Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2835: Jay Carney Resigns - President Obama Shows Us a Body Language Tell (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday President Obama announced Jay Carney's resignation. Josh Earnest will be the new White House Press Secretary.

In the video above (beginning at 0:06), as he begins this announcement, Barack Obama says, " ... um .... One of Jay's favorite lines is, 'I have no personnel announcements at this time' ..."

Just after the President says "um" and then for the five words he displays an ear screw (a variation of ear scratch or ear rub). When occurring simultaneous or just before (and occasionally after) a declarative statement such as this - an ear screw is highly consistent with deception. Now such a "little white lie" is probably acceptable to most people - after all Barack is trying to open with a mildly comedic line here. And yet POTUS still displays a highly characteristic nonverbal signal consistent with lying.

Conclusion: President Obama is not a good liar. If he (or anyone else) cannot pull off the "little white lies" - then the big ones are practically impossible. The chances of displaying body language tells indicative of deception are proportional to the ramifications of getting caught in the lie.

There's a myriad of nonverbals in this video - which other ones are particularly telling? What characteristics of the President's and Carney's hug are sincere? Insincere?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2834: LeBron James, Lance Stevenson and False Intimacy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis 2832: Is Edward Snowden Telling the Truth? - Body Language Tells

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2677: Jay Carney's Beard - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2495:  The White House, Josh Earnest, Egypt and a Coup -  Body Language Tells

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin  Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2677: Jay Carney's Beard - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTO)

The last U.S. President to be elected with any facial hair was William Howard Taft in 1908. Taft - that was 106 years ago. The higher on the political ladder a man climbs, the less chance a he has being elected to office. Worldwide the percentage of men with facial hair is 50%. In the U.S. and Europe it is 33%. Since the advent and widespread proliferation of photography, the percentage of men with facial hair has dropped. Pre-verbal children overwhelmingly prefer clean shaven men over those with facial hair - even if their father or other male guardian has a mustache, beard or goatee. Human beings are hard wired with this biological bias. All things being equal, those without facial hair are interpreted as more sincere.

When trust, negotiation, rapport or sincerity is a key element of any human relationship, statistically a man has a significantly better chance if he is clean shaven. And while there are always individual exceptions, statistics describe the behavior of large numbers. Other than the President, Jay Carney or any press secretary is the most visible member of any administration - thus any male press secretary should NEVER sport facial hair.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2200:  President Obama growing a Mustache? -  Body Language and Facial Hair

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1697:  Facial Hair, Politics and Athletes  Phil Humber Pitches a Perfect Game

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2524:  Jay Carney, Navy Yard Shooting and "The New Normal"  Emotion and Thought Disparity of the Exaggerated Pout

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2228:  Jay Carney's Body Language -  Contempt disguised as a Sniff ....  for Republicans' Solutions to the Fiscal Cliff

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2676: Nancy Pelosi, Chris Christie, Bling and a Handkerchief

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




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

Many were surprised to find out just six people (nationwide) purchased policies for Obamacare on its first day and only 248 by the end of the second day. In the video above, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney minimizes this low enrollment. His body language at two key moments is discussed below.

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

At 0:49 mark, just after Carney says, "... Let me just tell you now, on November first we don't expect those numbers to be very high ..." - his upper lip is very thin in a highly reliable body language display of anger.

Less than a second later, Carney's Jaw-mouth-lips quickly and very briefly shift laterally (here to his left) in what is known as a "Jaw Confessional". Because of its short duration, this is an example of a microexpression.

The jaw confessional is a quick and evanescent lateral movement of jaw seen just prior to statements which the speaker feels has elements of embarrassment (a slow movement that may look somewhat similar to this indicates a completely different emotional-thought; do you know what this is?).

An instant later, the very next thing Carney says is, "...and we never did, but they're going to be even lower because of the challenges we've had with the website ..." He is of course embarrassed at this statement and such a conclusion is not surprising in this particular example. There are many times however, when a jaw confessional is seen in settings that will contradict the verbal message. When the verbal and the nonverbal messages are not congruent - the nonverbal message is always correct.

See also:

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

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 No. 2525:  President Obama's Anger in Response to Republicans'  Threat to Shut Down Government & Possibly Default on Debt In Efforts to Appeal Obamacare

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1829:  Dara Torres Interview with Piers Morgan - Embarrassment,  Visual Recall, Sexual Anticipation Lip Biting & Sincerity Quotients

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2159:  Tom Hanks drops the F-bomb on GMA -  Body Language of Fear, Surprise, MAPs and a Bitter Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2122:  Eyes White and Wide - Three Body Language Examples with Two Different Emotional Causes 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2423:  Kirsten Gillibrand regarding Senate Hearing -  What other Body Language Accompanies Blushing? 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2524: Jay Carney, Navy Yard Shooting and "The New Normal" Emotion and Thought Disparity of the Exaggerated Pout (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During a press conference earlier today, Jay Carney answered questions about the Washington D.C. Navy Yard Shooting. At 0:36 for about a second, Carney displays an "Exaggerated Pout" after being asked by a reporter if President Obama believes mass killings in America are a "new normal". This expression lasted for about one second (thus longer than a microexpression, yet still short-lived).

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

The body language of an exaggerated pout is a way of saying, "Isn't it obvious?", "This should be clear to everybody" or "We hold these truths to be self-evident". It's also nonverbal signal of a recognition that a disparity of opinions, actions or plans exist where the words themselves very often down-play or even fail to acknowledge such differences exist.

At 0:36 Carney displays the "Exaggerated Pout". This nonverbal is often accompanied by a shoulder shrug (e.g., 0:33 - 0:34), an elevation of the eyebrows and co-contraction of the forehead muscles (e.g., 0:27) and/or a palms turned up illustrator (gesture).

This disparity between his earlier thoughts and words is further evidenced by this expression of disgust (at 0:52 as he said, "...beginning...").

Further congruency with the earlier clandestine disagreement of the exaggerated pout is shown here - by a considerably less dramatic but longer lasting facial nonverbal expression of contempt at 1:03 - 1:05 as the White House Press Secretary says, "... listen to the voices of their constituents ..."





The exaggerated pout is a form of subconscious over-compensatory melodrama which should make you aware of these differences between what is being said (and often is minimized or not even mentioned) and what is being thought and experienced emotionally.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2512:  Matthew Cordle's YouTube Confession  and the Death of Vincent Canzani  "I Killed a Man" - What His Body Language Tells Us ...  It's NOT what you think!

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2228:  Jay Carney's Body Language -  Contempt disguised as a Sniff ....  for Republicans' Solutions to the Fiscal Cliff

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2391:  Jay Carney re: Hillary Clinton and Benghazi -  Microexpressions and More

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2282:  Jay Carney and the Dominant Spider - White House Press Secretary's Body Language re:  National Labor Relations Board Vacancies

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2072:  Jay Carney's Lip Purse while NOT commenting on  Mitt Romney's Visits to the U.K., Israel and Poland 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2507:  Secretary of State Kerry's Disgust, An Oft Overlooked and Camouflaged Body Language Signal 

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1496:  Tiger Woods' Disgust & Biofeedback 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2050:  George Zimmerman's Interview on Fox -  Microexpression of Contempt and  Duping Delight

Negotiation Secret # 25: Silvio Berlosconi and the Exaggerated Pout

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2391: Jay Carney re: Hillary Clinton and Benghazi - Microexpressions and More (Video) (Pictures)

Today during a White House press conference, Press Secretary Jay Carney made a multitude of nonverbals as he spoke about the recent hearings regarding the 11 September 2012 attack on the American consulate in Benghazi - some of which are showcased below. The more inclusive video is featured above and is recommended since these show the subtleties and evanescent nature of these body language-facial expressions.

At 0:18 Mr. Carney makes a microexpression of lip pursing. This is a very transient version of this telling facial expression is always made by someone who feels they are at an advantage - thus perceives themself to be in a relative alpha position. It is a strong signal of clandestine contention - at least in part, e.g. a person may voice a small (or no) disagreement, yet they are feeling a dramatic disparity of opinion. They have a high level of confidence that the outcome will be in their favor - and they may very well have a plan in the works to make this happen - that they will not be sharing with you.

A moment later at 0:20, Jay Carney exhibits a subtle Microexperession of contempt on his left side.

He displays contempt a number of times (see below).

Here the White House Press Secretary displays an "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR) which is significant for anxiety and more specifically an outward display of the psyche trying to dampen emotions. Most of the time these are negative, such as here - anger (however depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered, an ILR may signal an attempt to squelch laughter/joy and thus can sometimes be a component of duping delight). Mr. Carney displays this facial expression multiple times (this example is seen at the 0:23 mark). Look for this tell at the poker table too.

Mr. Carney has changed his manner of hand gesture counting of late. Most North Americans and those from the U.K. (and Carney previously) begin counting on their index fingers (forefingers), then proceed to their pinky and end with their thumbs last. Most Mainland Europeans however, begin counting on their thumbs - which has the added advantage of allowing a brief "Thumbs Up" signal (here at the 1:22 mark) - a nearly universal body language emblem which signifies optimism and success.

Here, at 2:51 (and multiple other occasions) Mr. Carney displays a much more overt and longer lasting display (Macroexpression) of contempt.

Near the end of this video, Jay uses the "Finger Point Hand Chop" a few times (here at 2:46) which is one of the most offensive and negatively received hand gestures. Never use this gesture - lest you lose your audience in this rapport destroying & highly patronizing nonverbal.






See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2279:  Hillary's Tears and Senator Barrassso's Contempt & Disbelief- Body Language at Benghazi Hearings

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2187:  Paula Broadwell with Hearsay on Benghazi Attack -  Excerpt from University of Denver Speech and a Body Language form of "Duping Delight" ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2152:  Second Presidential Debate -16 October 2012 - Barack Obama's Duping Delight - Benghazi, Libya Attack was an "Act of Terror" - Alpha, Beta, Confidence & Acquiescence ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2195:  Sen. John McCain's Body Language when Comparisons made between  Condoleezza Rice to Susan Rice & War with Iraq to Benghazi, Libya Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2198:  Susan Rice's Body Language at United Nations - Her First Public Appearance Since her Initial  Post Benghazi Attack T.V. interviews

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2283: Barack Obama & Hillary Clinton on 60 Minutes - Body Language Ramifications for the 2016 Presidency

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2236:  John Boehner & the Fiscal Cliff Plan B Failure - Body Language of Duping Delight

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2367: North Korea, Jay Carney and Body Language Tells from the White House Press Room

Yesterday Jay Carney downplayed the possibility that North Korea has any capability of deploying a nuclear warhead on a ballistic missile. In this video the While House Press Secretary is displaying body language clusters of high confidence and the belief that he is in the right. He is the senior person in the room and he knows it. He is the alpha dog.

At two times in this video (0:00 - 0:03 and 1:21 - 1:24) he shows us the pseudo-prayer. This high alpha display is amplified by additional up and down chopping motion. These displays are relatively brief (3 seconds each) and it should always be so (3 seconds is even too long), lest they have the opposite effect and backfire - projecting arrogance and a patronizing mindset.

At several times Mr. Carney goes up on his toes (e.g., 0:05, 0:13, etc.). Although in other contexts it indicates joy-happiness, in this cluster context it signifies a very high level of confidence. More Alpha behavior. It is helpful to think of these nonverbals as body language exclamation points.

Exaggerated mouth movements, above and beyond what is normally needed to pronounce words is also a common signal of over-alpha behavior. Jay Carney exemplifies this multiple times (e.g., 0:02, 0:24, 0:43, etc.).

The pseudo-prayer with hand chop, the up on toes maneuver and the exaggerated pronunciation mouth movements are all nonverbals seen in the context of high alpha personalities - when they are the most powerful one in the room or immediate area. However, if Barack Obama walked in, despite having no change in his stance on the issues at hand, Carney - then would suddenly become a junior-alpha and thus would not display any of these characteristic body language tells. 

Multiple other great nonverbal tells were displayed in the White House Press Room yesterday. Did you spot the microexpression of empathy Jay Carney projected towards the North Korean people at 1:55 - with a very brief central forehead contraction (CFC) clustered with a slight frown? How about several contempt displays (one of these was particularly atypical)?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2282:  Jay Carney and the Dominant Spider - White House Press Secretary's Body Language re:  National Labor Relations Board Vacancies

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2291:  A Tight Fist and Tension in The Face - Jay Carney's Body Language as he defends  Chuck Hagel's performance during  Senate Confirmation Hearings

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2228:  Jay Carney's Body Language -  Contempt disguised as a Sniff ....  for Republicans' Solutions to the Fiscal Cliff

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1515:  White House Press Secretary Jay Carney's  Numerous Microexpressions and Subtle  Displays of Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2313:  Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel -  What Her Body Language Tells Us ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2136:  Some Body Language Highlights from  First Obama - Romney Presidential Debate in Denver

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2042:  Syrian Government Defector - Nawaf al-Fares

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2291: A Tight Fist and Tension in The Face - Jay Carney's Body Language as he defends Chuck Hagel's performance during Senate Confirmation Hearings

At multiple times in the above video, Jay Carney uses "Tight Fist" gestures (e.g. during 0:38 - 0:55) as he defends Chuck Hagel's performance during his Secretary of Defense Senate Confirmation Hearings last week. What he almost certainly was intending to use is a "Loose Fist Thumbs Up" gesture (NOT seen in this video, but shown in the image below), which his boss President Obama uses often and well. A loose fist thumbs up illustrator is a great example of an alpha-beta hybrid nonverbal - not too alpha and not overly beta, but in between. Particularly for leaders, alpha-beta hybrid body language is great to use (of which this is but one of many examples), for these have the advantages of not being overly aggressive and hyper-dominant - while at the same time avoiding projecting acquiescing or demure emotional tones. Mr. Carney's tight fist illustrators have the reverse effect of his intentions. They alienate rather than build rapport. He is being over-alpha and thus his message has a strong tendency to backfire.

Mr. Carney is strongly and sincerely defending Sen. Hagel and the White House's endorsement of him. The emotions associated with his strong opinions "leak" out in multiple microexpressions, subtle expressions and overt displays of contempt on the left side of his face. Moreover, when the face manifests strong negative emotions, these tensions often are mirrored in tension in the hands. This common phenomenon is the very reason the press secretary is making tight fists rather than the "Loose Fist Thumbs Up" exampled to the left.

When you see tension in the face, look for it in the hands and vice versa. In addition, when a person is angry and they relax and/or massage their hands - or have a face massage, their anger will nearly always diminish, often dramatically.

See also:

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 831:  Santorum's Hands and the Alpha-Beta Hybrid

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2132:  Variations on a Theme -  The Palm-Forward Dominant Spider (The Claw) vs.  The Split-Finger Fastball

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2250:  Deal Reached on "Fiscal Cliff",  Barack Obama's Body Language  and the "Split-Finger Fastball"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2034:  Even Physicists have Body Language -  Beta behavior at Higgs Boson Conference

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2152:  Second Presidential Debate - 16 October 2012 -  Barack Obama's Duping Delight -  Benghazi, Libya Attack was an "Act of Terror" -  Alpha, Beta, Confidence & Acquiescence ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2174:  President Obama, Hurricane Sandy,  Body Language and Thumbs Backwards Arms Akimbo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1698:  Susan Rice, Bashar Ja'afari &  Kofi Annan's Six Point Peace Plan for Syria

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2282: Jay Carney and the Dominant Spider - White House Press Secretary's Body Language re: National Labor Relations Board Vacancies

An appeals court just ruled that President Obama acted unconstitutionally when he bypassed the U.S. Senate to fill empty positions on the National Labor Relations Board. In this video, a recent White House press briefing, as Press Secretary Jay Carney says, "...dating back to 1867...", his right hand-arm extends, palm down, fingers open and toward his audience. This is a nonverbal illustrator known as the "Dominant Spider". It is a body language hand-arm signal (in nonverbal nomenclature this general class of gestures are known as illustrators) which indicates its user believes he/she is an alpha and has relative power and dominance over those to who(m) they are speaking. It also indicates that Mr. Carney believes that Barack Obama was in the right and that President's appointments for the NLRB vacancies were fully Constitutional - and that he believes the appeals court's decision will be overturned. 

It's important to note that the dominant spider is not used by betas to alphas, e.g., even though Mr. Carney exemplifies it here to reporters in the White House Press Briefing Room - he an alpha relative to them. But Jay Carney's subconscious would never let him use this illustrator to the President - for the Press Secretary is a beta relative to Barack.

Palm down gestures are often over-used and thus backfire. Like all dominant body language, they must be used sparingly and essentially choreographed into a speech, lest the audience feel patronized and disrespected. Palm down with the fingers closed (together) indicates an even stronger dominance belief on the part of its user (think Adolf Hitler). Handedness also carries an important significance, e.g. if a right-hander uses a palm down gesture with his right hand, this again indicates an even stronger dominance, confidence & successful-outcome belief. However if the right-hander uses his left hand, this nonverbal would indicate relatively less of these emotional tones/beliefs.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1871: Barack Obama  Explains His "Private Sector is Doing Fine" Comment -  The "Dominant Spider" vs.The "Split-Finger Fastball"

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1059:  Santorum's Dominant Spider

Negotiation Body Language Secret 731: Super Mario Monte's Dominant Spider

Negotiation Secret # 702: Moammar Gaddafi's Dominant Spider

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 554: Ron Paul's Palms Down Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 555:  How Facial Expressions Correlate with Palm Positions

Body Language Leadership Secret # 222: Palms Down vs. Palms Up - Angela Merkel's Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1899: Rep. Bill Cassidy and "Obama-care" - Letting your Body Language Detract from your Message

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2228: Jay Carney's Body Language - Contempt disguised as a Sniff .... for Republicans' Solutions to the Fiscal Cliff

Jay Carney spoke once again today regarding the fiscal cliff and the President Obama's view on how to avert. The White House Press Secretary gives multiple nonverbal displays in this video segment. However one nonverbal in particular bears mentioning. At the 2:29 mark, Carney sniffs with the right side of his nose/nostril/face. As usual, there is a quick inhalation of air - however there was also a mid and upper face contraction and a same-sided "snarl". Although this body language-facial expression is very quick, it lasts slightly longer than a classic microexpression. The meaning is just as significant though - one of contempt.

Depending on the other nonverbals clustered with it, the "Unilateral Sniff" can occasionally indicate deception (not applicable in this example).

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1881: Interrupting the President & Contempt Display - Neil Munro shows us his Body Language and  His (Lack of) Etiquette

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2127: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Body Language during Piers Morgan Interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2128: Mitt Romney's & Bill Clinton's Body Language during Mitt's Joke at 2012 Clinton Global Initiative

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1890: Eric Holder has (Emotional) Contempt toward Darrell Issa - while Rep. Issa is Very Excited to be Seeking "Contempt of Congress" against Holder 

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 457: Salman Rushdie's Contempt Amplifier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2172: Governor Chris Christie's Body Language of Contempt - Microexpressions and Subtle Displays 

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1407: Auboni Champion-Morin Reunited with Kidnapped Son After 8 Years - Microexpression of Contempt 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2072: Jay Carney's Lip Purse while NOT commenting on Mitt Romney's Visits to the U.K., Israel and Poland

In this video, Jay Carney, the White House Press Secretary, avoids commenting directly on the specifics of Mitt Romney's recent visits to the U.K., Israel and Poland - only in a very general way. While Mr. Carney did display two microexpressions of contempt at the 0:17 and 0:19 marks, there is another particularly interesting nonverbal displayed at the 0:39 second mark which should capture our interest - a mild-moderate lip purse.

Pursing of one's lips indicates that there is a disagreement occurring - here between Mr. Carney and what he thinks Mitt should have said/done compared to what Romney actually did. When is a lip purse present, there is a great disparity between what is being said and what is being thought (e.g. They may voice little or no disagreement, but they are thinking a much greater level of disagreement). It is also a signal that the purser has an alternative thought, plan, idea, etc. to what is being done, proposed, suggested by the other party - and that he believes his plan/idea is superior. A lip purser also believes he is a relative-alpha vs. whomever he is interacting with - thus he believes he has the power, resources, money to pull off his plan (People who perceive themselves to be relative betas don't display this body language). Moreover, he won't be sharing his idea with you - so get ready for an "end-run" and have your plan B (and plan C) ready.

In summary, a lip purse is a signal of clandestine disagreement and/or plans displayed from a relative alpha.

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Nonverbal Communications Analysis # 1715: Jay Carney's Lip Purse Bin Laden is Dead & General Motors is Alive

In this video, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, responds to CBS correspondent, Peter Maer, when he asked about the possible politicizing of the death of Osama Bin Laden. This was in response to Vice President Joe Biden's recent speech in New York City, when he said, "Bid Laden is Dead and General Motors is alive". Carney exhibits many body language tells in this video segment, however I want to highlight one in particular - the Lip Purse. These are seen at 0:03, 0:11 (don't confuse with "lip pout" seen at 0:12), 0:19 and 0:23 - 0:25. All except the last are very brief and some are evanescent enough to be classified as microexpressions.

Pursing of the lips is a signal of disagreement and consideration of alternative action. However the vast majority of the time, those displaying the lip purse will either very minimally voice their differing opinion (or say nothing at all) - compared to what they are really feeling-thinking. I call this "Iceberg Disagreement" - because most of it is hiding beneath surface.

When you see the lip purse, those using it also believe they're in a relative position of power. In this example, Jay Carney (and anyone else who displays it) believes he's the most powerful alpha in the room. If the president or the attorney general walked in - he wouldn't use this nonverbal. Betas don't use it unless they're in the vicinity of lesser betas - ergo a temporarily & relative alpha.

In a business setting, court room or when negotiating - if you see members of the "other team" using the lip purse, it's a body language signal of clandestine disagreement - and opinion/plan different than yours. They most definitely believe they hold the upper hand as well. Be prepared for the unexpected. You may not see it immediately, or it may not be obvious. If a person knows some strategic information of which you're not aware, and they wield power that you don't have - it's very likely that they intend to - and will act on it.

See also:

Analysis # 1515: Jay Carney's numerous microexpressions and subtle displays of contempt

Secret # 391: Pursed Lips may sink ships

Secret # 9: Lip Pursing Redux

Nancy's Lip Purse

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1515: White House Press Secretary Jay Carney's Numerous Microexpressions and Subtle Displays of Contempt

In this video segment, Jay Carney, the current White House Press Secretary, displays numerous signals of contempt during the answering of Norah O'Donnell's and Ed Henry's questions. Multiple macroexpressions and microexpressions are exampled here (most notably, but not limited to the following time-marks: 0:11, 0:14, 0:22, 0:26, 1:00, 1:34, 1:39, 1:48-1:52, 1:58, 2:13-2:18, 2:57, 2:59, 3:11, 3:48). He is defending the context in which the President used the word "unprecedented" when referring to the chances of the Supreme Court over-turning his Health Care Reform Law. 

Carney makes multiple (verbal) statements consistent with the emotion of contempt, (e.g.: Well, only because a handful of people didn't seem to understand what he was referring to. Of course, he was referring to the fact that it would be unprecedented in the modern era of the Supreme Court, ....", "...That's not what he said, Ed. That's not certainly what he meant. And it was clear to most folks who observe this and understand what is at issue here...", "...Well, it may not be evident to you. It is clear that the President was talking about matters like this that involve the Commerce Clause ..." and several other examples), so his multiple body language displays are entirely expected - if you know what and where to look. Said another way, Carney's verbals and nonverbals are highly congruent in this video. Being a White House Press Secretary is not an easy job. If you held such an important position, would you have a better poker face than Mr. Carney?

In common parlance, the facial expression for contempt resembles a unilateral "snarl". The vast majority of Mr. Carney's contempt is displayed on his left. Most people subconscious is also unilaterally biased.  The lip elevates and the nostril on the same side will flare as the contempt grows less suppressed. There is a tightening and elevation of the "mustache area" as well as a partial closure of the eyelids. The ipsilateral eyebrow is often lowered along with accentuated nasal labial furrow and furrowing of the bridge of the nose. All of these may not be present unless the contempt is extreme. The video example here includes many partial and subtle displays.

In many other settings, where there are not any obvious or even subtle spoken signals of dispute, we often will still see contempt (and other negative emotions) displayed - and therein lies the extreme value of knowing how to interpret others' body language - and project our own in many a varied context. Miss it, dismiss it, or gloss over it at your own risk.

See also: Secret # 1450: Rick Santorum's Contempt and Frown - the Proverbial Twisted Smile

See also: Secret # 457: A Contempt Amplifier

See also: Secret # 101: Contempt Doesn't Sell

See also: Secret # 1407: Auboni Champion-Morin Reunited with Kidnapped Son after 8 years
               Microexpressions of Contempt

See also: Secret # 389: Muammar's Constant Contempt
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