of the President's hand and foot positions seen here are NOT those of a confident, energetic, alpha emotional mindset. They are consistent with low confidence, tired and beta behavior. 

See also:

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

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

A Nonverbal Analysis # 2134: A Watershed Body Language Moment: Nixon - Kennedy Debates 1960

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

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

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

Nonverbal Analysis # 915: Interpersonal Space of Candidates 

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

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

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

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