Last Friday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Donald Trump endorsed Paul Ryan. It's of course common knowledge the two men have many disagreements and different world-views. But what does Republican Candidate for President really thing about the Speaker of the House? What follows is a nonverbal analysis of one very key moment in Trump's endorsement.
Beginning at 1:56, Trump continues, "So, in our shared mission, to make America great again, I support, and endorse, our Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan. [Long pause, Audience Applause, Trump displays bilateral "Thumbs up"]. Paul Ryan, good. He's a good man. He's a good man and he's a good guy ...".
At 2:22 just after Trump says, "... Paul Ryan, good. He's a good man ...", Trump displays the facial expression captured in the image immediately above. This is a classic nonverbal combined expression of both Disgust and Regret. Additionally, due to it's very short duration this was an example of a microexpression.
Thus we have showcased by Mr. Trump's less that optimal poker face, a political moment that's occurred countless times: a politician is saying one thing with their verbal language, but something completely different with their nonverbal language. Whenever these two are in disparity - it's the body language and facial expressions which always tell the truth.
Summary: Donald Trump has disgust for Paul Ryan and regrets the political necessity of endorsing him.
In the above video President Barack Obama is speaking about the shooting in Dallas on Thursday. Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House, is giving a similar speech in the video included below.
Note that both men, who normally use their hands and arms significantly during other speaking events, here use them minimally.
Although
an experience politician, Mr. Ryan has had less tragic occasions at
which to speak than has the President. Ryan uses his hands and arms in
the beginning of his speech but then rapidly curtails their use to
essentially nil. Mr. Obama hardly uses his hands and arms at all.
During
funerals, when speaking about recent death, the receiving of soldiers' remains, and similar events, minimal use of the hands
is good body language advice - for it transmits much more reverence and
respect for the deceased. This lack of hand and arm gestures also
conveys more empathy.
During the vast majority of occasions, lack of hand and arm use may very signal suspicion and/or low confidence or emotional discomfort - but not here - not when speaking with respect for the fallen.
Jake Tapper (Beginning at 1:06): "... But doesn't he have to completely revoke in order to become the man that can unite behind the principles and the policies that you support - doesn't he completely have to say ... that ... he doesn't support the deportation of twelve million undocumented immigrants because you disagree with that? That he doesn't support ..."
Paul Ryan: [over-talking] "No, no, I'm not saying that at all ..."
Tapper: [over-talking] "He doesn't support banning ..."
Ryan: [over-talking] "I, I'm not saying that, I ..."
Tapper: [over-talking] "... all Muslims from entering the United States - because you don't support that?"
Ryan: [over-talking] "Well obvious- ... [tongue-in-cheek to his right side then tongue-in-cheek on his left side] I'm - look - who am I? Ah, Look I'm not saying that he's going to support all my policies ..."
Tapper: [over-talking] "You're the Speaker of The House!... You're the Speaker of The House!"
Ryan: "He ... he won. He won fair and square. He won fair square on his policies ..."
1:34.2
Tongue-in-Cheek
to his right side
1:34.8
Tongue-in-Cheek
to his left side
Tongue-in-cheek nonverbal displays can have different meanings depending upon the other verbals, paralanguage and nonverbal signals with which they're clustered. Here the two back-to-back tongue-in-cheek displays mean "I just won" or "I gotcha" - and in so doing they're showing us a disparity between what Speaker Ryan is thinking-feeling vs. what he is saying.
Although Ryan once again (later in this same video) has denied that he would personally make a bid for the White House this November, what additional body language signals do you see in this interview which indicate The Speaker of The House knows of a strong plan B the republican leadership have in their collective back pockets?
".... Basically I made a few requests for what I think is necessary, and I asked my colleagues, ah, to hear back from them by the end of the week. First, we need to move from an opposition party to being a proposition party. Because we think the nation is on the wrong path, we have a duty to show the right one. Our next speaker has to be a visionary one. Second - we need to update our House rules so that everyone can be a more effective representative. This is after all, the people’s house. We need to do this as a team. And it needs to include fixes that ensure that we do not experience constant leadership challenges and crisis. Third - we, as a conference should unify now, and not after a divisive speaker election. And the last point - last point is personal. I cannot and I will not give up my family time [see image below]. I may not ah be on the road as often as previous speakers, but I pledged to try make up for it with more time communicating our vision - our message ...."
It's no secret that Paul Ryan does not want the job as Speaker of the House. It's very difficult to begin with, the republican party is fractured, he very much enjoys his position as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means committee (many would say this is the second most powerful position in Washington) and Paul Ryan has higher political aspirations. The Speaker of the House is a position such that those who hold it acquire powerful enemies - which would make a future run for the Presidency very difficult.
From a nonverbal point of view, although Paul Ryan repeatedly displayed several key nonverbals during this press conference - the most important one was that of regret. This was particularly prominent when he spoke about his last condition - that of family time.
The image below was captured during 1:11. Note his taught and stretched lips along with a primarily lateral and downward vectoring of the mouth corners. Moreover, the downward tilt of Ryan's head/neck, in this context, is a regret amplifier.
In conclusion, although he may become a skilled and/or respected Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan does not at all want the position and his "willingness" to rise to the occasion comes with substantial regret.
When evaluating for possible deception there are a multitude of characteristics - nonverbal, verbal and paralanguage which are often overlooked - and indeed relatively rarely known. While not alone in these qualities, particularly among politicians, Donald Trump displaces many of these on a regular basis. The following are four common characteristics of possible deception which are scarcely discussed.
1. Low Verbal Variation: Donald Trump, in his public appearances - both political and in settings from years past, has used and continues to use a vocabulary equivalent to that of a 3rd or 4th grader. This has been measured by linguists using widely accepted algorithms. Such limited vocabulary enables a person to lie easier. When you don't have think as hard (or speak in depth) - it enables more "brain power" for lying.
3. Hyperbolic Nonverbals: Some who read this may know of the phenomenon where a person may "put on" a behavioral neutral "mask" - or "stone face" or "poker face" in the midst of a deception (or for a longer period such as in a courtroom/trial). This is one behavioral signal of possible deception. Yet the opposite is also true - those who always/often/contextually display extreme nonverbal behaviors - which, when compared to the vast majority of others in similar situations - are significantly out of proportion to the social context - are also often lying.
Call into your memory a classroom theatrical production from 7th grade. Remember those grandiose facial expressions and dramatic hand/arm/body language displays? These are very commonplace and even somewhat encouraged because of the physical distance the actors are typically from an audience. Mr. Trump chronically displays similar dramatic nonverbal signals. These extreme amplitudes of body language behavior also cloak deception. An analogy would be using a lot sweet "chaser" after (or before or during) the taking of bitter medicine. The extreme body language covers up the deceptive tells that would otherwise be visible - allowing the liar to dilute his poison.
4. Paralanguage Variation: Much like low variability of the spoken word language as well as body language, paralanguage which is monotonous may also be suspect - especially when it's extreme. Mr. Trump often talks louder and even shouts when most people in similar contexts would speak with considerably lower volume. Many have pointed out his "tone-of-voice" and his tendency to project negative qualities with it (arrogance, impatience, condescending emotions, etc.). While a nuance behavior to some (and perhaps even [erroneously] perceived to be nonexistent by others) - it's very possible to project strength without anger - and empathy without weakness. Chronically higher volume and angry tones (and other vocal qualities) - when out of context - are also signals of deception and ulterior motives.
It's important to stress that these are by no means the only signals of possible deception - they are however rarely recognized. Take heed.
Representative McCarthy's initial announcement (to other members of the U.S. House of Representatives) was apparently not recorded - or it's not been released. The video above shows the California republican standing to the left (our right) of his wife - Judy, during his first public statement regarding his decision to withdraw from the race for the Speakership.
Beginning at 0:53 in the video, a reporter asks, "... You said at 8:00 am that you're going run for the Speakership - why change it at noon? What happened in those four hours?"
Rep. McCarthy answers, "Ya know, we had our conference and, um, - there's calls into The District - I, I don't want making voting for Speaker a tough one. I don't want to go to the floor and win with 220 votes. I think the best thing for our party right now - is that you have 247 votes on the floor. If we're going to be strong - we gotta be one hundred percent united (1:21)..."
A partial nonverbal analysis of this segment is included below.
0:56 - 0:58
Judy McCarthy displays an inward lip roll as the reporter says, "why change it at noon? What hap ...."
This is highly significant for emotions indication she's far from her emotional baseline and is attempting to prevent the outward display as well as the inward growth of an emotion.
0:58
Rep. McCarthy displays a tongue jut as the reporter says, "... those four ..."
This is significant for the thought-emotion of, "I've been caught" or "I've been bad".
McCarthy's downward gaze as well as his forward head and neck tilt (in this context) may indicate deep thought and introspection - or shame.
0:59
As McCarthy says, "Ya know ...
Judy McCarthy, anticipating her husband's answer, displays a hard swallow.
A hard swallow is significant for higher levels of anxiety (watch the video to appreciate the dynamics of this display).
At 1:01, during the last syllable of the word "... conference ...", the Congressman exhibits a nose rub with his right index finger (forefinger).
A nose rub/scratch indicates a high level of anxiety, and in this specific verbal-paralanguage-nonverbal cluster, it's highly suggestive of deception.
Note Mrs. McCarthy is beginning to look down and to her right.
Still during 1:01, Judy McCarthy is now looking further down to her right. This direction of gaze is highly correlated with strong emotions - very often with sadness, grief and regret.
During 1:02 - 1:05, 1:17 - 1:20, 1:38 - 1:39, Judy McCarthy looks directly up and holds her gaze there. This is a very common nonverbal phenomenon seen when a person is trying to suppress strong emotion - including the squelching of tears.
In conclusion, nonverbal analyses of Kevin McCarthy and Judy McCarthy show that the real reason for the Representative's withdraw from pursuit of the Speakership, is one other than he conveyed verbally - and, in addition, Mrs. McCarthy knows the true cause for this sudden change.
This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc. are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.
To the surprise of many, today John Boehner announced his resignation as Speaker of the House as well as from his seat for the 8th Congressional District of Ohio. This will take effect on 31 October 2015.
Speaker Boehner is known to tear-up easier than most. Today while recounting a personal encounter with Pope Francis (less than 24 hours earlier) provided another such occasion.
There are several nonverbal behaviors often seen in an effort to squelch one's tears and prevent a crescendo into a full cry. One of these is exhibited here by Speaker Boehner.
Note his lower lip protruding. Moreover this is unilateral and occurs several times. It may also have a jaw component along with this lip movement (a lateral displacement of the jaw on the same side).
Of course, no one is sincere all the time, yet it's of profound importance is that only those individuals with relatively higher sincerity quotients display this nonverbal signal.
What other nonverbal signs indicate higher sincerity levels?
This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc. are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.
From a body language perspective, the expression on Ms. Pelosi's face is almost a caricature. This is a classic nonverbal moment having elements of both contempt and disgust present.
Many have inquired of late with regards to the Speaker of U.S. House of Representative's body language. At multiple times, Boehner's mouth rapidly and evanescently pulls up at both corners in what some novices mistake for disgust or regret - and still others confuse it with "duping delight" (Ekman). However this is a facial tic (particular image below is captured from 0:21). Mr. Boehner displays it often and it increases in frequency with his anxiety level. The presence of this facial tic makes other nonverbal signals (such as those associated with the emotions mentioned above) more difficult to discern.
What other body language (e.g. non-tic facial expressions) in this video betray the Speaker's true thought-feelings with regards to suing the President?
Today in the U.S. Capitol Building's Statuary Hall, John Boehner spoke at the unveiling of the statue of Rosa Parks. A portion of his speech is shown in the above video. At several times the Speaker of the House grew emotional. At multiple times the Congressman Ohio also displayed a classic nonverbal which often is seen prior to tearful episodes - the "Lateral Lip Displacement" (one of which is captured in the image below). This characteristic body language-facial expression is a signal of an effort to squelch the emotional display. The lips, most commonly the lower lip, will contract to one side (here Mr. Boehner's left) and protrude. This can also be seen with a "wrinkling" of the front side of the chin.
This Lateral Lip Displacement (with or without protrusion) may occur without tears, a reddened face (not blushing), facial or head touching (manipulators, adaptors, or pacifiers) or other more obvious signals associated with revealed. When the tempering down of emotions is successful, and tears do not fall, many will be left wondering what the expressions they just saw had meant.
Many people have inquired about John Boehner's very rapid "smile-like" expressions recently. In the context of negotiations with PresidentObama regarding the "Fiscal Cliff", he has received more press than usual of late. One of these very evanescent facial expressions appears in the above video at the 0:06 mark. Note its symmetry - with equal elevation on both corners of the mouth. If one were inexperienced at reading nonverbals - or had not watched the U.S. Speaker of the House very much, they may mistake this rapid expression for what is known as a "duping delight". While we all display the duping delight expression occasionally - and Mr. Boehner is no exception (see also: Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2236: John Boehner & the Fiscal Cliff Plan B Failure - Body Language of Duping Delight), this particular expression is something different - a form of a facial tic. John Boehner displays this body language-facial expression very often (and is seen many times in the above segment). It tends to increase with Mr. Boehner's anxiety.
Note another very rapid, but asymmetrical pseudo-smile the congressman makes at the 0:07 mark. The quick "smile-like" elevation occurs much more predominantly on the left side of his mouth. While this asymmetry/mild difference may seem insignificant, this second particular expression conveys a very different emotion - one of contempt. This extremely rapid contempt display is one of many examples of emotions conveyed via microexpressions. Most of the Ohio republican's mouth movements (other than speech) in this segment are consistent with his anxiety-related idiosyncratic facial tic and not contempt related. However this body language is one exception.
At the 0:57 mark of this video, John Boehner (R-OH) displays a great example of a "Duping Delight" nonverbal. It is very brief and indeed is one of many emotions conveyed through what is known as a microexpression (Ekman). If you freeze-frame during this segment (it may take several attempts to get the exact moment), a very evanescent smile can be seen. In its cluster-context, this body language-facial expression strongly suggests that he is withholding some information. Thus it implies that the Speaker of the House believes that his "Fiscal Cliff Plan B" failed for different reason than the one of which he spoke.
This image of Barack Obama and Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH) taken at the President's 2012 State of the Union Address, shows Representative Boehner's facial nonverbal reaction to one of Obama's many statements. The particular configuration of Speaker Boehner's mouth is highly consistent with open, sincere and honest consideration. If during a negotiation, a person adopted this (facial) body language, you would know that they were open-minded, and in that moment giving your point-of-view serious consideration.
Be warned though - for very minor changes (and facial expressions that look very similar to Boehner's) will have completely different meanings.
We don't know what was said - or who said it, but Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), doesn't agree with it. Whenever you see this classic nonverbal pursed-lip signal, which Ms. Pelosi is displaying, you can be sure that its owner disagrees with what they hear or see. In addition, it's very likely that those who display the pursed lip have an alternative plan or proposal in-the-ready and are waiting for the best time to put it forth, if they've not already done so.
In the real world, the lip purse is not always so classic in appearance. Stay tuned for future posts for more subtle examples. Whenever you see it displayed though, this should be a signal that the other person will be taking action in the direction of their plan. You can be very certain of this - even if their words say otherwise. Those who display the lip purse are also demonstrating a fairly high level of confidence. Plenty of people disagree with us, but not everyone has the confidence, assertiveness and the resources to take action. So when you see this classic sign of disagreement and confidence - break out your diplomacy, your plan B or your resume.
