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. 3033: Reaction to Grand Jury's Decision regarding Eric Garner's Choke Hold Death (PHOTOS)

Daniel Skelton is seen here holding up loose cigarettes during his protesting of the Grand Jury's decision to not indict New York City police officer (Daniel Pantaleo) for the chokehold death of Eric Garner.

Even though Skelton's hat is on - we can see still that his left inner (medial) eyebrow is elevated (indicating an elevated central forehead contraction beneath his hat) with a partial, pseudo-mouth smile. His mid-face tension and nostril flaring also indicates he has a component of disgust in this moment. Skelton is demonstratively holding up cigarettes because Eric Garner was approached by police who were attempting his arrest for selling single cigarettes ("loosies") when he died during the choke hold. 

Skelton's body language cluster in this moment is highly indicative of sincere incredulity & disgust which of course many believe is not very surprising given this context.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3032: Reaction to Eric Garner Grand Jury Decision to Not Indict Daniel Pantaleo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1841:  Disgust in Response to Rep. Barney Frank's "Hoodie" Joke

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2811: Jason and David Benham are Dropped from HGTV - Body Language of Subtle Contempt, Anger & Disgust

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2115: Prince Harry in Afghanistan - Incredulity & Contempt 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2386:  Julia Louis-Dryfus on Conan -  One Signal of Incredulity  How Often Do You Miss This Body Language Signal?  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1696:  George Zimmerman's Testimony -  Fear, Incredulity, Regret & Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2649: How a Kiss can Change the World - Body Language of Affection

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2800: Richard Gere Plays a Homeless Man and a Caring Parisian Gives Him Food - Body Language of Sincerity and Empathy (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Recently Richard Gere, who was playing a homeless during the filming of his new movie "Time Out of Mind" (also starring Kyra Sedgwick), was given some food by a kind woman who didn't realize who he was or that he was in the midst of acting.

Karine Gombeau, a tourist from Paris visiting NYC, gave Gere the remains of her pizza. She did not know it was the famous actor until two days later when she saw a photo herself with Mr. Gere in a newspaper.

Later, when she was interviewed, Gombeau recalled her brief conversation with Mr. Gere -

"I said, 'Je suis désolée (I am sorry), but the pizza is cold.' "
"He said, 'Thank you so much. God bless you.' "

From a body language perspective Ms. Gombeau exemplifies in this image an important axiom. During the moment when something is being given (be it food, a job or a diamond ring, etc.) - eye contact will go up during moments of high sincerity. Depending on the other nonverbals which are also present, increased eye contact may also indicate a high empathy quotient.

Of course, as with all body language, care must be taken not to interpret signals in isolation.

What other nonverbal clearly visible in this example demonstrates a significantly elevated empathy level being felt by Ms. Gombeau?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2787: Korean Ferry Sinking, Empathy and Emotional Processing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2669: Sara Bareilles and the Body Language of the Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2438:  Sincere Surprise Body Language  Three Year Old Receives Brain Stem Implant and  Hears for the First Time

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2705: Congressman Michael Grimm Apology - Sincere or Not? Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2579: Brandon Bryant Body Language of Disgust and Empathy - Confessions of a Drone Operator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2799: Magic Johnson Comments Regarding L.A. Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Alleged Racist Remarks - Body Language
 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2550: Sergio Consuegra, the Brave Man Who Stood between the Motorcyclist-Attackers and the SUV Driver, Multiple Microexpressions of Contempt (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Sunday, 30 September 2013, while on his way to church, Sergio Consuegra came to the defense of Alexian Lien the driver of an SUV as well as his wife and child. Dozens of bikers had stopped the SUV on the highway, and after attacking the vehicle, pulled Mr. Lien out and beat him. Mr. Lien had run over a motorcyclist (Edwin Mieses) in his efforts to escape the attack. Mr. Mieses suffered extensive injuries including a fractured spine and both legs. It has been revealed that there were several undercover New York City police officers among the bikers who did not come to the aid of the driver or did not attempt to prevent or curtail the assault.

This post is not an attempt to pass fault or judgment on any party, but to use this video as an example for teaching body language. The vast majority of people in his position would feel the same emotions as Mr. Consuegra.

At multiple times during this interview Mr. Consuegra displayed contempt when describing his dismay at the fact that multiple undercover NYC police officers were among the bikers and did not help. Four distinct and outstanding examples of microexpressions of contempt can be seen at 1:20, 1:23, 1:26 and 1:27. Due to the dynamic, subtle and extremely evanescent nature of these displays - they must be watched (and reviewed several times) to be best appreciated.

Moreover there is additional level of subtle contempt being felt and nonverbally manifested that is present throughout some of this interview - upon which these microexpressions are superimposed. This is contempt expressed in layers - one on top of the other. Look at Mr. Consuegra's eyelids, note that in all but the second of the images below his left lower eyelid is partially closed. Again, this must be watched several times in the video to be best appreciated.

Microexpression of Contempt at 1:20
Note the partial closure of the left eyelid, most notable the left lower lid.

Also note the subtle dilation of the left nostril and elevation of the tissue adjacent to the left side of the nose (a slight snarl).

No contempt display (1:06). Lower eyelids are symmetrical.

Microexpression of Contempt at 1:23

Microexpression of Contempt at 1:26

Microexpression of Contempt at 1:27
















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2500:  Ft. Hood Shooter Nidal Malik Hasan and Contempt - The Body Language of Threat Assessment

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1407:  Auboni Champion-Morin  Reunited with Kidnapped Son After 8 Years -  Microexpression of Contempt towards Kidnapper

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1890:  Eric Holder has (Emotional) Contempt toward Darrell Issa - while Rep. Issa is Very Excited to be Seeking  "Contempt of Congress" against Holder

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2050:  George Zimmerman's Interview on Fox -  Microexpression of Contempt and Duping Delight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2323:  Jodi Arias Murder Trial  The Body Language of Unilateral Regret vs. Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2172:  Governor Chris Christie's Body Language of Contempt -  Microexpressions and Subtle Displays

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2504:  Former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez and a  Commonly Missed Body Language Signal

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2228:  Jay Carney's Body Language - Contempt disguised as a Sniff .... for Republicans' Solutions to the Fiscal Cliff

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2515: Eliot Spitzer vs. Scott Stringer - Insincere Smile with Anger Component - Body Language and the NYC Comptroller Race (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Scott Stringer (left), Manhattan Borough President and Eliot Spitzer (right) former Governor of New York are in a dead heat for the Democratic nomination for the Comptroller of New York City. This primary will be held tomorrow.

In the photo above (with high magnification shown below) Eliot Spitzer displays an insincere smile. While Spitzer does have a prominent jaw, he does not have an under-bite. Note his jaw is jutting significantly forward - which is known as a "Jaw Jut" and is a strong nonverbal signal which is NEVER seen in the context of a sincere smile. Indeed the jaw jut is highly consistent with anger.

In addition Spitzer's lower teeth are exposed. When the bottom teeth are visible, the smile is also NOT a Duchenne smile.

There are a good many types of "false smiles" (how many do you know?). People tend to have a favored species of these "social smiles". This jaw jut with lower teeth exposed variety is Eliot Spitzer's default feigned smile.

See also:

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

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 1003:  Obama's Dropped Jaw Smile

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2093:  Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye -  Matt Lauer's Classic "Tongue-in-Cheek" and Duplicitous Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2501:  Bashar al-Assad, Chemical Weapons and a  Body Language Signal of a Sociopath

Negotiation Secret # 119: What's Wrong with this Smile?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2191:  Anne Hathaway's Impersonation of Katie Holmes on SNL -  "Norming" Katie and Variations on a Theme

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication # Analysis 1492:  Ben Bernanke's Duping Delight &  Partial Emblematic Slip

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2514: Anthony Weiner's Confrontation - Contrasting and Controlling Anger - Body Language in a Brooklyn Bakery (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In the above video, Anthony Weiner, a democrat who is a candidate for the New York City Mayoral race, is arguing with a man who called him a "scumbag" and who Weiner later described as a "heckler". The following is a partial analysis of the argument focusing on some oft overlooked body language principles.

Throughout the vast majority of this confrontation, Anthony Weiner invaded the other man's personal space - and indeed at times he appeared to almost touch him. While his heckler did not come nearly as close to Weiner with his hand/arm gestures (illustrators).

The other man rarely pointed at Weiner. When he pointed, the vast majority of the time he pointed up or with a slight angle tilted towards Weiner. This is a very important distinction.

This image summarizes the incident in a nutshell. Weiner pointed many times with his index finger (forefinger) directly at the other man - very often directly at his chest, while his confronter only once reciprocated.

Here the other man uses a palm up gesture with the index finger, middle finger and thumb coming together meeting at a common point. It is important to emphasize that his palm is up and he does not have a closed fist - IT IS LOOSE. 

Weiner, who repeatedly used the index finger point (which is insulting and highly derogatory across all cultures and countries) has a CLOSED FIST.

Anytime a closed fist is used, it will engender facial tension and anger. Tension in the face also will bring on tension in the hands. Both actions facilitate the other. Note the Weiner's face shows a high amount of anger while the other man's shows little.

Here Weiner displays a "Jaw Jut" which here is highly indicative of significant anger. Indeed, although it did not occur in this example, when a male in particular exhibits a jaw jut, their temper is growing especially thin and increases dramatically the probability of the beginning of physical altercation.




If you see a jaw jut with an index finger point (or fist) - take precautions for violence is very possible.

Here the "heckler" points for one of his very few times (especially when compared to the number of infractions Weiner committed) and his face in turn begins to take on a higher amount of anger.

As Weiner exits the bakery he is asked, "Do you get that often?" He answers, "No" (then makes this expression of significant anger) and further says, "But when I do, I don't back down".

This is a microexpression of anger. Its duration is very brief. His extremely thinned and horizontally oriented straight lips, clenched jaw, dilated (flared) nostrils and widely opened eyelids (here only his right eye is partially captured in the crucial instant) is an example of a nonverbal cluster of high anger.

This encounter is an excellent illustrator of the nonverbal principle, that when angry, insulting and confrontational body language is used - it will engender and escalate those same emotions (as demonstrated by Weiner). Moreover refraining from this body language helps to avoid this anger crescendo (exemplified by the other man). This principle is very important and often unaddressed in those with anger management problems. Intriguingly, those with impulsive behavior of anger also have increased probability of other impulsive behavior.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2475:  Anthony Weiner & Huma Abedin Part IV - More Sexting Will Surface

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1446:  Tension in the Mouth - Tension in the Hands

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1918:  Vladimir Putin - Pointing with Pen Surrogates - Sharp vs. Blunt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2493:  Jewel in Disguise at Karaoke Bar,  Body Language Cues to Lack of Nervousness

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

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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. 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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