Body Language Analysis No. 4259: Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (Photo)

It's no secret that Bashar al-Assad is beholden to Vladimir Putin - and we don't need nonverbal skills to figure this out. Yet this image provides us an utterly classic display of the Syrian President's beta body language bowing to the Russian President's alpha status.

What's most obvious in this moment is the angle formed by Assad's legs - his entire legs are held almost straight, with his knees slightly closer together than his hips. His feet are also parallel (even slightly toed-in). He looks quite uncomfortable.

Now look at Vladimir's legs - his upper legs are angled outward. Even though he is 7 inches (17.8 cm) shorter than Assad, Putin's knees are about 50% further apart than his Syrian subordinate. His lower legs are angled even further apart - with Putin's feet about 2.5x further than Assad's. Moreover, his feet are not pointed straight, but splayed outward. Putin's seated crotch display ("manspreading") is an overt dominance display.

Bashar al-Assad's hands are configured in what is known as a Seated Fig-Leaf. In this context, such genital guarding is a profound display the low confidence and vulnerability he feels in Putin's presence. But former KGB officer's hands are not in protection-mode. Specifically, note that Putin's wrists are flexible and laid-back - while Assad's nervousness doesn't allow him this luxury.

Bashar's feeling of beta-ness is further exemplified by the position of his upper arms - for, along with his elbows, they are drawn in, touching his torso. He's not using his armrests - not even touching them. In contrast, President Putin's arms are relaxed. Unlike Assad, his right elbow is taking up much more space - leaning on his armrest.

Summary: Assad's nonverbal behavior is nervous, weak, and acquiescing - while Putin, the puppet-master, is relaxed, projecting his power.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4258: Sarah Huckabee Sanders' reaction to the question: "Has the President at Any Time thought about Stepping Down?"

Body Language Analysis No. 4256: President Trump's Reaction to FBI Raid on Michael Cohen

Body Language Analysis No. 4254: Tony Robbins, Nanine McCool, and the #MeToo Movement

Body Language Analysis No. 4252: Donald Trump says he didn't know about Stormy Daniels payment

Body Language Analysis No. 4248: My Extended interview re: Security Video of Stephen Paddock (1 October Las Vegas Shooter) - KTNV • Channel 13 Las Vegas

Body Language Analysis No. 4219: Ivanka Trump's Reaction to Question regarding Donald Trump's Sexual Assault Accusers

Body Language Analysis No. 4183: Aly Raisman, Larry Nassar, and USA Gymnastics

Body Language Analysis No. 4100: Bryan Cranston and The Eyelid Pull

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Body Language Analysis No. 4044: Kim Jong-un's Choreography - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Kim Jong-un's team choreographs the photos he releases to the World's other 194 countries. The North Korean leader commonly poses (while feigning spontaneity) with his hands behind his back.

Although we can't see the position of his hands, given the angle of his visible forearm, his position at the top of the political pecking-order, and his other accompanying nonverbal signs - he's most probably clasping one palm to the back-of-the-other-hand. This configuration both projects and engenders the alpha emotions of strength, power, authority, and high-confidence.

However, if one grips the wrist of the opposite hand - it indicates frustration. Moreover, the higher one hand holds the opposite arm - the greater the level of frustration. Whenever you notice yourself gripping at the level of the wrist or higher, re-position so that one palm is holding the back of the other hand, and you'll feel your confidence increase (This upregulation of your confidence with be further enhanced if you square your shoulders, puff your chest slightly forward, and stand with your feet planted a shoulder's width apart).

Great care should be taken though - for nuance is necessary. As is the case with all alpha body language signals, those individuals who use them - tend to over-use them. Thus what initially projects as confidence very rapidly becomes hyper-alpha and then backfires into arrogance. What once made a person look like a leader degrades quickly into a rapport destroying act.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4043: Donald Trump Pardons Joe Arpaio - Contempt of Court and Red Flags

Body Language Analysis No. 4041: Former Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak regarding Secrets from Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 4039: Blue Angels, Surprise, Emotional Processing, and Empathy

Body Language Analysis No. 4037: Charlottesville Protester Quits Boston University after Death Threats

Body Language Analysis No. 4033: Prime Minister Theresa May Regarding Charlottesville Violence, "I see no equivalence"

Body Language Analysis No. 4018: Alexis Bledel and "The Handmaid's Tale"

Body Language Analysis No. 4005: O.J. Simpson's Parole Board Hearing

Body Language Analysis No. 3982: Bangkok Police Officer's De-Escalation Genius

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3909: North Korea's Parade - Projecting Power and Control - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Every year on the birthday of Kim Il-Sung, North Korea conducts a parade projecting military power. This year more eyes were watching, the festivities were more extravagant, and the missiles were more massive. The DPRK does possess nuclear weapons - and according to some sources, they may now be miniaturized enough to be carried by aloft by missiles. Their ballistics are "limited" to intermediate ranges - however these are certainly powerful enough to strike all of South Korea and Japan. 

If you watched any of the major news reports, you probably saw the North Korean soldiers - both men and women marching in a particularly highly-stylized manner known as "Goose-Stepping" (Both still images exampled here were captured during Saturday's parade).






In the video above, the dynamics of goose-stepping soldiers can be seen during 1:23 - 1:41.

What is the significance of goose stepping?

This military march originated in Prussia in the mid-18th century. At that time it was termed, the Stechschritt (which literally meant, "piercing step") or Stechmarsch. The name "Goose Step" was later given to this marching movement by the British Military.

Of course, this, or virtually any military marching is choreography. It both engenders and demonstrates a high degree of group-think. If one can achieve this level of physical coordination and synchrony - a similar amount of mental molding and mind-melding will also occur (and vise versa).

Although many militaries still use Goose-Stepping, because of its strong association with WWII and Nazi Germany, a good number of nations have long-abandoned this practice. The term has become strongly connected with very visceral and negative emotions/images/associations of dictators, strongmen, fear, intimidation, oppression, and death.

From a pure body language perspective (without historical biases), Goose-Stepping projects strong emotional signals of:

• We will NOT accommodate you
• We will NOT bend for you
• You WILL DO as we wish
• You are one with us
• You are part of the group
• You are no longer an individual
• We are all of one mind
• We will control you
• You will conform
• We are powerful
• Fear us

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3908: Kim Jong-un's Mask of Insincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3907: Donald Trump Shows His Cards regarding North Korea

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3905: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, and Deep Joy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3896: Did Matthew Perry Really Beat Up Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3888: Paul Ryan's Response to the House's Failure to Overturn Obamacare and Pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA) of 2017 - "This is a disappointing day for us"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3864: Uber's CEO, Travis Kalanick Arguing with an Uber Driver regarding Falling Fares - Escalation v. De-Escalation, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3856: "Belle" Clip - Beauty and the Beast

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3833: Samuel L. Jackson, Magic Johnson and a Yacht



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3902: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping - Power, Control, and Handshakes - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

The relationship between the United States and China has always been an important one - yet with the crescendoing threat of Kim Jong-un and North Korea's nuclear weaponization, with each passing day, it becomes more crucial. Last week Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met in person for the first time. 

It's been widely noted and almost as widely satirized, that, when shaking hands, President Trump has very consistently, pulled the other person's hand quite close to him - forcefully - often to such a degree to even disturb their balance.

Yet what is much less appreciated is another highly negative component of his handshake mistake. Note in the image above, President Trump initially engages Xi Jinping's hand at a level approximately even with each man's upper abdomen. But immediately afterward (image below) Trump not only pulls Xi's hand close to his body - and he also raises the Chinese leader's arm much higher (mid-chest) than is comfortable or traditional (in any culture).

Summary:

During a handshake, both the act of

1. Pulling of the other person's hand-arm close to oneself

as well as 

2. An upward vectoring of the other person's hand-arm unit

are both Hyper-Alpha displays - attempting to project power and control. Moreover, when a person's handshake choreography consistently follows this pattern - it's one very strong signal of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3901: Jared Kushner in Iraq - PR Faux Pas and an Absence of Empathy 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3897: Roger Stone, Donald Trump, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3885: Vogue's 73 Questions with Selena Gomez

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3839: Andrew Garfield, Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling - Embarrassment, Protection, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3598: Gary Johnson, Donald Trump's Wall and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3574: Selena Gomez's Body Language Reaction to Fans in Montreal

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3502: Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant Pranks a College Team as ‘The Transfer’


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3891: Donald Trump and Jared Kushner - Alpha and Beta Tells - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

When Jared Kushner testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee regarding Russian interference in the US Presidential Election, those questioning him would be well advised to evaluate his body language at least as much as his verbal responses. And while certainly Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior advisor won't be on his cell phone during these proceedings, the images here provide body language examples of contrasting emotional states.

When a person holds a mobile phone with their index finger (forefinger) extended along the long axis of the phone, as Jared Kushner is doing in this image (close-up in the image immediately above of the wide angle below) they're in an alpha mental state. More specifically, they are either receiving or delivering messages which are in their favor - or they are speaking to a person with whom they perceive as a beta.

When a person holds their cell phone with all their fingers on one side of the phone with their thumb on the other side - they are in a relatively beta mental state. They are getting or delivering news which is less in their favor. And while the President of the United States has relatively few people who make him feel more beta - even the most powerful people are still human - and thus have frequent moment-to-moment fluctuations in their relative alpha-beta emotional states.

Thus while watching a person as they are speaking on their phone, and you observe the index finger change position and proceed to extend up and alone - you know they've just fluxed into a higher level of confidence, assertiveness, decisiveness, and power. And when you see the index finger return back - grouped with the other fingers - they have down-regulated into a relatively beta state.

The barometers of body language have many qualifiers and quantifiers - read them well and succeed.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3890: Ted Koppel on why he thinks Sean Hannity is bad for America

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3888: Paul Ryan's Response to the House's Failure to Overturn Obamacare and Pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA) of 2017 - "This is a disappointing day for us"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3886: Donald Trump, Russia, Healthcare, and "Huge" Negotiation Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3871: Emma Watson's Old Habit, Harry Potter Outtake and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3862: Oscars Mistake - "La La Land" erroneously named Best Picture over "Moonlight"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3823: Nina Dobrev, Flyboarding, Laughter and a Rapport/Bonding Amplifier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3792: Notre Dame's Matt Farrell and Family Surprised by Brother Bo's Military Homecoming at Basketball Game

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3803: A Common Gesture of Donald Trump's - Variation on Alpha-Beta Hybrids - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Donald Trump uses a particular hand-arm gesture much more frequently that almost anyone else you will see. Indeed, you may never recall seeing this specific nonverbal signal before (as it is relatively unusual to rare).

When all of the fingers are extended during any hand gesture (in nonverbal nomenclature, this is an example of an "Illustrator"), in general (although there are exceptions), it is considerably more alpha in nature. Simply by flexing his forefinger (aka index finger) - which is the most dominant (or alpha) of all the digits - the President-Elect then transforms the gesture into one that is less alpha - and thus more beta.

This is one of many examples of what is known as an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid" - not high alpha nor extreme beta, but somewhere in between. It's profoundly helpful to be well acquainted with many Alpha-Beta Hybrids - as such intermediate body language is not only more commonly used than the alpha or beta ends of the continuum, but they are much more useful when trying to establish rapport and influence.

The three examples shown in this post, illustrate a further nuance within this particular alpha-beta hybrid family.

The nonverbal display pictured above (Example A) is the furthest toward the beta end of the "Alpha-Beta Spectrum". There are three reasons for this:

1. The palm is directed (mostly) upward
2. Donald Trump's upper arm is held close to his torso
3. His upper arm is in same plane as his torso
4. Mr. Trump's hand is held relatively lower (partially related to the position of his upper arm)

This next image (Example B) represents a relative intermediate in this alpha-beta family spectrum. Note the changes:

1. The palm is directed (mostly) vertically (relatively perpendicular to the floor)
2. Mr. Trump's upper arm is a bit further from his torso relative to Example A (It is useful to
    think of the position of the elbow, and in this second photo it's further from his torso)
3. The upper arm remains within the plane of the torso
4. His hand is held relatively higher versus Example A

As we see here in Example C:

1. Donald Trump's palm is directed downward. Palm-down gestures are significantly more alpha
    compared with palm-up gestures.
2. His upper arm is significantly further from his torso - much further than with A or B
3. Mr. Trump's upper arm is no longer within the same plane as his torso - but vectored forward
4. His hand is even higher than either A or B


Summary: When taken in isolation, all three of these examples have approximately the same hand configuration (e.g., They reside in the same alpha-beta hybrid nonverbal family). Yet when any of the following changes occur, the gesture grows increasingly alpha, more dominant and projects greater authority and power:

1. The orientation of the hand is progressively directed downward
2. The upper arm is held further from the torso
3. The upper arm is directed forward (not in the same plane as the torso or backward)
4. The elevation of the hand is increased


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3802: Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey and UFC 207 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3800: Houston Rocket's Chinanu Onuaku Shooting Underhanded ("Granny Style") Free Throws (and His Teammates' responses) 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3782: Zoey Deutch, Ryan Seacrest and Embarrassment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3743: Ronda Rousey's Anxiety - Anticipating Her Next Fight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3537: Stephen Colbert, Reince Priebus and a Flubbed Monologue

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3645: Miss Teen USA's Apology - Is She Sincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3635: Michelle Obama's DNC Speech and a Body Language Mistake


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3529: Vladimir Putin's Alpha Body Language - Correlations between the Hands and the Face (PHOTO)

Vladimir Putin is NOT known for being a beta personality. Certainly the same can be said for all heads of state. In this image, the Russian leader exemplifies several crucial nonverbal signals.

Note the configuration of his right hand. This forward directed, multiple digital pointing is termed, "The Claw". It's one of many hyper-alpha illustrators. When a person uses it, make no mistake - they believe they are the holding the power and their audience to be the subordinate(s). This is NOT an example of a nonverbal gesture one would use to build rapport - but rather to display power and also to not-so-subtly intimidate.

The Russian President's eyebrows are pulled together (medially) and downward to a mild-moderate degree. His lower eyelids are also displaying a similar amount of tension and his eyes are partially closed. This cluster of changes around his eyes are indicative of anger.

It's also important to point out the correlation between the level of tension in one's face - and the tension in the hands. These two regions often mirror each other. When the face is relaxed, the hands are nearly always relaxed too. And when the hands display negative emotions - we very typically see similar emotional tone reflected on the face. Thus we can use this phenomenon as one method of cross-checking our interpretations of others' nonverbal behavior.

What other body language displayed in this moment is significant?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3528: Brothers Prank their younger sister with an ongoing Zombie Apocalypse

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3526: Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler Meet - the Munich Agreement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3524: Paddleboarder's Encounter with Spinner Shark 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3389: Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama meet in Paris - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3207: Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 39: Tom Cruise and Cameron hugging, Ms. Diaz - Affectionate vs. Non-Affectionate Hug


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2340: Mayor "Sly" James' Microphone Hijacked During his Kansas City, Missouri's - State of City Address Body Language Tells - Not what you'd expect

Kansas City, Missouri's Mayor "Sly" James was interrupted this morning during the State of the City address. The as yet unidentified man was then wrestled to the ground and arrested for assaulting a police officer - with probable other charges to follow. No doubt the microphone hijacker's behavior was illegal, unacceptable and not part of what most people consider acceptable civil discourse in a reasonable society. 

From a body language perspective the mayor's reaction is intriguing. Many assassinations occur during speeches. Mayor James' lack of moving away from the intruder goes against natural instinct of the vast majority of people. Doing so would not have colored him in any negative light. On the contrary, protection of oneself is very human. The Mayor's personal space (and even his intimate space) was invaded - abruptly, in a potentially violently fashion and by a stranger - all in a particularly unusual setting. It is interesting to speculate if, had a similar event happened to him in another place where the Mayor was not acting as a leader or the alpha male, whether he would have retracted away from a potential assailant. The vast majority of people are "hardwired" to pull away - as part of our human self-preservation reflex. Thinking is not part of this. It's a reflex - even if he were a 10th degree black belt. To back rapid away when your personal/intimate space is compromised in such a rapid fashion is not cowardice, it is fully human.

Early on, the Mayor shows no signs of anger. In the first image below, his lips are pursed - which is a strong nonverbal indicator of a clandestine disagreement from a relative alpha who has the power and resources to pull of his plan. Of course seconds later, the mayor sees "his plan" fully exercised by his body guards.

Very often these same pursed lips expression are displayed in the calm of a business meeting. And in such settings the words being said are often relatively or even very friendly. Watch their body language instead though - for while those who give this facial signal are voicing little or no disagreement - while their thoughts and emotions are expressing huge disparity. Prepare for an "end run".

In this second image (below), Mayor James' is displaying nonverbal signals of anger.  The thinning of and tension in his upper lip and "mustache area" is particularly telling here. There is also significant nostril dilation. Note this occurs once the police officer grabs the interrupter - thus the Mayor feels less threatened.

Note it is also still pursed - so their are at least two emotions present.

The microphone hijacker however, has a distinct signal of emotional and/or physical pain on his face - most notably shown by the contraction of his central forehead muscles.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2274: The Eyes & Mouth of Fear -  Body Language of Ahmed Dogan during  Attempted Assassination

Invading Personal Space

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1212:  Invading Barack Obama's Personal Space

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 915:  Interpersonal Space of Candidates

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2330:  Body Language of Foot Placement on another Person's Chair

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1896:  IMF Managing Director - Christine Lagarde Pseudo-Prayer & Pursed Lips

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2072:  Jay Carney's Lip Purse while NOT commenting on  Mitt Romney's Visits to the U.K., Israel and Poland

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2185: Paula Broadwell, David Petraeus, an Alpha Personality and a Telling Body Language Signal ....

In the above interview with CNN's Erin Burnett (16 February 2012), Paula Broadwell gives her opinions regarding Iran, its anticipated nuclear capability and the geopolitical ramifications of possible military intervention. At several times during the interview, Ms. Broadwell exemplifies a pseudo-blink with her left eye (e.g. 0:37, 1:06 and 1:28). This unilateral nonverbal is characterized most often by a partial blink (although it can sometimes involve complete eyelid closure) and is reflective of an alpha personality with a strong point of view. This body language is displayed by those who are very confident in their opinion and individuals in a position of relative power. It's an attempt by the subconscious to create rapport through false-familarity and when coupled with other nonverbals, paralanguage and verbals - even false-affection. It's also a signal that they're not receptive to taking in new information, but only interested in advancing their position or agenda.

Paula Broadwell has a very alpha personality.

The pseudo-blink can be mistaken or confused with the unilateral partial eyelid closure sometimes seen with incredulity (as Erin Burnett examples at the 0:11 mark) or that which may accompany contempt or disgust.

Paula Broadwell is alleged to have had an extra-marital affair with former CIA Director and Four Star General David Petraeus. Broadwell is the Petraeus' Biographer (All In: The Education of General David Petraeus) - herself a West Point Grad ('95) and currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. Petraeus met with Barack Obama on 8 November and offered to resign. The President accepted Petraeus' resignation on 9 November 2012.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2160:  Index Finger (Forefinger) Pointing in Politics -  The Third (and Final) 2012 Presidential Debates -  Body Language of Being an Alpha Male without Offending

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2048:  The Arm Grip, Shoulder Touch and Back Touch Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1871: Barack Obama  Explains His "Private Sector is Doing Fine" Comment -  The "Dominant Spider" vs.The "Split-Finger Fastball"

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2148:  Joe Biden vs. Paul Ryan and the  "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" in the Vice Presidential Debate

Nonverbal Communication Intelligence # 2113:  Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran, the U.S. and the  Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2061:  David Cameron Defends London Olympics against  Mitt Romney's Remarks -  Alpha Dominance and Illustrators -  Matching Hands and Feet as Sincerity Amplifiers

Nonverbal Communication Application # 2012:  Mitt Romney and Vetting the V.P. ....  or an Attorney, a Physician, a C-Level Executive,  a Juror, a Suspect, etc. ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1843:  United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice  in Response to Syrian Government's Houla Massacre

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2174: President Obama, Hurricane Sandy, Body Language and Thumbs Backwards Arms Akimbo

President Barack Obama and Governor Chris Christie are shown here at the Brigantine Beach Community Center in Brigantine, New Jersey on 31 October 2012 speaking with residents affected by Hurricane Sandy turned Frankenstorm-Superstorm. One notable nonverbal here is the President's, Thumbs Backwards Arms Akimbo. This body language combined with his feet placement a shoulder's width apart conveys a very alpha, dominant emotional tone. It projects power and authority.

The thumbs backwards arms akimbo is also commonly seen when the mind is made up and a person is ready to take action.

Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo has a completely different meaning.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 89: Silvio Berlosconi, Body Language, Karima El Marhrough and Opposite Facing Arms Akimbo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 33: Zelda Williams & Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2034: Even Physicists have Body Language - Beta behavior at Higgs Boson Conference

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 831: Santorum's Hands and the Alpha-Beta Hybrid

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 14: High and Low Confidence Drivers - Arms Akimbo and Assertive Attitudes

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

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




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Nonverbal Communications Analysis # 1715: Jay Carney's Lip Purse Bin Laden is Dead & General Motors is Alive

In this video, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, responds to CBS correspondent, Peter Maer, when he asked about the possible politicizing of the death of Osama Bin Laden. This was in response to Vice President Joe Biden's recent speech in New York City, when he said, "Bid Laden is Dead and General Motors is alive". Carney exhibits many body language tells in this video segment, however I want to highlight one in particular - the Lip Purse. These are seen at 0:03, 0:11 (don't confuse with "lip pout" seen at 0:12), 0:19 and 0:23 - 0:25. All except the last are very brief and some are evanescent enough to be classified as microexpressions.

Pursing of the lips is a signal of disagreement and consideration of alternative action. However the vast majority of the time, those displaying the lip purse will either very minimally voice their differing opinion (or say nothing at all) - compared to what they are really feeling-thinking. I call this "Iceberg Disagreement" - because most of it is hiding beneath surface.

When you see the lip purse, those using it also believe they're in a relative position of power. In this example, Jay Carney (and anyone else who displays it) believes he's the most powerful alpha in the room. If the president or the attorney general walked in - he wouldn't use this nonverbal. Betas don't use it unless they're in the vicinity of lesser betas - ergo a temporarily & relative alpha.

In a business setting, court room or when negotiating - if you see members of the "other team" using the lip purse, it's a body language signal of clandestine disagreement - and opinion/plan different than yours. They most definitely believe they hold the upper hand as well. Be prepared for the unexpected. You may not see it immediately, or it may not be obvious. If a person knows some strategic information of which you're not aware, and they wield power that you don't have - it's very likely that they intend to - and will act on it.

See also:

Analysis # 1515: Jay Carney's numerous microexpressions and subtle displays of contempt

Secret # 391: Pursed Lips may sink ships

Secret # 9: Lip Pursing Redux

Nancy's Lip Purse

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1041: Russia's Dominance over Syria

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserts his and his country's dominance in this recent handshake and subsequent meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Lavrov's hand is rotated about 70 degrees from the neutral position - with his clearly on top. When each palm is perpendicular to the floor, the ability of a handshake to engender rapport is maximized. The Russian is not interested in rapport however, as this image clearly demonstrates he has come to display authority and power for the motherland.... and again the Syrian acquiesces to The Bear.

See also: Leadership Secret # 112: Pakistan Trumps Iran

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