Body Language Analysis No. 4318: Jim Jordan regarding Allegations of Ignoring Knowledge of Sexual Abuse at Ohio State - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Recently, it has come to public knowledge, that while Jim Jordan was an assistant coach on the men's wrestling team at Ohio State University, a then team physician - Dr. Richard Strauss - allegedly sexually abused many athletes. Multiple former wrestlers on the team have now come forward alleging that Jordan had knowledge of - but ignored their complaints of Strauss' sexual abuse.

Dr. Strauss died of suicide in 2005.

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of Representative Jordan in the above video. In addition, crucial wording of Jordan's answers/statement is also subjected to statement analysis.

At multiple times during this video (e.g., six times in the first 38 seconds), Representative Jordan displays what is known as a Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression (R2E2). One of these examples (photo immediately above) is shown above, was captured during the 0:12 second mark as Jordan said, "... it was on an email chain ..."

The Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression is a common nonverbal signal which varies in duration (e.g., very briefly, such as a microexpression or near-microexpression) - but it may also manifest via longer-duration facial displays. Most body language novices will mistake this the R2E2 with the thought-emotion signal of disgust - yet these have two completely different meanings. An R2E2 resembles a unilateral snarl and almost always is accompanied by partially closed eyelids and often times with a side-to-side head shaking.

It's crucial to emphasize that all emotionally-healthy people display the R2E2 expression on occasion, but when it is seen - and most importantly, when it's frequent, one should always ask the following questions:

• What's my overall feeling of their sincerity in this moment? 
• Does this person truly believe what they're saying?
• What specifically, do I feel is their predominant emotion in this moment?
• What are my gut feelings regarding this person's motive(s) in this moment?
• Of what, specifically, are they trying to convince me?
• Why are they putting an extra effort in trying to convince me of an idea, course of action, etc.?
• Are they feigning an "Achilles Heel" and if so, what is it? Why would they share with me one of their weaknesses?

A warning light should go on when you see an R2E2. For although it's not true 100% of the time, very often people displaying the R2E2 are trying to rationalize and seek our empathy. They're trying to gain rapport and your trust. This is especially true when we see it frequently - or they're agitated, accused, in the spotlight, etc. In addition, much of the time they're also trying to convince their own psyche. Thus, they're trying to get you to jump on board and become a "Co-Rationalizer".

Remember - we all use the Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression once in a while. Professionals who tend to over-use the Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression include sales professionals, physicians, pundits, those in law enforcement, politicians, and attorneys.

Throughout the vast majority of this video, Representative Jordan holds his hands on his hips - which is often referred to as "Arms Akimbo". More specifically, although we can't see his hands directly, via the position of his arms, we can discern his fingers are positioned forward with his thumbs backward. A fingers forward arms akimbo configuration in this context is hyper-alpha.

(In the opposite scenario - the thumbs-forward/fingers-backward arms akimbo transmits supportive, helpful, and sometimes quizzical emotions. Although this other variation projects some alpha qualities, it's clearly an alpha-beta hybrid.)

When confronted with the alleged knowledge of - along with the alleged lack of reporting of such a large scale case of systemic abuse - particularly when his view of events is opposed to other contemporary witnesses who are now on public record - in this setting, a nonverbal response of a fingers-forward arms akimbo is defensive. On its own, this hyper alpha configuration does not indicate deception - and while a person who has no direct knowledge of the events in question would certainly not be configured in a beta body language (e.g., a fig leaf) - he'd also be much more likely to be in a relatively neutral position (e.g., having his arms at his sides). In other words, an innocent person tends not to be defensive - in words, action, tone, and body language.

Jim Jordan made one statement which is a profound example of statement analysis. Note his following answer to a question regarding Doctor Strauss:

JIM JORDAN (continuing at 2:41): Ah, I, I, I did know Doctor Strauss - he was, ah, you know, he, was there when we got to Ohio state, ahum - and - was continued to work at Ohio State once, once I left. Ah, so, yeah, you know, knew, knew ah, the doctor. Ahum - but there's no truth to the fact that, that I knew of any abuse. Ahhh, er, I've talked to other coaches - they didn't know of any abuse [pseudo-laughing] ah, it j'st, it j'st, it - that's just not accurate to say those things - that we knew of it 'nd didn't report it. It's just not true.

His choice of words "... but there's no truth to the fact that, that I knew of any abuse..." is what many would call a "Freudian Slip". If Jordan were telling the truth, then an allegation against his version of events would not be a "fact" (they would be lies). Rather, he should have said, "these allegations are false" or "I didn't know of any abuse".

Another intriguing display of statement analysis is exampled in Jordan's strong tendency to use the plural pronoun "we" rather than the first person singular pronoun "I" throughout this video. The use of "we" rather than "I" is often an attempt to diffuse responsibility, guilt, and blame. This word choice may be either subconsciously or consciously driven and is a variation of what is known as "Forced Teaming" (de Becker).

SUMMARY: Representative Jordan's body language in this video, although not definitive for deception - is moderately suggestive that he did have contemporaneous knowledge of the allegations of sexual abuse raised against Dr. Richard Strauss. Statement analysis of Jordan's verbal behavior indicates an even higher index of suspicion that Jordan was informed of the allegations against Dr. Strauss during his tenure as an assistance wrestling coach at Ohio State University.

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Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4317: Scott Pruitt Confronted in Restaurant by Kristin Mink

Body Language Analysis No. 4315: Rep. Jim Jordan grills Rod Rosenstein at DOJ hearing

Body Language Analysis No. 4312: South Korea Defeats Germany at The World Cup

Body Language & Emotional Intelligence - Analysis No. 4106 (Reposting with Addendum): Jordan's Queen Rania meets with Rohingya Refugee Children & Melania Trump's Visit to Children's Shelter/Detention Center

Body Language Analysis No. 4299: Bill Clinton confronted regarding Monica Lewinsky Affair

Body Language Analysis No. 4283: Unidentified Man with Qatari Ahmed Al-Rumaihi in Trump Tower Elevator on 12 December 2016

Body Language Analysis No. 4241: Vladimir Putin responding to a question regarding the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal

Body Language Analysis No. 4183: Aly Raisman, Larry Nassar, and USA Gymnastics

Body Language Analysis No. 4162: Is Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Going to Run for President in 2020?

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Body Language Analysis No. 4163: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping - (Relatively) Beta and Alpha - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

In April 2017, President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping met at Mar-a-Lago.

In the image above, Trump is sitting - in what for him - is a very rare configuration. His right leg is crossing over his left knee/distal thigh in a "European Style". Although we can't see his right foot - from the angle of his leg, we know it's probably pointing at the Chinese President. In this context, such a foot angle projects respect and/or deference.

Note that President Xi has both feet flat on the floor. This body language transmits his greater levels of confidence and strength. The angle of his legs are also not excessively splayed. In addition, although his head/face are turned toward President Trump, President Xi's torso, hips, legs - and probably his feet - are pointed straight forward. This conveys relatively less respect of Xi toward Trump.

President Xi also is seated in his own chair - which gives him a significant advantage. The Chinese leader's personal space is protected - whereas President Trump is seated in a less protected - and more "public" space.

Contrast Trump's meeting with Xi vs. this second image from a 60 minutes interview (September 2015). Note how then-candidate Trump is sitting with legs very widely spread in an extreme example of a "Seated Crotch Display" (colloquially known as "Manspreading"). He's also leaning forward with his torso - and with his hands in a "Low Steeple" (Conventional Low Steeple). This is President Trump's primary default seated display - it's overly-dominant, aggressive, and not recommended.

Summary: President Trump's nonverbal behavior in the first image (with President Xi Jinping), although not beta in an absolute sense - is relatively beta when placed in dynamic context with Xi's alpha body language. Although he was on his home turf, Trump committed the tactical error of not planning ahead by not controlling the physical space of the meeting. In this moment, Xi is projecting more power and less respect toward Trump. Most notably, President Trump's deviation from his normal hyper-alpha seating position demonstrates Trump was considerably off his game with President Xi.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3251: (REPOSTING) Donald Trump's Response to the question, "Have you ever asked God for Forgiveness?"

Body Language Analysis No. 4161: Vladimir Putin's Not-So-Poker Face 

Body Language Analysis No. 4159: Nikki Haley, Jerusalem, and the United Nations 

Body Language Analysis No. 4157: Donald Trump, Signing the Tax Bill, and Double-Arm Gripping 

Body Language Analysis No. 4141: Vladimir Putin and Michael Flynn in Moscow (Part II) 

Body Language Analysis No. 4128: Roy Moore's youngest accuser, Leigh Corfman - Interview on "Today" 

Body Language Analysis No. 4107: Paul Manafort, Robert Mueller, Russian Oligarchs, and Donald Trump 
Body Language Analysis No. 4063: The Murder of Laci and Connor Peterson - Scott Peterson

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3326: Donald Trump on 60 Minutes - September 2015


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3573: Angela Merkel, the G7, Destroying Rapport and Body Language (PHOTOS)

Angela Merkel is one of the most powerful and influential heads of state in the World. Somewhere along the line however, she received some very misguided nonverbal training and ever since she's displayed the low steeple excessively (more specifically, a low classic steeple). If a leader (or anyone) uses a classic steeple (low, medium or high) - they should do so very sparingly - and only for a second or less during the most important part of a speech or presentation.

Chancellor Merkel uses the low classic steeple as some form of an idiosyncratic visual signature - thus rather than building rapport, this body language helps to destroy it.  Rather than showing strength and assertiveness - it sends signals of arrogance and patronizing emotional tones. She may very well not be intending to project these feelings - for this is highly posed (and erroneously taught) and thus not representative of her emotions - but it is to a variable degree BEING FELT by those who view this moment.

The picture above (cropped section below, taken during the recent G7 meeting in Japan) betrays even greater levels of Merkel's nonverbal misguidance. A classic steeple is not, in ANY way, a substitute for a greeting. Thus her posing in this configuration while the other leaders are waving, not only stands in dramatic and condescending contrast to their friendly salutations (even though posed), but it also very bluntly declares, "I stand alone", "I'm not one of you" or "I'm Not in Solidarity." It is also not a coincidence that the color of her top stands out against the other leaders.

It's an interesting combination of Angela Merkel being a strong leader, flaunting a misunderstanding re: her earlier (mis)learning of nonverbal displays, idiosyncratic behavior, being the lone female (and signaling to younger women leaders) - and perhaps a bit of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3572: Bernie Sanders on Jimmy Kimmel - regarding Donald Trump Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3571: Donald Trump to Debate Bernie Sanders? What Trump Feels about Bernie

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3550: Robert Downey Jr. Auditions Jimmy Fallon

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3501: Salah Abdeslam of Paris Attacks is Captured - Body Language Traits Shared by Terrorists

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3471: Ronda Rousey regarding her Loss to Holly Holm on Ellen DeGeneres Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3465: Hillary Clinton's Dominant Spider

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3326: Donald Trump on 60 Minutes - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Last Sunday on 60 Minutes Scott Pelley interviewed Donald Trump. Mr. Pelley asked Mr. Trump about the anti-Muslim comments and a question by an audience member - and why Trump "let that pass". During Trump's explanation he adopted the body language shown in the first image below (captured during 0:59).

Ignoring Mr. Trump's face for a moment, we can see three very clear nonverbal signals which are alpha to hyper-alpha in nature.

Leaning forward toward Pelley with his back away from the chair - taken in isolation - shows mental engagement, concentration and assertiveness. Too few politicians adopt a leaning forward posture - rather they sit back and cross their legs during very crucial discussions (projecting emotional dissonance, aloofness and a feigned relax mindset). This component of Trump's body language is alpha and recommended.

Upon further evaluation though, we notice how far Mr. Trump's legs are spread very far apart. This is a fairly extreme example of what is termed "Man-Spreading" or the "Seated Crotch Display". Almost exclusively displayed by men, this nonverbal is hyper-alpha in amplitude and projects dominance or, with other co-existing signals (not present here) sexual attraction. While no one should want a shrinking violet or beta personality for their president (or similarly frequent acquiescing body language), the vast majority of the time such man-spreading is strongly discouraged.

Additionally Trump's hands are adopting a conventional steeple position (more specifically, a low, conventional steeple). This is also a hyper-alpha nonverbal. And as with most alpha displays - most people who use them - end up over using them. The projection of arrogance and condescending emotions are especially strong.

Donald Trump's body language is always "screaming". Said another way, he uses so many alpha signals and on such a constant basis (including of course his face which is discussed some below) - that his nonverbal signals are truly yelling at the audience. This constant hyper-alpha behavior is very polarizing - thus people who like him will be galvanized with him and those in middle and the left will be repelled (as with any politician).

Trump's nonverbal behavior is highly congruent with his polarizing words and statements. A very telling paralanguage phenomenon is exemplified here when Trump says, "... the Muslims ..." (rather than simply "Muslims"). He has also has said on multiple occasions, "... the Blacks ..." and "... the Hispanics ...". The use of the word "the" prior to another group, ethnicity, religion, etc. is an extremely classic paralanguage tell of distancing behavior and prejudice. And although the image immediately below is blurry, the instant Trump begins the word "Muslim" (at 1:11 when he says, "... I love the Muslims ...") he shows a clear microexpression of contempt. Donald Trump is telling a blatant lie (This should remind anyone who has studied history of Pre-WWII Nazi propaganda - e.g. "The Jews").

A second later (during 1:12, captured below) as Trump says, "... I have many, many friends - people living in this building - Muslims ... " - yet his facial expression tells us he feels both anger and contempt toward people who are also Muslim.

Below he continues, "... they're phenomenal people ...." (1:15) - where he displays a combination of both anger and disgust. Again, this nonverbal cluster display betrays Trump's true emotions.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3325: Vladimir Putin, the United Nations, Russian Soil and Confidence Levels

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3204: "Inside Out" Movie Clip - Mostly Correct, but some Wrong Expressions for Emotion-Characters

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2640: Disgust at Denver area School Shooting 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3262: Donald Trump, Breast Pumping and Donald's "That's Disgusting" 



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.
 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2982: Politicians Should Never Do This If They Want To Be Elected - Hillary Clinton's Body Language Faux Pas (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

If you want to build rapport with an audience or the voting public, don't do what Hillary Clinton does throughout much of this video clip. She is being poorly coached regarding her body language. While it is true that a conventional steeple does project power along with assertiveness and an alpha persona - it should be used extremely sparingly, only for a second or two and at very specific and important moments of a speech, interview or debate.

As with most alpha signals, those who use them tend to over-use them - which is exactly what Mrs. Clinton is doing during this speech. The logic that "more is better" absolutely does not apply here. So what in very small doses is an alpha nonverbal, when used just a bit more becomes a rapport destroyer. Too much conventional steeple projects arrogance, condescending and patronizing emotional tones. It destroys likability. And likability is THE primary influencing factor when it comes to winning over the swing-voter. The largest component of likability is the nonverbal portion followed by vocal qualities (aka paralanguage) with the actual words being spoken counting for a distant third.

When we like someone, we strongly tend to minimize our disagreements. And when someone is disliked, we artificially hyper-inflate those same points of contention. Likability is of course a commonly polled metric in the political world - yet essentially no one breaks it down to its components or has any systematic way of improving upon it. Thus politicians who rely on their autopilot will often crash and burn.

Mrs. Clinton's prolonged eyelid closure further amplifies her negative emotional projection. This nonverbal cluster is extremely disengaging and distancing.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2981: Wendy Davis, the Governor of Texas, Book Covers and Projecting the Wrong Emotions

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2304: It Came from Outer Space - Russian Meteor Event over Chelyabinsk - Don't Confuse this Reflex with Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2782: Hillary Clinton dodges a shoe - Body Language ... and Not

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2919: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama - Friends? - will they Hug it Out?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2949: Hillary Clinton at Maya Angelou's Tribute - a Body Language Signal of ....  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2847: Eric Cantor, Concession Speeches and Low Affection 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2414:  Sen. John McCain after his Trip to Syria -  Body Language of Regret and Contempt  

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2952: Kmart's "Not a Christmas Commercial" - No Place for Arrogance (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This commercial released by Kmart today is clever in script (albeit one most won't consumers won't  care for since it's 99 days 'til Christmas) - but very poor in delivery.

The low conventional steeple that the woman uses throughout much of the commercial is not a rapport building illustrator. Indeed, it's a good example of rapport destroying body language. When used, the conventional steeple should be in very small doses - only for a second or two (if even that long) and at very important moments - lest it backfires (Can you name some professionals whom over use it?). Yet as with most alpha nonverbals, the vast majority of the time those who use them end up OVER-using them. This ends up backlashing - sending signals of arrogance and condescending emotional tones.

Why try and sell products by patronizing patrons?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2951: Miss America 2015 - Sincerity, Surprise and Botox

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2718: Obama: "I can do whatever I want" Body Language with French President François Hollande

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2910: Becky Hammon, First Female Full-Time NBA Assistant Basketball Coach and an Under-used Body Language Illustrator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2950: Daniele Watts, "Django Unchained" Actor gets Mistaken for a Prostitute and Handcuffed and Detained for Kissing her Boyfriend

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2837: Of Spelling Bees, Alpha Posture, Decision Making and Visualizing - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2801: Adam Silver Bans Donald Sterling for Life - Alpha Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2848: Iliza Shlesinger, Hair Adjust Behind Ear, Dialing Up Your Alpha & Comedy

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2370: Donald Trump on David Letterman - A Body Language Signal of Arrogance and Narcissism

Donald Trump appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman about three weeks ago. Throughout much of the interview (in above video), Trump's default hand position was a "Conventional Low Steeple" (pictured below). This hand configuration should be used very sparingly - just for a second or two - and essentially choreographed into the speech or conversation at moments of particularly important points. In such cases it projects power, assertiveness and an alpha personality. However most people who use this body language end up over-using it and thus it sends signals of arrogance and condescension. So when it's used excessively or even moderately this nonverbal backfires and is patronizing - and is also highly correlated with narcissistic personality disorder.

If you're a CEO, billionaire or leader of any kind, projecting arrogance and hyper-alpha attitudes do not work in your favor. Everyone know you can fire them, buy them or intimidate them - thus adopting body language of rapport rather than one which builds walls will get you to your goal more effectively.

See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1503:  The Conventional Steeple vs. The Basketball Steeple -  Seeking a Balance

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 901:  The Over-used Steeple - Angela Merkel and the Backfire in Berlin

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2063:  Mitt Romney and Ed Miliband - Under Used and Backfiring Uses of Hands

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2102:  The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle and the Conventional Steeple vs.Basketball Steeple

Negotiation Secret # 277:  The Conventional Steeple:  Use it on Rare Occasions and in Small Doses

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 771:  Many Signals Steeple on the Super Committee

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1811:  Jamie Dimon - the Day Before Announcement of  JPMorgan Chase's $2 Billion Loss

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

Ann Romney was made into somewhat of a target yesterday by Hilary Rosen, a democrat strategist. In this interview, Mrs. Romney defended herself, Mitt Romney and her position. There are several great nonverbal tells exhibited in this segment. This is not a political commentary, rather an objective body language analysis of the moments encapsulated here.

At multiple times [2:18 (a microexpression), 4:02-4:04, 4:05-4:12 (slows in frequency), 4:43-4:59, 6:11-6:16, 6:28-6:31, 7:27-8:05], while Mrs. Romney is waiting for Martha MacCallum to finish her statements/questions (Ann is not speaking), the potential first lady's head undergoes a quick side to side movement in a moderate-to-high frequency (relatively fast) and low amplitude (less than a centimeter) manner. Her upper body takes part in this movement to a lesser degree as well. This nonverbal, coupled with her mid-face tension (around the nose, nostrils, just below the nose and the upper lip) signals anger and indignation. It is a sign of a increase in adrenaline as well as a crescendo of sympathetic nervous system activity - here in the context of anger. Mrs. Romney is mad. When she is not expressing herself verbally, this negative emotion "shifts" and is expressed nonverbally instead. Although she's doing a pretty good job of letting her anger "roll off her back" - it's leaking out for us to see here.

There's another nonverbal that Mrs. Romney displays in this video, that if I were coaching her I would want her (or anyone else) to eliminate immediately. Specifically, she puts her hands together in a "pseudo-praying" configuration and then gesticulates them together in an up-and-down motion, while pointing them directly at the audience (seen during time-marks: 5:12 - 5:41). This is a somewhat toned-down version of a conventional steeple amalgamated with pointing and wagging one's index finger at the audience. It's patronizing and condescending. This does not build rapport, rather it destroys it. She should stop it. This particular nonverbal tends to be used by females considerably more than males - and alpha females in particular. Michelle Obama uses it as well. She should stop it too (Mrs. Obama can be seen in a still image here displaying a variation of this manifested in a "low steeple" body language: Secret # 1093: When NOT to be Alpha).

Take note also of how Ann Romney takes a deep breath after each time she speaks. This body language is related in cause-effect to the "Puffer Fish" (see Secret # 1122: Tiger, Pebble Beach and the Puffer Fish). Her overall respiration (breathing) rate is also significantly increased - which is consistent with any anxiety state and certainly with anger.

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1503: The Conventional Steeple vs. The Basketball Steeple - Seeking a Balance

Bill Burton, senior strategist for the super PAC, Priorities USA, is seen here in an interview discussing big oil money, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. At various times during this video, Mr. Burton uses both the conventional high steeple as well as the basketball steeple. 

The conventional steeple should be used very sparingly. For while it is true, that it can transmit emotions of confidence - it should only be displayed for a second or two. As deliberately as a surgeon wields a scalpel ... or a laser - this steeple variation should "dance" in unison with a particular word or phrase - not held there for long periods of time and/or dialog as if they were Super Man posing with his fists-closed, arms akimbo. Many use this nonverbal, without realizing it, as if they are using a wall brush to paint a fine portrait (e.g. Angela Merkel uses it excessively). It's wields sloppy results. It may make the SPEAKER feel like he's powerful, but a rapport builder it's not. It alienates much more often than it projects confidence. The conventional steeple is almost always overused and gives strong signals of arrogance and condescension. A few seconds too much at the wrong time and it will backfire. This is particularly true if the higher-held conventional steeple is used, but it's also true for lower-held positions. If you're TRULY in a position of power, confidence or leadership - this "body language version of wearing a muscle shirt" isn't needed.  This is much more than a metaphor though, for people who over-use the conventional steeple tend to also have strong narcissistic qualities.

A variation of the steeple that doesn't resemble it's over-alpha cousin, is known as the "Basketball Steeple". This is where the hands and fingers are held apart, fingers slightly curved, about the width of a basketball. Mr. Burton also displays this variety of the steeple in the video. This body language gesture sends signals and engenders feelings of confidence without arrogance - a combination of emotions that is far too rare.

See also: Secret # 375: Signals of Confidence, Non-Engagement and Defeat

See also: Secret # 493: Contrasting David Cameron and Nicholas Sarkozy - Alpha & Beta Behavior

See also: Secret # 901: The Over-used Steeple - Backfire in Berlin

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1019: Gingrich's Hands - Low Confidence and High Confidence Tells

Newt Gingrich, who during the Republican Debates, consistently has exhibited the best body language skills - at least as far as hand gestures are concerned, gives us a great example here of the contrary. Newt signals to us plenty of lower confidence - and then recovers to a higher confidence state - during this one-on-one interview with Wolf Blitzer. The first 42 seconds, the former Speaker's hands can't be seen, however throughout the next two minutes or so of this video, Newt uncharacteristically exhibits quite a bit of hand-wringing - which is strongly consistent with a higher anxiety and lower confidence emotional tone. When such subjects as the super PACs, the caucuses/primaries in Minnesota, Colorado, Missouri, Nevada and Florida are mentioned - Newt's hand wringing is very evident.

At the 2:14 mark however, when Newt says, "... I think after tonight you'll see this is a wide open race...", he transforms to a low steeple gesture, which is a signal of high confidence and therefore a momentary drop in his anxiety level. After a brief relapse of hand wringing, he low steeples once again (2:22 - 2:30) when he references Governor Rick Perry. Interestingly though, when The Speaker later references the Texas Primary (April 3) - he wrings his hands yet again - indicating that he believes his chances of winning that State's Primary, or perhaps of pulling even in the delegate count (which he also speaks of) with Governor Romney by that date, are not good - despite his words to the contrary.

In the last portion of this interview, when Mr. Gingrich speaks about the idea of a Lincoln-Douglas style debate, he again displays the low steeple and his thus his confidence, particularly in his debate skills.

It is important to emphasize, that I'm not suggesting that Newt should have steepled throughout this or any interview or debate. Steepling should be performed only occasionally and for a few seconds at time. Most politicians steeple too much - and thus transmit feelings of arrogance and condescension. Rather, this video is a great example of how rapid changes in hand gestures can give us tells of a person's confidence levels - and how these correlate with equally dynamic subject changes/speech.

See also: Secret # 1093: When NOT to be Alpha

See also: Secret # 901: The Over-used Steeple - Backfire in Berlin

See also: Secret # 277: The Conventional Steeple - Use it on Rare Occasions - and in Small Doses

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1093: When NOT to be Alpha

United States President Barack Obama is pictured here with the First Lady, the President of South Korea - Lee Myung-bak and his wife, Kim Yoon-ok. Michelle Obama is displaying a low conventional steeple with her hands. With the exception of television reporters, who are ubiquitously (an erroneously) taught to use this this Body Language signal constantly, the steeple is a signal of very high confidence and should be used very briefly and sparingly, lest it convey arrogance and condescending feelings.

Self-touching normally signals a high anxiety, low confidence emotional state - however the conventional steeple is a relatively rare exception to this Body Language rule.

See also: Secret # 901: The Over-used Steeple - Backfire in Berlin

See also: Secret # 277: The Conventional Steeple - Use it on Rare Occasions - and in Small Doses

President Lee and his wife were guests at a White House State Dinner in their honor in October of 2011. 

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 901: The Over-used Steeple - Backfire in Berlin

Many politicians over-use the nonverbal gesture known as the steeple, and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel is probably the most guilty of this body language faux pas. There are several variations of it - and here we see Ms. Merkel demonstrating what is referred to as a "Low Steeple". When used very briefly in selected contexts, it can project confidence, assertiveness and leadership. But it very often it is used too much, on virtually every occasion, in dumbed-down, shot gun approach ..... and subsequently it backfires. Sadly, this is what Angela Merkel's advisers have told her to do - to use this signal often - and it has become a self-satire. She is lampooning herself. When held higher, say in front of the mid or upper chest, the conventional steeple has even more potency (a "High Steeple"). But it doesn't take much use to over-steeple - and thus send signals of arrogance and condescension. These are two of the last emotions a leader should ever want to project. A little bit of knowledge is dangerous and herein is another great example. Despite the fact that Angela Merkel is a head-of-state and highly educated she's sending messages she doesn't know she's sending.

When one area of the body adopts a pose - other parts of the face or body will tend to match it. Thus although this is obviously a posed photo, Angela's mid-face and mouth are tightened slightly - consistent with the negative emotional tone of mild anger and perhaps a touch of contempt. If Ms. Merkel would change her hand position and adopt a friendlier pose, her face would soon follow suite and morph into a more pleasant expression. The emotional signals of the hands are strongly linked to the face. Using this cross-referencing technique is a valuable aide when assessing others' nonverbal signs.

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