Body Language Analysis No. 4356: Donald Trump: "When I can, I tell the truth" - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Thursday 1 November 2018, Jonathan Karl of ABC News interviewed President Trump. One of Trump's responses went particularly viral. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of this interview.

JONATHAN KARL (continuing at 3:49): And finally, I remember, you remember - well on the campaign, you made a promise, you said, "I will never lie to you". So, can you tell me now, honestly, have you - kept that promise at all times? Have you always been truthful?

DONALD TRUMP: (over-talking) Well I try, I mean I do try, I think you try too. You say things about me that are not - necessarily correct. I do try and - ah, I always wanna tell the truth - when I can, I tell the truth. I mean sometimes it turns out to be where something happens - it's different or there's a change - but I always like to be truthful. 

Throughout the great majority of this entire exchange with Karl (including further back in this interview [beginning at 2:12] as the President answers questions regarding the ongoing diaspora of Central American people walking north through Mexico), Trump looks down and to HIS right (with both eyes and to a lesser degree, his head and neck).

Eye contact during deception is an intriguing phenomenon. When someone is telling a lie, the percentage of eye contact they have with the other person (or the camera) is biphasic. It almost always either increases (and thus, often takes on the feel of staring) - or it decreases. Moreover, when their eye contact does decrease, the quadrant to which the liar most often looks is THEIR lower right quadrant (exactly what we see here).

Notice too, the verbal language President Trump used. He never said, "Yes", "Always", "I'm always truthful", or "One-hundred percent" - rather Trump said:

• "Well I try"
• "I do try"
• "I always wanna tell the truth"
• "when I can, I tell the truth"
• "I always like to be truthful"

Such hedging, whether in written or verbal form, are profound statement analysis tells indicative of deception.

In addition, Donald Trump immediately proceeds with the premise that Jonathan Karl also lies when he says, "I think you try too. You say things about me that are not - necessarily correct". This is a manipulative method known as Forced Teaming (de Becker). It's as if to say, "We're in this together Jon - you and me" - and - You lie too Jonathan, everybody lies, but we all try not to".


Now flashback to an earlier portion of this interview. Beginning as Trump says (continuing at 2:31), "... you have caravans coming up that, look a lot larger than it's reported, actually, I mean I'm pretty good at - estimating crowd size - and I will tell you - they look a lot bigger than people would think ..."

From 2:31 to 2:39 Trump displays a combination of a Suppressed Smile along with what is known as a Lip Curl. Please watch the above video - as any still image does not capture the dynamic nature of this nonverbal behavior.

In this context, a suppressed smile is what is a nonverbal phenomenon termed as Duping Delight (Ekman) - which is a form of body language 'leaking' - wherein the person displaying it, is taking true joy in THEIR belief that they're successfully deceiving people. It's crucial to emphasize here that you don't have to agree at all with the ethics of their lying or their motive. Moreover, they may not be fooling anyone at all - but THEY believe they are doing so.

A lip curl (note the outward curl of Trump's upper left lip) signals Hubris, Braggadocio, and Bravado. Trump tends to have a slight lisp when he displays his lip curls (both in this example and on other occasions). This is best exemplified as he says the word "size" during 2:37.

Notice too, that during 2:36 - 2:39, Trump's shoulders elevate slightly as he puffs up his chest (and perhaps elevates a bit on his toes). While not a required component of either a lip curl or duping delight, these additional dynamics add to this particular body language sentence - a nonverbal grouping called a cluster. These extra components serve as amplifiers - of both the joy he has in the act of deceiving - as well as his hubris, braggadocio, and bravado.

SUMMARY: During this interview, Donald Trump is looking down to his right the vast majority of the time - the direction of gaze to which most people look during the diminished eye contact of deception. Trump also demonstrates classic nonverbal tells indicating he takes pleasure and hubris in the belief he's successfully perpetrating his lies.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4355: Comparing Donald Trump and the Tree of Life Synagogue to Ronald Reagan and the Challenger Disaster 

Body Language Analysis No. 4353: The Murder of Jamal Khashoggi and Trump's Defense of Saudi Arabia 

Body Language Analysis No. 4351: Donald Trump Stops Anthony Kennedy in His Tracks 

Body Language Analysis No. 4349: Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford - Part III

Body Language Analysis No. 4332: Richard Nixon, Nikita Khrushchev, and The Kitchen Debate

Body Language Analysis No. 4321: Donald Trump and The Queen

Body Language Analysis No. 4316: Sarah Paulson, The Met Gala, and Madonna

Body Language Analysis No. 4309: The Little Girl in Red, "Tender Age" shelters, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 4282: When Public Displays of Affection are More Frequent than those in Private

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Body Language Analysis No. 3942: Donald Trump, James Comey, Contempt and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On 18 May 2017, President Trump hosted Columbian President Juan Manuel Santo. The video above includes the majority of their joint press conference.

From a nonverbal communication perspective, the event was laden with teaching examples - two particularly telling moments are highlighted here.

JOURNALIST (beginning at 20:13): Thank you, Mr. President. Ahum, in the light of a very busy news week, a lot of people would like to get to the bottom of a couple of things, give you a chance to - go on record here. Did you at any time urge former FBI Director James Comey in any way, shape, or form to close or to back down the investigation into Michael Flynn? And also as you look back - 

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  [over-talking] No.  No.  Next question.

JOURNALIST: Next question. As you look back over the past six months or year, ahum, have you had any recollection where you’ve wondered if anything you have done - has been something that might be worthy of criminal charges in these investigations or impeachment, as some on the left are implying?  

During 20:33, as Trump says the word, "... Next..." (shown above), and again during the later portion of "...question...", he displays two beautiful examples of extremely brief manifestations of contempt (Microexpressions).

And a few seconds later, during 20:34 - 20:37, as the journalist says, "... Next question. As you look back...", Trump then displays what is known as a "Subtle Expression". It's also one of contempt. As its name implies, it's somewhat difficult to detect (for most people) due to its low magnitude. They also typically last longer.

While nonverbal novices are more familiar with the phenomenon of microexpressions - and they get much more press - subtle expressions are just as important in nonverbal interpretation and behavioral analysis.

These examples, placed side by side, serve as an excellent contrast. Please view them several times at normal speed and again in slow motion.

Another intriguing moment comes a few seconds later (20:43 - 20:44) immediately after the journalist says, " As you look back over the past six months or year, ahum, have you had any recollection where you’ve wondered if anything you have done" - and then simultaneous with the journalist saying, ... has been something ...", Donald Trump blinks, then looks down to his right, then blinks again as he reestablishes his gaze upon the Journalist.

The vast majority of right-handed people will look down to their right during moments of high anxiety particularly when those feelings are linked to sadness or regret.

Blinking which punctuates the beginning and/or the end of gaze direction changes are longer in duration and are much more correlative with anxiety.


Summary: Donald Trump displayed contempt during a key question in today's press conference - most likely toward James Comey or for the journalist who asked the question. The President also showed signs of significant regret and anxiety when asked about recent past actions.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3941: H.R. McMaster’s Press Conference, Part II — Donald Trump, Russia & Classified Information

Body Language Analysis No. 3939: The Russians are Confident - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 3937: Mr. Lavrov Goes To Washington - “Was he fired? You’re kidding!” - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and James Comey

Body Language Analysis No. 3935: Donald Trump and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3921: Kim Jong-un, North Korea, Alpha Status, and Clapping

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3871: Emma Watson's Old Habit, Harry Potter Outtake and Anxiety

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. 3861: Emma Stone, The Oscars and Sincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3808: Felicity Jones' Sincere Smile - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3760: Rory McIlroy's "Little Interviews" - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This version of "Little Interviews" is highly recommended - not only for its comedic value, but also for its wealth of body language moments.

Rory McIlroy is by most accounts a likable personality - and he held up well in Billy's hot seat. Yet Caroline Wozniacki's spirit was also on the set.

Beginning at the 2:19 mark, Billy begins: "I know Andy Murray's a good mate of yours, but who's your favorite girrrrrrrl tennis player?".

McIlroy [laughing sincerely, but in a self-deprecating 'I've-been-caught' manner and blushing]: "Ohhhh, ahhh, favorite girl tennis player ..... ah-ummm [looks down to his right and scratches his right shoulder with his left hand followed with a puffer fish exhalation].

Billy: [brief laughter]

McIlroy: "Honestly Billy, I've stopped following women's tennis [R2E2 with a brief nodding up and down] ... the last couple years."

Billy: "Maybe a good call."

McIlroy: "I think so."

2:37




Scratching the opposite shoulder is a signal of "honest anxiety" - and more specifically a hesitancy to  discuss (or disclose). It's often seen when a person is searching for the "right words".

When someone looks down to their right - it's an epiphenomenon of a simultaneous experience of sincere and significant emotion tone - often correlated with affection, melancholy, love, regret and sadness.

A deep exhalation with the billowing outward of one's cheeks ("Puffer Fish") has a calming affect - slowing down the heart rate and respiration while also lowering the blood pressure. It's also very often correlated with the completion of a difficult act or decision and is seen with feelings of resignation (thus somewhat similar to a slow shrugging).

2:41




As he turns to Billy and says, "Honestly Billy, I've stopped following women's tennis ... the last couple years", Rory McIlroy makes an R2E2 (Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression) along with subtle nodding of his head. This is very obviously a deception and his R2E2 display is an effort to convince the audience and young Billy by recruiting him as a co-rationalizer. While the R2E2 is not always indicative of deception - it is seen frequently in that context and very often the person displaying it is also trying to convince their self.

From a paralanguage perspective, McIlroy's use of the word "Honestly" here is also very conspicuous for a lie and/or an agenda-driven undercurrent. Although this coupling of correlated behaviors is completely missed by 99.7% of people, nonverbal signals are often paired with such statement-analysis (language analysis) tells.

Summary: Rory McIlroy has regrets regarding his past relationship with Caroline Wozniacki and still harbors significant affection for her.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3759: Nicole Kidman's and Jimmy Fallon's Almost Date Redux

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3557: How Megyn Kelly really feels regarding Bill O'Reilly

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3755: Donald Trump, Empathy and Facial Expressions

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3745: Kris Bryant Smiles Throughout the Entire Last Play of Game Seven

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3734: SNL's spoof on the 3rd Presidential Debate - and 3 Insincerity Flags

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3701: Hillary Clinton, Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3652: Simone Manuel & Penny Oleksiak Win Olympic Gold

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3603: David Cameron's Resignation, The Brexit and Beta Body Language

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3733: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part IV - The Turning Point of the Debate - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

What was the turning point of the third Presidential Debate? Did you see it? It came about 20 minutes after the candidates were introduced. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis and a glimpse inside Donald Trump's emotional mind.

Hillary Clinton (beginning at 0:15 in the above video): "... Getting rid of any violent person, anybody who should be deported, we should deport them. When it comes to the wall that Donald talks about building - he went to Mexico - had a meeting with the Mexican president. He didn't even raise it. He choked. And then got into a Twitter war because the Mexican president said we're not paying for that wall... "

During 0:31 - 0:33 as Secretary Clinton says, "... And then got into a Twitter war because the Mexican president said ...", (coming just after Trump processes the "He Choked" statement), Donald Trump displays a truly classic example of a subtle expression of contempt. Some may falsely label this a microexpression, and although it is certainly short-lived (lasting about 1.7 seconds), it's technically too long to be classified as such. Don't get hung-up on this definition though - for the significance of this subtle expression of contempt is just as significant as that of a microexpression.

Watch it at regular speed and then at 1/2 and even 1/4 speed - then once again at regular speed. It's quite illustrative to view it with the sound muted as well.

Also of note, is that Trump briefly closes his eyelids in an extended blink during this display. In this context, this dynamic is a contempt amplifier. It also acts as a flag to careful observers. Moreover, when Trump opens his eyelids - he's looking down to his right - the quadrant right-hand dominant people tend to gaze toward much more often when the emotions of regret, sadness, self-criticism are present. Trump knows that he committed a big mistake.

This is the exact moment when the debate turned. This is when Hillary Clinton got under Donald Trump's skin. Prior to this exchange Trump was more composed, polished and well spoken. So not only is this a text-book classic example of a subtle expression of contempt - but it also serves to illustrate just how our performance in any activity, particularly when it involves communication, can be dramatically altered when we let it throw us off our emotional-baseline.

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3733: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part IV - The Turning Point of the Debate - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3732: Donald Trump cuts short interview after Question Regarding Racism - Predicting Trump's Behavior

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3724: The 2nd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Emotional Intelligence and a Profoundly Telling Body Language Signal

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3720: The 2nd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Predatory Behavior

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3714: Vice Presidential Debate - Tim Kaine v. Mike Pence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3702: Hillary Clinton: "Why aren't I 50 points ahead (of Trump)?''

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3693: Grace VanderWaal Wins America's Got Talent Season 11

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3683: Brock Turner Released from Prison after 3 Months

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3679: Donald Trump, Enrique Peña Nieto and The Wall 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3500: Gal Gadot's last name used to be "Greenstein" - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Gal Gadot was a guest yesterday on Jimmy Kimmel Live promoting Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in which she has a supporting role.  In the initial moments of the video clip included above, Mr. Kimmel asks about her last name, when she describes her parent's changing her surname from "Greenstein" to "Gadot".

At 0:25 she continues, "... No, but actually the Gadot used to be Greenstein (up-talk with 'Greenstein')."

What in popular lexicon is called "Hand-Wringing" occurs during this sentence. This hand-to-hand self-touching or MAP variation (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) is a common anxiety tell. This image was capture just as she says, the first syllable of "Greenstein" and the closing of her eyes in a prolonged blink within this context signifies an emotional distancing.

Her up-talking with this specific word when she is making a declarative statement makes it seem as though she is asking permission. This is highly congruent with her hand-wringing and prolonged blink and a good example of paralanguage paralleling body language. Whenever the nonverbal behavior and vocal qualities (paralanguage) are in agreement, it is there you will find the truth (regardless of the words).

During 0:28 Ms. Gadot looks down to her right (a very common quadrant for right-hand dominant people [as is Gadot] to momentarily glance during particularly sad, embarrassing, guilt or high-anxiety moments). In addition she raised her right eyebrow and forehead - signifying disbelief (that Greenstein was her true surname). Even more noticeable is Wonder Woman's mouth of fear - although here it's unilaterally expressed (and a microexpression). The highly characteristic mouth corner pulled out (laterally) and downward is along with her head turn, eyes gazing down to Gadot's right and unilateral eyebrow/forehead elevation is a nonverbal cluster of social-fear (as opposed to physical fear) and embarrassment.

After Jimmy asks, "Really?" and she replies, "Yeah", Gadot again displays the same forehead/eyebrow elevation with a head nod in the opposite direction.

What does her head nod indicate in this context?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3499: President Obama Nominates Merrick Garland to Supreme Court

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3496: Hillary Clinton and George W. Bush Hugging at Nancy Reagan's Funeral

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3492: Maria Sharapova Admits Failed Drug Test

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3488: Donald Trump Brags about the size of penis - but His Body Language Indicates Anxiety/Deception

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2989: Jessica Chastain, "Interstellar", David Letterman and a Partial Emblematic Slip

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3299: Kim Davis, Contempt-of-Court, Same-Sex Marriages and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2462:  San Diego Mayor Bob Filner -  Sexual Harassment, Body Language and Foreheads

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3154: Marco Rubio's Body Language Tell (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

A Reminder: 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.

Yesterday Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) announced his candidacy for the 2016 Presidency of the United States. Without a doubt, the junior Senator from Florida needs to improve his nonverbal skills - and while he has and continues to commit his share (or more) of faux pas, yesterday he displayed an example of a body language signal - of which its underlying emotion we need to see much more of in politics.

The above video is an edited portion of Senator Rubio's announcement. These three images are taken from the very beginning portion.

This first image was captured at 0:08, just as he finished up the word, "... States ..."

At 0:09, Senator Rubio closes his eyelids in an extended blink as his face blushes and he suppresses a sincere smile.











Senator Rubio then looks down to his right (still 0:09 and for several seconds thereafter).

In the great majority of right-handed people, when they look down to the right when they are emotionally processing of someone or something close to their heart - a person, an idea, image, repercussion, memory, etc. His prolonged eyelid closure and blushing are also congruent nonverbal displays.

Whether you agree with a person's politics or not, it's important to always strive to be objective ("Rationalization is THE great human sport." S.King). More specifically, when assessing any politician - such attempts at objectivity should always involve separating political opinions from character issues. And while no candidate is perfect - in this moment, this particular politician is projecting a very human emotion - he is humbled by what he is undertaking.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3153: Jodi Arias gets a Life Sentence Without Parole for Killing Travis Alexander - a Body Language Warning Signal

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2204:  Kate Winslet's Body Language Shows  Disgust, Humility and Sincerity Over Award

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2459:  Was Eliot Spitzer Sincere?  Apology, Sincerity and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1600: Senator Marco Rubio - Sincerity, Self-directed Incredulity & Humor, Blocking and Appeals for the Vice Presidency


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2344: Jillian Michaels Body Language Neck of Fear & Mouth of Fear

This recent video interview of Jillian Michaels is loaded with great body language examples. Perhaps the best one is seen during 2:31 - 2:33 when she confesses that she hasn't been to the gym in weeks. She displays the classic "neck of fear" as well as the "mouth of fear". Of course fear is relative and the different components of its body language display can tell us more. We can be afraid of a stranger with a gun or afraid of failing a test - or show fear as an expression of empathy. Other nonverbals can tell us the magnitude. Here the star of "The Biggest Looser" is afraid of being perceived as a hypocrite or something similar.

Ms. Michaels (and everyones') "neck of fear" is made by the contraction of many of the muscles there - particularly the thin layer of muscle just beneath the skin on the whole front side of the neck and beneath the jaw - the platysma. Contraction of this muscle gives this particular highly characteristic "tenting up" appearance (still image below) of the neck. Fear is the only emotion which causes this platysma contraction and appearance.  Her lips are also stretched laterally together with a mildly clenched teeth. This is a mild to moderate example of the mouth of fear. With more severe levels of fear the jaw separates and pulls backwards and down. 

There are some other nonverbal elements of the fear expression which are not present here. What are these components and why are they not seen?

See also:

Negotiation Secret # 329: Angela Merkel and the Neck of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1927:  Italy's Fans watching Euro 2012 Final - Expressions of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2031:  Tina Fey arriving at Alec Baldwin's Wedding,  Fear-Empathy with a (partial) Sincere Smile - Emotional Dissonance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2261:  Mom pulls Python off of her 2 year old daughter -  Body Language & Microexpression of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2303:  Karen & Jim Reynolds Interview -  Rogue Ex-Cop Christopher Dorner's Last Hostages  Microexpression of Fear - but it's not what you think ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2338:  Why Does Keit Pentus-Rosimannus feel Fear?  Body Language of Estonia's Minister of Environment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2306:  George W. Bush trapped in Room -  Body Language's Microexpression of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2297:  Rooney Mara on Conan O'Brien  Common Body Language Tell  Fear Apology Query Expression-Cluster

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2288: Part III Ronaiah Tuiasosopo interview with Dr. Phil - Body Language, Eye Movement, Sincerity and Sadness

Throughout much of this segment of his interview with Dr. Phil, Ronaiah Tuiasosopo looks down to his left. It's not entirely clear whether he is right handed or ambidextrous, however Tuiasosopo's eye movements are consistent with the primary body language pattern of an individual who is left-hand dominant. Ninety-five percent of right handed people, when looking down to their right during highly emotional moments - usually sadness. Conversely those who are left-hand dominant will look down to their left during these intense emotional times - as does Tuiasosopo multiple times, although this pattern holds only 85 - 90% for lefties.

Tuiasosopo's tears are sincere. The atypical pattern of his eye movements during these significant moments of true sadness is good example of the importance of establishing baseline behaviors during nonverbal evaluations.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2286:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo's Body Language on Dr. Phil's Interview -  The Voice and Mind of "Lennay Kekua" - Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2287:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo on Dr. Phil Interview -  Part II - A Body Language Signal that's a Red Flag

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2280: Manti Te'o's interview with Katie Couric Manti isn't telling us the whole truth -  Te'o's Body Language of Duping Delight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2277: Diane O'Meara, Lennay Kekua,  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo & Manti Te'o -  O'Meara's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2278: Diane O'Meara (the "face" of Lennay Kekua)  on the Mantei Te'o "Girlfriend Hoax"  Part 2

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2186: Paula Broadwell, David Petraeus,  Body Language and the man who would be President ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2247: Barack Obama's Body Language on Meet the Press  "That was the worst day of my Presidency
 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2247: Barack Obama's Body Language on Meet the Press "That was the worst day of my Presidency"

In his "Meet The Press" interview this morning, Barack Obama displayed a classic body language-facial expression cluster. Near the end of the above video Mr. Obama says, "...you know that was the worst day of my presidency and it's not something that I want to see repeated." Immediately prior to this statement, during a verbal pause (0:53 - 0:55 segment), the President looked down to his right, partially closing his eyelids and clenched his jaw. His lips also initiated an Inward Lip Roll (ILR) - but because his jaw/teeth were closed tightly, this ILR could not be completed - thus there is a "bunching up" of the tissue around the lips (peri-lip tissue) - and his lips grew very thin - stretched in a near-perfect horizontal line. Simultaneously Barack's chin wrinkled and his masseter muscles (jaw muscles) bulged outward. This nonverbal "cluster" (multiple body language displays which are simultaneous or very nearly so) is a classic beacon for anger-frustration. The President, of course, was not responsible for what happened - yet, like anyone in his shoes, since it occurred on his watch, he feels a greater anger, frustration, and responsibility to prevent a similar event than he otherwise would. 

Note: The President is described at looking "down to his right" during the above described segment. This is the quadrant where 95+% of right-handed people look during moments of significant emotion (usually sadness or anger). I have noted before, that although it's common knowledge Barack Obama is left-handed, his brain "behaves" more similarly to that of a right-handed person - and thus his eye-movements are also consistent with the classically (normally)described right-hander's as well. This raises the very real importance of "norming" when assessing body language. Therefore the President is right-handed - but he has ambidextrous tendencies.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2138: President Obama's Anger-Frustration During Debate -  An Under-Appreciated Body Language Signal

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2167: Colin Powell Endorses President Obama - His Body Language Display of Anxiety, Contempt & the  Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1163: The Importance of "Norming" in the  Evaluation of Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2238: Sandy Hook Elementary Teacher Lauren Rousseau's Boyfriend's Body Language - Grief & Suppression of Negative Emotions & Empathy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2233: Body Language, President Obama, 20 Children  and the Tongue-in-Cheek

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2231: A Common Facial Expression of Mass Killers - Using Body Language as a Threat Assessment Tool

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2232: Vicki Soto, a Hero, Body Language and a Mother's Love & Affection  - Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2243:  The NRA, Asa Hutchinson's Body Language,  Speaking out of the “Side of the Mouth”  and the Importance of "Norming"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2229: President Obama and a Body Language Signal of  Holding Back Grief, Tears & other Negative Emotions 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2095: Canoodling with the Weathergirl

Many people don't know what "Canoodle" means. Anchorman Andrew Johnson didn't - but his colleague, Astrid Braunschmidt does. In this hilarious clip, the Victoria Island B.C. Anchorman also doesn't pay much attention to the previous story (partially included here as well) and particularly the "...it's (Union Bay) properly named then?" line.

While there are many body language signals, here are some highlights: 

0:16 Canoodle reference in original story.

0:33 - 0:36 Andrew Johnson has sincere, Duchenne Smile (Ekman). Note the partial eyelid closure (absolutely required), the concave up furrows in the lower lids (a near absolute), upward vectors (never laterally) of the cheek muscles, only the upper teeth exposed (never the lower teeth during a smile, but often both upper and lower exposed during sincere laughter) and a relaxed forehead muscles.

See also:

Analysis # 2091: Sincere Smiling and Laughing Reduces Anxiety and Heart Rate, Boosts Immune System and Relieves Pain

Analysis # 1905: Ann Curry's Smile and Sincerity Quotient

Analysis # 353: Brad Pitt's Smiling Eyes - Sincere and Insincere Smiles

Analysis # 1010: What Makes the Twinkle in Rashida Jones' Eye?

0:37 Johnson says to Braunschmidt, "... maybe we can canoodle before you get into it ...." and less than a half a second later, Astrid's eyebrows shoot upward - almost exclusively her right brow (a microexpression or near microexpression of nonverbal incredulity).

Analysis # 412: New Gingrich is Incredulous

Analysis # 1696: George Zimmerman's Testimony - Fear, Incredulity, Regret & Contempt

Analysis # 335 & 353: Incredulous with Contempt - Amanda Knox Redux

Analysis # 1600: Senator Marco Rubio - Sincerity, Self-directed Incredulity & Humor, Blocking and Appeals for the Vice Presidency

0:40 Johnson (through his earpiece) is learning of his gaffe from his producer with hand wringing (anxiety in this context). At this same moment the good-spirited "Weather Girl" adopts a display of central forehead contraction (CFC) with down-turned mouth corners (Physical or emotional pain for oneself or for another via empathy).

Analysis # 2042: Syrian Government Defector Nawaf al-Fares

Analysis # 2040: Never Trust a One-Sided Smile - Ex-Lobbyist Jack Abramoff

Analysis # 1910: Natasha Smith Sexually Assaulted in Tahrir Square - Post Assault Interview

Analysis # 1439: Central Forehead Contraction & Inward Lip Roll - Devon Davis & April Davis

0:41 Johnson's mouth adopts a mild - moderate fear expression as he looks down to his right (95% of right-handed people look to this quadrant during dramatic moments of negative emotion) and then a slightly prolonged closure of his eyelids (nonverbal signal of emotional processing, embarrassment). "We're not going be canoodling" moment at 0:41 - 0:42, followed by a bilateral palms-down gesture (0:43 - 0:45) indicating authority, dominance and assertiveness (often negatively received, but here of course very context-appropriate).

Analysis # 1709: Peyton Manning's Agent Does Not Fully Believe

Analysis # 1712: Negative Nonverbals and The Recency Effect - President Obama's Campaign Ad "Go"

Analysis # 2053: Strong Signal of Fear-Sadness Anxiety - Aurora, Colorado "Batman Shooting"

Analysis # 222: Palms Down vs. Palms Up

Analysis # 555: How Facial Expressions Correlate with Palm Position

0:50 Mouth covering (here signally emotional processing, empathy and embarrassment).

Analysis # 21: Surprise + Fear + Empathy

Lots of great body language and laughs. Thanks to Andrew and Astrid.

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1835: Dario Franchitti Wins His Third Indianapolis 500 - His Disingenuous "Thank You"

Dario Franchitti won his third Indianapolis 500 today. During an emotional interview after the race, he speaks of his friend Dan Wheldon - last year's winner who perished this past October in the IZOD IndyCar World Championship at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This video is loaded with body language, however there's one tell in particular that should catch your attention. At the 0:43 mark, just as Franchitti finishes saying, "... thank you to this Target team ...", he displays an nonverbal classic "ear screw" with his left index finger in his left ear canal as he looks down to his right. This ear screw is a clear signal that this particular "thank you" is insincere, and he's discontented with someone on the "Target team" or the team as whole. Although we cannot see his eyes, his head & neck move down and to his right. It would be highly unusual if his eyes were also not gazing in this same direction. Looking down and to one's right (particularly for the right-handed) is an extremely common saccade during negative emotional moments.

See also:

Secret # 1236: Kofi Annan Does Not Believe

Secrets # 394 & 496: Rick Perry's Nonverbal Mistakes in Iowa

Secret # 199: When a Lie is Told, Heard or Visualized by Vladimir's Eye

Secret # 29: Eye Rub When Someone Else is Speaking - Angela Doubts Vladimir

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 926: When Not to Ask for the Sale

While the man on the right side of this image is asking President Obama to consider a decision, based on POTUS's nonverbal signals, this is an example of a completely wrong time to do so. It is rare to see a head-of-state display arm-crossed body language and certainly Obama is no exception. This arm posture is a strong indicator that Barack is emotionally closed-off and even defensive to the alternative being discussed. 

The configuration seen here on the President's mouth can, based on the other nonverbals it is clustered with - signify honest consideration, but this is not the case here. In such scenarios a completely different appearance of the eyes would be displayed (e.g. eyelids opened slightly wider than normal with a wrinkling/contraction of the forehead). In this nonverbal cluster-context - Obama's mouth indicates doubt and incredulity. 

Barack Obama is looking down and to the right, which is highly consistent with strong emotional overtones (although Mr. Obama is left handed and this phenomenon is more highly correlative with right-handedness).

If you want another to make a decision in your favor, ask for the sale, win a vote, get a date or ensure you client is acquitted, etc. - it behooves your cause to know when ..... exactly when ..... to ask. Pitching at the wrong time is an incredibly common mistake. How's YOUR timing?

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Negotiation Secret # 171: A Subtle Sign of Sadness

When a right-handed person looks down and to their right, there is a very high correlation (although not 100 percent) with the emotion of sadness. The more time you spend around any given person in varying emotional states - so that you may "norm" them for this (and other) particular behavior(s) - the greater your accuracy. With left-handed people this will often (but not always) be mirrored to their Left Lower Quadrant - however, in general, the accuracy is less in left-handers. With some right-handed people, I've seen this to be in excess of 99+ % accurate, although with others it will be less so. Always look for other subtle signs of sadness as well. If three or more signs are present and congruent - their words may be positive, but their heart will be sad. Take heed.

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