Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3909: North Korea's Parade - Projecting Power and Control - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Every year on the birthday of Kim Il-Sung, North Korea conducts a parade projecting military power. This year more eyes were watching, the festivities were more extravagant, and the missiles were more massive. The DPRK does possess nuclear weapons - and according to some sources, they may now be miniaturized enough to be carried by aloft by missiles. Their ballistics are "limited" to intermediate ranges - however these are certainly powerful enough to strike all of South Korea and Japan. 

If you watched any of the major news reports, you probably saw the North Korean soldiers - both men and women marching in a particularly highly-stylized manner known as "Goose-Stepping" (Both still images exampled here were captured during Saturday's parade).






In the video above, the dynamics of goose-stepping soldiers can be seen during 1:23 - 1:41.

What is the significance of goose stepping?

This military march originated in Prussia in the mid-18th century. At that time it was termed, the Stechschritt (which literally meant, "piercing step") or Stechmarsch. The name "Goose Step" was later given to this marching movement by the British Military.

Of course, this, or virtually any military marching is choreography. It both engenders and demonstrates a high degree of group-think. If one can achieve this level of physical coordination and synchrony - a similar amount of mental molding and mind-melding will also occur (and vise versa).

Although many militaries still use Goose-Stepping, because of its strong association with WWII and Nazi Germany, a good number of nations have long-abandoned this practice. The term has become strongly connected with very visceral and negative emotions/images/associations of dictators, strongmen, fear, intimidation, oppression, and death.

From a pure body language perspective (without historical biases), Goose-Stepping projects strong emotional signals of:

• We will NOT accommodate you
• We will NOT bend for you
• You WILL DO as we wish
• You are one with us
• You are part of the group
• You are no longer an individual
• We are all of one mind
• We will control you
• You will conform
• We are powerful
• Fear us

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3908: Kim Jong-un's Mask of Insincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3907: Donald Trump Shows His Cards regarding North Korea

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3896: Did Matthew Perry Really Beat Up Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau? 

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. 3864: Uber's CEO, Travis Kalanick Arguing with an Uber Driver regarding Falling Fares - Escalation v. De-Escalation, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3833: Samuel L. Jackson, Magic Johnson and a Yacht



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3732: Donald Trump cuts short interview after Question Regarding Racism - Predicting Trump's Behavior - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During an interview yesterday at a campaign event in Delaware, Ohio - Donald Trump cut short an interview and walked away.

Colleen Marshall (beginning at 0:56): Nineteen days out from the election - you've been labeled a racist, you've been called a sexist -

Donald Trump: Thank you very much. [Begins to walk away]

Marshall: H.... How do you respond to that?

Trump:  [Turns back] Ah, I am the LEAST racist person you've ever met.

Immediately after he says,"Ah, I am the LEAST racist person you've ever met" - Mr. Trump turns and completes his walk-away. The expression on his face upon doing this (1:07 - 1:08) is indicative of a combination of both disgust and regret.

It's also noteworthy here that, although the camera does not show this fully, Mr. Trump most probably invaded Ms. Marshall's personal space [intimate space] and touched her near the left elbow. In the context of a walk-away, this act of physical contact is also patronizing, narcissistic and intimidating.

This is another recent example of how Mr. Trump's behavior has become more volatile and impulsive. I cannot recall another post-convention, major presidential candidate ever walking away during an interview. Coupling this observation with Mr. Trump's dichotomous World-view as well as his inability to admit failure - and it's not a stretch to speculate that if his poll numbers keep dropping (or even remain at current levels), Donald Trump will drop out of the Presidential race so as not to go in the history books as losing the election.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3731: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part III - "Such a Nasty Woman"

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. 3727: Donald Trump and Children

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3711: Vin Scully calls Kirk Gibson's legendary walk-off homer during Game 1 of the 1988 World Series

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3706: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump Presidential Debates - Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3688: Vladimir Putin, Phone calls, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3618: Salma Hayek regarding Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3591: Jo Cox, The Brexit and Sincere Smiles 
 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3690: Stan Wawrinka beats Novak Djokovic to win US Open - Body Language & Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Stan Wawrinka beat Novak Djokovic to win his first US Open on Sunday. As he recounts, Wawrinka began using the gesture shown below a few years ago when he also beat Djokovic - but in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

From a body language perspective (depending on the other nonverbal signs with which it is clustered) this is a variety of an "Emblem" - although in some scenarios it may be an "Illustrator" or a "MAP" (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier).

When pointing at one's temple simultaneously while looking at another person after a particularly good play, point, performance, etc., (usually for somewhat of a prolonged duration in a stare or modified stare), this nonverbal cluster functions as form of a "game face" for intimidation. Somewhat overlapping with this, it can also mean, "I've got you figured out" or "I'm smarter than you".

Yet when the same nonverbal sign is used while looking instead at the audience, this same emblem then primarily indicates a strong mental focus or mental strength.

In either scenario it also acts as positive feedback loop serving to amplify the positive feelings and reinforce the memory, thus making it more likely for its user to emotionally, mentally and physically re-create the experience in the future.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3689: Times Square Kiss on V-J Day

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3687: Katy Perry Surprises Fan-Survivor of Orlando Nightclub Shooting on Ellen 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3684: Barack Obama's and Vladimir Putin's "Stare-Down" at the G20

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3683: Milo Yiannopoulos believes trolling is his way of "Doing God's work" 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3659: Ryan Lochte's "Today Show" Interview regarding Alleged Rio Robbery 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3651: Micheal Phelps, Chad le Clos and the Power of the "Game Face" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2313: Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel - What Her Body Language Tells Us


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3529: Vladimir Putin's Alpha Body Language - Correlations between the Hands and the Face (PHOTO)

Vladimir Putin is NOT known for being a beta personality. Certainly the same can be said for all heads of state. In this image, the Russian leader exemplifies several crucial nonverbal signals.

Note the configuration of his right hand. This forward directed, multiple digital pointing is termed, "The Claw". It's one of many hyper-alpha illustrators. When a person uses it, make no mistake - they believe they are the holding the power and their audience to be the subordinate(s). This is NOT an example of a nonverbal gesture one would use to build rapport - but rather to display power and also to not-so-subtly intimidate.

The Russian President's eyebrows are pulled together (medially) and downward to a mild-moderate degree. His lower eyelids are also displaying a similar amount of tension and his eyes are partially closed. This cluster of changes around his eyes are indicative of anger.

It's also important to point out the correlation between the level of tension in one's face - and the tension in the hands. These two regions often mirror each other. When the face is relaxed, the hands are nearly always relaxed too. And when the hands display negative emotions - we very typically see similar emotional tone reflected on the face. Thus we can use this phenomenon as one method of cross-checking our interpretations of others' nonverbal behavior.

What other body language displayed in this moment is significant?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3528: Brothers Prank their younger sister with an ongoing Zombie Apocalypse

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3524: Paddleboarder's Encounter with Spinner Shark 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3522: Felicity Jones in New Star Wars Trailer: "Rogue One"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3389: Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama meet in Paris - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3207: Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 39: Tom Cruise and Cameron hugging, Ms. Diaz - Affectionate vs. Non-Affectionate Hug


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3474: Donald Trump, Handshakes and Narcissism - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Tonight in South Carolina, Donald Trump won the his second presidential primary. It's looking increasingly likely that the businessman will become the 2016 Republican Presidential Nominee. Back in February of 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada - when Mitt Romney was running for President, Donald Trump endorsed the former Massachusetts Governor who went on to challenge President Obama.

Although this video has a multitude of body language tells, one in particular is highlighted here - Trump's and Romney's handshake. Note that during 1:55 - 1:58 and again at 5:53-5:55 of the above video, in both instances, Trump pulls Romney into his personal space (even into his intimate space). This is but one variety of a handshake which is hyper-alpha and highly narcissistic. Moreover, those who use this handshake are deliberately trying to intimidate.

In addition, men who shake a woman's hand in this manner have a very high rate of misogynistic and objectifying behaviors.

1:56

5:54


















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3473: Adele's Tongue, Ellen DeGeneres and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3462: Donald Trump calls Ted Cruz a "Pussy"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3459: Miscues on the Introductions to New Hampshire Republican Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3455: Jerry Rice Undercover - Lyft Super Bowl 50 Commercial

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1874: Bad Handshake - Political Prevalence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3431: El Chapo, Sean Penn, an Interview and a Handshake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3429: Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward met with Ammon Bundy 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3345: Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama and a Handshake at the U.N.

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate - Body Language Faux Pas


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3369: University of Missouri Protesters Obstructing the Press (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Monday's events at the University of Missouri were in the national spotlight for several reasons. Tim Wolfe, the University President had resigned in the morning secondary to mounting pressure he had received for his alleged poor handling of multiple racist incidents on the campus in this autumn.  Students, including the football team - who with the support of their coach had refused to play, were the primary activists which brought this change. When members of the press attempted to photograph, video, interview and document the events (including the celebration of Wolfe's resignation) - they were met with intimidation and force.

The intent of this post is not to comment on the original inciting racist events, Wolfe's apparent mishandling of them - or the call for his resignation. Rather it is to showcase the nonverbal behavior exemplified here - specifically with respect to violation of personal and intimate space. 

At 2:17, Janna Basler,  assistant director of Greek Life & Leadership at the University of Missouri, appears to be  pushing Tim Tai. Immediately after this image was captured, Mr. Tai says, "Don't push me."

Here (5:52) and unidentified student appears to be pushing against Tim Tai as he is also seems to be grabbing for Tai's camera with Janna Basler in facing Mr. Tai. Just after this Tai again says, "Don't push me."




 

At this moment (6:08) the crowd is deliberately moving forward with their collective focus pushing on Mr. Tai as he says, "You're pushing me."

6:28

Melissa Click, who at the time was an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at University of Missouri, and has now resigned - is shown here grabbing the camera of Mark Schierbecker.




This is of course a small subset of all the events at the University of Missouri on Monday, and as Mr. Tai has said, "A lot of hardworking journalists were physically blocked from doing their jobs – I just happened to be on video. I didn't ask for notoriety." It should also be noted that photo and video credit for all those included here goes to Mark Schierbecker.

Many attorneys would conclude that the physicality shown involved in the direct touching, pushing, poking, etc. of Schierbecker and Tai constitutes assault. They both exhibit much greater than average emotional control by not, in some capacity, physically retaliating.

When personal space is encroached (at approximately 18 - 48 inches) and even further into our intimate space (from touching out to 18 inches) in the context of a typical subway ride, we tend to subdue our emotions, facial expressions and our other body language. Our arms and legs tend to be held significantly closer. We put on what is essentially physiologic crowd mask as our proxemic tolerance increases.

Yet in many other scenarios - and whenever emotions are even slightly elevated, our tolerance for such physical closeness with others diminishes significantly. We grow uneasy. Our adrenaline escalates along with our tempers. The probability of physical altercation becomes logarithmically more likely. That is what very clearly occurred here. These multiple and deliberate acts of encroachment coupled with the phenomenon of herd mentality (even if direct touching and pushing had not occurred) would have in most circumstances led to physical altercation. Deliberately entering into others' personal or intimate space (even once, let alone multiple times) is interpreted as a threat. This is not hyperbole, but normal physiology. To ignore or trivialize this behavior is naive at best - and more typically violence-provoking.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3368: Donald Trump, Insincerity and Starbucks

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3361: The Johnson Treatment - Body Language and Personal Space

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3303: Gorilla watching pics of other gorillas on Man's Phone at Zoo - Body Orientation, Personal Space and Emotional Comfort

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3209: G7 Summit - Angela Merkel, Barack Obama and Matteo Renzi - and a Major Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3244: Serena Williams' on-court interview at Wimbledon

Body Language, Flirting and Romance Secret No. 39:  Affectionate vs. Non-Affectionate Hug 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3297: 70th Anniversary of the End of World War II - Height, Intimidation and Surrender on the Mighty Mo' (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Most people are intuitively aware that height often confers a significant advantage - yet some would be surprised to discover the specifics. Taller individuals, particularly men, get hired easier, win elections more often, get promoted more readily, have higher incomes and even longer life-spans. Intriguingly we interrupt taller people less frequently. Taller men also enjoy a significant advantage in the realm of romance.

While there is nothing a person can do to increase their absolute height - factors such as posture, standing while others are sitting (although this must be strategic and only in select scenarios), stages/podiums, camera angles and high/higher heels (even shoe lifts with men) artificially lend significant height.

Seventy years ago today, 2 September 1945, on the deck of "The Mighty Mo' " - World War II came to an end with the Japanese surrender. It was the duty of James L. Starnes, the navigator on the U.S.S. Missouri, to ensure the success of the short but highly choreographed ceremony.

A little known nonverbal nugget of history: Lieutenant Commander Starnes picked out eight seamen, all over 6 feet tall to form a very deliberate gauntlet of intimation in an effort to project the military superiority of the Allies as the Japanese delegation came on board.

After just 23 minutes it was all over. General Douglas MacArthur then spoke the last words of WWII, "These proceedings are closed" - and humanity's bloodiest war came to an end.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3077: Caroline Wozniacki & Rory McIlroy - One Reason Why Relationships Fail - and an Important Warning Sign

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2400:  One Way Deception Could be Minimized in the Court Room -  O.J. Simpson's in Court

Negotiation and Leadership Body Language Secret No. 339:  The Height Advantage - Obama & Sarkozy

Romance, Marriage and Dating - Body Language Secret No. 609:  Going from High Heels to Flats and then back to Heels

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3295: Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Football and Predicting Violent Behavior


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3186: Kim Jong-un, Hyon Yong-Chol, Intimidation and Arm-Movement - Body Language (PHOTO)

It seems being a high government official in Pyongyang is a bit dangerous. Late last month, the North Korean Defense Minister, Hyon Yong-Chol was executed. Kim Jong-un wants to be feared. As hundreds were made to watch, he was reportedly killed and his body was obliterated by anti-aircraft guns.

Whether it's an attending physician at a teaching hospital surrounded by "his" residents and medical students, a CEO circled with yes-men ... or a tyrannical leader - when an alpha personality is accompanied by his or her subordinates, there is a very significant drop-off in the amplitude, frequency and speed of the subservients' arm and hand movements. This is a very noticeable behavior pattern - regardless of the culture or country. This same phenomenon is even seen in great apes, lower-order primates as well as with other mammals. In more alpha personalities or alpha contexts the upper arm in particular will extend further from the torso - and do so more often. Faster rates of upper limb moments in the dominant personalities are also more common. Hands tend to be more open in those with power while people whom are lower in the pecking-order will tend to keep their hands more closed.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3185: Julia Roberts Recalls Her First Interview with David Letterman - a Body Language Indicator of Sincere Laughter

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2807: Barack Obama at 2014 White House Correspondents' Dinner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3091: Vladimir Putin has Asperger's Syndrome according to Pentagon Report

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2580: Angela Merkel's Fingers, Emotions and Mobile Phone

Dating & Romance Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1010:  Rashida Jones - What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye?

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