Body Language Analysis No. 4363: Ivanka Trump's GMA Interview - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Wednesday, 28 November 2018, an interview with Ivanka Trump aired on Good Morning America. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of a crucial portion of that interview. 

DEBORAH ROBERTS (continuing at 2:30): How concerned are you about the Mueller investigation?

IVANKA TRUMP: I'm not.

DEBORAH ROBERTS: You're not?

IVANKA TRUMP: I - I know the facts as they relate to me - 'nd - and my family - annnd [sic] I have nothing to be concerned about. 

DEBORAH ROBERTS: Do you think it should continue?

IVANKA TRUMP: I think it should reach its conclusion. I think it's been a long time - that this has been ongoing - but, I want it to be done in a way in which nobody could question - thaaat [sic] it was hurried or rushed - and I think after this lonnng [sic] period of time, we're well beyond that point. So I think that it absolutely should reach its conclusion. 

and a bit later ...

DEBORAH ROBERTS (continuing at 3:23): But many people say that your father is doing nothing to heal - if, if anything he's creating more of a climate for hatred and for fear mongering. What do you say to that?

IVANKA TRUMP: I reject that. I think that he is - creating policy that's going to lift all Americans - annnd [sic] - that's - what his number one role is. But we need to have this dialog - annnd [sic] sometimes the expressions of anger and resistance arrre [sic] the moment before you really start to engage in earnest, and, and we are looking to do that.

DEBORAH ROBERTS (continuing at 4:00): But his tone doesn't reflect that and there 're people who are wondering as a White House advisor, do you advise him on his tone?

IVANKA TRUMP: [deep inhaling] He's - my father and he's my boss ...

During 2:33, just after Deborah Roberts asks, "How concerned are you about the Mueller investigation?", Ivanka Trump looks straight down and forward. Her mouth is slightly tightened as the area just above her upper lip and below her nose tightens. This is an expression of fear-sadness.

During 2:35, just after Ms. Robert's asks again, "You're not?", Ivanka Trump displays a classic Microexpression of Regret - as Ms. Trump's left mouth corner makes a very quick movement laterally. You may describe this as a "twitch". Watch this at regular speed, then at 1/2 speed, then at 1/4 - and again at full speed. Repeat this several times and then review this segment in this same manner multiple times a week. This practice will help you to become more adept at discerning microexpressions.

(Bear in mind, that regret is one of many emotions which may be projected via a microexpression).

Just after she says, "I - I know the facts as they relate to me - ", Ivanka looks down to HER right (2:38). This is the quadrant to which people will often look when they're feeling emotions of guilt, shame, and/or sadness - all feelings which commonly occur during deception. Ms. Trump's eyelids are opened wider in this instant - a manifestation of fear.

Three seconds earlier (during 2:35), Ivanka closed her eyes for a prolonged duration. Both this extended blink and her previous directional gaze - down and to her right - are each forms of diminished eye contact which are seen during deception.

Notice also, Ivanka says, "I - I know the facts as they relate to me - 'nd - and my family - annnd [sic] I have nothing to be concerned about."

She stutters, stretches out her words, and, crucially she separates herself, "I know the facts as they relate to me" - and then includes her family. She also says, "I have nothing to be concerned about" - rather than "We have nothing to be concerned about".

In statement analysis terms, these are examples of distancing behavior. She is verbally creating a protective space - between herself and the others - Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump - and her husband, Jared Kushner. This paralanguage behavior is a profound red flag.

During 2:59, just after she says, "... and I think after this lonnng [sic] period of time...", her knee raises after she raises up on her toes. While her hand movement here was voluntary and well-practiced (Ivanka has better nonverbal skills than her father, brothers, or husband), her leg movement was involuntary and betrayed her heightened level of anxiety.

Then, during 3:01 - 3:04, as she says, "So I think that it absolutely should reach its conclusion", Ivanka Trump then places each hand on the front portion of the seat of her chair with elbows locked and straightened. This hand-arm configuration is a significant anxiety tell.

During 3:34 - 3:35, as she says, "I reject that", Ivanka Trump displays what is known as a Self-Righteous Head Wiggle.

A Self-Righteous Head Wiggle is characterized by relatively rapid, side-to-side movements of the head and neck - and is often accompanied by a similar movement of the torso (and sometimes by shoulder shrugs, which are seen here).

Sometimes the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle (SRHW) will be very short-lived (a near-microexpression) - however in this example, although still relatively brief, it's of a longer duration (about a second).

The SRHW is commonly displayed by individuals who are in the midst of hyper-alpha moments of particularly high confidence while expressing especially strong opinions - ergo its synonyms of High Confidence Head Wiggle or the Hubris Head Shake.

The SRHW is virtually always subconsciously generated and very rarely feigned. It's somewhat helpful to think of it as a form of nonverbal swagger.

It's also crucial to emphasize that the dynamics of a SRHW are not captured in a still image and must be viewed in motion (please view the video several times).

In this example, the SRHW also has an additional overlying backward motion component. This extra movement is displayed when contempt, disgust, and/or incredulity are also present (in this example all three are seen) - or a superimposed forward motion (when condescending emotions coexist).

Fascinatingly, the vocal pitch grows higher during the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle - providing an outstanding example of the congruity between paralanguage and body language. Please re-watch this and listen to Ivanka Trump's voice momentarily increase a half an octave.

Two seconds later, during 3:35 - 3:36 as she says, "I think that he is ..." (and just prior to her saying, "creating policy that's going to lift all Americans"), Ivanka looks down and to her right again (guilt and shame) while she simultaneously displaying a Jaw Jut (signifying a surge of adrenaline). This is a profound moment of emotional dissonance as she's rationalizing her father's behavior.

Just after she says, "... annnd [sic] that's - what his number one role is.", Ivanka Trump displays a feigned smile. If it were sincere, we would see classic temporary, concave-up furrows in each of her lower eyelids and we would not see even a hint of her lower teeth. In such moments of insincerity - the corners of the mouth pull out laterally (to the sides as is seen here) versus much more upward vectoring (as is seen with sincere aka a Duchenne Smile).

Furthermore, in a general sense, smiling (albeit insincere) in this moment is significantly out of context. Attempting a smile when the social situation seems incongruous with joy-happiness is always a red flag.

Just after Deborah Roberts asks, "... a White House advisor, do you advise him on his tone?", Ivanka Trump inhales deeply and displays another Self Righteous Head Wiggle (4:08) - this one much more extreme than the example cited above - then saying, "He's - my father and he's my boss ..."

SUMMARY:  Ivanka Trump is indeed worried about Robert Muller's investigation. She has significant anxiety about her family's association with Russia - and she's attempting to distance herself from President Trump, her brothers, and her husband.

Ivanka Trump also displays a high level of hubris and self-righteousness - emotions which fundamentally overlap with, and are byproducts of, self-deception.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4362: Mohammed bin Salman regarding the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi

Body Language Analysis No. 4360: GE's CEO Larry Culp's CNBC Interview and Subsequent Stock Sell-off

Body Language Analysis No. 4358: Donald Trump, Pseudo-Christianity, and the Not-So-Subliminal Cross

Body Language Analysis No. 4356: Donald Trump: "When I can, I tell the truth"

Body Language Analysis No. 4354: Mass Shooting at Pittsburgh Synagogue

Body Language Analysis No. 4350: Ashley Kavanaugh during Brett Kavanaugh's Swearing-in Ceremonies for the Supreme Court

Body Language Analysis No. 4342: Alleged Jacksonville Shooter David Katz

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4339: Pre-Confession Interview of Murderer, Chris Watts

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Body Language Analysis No. 4210: Rod Rosenstein's Hesitancy to Disclose - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This is the second article on this site regarding Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's recent statement/press conference and his announcement of the indictment of thirteen Russian individuals and three Russian organizations for alleged interference in the 2016 US Presidential election. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of the Q & A portion of this brief presser.

ROD ROSENSTEIN (beginning at 6:35): I want to thank the federal agents and prosecutors who are working on this case for their exceptional service and I’ll be happy to take a few questions Ω Jack.

JOURNALIST (JACK): Is there concern that this - the indictment undermines the outcome of the election? 

ROD ROSENSTEIN: What I have identified for you are the allegations in the indictment. There's no allegations in the indictment of any effect on the outcome of the election. Jessica ∆ .

JOURNALIST (JESSICA): On page four of the indictment, paragraph six, it specifically talks about the Trump campaign, saying that defendants communicated with unwitting (7:09, subtle loose tongue jut) individuals associated with the Trump campaign (hard swallow). My question is later in the indictment, campaign officials are referenced not by their name, by, by campaign official one or two  (button your lip/Sssh, 7:18) or three. Were campaign officials cooperative, or were they duped? What was their relationship with this?

ROD ROSENSTEIN: Then there’s no allegation in this indictment that any American had any knowledge - and the nature of the scheme was the kept defendants took extraordinary steps to make it appear they were ordinary American political activists - even going so far as to - base their activities on - a virtual private network here in the United States, so if anybody traced it back (7:44 - 7:45) to the first jump, they appeared to be American. Catherine.

JOURNALIST (CATHERINE): Have you had any assurances from the Russians they will provide these individuals for prosecution? (7:53 - 7:54, side to side anxiety/swagger)

ROD ROSENSTEIN: There've been no, ah, communication with the Russians about this. We’ll follow the ordinary process ah, of seeking cooperation and extradition. Thank you very much.

During 6:44, a split-second prior to calling on the journalist named Jack, Deputy AG Rosenstein scrapes/bites his lower teeth on his upper lip (and notated by the Ω symbol). This Bite Your Lip sign reveals his Anxiety - and more specifically - his Hesitancy to Disclose.

During 7:00, just after he says "Jessica", he displays another Bite Your Lip maneuver (notated by the ∆ symbol). These indicate Deputy AG Rosenstein does not want to fully reveal what he is thinking-feeling.

During 7:09, he displays a subtle Loose Tongue Jut as the journalist, Jessica, says, "unwitting". This is an indication of the emotion of: I've been caught (Navarro). It's yet another signal that not everything is being disclosed here.

It's important to emphasize that Deputy AG Rosenstein is NOT lying - but he's afraid - and he knows Jessica is implying an important distinction here.

During 7:10, Rosenstein exhibits a Hard Swallow as Jessica says,"individuals associated with the Trump campaign". A hard swallow is a nonspecific anxiety indicator.

During 7:18 as Jessica says, "one or two", Deputy AG Rosenstein displays a particular sub-type of Mouth Cover. This brushing/rubbing of the lip (particularly with the thumb) indicates the thought-emotions of: Ssssh, Be Quiet, and Button your lip. This is a further indication of a desire not to disclose further details.

During 7:22 - 7:23 as Jessica says, "cooperative", he displays another good example of a Hard Swallow - a further indication of significant Anxiety.

During 7:44 - 7:46 as he says, "United States" - Rosenstein is Bouncing up on Toes in excitation. He is proud that this tactic of the Russian election interference has been uncovered.

During 7:53 - 7:54, as the journalist, Catherine, says "individuals for prosecution" - the Deputy AG displays a Swaying Side-to-Side dynamic. In this context, this nonverbal signal projects the thought-emotions of: Swagger, I'm ready, and Bring 'em on.


Summary: Although Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein was honest during this press conference - he also displayed a strong hesitancy to disclose further information: That although these particular indictments are directed only toward the named Russian individuals/organizations - they do not exempt anyone else - nor preclude any future, related indictments - including more members of the Trump campaign. Moreover, Rosenstein has knowledge such indictments are forthcoming.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4209: Emma Gonzalez, Florida HS Shooting, and Emotional Processing 

Body Language Analysis No. 4207: Stoneman Douglas High School shooting (Parkland, Florida), Donald Trump, Ronald Reagan, and Empathy 

Body Language Analysis No. 4206: Mike Pence regarding John Kelly's Handling of Rob Porter 

Body Language Analysis No. 4204: Sarah Huckabee Sanders regarding Rob Porter and the Leaking of Classified Information

Body Language Analysis No. 4142: Donald Trump, "I feel badly for General Flynn"

Body Language Analysis No. 4122: Jeff Sessions Testimony, Russia, Ted Lieu, and Changing Stories

Body Language Analysis No. 4129: Charles Manson's Eyes 

Body Language Analysis No. 4050: Lady Di - Alpha vs Alpha-Beta Hybrids

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3570: Donald Trump's Duplicitous Thumb


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Body Language Analysis No. 4174: Donald Trump Regarding Meeting with Robert Mueller - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Wednesday, Donald Trump held a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of a crucial portion of that event - when the President was asked about meeting with Robert Mueller. 

JOHN ROBERTS (beginning at 6:25): Ah, thank you Mr. President. I also have a question for the Prime Minister, but if I could address the President first. Ah, Sarah brought up the Russia Investigation - Ahum, your legal team, sources have told us believes that in the next few weeks, the Special Council - Robert Mueller will ask for some sort of an interview with you. Your legal team believes it's part of wrapping up his investigation. Are you open to meeting with him, would you be willing to meet with him without condition or would you demand that a strict set of parameters be placed around any encounter between you and the special counsel?

DONALD TRUMP (beginning at 6:57): Well again John, Thah, there has been no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russians - or Trump and Russians, No collusion. Ah when I watch you interviewing all the people leaving their committees I mean, the Democrats are all running for office and they're trying to say this that, 

As the President says, "Well again John, Thah (6:58), there has been no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russians - or Trump and Russians ..." - he displays a great example of a microexpression which betrays his anxiety and trepidation:

He looks down to his right (a quadrant where gaze is associated with sadness and regret) - as his central forehead contracts and elevates for a split second. This dynamic is somewhat blunted because the President's forehead has been treated with Botox - but it can be easily seen. Watch it at regular speed and again at 1/2 and even 1/4 speed.

The President Continues: ... but the bottom line they all say, 'There's no collusion' - and there is no collusion ∑.

At the very end of this sentence (during 7:17) Donald Trump takes a deep nasal inhalation (sniffing) and then immediately displays a "Loose Tongue Jut" indicative of the thought-emotions of, "I've been bad", "I've been caught" (Navarro).

DONALD TRUMP:  .... And when you talk about interviews - ah - Hillary Clinton had an interview where she wasn't sworn-in, she wasn't given the oath, they didn't take notes, they didn't record, and it was done on the Fourth of July Weekend, ah, that's, perhaps, ridiculous, so a lot of people looked at that as being, ah, a very serious breach - and it really was. But again I'll speak to attorneys - I can only say this - there was absolutely no collusion - everybody knows it - every committee - I've been in office now for eleven months - for eleven months they've had this phony cloud - over this administration - over our government - and it has hurt our government - it does hurt our government - it's a Democrat hoax that was brought up as an excuse for losing an election - that frankly the democrats should have won because they have such a tremendous advantage in the Electoral College. So it was brought up for that reason. But it has been determined that there is no collusion - and by virtually everybody - so we'll see what happens Ω, ∆ .

At the very end of this paragraph (during 8:19), just after he says, "... so we'll see what happens ...", Donald Trump first displays a Regret expression.

JOHN ROBERTS: But again, will you, would you be open to a -

DONALD TRUMP: We'll see what happens, I mean, certainly I'll see what happens, but, ah, when they have no collusion, and nobody's found any collusion, ah, at any level, ah, it seems unlikely that you'd even have an interview.

Note how the President crosses his arms tightly with his hands hidden (8:19 - 8:28). From a body language perspective, this transmits the thought-emotions of defensiveness, fear, and close-mindedness.

Additionally, as pointed out in previous posts, this is part of an increasing pattern of behavior correlated with a movement disorder caused by either a Central Nervous System disorder,  Side-effect from a drug, and/or a Psychological condition.

Summary: Donald Trump's nonverbal behavior in this exchange indicates he is knowingly being deceptive with regards to Collusion with Russia.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4173: California Mud Slides - Rescue and Surprise 

Body Language Analysis No. 4171: Stephen Miller's Creepiness & Jake Tapper, Volume II 

Body Language Analysis No. 4169: Donald Trump, Kevin McCarthy, and Robert Mueller

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

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4145: Steve Bannon stumping for Roy Moore (and against Mitt Romney) in Alabama

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4077: A Facial Expression Common to Both Bad Actors and Sociopaths 

Body Language Analysis No. 4027: Warning Signs - Police Officer Shot Multiple Times at Close Range


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