Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3907: Donald Trump Shows His Cards regarding North Korea - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Thursday, after fielding questions regarding the MOAB bomb exploded earlier in the day in Afghanistan, President Donald Trump was asked about its ramifications for North Korea.

JOURNALIST (beginning at 0:55): Mr. President, does it send a message to North Korea?

DONALD TRUMP: I don't know if this sends a message - ahhh - It doesn't make any difference if it does or not. North Korea's a problem. The problem will be taken care of..."

Immediately at the very end of the journalist's question, the corners of Trump's mouth pull outward (laterally) and down as he inhales with a highly characteristic audible hissing. This is highly indicative of the trepidation/fear - and the inevitability of a future/anticipated course of events.

Before answering, the President turns his head - looking down and to his right - while also turning his eyes down and to his right. This is Highly indicative of a deeper emotional response.

As he says, "I don't know if this sends a message", Trump shakes his from head side-to-side. This is immediately followed by a bilateral shoulder shrug (Indicating: I don't know, I don't care, What does it matter?, or What choice do I have?), while the President says, "ahhh". This nonverbal display is very much in agreement with his next statement: "It doesn't make any difference if it does or not."

As Trump says, "...The problem will be taken care of...", he displays a microexpression of contempt (on his right).


Flashback .... Last week, during his joint press conference with King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Trump very much nonverbally 'telegraphed his punch' one day prior to his retaliation for Syria's chemical weapons attack.

See: Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3899: President Trump regarding Poison Gas Attack in Syria - What Will Trump Do?

In that same press conference, Trump also commented on North Korea.





Beginning at 13:06 in this second video (immediately above), the President answers, "As you know, I'll be meeting with the President of China very soon, in Florida, and that's another responsibility we have - and that's called the country of North Korea.  We have a big problem.  We have somebody that is not doing the right thing. And that's going to be my responsibility. But I'll tell you, that responsibility could have been made a lot easier if it was handled years ago."

There is a multitude of nonverbal signals the President says while speaking during this paragraph, however, one is a particularly powerful harbinger. During 13:23 as he says, "And that's going to be ...", President Trump displays a head torque (please watch the video as the still image does not capture the dynamic nature of this display).

A head torque is indicative of a high-alpha emotional tone. Its components are a characteristic rotating/twisting of the head-neck together with a forward thrusting of the head. A head torque signals a particularly adamant and determined emotional mindset. This is a nonverbal signal which is so deeply rooted that many animals will exhibit this same behavior. Anyone who has spent time around horses will recognize the head torque.

Summary:

Donald Trump has put the proverbial ball in China's court in order to 'muscle-down' North Korea's nuclear weapons. If this 'Chinese Muscle' strategy is not successful, and if Kim Jong-un and the North Korean government do not stand-down (e.g., Refrain from testing another nuclear device, disassemble their nuclear weapons - and allow an outside inspection team to verify and monitor the process, etc.), based on Donald Trump's nonverbal behavior, there's a high likelihood President Trump will order a preemptive strike.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3905: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, and Deep Joy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3903: Rex Tillerson Disagrees with Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3901: Jared Kushner in Iraq

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3875: Children Interrupt Dad During BBC News interview

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3769: Fidel Castro and Nikita Khrushchev

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3717: Creepy Clowns, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3654: Hope Solo Calls Swedish Team "Cowards" after US Loss in Rio


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3840: Donald Trump regarding Vladimir Putin: 'We've Got A Lot of Killers. Do You Think Our Country Is So Innocent?' (Super Bowl Interview) - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Certainly one of the most controversial statement he's ever made since becoming President was spoken by Donald Trump during his "Super Bowl LI Interview".  What follows is a nonverbal evaluation of that crucial segment.

Beginning at 2:15, Bill O'Reilly continues: "Do you respect Putin?"

Donald Trump: "I do respect him. I -"

O'Reilly: [over-talking] "Do you? Why?"

Trump: "Well, I respect a lot of people. But that doesn't mean I'm going to get along with him. He's - a leader of his country. Ah, I say it's better to get along with Russian than not. And if Russia helps us in the fight against ISIS - which is a major fight - and Islamic - terrorism all over the World."

O'Reilly [over-talking]: "Right."

Trump: "Major fight - that's a good thing. Will I get along with him? I have no idea. It's very possible I won't."

O'Reilly: [over-talking] "But he's a killer though. Putin's a killer."

Trump: "[Th]'ere a lotta killers. [We] gotta lot of killers. Whatta you think our country's so innocent?
Do you think our country's so innocent?" 

O'Reilly: "I don't know of any government leaders that are killers anywhere - "

Trump [over-talking]: "Wellll - Take a look at what we've done too. [We]'ve made a lot of mistakes. I've been against the War in Iraq from the beginning -"

O'Reilly [over-talking]: "Yeah, but mistakes are different than - "

Trump: [over-talking]: "... A lotta mistakes. It's okay - but a lot of people were killed - so lotta -"

O'Reilly [over-talking]: "Alright."

Trump: "killers around, believe me."

As the President says, "Major fight - that's a good thing. Will I get along with him? I have no idea. It's very possible I won't." During 2:39 -2:40 he displays a nonverbal sign known as a "Head Torque".

A few seconds later (2:44) as Mr. Trump says, "[Th]'ere a lotta killers. [We] gotta lot of killers. Whatta you think our country's so innocent? - he exhibits another head torque.

A head torque is composed of a combination of twisting (rotating) motion of the head and neck along with a forward thrusting. A head torque indicates an adamant and determined emotional mindset. It's a high alpha (even hyper-alpha) signal - thus those whom display it feel, that at least with respect to their audience (and here the audience is in the hundreds of millions, perhaps a billion people), they are the "Alpha" and everyone else is "Beta".

Note that the President uses the head torque twice in 5 seconds. Most people who use alpha and hyper-alpha signals tend to over-use them. This is a mistake - such over-use is off-putting (e.g., a rapport destroyer) to everyone except those people who are already strong believers/backers in the person or the opinion/idea/plan being expressed (and off course the same principle would hold true for anyone, not just Mr. Trump).

The head torque is their body language saying, "I'm going to do/say/think what I want and I don't care what you think". Whenever you see a head torque, the person projecting it has their mind made-up - they cannot be "reasoned with".

Summary: In this context, Donald Trump's head torque signals his defense of Vladimir Putin. Trump is adamant of his sentiment of, "Do you think our country's so innocent?". It also signals the President's dismissive emotions regarding O'Reilly's criticism of Vladimir Putin.

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3837: Donald Trump's Contentious Phone Call with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3835: Beauty and the Beast – Official Final Trailer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3826: Kellyanne Conway to Chuck Todd, Press Secretary Sean Spicer Gave 'Alternative Facts'

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3658: Usain Bolt's "Cheeky Smile"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3789: Felicity Jones, Jyn Erso and Tattoos

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3729: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part I - Vladimir Putin, Body Language & Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3642: Does Donald Trump Know Vladimir Putin?


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3826: Kellyanne Conway to Chuck Todd, Press Secretary Sean Spicer Gave 'Alternative Facts' - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This morning, Presidential advisor to Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway was a guest of Chuck Todd's on Meet the Press. During the interview she used the phrase "Alternative Facts". Simultaneously Ms. Conway also displayed a very particular and rarely discussed nonverbal signal.

Beginning at 1:29, Chuck Todd continues, ".... It does not excuse, and you did not answer the question."

Conway [over-talking]: "I did answer your question, yes I did ..."

Todd [over-talking]: "No you did not. You did not answer the question of why the President asked the White House Press Secretary to - come out - in front of the podium - for the first time - and utter a falsehood. Why did he do that? It undermines the credibility of the entire White House Press Office on day one."

Conway [over-talking]: "No it doesn't. Don't be so, don't be so overly-dramatic about it Chuck. What it, it, you're saying it's a falsehood, and they're giving Sean Spicer, our Press Secretary, gave alternative facts to that, but the point really is ...."

As Conway says, "... alternative facts ..."(2:00 - 2:02), her eyelids close (eye closure here is not a required component of the cluster, however it acts as an amplifier) and she twists and rotates her head with a forward thrust. In nonverbal terminology, this is an excellent example of what is known as a "Head Torque". A head torque signals a distinct adamant and determined emotional tone. It's an alpha signal - and one which (as with all alpha configurations) should be used sparingly. It also signals a high frustration level along with mild-to-moderate anger. In essence, the head torque says, "I'm going to do/say/think what I want and I don't care what you think".

Whenever you see a head torque displayed, the person has made up their mind - and they can't be "reasoned with".

It's also profoundly important to note that Kellyanne Conway's verbal language, tone of voice and body language are all congruent in this moment. When this triad are all in agreement, we may or may not like what the person is saying - but we can be very sure that they're DETERMINED and THEY BELIEVE in what they're saying. Too often people only listen to what words are said - and completely ignore the concurrent nonverbal communication.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3825: President Trump's first Expression after Being Introduced 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3821: Alicia Keys Sings for Charlie Rose - Sincerity Amplifiers 

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3733: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part IV - The Turning Point of the Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3708: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump - Presidential Debates - Part IV - Hillary's Email Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3657: Abbey D'Agnostino, Nikki Hamblin and the Olympic Spirit

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3596: Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3534: Taylor Swift's (Vogue's) Rapid-fire 73 Q & A Session


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3037: Angelina has Chickenpox and will not be able to attend some events for the opening of her movie, "Unbroken" - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today Angelina Jolie and Universal Pictures made an announcement via YouTube. She has chickenpox and will not be able to attend some events regarding the release and promotion of her film, "Unbroken" which is scheduled to be released on Christmas day 2014.

This video shows us a great yet subtle example of a rarely discussed body language dynamic known as a "Head Torque".

The head torque is comprised of a turning and rotating of the head and neck in a relatively quick manner. Angelina's example is subtle (0:16 in video and in the image captured below); however with moderate and more extreme examples there is first a pronounced turning away from - and then a turning back towards the person/camera being addressed (e.g., Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2589: Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Admits to Smoking Crack Cocaine - Body Language of the "Head Torque"). A "leading with the top of the head first" motion is also seen. This nonverbal dynamic has a distinct twisting or torqueing  motion associated with it (thus the nomenclature, Head Torque). Many find it reminiscent of a dog or horse pushing and object with their head or mouth. The head torque has distinct alpha, adamant, frustrated and mild to moderate anger emotional components associated with it - as well as a metaphorical, "I'm going to 'take my medicine' " or "I'm going to do what I have to do" emotional tone.

Another body language dynamic seen in this video that is very often misunderstood is lateral (side-to-side) head shaking (and impossible to fully appreciate in still images) . A nonverbal beginner may often say that Ms. Jolie is lying when she is exhibiting this movement - (e.g., well seen during 0:22 - 0:26) - yet they would be very wrong for she is being highly sincere. Her side-to-side head shaking is highly congruent with her words, "... and I can't believe it, 'cause this film means so much to me. I just can't believe it ...". It signals that her emotional brain is still processing what her intellect already knows - that she won't be able to attend the events. It signals a form of semi-denial/disbelief.

What is the significance of the prolonged eyelid closure also seen during the head torque? (also pictured below)

Heal quickly Angelina.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3036: Angelina Jolie runs into Amy Pascal after email Hack - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2674: Did Chris Christie Orchestrate Bridge Closure or Cover Up His Subordinates Actions? Body Language Tells Us ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2260:  'Top Chef' host Padma Lakshmi regarding  New Delhi's recent gang-rape,  Indian Culture and Sexual-Physical Harassment - Body Language Nuance
 
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2459:  Was Eliot Spitzer Sincere?  Apology, Sincerity and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2951: Miss America 2015 - Sincerity, Surprise and Botox

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2945: Roger Goodell's Interview regarding Ray Rice - Denies NFL saw Video before Monday - Body Language Tells

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2589: Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Admits to Smoking Crack Cocaine - Body Language of the "Head Torque" (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Rob Ford admitted today that he has smoked crack cocaine. Recently the Toronto Police Department has said that it has video of the embattled Mayor of Toronto smoking crack. The video has not been made public yet and Mr. Ford who is calling for its release has stated he's not seen it either.

During the 0:19 to 0:21 segment of the above video Mr. Ford displays a distinct body language movement known as the "Head Torque". The head torque is comprised of a turning and rotating away with the head and neck with a subsequent turning back toward the person being addressed - leading with the top of the head first. This nonverbal dynamic has a distinct twisting or torqueing motion associated with it (hence the name) - and reminds some people of a dog or horse pushing and object with their head.

A head torque nonverbal has distinct adamant, alpha, frustrated, and mild-to-moderate anger emotional components associated with it - in addition to saying, "I'm going to do what I have to do" or "I'm going to 'take my medicine' " emotion message to it.

What other valuable nonverbal displays do you see in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2401:  Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Denies Crack Cocaine Allegations - Is He Telling the Truth?  His Body Language says ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2398:  Self Righteous Head Wiggle, Alpha Behavior &  First Drone Flight Off of an Aircraft Carrier

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1923:  Hillary Clinton's Body Language re: Syrian Government -  The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2452:  Marion Bartoli, Wimbledon and Short Dresses -  Body Language of an Apology-Confessional

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2582: Jay Carney Dismisses (and is Embarrassed by) Low Obamacare Enrollment Numbers

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2424:  Giada De Laurentiis on Conan O'Brien  Beautiful Teeth but Insincere Smiles and Some Body Language Signals of Waning Love

 

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