Body Language Analysis No. 4083: President Trump, Puerto Rico, and Meeting San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Tuesday, President Trump visited Puerto Rico. His trip, of course, was in response to Hurricane Maria. The storm was the strongest to hit this US Territory since 1928 (which thankfully, had weakened to category 4 at the time of maximum impact). At full strength, it was the tenth strongest Hurricane on record in the Atlantic basin.

President Donald Trump and San Juan's Mayor, Carmen Yulín Cruz - had rapidly developed an antagonistic relationship after she criticized the US government's response to the disaster - and he retorted with critical tweets including: "Such poor leadership ability by the Mayor of San Juan, and others in Puerto Rico, who are not able to get their workers to help."

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis President Trump's and Mayor Yulín Cruz's brief interaction. Three different images are evaluated here - captured from varying angles.

The photo above best shows the President's and the Mayor's handshake. Note their respective foot and hip positions. The Mayor's are pointed directly toward the President - while the President's are vectored at a 60˚ - 70˚ angle. This conveys Mayor Yulín Cruz is showing respect for President Trump - but he is projecting no such feelings for her. When we respect another person, we point our feet and our hips toward them.

Mayor Yulín Cruz's feet are positioned slightly less than her shoulder width apart. This configuration shows significant alpha status - conveying her conviction and strength. The fact that only the President's right foot is fully planted - while his left foot up on his toes - shows a significantly more beta emotional tone. The President's stance is "off-balance" and weak - while the Mayor's is "standing firm" and confident.

Notice also the upright position of Mayor Yulín Cruz's entire body - she is leaning only slight forward "into" the handshake. In contrast, the President is leaning primarily laterally - with his center of gravity considerably forward - over his right foot. This dynamic projects a sloppy nonchalance on the part of President Trump.

Another faux pas in this moment is the barrier of the chair. Either President Trump or Mayor Yulín Cruz should have either moved the chair or stepped around it. Whoever did so would have elevated the respect for the other person. Leaving this obstacle in place is a nonverbal metaphor for the impediments in their relationship.

Another key nonverbal display here is the Mayor's left hand. It's positioned behind her back. This is both a distancing signal (e.g., I don't want to touch you more than I have to) - as well as a confidence (hyper-confidence) display.

This facial expression of President Trump's is indicative of profound Disgust (immediately above).

This last image, taken about 0.5 seconds after the first photo shows the President's face displaying significant Contempt.

Summary: During their brief face-to-face interaction, President Trump felt a high level of disgust and contempt - as well as a low level of respect for San Juan's Mayor, Carmen Yulín Cruz. In this moment, we can't see the Mayor's face - but her body language is projecting respect for the President.

Intriguingly, the although Mayor Yulín Cruz is in a tremendously less powerful position - she displays much more confidence and strength in this moment.


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See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4082: Brother of Stephen Paddock (Las Vegas Shooter) 

Body Language Analysis No. 4080: Getting Under Donald Trump's Skin - San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz Reacting to Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke

Body Language Analysis No. 4076: Roger Stone Speaks to the Press after House Intelligence Committee Testimony

Body Language Analysis No. 4074: Donald Trump Sends Robert Kraft a Message

Body Language Analysis No. 4056: Ed Sheeran and a Hesitancy to Disclose

Body Language Analysis No. 4048: Lady Di - Ambassador of Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 3992: Angela Merkel's Eye Roll for Vladimir Putin's Mansplaining

Body Language Analysis No. 3989: Peter Sagan Regarding his Disqualification from the Tour de France and Mark Cavendish's Crash

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3875: Children Interrupt Dad During BBC News interview


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3786: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte admits he personally carried out extrajudicial killings - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In this video from Tuesday 13 December 2016, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told an audience in Manila, (beginning at 0:28), "But in Davao I used to - do it personally - just to show to the - guys that - 'If I can do it, why can't you?' "

Duterte then added (in Tagalog), "I was really looking for an encounter, so that I could kill."

Note that during 0:29 - 0:30, President Duterte displays what is termed an "Exaggerated Pout". The exaggerated pout signals that rationalization and justification are transpiring - and those who make this expression are looking for others to co-rationalize and justify their decision/actions along with them. It's also a signal that at least at a deeper level, they were in conflict - and/or they know their actions/decisions will be harshly judged by some - however they've pushed past their psychological barriers and are now looking for others to jump on board.

It's helpful to think of the exaggerated pout as saying, "Isn't it obvious?" or "This is clear to everyone, right?" - or in this example more specifically, "Anyone can see these people needed to be killed - we don't need no stinking trials or judges, right?"

Summary: The Exaggerated Pout indicates active attempts at rationalizing and justifying - and those making this expression want others to agree with them.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3785: Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson "Edge of Seventeen" - Behavioral Contagions, Mirroring and Laughing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3783: John McCain on CIA's assessment of Russia's Tampering in US Presidential Election 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3781: Emma Stone and a Sign of Sincere Laughter

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3558: Mila Kunis Nixes Ashton Kutcher's choice regarding Their Baby's Name

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3722: The 2nd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - One Positive Thing They Respect about Each Other 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3691: Natalie Portman's Emotional Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3656: Usain Bolt, Justin Gatlin and the 100 M Olympic Final

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3523: Jaws - "You're Going to Need a Bigger Boat"


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3418: Mayor Eric Garcetti, The Port of Los Angeles and a Body Language Mistake Leaders Commit Routinely (PHOTOS)

This image was taken yesterday at the Port of Los Angeles, with the "Benjamin Franklin" - the largest container ship ever to dock in North America - in the background. In the foreground we see Eric Garcetti (seventh from our left), the Mayor of Los Angeles with thirteen other individuals.

From a body language perspective, Mayor Garcetti is configured in a manner which is the very antithesis of a strong or confident leader (and particularly ironic given the layered metaphors here). Take note of the position of his hands. This is what is known as the "Fig Leaf" or "Genital Guarding".

While there are certainly scenarios when a "leader" (elected or otherwise) should stand with hands in a fig leaf (e.g., at a funeral, wedding, religious service, when meeting major religious figures, ceremonies involving receiving the remains of soldiers) - the VAST majority of the time, those who are in a leadership position should NEVER stand in this manner for it projects beta and acquiescing emotional tones. And moreover, not only will others perceive these feelings - but this body language will truly engender low emotional comfort, low confidence and low assertiveness. The body and face will thus act as a control panel, changing our neurochemistry and telling our minds how we will feel.

How should Mayor Garcetti's hands (as well as the remainder of his body) be positioned? What other body language critiques can you make regarding this photo?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3417: Freshman Mistakes and Faux Pas Abound - Debates and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2924: Michael Brown, Captain Ron Johnson, Church Rally and Ferguson, Missouri - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2763: Richard Nixon, My Lai Massacre - Conscious and Subconscious Body Language Display  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2944: Derek Jeter Answers Reporter's Cell Phone

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2894: Maria Kirilenko, Alex Ovechkin and Subtle Body Language of .... 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2900: Lionel Messi and the Lateral Lip Purse 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3052: Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Chief Bill Bratton

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3412: Affluenza Teen Ethan Couch is on the Run 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3055: Bill de Blasio, Al Sharpton, Lateral Jaw Displacement and Critical Evaluation

In this moment, Mayor Bill de Blasio is listening to Rev. Al Sharpton. However when a lateral jaw displacement is seen while listening to another speak (usually but not always directed away from the speaker as is exampled here) it's a strong signal of critical evaluation. De Blasio has anxiety about and disagrees significantly with at least some of what Sharpton is saying. While the listener may pretend (verbally) to agree (partially or entirely) with the speaker, his true emotions disagree - his body language betrays him. Very often he/she will NOT voice such a disagreement - yet they are thinking it. This disparity between what is expressed and what is thought is further amplified in this moment by the NYC Mayor biting his lip.

What can this body language display be often confused with?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3054: Rory McIlroy laughs off "Sweet Caroline" tune (But Not Memories of Wozniacki) - Blushing, Smiling, Sincerity and Empathy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3050: NYPD Turning Their Backs on Bill de Blasio During Wake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3052: Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Chief Bill Bratton - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2929: Jessica Alba, Sin City 2, Action Figures and the Jaw Confessional

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2678: French President François Hollande, Valerie Trierweiler and Julie Gayet - Of Affairs, Affection and Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2819: Erik Spoelstra, Loose Forward Lip Purse and Clandestine Disagreement
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3050: NYPD Turning Their Backs on Bill de Blasio During Wake (PHOTO)

Many of the officers felt that Mayor de Blasio was too sympathetic to those protesting against police brutality regarding the choking death of Eric Garner at the hands of NYC police officer Daniel Pantaleo on 17 July 2014. Thus it's certainly no mystery why many of the police officers literally turned their backs on NYC mayor Bill de Blasio today during the service for one of their two colleagues (Rafael Ramos) who lost his life in the line of duty earlier this week. Nor is there any doubt as to the very literal and blatant body language interpretation of this gesture. Indeed, "turning your back" on a person has for centuries been a common metaphor/idiom.

Much more subtle variations - yet along similar themes, are overlooked every day by most everyone. We turn our feet, torso, head and eyes towards those we respect, like, believe and/or - in the setting of potential romance - to whom we are physically attracted (To thin slice these possibilities we need to interpret them in the light of the other nonverbals with which they are clustered). This is particularly and commonly demonstrated (and overlooked) by nuances of the feet and their orientation. And while, when a person shows his middle finger, rolls her eyes, or turns his back at you at a funeral - all have extremely obvious AND (of course) VERY DELIBERATE (conscious) meanings - it's in the subtle displays that 99.999% of the messages are conveyed - which are in plain sight and subconsciously initiated. The value of these nonverbal signals will give profound advantage.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3049: Merry Christmas - Joseph Riquelme (joeytrombone) pays off his Parents' Mortgage - Affection Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2523:  Hillary Clinton, Body Language and the 2016 Presidency -  Rapport Builder vs. Rapport Destroyer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2440:  Vladimir Putin Dials Up His Alpha ... Foot Position, Projecting Leadership,  Confidence & Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2313: Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel - What Her Body Language Tells Us ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2322:  Jeb Bush & Matt Lauer - Which one is the Narcissist?  Body Language Red Flags

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2590: Rob Ford's Apology - was he Sincere? and other Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today Toronto Mayor Rob Ford admitted to smoking crack cocaine "about a year ago". The video above includes his subsequent apology later in the day. The following is a body language analysis of some of its highlights.

At 0:25, just after Ford says, "Folks I have nothing left to hide", he displays a microexpression of regret on the right side of his mouth (Don't confuse this with a contempt microexpression or that of "duping delight").

After saying, "I kept this from my family, especially my brother Doug" (1:27) the Toronto Mayor exhibits an "Inward Lip Roll". The inward lip roll (ILR) is an outward manifestation of the psyche's attempt to prevent the escalation of emotions. Most of the time these emotions are negative (here sadness - though often it is anger) but on occasion it is subconsciously utilized for laughter (joy) suppression.

Mr. Ford was pressing hard on his lips during the ILR. In this image, the continued blanching of his lips can be seen. This phenomenon is normal - however in this case it persists longer than usual and thus may be a symptom of a medical condition (such as partial carotid artery occlusion, anemia and others). He should be evaluated thoroughly for these.

At 2:09 Rob Ford's nonverbal display takes on that of the "Puffer Fish" - which has a physiologic and physiologic calming effect and is seen most commonly after, but sometimes before a particularly stressful event. This puffer fish nonverbal occurred immediately after the Mayor apologized.

In the context of any apology, it is reasonable and expected to ask if it is sincere. A crucial body language component of an apology is the appearance of a "Central Forehead Contraction". However, it is very important that there is no element of a smile with a CFC - not even a subtle or suppressed one for that has a VERY different meaning.

Mr. Ford has undergone Botox treatments in his forehead with a concentration in the center forehead. This is common and politicians in particular use this to avoid appearing angry. At such times as these - and many others when sincerity is called for, Botox will interfere with the expression of a CFC and therefore with sincerity and its projection. His expression is considerably suppressed here. Never the less, if one looks carefully, a CFC can be seen here at 1:57, just after he says, "... apologize ..." 

At 1:59, Rob Ford says, "... apologize ..." again and despite heavy Botox use, his central forehead contracts once more.

At 2:04 as he says the word, " ... I'm ..." (within the sub-sentence, "... and I'm sssso sorry.") - we see his central forehead again contract.

Whenever accessing for sincerity, one should always determine if the verbal message, the nonverbal message and the vocal qualities (paralanguage) are aligned. It they are congruent - sincerity is present. If not - it's Red Flag Time. In this apology they are highly congruent. Rob Ford is sincerely sorry.

Of course no one would endorse Rob Ford's use of crack cocaine and many may think under the circumstances he should resign - however the Mayor of Toronto's apology is absolutely sincere.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2589: Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Admits to Smoking Crack Cocaine - Body Language of the "Head Torque"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2412:  Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, the Woolwich attack  and the Killing of Lee Rigby

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2406:  Tight Lipped Breathing -  Anticipatory Anxiety & Winning a Million Dollars

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1122:  Tiger, Pebble Beach and the Puffer Fish

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2578: Obamacare Website Apology - Sincere vs. Insincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2441:  Paula Deen's Apology - What Does Her Body Language Say?

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2305:  Carnival Cruise Line CEO, Gerry Cahill's Apology Sincere or Insincere?  What his Body Language Says ...

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2589: Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Admits to Smoking Crack Cocaine - Body Language of the "Head Torque" (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Rob Ford admitted today that he has smoked crack cocaine. Recently the Toronto Police Department has said that it has video of the embattled Mayor of Toronto smoking crack. The video has not been made public yet and Mr. Ford who is calling for its release has stated he's not seen it either.

During the 0:19 to 0:21 segment of the above video Mr. Ford displays a distinct body language movement known as the "Head Torque". The head torque is comprised of a turning and rotating away with the head and neck with a subsequent turning back toward the person being addressed - leading with the top of the head first. This nonverbal dynamic has a distinct twisting or torqueing motion associated with it (hence the name) - and reminds some people of a dog or horse pushing and object with their head.

A head torque nonverbal has distinct adamant, alpha, frustrated, and mild-to-moderate anger emotional components associated with it - in addition to saying, "I'm going to do what I have to do" or "I'm going to 'take my medicine' " emotion message to it.

What other valuable nonverbal displays do you see in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2401:  Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Denies Crack Cocaine Allegations - Is He Telling the Truth?  His Body Language says ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2398:  Self Righteous Head Wiggle, Alpha Behavior &  First Drone Flight Off of an Aircraft Carrier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2492:  Jared Remy Arrested for Murder of His Girlfriend -  Three Jaw Signals in a Cluster,  Thee Body Language Meanings

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1923:  Hillary Clinton's Body Language re: Syrian Government -  The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2452:  Marion Bartoli, Wimbledon and Short Dresses -  Body Language of an Apology-Confessional

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2582: Jay Carney Dismisses (and is Embarrassed by) Low Obamacare Enrollment Numbers

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2314:  Naomi Watts Pre-Oscar Interview and her  Body Language of the "Jaw Confessional" and the Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2424:  Giada De Laurentiis on Conan O'Brien  Beautiful Teeth but Insincere Smiles and Some Body Language Signals of Waning Love

 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2474: Mayor Bob Filner's False Smile - Insincerity, Body Language and San Diego (Video, Photo)

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner recently announced he's going to undergo therapy for his alleged sexual harassment behavior. At least seven women have accused him of unwanted sexual advances. This is a second post regarding Mr. Filner's Forehead - however today article showcases a key aspect common to one variety of an insincere smile.

Note Bob Filner's contracted forehead muscles. The deep furrows are evidence of this and it is important to distinguish these from passive forehead wrinkles that most everyone has to some degree after middle age. There is no mistaking the dynamic and dramatic example in the above photo though. Whenever the forehead is actively contracted the smile is NEVER a sincere one. Never. Regardless what the mouth looks like or if the eyes are also consistent with smiling. Always look to the forehead and make sure it is relaxed with no dynamic contraction present. If it is, it means that in that moment - sincerity is NOT present.

Another important distinction to remember is that EVERYONE displays false smiles. These are also known as social smiles. This does NOT mean that the person as a whole is insincere - but it means in that moment at least, the person feels the need to "push out" a fake emotion of joy. As pointed out previously however, chronic displays of a contracted forehead muscles carries significant diagnostic weight as to an overall insincere personality pattern.

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2157:  Al Smith Charity Dinner  Barack Obama's & Mitt Romney's Smiles  Sincere or False?

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 353:  Brad Pitt's Smiling Eyes - Sincere and Insincere Smiles

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2424:  Giada De Laurentiis on Conan O'Brien  Beautiful Teeth but Insincere Smiles and  Some Body Language Signals of Waning Love

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 367: Insincere Smile - Van Rompuy needs some Acting Classes 

Sincerity Secret # 55: Sincere Smile or is it Insincere?

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1912:  Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye  Matt Lauer's Insincerity

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2473: Anthony Weiner & Huma Abedin Part III When Shoulder-to-Shoulder is broken (Video, Photos)

In this third critique regarding New York City Mayoral Candidate, Anthony Weiner's 23 July 2013 press conference, the importance of interpersonal space and body orientation are of particular focus.

Throughout much of this video Huma Abedin did not face the audience - rather she faced her candidate-husband almost as if they were in the midst of an intimate marital discussion. Sometimes her body was oblique and sometimes it was pointed at him perpendicularly. There were even occasions when her body faced her husband and she rotated her neck/head and looked 180 degrees away from the audience. These particular moments were especially revealing.

A few moments later in this press conference, during much of the time when Huma was speaking, Anthony also did not look at the audience but turned his body obliquely towards his wife and gazed at her notes. He thus projected the persona of a patronizing and controlling husband. This feeling was loud and clear to everyone watching - particularly women voters.

The former congressman's arms, which for some time were folded across his chest, transmitted a defensive and closed-off mindset. This body language cluster is a rapport and vote destroyer.

In the context of a this press conference, relative to the audience (whether viewed via video, T.V. or to those present in the room) - Weiner and Abedin can be thought of as essentially one person. This would be true if Huma were Anthony's campaign manager or any of his staff, however it is especially true since they are husband and wife - and were addressing problems which had & have substantial ramifications on their marriage and his viability as a candidate.

In this moment, Huma Abedin is oblique towards her husband-candidate, Anthony Weiner when she should be facing the audience.

Here Huma has moved closer to perpendicular to Anthony, thus giving the audience the "cold shoulder".

There were several occasions when Huma looked completely away from the audience. These moments were particularly reveling.

As Huma reads her prepared statement, the two stand closer than they do at any other time during the conference - although his body position here is done for the wrong purpose. His body should be "shoulder-to-shoulder" with her. Such a nonverbal would have projected a strong solidarity. In contrast, here he appears as a controlling spouse and a puppet master - rather than a loving and trusting husband. This nonverbal cluster does not project Mayoral strength or supportive feelings.

In summary, both Huma Abedin and Anthony Weiner should have stood in a "united front" and closer together than typical colleagues would (for they are husband and wife). A shoulder-to-shoulder configuration (with shoulders almost touching) with their hands at their sides or loosely grasped behind their backs with their eyes on the audience would have been much more consistent with strong leadership and a strong marriage.
 
In the political world the concept of "Likability" is too often left to chance and "winging it". Likability is the single most important factor in winning over the middle one-third of the electorate. And the single most important factor in determining likability is the quality and warmth of a candidate's body language. The same holds true for the courtroom, the boardroom and the sales floor .... How likable are you?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2470:  NYC Mayoral Candidate Anthony Weiner &  His Wife Huma Abedin - Body Language Tells, Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2469:  Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin and the NYC Mayoral Race  Body Language & the Five Burroughs, Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2405:  Anthony Weiner's Running For Mayor of New York  His Body Language & His Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2150:  Body Language Advice for  President Obama and Governor Romney in Tonight's Debate

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 337:  Michele Bachmann's Low Confidence Stance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2137:  Mitt Romney vs. Barack Obama - First Presidential Debate - Barack's Bad Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2074:  Mitt Romney and Senator Kelly Ayotte - What Body Language Tells? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2146:  Biden vs. Ryan Vice Presidential Debates -  Both Candidates Displayed Body Language of Contempt

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

Yesterday San Diego Mayor Bob Filner announced that he would be undergoing two weeks of therapy to modify his conduct and alleged sexual harassment towards women. He also apologized for his behavior. At least seven women have come forward and accused the Mayor of unwanted sexual advances.

In the video above there is a significant nonverbal tell indicative of insincerity. When the entire forehead width is chronically contracted - and thus shows dynamic furrows (not passive skin wrinkles) - it is highly consistent with insincerity. Disassociate yourself from people whose forehead's are chronically contracted. Filner's Forehead displayed such furrows for the full video. This is a manifestation of over-compensatory body language - and it's one of the best and most reliable signals when sincerity is absent.

One nonverbal we should often have see if an apology is sincere - but is not present on Filner's face - is a "Central Forehead Contraction" (CFC) - where the outside (lateral) portions are relaxed (see cross references below) clustered together with an expression of sadness on the mouth (this mouth component is very important - for a CFC in the presence of even a subtle smile has a completely different meaning).

Filner was correct when he says at 1:09, "... however words alone are not enough". Filner's words were carefully chosen by a speech writer and himself ahead of time. And while his words were apologetic - their tone, cadence and rhythm were completely inconsistent with a sincere apology. He might as well been denouncing the behavior of an opponent - virtually identical to Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner apologies. And like the two New York politicians he read his apology from a script. Conducting any apology in such a manner engenders insincere voice tone and body language - which are much more important components when assessing for honesty and sincerity quotients.

When evaluating any verbal statement for truth, always ask yourself if the voice tone and the nonverbal signals are congruent with the spoken words. Here Filner Fails. Anyone can say the right thing.

There is also body language signal of doubt displayed briefly - did you spot it?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2469:  Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin and the NYC Mayoral Race  Body Language & the Five Burroughs, Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2470:  NYC Mayoral Candidate Anthony Weiner &  His Wife Huma Abedin - Body Language Tells, Part II

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2441:  Paula Deen's Apology - What Does Her Body Language Say?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2305:  Carnival Cruise Line CEO, Gerry Cahill's Apology Sincere or Insincere?  What his Body Language Says ...

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 665:  Bashar al Assad - and a Strong Sign of Insincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2124:  This Body Language-Facial Display  Should always make you think "Insincere"

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

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2469: Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin and the NYC Mayoral Race Body Language & the Five Burroughs, Part I (Video, Photo)

Yesterday New York City Mayoral Candidate Anthony Weiner and his wife Huma Abedin gave a press conference. Ms. Abedin said among other things that she loves her husband and forgives him for his transgressions - some of which have only very recently become public knowledge.

The Press conference was about ten minutes long and is packed with body language teaching points. The following example is only but one moment of analysis. As always, today's post does not have a political agenda, rather it is a forum to illustrate and analyze nonverbal communication.

At 3:54, Anthony Weiner begins, "And now I have a chance to do something I haven't had a chance to do, um, on the campaign yet. Huma as you know has been out there with me recently and, ah, she had a few words that she wanted to say, so, um, my amazing wife, Huma Abedin."

At 4:05 - 4:06 as the former congressman says, "... so um ...", Ms. Abedin scratches her nose and the area just below it, raises her eyebrows, opens her eyelids wider than normal and briefly tightens her upper lip along with additional tension of the area between the upper lip and nose. This is a very clear cluster of nonverbal indicators which reveal that Huma didn't really want to say anything, however Mr. Weiner (and/or his campaign manager) wanted her to make a public statement of forgiveness and declaration of love for her candidate husband.

What other body language tells did you see?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2777:  Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin, John McCain and John Boehner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2405:  Anthony Weiner's Running For Mayor of New York - His Body Language & His Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2439:  Michael Jackson's Wrongful Death Suit - AEG Live CEO's Body Language During Deposition

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2195:  Sen. John McCain's Body Language when comparisons made between  Condoleezza Rice to Susan Rice &  War with Iraq to Benghazi, Libya Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2349:  Barack Obama, The Miami Heat & Chicago Bulls -  POTUS's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2156:  Barack Obama's Body Language at Al Smith Charity Dinner -  Comedy, White Lies and Facial Touching MAPs

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 717:  Barry Bonds and the Obstruction of Justice

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2405: Anthony Weiner's Running For Mayor of New York His Body Language & His Sincerity Quotient (Video, Photos)

Anthony Weiner, former U.S. Congressman (resigned 2011) announced yesterday his candidacy for Mayor of New York City. He is of course infamous for his sexually laden tweets (2011) and then denying it on public record. His wife, Huma Abedin, a longtime aide to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and herself highly respected - is standing faithful by his side.

Above is the Youtube video wherein Mr. Weiner announced he was running for office. One expression that you never want to see very much of on anyone, is a central forehead contraction (CFC). One common meaning of this nonverbal is physical or emotional pain. Such pain may be either experienced directly by whom is expressing it, or felt secondarily via empathy for another person(s) or animal(s). When either type of pain is the source of the CFC, there should NEVER be indication of a smile - not even a trace. If these two disparate nonverbals are seen together (CFC with even a subtle smile) along with sincere sounding words - then such a body language-facial expression is a highly reliable signal of insincerity. We all make this expression occasionally - for we are all human. But be extremely wary of those who use this facial expression often. Chronic insincerity is a profound warning sign. A relatively small percentage of people (<5%) exhibit the CFC too often (there are of course many other signals of insincerity). Avoid it in business, don't vote for it in politics and run, run fast from this expression in your personal life. 

Below are some nonpartisan nonverbal highlights of Mr. Weiner's video:

This image is from 0:19 in the video and shows a CFC with more than a hint of a smile. The Mayoral candidate is reminiscing warm and fuzzy memories about the neighborhood wherein he grew up. However neither emotional or physical pain are being verbally conveyed here.

Sincerity Quotient: F, Insincere

This image (0:34 mark) again shows a central forehead contraction (Do you believe there is a subtle mile?). Here the former congressman is speaking in glowing terms about memories of his mother teaching school. Again, his words are not congruent with his body language.

Sincerity Quotient: F, Insincere

This image with another central forehead contraction occurs at the 1:40 mark in the video - where Mr. Weiner admits to his past mistakes. Is he feeling emotional pain? Yes. Are the remainders of his nonverbals as well as his words and tone of voice congruent with the CFC? Yes.

Sincerity Quotient: A, Anthony Weiner is sincerely sorry.



There are truckloads of other nonverbals in the video. What others jump out at you?

See also:

Negotiation Secret # 146: Anthony Weiner's Inward Lip Roll

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2777:  Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin, John McCain and John Boehner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2192:  Senator Elect Ted Cruz - "So by the third debate, I’m pretty certain Mitt Romney actually French-kissed Barack Obama" - A Body Language Red Flag

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2042:  Syrian Government Defector Nawaf al-Fares

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2124:  This Body Language-Facial Display - Should always make you think "Insincere"

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2222: Corey Booker's Body Language Indicates that He does NOT want to Run for Governor of New Jersey

Cory Booker, the Mayor of Newark, was interviewed today in on "Face the Nation". In this segment Bob Schieffer asks him if he will run in New Jersey's Gubernatorial race which is up for grabs in November, 2013. After Hurricane Sandy however, the incumbent Chris Christie enjoys approval ratings as high as 77%. Based on the nonverbal cues displayed in this video, Mayor Booker has a high degree of anxiety about running for governor of the Garden State. His body language shows significantly less anxiety when asked about the possibility of running for a U.S. Senate seat.

In short, Cory Booker's nonverbal signals indicate he has significant anxiety about running for governor this next cycle and that his heart isn't in it. He most probably will not enter the race for the New Jersey Governorship. 

Does your body language tell people your decisions ahead of time as well?

See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1209: Even Putin has Anxiety - False Tie Adjust

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 931: Harbaugh's Fear and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1901: Maria Sharapova's Anxiety 

Nonverbal Analysis # 1820: What Causes David Beckham's Greater Anxiety - Barack Obama Teasing Him About His Age or His Underwear?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1869: One Body Language Signal a President Should Never Display 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1876:  Noomi Rapace, Anxiety & False Mastication

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

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