Body Language Analysis No. 4138: Matt Lauer, Intimidation, and Aggression - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Anyone who has even casually observed Matt Lauer's behavior over the past twenty years should in no way be surprised by some of his female colleague's allegations of "inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace".

Examine carefully each of these five photographs.
 
Anne Hathaway was on the Today Show in 2012 promoting her then recent film,  Les Miserables (for which she would go on to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress). Lauer initiated the interview bringing up the subject of an extremely embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. Moreover, he did so in a sexual manner, saying, "seen a lot of you lately".

But he didn't stop there, Lauer went on to say, "Let’s just get it out of the way. You had a little wardrobe malfunction the other night. What’s the lesson learned from something like that?" One has difficulty imagining how he could he possibly get any more patronizing.

Note the manner in which Lauer is sitting - with his legs crossed (European style). Sitting this close to any guest - regardless of their gender is out of context behavior for an interview. If space was limited - and he had to be this close - he should not have crossed his legs. And if he still felt the need to cross them in such close quarters, he should have pointed his leg/foot away from Anne Hathaway - yet he invades her space.

He does the same with most all of his guests - particularly the women. Included here are other examples of this same behavior with Jennifer Lopez and Katie Holmes.

Lauer goes out of his way to encroach on each woman's personal space - more specifically, their intimate space. With the ample area available in a major television studio - and when this behavior is of a chronic nature - it strongly signals the presence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (however this is only one of many narcissist behaviors).

Narcissists routinely enter into other's personal/intimate space in order to intimidate and exert dominance.

Moreover, this and similar nonverbal signs can carry the additional significance of sexual displays and sexual intimidation.

But note how Lauer sits when interviewing Donald Trump. He points his torso, legs, and feet away from the President (at an angle of about 80˚ - 90)˚- and in so doing affords his guest much more space.

The fact that Trump is an even greater narcissist than Lauer is not lost on us, however. The President routinely sits (regardless of the gender of his interviewer) in an extreme example of a "Seated crotch display" (colloquially known as "Manspreading"). He also, with high frequency, sits forward in his chair (with his butt away from the back of the chair) - in addition to leaning forward with his torso. This is an example of another hyper-alpha sitting posture. The President's status and his body language intimidates Lauer - making the hunter momentarily the hunted.

In this last image of Lauer interviewing Pete Carroll, the Seattle Seahawk's coach is sitting with his legs essentially parallel. Lauer again returns to his narcissist default position. While Carroll is not, in an absolute sense, in any way beta in this moment - he becomes a relative beta because of Lauer's hyper-alpha, invasion of Carroll's personal space.

Summary: Chronic invasion of another person's personal/intimate space signals their poor emotional intelligence and is a routine behavior of narcissists. Depending on the other accompanying nonverbal, verbal, and paralanguage behavior - it can also be a type of a sexual overture/display and a form of sexual intimidation and harassment.

These individuals will say, "I'm just comfortable this way" (or similar) - keep in mind this is only partially true. Translated, this really means that they're more emotionally comfortable only when they're asserting dominance, behaving aggressively, sometimes sexually (out of context) - and intimidating others.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4137: Matt Lauer's Duplicity - "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. 4131: Michael Flynn's Clandestine Plans

Body Language Analysis No. 4103: Las Vegas Shooter, Stephen Paddock's and His Brother's Common (Behavioral) Denominator

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

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

Body Language Analysis No. 3979: Ivanka Trump, "I Try to Stay Out of Politics"

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


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Body Language Analysis No. 4011: Anthony Scaramucci's First UK Interview - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Some say Anthony Scaramocci is simply acting under Donald Trump's instruction. Other's say that his personality has naturally become more Trump-like (by design) - or even perhaps it's his baseline personality. Which ever the reason, the new White House Communications Director needs a remedial course in body language.

The video above is Mr. Scaramocci's first interview with the BBC (with Journalist Emily Maitlis). There's a myriad of nonverbal tells in this eleven-minute video. The images below capture only those demonstrating the Communication Director's multiple personal space (intimate space) infractions.
 

1:22 - It's offensive to direct a palm towards another person, particularly in such close quarters.

1:56 - Palm-down gestures - especially so close to another person is hyper-alpha signal and universally offensive.

Note also the near-full extension of Scaramucci's arm. The further the arm is extended (elbow, shoulder, and wrist) this amplifies to the overall alpha-tone of the hand gesture.

2:11 - On multiple occasions, Mr. Scaramucci uses an index finger point - which is offensive in every culture on the planet.

2:38 - Another index finger point in intimate space. This has a wag-variation, which adds an element of a patronizing emotional tone.

2:40 - This is an example of touching a person out of context and without permission. This does not build rapport - rather it destroys it.

3:45 - More touching out of social context.

4:32 - Palm-down gesture - hyper alpha and much too close.

5:41 - More touching without permission. Emily Maitlis' mouth is configured in a thinned-lipped manner. Her nostrils are flared. She's angry - and she reflexively crosses her arms across her upper abdomen/lower chest.

5:59 - Repeated index finger pointing - universally offensive.

6:11 - Another touch - this "feels" a bit less offensive because it involves two fingers and is vertical rather than palm-down.

6:13 - Two seconds later, a repeat performance.

6:16 - This palm-finger forward gesture is hyper-aggressive, very offensive, and particularly discouraged when directed at a woman's breasts.

7:08 - More Palm-down touching.

7:33 - A double index-finger point is especially contemptuous. This is a tremendous rapport destroyer and an illustrator which is never recommended.

7:34 - Mr. Scaramucci tells Emily Maitlis she is a bit of an elitist (with a very elitist gesture)

8:11 - Right hand with an index finger point with the left hand in a tight fist. This is not how a gentleman behaves - and, crucially, it's indicative of a significant adrenaline surge. It's dramatically out of proportion to context - and is a profound warning sign.

8:14 - Ungentlemanly redux

8:53 - Yet another palm down infraction

9:02 - May I touch you? (No, you may not!)

9:06 - More is better? (NOT!)

9:16 - Mum always told you not to point.

9:37 - Especially not with both hands ...

11:00 - Additional touching without permission (Ms. Maitlis' mid-back)

11:02 - One last index finger point in intimate space


Summary: Anthony Scaramucci's multiple violations of Emily Maitlis' personal and intimate space is certainly not diplomatic - nor is it consistent with even a rudimentary understanding of body language (particularly ironic given he is the White House Communications Director). This behavior is universally offensive, rapport destroying, and narcissistic.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4010: Lisa Murkowski Responds To Donald Trump's Criticism

Body Language Analysis 4008: Veteran Who Survived Dunkirk Reacts to Film

Body Language Analysis No. 4006: Vladimir Putin and Melania Trump at the G20

Body Language Analysis No. 4004: US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher asks NASA scientist about Civilizations on Mars

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

Body Language Analysis No. 3985: Grief, Pain, and Barometers of Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 3979: Ivanka Trump, "I Try to Stay Out of Politics"

Body Language Analysis No. 3965: Manspreading, Madrid, and a Business Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3867: What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye? Emma Stone, Romance and Flirting - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3832: Donald Trump's and Theresa May's Hand-Holding - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday President Trump and Prime Minister May were seen holding hands while walking outside the West Wing of the White House. Subsequently several media sources reported that Donald Trump suffers from Bathmophobia - a fear of stairs or slopes - and this was the reason for him holding Theresa May's hand.

As the two began walking down a gentle slope (a ramp with an angle of approximately 10 degrees and 20 feet in length), President Trump took Prime Minister May's hand.

However, note Trump's opposite (right) hand - it is relaxed. When people are walking down a hill, slope or stairs, etc., which THEY consider steep or a potential hazard - their hands and arm will show tension. This is manifested with the arms moving out from the torso with a simultaneous splaying of the fingers and thumb. This is not, however, what President Trump is displaying.

Don't mistake this for Chivalry. What we're observing here is an example of "False Intimacy" and "False Affection" - as well as a "Alpha Dominance Display". Donald Trump had only just met Theresa May that day. With the exception of shaking another person's hand and a few other cultural or protocol-specific scenarios - an invasion of another's personal space (Intimate Space) should NOT be undertaken unless there is true affection or intimacy.

Just before their walk down this slope was complete, Trump taps May on the back of her hand. This is a nonverbal signal to "Let Go Now". It's very much akin to the "Disengagement Hint" of patting another person on the back - often seen at the cessation (unilaterally decided) of a hug.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3831: Donald Trump's and Theresa May's Press Conference 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3829: Mary Tyler Moore - Flirtatious, Sexy, Alpha Female Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3827: Sean Spicer's Saturday Night Press Briefing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2814: Claire Foy's recounting of Meeting Kate Winslet

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3787: Meghan Markle's Body Language - and some Ramifications for Prince Harry

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3538: Barack Obama, David Cameron, Number 10, Brexit and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3526: Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler Meet - the Munich Agreement - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3622: Theresa May's First Speech as Prime Minister - Body Language Faux Pas


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3811: Hayden Panettiere, Stephen Colbert and Personal Space - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Hayden Panettiere's recent guest appearance on The Late Show provides many nonverbal displays worthy of analysis - and in this video, the subtopic of personal space certainly seems to "jump out at you".

Talk shows often arrange up their stages in a manner which makes it physically uncomfortable for the guest. While the host (sitting behind a desk) is in a swivel chair, the guests are in fixed chairs which are set at 90 degree angles from the hosts'. That is the case with The Late Show. This setup makes the guests either twist their backs in their chairs or lean forward. 

Barriers alienate us in exchange for increased alpha status and/or protection. The desk is an authority prop which is not necessary - or at least it could be greatly reduced. An example of this would be having the desk facing the audience but with no barrier facing the guests.

The way Stephen Colbert's desk is set up makes him want to lean across it to compensate (0:39), in an effort to minimize the barrier effect.

But then an unexpected thing occurs - Panettiere reciprocates and leans just as far forward (or more) - into Colbert's personal space (or more specifically into his intimate space at 0:41). While mirroring is normal behavior during moments of good rapport - moving into another person's space to this degree is very much out of context.

Colbert then quickly pulls his torso backward (and leans away) - which is a very normal response for such an unexpected encroachment (0:42).

Then Ms. Panettiere leans even more forward (0:50). This time Mr. Colbert is somewhat prepared and suppresses the impulse to pull away.

At 2:38 Panettiere lunges forward, even further into Colbert's intimate space and grabs him. Colbert's widely opened eyelids as well as his flared nostrils with the corners of his mouth pulled laterally and downward indicate a fear response (this is not Colbert acting).

Actors act. When we see a film or TV show we want to believe in heroes and villains. We want them, via their acting, to suspend our disbelief. But when they are guests on talk shows, we want to see "the real person". This is not however, always the same thing the actor desires. Hayden Panettiere's repeated invasion of Colbert's personal space is not natural or normal behavior. It was extremely out of context and proportion. The most likely explanation for this is deliberate melodrama for PR purposes.

In the everyday world, we see many examples of similar (albeit somewhat reduced) behavior very often. In those settings (a chance meeting a coffee shop, discussions with co-workers, etc.) we would be accurate to call such melodrama examples of insincerity. Indeed, some people essentially are role-playing many portions of their persona. Such individuals make us feel as if they are always acting.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3810: Mark Wahlberg, Justine Bieber and Ellen DeGeneres

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3808: Felicity Jones' Sincere Smile

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. 3790: Senator John McCain Believes Russian Election Interference Could 'Destroy Democracy'

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3716: Fatherhood, Body Language, Emotional Intelligence and Ashton Kutcher's Pants

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3664: Benjamin Netanyahu, Viktor Yanukovych and Vladimir Putin

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3577: Tape Face - America's Got Talent 2016 Auditions 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3490: Conor McGregor, being a Plumber and LeBron James
 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3679: Donald Trump, Enrique Peña Nieto and The Wall - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Yesterday Donald Trump visited with President Enrique Peña Nieto in Mexico City. During a subsequent press conference Trump was asked, "... Is there any chance Mexico paying the wall?"

The two men then looked at each other and President Peña Nieto gestured toward Mr. Trump. The businessman then answered, "Well, I’ll start. I mean nothing like an easy question like that. We did discuss the wall. We didn’t discuss payment of the wall. Ah, that’ll be for a later date. This was a very preliminary meeting ..."

[From a Statement Analysis perspective, Donald Trump saying, "... I mean nothing like an easy question like that ..." - this was a stall technique, which gave Trump time to formulate his answer. Why also call a question easy? Because it wasn't. The opposite and hyperbolic nature of this sentence is a misdirecting tactic.]

Enrique Peña Nieto should have not waited, gestured or acquiesced this crucial moment - he should answered the question first. Moreover he didn't refute Trump's statement in person. Yet a few hours later the Peña Nieto tweeted, "At the beginning of the conversation with Donald Trump I made it clear that Mexico will not pay for the wall".

The image above was captured as the two men were walking off stage at the end of the press conference. President Peña Nieto's face is very telling in this moment. His jaw is clenched and mildly jutting forward. His "mustache area" is tightened and his nostrils are flared. Eyebrow lowering and tension in his left lower eyelid is also noted. This nonverbal cluster is indicative of both anger and disgust.

Mr. Trump is committing a nonverbal act of "False Intimacy" which in this context is also a hyper alpha display. Despite what he said earlier in his speech, he and the Mexican President are not friends. However even if they were, the invasion of another person's personal space (more specifically intimate space with touching) when not invited to do so - and then guiding them off stage (or through a doorway, etc.) is patronizing and arrogant. This body language faux pas is further amplified by it taking place in the Mexican capitol and in the setting of a press conference.

Summary: President Peña Nieto feels both anger and disgust toward Donald Trump. Trump's touching of Peña Nieto and ushering him off stage was a patronizing and hyper alpha display of false intimacy.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3678: Donald Trump's Trip to Mexico

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3676: Colin Kaepernick Says He Be Sitting Down During the National Anthem

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3673: Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin separate after Sexting Scandal

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3669: Jordan Spieth, Bill Murray and the Asymmetrical Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3523: Jaws - "You're Going to Need a Bigger Boat" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3508: Batman V Superman - Sad Affleck? (NOT!)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3565: Adolf Hitler, Jesse Owens and Archie Williams

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3538: Barack Obama, David Cameron, Number 10, Brexit and Body Language 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3604: Nigel Farage, Jean-Claude Juncker, The Brexit and "Why Are You Here?" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today Nigel Farage, the leader of the far-right UK Independence Party (UKIP) asked for free trade with the EU while in the same breath insulting its leadership (e.g., "I know that virtually none of you have ever done a proper job in your lives or worked in business or worked in trade or indeed ever created a job. But listen, just listen ...").

During his retort to Farage, Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission (and former PM of Luxembourg), replied, "That's the last time you are applauding here," as well as, "You were fighting for the exit, the British people voted in favor of the exit. Why are you here?"

Perhaps the two men did not fully anticipate the upcoming exchange or their emotional crescendos'. Or maybe they are very good friends - almost like family - but as with some families, fallout is just around the corner. For in the video above (before the session began) and captured in these still images, we see the them embracing. Moreover Juncker even cradles Farage's head and whispers in his ear. While some may site this as a manner to speak to him semi-privately in what is a crowded and noisy environment - it's also very much an encroachment into his personal space (more specifically, his intimate space).

In addition Juncker is exhibiting full palmar contact with both hands (although Farage's right hand in the above image appears to be somewhat cupped - thus touching, but not fully, Mr. Juncker). Despite the sharp verbal exchange which is soon to follow, this nonverbal behavior is indicative of more than just protocol, practicality or politeness - it's a strong signal of significant affection - particularly of Mr. Junker for Mr. Farage).

This was either a ruse (the two men are much closer than it would otherwise appear) or it's the fracturing of a friendship.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3603: David Cameron's Resignation, The Brexit and Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3595: LeBron James, Disbelief and Emotional Processing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3584: Brock Turner's Mugshot, Duping Delight and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3572: Bernie Sanders on Jimmy Kimmel - regarding Donald Trump Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3512: Emilia Clarke, "Me Before You" and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3477: Henry Cavill Asks Children - Batman or Superman? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3454: Donald Trump - Buying the Farm after 2nd Place Finish in Iowa Caucuses

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3496: Hillary Clinton and George W. Bush Hugging at Nancy Reagan's Funeral

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