Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2665: Nick Saban's "Tongue in Cheek" Body Language - What Does It Mean?

A frequently asked question within the field of body language is, "What specific emotion or thought is meant by this or that body language signal(s)? It is not always a straightforward answer. One primary axiom of nonverbal communication is that many (but not all) body language signs often have wholly different meanings depending on the other nonverbal signals with which they are clustered. A nonverbal "Cluster" occurs when two or more body language configurations happen simultaneously or within a very short period of time. Reading these nonverbal sentences (clusters) is absolutely paramount for accurate interpretations. Focusing on only one sign - and the error of monolithic interpretation - is a rookie's mistake.

A homonym - in both spoken and written languages, is one of a group words that is spelled identically and pronounced the same, however it has different meanings. For example, it's always "hot" outside in Las Vegas in August, a peperoncini can also be "hot", we may call Kaley Cuoco "hot" – and the subject of the Obamacare Website has been a “hot” one for several months now. Here we see four completely different meanings of the word “hot” – and yet one has no difficulty discerning the exact meaning of the word in the context of the other words in the sentence. An analog of this curiosity is seen in body language as well. An identical nonverbal symbol (or a very subtle variation) can have a completely different meaning depending on the setting - or the other "words" in the body language sentence.

There are many examples of Nonverbal Homonyms. One common case in point is the "Tongue in Cheek". In the image above, University of Alabama's football coach, Nick Saban can be seen with his configuration. A tongue in cheek signal may indicate "I just won", "I gotcha" (you were caught), sadness/grief, anger, projecting sexuality, or even deception. Noticing the other nonverbals in the “body language sentence” gives the tongue and cheek a context and thus can entirely change its meaning. Therefor when reading any article or book on nonverbal communication or listening to an “expert”, it is wise to always take this phenomenon into account.

Tongue in cheek displays tend to be displayed one side in the context an alpha/positive scenario (e.g. sexual context, I gotcha/I just won/you were caught, an outright alpha display) and on the opposite side if the meaning is beta/negative (e.g. sadness, lying, anger). These right vs. left sided tongue in cheek biases are idiosyncratic to the person and should be normed with this in mind.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2434:  Brad Pitt's Tongue-in-Cheek regarding  Reasons for Choosing to Work on "World War Z"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2352:  Mila Kunis' Tongue in Cheek  Graham Norton Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2554: Harry Reid's Body Language Lets Us Know What He's Thinking - Short Term Debt Limit Hike

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2233:  Body Language, President Obama, 20 Children  and the Tongue-in-Cheek

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2085:  Dina Eastwood - Tongue-in-Cheek Variant

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2664: Anchorman 2 Cast on Graham Norton - A Body Language Signal of Embarrassment

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2620: President Obama Tells a Couple Fibs - "Norming" Barack's Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Tuesday 26 November, President Obama visited Dreamworks Entertainment in Glendale, California - and he did not want to be there. His body language betrayed him. At the 0:03 mark in the above video, just as he says, "... Animation ...", within the sentence, " ... It is great to be at Dreamworks Animation ...", Barack Obama rubs the bottom of his nose with a simultaneous mouth covering. In the context of a declarative statement this nonverbal signal is highly indicative of a lie.

In this second image below, captured at 0:28 just as POTUS says "... between ..." within the sentence, "... ah, but, but, there's a natural connection, between me and Dreamworks Animation. I don't know if you know this but ah, my ears were one of the inspirations for 'Shrek' ...", he commits a virtually identical MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier). 

These seemingly trivial two lies provide a great lesson in "norming" body language behavior.

No one doubts the second lie in particular is an attempt at self-deprecating humor and of course everyone knows he is lying. The audience is "in on it". There is no consequence in "getting caught" - and yet there is still this classic nose rub/mouth cover display.

Barack Obama is not very good at pulling off deception without also giving nonverbal cues - indeed very few people can avoid "leaking" such signals.

The chances of pulling off a lie are highly proportional to the ramifications of getting caught. Thus if committing even small deceptions causes such displays - bigger lies will lead to more overt body language tells. This is valuable information to build upon when "norming" behavior during typical times so that one can better detect deceit during other times.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2605: President Obama and Health Insurance Cancellation Fix - and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid Body Language Illustrator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2595: Barack Obama's Emotional Dissonance, Low Confidence and the "Turtle Retreat" - He Does Not Want To Be There

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2602: Barack Obama at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2593: Barack Obama, Insurance Cancellations and Signals of Low Confidence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2561: President Obama's Self-Righteous Jaw Wiggle 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin  Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2560: A Debt Default is (for now) Averted - President Obama's Microexpression of ... 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2243: The NRA, Asa Hutchinson's Body Language, Speaking out of the “Side of the Mouth” and the Importance of "Norming"

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut - Former congressman, DEA Administrator and U.S. Attorney Asa Hutchinson has been asked by the National Rifle Association to lead its plan to put armed guards in every American school. In the above interview Mr. Hutchinson speaks to CBS News anchors Jeff Glor and Rebecca Jarvis about this idea. The importance of "Norming" in the assessment of body language is showcased here. Asa Hutchinson consistently speaks with a conspicuous bias to the right side of his mouth - not just throughout this video, but in all videos - and has probably done so throughout his life. For him this is normal behavior. If we did not take the time to evaluate past speeches, television appearances, etc. and assess the prevalence of this nonverbal display, we would make false conclusions regarding his facial expression and the corresponding emotional states. 

If a person only occasionally speaks out of one side of their mouth, this is a strong sign of insincerity. There are often components of anxiety present as well. To the body language beginner, this asymmetrical speaking style can resemble contempt. Contempt looks somewhat different though and although it can be a prolonged nonverbal display, it's usually is seen in short bursts, even microexpressions.

Mr. Hutchinson has this speaking idiosyncrasy. He makes this expression nearly continuously at least to some degree. For him, this particular nonverbal does not signal contempt, anxiety or insincerity. With the help of a speech therapist, this habit can be minimized and unlearned. Such would be a wise course of action, particularly in children and those early in their careers. For even though few people can read body language accurately, all things being equal - most everyone is left with an uneasy feeling when they are spoken to out of the "side" of the mouth in this asymmetrical fashion. They often won't even notice this sign, they are simply left with a "gut feeling". In this case their gut feeling would be wrong. So one may not have ill-intent or ill-will, but such body language will give people the wrong message.

See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1163: The Importance of "Norming" in the  Evaluation of Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1889: Vladimir Putin & Barack Obama at the G-20

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2233: Body Language, President Obama, 20 Children  and the Tongue-in-Cheek

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2231: A Common Facial Expression of Mass Killers - Using Body Language as a Threat Assessment Tool

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2232: Vicki Soto, a Hero, Body Language and a Mother's Love & Affection  - Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2229: President Obama and a Body Language Signal of  Holding Back Grief, Tears & other Negative Emotions 

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

In this hilarious skit on Saturday Night Live, the beautiful Anne Hathaway gives her impersonation of the stunning Katie Holmes. Ms. Holmes is well known for her asymmetrical (social) "smile". This false-smile is, for her, normal - and makes interpretation of other nonverbals more challenging. With the exceptions of some suppressed smiles and the initial stages of some true smiles, the body language of a sincere smile (Duchenne) is always symmetrical. If a "smile" remains asymmetrical and it is not suppressed - it is either feigned or not a smile at all but contempt - which is often falsely interpreted as a coy or even "cute" smile. If you see such a false and dangerous "social smile" - whether in dating or in the business world - watch your back.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1916:  Katie Holmes & Tom Cruise are getting a Divorce -  What Body Language Metric Predicted This?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1921:  Who was More Dominant -  Tom Cruise or Katie Holmes?

Nonverbal Communication - Flirting and Romance Secret # 39: Affectionate vs. Non-Affectionate Hug

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2140:  Joran van der Sloot's going to be a father -  Body Language Signs of Chronic Insincerity

 

The following images are, of course, the real Katie Holmes shown in different examples of sincere and pseudo-smiles - as well as some with other emotional components:

Sincere Smile,
Mildly Suppressed

Sincere Smile,
Moderately Suppressed

Social Smile (Feigned)
Katie's Classic Asymmetric

Social Smile (Feigned) with
Mild Contempt Component

Social Smile (Feigned) with
Mild Fear Component

Social Smile (Feigned) with
Mild-Moderate Disgust Component

Social Smile (Feigned) with Moderate Contempt Component
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2058: DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz's "False Contempt" The Importance of "Norming"

Democratic National Committee Chairwoman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz is seen in this video clip on "Face the Nation". Upon initial observation, with her obvious bias to speak out the right side of her mouth in a significantly asymmetrical fashion, one may conclude Ms. Wasserman Schultz's is exhibiting a nonverbal of contempt. However, after reviewing multiple videos of the Congresswoman from Florida taken over many months, in different settings - as well as with both friendly and adversarial subject matter, it becomes obvious that such asymmetry is for her - normal. This is certainly not to imply that she doesn't experience or display contempt - yet this emotion and its body language manifestations are is more difficult to interpret on the Chairwoman because of what for her is a normal baseline behavior.

See also:

Analysis # 1163: The Importance of "Norming" in the Evaluation of Body Language

Analysis # 2035: Mitt Romney's Body Language Amplifier - (it works on the rest of us too) 

Analysis # 1879: Aung San Suu Kyi in Thailand - Suppressed Smile

Analysis # 2062: Mitt Romney in London Speaking out the Side of His Mouth - Anxiety/Insincerity or Worse

Analysis # 1907: Governor Rick Scott tells a Lie 

Analysis # 1889: Vladimir Putin & Barack Obama at the G-20

Analysis # 2059: Musharraf has Contempt towards Pakistan's Intelligence Agency

Analysis # 1515: White House Press Secretary Jay Carney's Numerous Microexpressions and Subtle Displays of Contempt

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2035: Mitt Romney's Body Language Amplifier - (it works on the rest of us too)

When can we gain an extra amount of insight into someone's body language and therefore also their emotional mind? When they're on the phone. In addition, this is a rapid method of "norming" someone's nonverbal behavior. When we speak on a telephone, for the vast majority of us, our social filters are partially dialed-down. While this phenomenon varies from person to person, our reactions and nonverbal displays are considerably more open and exaggerated vs. when we're partaking in in-person conversations. Mitt Romney is of course no different. Fascinatingly, this is particularly true when we're on a cell vs. a land line. 

While the person we're talking to on the phone can't of course see the nonverbal behavior, for anyone nearby, witnessing the non-private phone call - if they watch carefully, they'll be able to notice extremely valuable body language tells which will aide them in accessing (sometimes minor) idiosyncrasies - and gain a huge advantages/knowledge base for other times. You'll often notice the surprising frequency where the verbal and the nonverbal are in disagreement. This is dramatic illustration while one should always trust the nonverbal message. Never pass up the opportunity to nuance the body language behavior of associates, bosses, subordinates, clients, potential employees, etc. during non-private phone calls, for it will give you a much more open door to their psyches.

This careful observation during phone calls amounts to a body language cheat-sheet ... and there's a test for every tomorrow.

See also:

Analysis # 1553: Ann & Mitt Romney's Body Language at NRA Meeting

Analysis # 1915: Mitt Romney's Response to The Supreme Court's Decision on "Obamacare"

Analysis # 1867: Ann Romney - Demure vs. Assertive Stance

Analysis # 1555: Ann Romney Hits it Back Over the Net to Hilary Rosen

Analysis # 771: Ann's and Mitt's Affectionate Hug

Analysis # 375: Signals of Confidence, Non-Engagement and Defeat


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1907: Governor Rick Scott tells a Lie

In the third segment of this video montage (0:53 - 1:09), Florida Governor Rick Scott tells a lie. Note during the 1:03 - 1:04 clip, he rubs his right eye with his right hand/forefinger (aka index finger). In the context of answering a question or, as is shown here, when making a point-in-fact statement, rubbing one eye is a body language signal highly consistent with anxiety and particularly deception (a bilateral eye rub indicates something completely different). He also very noticeably stutters. Obviously, as Governor Scott was joking about comparisons between Florida and Texas, the result of such a lie are insignificant - except that they will act as "norming" signs (individual baseline behavior) for those who study your nonverbals/ do business with/married to, etc. 

The ease at which one can pull off a "relatively convincing" lie is proportional to the risks of getting caught (Ekman). If it is difficult for a person to deceive others with a falsehood of such minor ramifications, then it is also accurate to conclude he/she is a "bad liar" and lies with greater consequences would be easier to detect.

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1879:Aung San Suu Kyi in Thailand - Suppressed Smile

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Aung San Suu Kyi traveled outside of Myanmar for the first time in 24 years recently to Thailand. Currently she is visiting Europe. Aung San Suu Kyi commonly suppresses the mouth component of her smile (partially doing so in each of these images). Establishing such "baseline behavior" in the evaluation of one's body language is known as "norming". We know she is experiencing true joy-happiness because her eyelids are partially closed in a very specific manner - note the dynamic and deep furrows present in her lower eyelids. "Smiling with the eyes" in this particular way indicates a sincere smile.

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1163: The Importance of "Norming" in the Evaluation of Body Language

Ma Ying-jeou, the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) examples for us a basic and important premise in the science and art of Body Language - that of "Norming" - or in other words, establishing a baseline behavior. One reliable signal of insincerity is speaking out of the side of the mouth, however when people do it continuously (which is relatively unusual or even rare) - it is part of their normal, everyday behavior - part of their baseline personality. It also has similarity to an expression of contempt and may also be a metric of anxiety - depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered. Thus, it would be inaccurate to use this particular tell as an "insincerity, lie or contempt detector". Of course, such an individual may still be insincere, lying or contemptuous, but we just cannot use this signal to detect these acts in these people.

Ma Ying-jeou speaks out of the right side of his mouth so often, this is undoubtedly part of his normal baseline behavior.

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