Body Language Analysis No. 4261: President Trump's Address regarding the Retaliatory Strike on Syria - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On 14 April 2018, the United States, United Kingdom, and France carried out a coordinated retaliatory military air strike against the Syrian government. This act was in response to the chemical weapons attack the Syrian forces perpetrated upon their own people on 7 April 2018 in Douma. The Syrian government has denied they carried out this mass-poisoning and have called the retaliation a violation of international law.

Shortly after the retaliatory attack, Donald Trump addressed the nation from the White House. A video of this speech is included above. What follows is a nonverbal and paralanguage analysis of one crucial segment of his address. 


PRESIDENT TRUMP (continuing at 6:38): ... We saw the anguish that can be unleashed and the evil that can take hold.  By the end of World War - One - more than one million people had been killed or injured by chemical weapons. We never want to see that ghastly specter return... 

During 6:47, just as he's finishing saying the word, "... War ..." the President:

• Contracts and Elevates his Central Forehead Muscles
• His mouth hyper-gesticulates
• Crucially, his mouth does NOT take on a saddened configuration
• Tilts his head/neck to his right
• Raises his right shoulder

When a sincere person is feeling emotional or physical pain for her/himself - or experiencing these feelings for another person/group of people via empathy - their:

• Central Forehead Contracts & Elevates
• Mouth takes on a sad, scared, or painful configuration

The elevated central forehead contraction (an elevated CFC, not the entire width of the forehead - but just the central [medial] portion) is a monumentally important nonverbal display - which the vast majority people don't nuance. This includes those individuals who constantly attempt to feign empathy - and this is exactly what the President is doing here. Although we certainly don't welcome their bad behavior, we should be thankful for their poor acting skills - for it allows us to suss out the insincere people from the sincere ones.

A split-second later (still during 6:47), as the President says, "... One ...", he shrugs with his:

• Shoulders
• Hands
• Eyebrows
• Forehead

• He also Rapidly torques his head 

§ Note: Although Donald Trump's forehead is moderately treated with Botox, we are still able to see these important contractions/dynamics. 

A shrug indicates the thought-emotion of:

• I don't know
• I don't care
• What does it matter?

A shoulder shrug (or any of the lesser-appreciated shrugs) are COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTEXT HERE. Why would a person be thinking-feeling such emotions when talking about the issue of deaths in chemical warfare? In waging war? If one is operating from the foundation and premise of empathy - there is NO REASON.

Another excellent insincerity tell is exhibited in this same moment from a Paralanguage/Statement Analysis perspective:

• The hyperbolic emphasis of the word "One" (both in tone and in volume).

Why is this word emphasized? Always remember: When the less important words of a sentence are emphasized - while the some of the more important ones are monotone/homogenized -  it's a monumentally classic signal of insincerity.

Additionally - when you observe both nonverbal signals of insincerity simultaneous with paralanguage flags of insincerity - you can be 100% certain that the person's thoughts and feelings are not congruent with their words. They are lying. They have other agenda. Protect your flank.

Summary: President Trump was insincere during this address. He was feigning empathy. He's parroting this emotion. He's character acting. It's one thing to be insincere passively - it's more nefarious to actively fake it.

While you may or may not agree with President Trump's decision (or the UK's or France's) to retaliate against Syria (or the precise manner/timing of their retaliation) - that is not what this analysis is discussing. I'm here to analyze and teach nonverbal behavior.

What many people do NOT understand, is when the central forehead is contracted and elevated - but the mouth is not simultaneously sad, scared, or expressing pain - the person is experiencing a completely different set of emotions (e.g., CFC with Sad/Scared/Painful Mouth vs. CFC with other types of mouth expressions). While this may sound like geeky-detail - it's one of the most important nonverbal distinctions you'll ever learn. It will save you time, money, hassle, a bad marriage, and maybe your life.

Commit yourself right now - to collecting images/screen-grabs and their corresponding URLs of these two expression variations. Study them and refer to them often. And whenever you see these displayed by others in your own, real-life experiences - take detailed mental notes.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4260: James Comey on Good Morning America re: Trump, Russia, and the Steele Dossier

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

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

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

Body Language Analysis No. 4242: Cambridge Analytica, Alexander Nix, and Deception (Part II)

Body Language Analysis No. 4198: Lupita Nyong'o, Black Panther, and Attention to Detail

Body Language Analysis No. 4166: Logan Paul's Apology

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2922: Evacuating Yazidis from Iraq's Mount Sinjar - A Daughter's Anguish, Empathy and Mirror Neurons

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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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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3889: Donald Trump's Speech from Oval Office After House AHCA Bill Being Pulled - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday, after the American Health Care Reform Bill was pulled for lack of support, Donald Trump made a statement from the Oval Office.

From a Nonverbal Perspective perspective (as well as from a Public Relations point-of-view) there were a good number of faux pas and insightful tells in this ten-minute video. What follows are some of the highlights.

It diminishes President Trump's power and alpha status to have Mike Pence and Tom Price standing while he was sitting during his speech. While during bill signings/signing ceremonies this "leader-sitting while subordinates are standing" posing is often seen - yet it's a completely different scenario when it's explaining a loss - and when Trump's statement comes from inside the Oval Office. This demonstrated an attempt to "spread the blame" for the Bill's failure.

Additionally, it's also unusual that his Vice President was to his left. The second-in-command should be to Trump's right, whether sitting or standing.

Another highly unusual component of this video was the fact that the camera was hand-held. The continual wobbling of the image is, at best, highly amateurish. This very literal visual instability projects a destructive metaphorical instability to our view of the President.

The image above was Donald Trump's configuration during the first 1.0 second of the 10:03 video. After the first second, this (mid-level) "Conventional Steeple" was no longer seen. In general, Donald Trump uses the conventional steeple far too frequently - but it was not so yesterday. This deviation from his normal baseline behavior is a very strong tell that President Trump felt "very beta" after this AHCA defeat.

Once he begins speaking, but only for the next 6 seconds, as he says, "Thank you very much. We were very close, and it was a very, very tight margin. We had no Democrat support....", the President intertwines his fingers - a signal of frustration.

President Trump then transforms his posture with his right-hand gripping his left forearm while his left-hand closes in a fist. He also leans forward with his elbows bearing a portion of his weight on the desk. This hunches his shoulders while simultaneously foreshortening his neck. His upper arms also held very close to his torso - adding a further protective effect.

While a mild leaning forward is, much of the time, good body language posture for any speaker or leader to use - for it demonstrates engagement and assertiveness (and Donald Trump is better at most at leaning forward), all the other components of this cluster diminish his alpha status - and indeed makes him significantly beta and weak. Throughout most of this video, President Trump maintains this arm position/body language stance (although we can't see it directly for a good portion, it can be inferred by the position of his upper arms and shoulders). This is highly consistent with his - and the GOP's loss (which only just occurred) and it gives us a window into his diminished emotional comfort and lowered confidence.

When, occasionally, he does unclasp his hand-to-forearm, Donald Trump displays this gesture (image immediately above) - where his upper arm move even very closer to his torso - while his lower arms move medially and laterally (in and out). This is also a beta gesture (illustrator). If he were to alter this, by simply keeping his upper arms further away from his torso, it would both up-regulate his emotional-mental state to a higher level - but also project this strength to anyone watching. In contrast, what we see here further betrays Trump's beta thoughts and feelings.

When, at 7:39, Donald Trump is asked, "Do you feel betrayed by the House Freedom Caucus at all? They seemed to be the most difficult...  (cross-talk)", his mouth corners pull laterally with his 'mustache area' tightening, and his lips thin-out.  He also looks left and slightly downward (accentuated by a head-tilt). This entire cluster-configuration is indicative of regret.

Trump then answers with, "No, not particularly. They're friends of mine. I'm disappointed because we could have had it. So I'm disappointed. I'm a little surprised, to be honest with you. We really had it...."

Thus this significant facial expression of regret, just after the question of betrayal, strongly indicates that President Trump does sincerely feel betrayed by the House Freedom Caucus.

Finally, one other body language signal is seen in great abundance in the President's Oval Office statement, yet you must watch the video to see it, for it doesn't capture well with a still image. Donald Trump shrugs his shoulders 40 times in 10 minutes. This averages to 1 shrug every 15 seconds - although most of these occur in the last 60% of the video. Some of these are subtle - being muted by the President's elbows bearing a portion of his weight. An accurate and profoundly valuable body language axiom is: If a person is shrugging with high frequency, they are either trying to convince themselves - or convince you (or both) - and they are trying too hard to do so. It's one nonverbal barometer of their attempt to rationalize and/or to co-opt others in co-rationalization. Ask yourself why - and take heed.


Summary: Not surprisingly, after the GOP's AHCA Bill being pulled, Donald Trump's body language during his follow-up, ten minute Oval Office statement is significantly beta in its emotional tone - which is quite unusual for him.


See also:

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3884: One Important Expression James Comey Displayed Often During His Testimony Before the House Intelligence Committee

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3875: Children Interrupt Dad During BBC News interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3860: Ian McKellen, The Oscars and a spot-on Maggie Smith Impression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3816: Secretary of State Nominee Rex Tillerson

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3789: Felicity Jones, Jyn Erso and Tattoos

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3768: Cuban Leader Fidel Castro Dies



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3625: Donald Trump Introduces Mike Pence as his "1st Choice" VP Pick (Not!) - Body Language Signs (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Although he made the announcement via Twitter yesterday, earlier today in New York City, Donald Trump officially introduced Mike Pence as his running mate. It's been widely reported that Trump wanted to back out of this choice at the 11th hour.

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of this introduction.

In the video above, Trump begins, "I'd would like to introduce a man who I truly [left shoulder shrug] believe will be outstanding in every way ..."

During 0:03 - 0:04, note how Trump's left shoulder shrugs in a very quick and in dramatic fashion. 

A shoulder shrug is a nonverbal signal of: "What does it matter?", "I don't care", "I don't know"  or "What could I do/What choice did I have?"

A shrug may also involve the entire arm, the thumbs, mouth, knees and even the feet.

Trump finishes his sentence (continued immediately from above), "... and will be - the next - Vice President of the United States - Governor Mike Pence, thank you. Thank you everybody. Thank you."

He then displays a combination shrug and his torso turns AWAY from Pence (0:13 - 0:14) This is also very sudden, relatively dramatic and is unnatural in appearance.

This "Torso Turning Away" from the person who he's introducing (and with whom he is supposed to believe is the most qualified to run the country should something happen to him) - is a profound example of disparity between spoken language and nonverbal language. This dynamic shows disrespect for Pence - as well as a lack of confidence in either his VP decision and/or Pence himself.

Whenever the two are incongruous - it's the nonverbal signals which tell the true thoughts and emotions - not the spoken word.

After Trump shakes Pence's hand and pats him/holds Pence's right shoulder (we can't see good detail here), Trump then pat's Pence's left shoulder twice - but not fully. Trump's right hand shows us that he doesn't want to fully touch Pence - look closely. When we pick up a dirty rag, typically we only use our thumb and forefinger - the rest of the fingers "play keep-away". This is a distancing phenomenon/insulating behavior. It also has overtones of disgust. In the video above this is of lower resolution, yet it can still be seen.

In the context of an introduction such as this, it's normal for Pence to look directly at Trump's eyes (or whomever is introducing him). Yet after their hands' hands touch, Trump's eye contact lasts for only for about 1.5 seconds. Thus Trumps spends very little bonding time in this introduction. This is a very symbolic moment and more time should be spent here. This is the public's moment to see them bond - and thus experiencing the bonding vicariously.

Whenever two people meet and shake hands - even if they've met 1000 times, this is an occasion when direct eye contact should occur for 3-4 seconds (whereas in other parts of the ensuing conversation this may feel like a bit like staring, but this is not so during the handshake). To not do so projects a lack of respect (although there can be other reasons - what are some of these?). Because he's formally introducing the potential next vice-president (and even a potential president considering Trump, if elected, would be the oldest first term US president in history), the audience and public should see more warmth and brotherhood in this moment - but simply it's not there.

Unbelievably, Trump then just walks away and leaves Pence alone. The significance of this literal, metaphorical and nonverbal abandonment cannot be over stated - it's a faux pas among faux pas. 

Note that Pence's smile in this moment is sincere, but Trump's facial expression is anything but sincere - not even a remotely. Moreover there is a component of disgust on Trump's face. It's also worth mentioning that Governor Pence has some type of braces on his upper teeth. Many adults wearing braces are very self-conscious and thus find it difficult to smile sincerely.

During another portion of the speech (won't allow embedding however link is here and captured in the image immediately above at the 10:45 mark) of the same event, Trump continues, "Now I think, if you look at, one of the big reason's I chose Mike - and one of the reasons is party unity, I have to be honest. So many people [strong inhalation, disgust display], have said, 'Party Unity', cause I'm and outsider ..."

Incredibly, the song that was playing over the PA just prior to Trump coming on stage was The Rolling Stones, "You Can't Always Get What You Want".

In addition, the primary reason for this speech was introducing Mike Pence, yet Trump spent the vast majority of time discussing other issues.

In summary, Donald Trump displays significant disgust either directly for Pence or about his own choice in Governor Mike Pence as his VP pick. He transmits multiple examples of nonverbal distancing behavior and lack of respect for Pence. Most importantly, Trump's disgust display when he speaks of other people preaching "party unity" implies that he felt significant pressure from outside his team to pick a running mate who was not his first choice.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3624: Terrorist Attack in Nice, France - Body Language of the Perpetrator

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3503: John Kasich interview regarding Republican Convention

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3309: Delta State University Shooting (Mississippi) Suspect Shannon Lamb - Body Language Red Flags

Negotiation Secret No. 83: Barack Obama - The Subtle Turn-Away

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3539: Conspicuous by it's Absence - Donald Trump's Missing Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2688: Bill Belichick at Post-Game Press Conference, His Words are in Disparity with His Body Language

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


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

On Tuesday Daniel Radcliffe was a guest on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon". The Harry Potter star is of course an accomplished actor of both stage and screen (and, as you learn here if you haven't yet seen the video, he's also an excellent rapper). Yet before he got himself "in character" - when he was just being Daniel - he was quite nervous.

Below is a partial analysis of Daniel Radcliffe's nonverbals leading up to his rendition of Blackalicious' "Alphabet Aerobics"

0:03

Radcliffe pulls up sock - this is a general and reliable anxiety indicator.

To thin-slice this specific body language even further, in sub-context, a man adjusting his socks also very often indicates anticipated action (often physical, but not always) which is eliciting the anxiety. Another way of thinking of the sock adjust, is that it signals the need for being more assertive, or up-regulating one's alpha qualities. Can you name any other nonverbal up-regulators?

Note also Mr. Radcliffe closes both of his eyes in an extended blink - a reliable indicator here of emotional processing (his emotions are trying to catch up to what his intellect already knows - he's about to perform a very difficult rap song on a major television show). 

0:16 Finger to mouth

At 0:13 Radcliffe says, "Every kid in my cl<stutter>, I, I think I was the first kid in my class to learn all the words to 'Real Slim Shady' ". At 0:16 as he says, "... learn ...." his (index) finger goes very briefly to his mouth. In the context of a declarative and definitive statement, this is a reliable indicator of deception.

0:38 - 0:52

Daniel displays a common general anxiety indicator - one of many varieties of self-touching MAPs (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) - squeezing and pinching his thumb




 

0:46

Another general anxiety indicator - a "Hard Swallow"

0:48

A subtle "Mouth of Fear" can be seen at the 0:48 mark

Voice, also betraying nervousness, cracks as he says, " ... well yeah ..."

0:49

A very subtle and rapid "Neck of Fear" with a tightening of Radcliffe's neck muscles is seen at 0:49. This must be viewed in the dynamic context of the above video to appreciate its subtlety.

0:52

At the 0:52 mark a "Thumb Shrug" is displayed. A thumb shrug is usually a truncated form of a standard shrug.

Shrugs most commonly indicate, "I don't know", "I don't care" or "What does it matter?" - and some may make the argument that the last of these three is exemplified here. Yet, this is another meaning of a shrug when accompanied by blushing (seen in this body language cluster context as well) along the other anxiety indicators mentioned above. This displays the emotion of a type of self-resignation or acquiescence in the context of pre-embarrassment - as if very much to say, "Here I go - but cut me some slack."


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2995: 10 Hours of Walking in NYC as a Woman - Catcalls, Street Harassment, Body Language, Personal Safety & Threat Assessment

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2947: Governor Rick Perry - Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2641: John McCain with Protesters in Kiev, Ukraine - You Feel Safe There?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2914: François Hollande, Anxiety and Dialing up his Alpha   

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2344:  Jillian Michaels Body Language  Neck of Fear & Mouth of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2328:  Senator Rand Paul's Body Language -  Pens, Lies and Filibusters -  Finger to Mouth Surrogates

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2973: Rand Paul's Body Language Tells Us His Plan B for 2016 (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Senator Rand Paul (R-TN) recently visited the College of Charleston. To anyone with any doubts - he IS running for President in 2016 .... And he has a "Plan A" & a "Plan B".

This image is captured during the 0:23 segment just after he says,
"I'm not opposed to ...... birth control." 

His facial expression tells us that he regrets saying this. We don't know whether the reason for his regret is because he is really morally opposed to birth control - or whether he believes by saying so out loud will hurt his chances for the Oval Office - but he is experiencing regret in this moment.

This image is from 1:25. It occurs during the first part of the sentence - but disappears when he finds out the full nature of the question.

When Peter Hamby asks, "Do you think the Republican Party can survive and adapt if .....", we see Paul's mouth in a configuration known as a "Forward Lip Purse". This indicates either a clandestine disagreement - or, as it shows here, a clandestine plan. Furthermore it tells us that he believes he has a good chance of executing his plan successfully. The forward lip purse indicates a large disparity between what is said aloud and what is thought-felt.

With a very high degree of confidence, this body language moment tells us that if Rand Paul does not win the Republican Nomination for President in 2016 he will run as an independent (or libertarian). This will, of course, as was the case in 1992 and in 1912, split the ticket - and Hillary Clinton will have an easy victory.

This image about 0.5 seconds later shows a close-up of the
Forward Lip Purse.

At 1:40, after Mr. Hamby asks, "And you could re-think it at some point too?" (his stance on same-sex marriage), we see Bilateral Prolonged Lid Closure - which in this context telegraphs disgust followed by contempt.

A second later at 1:41, Paul Shrugs (of which there are many variations) - indicating, "I don't care", "I don't know", or "What does it matter?"

Yet, if we look further we see that the Senator's mouth has nonverbal elements of both contempt and regret while his eyes still display contempt.



Thus, with a high degree of confidence, we glimpse into the playbook of Paul's Presidential plans for 2016. If he does not win the Republican nomination he will run as a third party candidate and Mrs. Clinton will coast to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2972: Rachel Respess, Destrehan High School Teacher Arrested and Smiling Incongruent with Emotional Context

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2946: Barack Obama's 10 September 2014 ISIS Speech

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2927: Barack Obama regarding ISIS/ISIL - Atypical for the President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2641: John McCain with Protesters in Kiev, Ukraine - You Feel Safe There?

Dating & Romance Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1010:  What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2179:  Mitt Romney & Barack Obama -  Sincere Hugs and True Affection 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2930: Rand Paul and "Likability" - Building vs. Destroying It

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2961: KTVA Reporter Quits on-air, Drops F-Bomb and Reveals Herself as Owner of Alaska Cannabis Club - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Just after lets the World know she is the owner of the Alaska Cannabis Club - and in the moment right before she dropped the F-bomb and quit, KTVA reporter Charlo Greene displays a nonverbal cluster of fear.

During the 0:13 second mark, Ms. Greene's eye lids opened wider than her baseline - particularly on her right. Both of her mouth corners also pulled backwards (laterally) baring primarily her lower teeth. The reporter's neck muscles (platysma and sternocleidomastoids) also can be seen to tighten up momentarily. Her eye nonverbals were longer in duration (about 1.5 seconds) than her mouth and neck manifestations - which here are brief enough here to be considered microexpressions. 

The splaying of her fingers on her left hand is also consistent with a momentary heightened adrenaline state.

In response, the news anchor's right eyebrow elevates - signaling disbelief - yet her eyelids (also primarily her right) also open wider than her baseline - again manifesting fear. Her mouth is configured in mild fear as well.

What other classic nonverbals do you see displayed in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2960: First iPhone 6 Dropped in Perth - Body Language Cluster of ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2274: The Eyes & Mouth of Fear -  Body Language of Ahmed Dogan during  Attempted Assassination

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2338: Why Does Keit Pentus-Rosimannus feel Fear?  Body Language of Estonia's Minister of Environment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2871: Kate Middleton, Andy Murray and Wimbledon - Body Language of Empathy-Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2782: Hillary Clinton dodges a shoe - Body Language ... and Not

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2865: John Boehner is Suing Barack Obama

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2947: Governor Rick Perry - Beta Body Language (PHOTOS)

During a recent business leader's luncheon in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Texas Governor Rick Perry answered some questions - here one regarding his indictment on two felony charges of abuse of power.

His very thinned and horizontal configured lips along with a clenched jaw, wide opened eyelids and flared nostrils comprise a strong nonverbal cluster indicative of anger. 

His shrug is of course, a universal emblem indicating - either: "I don't know", "I don't care" or "What does it matter?". The interesting thing about this particular shrug is that Governor Perry is primarily a very alpha male, yet this is a very demure and beta shrug. Both upper arms and both forearms are held quite close to his torso - indicating low confidence and very low emotional comfort.


This is a body language configuration that any leader, male or female, should NEVER adopt - particularly a governor or presidential candidate. It projects weakness and anxiety. Given the context and the nature of the question he's answering, it also means Governor Perry's is sincerely worried about the felony charges. Knowing when and how to nuance alpha and beta body language is crucial in projecting strength and building rapport - just as learning to recognizing such nonverbals will allow you to peer into others' hearts and minds.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2946: Barack Obama's 10 September 2014 ISIS Speech - Body Language Tells

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2641: John McCain with Protesters in Kiev, Ukraine - You Feel Safe There?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2925: Governor Rick Perry's Mug Shot - What Emotions are Present? - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2583: German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle - Is Your Cell Phone Being Tapped?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 346:  Rick Perry Forgets:  8 Republican Presidential Hopefuls Debate in Detroit -  60 seconds of Oops, Body Language and Empathy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2769: Smiling Out of Context in a Mass Shooter - T.J. Lane's Body Language

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