Body Language Analysis No. 4014: Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Donald Trump, and Healthcare - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

The image above was taken on Tuesday, 25 July 2017 - only about two days prior to the failure of a Republican effort to pass the "Skinny Repeal" of Obamacare early Friday morning. The final vote was 51-49 against - with Republican Senators John McCain, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski - voting against their 49 Republican colleagues.

In this close up of Senator Collins, sitting next to President Trump, she displays a considerable expression of Disgust. Notice the tension in her mid-face, particularly the contraction of the region between her nose and her upper lip. What's less noticeable from this angle is the significant flaring of her nostrils. The corners of her mouth are also angled slightly downward. In this moment Senator Collins is feeling, and expressing disgust.

In the wide angle photo, notice how Senator Murkowski is also sitting back - a good distance away from the table. Her hands are in her lap. With her torso, head, and neck - she is leaning away from Donald Trump.

The close-up image of Senator Murkowski reveals her inner (medial) eyebrows are vectored downward while her upper eyelids are opened slightly wider than baseline. There's tension in her lower eyelids and her nostrils are also flaring. There is a more than a tinge of anger here.

Unlike Senator Collins, however, Senator Murkowski is displaying a subtle Forward Lip Pursing (in distinction from Lateral Lip Pursing). While this expression is quite mild, it's a fantastic example of a "real world" scenario - for a forward lip purse is a signal of Clandestine Disagreement and/or a Clandestine Plan.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4012: Anthony Scaramucci's and Reince Priebus' First (and Last) Photo in the Oval Office 

Body Language Analysis No. 4010: Lisa Murkowski Responds To Donald Trump's Criticism 

Body Language Analysis No. 4008: Veteran Who Survived Dunkirk Reacts to Film 

Body Language Analysis No. 4006: Vladimir Putin and Melania Trump at the G20

Body Language Analysis No. 3965: Manspreading, Madrid, and a Business Faux Pas

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

Body Language Analysis No. 3933: Sally Yates Testimony before Senate Judiciary Committee

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3908: Kim Jong-un's Mask of Insincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3853: Tom Hiddleston, a School Play and Eddie Redmayne


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Body Language Analysis No. 3950: Donald Trump, Angela Merkel, and Donald Tusk at the G7 - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

In this image, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Council President Donald Tusk (his left side to camera) are shown speaking with President Trump at the 2017 G7 Summit.

Note the configuration of Donald Trump's mouth and lips. This is a variation of a "Lip Purse", and more specifically, a "Forward Lip Purse".

A forward lip purse is a very common (and rarely understood) nonverbal display. It signals disagreement. To nuance this further - this particular flavor of disagreement is not always fully verbalized, in fact, a portion or even all of it is frequently kept secret. Thus when you see a forward lip purse, the accompanying spoken words are often misleading or deliberately deceptive. Therefore this particular nonverbal sign is also indicative of a clandestine plan.

Summary: When you see a forward lip purse, you should have a strong suspicion of deception. Do not trust the person's words - for they are planning, but not sharing. Protect your flank.


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

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3949: Donald Trump Shoves Montenegro's PM Dusko Markovic at NATO HQ

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

Body Language Analysis No. 3945: Donald Trump's Anxiety

Body Language Analysis No. 3943: Donald Trump hugs James Comey

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3918: The Image of Kim Jong-un He Most Prefers the World to See - and What It Tells Us

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3857: Taunting a Snowplow Driver - Belleville, Ontario

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3791: Russian Ambassador to Turkey Assassinated in Ankara


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3903: Rex Tillerson Disagrees with Donald Trump - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This image of Rex Tillerson and Donald Trump was taken on Friday 7 April 2017 at Mar-a-Lago.

The Secretary of State and the President were in the midst of their second-day meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his staff.

It also happened to be the day after 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched into Syria striking Shayrat Airbase. Trump had ordered the attack in retaliation for the Syrian government's Khan Shaykhun chemical attack which occurred on 4 April 2017. This was perpetrated with the release of toxic gas, most likely sarin - killing at least 74 people while injuring at least 557.

At the time of this photo, President Trump was discussing the missile attack (although what detail was not published). Rex Tillerson's hands are configured in a what is known as a "Pistol Steeple". This is a multiple nonverbal metaphor - for the position of his hands, with the three least dominant fingers on each hand contracted/flexed but the index finger (forefinger) of each hand extended resembles a small firearm - and also roughly approximates the way some people hold a handgun.

But crucially, from a nonverbal perspective, the pistol steeple also says, "I'm shooting down your idea", "I strongly disagree with you". We can be sure whatever, specific Syrian War nuance Donald Trump is discussing - Rex Tillerson doesn't like what he's hearing.

Additionally, the index fingers of Tillerson's pistol steeple are being held over his mouth/lips (e.g., often times this body language signal is displayed with the hands held in front of the abdomen, chest or lower neck, etc.). This variation tells us that the Secretary of State believed the President was either speaking too freely, was in error, was being misleading, or being deceptive. Rex Tillerson was wanting Donald Trump to be quiet - and was quite literally silently shushing the commander in chief.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3902: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping - Power, Control, and Handshakes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3900: Donald Trump's Statement Regarding US Retaliation for Syria's Chemical Weapons Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3899: President Trump regarding Poison Gas Attack in Syria

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3869: James Clapper regarding Alleged Wiretap of Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3841: Tom Brady's and Roger Goodell's Handshake after Super Bowl LI

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3811: Hayden Panettiere, Stephen Colbert and Personal Space

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3659: Ryan Lochte's "Today Show" Interview regarding Alleged Rio Robbery

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3591: Jo Cox, The Brexit and Sincere Smiles


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3854: Donald Trump's Press Conference - "I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life" - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During his press conference on Thursday, President Trump was asked about, "... an uptick in anti-Semitism and how the government is planning to take care of it ...". Mr. Trump's response was immediately one of the most controversial of the entire presser.

What follows is the transcript of that portion of the event, followed by a partial body language analysis of a crucial component.


DONALD TRUMP (continuing at 1:04:01 in the above video) :  Wait, let's see who's - I want to find a friendly reporter. You [inaudible] -

JAKE TURX:  Right here, I'm friendly

TRUMP:  Are you a friendly reporter?

TURX:  I'm friendly

TRUMP:  Watch how friendly he is. 

TURX:  I've been, I've been - I've been good to you -

TRUMP:  Now wait, wait - watch how friendly he is. Go ahead. 

TURX:  I've been good to you the entire campaign Mr. President. 

TRUMP: Go ahead.

TURX:  So - first of all, my name is Jake Turx, from Ami Magazine and I, despite what some of my colleagues may ah, have been reporting, I haven't seen anybody in my community, ah, accuse either yourself or any, ah, anyone on your staff of being anti-Semitic. Ah, we understand that you have Jewish grandchildren. You are their zayde ("Zadye" is a Yiddish, deeply affectionate term for “grandfather”).

TRUMP: Thank you.

TURX: However - what we are concerned about - and what we haven't really, ah, heard being addressed is an uptick in anti-Semitism and how the government is planning to take care of it. There's been a report out that 48, ah, ah - bomb threats have been made against Jewish centers all across the country in the last couple of weeks. There are people who are committing anti-Semitic acts, or threatening to -

DONALD TRUMP: [over-talking] You see, said - he was going to ask a very simple, easy question - and it's not. It's not. Not a f-, not a simple question, not a fair question. OK. Sit down. I, I understand the rest of your question.

So here's the story folks. Ah, number one, I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life. Number two - racism - the least racist person. 

In fact we did very well relative to other people running as a Republican. 

TURX: Inaudible

TRUMP: Quiet, quiet, quiet. See he lied about - he was going to get up and ask a very straight, simple question. So you know, it's welcome to the world of the media. But let me just tell you something, that, um - I hate the charge. I find it repulsive. I hate even the question because people that know me and you heard the prime minister, you heard, ah - Betanyahu [sic], [mispronounciation] yesterday, did you hear him? Bibi. He said, "I've known Donald Trump for a long time" and then he said - "forget it". See you should take that instead of having to get up and ask ah, a very insulting question like that.


End of (Partial) Transcript, Analysis begins below:

Each description corresponds to the image immediately above it

1:04:14, Disgust display after Trump said, "Go ahead."

1:04:15, Tight Tongue Jut indicating the thought-emotions of, "Disgust, Disdain and Repulsion".

1:04:31, just prior to the "Tongue Exit" of a second "Tight Tongue Jut". Notice the tightening and forward protruding of the lips and adjacent tissue - as well as the retraction of the jaw and dimpling of the front of the chin.

1:04:46, a hyperbolic Forward Lip Purse indicating disagreement and a plan of action (both are very often kept clandestine).

1:04:49, Disgust + Anger

1:04:50, yet another Tight Tongue Jut

1:04:52 - 1:04:53, Tight Forward Lip Purse - a signal for clandestine disagreement/clandestine plan mixed with a secondary, lesser component of anger

1:04:53 - 1:04:54, Contempt

1:04:55, Looking away during contempt (or disgust or anger) amplifies the contempt (a "Contempt Amplifier").

1:04:58, Palm down gestures - leads to lower audience recall - it's authoritative, dismissive and rapport destroying.


Summary: President Trump's rapid sequence of nonverbal displays are profoundly non-contextual relative to the question being asked.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3853: Tom Hiddleston, a School Play and Eddie Redmayne

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3851: Donald Trump's Impromptu Press Conference - "Russia is a Ruse"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3849: Donald Trump's and Justin Trudeau's Relative Confidence Levels During Yesterday's Press Conference

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3829: Mary Tyler Moore - Flirtatious, Sexy, Alpha Female Smile 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3794: Racist Rant at Jefferson Mall in Louisville

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3765: Conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald - See each other directly for the first time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3655: Rescue In Baton Rouge Floodwater

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3710: Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte Compares Himself With Hitler


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3478: Donald Trump Jr Does Not Like his Father's Statement, "I Love the Poorly Educated" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Last night Donald Trump won the Nevada Republican Caucuses. It was his third primary/caucus victory following South Carolina and New Hampshire.

During his victory Speech (beginning in the above video at 4:21) Mr. Trump continues, "... So we won the evangelicals. We won with young. We won with old. We won with highly educated. We won with poorly educated. I love the poorly educated! [eyebrow flash-prolonged blink followed two seconds later by a mouth of fear] We're the smartest people. We're the most loyal people ..."


At 4:33, Donald Trump Jr. - (to the candidates right) quickly raises his eyebrows (an eyebrow flash) while simultaneous displaying a prolonged blink. This nonverbal cluster indicates a Condescending Disagreement with a component of Surprise.
 

Immediately after the display above (during 4:35), Donald Trump Jr. displays a Fear Mouth. Watching the video, some may say it looks as if he's trying to bite the air. There's also some tightening of the mid-face (particularly the "mustache area") and flaring of his nostrils.


Please watch the video segment several times to fully appreciate the subtle, evanescent and dynamic nature of these closely-clustered microexpressions.

Summary: Donald Trump Jr. was surprised his father said, "We love the poorly educated!" Moreover in the moment he felt a condescending disagreement towards him. After he a couple of seconds to think about it, the younger Trump then feels significant fear for the ramifications of his father's words.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3477: Henry Cavill Asks Children - Batman or Superman? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3474: Donald Trump, Handshakes and Narcissism

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3461: Cam Newton Walks Out of Super Bowl 50 Post Game Press Conference

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3456: Martin Shkreli Pleads the Fifth before Congress

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3224: Jordan Spieth, the U.S. Open, and a Classic Fear Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3198: Sepp Blatter, FIFA, Subtle Fear & Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3234: Whole Foods Market, Message to Customers, Damage Control and Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2718: Obama: "I can do whatever I want" Body Language with French President François Hollande
 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2939: Barack Obama in Tallinn, Estonia - Body Language Tells (PHOTO)

Barack Obama visited Estonia earlier today. With the threat of near all-out war in Ukraine, the American President wanted to assure Baltic Nations and all the other NATO members that the United States stands with them. Of course it was just as much or more for Vladimir Putin's benefit.

This gathering around a table in Tallinn provides a good body language teaching moment. During his very symbolic visit, Mr. Obama should not be leaning back or pulled away from the table. Nor should his legs should be crossed. Of course we don't know what was being spoken at this time - however depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered - this sends signals of disengagement, disagreement and/or critical evaluation. Rather he should be sitting forward on his chair with his hands above the table. The normally nonverbally adept President is off his game - for it's almost as if Barack is channeling a bit of Vladimir's feigned laissez faire persona.

Moreover Susan Rice should not have her hands below the table. It is virtually never a good nonverbal signal in any kind of rapport-building, trust-building or negotiation scenario. This body language is consistent with a beta emotional tone and low confidence.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2938: Josh Earnest, Steven Sotloff and ISIS - "Nonverbal Monotone"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2489:  Angelina Jolie and "Maleficent" - Body Language Signals of Sincerity and Disengagement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2584: Darnell Barton - Hero with Body Language of De-Escalation

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2847: Eric Cantor, Concession Speeches and Low Affection - Body Language Tells

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2915: The Many Faces of Tony Stewart

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2338:  Why Does Keit Pentus-Rosimannus feel Fear?  Body Language of Estonia's Minister of Environment

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

Jared Remy, son of Boston Red Sox broadcaster and former player, Jerry Remy was arrested on Wednesday 15 August 2013 and charged with the murder of his girlfriend and mother of his child, Jennifer Martel. At 0:53 in the above video, Remy can be seen at once exhibiting three different nonverbal signals which involve the jaw.

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

The first is the Forward Jaw Jut. This involves a temporary forward repositioning of the jaw. This often occurs to the point of an under-bite occurring. It's most commonly (although not exclusively) an indicator of strong anger and it commonly is associated with coexisting hand tension in the form of partial or full fist formation.

When a forward jaw jut is seen with hand tension, there is a high potential for violence.

In this higher magnification but low resolution view of the above image, we can see there is a lateral component as well to Remy's jaw movement. While a Quick Lateral Jaw Movement has another meaning (see cross references below), a prolonged sideways movement of the mandible is a strong indicator of dramatic disagreement. Such disagreement will often be partially or fully verbally suppressed.

This angle also affords us a view of a Backward Head Tilt. This movement amplifies the appearance of a jutting jaw and is a very common head-neck configuration in mug shots and in the newly arrested. In such a context it signifies an emotional tone of determination and belligerence. It can also be an indicator of contempt and arrogance.

In this nearly straight-on view taken a few seconds after the above video, the Prolonged Lateral Jaw Movement can be more easily visualized.













See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2346:  Texas Shootout & Colorado Killer Suspect Evan Ebel -  Body Language of a Determined Emotional Mindset

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2467:  Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez  Recognizing Multiple Body Language Signs of Anger

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2314:  Naomi Watts Pre-Oscar Interview and her  Body Language of the "Jaw Confessional" and the Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2301: The State of the Union, Lenny Skutnik and a  Body Language Signal of Being Proud 

Negotiation Secret # 47:  Jaw Jut and Mid-face Tightening

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

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1896: IMF Managing Director - Christine LagardePseudo-Prayer & Pursed Lips

Pictured here is Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She replaced Dominique Strauss-Khan after his abrupt fall from grace and is ranked by Forbes as the ninth most powerful woman in the World. But she has a poor poker face.

The "Pseudo-prayer" can signal several meanings. Like all nonverbal communication - it is crucial to decode other co-existing body language with which it is clustered.

When you see a pseudo-prayer gesture, it's a good idea to look at the eyes and mouth for clues. Although from this angle it is a bit difficult to tell, Ms. Lagarde's eyelids are slightly closed - in this context (see below) this partial closure is significant of contempt-arrogance-distancing.

The IMF MD's mouth demonstrates a moderate amount of lip-pursing. A lip purse is an extremely valuable nonverbal tell. It's a highly reliable beacon that the person has considerable disagreement with what she/he is hearing, has an alternative plan/idea - and is (usually) keeping their opinion to themselves (at least for the time-being). There is a high likelihood that the lip-purser will institute their plan in a clandestine manner - or at least arrange the "game pieces" ahead of time - such that their actions will have increased probability of success. Only a "relative alpha" makes a lip-purse - they are a perceived (perhaps only self-perceived) superior within the group/context. In short, the lip purse is a body language signal of clandestine disagreement with an action plan. Watch out.

Thus Ms. Lagarde's pseudo-prayer is a variation that many of those in power and/or in leadership positions misuse. It's a cousin of the "conventional high steeple" and it's patronizing and condescending - particularly when there is an up-and-down chopping motion of the hand & forearms. It's a potent rapport destroyer.

See also:

Analysis # 1083: Brewer's MAPs Flag Foreboding

Analysis # 119: Pseudo Prayer in Thailand' Prime Minister

Analysis # 1138: Jennifer Hudson's Whitney Houston Tribute

Analysis # 1181: Helle Thorning-Schmidt & her False Praying Gesture

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

Analysis # 1698: Susan Rice, Bashar Ja'afari & Kofi Annan's Six Point Peace Plan for Syria

Analysis # 1055: The Subtle Lip Purse - Tom Brady

Analysis # 1715: Jay Carney's Lip Purse - Bin Laden is Dead and General Motors is Alive

Analysis # 9: Nancy Pelosi's Lip Purse

Analysis # 9 - Redux: Condoleezza Rice's Lip Purse

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1055: The Subtle Lip Purse

This Image of Tom Brady taken during the media availability-press conference in preparation for Super Bowl XLVI yesterday, shows two subtle emotional displays.

Anyone can spot dramatic emotion. I am continually dumbfounded by the percentage of otherwise socially adept, worldly and educated adults who cannot accurately identify moderate, let alone subtle emotional body language cues. The New England quarterback is displaying a very subtle lip purse here (see: Negotiation Secret # 9: Nancy's Lip Purse, for a more obvious example). When the lips are pursed, there is a disagreement taking place. But in a high percentage of the time, the disagreement will not be verbally expressed. In addition, those who display this expression are in a "position of power" wherein they feel they can implement their plan/idea. Thus when you see this nonverbal signal, be prepared for a proverbial "end-run". There is a reason that their opinion is not being openly expressed. Ambush. Hmmm..... perhaps there are some business applications here.

Emotions rarely occur in isolation, and here the Patriots' QB is no exception. Mr. Gisele Bundchen's second emotion is disgust. The specific facial signals to look for here are both the mild tightening of the "mustache area" and particularly his subtle nostril flare. Additionally, he is not looking directly at the person(s) who is (are) the object of his feelings. We don't look directly at those who we don't like, don't respect or don't believe

New York Giants by 7

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 26: Hugh Grant's Cheeks - Body Language

The "Cheek Scratch with an Open Mouth," is a very common expression of disagreement-related anxiety. It is particularly common among men. Here Hugh Grant demonstrates this nonverbal cue nicely. Of course, Mr. Grant is an accomplished actor - but still very human. Although he many be able to control his body language better than most - his emotions are still revealed when he's in an anxiety producing scenario. Often seen in conjunction with this gesture (but not in this image) are an elevation of the eyebrows and forehead. Hugh's eyebrows are in a normal position, but if they had been elevated and his entire forehead (not just the central portion) wrinkled (muscles contracted) there would be an additional emotional component of apprehensiveness-doubt. When you see these signals simultaneously or within a few seconds, it constitutes a "Gesture Cluster". It's a signal that a person is in disagreement with what they are seeing and/or hearing and believe a different course of action should be taken. In this context they usually have a specific plan in mind. Be aware that they also may not be so revealing of their thoughts with their words - for this gesture often accompanies clandestine tactics. It is very commonly seen in business meetings or negotiations - and thus is a fantastic tell.

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Negotiation Secret # 234: Their Lips Tell the Story

Terry Francona, the very recent former Boston Red Sox Manager (left) and Executive Vice President & General Manager, Theo Epstein (right) are pictured here during a recent game. Their lips, while not the only nonverbal signals here, let us read their emotions. Francona's Lips are pursed, mild to moderately, which is a signal of disagreement (Navarro) in the context of confidence (Brown). It's a strong indication that he has an idea/alternative which he believes is superior to what is being said/displayed. When you see lip pursing you very often WON'T hear the person voice their disagreement, so be prepared for stealth, lest you find out their intentions too late.

Theo Epstein is displaying an example of an "Inward Lip Roll" (albeit out-of-focus here). He is feeling anxiety with a component of anger. When you see this sign, it's an indication that their fuse is growing shorter. You may very well want to temporarily steer clear. It is very instructive to think of this Body Language Beckon as the psyche calling on its inner reserves - in an effort not lose patience (Brown).

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Negotiation Secret # 391: Pursed Lips May Sink Ships

This is the current President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad. In this image he displays a very subtle example of Lip Pursing. Most episodes of pursed lips are easier to spot, and they are all usually very evanescent. Lip pursing is a sign of disagreement with what is being seen and/or heard - and it is a very reliable sign that an alternative plan is held or being considered. Interestingly, it usually is made in the context of authority and confidence. It also is a signal that the person who bears this expression is intent on taking action and has the means to do so. Their plan, at least in some significant part, will be implemented - and often often clandestinely. If you see this, do not dismiss it - for it may be your only warning.

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Negotiation Secret # 9 - Lip Pursing Redux

A few days ago, I posted an example of Lip Pursing which showed U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi with an fairly extreme example of this facial expression. Here's an example from the other side of the political fence. Above, Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State (along with other subtle emotional displays) exemplifies a much more subtle version of pursed lips. Examples such as this are difficult to spot and are often more fleeting.  Lip pursing is a sign of disagreement in the context of confidence. Thus it also is significant in that the person who wears this expression is intent on taking action so that their plan, at least in some significant part, is brought to fruition. This is an extremely valuable negotiation tell. Once you hone your Body Language observational skills - you'll be surprised at how often you see this expression.

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Negotiation Secret # 9: Nancy's Lip Purse

We don't know what was said - or who said it, but Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), doesn't agree with it.  Whenever you see this classic nonverbal pursed-lip signal, which Ms. Pelosi is displaying, you can be sure that its owner disagrees with what they hear or see. In addition, it's very likely that those who display the pursed lip have an alternative plan or proposal in-the-ready and are waiting for the best time to put it forth, if they've not already done so. 

In the real world, the lip purse is not always so classic in appearance. Stay tuned for future posts for more subtle examples. Whenever you see it displayed though, this should be a signal that the other person will be taking action in the direction of their plan. You can be very certain of this - even if their words say otherwise.  Those who display the lip purse are also demonstrating a fairly high level of confidence. Plenty of people disagree with us, but not everyone has the confidence, assertiveness and the resources to take action. So when you see this classic sign of disagreement and confidence - break out your diplomacy, your plan B or your resume.

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