Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3925: An Expression of Donald Trump's Which He's Making More Often - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

The expression displayed by President Donald Trump in these two images were almost never seen on Candidate Trump.

The primary emotions he's projecting in both of these photos are that of bitterness and regret. Note the corners of Trump's mouth are down-turned. This is sometimes referred to as a "Bitter-Smile" - very ironically to most people, for it resembles nothing of joy or happiness.

The President is also displaying a significant element of frustration as evidenced by the clenching of the jaw, dimpling of the front of the chin, and the bulging forward of tissue just beneath his lower lip.

In real-time, while people are displaying this expression, virtually everyone believes they are "pushing out" a slight smile (e.g., forcing a smile). However, if by some chance they could momentarily "freeze" their face - and immediately look in a mirror, they'd be very surprised to find their expressions' are quite far from what they believed them to be. This is a universally human phenomenon - for as we deviate further from our "emotional baseline", our objectivity of the true configuration our faces' and bodies' becomes quite distorted. We also become increasingly inaccurate as to the correct interpretation of what other peoples' body language is "saying" (as well as what the simultaneous verbal language and vocal qualities are conveying).

Further thin-slicing the emotions in each of these pictures reveals another distinction. In the image above, Donald Trump's eyebrows are more drawn together and vectored downward - while in the image below they are neutral or perhaps slightly elevated (more so on his left). This subtlety is significant for a higher level of frustration (and shorter temper) in the moment above - and a surrendered-resignation in the lower image. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3924: French Presidential Front-Runner Emmanuel Macron

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3922: Vladimir Putin and Michael Flynn in Moscow

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3920: Jason Chaffetz and Elijah Cummings - No evidence that Michael Flynn followed the law

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. 3887: Why Does Donald Trump Point at People So Often?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3839: Andrew Garfield, Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling - Embarrassment, Protection, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3805: Mariah Carey's New Year's Eve Lip Sync Fail On Live TV

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2093: Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye - Matt Lauer's Classic "Tongue-in-Cheek" and Duplicitous Smile

In this video of Ann Curry's tearful goodbye, Matt Lauer gives her a kiss on her left temple at the 4:19 mark. Freeze frame at 4:20 - 4:21. There is a fantastic example of two body language tells here - a duplicitous smile as well as a classic "Tongue-in-Cheek".

Whenever a person is smiling out of one side of their mouth and frowning out of the other side, a red flag should be raised and the alarm horns should blare. This pseudo-smile/pseudo-frown is never to be trusted. Such "false smiles/frowns" share similarities with a partial emblematic slip as well as expressions of "duping delight" (Ekman). A Body Language Expert was not needed to detect the extreme awkwardness of this scene, however there are innumerable occasions when such nonverbal signals will be displayed and the emotional tone of a conversation is not nearly so evident. Look for this duplicitous body language and it will give you warning as to true intentions. This will prevent heartache, financial and time loss, major hassles ... and it may even save your life. Matt Lauer was not saddened by Ann Curry's departure - he was overjoyed.

Also at the 4:20 - 4:21 mark, Lauer also displays another betrayal of his true feelings - the "Tongue-in-cheek". It helps to view this particular moment in full-screen mode. Clustered with his other specific nonverbals seen here, his tongue-in-cheek tell indicates a self-righteous, "I just won the game" emotion. This shows without a doubt that Lauer fancies himself as a puppet master - and he had foreknowledge and very well may have orchestrated Ann Curry's departure. When different nonverbals are seen coexisting with the tongue-in-cheek (not seen here) it has different meanings. Again, not a surprise to those who have followed this event - but like most body language - it is missed in the everyday world. Don't miss it.

See also:

Analysis # 1912: Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye and Matt Lauer's Insincerity 

Analysis # 2089: Ann Curry's and Matt Lauer's Very Awkward Reunion

Analysis # 1905: Ann Curry's Smile and Sincerity Quotient

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1919: The Asymmetrical Smile - we all use this Body Language .... but Mitt Romney displays it too often

Mitt Romney displays here a classical body language example of the Asymmetrical "Smile". Moreover, not only is his left side not smiling, it is frowning. Neither is the right-side of his mouth for that matter. This is a "Pseudo-Smile". In addition, the Presidential candidate's lips are thinned - indicating a component of anger component. Along with his left-sided frown side - these nonverbals reflect Mitt's true emotional tone. 

We all make this expression from time to time (and variations of it), and more than we realized. But when you're running for President, you need to extricate this expression from your routine. Mr. Romney uses this facial expression far too much and in the context of verbal disparity. Said another way, his words are positive, but his expressions (this and others) are negative. When the verbal and nonverbal messages are contradictory - it sends feelings of cognitive and emotional dissonance to audiences and the public at large. It also indicates the former Massachusetts Governor is truly feeling such dueling emotions. To the public, this makes him "feel" more like a politician - and less like the guy next door which he should be - in truth and in projection. If Mitt Romney wants to become President, he must solve this problem. The same is true for you - even is your subjects are more mundane and for much smaller audiences.

See also:

Analysis # 1139: How Not to Build Rapport

Analysis # 1003: Obama's Dropped Jaw False Smile

Analysis # 1009: A Sure Sign of a False Smile

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

Analysis # 1915: Mitt Romney's Response to Supreme Court's Decision on "Obamacare"

Analysis # 1863: Sharapova's Lips of Anger

Analysis # 531: Sarkozy's Mouth Tells Us What He's Thinking

Analysis # 771: Ann's and Mitt's Affectionate Hug

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1758: Predicting A Fight Based on Body Language Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto Fight

The outcome of any sporting event has many variables. But when there are only two participants, the confidence level of the opponents plays a significantly larger - and thus a particularly predictive role. An analysis of the body language of both Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto at their weigh-in yesterday, demonstrates Mayweather has significantly more confidence. Based on this alone, and no other variables, it indicates Floyd Mayweather will win this boxing match.

While there are many nonverbal indicators in this video, two moments of contrast are especially notable. During the 4:33- 4:36 time mark, when Mayweather gets weighed and strikes the bilateral arm flexed boxers' pose - he displays a sincere smile - with its required relaxed forehead. Cotto at his corresponding moment (5:19 - 5:21) and pose - signals us with a frown and a contracted central forehead. While his consciousness can flex his biceps - his true emotions leak out on face (subconsciously displayed). He is experiencing emotional pain. He is not confident at this weigh-in and his body language screams it out.

See also:

Secret # 217: Predicting Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez III Fight

Secret # 252: What do Over-Rated Actors, News Reporters and Insincere People have in common?

Secret # 1659: Leon Panetta on the U.S. Military Scandals in Afghanistan

Secret # 1570: Shiva, a Signal of Empathy and the Subcontinent 

Secret # 353: Brad Pitt's Smiling Eyes - Sincere and Insincere Smiles

Secret # 1773: Junior Seau's Body Language During His Last Interview

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Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1439: Central Forehead Contraction & Inward Lip Roll Devon Davis & April Davis

April Davis, the mother of Devon Davis, is seen here early in the search process for her son. The two year old went missing on Tuesday, 27 March 2012 in Liberty County, Texas. April's contraction of her central forehead is consistent with emotional or physical pain. These feelings may be experienced in the first person or via empathy. Note that the sides (lateral portions) of Ms. Davis' forehead are smooth (not contracted). Congruent with this forehead nonverbal, are her frown and inward lip roll (ILR). The inward lip roll is a classic body language "tell". It signals an effort to contain negative emotions. Ms. Davis is experiencing very real and sincere sadness. Unfortunately, when children are missing - the parents are very often a primary suspect. Such is not the case here however.

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 359: Last Stop for the Cain Train

Herman Cain has been a great subject lately for Body Language Analysis and this short video is particularly instructive. I cannot recall a potential Presidential Candidate ever giving a speech wearing sunglasses. In this context, it strongly demonstrates distancing and blocking behavior. Mr. Cain doesn't want to the audience to make eye contact with him. Given the accusations, his polling numbers and the fact he's about to quit the race - this not too surprising.

At the beginning of this video when Cain says, "I am at peace with my God" and, "I am at peace with my ....Wife", he uses what some call the "Finger Point-Hand Chop" (FPHC), (It is more than a bit intriguing that Mr. Cain stutter-pauses just prior to saying "...Wife"). His index finger is extended and pointing with the rest of the digits closed in a fist-like configuration with the added "wagging"/up-and-down motion of the entire hand/arm. In this context, he's using the FPHC to passionately drive home his point and this hand gesture is quite common in such settings - although very ill-advised. Virtually all people will feel threatened when this over-the-top aggressive gesture is directed their way. It is overly used by strong alpha personalities and/or those with narcissistic tendencies.

In some settings (but here not in this video of Mr. Cain), such as when one is being directly confronted regarding possible deception or during testimony - the FPHC is strongly correlated with lying. You may recall President Clinton using this same gesture when he was denying allegations concerning Ms. Monica Lewinsky (see: Change the person, time and circumstances a bit ....) - or when Raphael Palmeiro denied his use of anabolic steroids at his testimony before congress.

When he is speaking, Mr. Cain has a habit of moving his mouth and lips in a considerably asymmetrical fashion (he"speaks out of the side of his mouth"). Most everyone will correctly interpret this facial signal as one of insincerity. Those who use this facial-gesture, are attempting a form of "verbal-nonverbal" swagger. While it may have this effect in short, well-placed moments - Herman, and many others, dramatically overuse it. Search your memory, whenever this technique is being used in a movie - the actor, script and director are all clearly trying to send a similar message.

At the 0:55 mark, just after Cain says, "....I am suspending my Presidential Campaign .....", he briefly (although here longer in duration than a microexpression) displays a classic bitter-regret frown expression.

Throughout the the majority of this video, Herman Cain had a superimposed highly characteristic expression of emotional pain - a frown with the contraction of his central forehead. No doubt most anyone in his shoes would be wearing a similar expression. Last stop for the Cain train.

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