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. 3807: Sarah Paulson's Fear of Flying - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTO)

A rarely discussed body language signal is seen during Sarah Paulson's recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

During the 1:02 - 1:03, as Ms. Paulson wants to speak, she curls up her fingers in what many would call a fist-like gesture. This is a body language signal of a momentary pent-up desire to speak - fighting against the urge to interrupt.

Once the speaking begins - the fingers unfurl ...

... and the hand then (typically) begins a palm-down and forward gesture ("Illustrator") as is seen here.

Too often people will misinterpret (or not even see) nonverbal cues. Next time, don't miss this one - for it is saying, "It's my turn to speak".


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3806: The Bachelor Nick Viall Awkwardly Reunites with Ex-Girlfriends Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe on Jimmy Kimmel

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3804: Barack Obama, Shinzō Abe and The Pearl Harbor Memorial

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3802: Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey and UFC 207

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3768: Cuban Leader Fidel Castro Dies

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3722: The 2nd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - One Positive Thing They Respect about Each Other

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3693: Grace VanderWaal Wins America's Got Talent Season 11

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3532: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and The Graham Norton Show


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3803: A Common Gesture of Donald Trump's - Variation on Alpha-Beta Hybrids - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Donald Trump uses a particular hand-arm gesture much more frequently that almost anyone else you will see. Indeed, you may never recall seeing this specific nonverbal signal before (as it is relatively unusual to rare).

When all of the fingers are extended during any hand gesture (in nonverbal nomenclature, this is an example of an "Illustrator"), in general (although there are exceptions), it is considerably more alpha in nature. Simply by flexing his forefinger (aka index finger) - which is the most dominant (or alpha) of all the digits - the President-Elect then transforms the gesture into one that is less alpha - and thus more beta.

This is one of many examples of what is known as an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid" - not high alpha nor extreme beta, but somewhere in between. It's profoundly helpful to be well acquainted with many Alpha-Beta Hybrids - as such intermediate body language is not only more commonly used than the alpha or beta ends of the continuum, but they are much more useful when trying to establish rapport and influence.

The three examples shown in this post, illustrate a further nuance within this particular alpha-beta hybrid family.

The nonverbal display pictured above (Example A) is the furthest toward the beta end of the "Alpha-Beta Spectrum". There are three reasons for this:

1. The palm is directed (mostly) upward
2. Donald Trump's upper arm is held close to his torso
3. His upper arm is in same plane as his torso
4. Mr. Trump's hand is held relatively lower (partially related to the position of his upper arm)

This next image (Example B) represents a relative intermediate in this alpha-beta family spectrum. Note the changes:

1. The palm is directed (mostly) vertically (relatively perpendicular to the floor)
2. Mr. Trump's upper arm is a bit further from his torso relative to Example A (It is useful to
    think of the position of the elbow, and in this second photo it's further from his torso)
3. The upper arm remains within the plane of the torso
4. His hand is held relatively higher versus Example A

As we see here in Example C:

1. Donald Trump's palm is directed downward. Palm-down gestures are significantly more alpha
    compared with palm-up gestures.
2. His upper arm is significantly further from his torso - much further than with A or B
3. Mr. Trump's upper arm is no longer within the same plane as his torso - but vectored forward
4. His hand is even higher than either A or B


Summary: When taken in isolation, all three of these examples have approximately the same hand configuration (e.g., They reside in the same alpha-beta hybrid nonverbal family). Yet when any of the following changes occur, the gesture grows increasingly alpha, more dominant and projects greater authority and power:

1. The orientation of the hand is progressively directed downward
2. The upper arm is held further from the torso
3. The upper arm is directed forward (not in the same plane as the torso or backward)
4. The elevation of the hand is increased


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3802: Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey and UFC 207 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3800: Houston Rocket's Chinanu Onuaku Shooting Underhanded ("Granny Style") Free Throws (and His Teammates' responses) 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3798: Elle Fanning, Channing Tatum and Dialing Up the Alpha 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3782: Zoey Deutch, Ryan Seacrest and Embarrassment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3743: Ronda Rousey's Anxiety - Anticipating Her Next Fight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3537: Stephen Colbert, Reince Priebus and a Flubbed Monologue

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3645: Miss Teen USA's Apology - Is She Sincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3635: Michelle Obama's DNC Speech and a Body Language Mistake


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3594: Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Fareed Zakaria - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Although it is brief, this video segment of Vladimir Putin and Fareed Zakaria is packed with some very classic and particularly telling nonverbal signals. Several of these are highlighted below. 

During the early portions of the above video segment (0:17 - 0:18, 0:20) - and once again at towards the end (1:55 - 1:58), Mr. Putin's left middle finger is covering his lips in a horizontal orientation.

This is an example of a very specific body language display known as a "Partial Emblematic Slip".

The display of a middle finger (giving "The Finger") extended while the other digits are flexed (contracted) is one type of an "Emblem" - the meaning of which is well acknowledged and known World-wide. Of course this gesture, when fully expressed, is held high and blatantly displayed. Yet here it is horizontal and touching his lips. Moreover the other fingers and the thumb are only slightly flexed. Thus this "bird" is not classically displayed - but camouflaged and partial. The great majority of the time this variety of derogatory nonverbal emblem is performed subconsciously - and this is why it is referred to as a "Slip".

0:17

Partial Emblematic Slip

Vladimir is saying,
"F*cK You!"












An additional aspect of this display is that it's occurring over his mouth - thus the Russian President is not only flipping the bird, but he is also telling Fareed Zakaria to hush - or to be quiet. Mr. Putin does not want this question to be asked. Mr. Putin then corrected Mr. Zakaria - calling Donald Trump "a bright person" rather than "brilliant", "outstanding" or "talented".

0:20

Notice the sudden lateral displacement of Putin's lips to his right captured here (Please view the video to more fully appreciate the dynamics of this subset behavior).

Beneath the obscenity, this "Lateral Lip Purse" is momentarily letting us inside of Putin's Mind. Although Vladimir has anticipated this question regarding Trump - this signal is telling us he's in the process of deciding exactly how to answer. Typically the lateral lip purse shows us the decision is between two or sometimes three choices - rather than a multitude.


1:56

Here we see another tell - a "Loose Forward Lip Purse" mostly covered by Vladimir's finger.

A loose forward lip purse signals a covert plan and/or a clandestine disagreement. These are displayed by a person who perceives himself to be a relative alpha with respect to whomever they're interacting. They also believe they have a good chance of successfully executing their plan.

What body language display(s) tell us whether Putin's obscenity was directed at the person asking the question (Fareed Zakaria) or the subject of the question (Donald Trump) - or both?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3593: What does Tulsi Gabbard think about Hillary Clinton?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3571: Donald Trump to Debate Bernie Sanders? What Trump Feels about Bernie

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3553: Donald Trump, Deception, Facial Touching and Empathy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3516: Hillary Clinton, Finger Pointing, Fossil Fuels, Bernie Sanders and Lying

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2896: Hillary Clinton - Vladimir Putin Bears Some Responsibility for the Downing of Malaysia Air Flight MH17

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3325: Vladimir Putin, the United Nations, Russian Soil and Confidence Levels

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3327: Chris Harper Mercer - School Shooter - Umpqua Community College near Roseburg, Oregon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3488: Donald Trump Brags about the size of penis - but His Body Language Indicates Anxiety/Deception

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3449: Natalie Portman's Hands - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In the above video, Natalie Portman demonstrates a common nonverbal gesture - and yet one rarely described. In body language parlance, this is but one of many examples of what is known an "illustrator" - for they serve to illustrate, emphasize and add description and flavor to verbal language.

In this interview, Natalie is recounting her research of, and preparation for a rendition of "Iko Iko" with Sia, Jimmy and The Roots. During the segment from 1:07 to 1:12  as Ms. Portman says, "... Yeah - it said something that it was like Creole, like the king being [Fallon over-talking] - a Mardi Gras, yeah, Creole ...", her hands move in an elevated, open palm, moderate-to-high frequency, moderate-to-high amplitude gesture. When interpreted in toto (particularly with Natalie's facial expression), this nonverbal is a "Kinda-Sorta-Maybe" gesture illustrating a "Nebulous quality" and a "Searching for the Correct Description" to that which is being discussed.

In this particular example, Natalie Portman's body language is highly congruous with her verbal language (as well as her paralanguage) - thus her sincerity quotient is very high. However this gesture is often used when the verbal language is (when simply taken at face value) decisive and definitive - yet in such a scenario, if you know what nonverbal signals to look for - you'll pick up on the insincerity. Often times our subconscious detects this disparity and leaves us with a feeling of ill-at-ease or "something's not quite right here" emotion.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3448: Ted Cruz's Challenge to Debate Donald Trump One-on-One; Cruz's Default Facial Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3443: Donald Trump - "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and Shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any Voters!"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3439: Ted Cruz and the Lateral Lip Purse

Dating & Romance Body Language Secret No. 2020: The Art of Looking Flirtatious

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2929: Jessica Alba, Sin City 2, Action Figures and the Jaw Confessional 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis 2759: Vladimir Putin, Annexation of Crimea and Mouth Asymmetry 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3435: US Sailor captain Apologizes to Iran 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3446: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Body Language


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3373: Barack Obama Delivers a Statement on the attacks in Paris - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Hand and arm nonverbal displays (what most people refer to as "gestures") when used with nuance are powerful nonverbal tools. In body language parlance, gestures fit into categories termed either as "Illustrators" or "MAPs" (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers). These nonverbal signs can build rapport or destroy it - they may project either alpha or beta characteristics - or they may reflect arrogance or more humble qualities. Many people use gestures in an incongruent manner relative to their verbal language and paralanguage (vocal qualities) - and in such disparity - will "leak" their true thought-feelings. In contrast, when all three communication channels (verbal, nonverbal, paralanguage) are aligned - sincerity is present and recognized.

Last night, when delivering his statement regarding the attacks in Paris, Barack Obama made almost no hand or arm gestures. Only an occasional crossing and uncrossing of his hands on the top of the lectern - as well as a gripping of its sides were displayed. Other than these milder hand and arm movements, no other gestures were used in this 4 minute speech. When speaking about such a somber and tragic event - particularly when it's still unfolding, lower positions and a relative lack of use of the hands projects a greater reverence and respect for those who had lost their lives in the attack.

If President Obama's hands had been elevated and using movements and configurations which, in almost any other setting would be "normal" or acceptable - would have been out of context here. Moreover had Mr. Obama displayed even moderate hand use in this situation, it would be both interpreted and signify an insensitive emotional tone with a veiled political agenda. The President's lower position and minimal hand usage is an analog of the genital guarding/fig leaf configuration.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3372: Ben Carson, Low Expressivity & Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2800: Richard Gere Plays a Homeless Man and a Caring Parisian Gives Him Food - Body Language of Sincerity and Empathy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2409: David Cameron & François Hollande - Variations on the Hand Chop & Palm Orientation  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3308: Hillary Clinton's Apology - Certainly Late, Yet Was It Sincere? 

Nonverbal Communication Quiz-Analysis No. 2902: How Sincere was Ray Rice's Apology?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3337: Barack Obama regarding Vladimir Putin on 60 Minutes - Body Language Tells  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3318: Barack Obama and Pope Francis 
 

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1181: Helle Thorning-Schmidt & herFalse Praying Gesture

Helle Thorning-Schmidt, the Danish Prime Minister, exemplifies here a pseudo-praying gesture. Like all body language, the pseudo-prayer must be interpreted in the context of the other nonverbals with which it is clustered. With this particular facial expression - especially her eyes, eyelids, brows and forehead - whatever verbal message she's trying to convey, the nonverbal message she's transmitting is extremely patronizing. Unless you teach preschool, if you don't want to alienate your audience - DO NOT emulate Thorning-Schmidt.

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