Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3339: First Democratic Presidential Debate - Jim Webb's Proud of Making this Enemy - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Tonight's Democratic Presidential Debate offered up many body language teaching moments. What follows is an examination of but one of these - very commonly seen yet often misinterpreted. 

In this video segment, Anderson Cooper asked the five candidates, "Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, 'I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made'. You've all made a few people upset over your political careers - which enemy are you most proud of?"

When it was Jim Webb's turn, the former Virginia Senator answered, "I'd have to say the enemy soldier that threw the grenade that wounded me - but he's not around right now to - talk to." (Note Jim Webb is a recipient of the Navy Cross for actions of bravery in the Vietnam War which he, in part, alludes to here).

During his answer, Senator Webb repeatedly elevates up on his toes (please view the video to fully appreciate this dynamic signal). This nonverbal sign tells us the former Secretary of the Navy is quite proud of his response. He feels he has slam-dunked this answer. Elevating up on one's toes can be thought of as a subconsciously generated "energy-bleeder" - wherein the psyche is attempting to release adrenaline (and its effects) and although it has a component of "good nervousness" associated with it - this body language tell is primarily indicative of joy, optimism, excitement and pride.  

See also:

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3235: Jim Webb Announces His Presidential Bid .... and some Body Language Weakness

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3273: Marco Rubio, The Republican Debate, Monotonous Body Language and Anxiety 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3200: Martin O'Malley announces Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language of Emotional Processing

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3235: Jim Webb Announces His Presidential Bid .... and some Body Language Weakness (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Late Wednesday yet another candidate announce his bid for the 2016 Presidential Race. Jim Webb - a democrat - who served in the U.S. Senate for Virginia from 2006 - 2012. He announced his decision via Twitter and the video above was posted on his website and on YouTube shortly thereafter. What follows is a partial nonverbal critique.

Webb has been described as "having a gruff personality", a "stiff campaigner", a "stoic military personality" and "standoffish" among others.

From a production standpoint, the resolution of the video is of low. It's not framed in the typical 16:9 aspect ratio (utilized by YouTube any many other media sources) - subsequently the sides of the video are black. This looks amateurish.

On the right side of the video the medium-blue background moves in a slow wave-like manner. This is visually distracting both physiologically and psychologically. On the left side of the screen the much darker background blends in with the candidate - and acts as a visual metaphor making Webb appear weak and indistinct. This very same mistake was made famous by Richard Nixon in his first Debate with John Kennedy in September of 1960.

Throughout the entirety of this 14 minute video, whenever Sen. Webb is shown - he's virtually in the same position. Webb essentially never moves his body (although we see a slight shrug-like nonverbal exception during the 1:04 - 1:05, when he says, "Over the past few months, thousands of concerned Americans from across the political spectrum have urged me to run for president." In this context, what does this shrug signify?). Sen. Webb is indeed stone-like and stoic.

One key mistake is that Webb's hands are not visible. When we cannot see a person's hands - it is human instinct to trust them less. This principle cannot be over-stated. Indeed when hand and arm gestures (known in body language colloquial as "illustrators") are used in a nuanced, contextual and proportional manner - they will lead to improved rapport, they project assertiveness and confidence - as well as engendering better listening and greater recall of those who hear them.

What do Senator Webb's facial nonverbals tell you? Stay tuned.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3234: Whole Foods Market, Message to Customers, Damage Control and Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2016: Hillary Clinton, Roosevelt Island, Building Rapport and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3200: Martin O'Malley announces Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language of Emotional Processing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3177: Carly Fiorina Announces her Candidacy for the 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3134: Ted Cruz to Announce his Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Why He Will Never Win

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2134:  A Watershed Body Language Moment:  Nixon - Kennedy Debates 1960

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2322:  Jeb Bush & Matt Lauer - Which one is the Narcissist? Red Flags

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