During 0:49 in this interview from Monday 16 May 2016 (image captured below), John Kasich, continues, "... endorsing is going to mean a lot, and frankly, ah, my wife and my daughters have watched this - and if I were to turn around today and endorse him [Trump], they'd be like, 'Why Dad?' - and that matters to me."
Just after he says, 'Why Dad?', Kasich displays the following nonverbal microexpressionanger cluster of signals :
Jaw Jut
Glaring Eyes
Tension in his Lower Eyelids
Mid-facial Tension
Nostril Flaring
... but in this moment Governor Kasich is also displaying empathy with his wife and daughters - for in his verbal referencing of them, he's also momentarily stepping inside of their shoes and feeling their emotions - AND thus anticipating the anger he would expect them to have.
Please watch this video several times to more fully appreciate this particular body language dynamic.
This is an image of John Kasich in Glastonbury, Connecticut on 22 April 2016. Scratching or rubbing the back of the head is highly correlated with "Honest Anxiety". That is to say, although Governor Kasich is certainly feeling anxiety here - there is no deception occurring.
Touching, rubbing or scratching the face in particular places (do you know where?) is correlated with lying. It's profoundly important to note that in order to have high reliability, these deception tells should be clustered simultaneously (or nearly so) with other nonverbal signals, paralanguage and verbal language. However, when these MAPs (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers) involve the back (or top) of the head - or the back of the neck - the anxiety is real - and so is the sincerity.
This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.
See also:
John Kasich was a guest today on CNN's State of the Union. At 3:40 in the video above, Ms. Dana Bash asks [over-talking], "So just to, just to put a button on this, ah Governor, there are no conversations, you're not interested in any conversations to coordinate with Ted Cruz since there's only three people in the race to try to keep the guy who's got -
Kasich: [over-talking] Look ...
Bash: ... by far the most delegates - Donald Trump, from getting even more?"
This image was captured during 3:51. From 3:48 through 3:52, Kasich
extends his torso backward to his left, moves laterally (back and forth),
as he says, "Look" - and then resumes his more straightened, relatively
still posture.
This (backward) torso extension (with or
without the additional side-to-side movement) is a nonverbal signal
highly indicative of frustration.
At 3:53, before Governor Kasich answers Ms. Bash, we see him display the cluster of: thinned, horizontally configured lips (particularly his upper lip), a clenched jaw, a dimpled chin, protruding lower lip, flared nostrils, lower eyelid tension, tension in mustache area, cheek dimpling - a nonverbal combination which indicates an amalgam of anger, disgust, frustration and impatience.
In summary, John Kasich has a high sincerity quotient (and thus also is believable and likable). Specifically, he has every intention of attending the GOP Convention in July in Cleveland as a candidate. He also believes his chances are relatively good at emerging as the Republican Nominee for President. The Governor however, during this interview, is also displaying relatively high levels of anger, frustration, disgust and impatience.
Yesterday in Vienna, Ohio, Donald Trump made an appearance while campaigning for today's primary there.
In an effort to criticize Governor John Kasich, he also dished out the same criticism to Governor Chris Christie - who was on stage with him at that very moment.
A small section of his speech appears above. During 0:29 - 0:31, as he says, "... I hated-ed (stutter) to do that, but I had to make my point ...", Trump displays a Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression (aka R2E2).
The Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression is a nonverbal facial signal which may last milliseconds (a microexpression) or several seconds (here it lasts about 2 seconds). Most body language beginners will mistake it for disgust - yet a very different emotion is being expressed (Can you tell the difference?).
It's very important to stress that every human being displays the R2E2 from time to time. However when you see this body language - know that the person is either trying to rationalize - trying to get others to rationalize - or to co-rationalize with him. They have a course of action, idea, opinion, etc., they want someone to take/believe and they're trying hard to get others to see/feel their point of view. The twist is this - very often (depending on the other nonverbal signs with which it is clustered) the R2E2 is a sign that the person displaying it doesn't really believe their own words. Thus it's a beacon of disparity between a person's thought-feelings and what they are saying aloud.
Thus when you see the R2E2, ask yourself:
Of what precisely is this person trying to convince me?
Why are they trying so hard to convince me?
Do they seem to really believe what they are saying?
What's their claimed motive?
What is another possible motive?
Does their tone of voice seem sincere?
What are their other nonverbal signals telling me?
The R2E2 is an attempt to gain our empathy and our rapport.
This is
an excellent example of a nonverbal signal that's used (subconsciously) in an effort convince us. And once again - we all use it, but when you see it
often or intensely, approach with caution. There's a can of snake oil
nearby.
Yesterday Gov. John Kasich finished fifth (with 7.6%) in the South Carolina primary. Two days earlier, during a talk at Clemson University, Kasish hugged a supporter. Some have questioned whether or not the candidate was sincere in this action. A brief nonverbal analysis of this dynamic follows.
Note that although Kasich does not keep his close his eyes for the duration of the entire hug - they were closed for a significant percentage of it - particularly for someone the Governor just met.
We keep our eyes closed during a hug when there is an increased level of sincerity. Forty-percent of the mass of the human brain is dedicated to vision. And ninety-percent of our sensory input is visual. Touch, smell, hearing and taste have to 'share' the remaining ten-percent. Thus when we close our eyes - a bit less blood flow and a bit less electrical-chemical activity occurs in the visual portion of our brains - while the other four senses are immediately enhanced - as well as our cognitive and emotional centers. So by closing our eyes, we up-regulate our brain's ability to truly feel emotion as well as enhancing our ability to be more fully present in the moment.
It's important to note Kasich's hand - more specifically right his palm is in full contact with the man's back. Full palmar contact during a hug (and most other gestures) correlates with higher sincerity in the moment and a sincerity quotient in general. This nonverbal signal carries even greater significance because it's performed with the Governor's dominant hand (his right).
In the image below, Gov. Kasich can be seen squeezing his eyelids shut especially tightly. This is one of several nonverbal techniques all of our psyches subconsciously utilize in an effort to try and prevent a full crescendo of tears as well as attempting to diminish an inward growth of sadness/grief.
In summary, this hug of Gov. Kasich's was highly sincere (especially for a man he just met) - and he has the highest sincerity quotient of any of the republican candidates.
This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.
Two nights ago during the Republican Debate in Milwaukee, John Kasich gave an answer regarding cutting taxes coupled with a simultaneous balancing of the budget.
Here is a portion of his answer, as Governor Kasich continues (beginning at 14:00):
"... That's why it's so important. And for those at the bottom, we've gotta do what we can to train them so that they can move up. But to just look the other way is not acceptable - because you know what? - As the Governor of Ohio, I have to deal with real challenges and we've gotten it done in our state and I will do it for America." [followed by jaw jut]
14:20
14:21
Notice Kasich's Eyebrows are vectored somewhat downward (although some of this eyebrow and eyelid configuration is passive, simply due to an age-related "droopiness"), along with elevated mid-facial tension, a flaring of his nostrils and a jaw jut without significant display of his lower teeth.
This nonverbal display indicates John Kasich is feeling anger along with a highly determined and defiant emotional tone. And while you may or may not Gov. Kasich, his policies or his politics - of all the republican candidates, he is the one who consistently displays the highest levels of sincerity.
Yet of course, he is far from nonverbally perfect. Earlier in this video clip for example, Governor Kasich repeatedly displayed what body language which is a strong rapport destroyer?
This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc. are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.
During the most recent republican presidential debate, when asked what woman they would like to see on ten dollar bill, many of the candidates answers' betrayed the fact they were not well-thought on history and American women in particular.
From a nonverbal perspective the above video segment showcases several microexpressions, two of which are discussed here.
Captured during 0:03, in this image we can see Carly Fiorina displaying a classic microexpression of contempt as she says the word "... honestly ..."
Ms. Fiorina's nonverbal, verbal and paralanguage were all highly congruent - thus indicating her answer to this question was very sincere.
Later in this same segment (this image during 0:32), Ohio Governor John Kasich displays several microexpressions of fear (with his mouth and neck). This one is a fraction of a second after he says, "... Teresa ..."
Mr. Kasich knew that although most people think as highly for Mother Teresa as he does - he also knew that his answer was not the best one since, of course, she wasn't an American. Did you catch his other microexpressions?
What do Governor Chris Christie's facial expressions tell us?
As with all microexpressions, the dynamic context of video is far superior vs. still photos. Please view the video (and perhaps slow it down to 1/2 or 1/4 speed) to fully appreciate these very short-lived but crucial body language tells. This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc. are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.
John Kasich gave this post-debate interview earlier this week. Governor Kasich did well in the debate and has subsequently climbed significantly in the polls. One question some critics felt he did not go into sufficient detail on however, was the issue of illegal immigration and how his views compared to Donald Trump's hardline.
Chris Wallace once again asks the Ohio governor - and specifically regarding building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. At multiple times Governor Kasich displays microexpressions of fear. One of these moments is captured in the image below (during 2:29). Take notice his "Mouth of Fear" - with the corners very briefly pulled down and laterally. What is less noticed by most and rarely ever discussed is his simultaneous "Neck of Fear" - with a tightening and tenting-up of the neck muscles. Please watch the interview above as these fear signals (and most nonverbals) are much better exampled via the dynamic context of a video.
These crucial body language displays tell us Governor Kasich has trepidation regarding immigration reform - for although taking a firmer stance here may help him win the Republican nomination - it may also cost him in the general election.
Today Ohio Governor John Kasich announced his candidacy for President. He is the 16th major Republican to make a bid for his party's nomination. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of his speech.
At multiple times Governor Kasich put a hand in his pocket. This is an awful body language for any leader to use - particularly while on camera and speaking - and especially during his announcement to run for the highest office in the land. It does not build rapport. On the contrary - it signals reluctance, tentativeness and nondisclosure. Some people will occasionally use this MAP (manipulator, adaptor, pacifier) in an effort to look relaxed or approachable - yet it does not - rather it projects non-engagement.
Simply put - hands in pockets will lose you votes and rapport. If you're running for office or leading people, keep your hands OUT of your pockets. Mitt Romney did this far too much in 2012 - thus sending signals he was not emotionally comfortable.
This gesture (in body language terminology - one type of "illustrator") is a "basketball steeple". And although the tempo of movement associated with Kasich's use of this nonverbal is a bit too quick (see video at 39:00) - the basketball steeple is a great example of an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid" - not too aggressive/dominant - yet not too demure/sedate. Alpha-beta hybrid body language (which can be up and down-regulated in the moment depending on the need and/or feedback) are fantastic body language displays for leaders to use - for they build rapport and assertiveness without arrogance - as well as increase likability without sending signals of weakness. The basketball steeple is but one of many varieties of an alpha-beta hybrid.
This image captured at 40:34 shows Gov. Kasich with his fingers interlocked (intertwined). This MAP indicates low emotional comfort and anxiety - and should in general not be used. However, Kasich used this fairly display relatively briefly (several 1- 3 second intervals) and while he was speaking about the almost unfathomable condition of family fighting against family in the U.S. Civil War. If one truly has empathy for those in War - this gesture is sincere - for it was congruent with his vocal qualities as well as his words (but still should never be used for very long).
45:43
This chin, mouth and mid-face cluster is indicative of brief (near-microexpression) fear-sadness as Kasich describes a man who watched helplessly as his wife and two children were swept away in a flash flood several days ago. This was another sincere moment of empathy.
Just after Governor Kasich announces his attention to run for President he looks down with his head/neck and while closing his eyes. A few moments prior, he stepped back several inches and braced himself by grabbing the sides of the podium (lectern). Such humbled body language (and similar) is common and displayed by most candidates in the context of announcing their candidacy - particularly for high office. Of course eye contact with the audience and upright posture are essential for good rapport and the projection of strength, confidence and assertiveness - yet most of us want (and need) our leaders (during certain moments at least) to be humble. Like most body language however, a balance is needed. Too much humility (weakness) or too much confidence (thus arrogance) does not win elections.
Although he could certainly make some significant improvements, more than the majority of candidates - John Kasich projected a good balance of alpha and beta qualities during his formal announcement speech. Both his sincerity and empathy were relatively high during this event - and it's these qualities more than most which translate to likability.
