Negotiation Body Language Secret # 399: Sincerity in the U.S. Congress

Unfortunately, we usually see all too much posturing and insincerity from all political parties, in all venues, in all countries. Thus it is refreshing to see this video full of multiple verbal and nonverbal examples of truly sincere emotions this morning in the U.S. House of Representatives as Gabrielle Giffords resigns her seat. 

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 922: Gabrielle Giffords' and Barack Obama's Hug

Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and President Barack Obama are shown in these photos and the video of the same event, hugging just prior to the President's State of the Union Address last night. It is rare to have images of both participants' faces when a hug occurs. This gives us the opportunity to evaluate their nonverbals and thus the sincerity quotient of each person. If a "hugger" has true affection for another - the eyelids should be closed during the hug. Of course, such affection certainly need not be romantic. If the eyes are left open, either there is lack of affection or significant mental distraction is taking place. The times we touch another human being (e.g. hug, kiss, handshake, etc.) are highly impactful, don't come along very often and thus should not be squandered. Here we see true affection displayed between Representative Giffords and President Obama.

Gabby Giffords resigned from the House of Representatives this morning in her continuing effort to recover from injuries suffered during an attack on her and others near Tuscon, Arizona on January 8, 2011.

Please see also: Crime Prevention & Body Language Secret # 10: 3 Killers - What Commonalities?

Heal well Gabby.

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