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

This image of Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande was taken one week before Hollande assumed office (15 May 2012). Two days earlier, Sarkozy had lost to Hollande in the 2012 French Presidential election. Although in some contexts this can be a sign of affection - in this setting Sarkozy's grip on the President-Elect's arm is a classic body language signal of the alpha-personality in a relative power position. Nicolas is still President and psyche doesn't want to relinquish power. Sarkozy will not repeat this nonverbal once Hollande takes office. 

This arm grip and similar body language gestures to the shoulder or back are patronizing and should be avoided in the business and professional setting. Virtually every president and CEO displays this to their subordinates though. Everyone is hyper-aware of the pecking order and who can fire or reprimand who, and yet far too many "leaders" still feels the need to commit this nonverbal faux pas. The betas know who are the alphas - they don't need reminding. What's really going on here is the alpha is affirming to himself that he is in the power position. It is also seen more commonly when in narcissists, people who are unaware of interpersonal space or those who are over-compensating for other emotions. If the "gripper" is a male and the "grippee" is a female, the arm/shoulder grip & back touch carries a greater level of condescension and is often interpreted by the woman as a sexual advance.

See also:

Analysis # 554: Ron Paul's Palms Down Faux Pas

Analysis # 1705: François Hollande & the French Presidential Election - The Pistol Steeple and Emotional Dissonace

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

Analysis # 1899: Bill Cassidy and "Obama-care" - Letting your Body Language Detract from your Message

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 361: Another Bonding Adjunct During Laughter

Although many people are unaware of it, a primary role of laughter is a means of bonding more than it is a result of humor. This is a fundamental staple of Psychology 101. I pointed out in a post a few days ago (Negotiation Body Language Secret # 501: Bonding and Rapport Facilitators - The Laughing Lean) that women will often lean towards each other as the laughter maximizes and peaks. This nonverbal promotes bonding and builds rapport even further. In the above image, Herman Cain is leaning a bit towards Mitt Romney during a break at a recent Republican debate in Orlando, Florida. Sometimes when women or lovers do this, their heads will even touch - although such head touching is rare among straight men.

The shoulder or arm touch is a similar bonding adjunct. This nonverbal is seen commonly with both sexes. Discretion must be exercised though, so as to avoid evoking patronizing feelings. In some contexts this body language will back fire - and you may rapidly "Un-bond".

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