Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3908: Kim Jong-un's Mask of Insincerity - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Kim Jong-un is the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (more commonly referred to as 'North Korea').

Strong-men, dictators, tyrants, etc., follow similar patterns of behavior - and with respect to their nonverbal behavior, an extremely common one is a very limited variety of facial expressions. The leader of the DPRK is no exception.

Pretend, for a moment, that you were completely unfamiliar with Kim Jong-un. You and many others would probably say that his 'smile' seems to be a fairly good one. Yet you'd be wrong. His 'smile' is a feigned. It's quite insincere.

Shown here are three examples of Kim Jong-un's pseudo-smile default expression. He displays only a few of other default faces - yet they are used frequently. He's more skilled than most at reproducing these expressions at will. Such low variability and routine use of facial expressions are very much forms of 'Living Masks'.

Note that the North Korean leader's lower teeth are significantly exposed. While the lower teeth are revealed during sincere laughter, this is not the case in any of the examples show here. A sincere smile never exposes the bottom teeth - and yet his are dramatically disclosed.

Fascinatingly, those individuals who routinely 'wear' behavioral facial masks (particularly when displayed with low variety) are not only being insincere in the moment - but they exhibit strong insincerity tendencies over their lifetimes'. In addition, those who behave in this manner also have another crucial personality flaw - very strong tendencies to have False-Dichotomous World-Views.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3907: Donald Trump Shows His Cards regarding North Korea

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3904: Sean Spicer Draws Criticism with Hitler-Assad Comparison and Denial of Use of Chemical Weapons in WWII

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3902: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping - Power, Control, and Handshakes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3900: Donald Trump's Statement Regarding US Retaliation for Syria's Chemical Weapons Attack

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3843: 84 Lumber Super Bowl Ad - "The Entire Journey"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3810: Mark Wahlberg, Justine Bieber and Ellen DeGeneres

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3664: Benjamin Netanyahu, Viktor Yanukovych and Vladimir Putin


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3719: Donald Trump's "Apology" - Crisis Management, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Whenever an apology is made - whether during an everyday experience with a single individual, from psychological perspective or from a point of view of crisis management - several key elements must always be included if the apology is to interpreted as sincere.

The components (in no particular order of priority) of a Sincere Apology are:

1. An apology must be given by the person who committed the act - not by a manager, an attorney or other surrogate.

2. An apology must not be scripted. Although a person may use notes (provided they're not lengthy and we don't rely on them too much - for we all forget subtopics when we're nervous), apologies must be spoken from the heart.

3. An apology must be given either live with press access - or at least in a video-audio format 

4. There must be an acknowledgement of responsibility (partial) - "I said it, I was wrong and I apologize" and "I’ve said some foolish things ..."

5. A commitment to change must be made so as to prevent further infractions “I pledge to be a better man tomorrow and will never, ever let you down,”

6. An apology must include a repair offering

7. Asking for forgiveness is required with an apology

8.  Regret must be expressed - "I've said and done things I regret"

9.  The vocal qualities (tone, cadence, volume, etc.) must be congruent with sincerity

10.The facial nonverbals and other body language qualities must be reflect sincerity

On Friday, Donald Trump issued an 'apology' for the 2005 Access Hollywood video published earlier that day by the Washington Post (Just two days prior to the second of the thee 2016 Presidential Debates). This statement by Mr. Trump can be seen in the video above. Here is the transcript:

"I’ve never said I’m a perfect person, nor pretended to be someone that I’m not. I’ve said and done things I regret, and the words released today on this more than a decade-old video are one of them. 

Anyone who knows me knows these words don’t reflect who I am. I said it, I was wrong, and I apologize. I’ve traveled the country talking about change for America, but my travels have also changed me. I’ve spent time with grieving mothers who’ve lost their children, laid-off workers whose jobs have gone to other countries, and people from all walks of life who just want a better future. I have gotten to know the great people of our country, and I’ve been humbled by the faith they’ve placed in me. I pledge to be a better man tomorrow and will never, ever let you down. 

Let’s be honest — we’re living in the real world. This is nothing more than a distraction from the important issues we’re facing today. We are losing our jobs, we’re less safe than we were eight years ago, and Washington is totally broken. Hillary Clinton and her kind have run our country into the ground. 

I’ve said some foolish things, but there’s a big difference between the words and actions of other people. Bill Clinton has actually abused women, and Hillary has bullied, attacked, shamed and intimidated his victims. We will discuss this more in the coming days. See you at the debate on Sunday."

Mr. Trump deserves some credit for delivering this statement himself and not by a surrogate. It was performed via a release of a video - and not by phone or a full written statement.

It was however, very scripted - and read off a teleprompter. Such "apologies" are, by definition, never sincere. They must be freely spoken, never read.

Although Mr. Trump did acknowledge wrong doing - and importantly expressed regret, he failed to differentiate between the lewd language he used - and the acts (which if true fit the legal and medical definitions of sexual assault) he was describing. This distinction is of profound importance and each should be addressed.

Mr. Trump did not ask for forgiveness.

Mr. Trump did not say, "I'm sorry".

Mr. Trump did not offer to repair any wrongs done to the individuals whom he violated.

Mr. Trump's tone of voice (and other vocal qualities) at no time was even close to sincere. On the contrary, his voice was defensive and angry.

With respect to Donald Trump's Nonverbal Behavior - His face changed very little throughout his 90 second statement. He was in effect, wearing a living mask. This was of course particularly true of the top half of his face. Donald Trump's facial expression was locked in anger. At several times he also displayed contempt and at multiple times hubris.

Although some of Mr. Trump's shoulder movement were secondary to his (off camera) hand movements, he did display several partial shoulder shrugs are indications of the thought-emotions of: "I don't know", "I don't care", "What could I do?", "What does it matter?"

There was absolutely no facial expressions even remotely indicative of empathy, sorrow, regret or shame. This absence is most notable during 0:17 - 0:19 as he says, "I said it, I was wrong and I apologize".

Summary: Although Donald Trump's statement does meet some of the requirements of an apology, the majority of these criteria are omitted. At no time was Mr. Trump's body language congruent with a sincere apology.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3718: Donald Trump's "Access Hollywood" Hot Mic Video

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3716: Fatherhood, Body Language, Emotional Intelligence and Ashton Kutcher's Pants

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3709: Kate Middleton - The face you make when you’re married to a prince but you meet Justin Trudeau

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3695: Donald Trump, "Take Their Guns away", "Let's see What Happens to Her"

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3692: Donald Trump Gets Interrupted by Pastor in Flint, Michigan 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3649: Donald Trump's Endorsement of Paul Ryan 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3638: Hillary Clinton's DNC Speech - and One Expression Which Profoundly Lowers Her Likability

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3671: Trump's and Pence's Tweets

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3092: Brian Williams' Apology - Was He Sincere?


This post and the associated website serve as reference sources for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author. 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. 3482: Donald Trump Refuses to Disavow David Duke and the KKK - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This morning, Donald Trump appeared on CNN's "State of The Union" with Jake Tapper. Mr. Tapper asked Mr. Trump questions about the recent endorsement of Gov. Chris Christie, Trumps taxes, his choice for a running mate - and whether or not he would disavow endorsements from the Ku Klux Klan - as well as from David Duke a former grand wizard of the KKK.

A partial nonverbal analysis follows.

Beginning at 6:11 (in above video) Jake Tapper continues: "...Will you, unequivocally, condemn David Duke and say that you don't want his vote or that of other white supremacists in this election?

Donald Trump: "Well, just so you understand, I don't know anything about David Duke. Okay? I don't know anything about  - what you're even talking about with, ah, white supremacy or white supremacists. So, I don't know. I mean, I don't know. Did, did he endorse me or what's going on, because, you know, I know nothing about David Duke. I know nothing about white supremacists. And so you're asking me a question that I'm supposed to be talking about people that I know nothing about."

Tapper: "But th-, I guess the question from the, from the Anti-Defamation League is, even if you don't know about their endorsement, there are these groups and individuals endorsing you. Would you just say unequivocally you condemn them and you don't want their support?"

Trump: "Well, I have to look at the group. I mean, I don't know what group you're talking about. You wouldn't want me to condemn a group that I know nothing about. I have to look. If you would send me a list of the groups, I will do research on 'em. And, certainly, I would disavow if I thought there was something wrong."

Tapper: "The Ku Klux Klan?"

Trump: "But you may have groups in there that are totally fine, and it would be very unfair. So give me a list of the groups, and I'll let you know."

Tapper: "Okay. I mean, I'm just talking about David Duke and the Ku Klux Klan here, but ..."

Trump: "I don't know any — honestly, I don't know David Duke. I don't believe I have ever met 'em. I'm pretty sure I didn't meet him. And I just don't know anything about him."

Note that throughout the duration of this video, Donald Trumps rate of blinking is about 12 times normal (1). Increase blinking frequency is a strong signal of elevated anxiety. It's important to exclude medical causes - such as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Sjögren's syndrome, Lupus, etc. - none of which are suffered by Mr. Trump. It's also important to access any suspected momentary blinking frequency against the person's normal blink rate. This 1,200 percent increase (vs. normal) is much more rapid than Trump's baseline blinking and in no remote way could be considered normal for anyone with healthy eyes.

From a nonverbal viewpoint, there are several reasons Donald Trump is a very good liar. One of these which is often not recognized is his use of his "mask" face. When a person has less variability in their facial expression (or any other body language signals) - the less work the brain has to perform and thus the easier it is to deceive. Skilled lying is, after all, among other things - a form of multitasking. In addition, the more accustomed a person is to frequently returning to their "default" facial configuration (a true physiologic mask), the better they are able to suppress expressions of lying.

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder (Sociopaths, etc.) have a much higher frequency of facial mask behavior - and such frequent use of this emotional mask is but one manifestation of their decreased empathy quotient.

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:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3481: Gordon Ramsay Tries Girl Scout Cookies for the First Time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3293: Why is Donald Trump a Better Liar than Most Politicians? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3469: Leonardo DiCaprio and Dame Maggie Smith on BAFTA Awards Kiss Cam - The British Academy Film Awards

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2653: Carey Mulligan - Blunted Surprise and ... Body Language on Jimmy Kimmell, Part I 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2733: A Neuroscientist who's a Psychopath 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3102: Movie Portrayal of "Christian Grey" is a Sociopath or Worse

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2741: Lupita Nyong'o Wins an Oscar - Signal of high Sincerity and Empathy 
 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3382: Donald Trump's Mask - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Why is Donald Trump (or any politician) a good liar? One (of several) nonverbal reasons for his increased ability to deceive is his "mask". The less variability a person has in their facial expressions (or other body language signals), the less likely they are to be caught in a lie. Thus they have a "go to" or default facial expression which they use a disproportionately high percentage of time. This behavior is akin to a person putting on a mask and moreover helps them to suppress facial expression "tells" and therefore lowers the chances of being caught lying.

The image below is Trump's primary default facial expression - Donald's main "mask". Those individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder (Sociopaths, etc.) have a much higher frequency of facial mask behavior.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3381: Ariana Grande, Flirtatious Body Language and the American Music Awards

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

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3279: Jeb Bush, Donald Trump and the Iowa State Fair - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3301: Sarah Palin re: Bush vs. Trump regarding speaking Spanish - "When you're here, let's Speak American!"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3336: Donald Trump, Kevin McCarthy, Deception and Body Language 

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