Body Language Analysis No. 4289: A Royal Wedding, Suppression of Tears, and Meghan Markle's Mom - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

If you watched Meghan Markle's and Prince Harry's wedding, you may have noticed Meghan's Mum - Doria Ragland. In these two images, taken seconds apart, we see Ms. Ragland with her lips rolled inward. Note that in these particular examples, her lower lip is doing so to a greater degree - but very often both the upper and lower lips are fully enveloped. 

An inward lip roll (ILR) is a nonverbal display often seen when a person is far from their emotional baseline - and - although they're rarely fully aware - the person's psyche is attempting to suppress these strong emotions. Thus this body language is a mechanism our subconscious uses to down-regulate both the inward growth - as well as the outward display of intense emotion.

It's more common to see this nonverbal down-shifting behavior associated with negative emotions (sadness, anger, frustration, etc.). An inward lip roll is an extremely common method we all use when trying to suppress tears. 

And yet the opposite is also true - for we all can think of examples when we found something very funny - and yet, due to the social context, we knew we shouldn't laugh - or even crack a smile.

Intriguingly, during a Wedding,  the emotions being felt - particularly by the parents - are often a mix of feelings - some happy and some a bit sad. 

It's extremely rare that a person fakes or acts an inward lip roll (even with accomplished actors) - therefore its display is a crucial insight into what a person is truly thinking-feeling. 

Well done Doria Ragland. Well done.

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

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4288: Is Michael Cohen going to Flip on President Trump?

Body Language Analysis No. 4286: Aaron Schlossberg's Racist Rant

Body Language Analysis No. 4284: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Deadpool 2, and Alpha Up-Regulation

Body Language Analysis No. 4282: When Public Displays of Affection are More Frequent than those in Private

Body Language Analysis No. 4276: Waffle House Hero James Shaw Jr. Meets His NBA Idol Dwyane Wade

Body Language Analysis No. 4262: Wendy Vitter, the U.S. District Court, and Brown v. Board of Education

Body Language Analysis No. 4207: Stoneman Douglas High School shooting (Parkland, Florida), Donald Trump, Ronald Reagan, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 4095: Celtics' Gordon Hayward Breaks His Leg in Dramatic Fashion During Game with Cavaliers

Body Language Analysis No. 4035: Hope Hicks, Jared Kushner, and Phone Tells

________________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 4206: Mike Pence regarding John Kelly's Handling of Rob Porter - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Wednesday 14 February 2018, Vice President Pence was asked about John Kelly's handling of the trouble associated with Rob Porter. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of some specific moments of this exchange.

VICE PRESIDENT PENCE (beginning at 0:01): Well this administration has no tolerance [deep exhalation] - for domestic violence - nor should any - American. And as I said, and as the White House has said, ah, ah, ah, I, I think the White House could have handled his better. And I still feel that way. And that being said, um [deep inhalation], any more counsel I have on this, I'll, I'll share with the President of the United States.

JOURNALIST: Are you a hundred percent confident that General Kelly has been fully honest and transparent in his explanation of Rob [inward lip roll] Porter's departure? 

VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: [deep inhalation] Ω There are very few [high pitch/mild voice crack] Americans or American families - that have served this nation more honorably - or sacrificed more for this country - than the family of General John Kelly. John Kelly's service in uniform, his distinguished service, ah, at our Department of Homeland Security where we saw dramatic reduction of illegal crossings at our southern border [deep inhalation] and his distinguished service as Chief of Staff - ah, gives me and the President great confidence (1:08) - in this good man. And I want the American people to know - not just John Kelly [deep inhalation] but family members in uniform - here - and gone - have served this nation with a love, a patriotism, and a passion - that should inspire us all.

JOURNALIST: So it sounds like you think he should stay.

VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:[deep inhalation] John Kelly, ah, has a remarkable job, (1:33) as Chief of Staff for President of the United States, ah, and, ah, I look, I look forward to continuing to work with him, ah, for many, many months to come. (1:40 - 1:44)

During 0:30 - 0:31, the Vice President exhibits a good example of an Inward Lip Roll just after the journalist says, "Are you a hundred percent confident that General Kelly has been fully honest and transparent ..."

An Inward Lip Roll (ILR) indicates the suppressing of strong emotions so that they won't crescendo internally - and so they won't be manifested outwardly.

During 0:33 (notated by the Ω symbol), just prior to answering the journalist, Mike Pence displays a classic expression of regret with the left corner of his mouth. Simultaneously, he is looking down and to his right - the quadrant of gaze commonly associated with deep emotional states - such as regret and sadness.

At multiple crucial times during his statement, Mike Pence shook his head in a side-to-side classic illustrator/gesture/head shaking signifying No - when this action contradicted his positive verbal statements such as:

"... gives me and the President great confidence (1:08) - in this good man ..."

"... John Kelly, ah, has a remarkable job, (1:33) as Chief of Staff for President of the United States..."

"... I look forward to continuing to work with him, ah, for many, many months to come." (1:40 - 1:44)

Additional paralanguage tells include:

• Multiple significant stuttering episodes
• Multiple deep inhalations/exhalations
• Voice cracking

Notice too, how the Vice President did not want to discuss the topics of Rob Porter or John Kelly - attempting to evade questions by saying, "And that being said, um [deep inhalation], any more counsel I have on this, I'll, I'll share with the President of the United States."

Moreover, and very tellingly, the Vice President simply did not answer the questions which were asked. 

Summary: Based on the Vice President's verbal, nonverbal, and paralanguage behavior exhibited in this video, Mike Pence believes that John Kelly was NOT being "... fully honest and transparent in his explanation of Rob Porter's departure". In addition, Pence's tells strongly suggests that Pence believes John Kelly will not be White House Chief of Staff much longer.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4205: Chloe Kim, Albert Einstein, and Creativity

Body Language Analysis No. 4203: Mikaela Shiffrin and the R2E2 Expression

Body Language Analysis No. 4201: Donald Trump's reaction to Rob Porter Resignation

Body Language Analysis No. 4199: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, and their "Mission Impossible" Helicopter Stunt

Body Language Analysis No. 4188: Donald Trump Gets Booed at Davos for Calling the Press "Fake"

Body Language Analysis No. 4164: Emmanuel Macron's Rapport Destroyer

Body Language Analysis No. 4130: Norah O'Donnell and Gayle King regarding Charlie Rose

Body Language Analysis No. 4097: Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, and a Tennis Tongue Tell

Body Language Analysis No. 4063: The Murder of Laci and Connor Peterson - Scott Peterson

________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 4140: Michael Flynn Pleads Guilty - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Former National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn - a former three-star general - pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI today. This means that Robert Mueller's team has evidence of Flynn committing other crimes. It also indicates that others members of the Trump Administration have their futures' in jeopardy.

Many sources now report that Jared Kushner was one "very senior member" of President Donald Trump's transition team who directed Flynn to contact Sergey Kislyak - then Russian ambassador to the United States - regarding a United Nations Security Council vote on Israeli settlements.

The cameras briefly caught Flynn as he arrived outside court this morning. From a body language perspective, there was one moment which was particularly telling. It can be seen in the above-looped video - repeated during 0:20, 1:10, and 1:25.

Although this image is a magnified and a screen-grab from its video source, we can still see Flynn's lips rolled inward. An Inward Lip Roll (ILR) is a nonverbal manifestation of one's psyche attempting to suppress strong emotions from growing.

You may also notice that Flynn's jaw is displaced forward. Known as a "Jaw Jut", this signifies an adrenaline surge - and although it can be seen with coupled with many other nonverbal signals - it usually accompanies an inward lip roll.

The body language signal which is easiest to see here is the momentary change of Flynn's neck. His neck muscles - including his sternocleidomastoid as well as his platysma are temporarily contracted and tensed. This is a reliable signal of fear.

Flynn's nonverbal cluster of Fear:

• Inward Lip Roll
• Jaw Jut
• Neck of Fear

Summary: Upon entering the federal courthouse in Washington DC this morning, Michael Flynn displayed a cluster of nonverbal signals indicating a significant level of fear.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4139: Donald Trump, the Tax Bill will "Cost Me a Fortune"

Body Language Analysis No. 4137: Matt Lauer's "inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace"

Body Language Analysis No. 4135: What Makes Markle's Eyes Sparkle? 

Body Language Analysis No. 4133: Vladimir Putin's Default Face

Body Language Analysis No. 4111: Selena Gomez, Francia Raisa, and a Kidney Transplant

Body Language Analysis No. 4100: Bryan Cranston and The Eyelid Pull

Body Language Analysis No. 4107: Paul Manafort, Robert Mueller, Russian Oligarchs, and Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 4075: Equifax Chairman and CEO Richard F. Smith Steps Down After Massive Hack/Data Breach

Body Language Analysis No. 4045: Rex Tillerson Regarding Donald Trump, "The President Speaks for Himself"


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 4125: Michael Flynn, Trick Arrows, and Suppressing Strong Emotions - Nonverbal and Emotions Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This image of Michael Flynn and K.T. McFarland was taken on 1 February 2017 in the White House Press Room. At that time, Flynn had been National Security Advisor for twelve days and Ms. McFarland was the Deputy National Security Advisor. Flynn's stint would only last for twelve more days. On 13 February he would be forced to resign for lying to Vice President Pence regarding the nature of his communications with the Russian Ambassador to the US - Sergey Kislyak.

Only six days earlier, Acting Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates had met with Don McGahn. Ms. Yates had informed Mr. McGahn (the White House Counsel and assistant to the President) that she felt Flynn had been "compromised" and thus was subject to possible to blackmail by the Russians.

What should jump out at you at first glance in this photo - is the configuration of Michael Flynn's mouth and lips. Notice how his lips are rolled inward.  An "Inward Lip Roll" is a strong signal of the act of suppressing strong feelings. His psyche is trying to prevent both the inward growth and the outward manifestation of robust emotions. But which ones?

You may have noted how Flynn's jaw is clenched and thrust forward. This "Jaw Jut" affords less "rolling-in" of his lower lip). His mid-face (e.g., "mustache area") is tense and his nostrils are also flared. This entire cluster of nonverbal changes is indicative of a surge of adrenaline.

His eyebrows are also both pulled together and directed downward along with his forehead.






Next, watch Lars Andersen - an extremely skilled archer in this video showcasing his remarkable skills published several weeks ago. Many would call his use of people here - a form reckless endangerment - and indeed even abuse - particularly with his use of a child.

Now, slow the video down to 1/4 speed at 0:58. Watch the arrow as it passes in front of the woman standing at the head of the line. Notice also how her lower and mid-face rapidly morphs in a manner similar to Michael Flynn's - with an inner lip roll, a jaw jut, mid-face tightening, and nostril flaring.

Their eyes and forehead are expressing differences, however. The woman's eyelids and forehead are significantly elevated while Flynn's are lowered. The reason for this is her adrenaline surge is quicker and stronger - she is experiencing only one intense emotion. In contrast, then National Security Advisor Flynn's adrenaline - although still elevated, was relatively lower. While both individuals were far from their emotional baselines' - experiencing fear - Michael Flynn was also calculating his next move.

Always remember - when you see an inward lip roll - in that moment, that person is far from their emotional center.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4124: Jeff Sessions and Russia - Part II

Body Language Analysis No. 4122: Jeff Sessions Testimony, Russia, Ted Lieu, and Changing Stories

Body Language Analysis No. 4120: Robert Mueller's Nonverbal Metaphor

Body Language Analysis No. 4118: Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit

Body Language Analysis No. 4111: Selena Gomez, Francia Raisa, and a Kidney Transplant

Body Language Analysis No. 4101: Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson

Body Language Analysis No. 4055: What Does Jessica Chastain Feel For Matt Damon?

Body Language Analysis No. 3940: National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster's Press Conference regarding President Trump's Sharing of Classified Intelligence with the Russians

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


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 4059: Steve Bannon Interview - Part II - "60 Minutes" - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This article is part II of Steve Bannon's recent interview on 60 Minutes. (see Body Language Analysis No. 4057: Steve Bannon's "60 Minutes" Interview). The following analysis focuses on a crucial segment regarding Robert Mueller.


CHARLIE ROSE: Do you believe Mr. Mueller should be fired?

STEVE BANNON: No, I do not.

CHARLIE ROSE: Has there been discussions in the White House about firing him?

STEVE BANNON: N-, a-, d-, d-, a-, I would not tell you about discussions in the White House, but I would tell ya I n-, nothing I ever heard like that.

During 1:07, just after Charlie Rose asks, "Do you believe Mr. Mueller should be fired?" - the camera switches to Mr. Bannon. The image above captures his facial expression at that moment. Note in particular his lips. This configuration is known as an "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR). Both upper and lower lips are rolled inward as the teeth gently to moderately bite down on them. An inward lip roll is one method the psyche uses in its attempt to suppress both the inward growth of strong emotions - as well as any outward manifestations of these same feelings (of course it's not always successful). Most of the time the ILR is seen in the context of negative emotions (particularly anger), but occasionally with positive emotions (e.g., suppressing laughter when it's not socially acceptable).

In this context - immediately following a definitive and "yes-or-no type question", this nonverbal prefacing with an inward lip roll indicates, with high certainty, that a lie is about to be told.

And Mr. Bannon's answer? "No, I do not."

Immediately after saying this, he returned to another, less pronounced, ILR.

The fact that Mr. Bannon didn't use a contraction here - e.g., "No I don't" - or simply, "No" - adds significantly to the weight of the nonverbal inward lip roll display. This is an example of how language, paralanguage, and nonverbal language are all congruently pointing to deception.

A moment later we see another paralanguage tell after Charlie Rose asks, "Has there been discussions in the White House about firing him?"

Steve Bannon begins his answer with a five syllable stutter, "N-, a-, d-, d-, a-, I would not tell you about discussions in the White House, but I would tell ya I n-, nothing I ever heard like that."

 
Moreover, during his answer - first, he looks down to his left ...

... and then to his right. Such dynamic lack of eye contact during an answer is highly suggestive of a lie (this is an example of the colloquial, "shifty-eyed").

Furthermore, listen carefully to his answer - it's not at all a clear yes or no. "N-, a-, d-, d-, a-, I would not tell you about discussions in the White House ..." then he finishes his sentence with, "but I would tell ya I n-, nothing I ever heard like that."

Rather it's a stutter, followed by "I would not tell you" - followed by another stuttering indirect "nothing I ever heard like that". There's no "no" in his answer. This is a fantastic example of statement analysis coupled with nonverbal analysis.


Summary: Steve Bannon does believe President Donald Trump should fire Robert Mueller - and discussions of this nature have indeed occurred between the two men.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4058: Cara Mund, Miss America 2018

Body Language Analysis No. 4056: Ed Sheeran and a Hesitancy to Disclose

Body Language Analysis No. 4054: Donald Trump and Chuck Schumer in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 4052: Hitler's Cryptorchidism and Emotional Dissonance

Body Language Analysis No. 4039: Blue Angels, Surprise, Emotional Processing, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 4002: Justin Trudeau Meets His Namesake

Body Language Analysis No. 3978: Keanu Reeves, Chuck Spadina, Sincerity, and Empathy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3911: Simone Biles gets Pranked on "Ellen"


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 4026: Aubrey Plaza, Ingrid Goes West, and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During her recent guest appearance on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show, Aubrey Plaza displayed some classic (albeit rarely recognized) nonverbal behavior.

She was there promoting her most recent film, Ingrid Goes West - a movie in which she both acted and produced.

During 4:46 in the above video, just before the camera cut to the teaser segment, note that Ms. Plaza displays the following nonverbal cluster:

• Inward Lip Roll (partial)
• Thumb Twiddling
• Knee Pulling/Hamstring Dissonance

An inward lip roll (ILR) is a subconscious effort to suppress further facial displays of outwardly manifested emotions as well as squelching the growth of inward feelings.

Thumb Twiddling is a common, nonspecific, anxiety indicator.

The display of "Knee Pulling" or its synonym implies, "Hamstring Dissonance" is a signal of conflicting emotions. It's as if to say, "I'm excited, but I'm nervous" - or "I want to show you, but don't want to show you". This is a very telling behavior, as it betrays conflicting emotions which are usually not indicated verbally.

Summary: Despite the fact that Ms. Plaza is a very accomplished actor, when "Aubrey is just being Aubrey", she's not nearly so skilled at projecting desired emotions - and her body language - in context.


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

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4025: U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert Regarding President Trump's "Fire and Fury" Statement

Body Language Analysis No. 4023: Mike Pence, The 2020 Presidential Race, and Anger

Body Language Analysis No. 4021: Stephen Miller and Jim Acosta confrontation 

Body Language Analysis No. 4019: John Kelly and Donald Trump in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 4003: Donald Trump, "Let Obamacare Fail"

Body Language Analysis 3988: Kim Jong-un, ICBMs, False Joy, and Fake Laughter

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3771: Tom Hanks Reenacts Iconic Forrest Gump Scene

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3558: Jack Whitehall, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Lawrence and Body Language



_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Body Language Analysis No. 4023: Mike Pence, The 2020 Presidential Race, and Anger - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

In refuting a New York Times article which said he was positioning himself to run for president in 2020, Vice President Mike Pence declared his loyalty on Sunday to President Trump. The VP responded with, "Today’s article in The New York Times is disgraceful and offensive to me, my family and our entire team. The allegations in this article are categorically false and represent just the latest attempt by the media to divide this administration."

Mike Pence's office issued this statement of denial - in writing - not via an interview or similar format. Thus we have no opportunity to correlate these words with his nonverbal behavior.

The image above of Mike Pence was taken in 2015 while he was Governor of Indiana (photo credit Gage Skidmore).

Note that his Inward Lip Roll is quite pronounced. There is also considerable coexisting tension of Pence's "Mustache Area". An inward lip roll (ILR) is a subconscious attempt to avoid a further crescendo of already strong emotions. Most of the time an inward lip roll appears in conjunction with a negative emotion (such as anger, frustration, impatience, etc.) - although it's sometimes seen in the suppression of positive emotions (e.g., joy-laughter during in socially awkward situations).

Now, look at his jaw. It's vectored forward in a configuration known as a "Jaw Jut". This particular jaw jut is quite extreme. Moreover, his accompanying chin dimpling indicates his teeth are also clenched.

Summary: This nonverbal cluster is classic - indicating Mike Pence was feeling anger - and suppressing it, at the time this image was captured.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4022: Jessica Alba's Rules for Naming Her Baby

Body Language Analysis No. 4020: Bruce Willis and the "Death Wish" Remake

Body Language Analysis No. 4018: Alexis Bledel and "The Handmaid's Tale"

Body Language Analysis No. 4016: Anthony Scaramucci - Faux Pas and Harbingers

Body Language Analysis No. 4005: O.J. Simpson's Parole Board Hearing

Body Language Analysis No. 4001: Jodie Whittaker, Dr. Who, and Flirting from a TARDIS

Body Language Analysis No. 3971: Elon Musk, Amber Heard, Affection, and Ownership

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3909: North Korea's Parade - Projecting Power and Control

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


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3893: Devin Nunes' Statement to Press Outside White House after His Controversial Meeting with Donald Trump - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTO)

This photo was captured immediately after Representative Devin Nunes' now very controversial meeting with President Trump at the White House on 22 March 2017. Afterward, in his statement to the press, Nunes, who is chairman of the United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, also revealed the existence of previously undisclosed FISA investigations. Many have noted that disclosing FISA's activities in such a manner is a violation of the law and antithetical to some of the basic principles for which FISA exists.

Thus within this context, Devin Nunes' facial expression in this moment is understandable. This nonverbal display is a classic example of an "Inward Lip Roll". As the name suggests, this facial configuration involves the lips are rolling inward, usually completely (momentarily with no view of the lips) and are gently to moderately "bit" by the upper and lower teeth. Sometimes abbreviated as ILR, the inward lip roll is a signal of the subconscious effort to suppress the growth of strong emotions - not only outwardly - visible for all to see, but also "inside" one's own psyche. The ILR can be thought of as a natural down-regulating mechanism.

Most of the time, the ILR is associated with the attempt at controlling what are thought of as traditionally "negative" emotions - such as anger, fear, frustration, disgust, sadness/tears, etc. Yet it's also seen during attempts to prevent "positive emotions", such as joy-laughter - the display of which (in the wrong settings) would have negative ramifications.

In our everyday interactions with others, we rarely have the benefit of such background information as we have here with Rep. Nunes. This is precisely why recognizing nonverbal signals as they occur in real-time is so very crucial - for people truly speak much more with their faces and bodies than they do with their words.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3892: Sean Spicer to April Ryan, "Stop Shaking Your Head"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3890: Ted Koppel on why he thinks Sean Hannity is bad for America 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3888: Paul Ryan's Response to the House's Failure to Overturn Obamacare and Pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA) of 2017 - "This is a disappointing day for us" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3868: Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, The West Bank and Anxiety 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3856: "Belle" Clip - Beauty and the Beast  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3815: Donald Trump's first Press Conference as President-Elect

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3799: Carrie Fisher and Princess Leia - Full Lips and Lip Pursing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3634: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the Democratic National Convention, Emails and Body Language



_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3880: Donald Trump Trying to Suppress his Anger the Day after Jeff Sessions' Recusal (and The Day Prior to Trump's Wire Tapping Accusations) - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

The image above (and the close-up cropped portion below) was taken as President Trump was exiting from The Oval Office on Friday 3 March 2017. It was widely reported/leaked that Donald Trump had only just finished arguing with some his top staff, including Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus (a video showing what appeared to be an argument had also been published). Purportedly the President had deemed that Jeff Sessions should not have recused himself (the day before) from any current or future investigations regarding Russia (or at least Sessions had done so far too easily/early).

It's important to note that President Trump's, now infamous Tweets - in which he accused President Obama of directing a wiretap investigation of him/his staff/Trump Tower were made early the next morning (4 March 2017).

It's important to note that President Trump's, now infamous Tweets - in which he accused President Obama of directing a wiretap investigation of him/his staff/Trump Tower were made early the next morning (4 March 2017).

One expression we all often make when we're trying to control our emotions is an "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR). As the name suggests, the lips are rolled inward between the teeth. Often (but not always), the lips can temporarily, completely disappear. These images show a partial ILR and most likely represent a moment a split second after - or a split second prior to a more fully expressed example.

The inward lip roll serves as a tool or psyche uses to suppress both the outward display of strong emotion - as well as its inward growth. Indeed, this nonverbal is the source of the centuries-old idiom, "Bite your lip" (e.g., If a person is biting their lip, they cannot speak mechanically - but also they will be less inclined to speak, for their temper will be coming under better control.).

An Inward lip roll is most commonly seen in the context of anger, yet it can also be seen to suppress other strong emotions, such as sadness and joy (e.g., laughing in the wrong social setting), pain, etc.

Conclusion: Donald Trump's expression as he is exiting The Oval Office on Friday 3 March, is highly congruent with the reports that an argument with his senior staff had allegedly just occurred.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3879: Donald Trump, Wiretapping, Adam Schiff & Russia 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3877: Kellyanne Conway re: "Wiretapping" Investigation - Alpha Displays 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3865: Jeff Sessions and Al Franken - Senate Judiciary Committee during Sessions' Confirmation Hearing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3819: Turkey's Parliament, Presidential Powers and Constitutional Amendments

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3767: Joseph Gordon-Levitt on playing Edward Snowden - but How Do Tom Hanks and Gemma Arterton feel?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3696: Jimmy Kimmel's 2016 Emmys Opening Monologue - Sarah Paulson brought Marcia Clark

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3634: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the Democratic National Convention, Emails and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3574: Selena Gomez's Body Language Reaction to Fans in Montreal


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3800: Houston Rocket's Chinanu Onuaku Shooting Underhanded ("Granny Style") Free Throws (and His Teammates' responses) - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Chinanu Onuaku made his NBA career debut on Monday night with the Houston Rockets. He came in the game in the fourth quarter, scoring six points and three rebounds in a 131 - 115 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Onuaku has made viral news by the sinking of his two free throws using the underhanded technique - which is often times colloquially (and patronizingly) referred to as "Granny Style".

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

Although many technical analysts and players (including NBA great, Rick Barry) believe the underhanded configuration is indeed a method which is statistically superior (often far superior) to the ubiquitous overhanded free throw (even Wilt Chamberlain used it in the 1961-62 season, including 28 free throws in one game), it has not been used in decades.

The response of his teammates in the above video provide fantastic examples of some nonverbal tells indicative of emotional suppression.

Note his teammates' (and even some of the audience) reaction. In this post, for nonverbal teaching purposes, his colleague Ryan Anderson's reaction is highlighted and analyzed.

In the frame above, once Chinanu Onuaku makes his first free underhanded free throw, Ryan Anderson stands, cheers and "fist-pumps" the air (red shirt with white towel around his neck). It's the first in Onuaku's NBA career, so perhaps a cheer from a teammate is in order - yet for a free throw this is disproportional and out-of-context.

As Ryan sits back down, his mouth is configured in an "Inward Lip Roll". An inward lip roll (aka ILR) is a sign of emotional suppression. This is subconscious attempt of the mind to minimize both inward emotion growth (can you tell what feelings he's suppressing?) as well as outward expression of that same emotion.

A moment later Anderson displays a "Tight Tongue Jut". In this nonverbal behavior, the term "Tight" is included to describe the concomitant jaw tension (in distinction to a "Loose Tongue Jut" which has a completely different meaning). A tight tongue jut signals disdain and repulsion - in this moment, at the idea/sight of a "Granny Style" free throw. This is identical to what occurs when infants push out food which they find "distasteful".

He then re-configures into another Inward Lip Roll. Note his simultaneous jaw jutting as well as his mid-face (mustache region and nostrils) tension. Disgust is being felt (and suppressed).

In this next image, we see a rarely photographed (yet not at all rarely displayed) variant of an inward lip roll - with Ryan Anderson's mouth open moderately (Did you catch the inward and downward vectoring of his eyebrows and lower forehead?).

In this final image, Anderson recruits his towel as a pseudo-mouth wipe in order to cover his feelings of disdain and disgust.

Summary: Ryan Anderson's clapping for Chinanu Onuaku's underhanded free throws is hyperbolic and sarcastic. He is strongly suppressing emotions of repulsion and disgust. These feelings may be secondary reactions to other emotions or conflicts.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3799: Carrie Fisher and Princess Leia - Full Lips and Lip Pursing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3797: Donald Trump's Out of Context Christmas Tweet

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3795: Donald Trump's White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer comments regarding Trump's, "Let It Be An Arms Race" Statement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3761: Mitt Romney meets with Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3674: Drake Presents Rihanna with Vanguard Award - 2016 MTV Video Music Awards

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3638: Hillary Clinton's DNC Speech - and One Expression Which Profoundly Lowers Her Likability

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3599: The Brexit, David Cameron announces his Resignation, Protection and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3531: Helen Mirren, Subways, Sincerity, Empathy and Body Language


_____________________________________________________________________________________