Negotiation Body Language Secret # 334: Fear and Surprise - as Bulls Beat Lakers

On Christmas Day, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Chicago Bulls, 88-87. In this image of the Lakers' Troy Murphy crashing into the court side audience, there are two primary emotions on display. The lady dressed in black, with the long dark hair, immediately to Murphy's back-left (our right) has her mouth opened in the classic oval-round surprise configuration with a dropped jaw. Her eyes are closed in a protective reflex. Surprise is the briefest of all our emotions. If it lasts longer than a couple of seconds, it may very well have a feigned component - or perhaps is entirely insincere. Although it is difficult to see, the man in the white shirt to her left has his eye lids opened wide and his forehead and eyebrows are raised - also nonverbals indicative of surprise.

On the opposite side of Murphy are both a man a woman with their mouth's in a classic fear expression. It is very possible that just prior to this photo, they both exhibited surprise. The emotion of surprise is nearly always rapidly followed by a second emotion - e.g., fear, anger, embarrassment, joy-happiness, etc.

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 26: Hugh Grant's Cheeks - Body Language

The "Cheek Scratch with an Open Mouth," is a very common expression of disagreement-related anxiety. It is particularly common among men. Here Hugh Grant demonstrates this nonverbal cue nicely. Of course, Mr. Grant is an accomplished actor - but still very human. Although he many be able to control his body language better than most - his emotions are still revealed when he's in an anxiety producing scenario. Often seen in conjunction with this gesture (but not in this image) are an elevation of the eyebrows and forehead. Hugh's eyebrows are in a normal position, but if they had been elevated and his entire forehead (not just the central portion) wrinkled (muscles contracted) there would be an additional emotional component of apprehensiveness-doubt. When you see these signals simultaneously or within a few seconds, it constitutes a "Gesture Cluster". It's a signal that a person is in disagreement with what they are seeing and/or hearing and believe a different course of action should be taken. In this context they usually have a specific plan in mind. Be aware that they also may not be so revealing of their thoughts with their words - for this gesture often accompanies clandestine tactics. It is very commonly seen in business meetings or negotiations - and thus is a fantastic tell.

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