Body Language Analysis No. 4295: Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos, and Red Flags - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Three years ago, Elizabeth Holmes was the newest Golden Child of Silicon Valley. Her company, which she started when she was just 19 after dropping out of Stanford University, had claimed to have revolutionized the practice of medicine by being able to perform testing on just a few drops of blood - from only a finger prick (only 1/100 to 1/1000 of that typically needed with conventional methods). Such a discovery would also dramatically decrease the costs of blood tests. Ms. Holmes also had quite a knack for convincing investors to bankroll her company - which they did to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

But in October of 2015, based on the work of John Carreyrou of The Wall Street Journal, deep concerns as to the credibility of Theranos' technology were raised - and the facade failed.

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of Ms. Holmes from this April 2015 CBS interview.

The aberrant behavior of Elizabeth Holmes' eyelids is striking. Note how widely they're opened. The "whites of her eyes" (sclera) are visible 360º around the colored portions (irides or irises) of both eyes.

Moreover, her eyelids are open to this extreme - not just for a second or two - but nearly continuously throughout this interview. This is extremely unusual.

Additionally, in the image immediately above (2:25), Ms. Holmes is also displaying a component of Disgust (note her tightened and forward-vectored mid and lower face - along with her nostril flaring and tightened lips).

You may have also noticed that Elizabeth Holmes blinks much less frequently than normal. This should immediately jump out to you as unnatural. This red flag is a behavior correlated with nefarious motives - so much so, that it's even been used in animations for decades.

Now, you may say that maybe Elizabeth Holmes' forehead had been treated with Botox - and you'd be correct. But although her forehead activity is somewhat diminished due to Botox - the dynamic movement captured here (3:48) proves that it is still quite functional. Concave-up furrows are clearly visible on her forehead and her eyebrows are also momentarily elevated.

It's profoundly important to stress - that when a person's eyelids are opened wide during moments of verbal emphasis - there is almost always a simultaneous contraction and elevation of their forehead muscles too - as was imaged in this last example.

But the fact that such forehead contribution was rarely seen throughout this interview - that her eyelids were opened wide with a relaxed forehead - and this display was virtually continuous - is a tremendous red flag. It screams of deception. It also signals psychological pathology.

Intriguingly, although the frequency of Ms. Holmes' voice is quite deep - witnesses have documented that she's feigning. It's another affectation.

Jennifer Lawrence will be playing Elizabeth Holmes in a 2019 film version of this fall from grace. It's to be titled Bad Blood and will be directed by Adam McKay (The Big Short).


SUMMARY: In the abstinence of a few medical conditions (such as Thyroid eye disease), when the eyelids are opened so widely, with such high frequency and long duration - coupled with a relaxed forehead (e.g., as is demonstrated in the first three images and during almost this entire interview), there's a very high correlation with:

• Deception
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (commonly referred to as Sociopath Behavior)

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See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4294: LeBron James, Adrenaline Surges, and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 4292: Sarah Huckabee Sanders' Deception

Body Language Analysis No. 4290: President Trump regarding talks with North Korea

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4273: Natalia Veselnitskaya and The Trump Tower Meeting - "I am an Informant"

Body Language Analysis No. 4229: Sam Nunberg (Part II) • Roger Stone, Robert Mueller, and Lies 

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4061: Pennywise,"IT", and Bill Skarsgård's Demonic Smile - Why is IT so Scary?

Body Language Analysis No. 4000: Garbiñe Muguruza, Wimbledon, and Sincerity

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

In her recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Jennifer Lawrence describes an occasion when she approached Harrison Ford and J.J. Abrams - and apparently neither man recognize her. As it happens, another of Norton's guests - Jack Whitehall - was with Lawrence at her table. Mr. Whitehall's experience that night was a better one, for Han Solo's alter ego recognized Jack and greeted him enthusiastically.

From a body language perspective, there is one nonverbal signal in this video clip which, although very commonly exhibited - it's underlying meaning is rarely understood.

At several times in this video, Jack Whitehall interlocks his fingers over his right knee.  The first example of this behavior is captured below (0:06 - 0:10) as he realizes the event which Jennifer Lawrence has just begun discussing.

The fingers are held relatively tightly as they place tension on the knee (or just below it) and upper leg - very often lifting the ipsilateral foot off the ground (as is seen here) with the torso assisting by lending leverage via leaning backward.

In a general sense, this nonverbal dynamic is a signal of anxiety - however we can slice its meaning a good bit thinner. More specifically, this body language configuration is a signal of Emotional and Cognitive Dissonance (thus it's sometimes referred to as "Hamstring Dissonance" [because of the stretching of these muscles with this action]). Mr. Whitehall, while certainly wanting to tell his side of the story - is somewhat hesitant - for even although Jennifer Lawrence often uses self-deprecation as a comedic device, Whitehall's newfound camaraderie with Harrison Ford comes at Ms. Lawrence's expense.

0:08

In the second example below (from 0:40), this Hamstring Dissonance is more subtle - as Whitehall's leg is not being elevated.

Another nonverbal sign which amplifies his conflicting feelings are Jack's crossed ankles - which cannot be directly visualized in either of these two views.

0:40


















There are many nonverbal tells of emotional and cognitive dissonance - and this is but one type. The ramifications of seeing and understanding these signals are profound. Hundreds are displayed in any typical business day. How many have missed?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3557: Meghan Trainor Falls on Jimmy Fallon as She Finishes "Me Too" - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2796: Olivia Wilde, Butter, Jon Stewart and the Tongue in Cheek

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2586: Harrison Ford in "Ender's Game" - Microexpression and Macroexpression of Regret - Harrison's Brand and the Stanislavski Method

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3242: Jennifer Lawrence, Singing Cher, Liam Hemsworth and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3536: Prince Explains His Name Change in 1999 Interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3287: Hillary Clinton, Email Servers and Crisis Management

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2657: Keanu Reeves's, "47 Ronin" and a Hesitancy to Discuss - a Key Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3281: Donald Trump on "Meet The Press" - Who Does He Talk to for Military Advice?  

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3442: Jennifer Lawrence Scolds Journalist at Golden Globes - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In the video above, after the 2016 Golden Globes, Jennifer Lawrence famously scolds a journalist who was purportedly taking a photo of the acclaimed actress while asking her questions. She was having none of it. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.

0:04 - 0:05, Jennifer Finger-wags at the Journalist. This universal nonverbal emblem is extremely patronizing and should be used very sparingly (with forethought).

0:07 - 0:08, A Thumb Dismissal (e.g., "Get out of here with that!", "That's not allowed!")

0:08 - 0:09, Hand Wipe illustrator across the face as she says, "You gotta live in the now!" (e.g., "Wake Up" or "Pay Attention")

What emotion is displayed by Ms. Lawrence's cluster of a jaw jut with her prolonged eyelid closure?

0:15 Tight Forward Lip Purse - indicates a clandestine plan and/or a clandestine disagreement. This example also has the characteristic of being tight - thus adding anger to the mix. Jennifer Lawrence knows the journalist just made a huge mistake and she's decided to call him out (again).

0:16 - Looking up to Left - A common (though not absolute) Epiphenomena of right-hand dominant individuals in the midst of Visual Recall. She is double-checking her (visual) memory in this instant to be sure she's at the Golden Globes (Question: If Ms. Lawrence were left-handed, what would this indicate?).

0:17 - a partial, unilateral mouth-smile. This is but one variety of a pseudo-smile. Because Ms. Lawrence has had recent Botox treatments to her forehead, there is very minimal central forehead contraction (CFC). What are the three primary thought-emotions you should think of when a CFC is seen simultaneous with a partial mouth smile?

0:18 - Head Tilt Toward another person simultaneous with an Eyebrow Flash and a Partial (Insincere) Mouth Smile is an exceeding common nonverbal cluster indicative of a Scolding. There is also an element of contempt present here.

0:21 - Jennifer displays significant mid-facial tension (and to a lesser degree lip tension) displaying both disgust and anger.







See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3441: Michigan Governor Rick Snyder Interview regarding Flint's Water Crisis - Is He Being Honest and Sincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3414: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Affection 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3364: Jennifer Lawrence accidentally kisses Natalie Dormer on the Mouth 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3242: Jennifer Lawrence, Singing Cher, Liam Hemsworth and Body Language  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1863: Sharapova's Thin Lips of Anger

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3314: Donald Trump's Town Hall Q & A in New Hampshire - Fails to Correct Questioner re: President Obama's Religion and Nationality 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3340: Bernie's and Hillary's Big Moment - Body Language at the Democrat Debate  

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3421: Jennifer Lawrence, Eddie Redmayne and Emotional Comfort - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Along with Jennifer Lawrence, Eddie Redmayne was a guest recently on The Graham Norton Show.
Redmayne was promoting his current film, The Danish Girl and Lawrence was pushing her movie, Joy.

Lawrence sat between Norton and Redmayne - so it was natural for Eddie to turn to his right. From a body language perspective, it's interesting to note that Redmayne sat with his right leg/ankle beneath his left leg/knee.

This particular body language configuration (captured in the image below) is significant for higher levels of emotional comfort. Statistically, it's seen commonly in women and GBT men - yet plenty of straight men sit in this fashion too. With men, it's also more commonly seen in Europe vs. North America.

If questioned, a person who's sitting in this manner will say, "It's comfortable". And yet it's only physically comfortable if it's first an emotionally comfortable setting for that individual. Despite the fact he's on a major talk show, Redmayne is at ease. If a person who is sitting like this is asked a question which makes them nervous - they will immediately change to a lower-comfort, heightened-anxiety position. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3420: Bill Cosby's Mug Shot - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2963: Barack Obama at the United Nations General Assembly regarding ISIS/ISIL, 24 September 2014 - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3414: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3364: Jennifer Lawrence accidentally kisses Natalie Dormer on the Mouth

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3242: Jennifer Lawrence, Singing Cher, Liam Hemsworth and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3261: The Killing of Cecil the Lion, Walter Palmer and a Sociopath's Smile 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3294: Ana Ivanovic, Lip Biting and the U.S. Open

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3258: Hillary Clinton speaks out on "inaccuracies" of private email controversy

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3414: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Affection - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Jennifer Lawrence was recently a guest on Watch What Happens Live. When Andy Cohen asked her whether she kissed Liam Hemsworth off-camera, we repeatedly see her look down to her right as well as tilting her head while looking down to her right. 

Cohen: It has recently been rumored that you and Liam Hemsworth had some PDA at the Waverly Inn. Have you two ever kissed when the cameras weren't rolling?

Lawrence: Liam and I grew up together. Liam's real hot.

Cohen: I, I agree.

Lawrence:  What would you have done? [Laughing]

Cohen: [overtalking] I would guess.

Lawrence: [continues laughing]

Cohen: I would say yes.

Lawrence: Yeah.

Cohen: Very good.

Lawrence [inaudible]

Cohen: Very good. Ahhhh, I mean, I'd pick Gale over Peeta any day.

Lawrence: I did.

Cohen: Yes, Okay.

Lawrence: [overtaking, laughing] I did at one point.

0:26

Looking Down to Her Right

(as Cohen says, "... have you two ...")

What does Cohen's "False Tie Adjust" during 0:35 - 0:36 indicate?

0:42

Just after she says, "Yeah"

Looking with her eyes as well as head-heck down to her right

Co-display of Blushing

0:48

Looking Down to Her Right (just before she says, "I did")


Simultaneous partial Inward Lip Roll (ILR) which is
demonstrating her psyche's attempt to quell emotions and emotional display



It's extremely common for a person to look down to their right when they're feeling strong emotions of love, affection, grief, empathy and post-fiero states. Kinesthetic thought-feelings of high intensity (re-living a memory with a significant physical component) also are associated with this same type of eye movement. While by no means a 100% type-phenomena, in this specific example of eye/head/neck movement, it very strongly suggests Jennifer Lawrence had and continues to have sincere affection for Liam Hemsworth.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3412: Affluenza Teen Ethan Couch is on the Run - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3376: Liam Hemsworth, The Hunger Games and "Honest Anxiety" - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3242: Jennifer Lawrence, Singing Cher, Liam Hemsworth and Body Language  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3377: Holly Holm's post-fight interview after defeating Ronda Rousey

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2691: Barbara Bush, "I Love Bill Clinton"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3363: Chris Christie's Viral Video - Why do even Democrats love it?

Body Language Secret No. 105: Parental Affection and Love

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2649: How a Kiss can Change the World - Body Language of Affection 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3376: Liam Hemsworth, The Hunger Games and "Honest Anxiety" - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Liam Hemsworth carried Jennifer Lawrence's purse on The Great Wall of China - and you may find that part of this video entertaining. Yet what's more instructive, is to watch a professional actor such as Hemsworth - who is paid well to suspend our disbelief (and who's rather good at it) - when he's just being himself. That is to say, even those who are skilled at acting-lying, when they're back in their own skin, just being themselves - their body language projects their sincere feelings (e.g. they can't deceive any better than average).

At the beginning of the video Jimmy Kimmel says: "So this is the ah .... fourth now, and the most significantly, final time, you'll be traveling the World promoting The Hunger Games."

Hemsworth: "This is the last one."

Kimmel: "Is it bitter-sweet for you?"

Hemsworth: "Yeah, it is. Yeah I mean it's. You know, it's, it's, it's the end of a, a great journey and I think we all had a good time. But ah, I think we're just sad not to tour the World together. I think that's, that's one of the funnest parts of all because we're such good friends."

During the 0:11 to 0:15 segment we see Liam Hemsworth scratch/rub behind his right ear, first with his index finger (forefinger) and then with two fingers. 

This rubbing/scratching on the "bump" behind the right ear (the mastoid process) is indicative of "honest anxiety". Said another way, this nonverbal signal transmits anxiety and quite importantly has a very low likelihood of associated deception. 

Therefore in this specific example, Hemsworth's verbal message is very congruent with his nonverbal signal (as well as with his paralanguage) - so in this context, Hemsworth has a high sincerity quotient.

There is a myriad of other nonverbal signals in this video - how many did you see? What if Hemsworth were scratching/rubbing his ear (rather than behind it) - what would that signify? In front of his ear?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3375: Donald Trump Questions Ben Carson's Stabbing Story - Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3373: Barack Obama Delivers a Statement on the attacks in Paris 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3363: Chris Christie's Viral Video - Why do even Democrats love it? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3226: Bobby Jindal Jumps In the 2016 Presidential Race - Puts "Family Meeting" online 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3227: Bobby Jindal's, "... I am tanned ..." remark - What does his Body Language tell us?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3242: Jennifer Lawrence, Singing Cher, Liam Hemsworth and Body Language 

Negotiation Secret No. 126: Anxiety Like Beckham

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3256: Katie Holmes on Jimmy Fallon 

 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3364: Jennifer Lawrence accidentally kisses Natalie Dormer on the Mouth - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday Jennifer Lawrence interview-bombed Natalie Dormer at the Mockingjay Part 2 premier. Lawrence intended to Dormer on her cheek - but at the last split-second the Game of Thrones star turned her head and Lawrence unwittingly kisser her on the mouth. Jennifer Lawrence is of course known for her unfiltered personality - particularly during award ceremonies and other similar events - and she did not disappoint here. The encounter was hilarious - and virtually everyone who watches it can certainly empathize with their own missed-kiss scenarios. It also provides for us a classic body language display.

Just after Ms. Lawrence realized what has happened (0:01 and more completely shown at 2:09) she goes through several rapid nonverbal displays - one of which is captured in the image below. When we are surprised - and usually when there is a substantial fear component - the fingers will often straighten and splay out for several tenths of seconds. This occurred before Jennifer fully emotionally processed her faux pas.

While here, her emotional recovery is quick - most people will have no trouble recognizing Lawrence's short-lived yet substantial spike of fear.

Very often in a business, the courtroom or during a negotiation-type setting, such finger splaying may be the primary or essentially the only overt signal of fear that's shown.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3363: Chris Christie's Viral Video - Why do even Democrats love it? - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3242: Jennifer Lawrence, Singing Cher, Liam Hemsworth and Body Language  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2316:  Jennifer Lawrence's Response to Her Oscar Stumble -  Silver Linings Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2899: Jennifer Lawrence, Katniss Everdeen, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I" Trailer and Recognizing Facial Components of Fear-Surprise

Negotiation Secret No. 56:  Bill Clinton, Surprise, and a Touch of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2997: Halloween Haunted Houses - Transitioning from Expressions of Surprise to Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3331: Mila finds out Adam Levine got married - Rapid Transitioning of Emotions  

 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3190: Taylor Swift's Body Language of Feigned Surprise 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3011: Jennifer Lawrence on David Letterman - Tongue-in-Cheek Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Jennifer Lawrence was a guest on "The Late Show with David Letterman" last night. Always hilarious, the talented actress was the source of a multitude of nonverbal moments - just two of which are examined here.

3:18

Although somewhat low-resolution - here we can see David Letterman's tongue-in-cheek display (to the right side of his mouth) after he learned what Justine Ciarrocchi said when she and Lawrence first met (Ciarrocchi is Jennifer's friend who then became her personal assistant and who Letterman had met earlier in the green room).

3:19

The tongue-in-cheek migrates as Dave pushes forward and down, just above his front, lower teeth - pushing his lip out.






The tongue-in-cheek can have a variety of meanings depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered - such as: "I just won", "I gotcha", sadness/grief, deception, anger - or, as it does here - projecting sexuality.

3:49

Justine Ciarrocchi is shown here in the instant before (unbeknownst to her) she goes on camera.

This body language cluster of leaning forward, edge-of-seat positioning, hands covering an open mouth, eyes open widely and forehead contracted - is a highly classic configuration of anticipation.



See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3010: McStay Family Murders - Body Language Signs of a Sociopath

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2796: Olivia Wilde, Butter, Jon Stewart and the Tongue in Cheek

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2665: Nick Saban's "Tongue in Cheek" Body Language - What Does It Mean?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2434:  Brad Pitt's Tongue-in-Cheek regarding  Reasons for Choosing to Work on "World War Z"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2899: Jennifer Lawrence, Katniss Everdeen, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I" Trailer and Recognizing Facial Components of Fear-Surprise

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2316:  Jennifer Lawrence's Response to Her Oscar Stumble -  Silver Linings Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2604: Obamacare Girl "Adrianna" on GMA - Body Language Harbingers of ....

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2959: The Hunger Games Mockingjay - What makes Donald Sutherland (as President Coriolanus Snow) look so Evil? Body Language Trailer Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Another Trailer for "The Hunger Games Mockingjay: Part 1" was released a few days ago. In this movie adaptation Donald Sutherland plays President Coriolanus Snow. Sutherland is a very good actor and thus he's good at looking evil when he wants to - and here he definitely wants to project madness. This provides a good nonverbal teaching moment to dissect one of the many nonverbal manifestations of crazy.

In general facial asymmetry is very common in the presence of  insincerity (However it's not always indicative though). In addition a person can be insincere during moments of symmetrical facial expression). President Snow is displaying considerable asymmetry here - most conspicuously with his eyes - as he speaks to Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence). With regards to mild-to-moderate anger, the eyes are partially closed and tense (particularly visible in the lower eyelids). This is seen on Sutherland's right eye. However with severe-to-extreme anger (rage), the eyes open wider - as is exampled on Sutherland's left. This asymmetry combined with two different levels of anger projects a "crescendo of crazy".

Be sure not to overlook the fact that his eyebrows are also drawn both together and directed downwards. This is also highly indicative of anger.





Whenever a mouth smile exists with contradictory body language on the eyes or forehead (or both) this should strike us always peculiar - and it profoundly projects emotional dissonance. Think of this disparity as a body language metaphor for irony. Whenever irony is found, it is a signal that there is either a lack of knowledge on the part of the observer - or deception on the part of those being observed. In this case it is the latter.

What other crucial component of Coriolanus's nonverbals diminishes our trust and elevates our dislike for him?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2958: Jameis Winston's Suspension - Press Conference

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2267:  Body Language at the 2013 Golden Globes The Influence of Color on Human Sexuality - Claire Danes, Zooey Deschanel & Jennifer Lawrence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2316:  Jennifer Lawrence's Response to Her Oscar Stumble -  Silver Linings Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2899: Jennifer Lawrence, Katniss Everdeen, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I" Trailer and Recognizing Facial Components of Fear-Surprise

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2595: Barack Obama's Emotional Dissonance, Low Confidence and the "Turtle Retreat" - He Does Not Want To Be There

Nonverbal Communication Analysis 2759: Vladimir Putin, Annexation of Crimea and Mouth Asymmetry - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2942: Vladimir Putin's & Recognizing Duplicity in Body Language 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2899: Jennifer Lawrence, Katniss Everdeen, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I" Trailer and Recognizing Facial Components of Fear-Surprise (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Most people would say that Jennifer Lawrence is a very talented actress. Although her appearance in this trailer for "The Hungergames: Mockingjay - Part I" is brief - it is has significant impact.

It is amazing the percentage of people who are unable to recognize moderate facial expression - let alone mild or subtle scenarios. The image below is captured during the 0:52 mark of the trailer. Ms. Lawrence's eyebrows are drawn together and subtly and centrally elevated. There is also a subtle central forehead contraction (CFC) present.

What is particularly noticeable in this moment are Lawrence's upper eyelids - for they are moderately retracted - and in this fear-surprise cluster they are the strongest component.

Katniss Everdeen's nostrils are mildly flared and her "mustache area" (the area in between the nose and the upper lip and termed so regardless of gender) is mild-moderately tense. Her jaw is tensed and stiff - with her lips configured in a mild surprise.

Although in most "real-life" scenarios, one would expect more forehead contraction and eyebrow elevation, Jennifer Lawrence does a very good job projecting the emotion of fear-surprise.

When a person is judged to be a "good actor" - what we really mean is that they deliver their lines with great vocal qualities (aka paralanguage - such as pitch, cadence, rhythm, volume, crescendo/decrescendo, pauses, etc.) - along with spot-on body language. All three of these components must be in unison and consistent with the emotion and scene. Too often these ingredients are considerably disparate - and yet they pass for "acting".

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2898: Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman, a Suppressed Smile and ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2316:  Jennifer Lawrence's Response to Her Oscar Stumble -  Silver Linings Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2267:  Body Language at the 2013 Golden Globes The Influence of Color on Human Sexuality - Claire Danes, Zooey Deschanel & Jennifer Lawrence

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2397:  Angelina Jolie on Motherhood & Her Own Mom  Body Language Tells ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2292:  Mercedes Benz CLA Super Bowl Commercial "Soul"  Willem Dafoe's Body Language as the Devil

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2897: Fifty Shades of Grey - Part II - Warning Signs & Threat Assessment 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2316: Jennifer Lawrence's Response to Her Oscar Stumble - Silver Linings Body Language

You probably have seen Jennifer Lawrence receive her Oscar for Best Actress. You probably also recall her tripping on her dress on the way up those stairs. The heels and the tremendous emotions of the moment certainly contributed. Many would have done similar. When a reporter asked the "Silver Linings Playbook" star, "... um ... The fall on the way up to the stage - was, was it a fall? What happened?" and Ms. Lawrence answered, "Was it on purpose? Absolutely. What do you mean what happened? Look at my dress! I tried to walk upstairs in this dress. That's what happened. I didn't actually ... yeah, I think I just stepped on the fabric and, and there wa..., they waxed the stairs." Just after she said, "...stairs". 

At the 1:26 mark, the "Hunger Games" heroine displays a rapid and evanescent thinning of her upper lip, a tightening of the tissue between the nose and upper lip (aka the "mustache area", regardless of gender), a dilation of both nostrils, along with a protrusion of her lower lip, an extended bilateral blink and looking down and away from the reporter. This cluster of nonverbal facial changes constitutes a microexpression of anger & disgust.

Two questions later when another reporter says, "Here Jennifer, over here, here you go. Ah. At twenty-two years old you've got your first Oscar and you've already had two nominations, um, it's awfully young to have so much success so far. Do you feel, is it a good thing that it's coming so early in the career?" and Lawrence answers, "I hope so, yeah, I mean I ..., who knows? I guess we'll see!" The reporter retorts, "You don't worry about peaking too soon?" and she answers, "Well now I am! God!" From 2:04 to 2:22 she gives many nonverbal signals of fear. Some of these are encapsulated below.

 Of particular note is Ms. Lawrence's tightened lips/mouth corners which are pulled down and backwards (mouth of fear). Look at her neck as well - this classic "tenting" of the neck muscles - which is mild-to-moderately displayed here is known as the "neck of fear". Fear is the only emotion which causes this characteristic neck change. It also tends to "bunch up" the tissue beneath the jaw - and gives a temporary "double chin" appearance. Jennifer's eyelids are opened wider than her normal.

This image is slightly later in time than the one above.  In the video you can see her take a small step backwards (2:09). In this still shot, Ms. Lawrence's leaning backwards is highly indicative of fear - although it also can be seen with disgust and contempt. As obvious as it may seem here, this body language goes largely unappreciated in the everyday world.












See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2267:  Body Language at the 2013 Golden Globes The Influence of Color on Human Sexuality - Claire Danes, Zooey Deschanel & Jennifer Lawrence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2315:  Daniel Day-Lewis' Wins His 3rd Oscar -  Even the Best Actors will  "Leak" Their True Feelings via Body Language ...  Here via a Microexpression of Fear

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2019:  Sarah Palin's "Co-Hosting" on The Today Show -  She Fears Romney's Candidacy

Negotiation Secret # 329: Angela Merkel's Neck of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1555:  Ann Romney Hits it Back Over the Net to Hilary Rosen

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1211:  Tiger's Eyes -  Subtle Signal, Severe Anger


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