Body Language Analysis No. 4182: North, South Korea, and the Olympics - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier this week North Korea and South Korea reached an agreement and will march under a unified flag at next month's Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. They will also have a joint women's ice hockey team. Moreover, their ski teams will be training together in North Korea. In addition, the two Koreas will also be conducting joint cultural events at Mount Kumgang. Although many remain skeptical, these events - and the talks which made them possible - hopefully represents a true thawing of relations between the two countries.

The image above was taken at the commencement of a meeting leading up to this agreement. It's a picture that may have been taken specifically as a media "photo op". If this was the case, it's probable that these men were following orders in prearranged choreography and they may have already shaken hands - prior to this picture. Yet, it's just as likely (or even more so) that this was the time they ever shook hands.

Shaking hands should never be performed over/across a table. The table is not only a physical barrier - but it's also symbolic of a lack of full engagement and less than full commitment. It's a distancing phenomenon and - in some settings, it even suggests duplicity (depending on the other nonverbals with which this is clustered). It's antithetical to the whole idea of a greeting, friendliness, sincerity or engagement - and an excellent example of a signal of emotional dissonance.

Summary: Shaking hands across (over) a table is a serious faux pas. Sincere greetings should build rapport - not send mixed signals. Take the time to walk around the table (or any barrier) and stand closer to the person whom you're greeting. Consider strongly even saying something aloud, such as, "One moment, let me walk around - I don't want to shake your hands over this table" (with a self-deprecating tone of voice along with a sincere smile). This seemingly small detail is not small at all. The few seconds of touching another human being's hand during a handshake are far too often conducted with disrespect and inattention - and a crucial moment is lost.

What are some other body language mistakes do you see displayed in this photo?


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4181: Ann Curry, Matt Lauer, and "Verbal Sexual" Harassment Interview

Body Language Analysis No. 4179: Senator Dick Durbin questions Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen

Body Language Analysis No. 4177: DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen regarding Donald Trump's "Shithole Countries" Statement

Body Language Analysis No. 4175: Senator Dick Durbin Regarding President Trump's "Shithole Countries" Remarks

Body Language Analysis No. 4167: Gary Oldman, Hugh Jackman, and Compliments

Body Language Analysis No. 4146: Roy Moore, Red Flags, and Sociopaths

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4097: Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, and a Tennis Tongue Tell

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. 4106: Jordan's Queen Rania meets with Rohingya Refugee Children - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Earlier this week, Queen Rania of Jordan visited refugee camps in Bangladesh. In the past two months, the country has received over 500,000 Rohingya people escaping wide-scale human rights violations in neighboring Myanmar, including extrajudicial killings, gang rapes, arson, and infanticides. This is genocide.

Too often political figures' appearances with children are simply photo-ops designed only to serve the leaders' other agenda. In contrast, Queen Rania's emotions and nonverbal displays in these images are quite sincere.

Strong signals of sincerity and empathy are sent when a Queen is not afraid to touch children in a refugee camp.

Note that in all three of these photos, Queen Rania is at or below the level of even very young children. It's rare that leaders exhibit this eye-level and eye contact behavior. Queen Rania is not simply bending over at her waist (such body language is too often performed by adults when visiting and/or speaking with children - and in so doing it sends distancing and patronizing emotional tones). When eye contact takes place close to the same physical level, it tends to have a greater effect in building rapport and empathy.

In assuming this beta posture, Queen Rania elevates all the children to a relative alpha status. It's as if to say, "Although I am a queen - today you are my equals - and even my superiors."


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4105: An interview with Sophia the Robot at the Future Investment Institute

Body Language Analysis No. 4103: Las Vegas Shooter, Stephen Paddock's and His Brother's Common (Behavioral) Denominator

Body Language Analysis No. 4101: Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson - Interview on Good Morning America

Body Language Analysis No. 4099: Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby, and Jim Leavelle

Body Language Analysis No. 4083: President Trump, Puerto Rico, and Meeting San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz

Body Language Analysis No. 4073: Prince Harry and Melania Trump Meet in Canada for Invictus Games - Harry's Hand Signal

Body Language Analysis No. 4047: Joel Osteen, Houston, and Hurricane Harvey

Body Language Analysis No. 4003: Donald Trump, "Let Obamacare Fail"

Body Language Analysis No. 3993: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and subordinate Behavior


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3823: Nina Dobrev, Flyboarding, Laughter and a Rapport/Bonding Amplifier - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Nina Dobrev was recently a guest on The Tonight Show promoting her recent film xXx: Return of Xander Cage.

When Jimmy Fallon wanted to see a video of Ms. Dobrev Flyboarding, and after the wrong video was shown - and then shown again, a wonderful nonverbal display was exemplified.

Beginning at 1:57 and lasting for about two seconds (and captured in the image below at 1:58) after beginning to laugh - Nina Dobrev leans toward Jimmy Fallon with her head and torso.

Laughter is primarily a bonding and rapport phenomena. Most people are surprised to find out that the vast majority of the time, humor is secondary. And in those scenarios when humor is the primary reason we laugh - bonding and rapport building remain major components of the overall behavior. In this moment, Dobrev initiates the lean toward Fallon. Although Fallon was forcing his laughter (because he had foreknowledge of the prank) and Nina was "feeling it more" (sincere in her laughter) - Jimmy still reciprocates Nina's leaning. This is a natural thing to do even if we feel a little bit friendly toward the other person. Thus we also see here an excellent example of another body language behavior - that of "Mirroring". Without trying to, Dobrev very naturally amplified their (platonic) bond.

Although this action may be seen between any two people (someone whom we just met or with platonic friendships), the frequency of this nonverbal behavior occurs in proportion to the level of affection between those involved. Indeed in some of these circumstances the leaning toward another person progresses to head touching - usually involving the regions near the eye and/or temple. It also may involve touching the hand, arm, shoulder or upper back (although this second type of touching is also affectionate and amplifies bonding and rapport, it is not as intimate as head touching).

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3822: Betsy DeVos Confirmation Hearing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3820: Mr. Trump: "Who would you trust more, Angela Merkel or Vladimir Putin?"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2818: Representative John Lewis: "Donald Trump Won’t Be A ‘Legitimate President' 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3801: Marion Cotillard, Lip Syncing and Honest Anxiety 

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. 3704: Hillary Clinton, Likability and Presidential Debates

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3623: Donald Trump's VP Pick - Mike Pence & Chris Christie 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3573: Angela Merkel, the G7, Destroying Rapport and Body Language


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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. 3752: Barack Obama's and Donald Trump's Handshake - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday the President met with the President-Elect at the White House. Barack Obama and Donald Trump met for about 90 minutes and afterward they each made brief statements.

From a body language point-of-view, their handshake was particularly interesting.

Barack Obama initiates the Handshake - which is almost always wisest in terms of projecting dominance and authority.

The handshake lasted for about 2.2 seconds.

The second image (immediately above) was captured from a slightly different angle, while the other four still images here were screen-grabs from the video included at the top of this post.

Mr. Trump rapidly adopts a rather strong expression of regret. He also lacks any eye contact with President Obama during the handshake.

In this second image, the President begins to disengage from the handshake and look away responding to the reporters. At this time Barack Obama also manifests an expression of regret - although it's quite subtle. Trump's regret continues to be strongly manifested as he looks up - yet he's still not making eye contact with the President - rather he's focusing in the distant, looking past Obama.

If Trump wanted to project leadership, strength, to build rapport - or even if he were trying to intimidate Obama - he should have made eye contact. It's utterly dumbfounding just how often, otherwise very worldly and educated people (and "leaders") don't practice good eye contact (especially during handshakes).

After the handshake is complete, Trump's regret expression is maintained as the President responds to reporters.

Mr. Trump's arms and hands then adopt a (low) pseudo-prayer configuration (as he repeatedly separates his fingers and brings them back together). This is a beta body language configuration and is indicative of considerable anxiety.

President Obama's posture - with his thighs at a significantly greater angle, with his palm-down on his thigh and his forward torso lean and tilt - is a nonverbal cluster indicating alpha status, high confidence and emotional comfort.

Conclusion: Both the President and the President-Elect expressed regret during their handshake yesterday at the White House - although Mr. Trump's level of regret was much greater. In addition, Donald Trump exhibited significant anxiety and relatively low emotional comfort - while Barack Obama projected high confidence and greater emotional comfort. This is one of the few times you'll see Mr. Trump assuming a relative beta status to anyone in his close proximity.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3751: Barack Obama and Donald Trump Meet at the White House

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3749: Election Day - Donald Trump Caught on Camera - Making Sure Melania is Voting For Him

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3744: Donald Trump - "Stay on Point", Hats, Eye Contact and Trust

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3720: The 2nd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3705: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump Presidential Debate - Trump: I'm 'smart' for paying no taxes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3672: Jessica Alba, Swass, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3636: Donald Trump, Hillary's Emails, Putin and Russia

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3610: Star Swain sings The Star-Spangled Banner at the Lincoln Memorial - Why Do Singers Close Their Eyes?

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3727: Donald Trump and Children - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

The political activity of kissing babies or children is of course an attempt to gain rapport and therein get votes. Yet when these actions aren't performed with sincerity, they will backfire - for feigned sincerity destroys rapport. More specifically, in a political context, while such performances may solidify one's political base - these will absolutely alienate the swing voters.

Today in Wisconsin (currently considered as a swing state), Donald Trump asked for two children to be come up on stage with him. Mr. Trump's expression in the image above is indicative of contempt.

In this second image, captured a split second later, Mr. Trump's expression morphs into one primarily of disgust (with some secondary contempt).

Later at the same event, Mr. Trump again displays contempt upon holding a second child.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3726: Donald Trump Accuser - Kristin Anderson - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3724: The 2nd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Emotional Intelligence and a Profoundly Telling Body Language Signal

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3719: Donald Trump's "Apology" - Crisis Management and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3716: Fatherhood, Body Language, Emotional Intelligence and Ashton Kutcher's Pants

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3706: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump Presidential Debates - Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3698: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump in Upcoming Presidential Debates, My Contribution to This Month's Article in "The Atlantic"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3674: Drake Presents Rihanna with Vanguard Award - 2016 MTV Video Music Awards

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3473: Adele's Tongue, Ellen DeGeneres and Body Language



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3532: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and The Graham Norton Show - Body Language Expert (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

As usual, The Graham Norton show is hilarious - and this clip is no exception. Also typical, but oft overlooked - the body language examples showcased here. In this recent appearance of Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, Ms. Streep shows off her improv skills as she answers an otherwise rhetorical and slightly sarcastic question of Mr. Grant's.

Hugh Grant (beginning at 1:19): "... Who was the third one?"

Graham Norton: "Ah, Drew Barrymore."

Grant: "She made the mistake of giving me notes. Which a, how would you take that?" [shifting his eye contact to Meryl Streep]

Streep: [Laughing] Well

Grant: "You're acting with someone and they?"

Streep: [over-talking] "I took ..."

Grant: [over-talking] "they, they ..." [inaudible]

Steep: "... them very well, didn't I?" [laughing while shifting her gaze at Hugh Grant]

Grant: "Wowser!"

Ms. Streep laughs and then leans toward Mr. Grant rather dramatically. This leaning toward another person during laughter is a both a nonverbal signal of sincerity - as well as a rapport amplifier.

Psychological research shows that laughing is primarily a bonding phenomenon much more than a pure reaction to humor. This is well exemplified during the viewing of films and TV - for we laugh and cry more frequently and more deeply during comedy when we're with other people (and more specifically when we're part of a larger audience) versus when we are viewing the same material alone.

Moreover, leaning toward another person (only after a sufficient degree of baseline rapport has been established - which is a crucial point which cannot be emphasized enough), in the presence of underlying sincere laughter, will act as a rapport-building amplifier. However note that Hugh Grant does not lean in and also doesn't return much laughter either. This lack of reciprocal action is a form distancing and dissing behavior (serving to destroy rapport). Thus afterward, Meryl Streep may very well be left with a feeling of emotional distance and dislike for Grant - particularly because this occurred in such a public venue.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3531: Helen Mirren, Subways, Sincerity, Empathy and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3530: Justin Trudeau, Quantum Computing and Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3523: Jaws - "You're Going to Need a Bigger Boat"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3508: Batman V Superman - Sad Affleck? (NOT!)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3479: Vicente Fox regarding Donald Trump's Proposed Wall - ‘I’m not going to pay for that F***ing wall!’

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3425: Donald Trump's first Campaign Ad Commercial

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3502: Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant Pranks a College Team as ‘The Transfer’ - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Kris Bryant recently pranked Mesa Community College's baseball team by going undercover and pretending to be "Roy" - a transfer student-athlete from Europe. Bryant is a starting Third baseman for the Chicago Cubs and the 2015 National League Rookie of the Year. These types of pranks are hilarious to partake in and witness first-hand. For those of us watching for body language tells (or for entertainment value), more cameras would have certainly been helpful here.

This image was captured during 2:36 in the above video while the college team players are discovering that a Major League Player is in their midst - and they've been duped.

Note the player second from our left. He has his had on his friend's/teammate's shoulder as they are smiling along with some mild laughter.

From a psychological point-of-view, both smiling and laughing during such events are primarily rapport-building experiences while the humorous aspects are secondary. Laughter and smiling will be amplified and prolonged by making eye contact with others (also seen here). Leaning toward the other person acts as a further bonding agent while touching another person during smiling and laughing. Touch another person during these moments further Amplify these the rapport-bonding experiences.

Straight men tend to touch each other on the shoulder or upper back in these scenarios, while women and gay men have a tendency to touch the other person's forearm or hand - as well as more pronounced upper torso/head leaning and near touching of foreheads.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3501: Salah Abdeslam of Paris Attacks is Captured - Body Language Traits Shared by Terrorists

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3498: Donald Trump Mocks Chris Christie when criticizing John Kasich

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2670: Janet Yellen Confirmed by Senate for Federal Reserve Chair

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2016: Hillary Clinton, Roosevelt Island, Building Rapport and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3452: A Ted Cruz Rapport Destroyer 

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

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

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3429: Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward met with Ammon Bundy - Body Language Tells (PHOTOS)

Yesterday Harney County (Oregon) Sheriff Dave Ward met with Ammon Bundy at an intersection near Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - federal land which was seized last Saturday along with other militia-activists.

From a body language viewpoint this handshake between Sheriff Ward and Mr. Bundy tells us some critical information. There were other law enforcement personnel present (by some reports, sheriffs of neighboring counties) as well as some other activists - with Ammon Bundy as their apparent leader.

Note that Mr. Bundy is pointing his body approximately 90 degrees from the sheriff. During a handshake, the entire body - feet, hips, torso, shoulders, face - and most importantly the eyes - should be pointed directly toward the other person. The sheriff is pointing toward Bundy - but Bundy is not doing the same.

A few seconds later - after the 2-5 second duration handshake - if good rapport is to be achieved and/or maintained one or both people should rotate their bodies so that collectively there is a 20-30 degree rotation (so that their bodies are not directly pointing at each other). If, after a handshake, this body rotation does NOT occur - it will serve to elevate the tension between the two people (the same is even true in the animal world). Here we see an extreme rotation AND it's DURING the handshake (not after). In isolation, such body nonalignment may signify disrespect, dislike, lack of engagement and/or lack of sincerity.

If there's one time when there should be eye contact - it's during a handshake. Note that Sheriff Ward is looking at Bundy, however Bundy is looking off in the distance - to Ward's right. It's amazing how frequent those who are leaders (or who call themselves "leaders") will not look another in the eye during a handshake. This non-eye contact during a handshake, when interpreted in isolation could convey lack of respect, deception, insincerity, acquiescence or being intimidated.

Notice also that the Sheriff's left hand is out at his side, while Bundy's left hand is in his pocket. This is also an extreme body language faux pas. It doesn't matter if it's winter. The left hand should never be hidden or pocketed when shaking hands. Taken on its own, this hidden-hand behavior also has the same possible meanings as the above described low degree of eye contact - being intimidated, lack of respect, deception, acquiescence or insincerity.

Did you notice how the Sheriff is leaning into the handshake but Bundy is leaning a bit backwards? What do you think this means?

While this is only but moment in time - it's very telling. When interpreted in toto, this particular handshake-meeting is significant for low respect, insincerity, a non-compromising mindset - on the part of Mr. Bundy. Law enforcement should strongly consider these during their negotiations as well as very possibly a clandestine plan.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3428: Jenna Dewan Tatum performs Ginuwine's "Pony" - Lip Sync Battle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2851: Jerad Miller Interview at Cliven Bundy Ranch Incident - Body Language Warning Signs

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3169: Baltimore Deputy Police Commissioner Jerry Rodriguez regarding the Death of Freddie Gray 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3133: The Red Flag of Robert Durst's Body Language 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3416: LeBron James Catches a Golden State Fan "calling" him a Cry Baby 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3398: Orangutan Sees a Magic Trick - Bonding, Rapport and Laughter

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3403: "Johnnie Walker - Dear Brother" Commercial

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3426: Barack Obama, Executive Action, Gun Control and Body Language

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3398: Orangutan Sees a Magic Trick - Bonding, Rapport and Laughter - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Laughing is not as much about humor as it is a bonding and rapport-building phenomenon. Moreover, when we lean toward or touch the other person during laughter, this effect is amplified (It's crucial however that before this leaning-in or touching takes place, there has to be some foundation of good rapport established).

Despite being behind glass this orangutan tried to touch the man who performed the "magic trick"
during his laughter. The orangutan knew the glass was there, yet he instinctively reached to touch him. This nonverbal behavior is deeply ingrained in our brains - and this is a beautiful example of just HOW deep it goes - for this body language is true for humans and other primates.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3397: Close Encounter - Kate McKinnon, Cecily Strong, Ryan Gosling - SNL - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3028: Chris Rock's (and other Comedians) Body Language Trick that Gets You Laughing Easier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2887 Derek Jeter, Smiles, Laughter and Body Language Nuance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2508: Anne Frank, Sincere Smiles and Emotional Comfort

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3229: Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers and a SNL Reunion - REALLY!?! - a Body Language Trick of Comedians

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3387: Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, The Graham Norton Show and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3384: Donald Trump Repeats Controversial 9/11 Claims - Body Language Tells  
 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3372: Ben Carson, Low Expressivity & Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Many have made the observation that Ben Carson displays an "even temperament" or "always has a calm demeanor". One reason for this is that Dr. Carson has Botox treatments on the upper 1/3 of his face.

While most use Botox for aesthetic reasons, others - particularly politicians and other "leaders" will undergo these treatments in an effort to appear less angry or less impatient. Of course it's normal to feel these feelings - as long as they aren't too frequent or too extreme. Yet an extreme detriment of Botox treatment is that emotional expression can be significantly suppressed or prevented. Nonverbal expression is normal and healthy. We expect to see facial expressions in context - however when we see almost none (or there's a lack of congruity) it should (and many times does) send up red flags. Thus moderate (or greater) use of Botox reduces significantly our ability to establish and build rapport - and win over voters' hearts.

An example of reduced emotional expression is seen here (0:58) when Dr. Carson's eyebrows are raised - yet there is no dynamic contraction furrows on his forehead.




"I tried Botox one time and was permanently surprised for a couple of months. It was not a cute look for me. My feeling is, I have three children who should know what emotion I'm feeling at the exact moment I'm feeling it... that is critical."   

Julia Roberts


See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3260: Cara Delevingne vs. Emila Clarke in an Eyebrow-Off (plus some Schwarzenegger and Gyllenhaal) Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3351: A Body Language Signal of Sincere Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2975: Devon Still & Daughter Leah - A Body Language of Affection and ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3355: Spin the Microphone on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show - Gwen Stefani is very attracted to Blake Shelton 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3332: Ben Carson's New Book Cover is a Rapport Destroyer - Body Language (PHOTOS)

No doubt Ben Carson, or someone/group which supports his candidacy paid a professional $50,000 dollars or thereabouts to photograph him for his new book (A More Perfect Union - published today). Photographic skills aside, with regards to judgement - this was a quite amateurish and very poor choice for the cover - particularly when the goal is to win Carson the White House.

Carson's "smile" is not a smile at all - far from it - and most importantly it does not signal sincerity. Moreover his facial expression has components impatience as well as subtle contempt. The position of Carson's hand will (erroneously) suggest to some the emotion of boredom - which of course is never a good quality for a candidate. Yet together with these facial nonverbals, his specific hand configuration is projecting (rather significantly) the emotions of critical evaluation and dismissal. 

Dr. Carson's left arm, across his chest with his palm resting on his right bicep - projects a closed mind (an example of blocking behavior) and an emotional tone of impatience.

In addition, in this day of high-definition video and images, most everyone senses this picture was photo shopped. If you show us your blemishes and imperfections, we will bond with you (for we have them too) - but if you hide them (and we see you pretending) you will push us away. 

The next you're negotiating (or trying to make a sale) - never try to close if your opposition (or customer) takes on this body language. Ben Carson's nonverbal behavior on his new book cover will destroy rapport, not built it. It will cost him votes, not win them.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3331: Mila finds out Adam Levine got married - Rapid Transitioning of Emotions

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3311: Ben Carson to Donald Trump - "He's an Okay Doctor" - Trump's Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3316: Ben Carson does not think that a Muslim Should be President - Is He Sincere - or Mimicking Trump's Tactics?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3317: Scott Walker Drops Out of Presidential Race - A Classic Body Language Tell

 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3275: Carly Fiorina, The Republican Debate and Likability (or not) – Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Carly Fiorina has climbed in the polls and Donald Trump has fallen. According to Rasmussen the former HP CEO has increased her share of the polling pie to 9%. She is clustered with Governor Scott Walker who's also poling at 9% - and just behind Governor Jeb Bush and Senator Marco Rubio who are both at 10%. Donald Trump has slipped significantly to 17%.

Yet from a body language perspective, Ms. Fiorina is far from where she needs to be. Although there are several mistakes exampled in this short video segment, one very common one seen here is a complete lack of the use of her arms and hands.

In nonverbal parlance many of hand and arm gestures are examples of what are termed "illustrators" - for they emphasize, highlight and add flavor to our verbal language. And while illustrators certainly may be displayed too frequently, too dramatically, overly aggressively (hyper-alpha displays such as Mr. Trump) or not congruently with the simultaneous-clustered paralanguage and verbal messages - using them minimally or not at all, will almost always project a lower confidence and diminished assertiveness.

What many people don't realize is that lack of/low illustrator use results in other over-compensatory behaviors (How is Carly overcompensating here?).

Also, when hands are hiding behind, blocked by or resting too long on a lectern (or below a table, a witness stand barrier, etc.) human beings will subconsciously assign less trustworthiness to the speaker. Simply put, if we cannot see your hands we tend to think you're less honest.

Quality and nuanced hand and arm illustrators will also send signals of likability and improve rapport (as well as decrease unfavorables and increase her favorables). These behaviors must never be or look as if they're forced or cliché in nature - lest the audience will feel the insincerity and such acting will backfire. By improving her nonverbal skills, Ms. Fiorina will further leverage her verbal prowess and climb higher in the polls. If so, come November 2016, we could very well have two women running for the White House. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3274: Chris Christie, Rand Paul, The Republican Debate and National Security

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3272: Donald Trump, Megyn Kelly, Deception and Misogyny 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2016: Hillary Clinton, Roosevelt Island, Building Rapport and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3060: Bradley Cooper, Air Guitar, Neil Young & the R2E2 Expression 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2818: The Caring Hand, Palms Up and Building Rapport

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2977: Raven-Symoné: "I'm Tired of Being Labeled" - Interview with Oprah

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2952: Kmart's "Not a Christmas Commercial" - No Place for Arrogance
 
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