Body Language Analysis No. 4219: Ivanka Trump's Reaction to Question regarding Donald Trump's Sexual Assault Accusers - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Ivanka Trump, daughter and advisor to President Donald Trump, was interviewed today in South Korea. What follows is a partial nonverbal, verbal, and paralanguage analysis of a crucial portion of that exchange (video above).

PETER ALEXANDER (beginning at 1:45): Do you believe your father's accusers? 

IVANKA TRUMP: [deep inhalation, Ω ] I think it's a pretty inappropriate question to ask a daughter - [deep inhalation] - if she believes [deep inhalation] Ahummm --- the accusers of her father when he's affirmatively stated that there's no truth to it. [deep inhalation] I don't think that's a question you would ask - many other - daughters. I believe my father. I know my father - so, I-, I think I have that right as a daughter [inhalation] Ummm, to- [inhalation], ah - believe my father. 

Just after Peter Alexander asks, "Do you believe your father's accusers?", during 1:48, as she deeply inhales (notated by the Ω  symbol), Ivanka looks down and to her right - while contracting and elevating her central forehead muscles (This forehead dynamic is somewhat difficult to visualize due to her heavy Botox usage). Simultaneously, her inner (medial) eyebrows also contract upward.

Looking down and to the right upon being asked a question with an accusatory nature is strongly indicative of guilt, shame, and sadness.

An elevated central forehead contraction (elevated CFC) in this same question-cluster-context indicates emotional pain.

During 2:04, as she says, "... I don't think ...", Ms. Trump displays the same elevated central forehead contraction (again, blunted by Botox).

This behavior is repeated once more, during 2:12, as she says, "... I think I have ..."

During 1:59 - 2:08, as she says, "... when he's affirmatively stated that there's no truth to it. [deep inhalation] I don't think that's a question you would ask - many other - daughters ...", Ms. Trump uses a  Pseudo-Prayer with a Hand-Chop followed by a Pseudo-Prayer in isolation. This display is somewhat obscured by the banner/chyron at the bottom of the screen.

Outside of the exceptions of some religious contexts and a few (primarily Asian) cultures, a pseudo-prayer projects a patronizing and condescending emotional tone. This is the meaning in most of the World's cultures. These feelings are amplified by the accompanying chopping motion.

As she says, "I believe my father. I know my father" and - so, I-, I think I have that right as a daughter [inhalation] Ummm, to- [inhalation], ah - believe my father", Ivanka Trump shrugs her left shoulder three times in succession - a movement is which is not mirrored by her right shoulder (Again, this movement is also partially obscured by the banner/chyron at the bottom of the screen).

These unilateral shoulder shrugs performed simultaneously with positive affirmations, (e.g. "I believe my father", "I think I have that right...", and "believe my father") are profoundly contradictory to her words.

In this context, a unilateral shoulder shrug is an example of what in nonverbal parlance is known as a Partial Emblematic Slip.

From a statement analysis/paralanguage point-of-view, Ms. Trump's, use of the word choice, "I think I have that right as a daughter [inhalation] Ummm, to- [inhalation], ah - believe my father" is an odd and telling one - implying that truth is a right to believe rather than an objective reality to be sought.

What's incredibly telling behavior is that Ivanka Trump never says, "no", "no, I don't believe these accusers", "no, absolutely not", etc. - rather she speaks about an "inappropriate question" and her "right to believe".

Her strongest endorsement of the President was when she says, "I believe my father" - however, this is a free-floating, nonspecific statement - not a definitive "no" - and again, she does this while committing the contradictory unilateral shoulder shrug. 

The word "inappropriate" is a highly subjective word which is used under the guise of objectivity. Its meaning is anything but objective. It's a red-flag word.

Summary: Ivanka Trump's verbal, nonverbal and paralanguage behavior indicates she believes at least some of the women who have accused her father, President Donald Trump, of sexual assault. 

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Media Appearances 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4218: Dana Loesch, Threat Assessment, and Warning Signs

Body Language Analysis No. 4216: NRA's Dana Loesch's Reaction to Sheriff Scott Israel at Stoneman Douglas HS Town Hall

Body Language Analysis No. 4214: Donald Trump's Listening Session on Preventing School Shootings

Body Language Analysis No. 4211: Donald Trump Feels The Need To Dial-up His Alpha

Body Language Analysis No. 4193: Hope Hicks, Sexual Attraction, Armpits, and Elbows

Body Language Analysis No. 4189: Tom Cruise, a Broken Ankle, and Rebecca Ferguson

Body Language Analysis No. 4155: Luis Elizondo Interview - Former Military Intelligence Official Who Ran AATIP (The Pentagon's Secret UFO Unit)

Body Language Analysis No. 4116: Carey Mulligan and American Accents

Body Language Analysis No. 4061: Pennywise,"IT", and Bill Skarsgård's Demonic Smile - Why is IT so Scary?

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Body Language Analysis No. 4164: Emmanuel Macron's Rapport Destroyer - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Emmanuel Macron just gave his New Year's Eve address. The new French President is a more skilled communicator than most heads-of-state, yet during his speech, he repeatedly committed a nonverbal faux pas.

All too often, there's a considerable disconnect between what truly engenders rapport - and a leader's behavior. And although the vast majority of people are guilty of not recognizing their emotional intelligence foibles, with politicians we see this divergence daily. Moreover, as the size of the audience grows, this phenomenon is displayed with more frequency and severity.

Outside of a few specific cultural exceptions and within the contexts of religion - hands should never be held in Prayer configuration when communicating. Termed the "Pseudoprayer", this nonverbal behavior conveys a patronizing, arrogant, and condescending emotional tone. Moreover, the additional dynamic of an up-and-down chopping motion amplifies these negative feelings. It's a rapport destroyer.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4163: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping - (Relatively) Beta and Alpha

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4160: Detecting Liars When They're Not Lying

Body Language Analysis No. 4158: Michelle Williams regarding Kevin Spacey - "All the Money in the World"

Body Language Analysis No. 4138: Matt Lauer, Intimidation, and Aggression

Body Language Analysis No. 4106: Jordan's Queen Rania meets with Rohingya Refugee Children

Body Language Analysis No. 4061: Pennywise,"IT", and Bill Skarsgård's Demonic Smile - Why is IT so Scary?

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4048: Lady Di - Ambassador of Empathy



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Body Language Analysis No. 3932: Raúl Labrador's Town Hall statement, "Nobody dies because they don't have access to healthcare..." - Nonverbal Communication and Emotional Intelligence Faux Pas - (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Friday, less than 24 hours after the "American Health Care Act of 2017" (aka AHCA) bill narrowly passed in the US House of Representatives, Idaho congressman, Raúl Labrador held a Town Hall meeting at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston.

During that Town Hall meeting, a woman in the audience expressed concern that if the bill becomes a law, that loss of health care, for some people, would result in death.

Congressman Raúl Labrador responded, ".... That line is so indefensible. Nobody dies because they don't have access to healthcare ..."

A truncated version of this meeting containing this exchange is shown in the video above (A longer portion of this same meeting from which this was edited can be viewed here [beginning at 14:15].)

Congressman Raúl Labrador's body language during his response is worthy of closer examination.

Note that when he says,".... That line is so indefensible. Nobody dies because they don't have access to healthcare ...", during this entire statement, his hands are held together in what is called a "Pseudo-prayer" and he additionally moves them, as a unit, up and down in a chopping motion.

This dynamic body language - the "Pseudo-prayer, Hand-chop" is a nonverbal signal which is always displayed by a person who feels they are an alpha to the other person'(s') beta. The believe that they are the person in control, the boss, and that they are the stronger person (literally, metaphorically, legally, politically, etc.).

The Pseudo-prayer, Hand-chop conveys self-righteousness and arrogance - and therefore almost never be used. Moreover, it strongly projects patronizing and condescending emotional tones. It's an example of a body language tell which is a rapport destroyer and thus it's never seen during moments of true coalition building.

When a person displays a Pseudo-prayer, Hand-chop - you can be sure they're mind is made up and they're not going to change it. Furthermore, it's also a signal that their impulse control is wearing thin. It's a nonverbal display which should never be used by a politician.

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


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3931: Marine Le Pen's Default Configuration (and What it Tells Us)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3929: Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron - Alpha and Beta Flux

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3927: Jimmy Kimmel's Emotional Monologue regarding His Son’s Birth & Heart Disease

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3925: An Expression of Donald Trump's Which He's Making More Often

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3922: Vladimir Putin and Michael Flynn in Moscow

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3877: Kellyanne Conway re: "Wiretapping" Investigation - Alpha Displays

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2982: Politicians Should Never Do This If They Want To Be Elected - Hillary Clinton's Body Language Faux Pas



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3919: Donald Trump's Hands vs. Xi Jinping's Hands - Beta & Alpha - Body Language & Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

This image was captured several weeks ago during Xi Jinping's and his wife's (Peng Liyuan) visit with Donald and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago.

It's particularly interesting to contrast the two leaders' nonverbal signals.

At first glance, President Trump's hands may appear to be in a "Low Conventional Steeple" - yet this is not the case. While Trump very often (much too frequently) does indeed display conventional steeples, his hand's will sometimes morph into this pseudo-steeple/pseudo-prayer configuration. This indicates the President is experiencing Anxiety and is in a significantly Beta Emotional State. As his anxiety increases his hands will move much closer together.

Xi Jinping's hands are each positioned, palms-down on his knees. They are also bearing some of his upper body weight as his torso is leaning/angled forward. This configuration very much says, "We're done with this discussion", "Let's go", "The meeting is completed", "I want to be finished", etc., and similar emotional variations on this theme.

Trump's Torso is further back - which is unusual for the President. On the vast majority of occasions, he his leaning further forward than anyone else in the room - but not on this occasion. This also is significant, at least in this moment, to his relative beta status vs. Xi Jinping's relative alpha authority.

Another unusual feature in this image is seen when comparing the relative angle of Donald Trump's upper legs (thighs) to than of Xi Jinping's. Trump makes it a practice to very often sit with a very wide "Seated Crotch Display" (more colloquially known as "Manspreading"). Yet here Trump deviates from his usual SOP - and his legs are held more closely together. This is also highly indicative of a relatively protective, beta Trump thought-emotion moment vs. that of the more alpha Xi Jinping. Mr. Trump also sat in this same manner relative to President Obama when they visited in the Oval Office just after the 2016 election.


Summary: In this moment Trump's body language is expressing a relatively low confidence, beta and acquiescing emotional mindset - While Xi Jinping is the more alpha and wants to "move on" to the next issue.

In any kind of negotiation, such nonverbal display dynamics are profoundly valuable - as these let you glimpse inside the hearts and minds of your opposition.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3918: The Image of Kim Jong-un He Most Prefers the World to See - and What It Tells Us

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3916: Marine Le Pen's Anger and The French Election

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3914: Mike Pence's Recent Statement regarding Trump, "He's a Man of His Word"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3911: Simone Biles gets Pranked on "Ellen"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3775: Women Try 'Manspreading' For A Week

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3778: Steve Harvey Recounts His Miss Universe Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3769: Fidel Castro and Nikita Khrushchev

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3670: Paul LePage's Voicemail Rant


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3685: Hillary Clinton at Commander-in-Chief Forum - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump participated (although separately) in the "Commander-in-Chief Forum" conducted by NBC News earlier this evening. Of course it's been widely noted that, among other issues, Secretary Clinton struggles with "likability".

From a nonverbal perspective, if Mrs. Clinton was to "go back to her emotional mindset" she had during her time as Secretary of State, she would do much better at building rapport. Improved body language would be one way for her to accomplish this change. And rather than gaining the trust of foreign ministers and heads-of-state - it would now be with the electorate.

Three rapport destroying nonverbal behaviors that Hillary Clinton commonly displays are exemplified in the video above - and in one place these are even simultaneous.

During the 0:22 second mark, Mrs. Clinton configures her hands in a pseudo-prayer, tilts her head and neck backwards - and closes her eyelids in prolonged blinks (also increased blinking frequency). All of these when occurring separately can (depending on the other nonverbal behaviors present) project arrogance and a condescending emotional tones. However when these are seen clustered close together - the patronizing feelings projected are particularly strong.

If people "feel that they're being talked down to", their hearts and votes will go elsewhere.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3684: Barack Obama's and Vladimir Putin's "Stare-Down" at the G20

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3683: Milo Yiannopoulos believes trolling is his way of "Doing God's work"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3680: Donald Trump and Enrique Peña Nieto Shaking Hands 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3676: Colin Kaepernick Says He Be Sitting Down During the National Anthem

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3655: Rescue In Baton Rouge Floodwater

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3621: Bernie Sanders Endorses Hillary Clinton

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3590: Pam Bondi (Florida's Attorney General), Anderson Cooper and LGBT support

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3644: Eric Trump, Humayun Khan, Sexual Harassment and Patronizing Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday, Eric Trump - the son of the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, was a guest on CBS This Morning where he discussed his father's escalating fight with the parents of U.S. Army Capt. Humayun Khan, who died a hero on the battlefield in 2004. Eric Trump also spoke of his own father, his sister Ivanka - and his thoughts on sexual harassment in the workplace - for which he received tremendous criticism far and wide.

During this interview, Eric Trump repeated used a body language display known as a "Pseudo-prayer" where the hands are placed together in a praying configuration. With the exception of a religious context, begging and a small number of cultural settings, the use of this gesture indicates arrogance and a condescending emotional tone.

If you see the pseudo-prayer (outside the above exceptions), you can be almost 100% certain that that person displaying it believes that they're in the right and believes the person(s) with whom they're speaking/interacting is wrong. This body language is significantly more commonly displayed by the wealthy, powerful ... and narcissistic - thus those who are more likely to abuse their power (and harass).

The additional dynamic of an up-and-down chopping motion amplifies the already patronizing emotional tone of the pseudo-prayer.

When the pseudo-prayer is being used, the words often being simultaneously expressed may appear to attempting to build rapport and understanding (e.g., during a negotiation or in the sales process) - but in such settings, the person rarely changes their position. Take caution - for when kind verbal language, appearing to be "reasonable" is used in conjunction with the pseudo-prayer - it's the body language which is telling their true thoughts and emotions. In short, the Pseudo-prayer is a big red flag.

This website serves as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3643: What Will Donald Trump Do If He Trails in the Polls By a Large Margin? - Body Language and Predicting Behavior

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3545: Eric Trump's Reaction to President Obama's Comments at the 2016 White House Correspondents' Dinner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3478: Donald Trump Jr Does Not Like his Father's Statement, "I Love the Poorly Educated"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3625: Donald Trump Introduces Mike Pence as his "1st Choice" VP Pick (Not!)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3250: Donald Trump regarding John McCain: "He's no hero" - Body Language Tells us what he really thinks

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3549: Speaker Paul Ryan's interview with Jake Tapper - "I'm just not ready" to Support Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3500: Gal Gadot's last name used to be "Greenstein"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3385: Adele, "Hello" and SNL - Body Language Tell



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3484: Chris Rock's Opening Monologue at the 2016 Oscars - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Chris Rock emceed the 2106 Academy Awards Sunday night. And had there had been any doubt - Rock immediately dealt with the elephant in the room - Is Hollywood racist? Here is a portion of his opening monologue (beginning at 2:20 in the above video):

"Is it, is it 'Burning-Cross' racist? No. Is it, 'Fetch-me-some-lemonade' racist? No - nah, nah, nah, it's a - it's a different type of racist. [edit splice]You're damn right Hollywood's racist! - But it ain't the racist that you - that you've grown accustomed to. Hollywood is - 'Sorority-Racist'. It's like - 'We like you Rhonda - but you're not a Kappa'."

During 2:40 - 2:41, as he said "... We like ...", Chris Rock displayed a Pseudo-Prayer
with mild Hand-Chopping
component (see video for this motion dynamic). 






The pseudo-prayer is an example of a nonverbal signal known as an Illustrator-MAP Hybrid (MAP is an acronym for 'Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier'). The vast majority of quality comedians have a high level of intuitive feel for body language - equal or superior to that of most experienced actors - and Chris Rock is a master at both.

In his monologue, within the context of Chris Rock's metaphor 'Sorority Racist' - for a moment he channels a condescending sorority sister - and here, the pseudo-prayer gesture hits precisely the right tone. He's using this nonverbal display in an acting scenario. In contrast, many people who fancy themselves as leaders (or those in leadership positions) will use the pseudo-prayer and thus will destroy rapport rather than build it. Rock's comedic intuition (or perhaps choreography) is spot-on however, capturing (in this one-sentence skit within his monologue) the thinly veiled arrogance of this (in any other context) body language faux pas.

An important additional nuance is exampled by the additional superimposed up-and-down, hand-chopping motion - which Mr. Rock does here to a mild degree. This serves to amplify the patronizing emotional tones above and beyond what this body language signal already conveys.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3483: Kate Winslet's Reaction to Leonardo DiCaprio's Oscar for Best Actor

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3478: Donald Trump Jr Does Not Like his Father's Statement, "I Love the Poorly Educated"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3467: Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Dies

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3457: Chelsea Clinton refers to Bernie Sanders as "President Sanders"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3324: Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Shake Hands at UN Luncheon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3436: Is Hillary Clinton Intimidated by Donald Trump? Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2086: Kyra Sedgwick, Kevin Bacon, Love and Sincerity

Flirting and Romance Secret No. 39: Affectionate vs. Non-Affectionate Hug - Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3452: A Ted Cruz Rapport Destroyer - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Two days ago the last republican debate prior to the Iowa Caucuses was held in Des Moines. Currently Ted Cruz is running second to Donald Trump in the Iowa polling. It's well noted that Mr. Cruz is not well liked among his colleagues. Likability has, of course, has many components - and an often completely ignored yet profoundly important ingredient of likability is nonverbal communication.

Between 4:06 - 5:45 in the above video segment of this most recent Republican debate, Mr. Cruz answers a question regarding ethanol. Four times during his answer, Senator Cruz displays his hands configured in what is known as the "Pseudo-prayer". In body language lingo, the pseudo-prayer is an example of an Illustrator-MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) Hybrid. The pseudo-prayer does not build rapport, nor is it neutral - rather it's a significant rapport destroyer. It projects a patronizing and condescending emotional tone. Moreover the arrogance transmitted by this body language is further amplified when it's clustered with a chopping motion - a faux pas the Texas senator commits several times here.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3451: Angelique Kerber defeats Serena Williams in Australian Open

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3448: Ted Cruz's Challenge to Debate Donald Trump One-on-One; Cruz's Default Facial Expression 

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!" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3438: Hillary Clinton, What's Your Relationship with Vladimir Putin? - Democratic Debates 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate - Body Language Faux Pas 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3404: Bush to Trump, "You're not going to be able to insult your way to the presidency"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3401: Jeb Bush and Anxiety 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3371: John Kasich at the Republican Debate 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1866: Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth are Engaged - An Affection-Love Sincerity Signal


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3284: Eat Your Effin Vees with Jimmy Kimmel and First Lady Michelle Obama - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Michelle Obama was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live yesterday. The first lady and Jimmy performed a little pseudo-public service announcement/comedy skit titled "Eat Your Effin Vees" (or Fs and Vs). There are very few other guests with whom such an act would be even a little funny - and most wouldn't consider it humorous here. It's more of a novelty because of her title.

Michelle's role here is the "I know what's best for you" persona - which of course every first lady plays regardless of her political leanings.

What Jimmy calls Effin Vees - Mrs. Obama knows as Fruits and Vegetables -of course in an effort to educate and encourage children into eating healthier. This certainly is a noble pursuit - yet that's not what was happening here. 

The First Lady repeatedly defaults to a very particular nonverbal - the pseudo-prayer (and a couple of its variants).










While in some parts of the World, this body language is part of a greeting or departure of well-wishing - and of course in many religious contexts it accompanies prayer - yet on essentially all other occasions this false prayer gesture is highly indicative of patronizing and arrogant emotional tones and should, with rare exception, never be used.

As with all alpha nonverbal signals, the pseudo-prayer will also engender feelings of increased power and authority in its user - yet the audience (whether a single person or millions) will instead feel condescending emotions. The pseudo-prayer is particularly potent in this patronizing characteristic.




Moreover, when there is also a chopping motion accompanying the false-prayer - these negative emotional messages are amplified. 

Conversely, on several occasions Mrs. Obama held her hand surfaces parallel - but not quite touching. This nonverbal variation still carries all these same caustic emotions - although this modification modestly down-regulates the negativity of the gesture.







See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3283: Trivago Guy - It's Not His Wardrobe or Haircut - It's the Body Language Stupid!

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2312:  Bruce Willis' Body Language -  Contempt vs. Suppressed Smile vs.  Pseudo Smile vs. Sincere Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3124: Michelle Obama & George W. Bush at Selma-to-Montgomery March 50th Anniversary 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2276:  Michelle Obama's Eye Roll .... What was she thinking? and  What Did Boehner's & Barack's Body Language Say? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3197: FIFA, Sepp Blatter and the Pseudo-Prayer - Body Language 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3248: Daniel Radcliffe Temps as a Receptionist at Nylon - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Daniel Radcliffe (forever Harry Potter for many) "sat in" as the receptionist at a Nylon (the Magazine) office recently. Reportedly, all but a couple of the staff was unaware. What ensued was hilarious - and also provides for us a fantastic set of body language teaching examples. Below is a partial nonverbal analysis.

A beautiful display of an "Eyebrow Flash" is seen at 0:24 during a suppressed smile. After the eyebrow flash - his smile becomes less suppressed (more expressed) and then he says "hi".

Eyebrow flashes typically occur during  the initial microseconds of a "greeting smile" and commonly before a verbal salutation is used. When this nonverbal is displayed it facilitates rapport and projection of sincerity. Those who use eyebrow flashes are felt to be friendlier - while those who don't are viewed as less friendly, more distant, sometimes aloof and less sincere.

The first in this video to recognize Radcliffe, this woman says, "Pleased to meet you" followed by,
"You have great hair" - as she positions her elbow on the counter and her closed hand on her chin.

This woman did not rest her head on her hand because she was tired or bored (although it can indeed indicate these emotional states when clustered with other signals). She was simultaneously projecting a sincere smile and paid Mr. Radcliffe an enthusiastic compliment.

This is a version of a "Facial Platter". She was smitten (do you see her blushing as well?) and was outright flirting with the boy from 4 Privet Drive.

After realizing the identity of the receptionist, this gentleman suddenly turned away his head/neck along with a partial turn of his torso.

This was an example of a signal of emotional processing.  His body language is saying, "My intellect knows this is Daniel Radcliffe, but emotionally I can't quite believe he's sitting here.

Another and much more common body language example of emotional processing is seen a few seconds later at 1:05 - with a display of mouth-nose covering (variations may occur such as only mouth covering, whole face covering, bilateral eye covering, etc.). There is considerable blushing on this woman's face. Without a doubt her sincerity and empathy are higher compared with most people. Moreover we can state with a high degree of confidence she cries more than most others during sad movies, she is NOT an only child and she loves animals (very probably she's a dog-lover).

This is a second and more typical example of a "facial platter". She too is flirting - but this is happening after this woman has had a bit longer to acclimate to the presence of a celebrity. She is more relaxed than the similar body language of the woman shown above - yet of course not completely so.

This woman (Serena) did not recognize Daniel. In trying to fulfill his receptionist duties, he stands up and calls for Lauren's assistance. When Mr. Radcliffe then asks Serena her name - he displays a "Pseudoprayer" gesture. This illustrator is a form of pointing and should almost never be used. More specifically for it projects a patronizing emotional tone (Although here Radcliffe uses it very briefly so its effect is minimized [typically it is displayed for longer durations]. In addition, his other nonverbal signs and his vocal qualities are not as harsh). Collectively this cluster of behavior signals to us that Daniel was either in somewhat of a panic - and while not yet losing his cool - or for a second, he was slipping into an emotional tone consistent with, "I'm an alpha and you're a beta".

Another man (singer Joe Jonas) walks in and says he's got a meeting with Marissa. During 3:27 - 3:29 he says, "... I'm runnin' late anyway, so I guess it's technically my fault." 

What key nonverbal is seen just after he says, "fault"?

In this instant (3:37) Radcliffe the receptionist walks away from his desk as he attempts to find Marissa.

Although this view is a magnified and of low resolution view, we can clearly see tension in his mustache area as well as flaring of his nostrils (nostril) and a jaw jut. Daniel is angry in this moment.

Just after this Joe Jonas says, "This new guy sucks" - we see him display a classic "Tongue in Cheek" nonverbal (3:40). The tongue in cheek can have several meanings depending on the other signals with which it is clustered - deception, alpha dominance, sexual provocativeness, anger, sadness, grief, or I got you/I just won.

Which of these emotional contexts apply here? What other nonverbal signals help differentiate the meaning of this tongue in cheek display? Was Joe Jonas participating in a prank or was his appointment with Marissa a true one? Did Daniel Radcliffe know this was Joe Jonas?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3247: Barack Obama's Response to Question regarding Revoking Bill Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2929: Jessica Alba, Sin City 2, Action Figures and the Jaw Confessional 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2996: Daniel Radcliffe Raps Blackalicious' "Alphabet Aerobics" on Tonight Show/Jimmy Fallon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2450:  Daniel Radcliffe on The Graham Norton Show -  Deception, Mirroring and Anxiety 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2434:  Brad Pitt's Tongue-in-Cheek regarding  Reasons for Choosing to Work on "World War Z"

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1181:  Helle Thorning-Schmidt & her False Praying Gesture

Romance, Flirting & Dating Body Language Secret No. 1893:  Nonverbal Communication of the Facial Platter  


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3234: Whole Foods Market, Message to Customers, Damage Control and Body Language Faux Pas (VIDEO, PHOTO)

Whole Foods Market has been in damage control mode of late. The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs uncovered what it called a "systematic over-charging for pre-packaged foods". Yesterday the up-scale grocery store featured their Co-CEOs, John Mackey and Walter Robb, in this "non-apology apology" video published on YouTube. No doubt their script was carefully crafted by a team of attorneys - yet the words, "Straight-up, ah, we made some mistakes. We want to own that and tell you what we're doing about it" - is not the equivalent (or anything close) to saying, "We're sorry" or "We apologize" - or better yet if they each said, "I apologize" and "I'm sorry" (the word "we" is a distancing word - which spreads the blame and not a good example of leadership in this non-apology apology). They imply, of course, that these were weighing mistakes and the "pricing issues" will be solved by increased and improved employee training. Perhaps this is indeed what occurred. But what do their nonverbal cues tells us? Is their body language congruent with their verbal language?

With the exception of a few countries in the World and in a religious context, putting both hands together in a prayer-like configuration known as a "Pseudo-Prayer" is a highly patronizing. Here John Mackey amplifies this condescending emotional tone by an additional chopping motion. This nonverbal MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) should be strongly avoided in the business setting throughout the vast majority of the World (and certainly throughout North America) and in all settings where rapport is sought.

Walter Robb displays another body language MAP which, in the right setting - and in small doses, does indeed project confidence and assertiveness - the "Conventional Steeple". However the vast majority of alpha personalities whom use this steeple variant, end up over-using it and consequently it backfires. During a true apology, non-apology apology or an explanation to the public - it should NEVER be used - for then it only serves to project insincerity, arrogance and a condescending emotional tone.

This video was filmed with multiple cameras. When Mr. Mackey and Mr. Robb spoke they were looking into one camera while all cameras were filming and the final video was of course a product of editing. The published video (above) shows multiple examples of both CEOs not looking directly at the viewer because they were looking into another camera. This is a huge mistake. It's a trend in the news and reporting industry - and while creativity is certainly a valuable thing - here it's very misguided. In this context, lack of eye contact will be interpreted (felt) by the viewer as a huge red-flag of insincerity or outright deception. Many children will tell you this and most everyone feels so instinctively. And why here it's an attempt to be artsy (or worse - following a trend) - instead it throws out huge signals equivalent to "My words are not congruent with my thoughts and feelings".

It's important to note though, in this example this lack of eye contact is a product of editing. However it's also a paramount that during this crisis management moment - this decision helped to make the problem worse.

Both men have significant facial asymmetry. John Mackey's forehead appears to be relatively hypo-functional on his left - which results in a compensatory over-action of his right forehead muscles (and thus an elevation of his eyebrow). This gives him the appearance of incredulity. This partial facial palsy is most likely due to a cranial nerve VII palsy on his left (an old injury or virus) or a result of the effects of Botox wearing off unevenly. This medical issue should be addressed for it will perpetually project feelings of disbelief. Not a good thing for a CEO.




Walter Robb's facial asymmetry involves his lower face and results in him speaking out of the right side of his mouth. This also appears to be a facial palsy (and quite unusual for both CO-CEOs to have this ailment). It's also possible this is a long-standing idiosyncrasy (similar to a facial tic) giving rise to a lop-sided speaking style. When a person momentarily begins to speak out of one side of his mouth - and it's not chronic (e.g., due to injury or a life-long habit, etc.) - it's a signal of hubris or deception.

Early in the video when Mr. Robb says, "Straight-up, ah, we made some mistakes. We want to own that and tell you what we're doing about it"- with the word "ah" - we see a microexpression of fear displayed in a highly characteristic mouth with the corners configured evanescently vectored down and laterally. There's also a tenting of his neck muscles. Fear does not necessarily imply deception in this context because anytime we admit a mistake, there can be and usually is an element of apprehension and fear present. What does the simultaneous prolonged blink suggest?

Both men display a blinking rate significantly above average (Mackey more so - please watch video to appreciate this dynamically) - which is a general indicator of anxiety. It's important to observe a person during normal, non-nervous times to establish a baseline for what is normal for them (dry eye syndrome, for example, can cause a significant increase in blinking). During political debates, even presidential candidates will have an increased rate of this nonverbal display - even during moments of truth-telling.

Did you notice Mr. Mackey's several "hard swallows"?

Far too often in the midst of crisis management, in an effort to solve one problem - another one is created. Otherwise experienced and adept professionals simply (and with misplaced machismo) wing-it when it comes to their body language and related PR skills. While this "weight and pricing" problem is far from the grocery store equivalent of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill - and Mackey or Robb are not Tony Hayward - they're not Daniel Day Lewis or Meryl Streep either.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3233: Chris Christie formally enters the 2016 Presidential Race - What about his Body Language?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2512:  Matthew Cordle's YouTube Confession  and the Death of Vincent Canzani  "I Killed a Man" - What His Body Language Tells Us ...  It's NOT what you think!

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2863: Gary Oldman's Apology on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" - Sincere or Insincere? - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3079: Tom Brady, Deflategate - Part Deux

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2945: Roger Goodell's Interview regarding Ray Rice - Denies NFL saw Video before Monday - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2327:  What is meant by "Eye Contact"?  A Body Language Fundamental

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3197: FIFA, Sepp Blatter and the Pseudo-Prayer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2982: Politicians Should Never Do This If They Want To Be Elected - Hillary Clinton's Body Language Mistake


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