Body Language Analysis No. 4254: Tony Robbins, Nanine McCool, and the #MeToo Movement - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTO)

This recently viral video demonstrates so clearly, what is now obvious to everyone - that self-help guru star Tony Robbins does not understand the purpose of the #MeToo movement.

During his event in San Jose on 15 March 2018, among other things, Mr. Robbins said, "If you use the #MeToo movement to try to get significance and certainty by attacking and destroying someone else, you haven't grown an ounce, all you've done is basically use a drug called significance to make yourself feel good."

Robbins then proceeded to deliberately physically intimidate an audience member - Nanine McCool. He didn't ask her if she wanted to participate in a demonstration - he told her ("Come over here" - gesturing with his finger, 3:15 - 3:16).

Robbins didn't ask Ms. McCool's consent to touch her - he told her to "Put out your fist" (3:26 - 3:27) - and then immediately violated her personal space as he began physically pushing her backward.

Robbins is 6' 7" and probably outweighs Ms. McCool by 100 pounds or more.

Naturally, with Robbins' size and momentum, Ms. McCool was, of course, forced to walk backward - increasing her vulnerability even more.

As she retracted her arm (bent her elbow), Tony Robbins' further violated Nanine McCool's personal space (intimate space) - near her neck/throat and then her chest.

Additionally, in this video we learned:

• Nanine McCool is a brave woman

• Tony Robbins can't admit he's wrong (but will probably make a big public apology in the next few days)

• Tony Robbins interrupts and shouts over people with whom he disagrees

• Robbins doesn't seem to understand that for all of human history, women have been, and continue to be, repeatedly victimized

• Robbins' statement that survivors of sexual assault are somehow aspiring to "significance" demonstrates a profound lack of empathy

• Robbins' "significance explanation" leaves no room for the urgent need for justice, prevention, and cultural change.

• Robbins' antidote of a "very famous man, very powerful man" (Robbins "had a dozen men tell" him similar stories), who was afraid to hire a more qualified woman because she was attractive - wreaks of the fact that the problem is with the lack of moral character and lack of control of the man involved - and has nothing whatsoever to do with any imagined fault of the #MeToo movement.

• Robbins is endorsing the warped idea that less qualified men should be hired over women who are more qualified. Robbins is blaming the woman for being "too attractive" or being "too qualified". It's unimaginable that anyone could tell this story believing that somehow women need to change and not the man.

• Moreover, Robbins' story indicates, with high likelihood, that the man involved - has guilt on his conscious.

• Robbins' act of marginalizing the #MeToo movement makes him look guilty

• Tony Robbins is a narcissist

Summary: Tony Robbins' act of physically pushing a victim-survivor of sexual assault (or anyone) - without their permission - is a completely inaccurate metaphor for the #MeToo movement. It is, however, a very accurate and literal example (no metaphor needed) of deliberate intimidation, misogyny, bullying, and touching a person without their permission. Robbins' actions and words are, in large measure, the antithesis of what the #MeToo movement stands for.

Tony Robbins either does not understand body language - or, much worse, he's using his knowledge of nonverbal behavior to further intimidate and manipulate women who've already been victimized.

Media Inquiries and Keynote Appearances 

One-on-One and Online Courses Available 

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

702-239-8503

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4253: Tiger Woods at The 2018 Masters - Nonverbal Biofeedback, Sports Psychology, and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. Body Language Analysis No. 4251: Cristiano Ronaldo's Bicycle Kick vs. Juventus F.C.

Body Language Analysis No. 4249: Will Smith, Sophia the Robot, Robot-Empathy, and Responding in Context

Body Language Analysis No. 4247: Donald Trump says Goodbye to Hope Hicks

Body Language Analysis No. 4237: OJ Simpson - The Lost Confession - Part I 

Body Language Analysis No. 4208: Rod Rosenstein and the Indictment of Russians

Body Language Analysis No. 4189: Tom Cruise, a Broken Ankle, and Rebecca Ferguson

Body Language Analysis No. 4137: Matt Lauer's "inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace"

Body Language and Medical Analysis No. 4221: Why are Donald Trump's Pupils So Large?

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Body Language Analysis No. 3965: Manspreading, Madrid, and a Business Faux Pas - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Recently the city of Madrid has taken measures to limit "Manspreading" on public transportation. Manpreading is the colloquial term for the "Seated Crotch Display" wherein a person (almost always a man) sits with his legs spread wide - thus exposing his crotch. The feet are most frequently positioned sole-downward and the elbows are often protruding laterally in a "maximum space mode".

On a bus, subway, plane, or in other public areas - manspreading is done at the expense - often dramatically - of those seated adjacently.

In crowded public situations, we typically suspend our personal space (intimate space) norms which would never apply to other scenarios. For example, we may touch shoulders, elbows, and upper arms of those sitting next to us on a crowded airplane, because we have no choice and the idea of shared space takes over. But not everyone observes this in equal fashion.

Many men will often default into a manspreading configuration. And while it's certainly no excuse, some men will go a lifetime without realizing what they're doing makes those seated next to them emotionally (and physically) very uncomfortable. 

Why do men do this? There are several reasons. In a public setting, the seated crotch display is a mode of asserting dominance - very much akin to young male gorillas beating on their chests. Manspreading in these crowed settings is a type of alpha/hyper-alpha, and often narcissistic behavior.

Men who are in straight, platonic relationships will often sit around a table in this manner. And provided they're relatively equal in the pecking order, men will also do this in a friendly professional/work setting.

Men who manspread frequently very likely have low empathy quotients. 

Although most commonly exhibited by straight men, people of all sexual orientations will also sit in a seated crotch display fashion when sexually attracted to another person. In such cases they usually "crotch point" (and foot point) toward the desired individual.

A tremendous problem is created, however, when men use the seated crotch display in professional settings when women are present - or when a subordinate male sits in this manner in the presence of his superior (regardless of their gender). It's particularly common and extremely offensive in the case of male-female business settings. Many men won't ever realize just how often this, and similar actions, will evoke strong negative conditioned responses in women. This occurs to the point of creating other secondary problems, which on the surface don't seem to be related, yet will precipitate the killing of potential sales and negotiations. In such interactions, manspreading is very frequently accompanied by other alpha, hyper-alpha, and narcissistic verbal language, paralanguage, and body language behavior.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
1-702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3964: What Donald Trump Really Thinks about James Comey 

Body Language Analysis 3962: James Comey's Testimony

Body Language Analysis No. 3960: James Comey, Critical Evaluation, and The Side-Eye

Body Language Analysis No. 3958: Vladimir Putin interview with Megyn Kelly

Body Language Analysis No. 3956: Keri Russell's Tongue

Body Language Analysis No. 3951: Angela Merkel, Donald Trump, the G7 Summit, and The Paris Agreement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3911: Simone Biles gets Pranked on "Ellen"

Romance, Flirting & Dating Body Language Secret No. 1893:  Nonverbal Communication of the Facial Platter

Romance, Marriage and Dating Body Language Secret No. 424:  'Til Death Do Us Part....Fossilized Love

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3351: A Body Language Signal of Sincere Affection


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3841: Tom Brady's and Roger Goodell's Handshake after Super Bowl LI - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Many people anticipated, that if the New England Patriots won Super Bowl LI, the handshake between Roger Goodell and Tom Brady would be both interesting and emotionally uncomfortable. Well, of course the Patriots did win - and the handshake was indeed "awkward".

Unfortunately, the best camera angle view (capturing the optimal teaching example of the body language) does not always coincide with the video that's available. This is one of those occasions. And although a good view of their handshake can be seen via this link (Please take a moment to view it several times), there is no quality video which is also able to embedded here.

Roger Goodell initiated the handshake. In the first image (above), Goodell has just got Brady's attention by tapping him on his left elbow - and Goodell has extended his hand but Brady has not yet grasped it.

This second image (immediately above) is a bit less than one second after their hands make contact. Note that how, even though Goodell initiated the handshake, his body is pointing very obliquely to Brady. Goodell is also leaning far into the handshake putting most of his weight on his leading (right) foot-leg. Thus his feet are further back and not beneath his center-of-mass.

In distinction, Tom Brady's is leaning only slightly forward. His feet are directly beneath his body - and he's not off-balance. Brady is beginning to turn (rotate) toward Goodell.

In the next moment (the 3rd image, immediately above), the NFL Commissioner is speaking to the Quarterback. Note that here Goodell not only shakes his hand, but also pulls Brady's hand-arm toward himself. Tom Brady has rotated more toward Goodell - while Goodell maintains his body pointing orientation obliquely to Brady.

In this next moment, Brady has fully turned toward Goodell. His feet are directly beneath his body - and he's not off-balance. Moreover, Brady is now "Whole Body Pointing" toward Goodell - while Goodell has rotated even further away from Brady.

This represents the most dramatic moment of the handshake, as Goodell pulls Brady's hand and arm again - to even a greater degree.

Summary:

We don't "Body Point" toward another person who we don't like or we don't respect - and of course, Goodell's and Brady's dislike for each other is common knowledge.

In addition, leaning far into the handshake - with the feet further away from the other person - also demonstrates a dislike as well as a low emotional comfort with the other person. This is very much akin to leaning far into a hug - with the feet further away and the torsos barely touching.

It's a profoundly important distinction that the "Puller" of another person's hand and arm during a handshake is exhibiting an example of hyper-alpha behavior. It's a very deliberate nonverbal display of power - very much saying, "I'm 'stronger' than you are [perhaps not physically, as is the case here, but via other modalities] - and don't forget it". It also is highly indicative of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3840: Donald Trump regarding Vladimir Putin: 'We've Got A Lot of Killers. Do You Think Our Country Is So Innocent?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3838: Kellyanne Conway's Statement Regarding the "Bowling Green Massacre"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3836: President Trump nominates Judge Neil Gorsuch for The Supreme Court

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3829: Mary Tyler Moore - Flirtatious, Sexy, Alpha Female Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2812: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone & La La Land - Backstage Interview at 2017 Golden Globes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3798: Elle Fanning, Channing Tatum and Dialing Up the Alpha 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3717: Creepy Clowns, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3732: Donald Trump cuts short interview after Question Regarding Racism - Predicting Trump's Behavior - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During an interview yesterday at a campaign event in Delaware, Ohio - Donald Trump cut short an interview and walked away.

Colleen Marshall (beginning at 0:56): Nineteen days out from the election - you've been labeled a racist, you've been called a sexist -

Donald Trump: Thank you very much. [Begins to walk away]

Marshall: H.... How do you respond to that?

Trump:  [Turns back] Ah, I am the LEAST racist person you've ever met.

Immediately after he says,"Ah, I am the LEAST racist person you've ever met" - Mr. Trump turns and completes his walk-away. The expression on his face upon doing this (1:07 - 1:08) is indicative of a combination of both disgust and regret.

It's also noteworthy here that, although the camera does not show this fully, Mr. Trump most probably invaded Ms. Marshall's personal space [intimate space] and touched her near the left elbow. In the context of a walk-away, this act of physical contact is also patronizing, narcissistic and intimidating.

This is another recent example of how Mr. Trump's behavior has become more volatile and impulsive. I cannot recall another post-convention, major presidential candidate ever walking away during an interview. Coupling this observation with Mr. Trump's dichotomous World-view as well as his inability to admit failure - and it's not a stretch to speculate that if his poll numbers keep dropping (or even remain at current levels), Donald Trump will drop out of the Presidential race so as not to go in the history books as losing the election.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3731: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part III - "Such a Nasty Woman"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3729: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part I - Vladimir Putin, Body Language & Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3727: Donald Trump and Children

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3711: Vin Scully calls Kirk Gibson's legendary walk-off homer during Game 1 of the 1988 World Series

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3706: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump Presidential Debates - Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3688: Vladimir Putin, Phone calls, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3676: Colin Kaepernick Says He Be Sitting Down During the National Anthem

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3618: Salma Hayek regarding Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3591: Jo Cox, The Brexit and Sincere Smiles 
 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3540: Johnny Manziel's Ego - Body Language Tells (PHOTO)

A grand jury in Dallas, Texas has indicted Johnny Manziel on a charge of assault. Colleen Crowley, Manziel's ex girlfriend, is alleging the former NFL quarterback of threatening, restraining and hitting her - causing her to lose hearing in one ear.  The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner has denied hitting Ms. Crowley. The indictment accuses Johnny Manziel of "intentionally and knowingly and recklessly (causing) bodily injury to" Ms. Crowley.

Be careful here to observe specifically the prominence of the lower lip (compared with the upper one). Moreover, it's crucial to note that this lower lip pout is also accompanied by a jutting forward of the jaw (Jaw Jut). The lip prominence largely camouflages the jaw's movement. It's an attempt of the psyche at misdirection. Every human being makes this expression from time to time - but those who display this expression chronically have personalities with a higher incidence of egocentric behaviors and narcissistic qualities as well as poor impulse control.

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. 3539: Conspicuous by it's Absence - Donald Trump's Missing Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3522: Felicity Jones in New Star Wars Trailer: "Rogue One"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3517: Before His Walk Back, Donald Trump "There Has To Be Some Form of Punishment" to Women who have Abortions 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3510: Lindsey Graham - The Senator Picks His Poison: Ted Cruz vs. Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3367: Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3490: Conor McGregor, being a Plumber and LeBron James

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3467: Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Dies 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2576: Chris Brown's Body Language - a Signal of Psyche's Suppressing Emotions ... and Anger and ....  

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3474: Donald Trump, Handshakes and Narcissism - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Tonight in South Carolina, Donald Trump won the his second presidential primary. It's looking increasingly likely that the businessman will become the 2016 Republican Presidential Nominee. Back in February of 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada - when Mitt Romney was running for President, Donald Trump endorsed the former Massachusetts Governor who went on to challenge President Obama.

Although this video has a multitude of body language tells, one in particular is highlighted here - Trump's and Romney's handshake. Note that during 1:55 - 1:58 and again at 5:53-5:55 of the above video, in both instances, Trump pulls Romney into his personal space (even into his intimate space). This is but one variety of a handshake which is hyper-alpha and highly narcissistic. Moreover, those who use this handshake are deliberately trying to intimidate.

In addition, men who shake a woman's hand in this manner have a very high rate of misogynistic and objectifying behaviors.

1:56

5:54


















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3473: Adele's Tongue, Ellen DeGeneres and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3462: Donald Trump calls Ted Cruz a "Pussy"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3459: Miscues on the Introductions to New Hampshire Republican Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3455: Jerry Rice Undercover - Lyft Super Bowl 50 Commercial

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1874: Bad Handshake - Political Prevalence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3431: El Chapo, Sean Penn, an Interview and a Handshake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3429: Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward met with Ammon Bundy 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3345: Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama and a Handshake at the U.N.

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate - Body Language Faux Pas


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2881: LeBron James and What He Learned About the Way He Switched Teams - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Many believe Lebron James is the best basketball player in the World, and today he announced (in a much more humble manner vs. four years ago) that he is leaving the Miami Heat and going back home to Cleveland to play once more for the Cavaliers.

In this interview of about a year ago with Rachel Nichols, Lebron displayed multiple examples of the nonverbal phenomenon known as a microexpression. While multiple different emotions can be conveyed via microexpressions - these were indicative of contempt. Below one of these is examined in context. 

Beginning at 0:21, Nichols asks, "Even if you don't know what you're going to do - what have you learned since the last time you switched teams ..."

James: "Right."

Nichols continues, " ... that will inform how you handle things this time?"

James, "I mean y, y, y, you learn from your mistakes, you know and ah, and that's something I've been able to do. That's something I've lived with - and ya' know, when an opportunity comes upon, if I'm in that position again, I'll be able to handle it much better."

During the end of "that's" and the first portion of "something" (highlighted above in red with image captured below), James displays a clear microexpression of contempt. How many other examples of this nonverbal tell do you see in this short video? What other significant body language tells by Nichols or James are present here?

These three images are all taken less than 0.5 seconds during the 0:33 - 0:34 segment.

Note the tightening of the cheek muscle on Mr. James left side.

The left corner of his mouth pulls out and up and his mustache are on the left is also contracting.

Lebron's left nostril also flares.

Closer to the end of the contempt microexpression.

While the partial (and near complete) closure of the eyelids are not necessary for contempt (or disgust and on occasion lower levels of anger) - this partial closure acts an amplifier for these emotions. 







In summary, Lebron James' multiple microexpressions of contempt are very probably self-directed due to the way he handled his own very public (and many feel narcissistic) announcement when he moved to Miami in 2010.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2880: Bowe Bergdahl & Badruddin Haqqani Photo - What Does Body Language Tell Us?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2834: LeBron James, Lance Stevenson and False Intimacy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2738: LeBron James - Black Mask vs. Clear Mask, Body Language of Trust

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2284:  LeBron James in The White House -  A Fundamental Body Language Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2442:  Nancy Pelosi's Subtle Contempt Display  Body Language Regarding "Who Cares?" Retort

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2786: Jewish Community Center Shooter - Frazier Glenn Cross, Jr - A Very Common Body Language Display of "Hate Crimes", Mass Shootings and Terrorism 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2330: Body Language of Foot Placement on another Person's Chair

The above image displays a very common body language behavior - the act of putting one's foot on another person's chair. Words that are written and spoken in any language can have completely different meanings depending on the other words which accompany them - even if they're spelled the same and pronounced the same (e.g. hot, dressing, fly, love, kill, etc.). Body language is no different. These "nonverbal homonyms" have to be interpreted in the context of the other "nonverbal words" present in the "body language sentence". 

In the context of romance and dating this "foot on another person's chair" sends a strong signal of affection and/or sexual interest. It is a "touching surrogate" which can pre-date hand holding, affectionate touching and holding hands. Of course it may also be displayed once these relationship milestones have already been reached. 

It is also commonly observed as among family members as a symbol of affection. Once again it's a touching surrogate commonly seen in public rather than more overt public displays of affection. Thus also signals an ownership-stewardship characteristic between parents as well as between siblings. 

If this is observed in a business setting, it could of course signal potential romantic attraction. However much more often in a work-place context this foot-on-another's chair is an alpha personality display. If the foot encroaching into your personal space belongs to your boss an occasional dominance display is within normal behavior. Too much though can signal a problem.

This foot nonverbal can also be an indicator of an autistic spectrum disorder - which of course are accompanied by other signs. Intriguingly, those with ASD may invade others' space and not be aware of it - and yet they may become very upset when their own space is violated. But lookout - for when this foot-to-chair body language is seen often & in the absence of autistic spectrum disorder - it is a strong indicator of narcissistic personality disorder. Multiple personal space violations always have meanings - some benign, some romantic and still others should send up red flags.

Notice in the image above, the man is turned toward his partner/date with a more-than-moderate seated crotch display (which in the context of dating/flirting/relationships - also has strong sexual signals). She is not reciprocating. With this lack of positive feedback in a dating scenario, the gentleman should remove his foot and while still turned towards the lady - perhaps sit with a less overt crotch display. Unfortunately, many men are oblivious to this and similar behaviors. 

Are you or your partner nonverbally tone deaf?

Romance, Marriage and Dating - Body Language Secret # 609: Going from High Heels to Flats and then back to Heels

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1916: Katie Holmes & Tom Cruise are getting a Divorce -  What Body Language Metric could have Predicted this  Back When They Were Dating?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2203:  A Body Language Metric of Intimacy and Affection -  How Do YOU cuddle?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2: Body Language of Blake Lively and Penn Badgley  Strongly Suggests an Impending Break-up in Near Future

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 341:  Narcissism, Parking and Cell Phones

Negotiation and Dating Secret # 111:  The Great Phone Tell

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2275: Lance Armstrong's Insincerity - Body Language revealed in Oprah Winfrey Interview Part III

Another nonverbal signal of Lance Armstrong's insincerity is revealed in the way he touches his chest when trying to convey understanding and truthfulness. Most displays of "self-touching" are examples of what are known as MAPs (Manipulators, Adaptors or Pacifiers) and are, in general signals of anxiety - although when viewed in cluster-context, their meanings can be much more specific. 

At multiple times throughout his interview with Oprah Winfrey, Armstrong touches his chest with only the tips of his fingers & thumb. During moments when we feeling true sincerity (not seen above), gestures of chest touching involve the whole hand including the palm. This "palmar touch" occurs with the whole hand contacting the chest over the heart (left side of chest) and/or the sternum/manubrium (although parts may extend to the right side of the chest). Note in the above video segment during the 2:30 mark, when the disgraced bicycler says, "...I understand ..." Armstrong touches with only his fingertips over his sternum. This is a great example where a person's words contradicting his body language. Whenever the verbal and the nonverbal are in disagreement - the nonverbal language always tells the truth.

It is contradictory body language to display a full-palm-to-chest nonverbal with one's legs crossed in the manner Armstrong has them configured throughout much of this interview (The "American figure-4"). If one had their legs crossed in this way, and then felt a moment of true sincerity, honesty, affection or empathy - the legs would naturally uncross. However, when clustered together, the "figure-4" along with the "fingertip-only to chest" contact are congruent with insincerity.

Another important distinction of the full palmar contact vs. fingertip only contact is made over longer time durations and multiple observations. Full palm-of-hand contact to the left chest or sternum is seen more often in individuals with higher empathy quotients and thus are very rare in sociopaths. Those with low empathy quotients (such as narcissists, sociopaths and psychopaths) rarely display the body language of full palmar contact.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2273: Lance Armstrong & Oprah Winfrey, Part II, Lance Gives Away More with His Body Language -  He told more Lies

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2272: Lance Armstrong's Mia Culpa with Oprah Winfrey  Body Language Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2207: Body Language, Sincerity and Mahmoud Abbas  United Nations grants Palestine "Nonmember Observer State"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1900: Palmar Touch of another Person, an Animal or Object

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1829: Dara Torres Interview with Piers Morgan - Embarrassment,  Visual Recall, Sexual Anticipation Lip Biting &  Sincerity Quotients

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2220:  Harry Reid on Jim DeMint's Retirement - A Body Language Tell of Insincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2143:  Meyers and Bailey Leonard - The Illini, The Marine & The Reunion -  Emotional Processing & Sincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2183: Barack & Michelle Obama's Tweet - The Palmar Touch, Body Language and an Affectionate Hug

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1866:  Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth are Engaged -  An Affection-Love Sincerity Signal

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Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1717: Why is Yawning Contagious? What is its connection to Autism? and Empathy?

It is long been known that seeing another yawn will bring others to yawning. Even seeing a picture of someone yawning or reading about someone yawning will elicit this behavior. It even works across species. Dogs yawn after a stranger yawns at a significantly higher frequency. One proposed reason for this "contagion" is the presence and function of mirror neurons. 

Mirror neurons can be thought of as "empathy neurons". A concentration of mirror neurons are located in the inferior frontal gyrus and the inferior parietal lobe (although there may be other areas yet elicited) and collectively are referred to as the Mirror Neuron System (MNS). When we see another cry, it is easier for us to cry. When we see another laugh, we tend to laugh much more. It's mirror neurons that largely (perhaps entirely) allow us to mimic others' behavior. The NMS is also probably is a key component in language development. Incredibly interesting research (Norscia & Palagi) shows that the contagion of a yawn - is transmitted at a higher rate the closer they are psycho-socially related to us. We yawn more often when family members yawn, less so when friends yawn, acquaintances even at a lower percentage and strangers the least often. We "infect" others with our behavior the more empathy we have for them. 

Young children with autism spectrum disorder will yawn less often (and even drops below their baseline yawning frequency) than other children without ASD. This is consistent with the empathy-requirement aspect of contagious yawning and with the diminished amount and/or function of the mirror neuron system with autism.

Some theorize that their are several different subtypes of mirror neurons. While the relative lack/health of one subtype may be related to ASD, disorders of other types may be correlated to narcissistic personalty disorder, sociopathy-psychopathic behaviors. One day in the relatively near future, I believe we will be able to quantify these subtypes and correlate them with different diseases/disorders. The next logical step will be to up-regulate gene expression or even selective transplanting of these mirror neuron subtypes into people who need them.

And all this from a yawn.

See also:

Secret # 1499: Bill Clinton's Empathy for Eric Ferhnstrom ... and Mitt Romney - What's your Sincerity Quotient?

Secret # 2012: Got Empathy? An appeal to Asma al-Assad - Diplomacy through Unconventional Channels

Secret # 1659: Leon Panetta on the U.S. Military Scandals in Afghanistan

Secret # 1711: Charles Tayolor, Sierra Leone, Blood Diamonds and the Double Shhh! Sign

Secret # 21: Surprise + Fear + Empathy

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1224: Two Handed Index Finger Point

The Two-Handed Index Finger Point is an excessive, nonverbal signal of grandiosity speakers will use only in front of a crowd they know is already on strongly on their side. With rare exception, in a political context, you will only see it when a candidate is stirring up his/her political base. People use this gesture when they want to foster a self-righteous emotional tone in the audience. If used in front of a neutral or negative audience - such body language would cause people to boo, leave or it may even incite violence.

If the two-handed index finger point (aka double pointing) is used often, particularly in different settings, it can be a signal of narcissistic tendencies (I don't mean to suggest this applies to Mr. Romney, he uses it rather sparingly as politicians go).

Mitt Romney won both the Arizona and Michigan Republican Presidential Primaries tonight. Michigan in particular was considered crucial for the former Massachusetts Governor. He was born in the Great Lake State and his father (George Romney) was a three term Governor there as well as CEO of American Motors.

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