Body Language and Behavior Analysis No. 4744: Kaitlan Collins asks Ted Cruz if he'll Accept the Results of the 2024 Election – Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence

 

Two days ago, Senator Ted Cruz was asked by Kaitlyn Collins if he'll accept the results of the 2024 presidential election. What follows is a brief clip of that interview and an oft overlooked body language tell. 
 

Specifically, Kaitlan Collins asks, "In 2024, will you certify the election results? Do you plan to object or will you accept the results regardless of who wins the election?"

Ted Cruz answers, "So Kaitlin, I gotta say, I, I think that's actually a, a ridiculous question" – Collins pushes back with, "It's a yes or no question"...

Cruz responds, "I, n, no, it's not. N, le, le, let me explain why it's a ridiculous question. It's not a question – 'ave you ever asked Democrat that?" Collin answers, "Of course." 

Note Ted Cruz's double-handed gesture – with his fingers and thumbs intertwined except for the two index fingers (forefingers) flexor surfaces touching, and extended in a forward point: 

 

This is called a "Pistol Steeple" for two reasons – not only because it physically resembles a handgun (a visual metaphor), but also because it signifies an effort to 'shoot down' the idea/logic/explanation of the other person:

Whenever a pistol steeple is used, you know the person already has their mind made up – and that they're going to vehemently oppose you/your reasoning/your answer. Their mind is not only closed, but they're on the offensive. 

It's important to note that sometimes you'll see a pistol steeple being displayed, but the person isn't voicing any (or perhaps just a little) disagreement. ...

... In such cases, the pistol steeple is a sign of clandestine disagreement. You can indeed be sure that they're thinking-feeling considerable criticisms – they're just holding them back. Watch your flank!

Did you notice the contempt that Cruz displays toward Collins (on *his* left). It looks like what many people would call a 'snarl'. It's a bit difficult to see because of the angle of the camera and his facial hair, but Cruz is expressing considerable contempt here:

 

Notice also Cruz's multiple stutterings (Cruz is a non-stutterer), omission and truncation of words. He also immediately starts in on his explanation, but then stops, self-interrupting – asking Collins about her asking a Democrat that same question (whataboutism). 

Moreover, like many manipulative people – particularly people in power – Cruz criticizes the question – turning it into an admonishment of the questioner. This is always a red flag. 

Cruz and people with similar personalities will criticize you and bully you – trying to make you feel stupid – in public or in private – in an effort to get you to back down and prevent similar queries from others in the future. 

SUMMARY: The Pistol Steeple shows his desire to 'shoot down' another person's opinions, inquiries, ideas, or plans and go on the offensive. Cruz not only displays these thought-feelings toward Collins, but he also displays contempt toward her.

Inquiries regarding teaching (one-on-one or groups), keynotes, consulting, and press: Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com 

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Body Language Analysis No. 4334: Ivanka Trump and the Pistol Steeple - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

The above image and the close-up below were taken at the White House on 2 August 2017. Ivanka Trump was chairing a meeting in the Roosevelt Room addressing what the administration could do to help support military spouses.

Ms. Trump's hands are configured in what, in body language parlance, is termed a Steeple. More specifically, this is what is known as a Pistol Steeple.

The word Pistol is a nonverbal metaphor in this context - and in several ways. The shape of the hands with three fingers intertwined while extending parallel forefingers (index fingers) mimics the morphology of a handgun. Many people will hold a handgun in a similar manner (only with all fingers around the pistol grip) - and not surprisingly, children "playing guns" will hold their hands this way.

The metaphor, however, extends even further. For when a person holds their hands in the pistol steeple, they are very much shooting down the idea or proposal being discussed. The pistol steeple is very much a Hyper-Alpha gesture (illustrator). The additional component of holding it physically high (level with her neck) further amplifies it's alpha assertiveness and aggressiveness (Occasionally, the pistol steeple is held even higher - in front of one's face). 

SUMMARY: Whenever a person uses a pistol steeple, they view themselves as the most alpha individual in the room. (In this case, although there were at least two cabinet-level officials in the room, Ivanka Trump is the President's daughter, Senior Advisor to the President, and she was chairing the meeting). Individuals using a pistol steeple are recognized as having (or sometimes they're taking) what amounts to veto power and they're effectively killing an idea/proposal.

If your boss begins using a pistol steeple in your presence, take heed - for your days of employment are probably numbered. If you're an attorney and the judge uses a pistol steeple when addressing you - change your tactics. If your spouse frequently points a pistol steeple at you - call a marriage counselor.

The fact that Ivanka Trump used this High Pistol Steeple to shoot down an idea/ideas while meeting with military spouses - carries a particularly high level of irony.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4333: Ivanka Trump's response to Robert Mueller and Trump Tower Meeting

Body Language Analysis No. 4331: Donald Trump Speech Two Days Prior To Trump Tower Meeting

Body Language Analysis No. 4329: Donald Trump Jr.'s Trump Tower Meeting

Body Language Analysis No. 4327: Trump and Putin just prior to Helsinki Press Conference

Body Language Analysis No. 4325: Part II - Trump Putin Helsinki Summit Press Conference 

Body Language Analysis No. 4312: South Korea Defeats Germany at The World Cup

Body Language Analysis No. 4287: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - Why Do We Kiss with Our Eyes' Closed (most of the time)

Body Language Analysis No. 4245: Security Video of Stephen Paddock (1 October Las Vegas Shooter) - My KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas Interview

Body Language Analysis No. 4162: Is Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Going to Run for President in 2020?

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Body Language Analysis No. 4120: Robert Mueller's Nonverbal Metaphor - and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Some may call Robert Mueller the most powerful man in Washington, D.C. In the image above we see the special prosecutor with his hands configured in a variation of the "Pistol Steeple". The pistol steeple is an alpha/hyper-alpha nonverbal signal. It's also part of a broader category of critical evaluation behaviors. When the two forefingers (index fingers) are extended with their flexor surfaces held together - and the other fingers are flexed (and usually intertwined) - the hands take on the approximate shape of a handgun.

The metaphor of the pistol is extended further by its deeper meaning - for when it's displayed, those using it are "shooting-down" what is being said, proposed, etc. 

As we further evaluate Robert Mueller's expression in this moment, we see his lips are thinned and the opening of his mouth is foreshortened. He has a mild amount of mid-facial tension. Along with some normal aging changes (Brow Ptosis), his eyebrows are also dynamically lowered - as well as mildly drawn together. In addition to his critical evaluation, Robert Mueller is manifesting anger, albeit controlled.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4119: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at APEC Summit - Part II

Body Language Analysis No. 4117: Roy Moore, Sexual Misconduct, and The US Senate

Body Language Analysis No. 4115: Donald Trump, South Korea, and The Texas Church Shooting

Body Language Analysis No. 4112: Donald Trump's Interview on Sharyl Attkisson's "Full Measure"

Body Language Analysis No. 4108: Sarah Huckabee Sanders' White House Briefing regarding Paul Manafort and George Papadopoulos

Body Language Analysis No. 4046: Melania Trump, Hurricane Harvey, and "Destroying Empathy 101"

Body Language Analysis No. 3994: Vladimir Putin at G20 - Donald Trump agreed with me

Body Language Analysis No. 3937: Mr. Lavrov Goes To Washington - “Was he fired? You’re kidding!” - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and James Comey

Body Language Analysis No. 3933: Sally Yates Testimony before Senate Judiciary Committee



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3903: Rex Tillerson Disagrees with Donald Trump - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This image of Rex Tillerson and Donald Trump was taken on Friday 7 April 2017 at Mar-a-Lago.

The Secretary of State and the President were in the midst of their second-day meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his staff.

It also happened to be the day after 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched into Syria striking Shayrat Airbase. Trump had ordered the attack in retaliation for the Syrian government's Khan Shaykhun chemical attack which occurred on 4 April 2017. This was perpetrated with the release of toxic gas, most likely sarin - killing at least 74 people while injuring at least 557.

At the time of this photo, President Trump was discussing the missile attack (although what detail was not published). Rex Tillerson's hands are configured in a what is known as a "Pistol Steeple". This is a multiple nonverbal metaphor - for the position of his hands, with the three least dominant fingers on each hand contracted/flexed but the index finger (forefinger) of each hand extended resembles a small firearm - and also roughly approximates the way some people hold a handgun.

But crucially, from a nonverbal perspective, the pistol steeple also says, "I'm shooting down your idea", "I strongly disagree with you". We can be sure whatever, specific Syrian War nuance Donald Trump is discussing - Rex Tillerson doesn't like what he's hearing.

Additionally, the index fingers of Tillerson's pistol steeple are being held over his mouth/lips (e.g., often times this body language signal is displayed with the hands held in front of the abdomen, chest or lower neck, etc.). This variation tells us that the Secretary of State believed the President was either speaking too freely, was in error, was being misleading, or being deceptive. Rex Tillerson was wanting Donald Trump to be quiet - and was quite literally silently shushing the commander in chief.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3902: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping - Power, Control, and Handshakes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3900: Donald Trump's Statement Regarding US Retaliation for Syria's Chemical Weapons Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3899: President Trump regarding Poison Gas Attack in Syria

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3869: James Clapper regarding Alleged Wiretap of Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3841: Tom Brady's and Roger Goodell's Handshake after Super Bowl LI

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3811: Hayden Panettiere, Stephen Colbert and Personal Space

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3659: Ryan Lochte's "Today Show" Interview regarding Alleged Rio Robbery

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3767: Joseph Gordon-Levitt on playing Edward Snowden - but How Do Tom Hanks and Gemma Arterton feel? - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt played Edward Snowden in the 2016 Oliver Stone film Snowden. During his recent guest appearance on The Graham Norton Show Mr. Gordon-Levitt spoke about meeting Snowden's parents at the premier. Gordon-Levitt's voice cracked as he choked up a bit - and as can be expected there was a multitude of great body language examples contained in this encounter. Several strategic nonverbal reactions of fellow guests, Tom Hanks and Gemma Arterton are highlighted in this post.

Beginning at 1:50, Graham Norton asks, "And isn't there some hope that Obama ahhh, might, one of the last things he does, might be to pardon him?"

Gordon-Levitt says, "I, I mean yeah, there's, there's a lot of ah, important, and, and influential human rights groups like Amnesty International and the ACLU that, that have appealed to President Obama to, to pardon Edward Snowden because, you know, ultimately what he did was, was a great service to the country and the World. Um, you know ..."

The image above was captured at 2:10 just after Gordon-Levitt says "country" within the sentence, "... ultimately what he did was, was a great service to the country ..."

Gordon-Levitt's body configuration of his feet flat on the floor, his legs moderately spread apart, his left hand pointed-in and palm down on his thigh, his right hand palm-down on his knee and his jacket unbuttoned - an example of an alpha-beta hybrid cluster (not too alpha, and not too beta) however a bit more toward the alpha end of the spectrum. This shows high confidence and sincere conviction to his statement regarding Edward Snowden.

Look at Tom Hanks' however - his face is consistent with that of disgust as well as a bit of a "WTF?" expression.

It's also profoundly telling that both Tom Hanks and Gemma Arterton are both not-so-subtly leaning away from Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Moreover, if you look at Tom Hanks' hands - they are displaying a variation of what is termed a "Pistol Steeple". This body language is a metaphor for a firearm - and signals a high level of critical evaluation of either Gordon-Levitt's opinion regarding Edward Snowden, Snowden himself - or both. It's helpful to think of this as Hanks "shooting down" Gordon-Levitt's statement.

As Gordon-Levitt says, "... and to the World ..." Gemma Arterton tilts her head and neck back as she continues to look at him speaking. This is also indicative of critical evaluation and is very demonstrative of the old idiom, "Looking down your nose at him".

Summary: Although Tom Hanks and Gemma Arterton may very well like Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a person or actor - their nonverbal displays show very clearly that neither are fans of Edward Snowden.

It's noteworthy to point out as well, that despite the fact that Arterton and Hanks are both very accomplished actors, they are only human. Thus not only do their true feelings "leak" out all the time during such interviews (despite what they may say verbally) - but also their body language when they're acting on camera is not always accurate.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3765: Conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald - See each other directly for the first time 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3763: Matt Smith, Claire Foy and Where NOT to be stung by a Wasp - Body Language, Emotional Intelligence and Predicting Empathy 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3761: Mitt Romney meets with Donald Trump 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3759: Nicole Kidman's and Jimmy Fallon's Almost Date Redux 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3739: Hillary Clinton's Statement regarding FBI Probe

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3709: Kate Middleton - The face you make when you’re married to a prince but you meet Justin Trudeau

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3563: Ariana Grande, Lip Stick, Microexpressions and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3525: Kristen Bell Slaps a Reporter On "The Boss" Red Carpet (This was a PR Stunt)


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3552: Hillary Clinton, Body Language and variations on the Pistol Steeple (PHOTO)

In this image of Hillary Clinton, we see a variation of what is known as the "Pistol Steeple". The pistol steeple is formed when the two index fingers (forefingers) are held with the flexing surfaces together and extended - and with the remaining digits together and flexed (and usually interlocked as we see here).

The pistol steeple is an alpha nonverbal and depending upon the other nonverbal signals with which it is clustered, it's often a hyper-alpha sign. It is called the pistol steeple because the person displaying it is metaphorically "shooting down" another person, group or their ideas, proposals or opinions. Thus it fits under the broader category of body language signals of critical evaluation.

Further evaluation of this moment shows Secretary Clinton's face turned away from the person with whom she's listening and/or speaking.  We don't look directly at people we don't like, don't respect, don't agree with or don't believe. The former Senator of New York's eyelids are also partially closed displaying a mild tension of her lower lids - as well as of her mid-face.

It's crucial to point out here, as with all nonverbal behavior, very often a person's words may be relatively or very agreeable. Yet when their body language is in conflict with their verbal language - it's the body language which always tells the truth (but of course you must know what to look for).


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3551: Donald Trump, Body Language and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3152: Hillary Clinton First Campaign Ad - "Getting Started" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3548: Reince Priebus at White House Correspondents' Dinner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3538: Barack Obama, David Cameron, Number 10, Brexit and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3540: Johnny Manziel's Ego

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3518: Donald Trump's Feminine and Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1705: François Hollande & the French Presidential Election - The Pistol Steeple and Emotional Dissonance

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3443: Donald Trump - "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and Shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any Voters!" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

As with material for comedians across the World, Donald Trump also supplies a never-ending fodder of extreme body language to those who study it. Today in Sioux Center, Iowa, Mr. Trump said, "... My people are so smart. And you know what else they say about my people? - The polls. They say, 'I have the most loyal people'. Did you ever see that? Where I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any voters, Okay? It's like incredible!"

This was not simply hyperbolic boasting. Note that Mr. Trump used a handgun illustrator (not to be confused with the "pistol steeple") during this braggadocio statement. In addition when he said, "shoot" - he moved his thumb as a visual metaphor for pulling the trigger. Moreover he "aimed" his handgun directly at the camera/audience.

With the exception of some military or law enforcement, melodrama or comedic scenarios this is an extremely rare body language illustrator for anyone in a leadership position to display - particularly those who are running for office. If you watch 10,000 hours of news reports and you won't see this again. Even the more simple (and much more common) index finger (forefinger) pointing is highly offensive and hyper-aggressive - regardless of the country or culture. But a simulated gun firing gesture raises the ramifications to a level rarely seen. Its use in this manner is highly correlative with  low or absent empathy, impulse control disorder, narcissistic personality disorder and (on occasion) antisocial personality disorder.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3442: Jennifer Lawrence Scolds Journalist at Golden Globes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3440: Sarah Palin Endorses Donald Trump - What Trump Really Thinks About Palin

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3424: Donald Trump, "Hillary Clinton created ISIS with Obama" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3265: Donald Trump, Exaggerated Mouth Movements, Narcissistic and Hyper-Alpha Personalities

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3025: Vladimir Putin, Alpha Hand Signals and "The Claw"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3358: Hillary Clinton on Stephen Colbert - We Let the Banks Fail Next Time 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3275: Carly Fiorina, The Republican Debate and Likability (or not)


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3358: Hillary Clinton on Stephen Colbert - We Let the Banks Fail Next Time - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier this week Hillary Clinton was a guest on The Late Show. When at 5:43, Stephen Colbert asked her: So if you're President, if you're president ...

Hillary: [over-talking] Yes.

Colbert: aaand, aand, and the banks, and the banks are failing, do we let them fail this time?

Hillary: Yes. Yes.

Colbert: We let them fail this time?

Hillary: [over-talking] Yes. Yes. Yes.

Colbert: Wow!

Hillary: Yes. Yes. First of all, under, under Dodd-Frank, that is what will happen because we now have stress tests and I'm going to impose a risk fee on the big bank if they, if they engage in, in what risky behavior. But They have to know, their share-holders have to know - that yes, they - will - fail. And if they're too big to fail, then under my plan, and others that have been proposed, they may have to be broken up, because if you can't manage it, then it's more likely to fail.

During the 5:56 segment, as Mrs. Clinton said her last "... Yes ...", (she spoke eight yeses consecutively)she displayed a somewhat-less-than-full-alpha variation of the "Pistol Steeple". Note that her index fingers are separated and pointing parallel - but not touching. In the full version (projecting more alpha) of the pistol steeple, the index fingers (forefingers) remain parallel, but they touch. This modestly down-regulated version of it here, is nuanced and is one example of an alpha-beta hybrid - although this signal still remains relatively high alpha.

The pistol steeple is a high-alpha nonverbal. As with most alpha signals, those who use them have a strong tendency to over-use them - and nowhere is this more prevalent than with politicians during an election cycle. Thus whatever amount of authority, assertiveness, rapport and goodwill those who display it have achieved - its over use will backfire - projecting arrogance with strong condescending and patronizing emotional tones. Mrs. Clinton however, only used it for a second - and therefor did not fall to such foibles on this particular occasion.

When the pistol steeple is used more judiciously, it will act to "shoot down" another person's proposal/idea/plan - or as it's used here, as a nonverbal exclamation point. Hillary Clinton's use of it with this issue indicates that her suggestion to let the banks fail the next time-around - is a very sincere one.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3357: Justin Bieber leaves/walks off the stage in Oslo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3264: Hillary Clinton, Likability, Perceived Trustworthiness and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3287: Hillary Clinton, Email Servers and Crisis Management - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3258: Hillary Clinton speaks out on "inaccuracies" of private email controversy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3127: Hillary Clinton's Press Conference and a Body Language Down-regulator of Sincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2749: President Obama, Ukraine's Interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3267: Jeb Bush, Emotional Dissonance and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2827: Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy - She was the Alpha, He was the Beta


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1711: Charles Taylor, Sierra Leone, Blood Diamonds and the Double Shhh! Sign

Charles Taylor, a previous President of Liberia, was found guilty today by the United Nations International Criminal Court in The Hague for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Sierra Leone's Civil War. At the end of this short video segment (0:27 - 0:33), Taylor is seen displaying what some refer to a variant of the pistol steeple, aka the Double Shhh! Sign (DSS).

A true (pure) pistol steeple which is held lower - in front of the chest or stomach - and pointed towards others (as one may hold a handgun) - sheds light on the coexisting primarily alpha-agressive emotional tone (although there often is a defensive component present - see: Analysis # 1705: Francois Hollande & the French Presidential Election - The Pistol Steeple and Emotional Dissonance). The DSS however, is held in front of the mouth with the index fingers pressed against each other and the lips - and is almost entirely a beta-protective symbol. This "Double Shhh" is somewhat similar to the entire (or majority of the) hand covering the mouth in time of surprise, shock, and disbelief - however the DSS does not have an empathy component as does someone who suddenly covers their mouth with most/all of their hand.

See also:

Secret # 221: Spontaneous Mouth Covering and Empathy

Analysis # 1531: Hillary Clinton Describing the U.S. Navy SEAL raid on Osama Bin Laden

Secret # 21: Surprise + Fear + Empathy

Those displaying the double shhh! sign are worried about themselves. When others cover their mouths using all the digits or the whole hand - they may be in part worried about themselves, but there is nearly always a large component of empathy present (one exception being during moments of embarrassment). Both body language signals show that the brain is emotionally processing a new and often very sudden event(s). Charles Taylor, is trying to emotionally digest that he was just found guilty of 11 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1705: François Hollande & the French Presidential Election The Pistol Steeple and Emotional Dissonance

François Hollande won the first round of French Presidential elections over the weekend. The incumbent, Nicholas Sarkozy finished second by about 1.5% (eight other candidates were eliminated). The two will meet in a run-off election on May 5 &6 to determine the next leader of France.

See also:  

Secret # 531: Sarkozy's Mouth Tells Us What He's Feeling
 
Secret # 493: Contrasting David Cameron and Nicholas Sarkozy - Alpha & Beta Behavior

Secret # 743 & 744: Sarkozy's Shhhh! - and a Partial Emblematic Slip

Mr. Hollande displays a "Pistol Steeple" (aka "Handgun Steeple") in this recent image. This variation of the steeple gesture is a great example of emotional dissonance. If all his fingers were interlocked, it would be a purer (and much more beta) body language symbol. This nonverbal sends mixed messages though. With the two forefingers steepled, this gesture indicates a significantly higher alpha emotional tone. It would be wise if Francois would use this gesture on rare occasions and only for a second or two - since it is also an amalgam of the double index finger point. The handgun steeple is patronizing and condescending. This effect is amplified when the hands/arms are moved up and down in a chopping motion - and further dialed up with higher and faster movements.

Only those who view themselves as superior (see below) will use this variation pistol steeple. Accordingly, in political settings it tends to be used only in front of very friendly crowds (lest it backfire) - but it's still not recommended.

A further variant of the pistol steeple (aka the Double Shhh! Sign - and not exampled by here Hollande, See: Analysis # 1711: Charles Taylor, Sierra Leone and the Double Shhh! Sign) is used in front of the mouth, with the two forefingers (index fingers) pressed up against the lips. While this may look similar, its position connotes an entirely different meaning.

See also:

Secret #349: Pointing with Two Fingers (or More)

Secret # 1224: Two Handed Index Finger Point

Secret # 1233: Putin's Pen Point

Since most of the fingers are interlocked - and thus this is a type of MAP (manipulator, adaptor or pacifier), the pistol steeple also demonstrates the presence of defensiveness, closed-mindedness and beta-feelings. While these are not the primary emotions expressed (or felt) in this moment, they do play a role in the mind and subsequent actions of those expressing it. When the elbows are held closer to the sides of the body, these beta traits are amplified. If the elbows are further out - the beta component drops (note Mr. Hollande is intermediately positioned).

The pistol steeple therefore expresses emotional dissonance. There are both alpha and beta feelings present. If you see this signal, particularly in the work place or in the context of a relationship, it is a warning sign.

See also:

Analysis # 1650: Ozzie Guillen Gets Suspended By Miami Marlins Team President

Secret # 1143: Santorum Video Analysis - R2E2 and Other Tells

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