Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2084: Lolo Jones's False Mastication/Jaw Clenching

Lolo Jones finished fourth in the 110 meter hurdles at the 2012 London Olympics. Fourth in a World of 3.6 Billion women. And people still give her a hard time. Above is yet another example. You can't blame her for being nervous or angry. Jones shows signals of both here. Note at the beginning of this video when Mike Galanos is asking his question, Lolo is tightening (clenching) her jaw muscles (masseter muscles) in an alternating fashion. This body language is a variation of "False Mastication" (false chewing) and is a nonverbal highly consistent with anxiety. Jaw clenching can also signal anger. While not nearly as obvious as Ms. Jones's eye brows contracting together and downward (during significant portions of this clip), this false mastication/jaw clenching is more subtle body language is often the only sign displayed. Miss it at your own risk.

See also:

Analysis # 33: False Mastication

Analysis # 704: False Mastication and Central Forehead Contraction

Analysis # 1876: Noomi Rapace, Anxiety & False Mastication 

Analysis # 1522: False Mastication in Court - Alicia DeBolt and Adam Longoria

Analysis # 217: Predicting a Fight (Boxing) based on Body Language

Analysis # 1443: When Yawning Means Something Else

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2039: Fight Outside Florida Courtroom - Jaw Jut Prior to Violence

Today in an Osceola County Florida Courthouse, a fight broke out. A short segment of the altercation was repeated multiple times in the above video. The man in the red shirt (goatee with white towel around his neck) displayed two examples of what is known as a "Jaw Jut" - where the jaw (mandible) thrusts forward. The first is at about 0:09.5 seconds and is more difficult to see because his face is somewhat oblique to the camera. The next time he juts his jaw is at about 0:12 seconds and is much easier to visualize because he's closer and is seen in-profile. There is also an extreme tightening of the masseter muscles of the lower face/sides of his jaw. It is a signal of extreme anger and if it is observed, an very high percentage of the time, violence ensues a second or two later. Thus it commonly occurs during and just prior to violence. If you're observant and see the jaw jut, this knowledge will give you time to prepare and protect yourself - hopefully avoiding serious bodily harm.

See also:

Analysis # 757: Asma al-Assad's mild Jaw Jut

Analysis # 315: Jaw Jut - Heightened Potential for Violence

Analysis # 273: Anger and Disgust in Azerbaijan

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