Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3622: Theresa May's First Speech as Prime Minister - Body Language Faux Pas (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Theresa May became the UK's new Prime Minister today. She also gave her first speech outside of Number 10. Understandably she was a bit nervous and this manifested in several ways - one in particular is discussed here.

The PM gestured with her hands and arms so minimally throughout the majority of the speech, that they did not emerge from behind the lectern until the 3:10 mark.

Certainly there are some who use their hands and arms too often or too dramatically (e.g., Bernie Sanders) - while others who use them in a fashion "out of sync" with their spoken words. In each of these cases, these "Illustrators" lose their potency or convey conflicting messages and thus backfire. However using one's hands and arms too minimally (or not at all) projects a timidity, a beta emotional tone and lack of confidence. Moreover when people hide their hands (in pockets, under the table, behind the lectern, etc.) we trust them less.

This particular lectern the Prime Minister is using should be perhaps 10 percent shorter - as well as reduced in width. It would help tremendously if it was made from a transparent material - and of a slimmer design. The more others see of you - the more they tend to trust you. The way this lectern is configured now, she's largely blocked - so that when Mrs. May makes minimal gestures with her hands, this remains unseen. The audience and camera only see it manifested as a shoulder shrug. Shrugs of course have their context (and some of Mrs. May's may indeed be "only" shrugs), but when these are displayed too frequently - it will further lower confidence (both of those using it as well as those watching).

One occasion when hands and arms usage should be quite minimal - is just after a tragedy.

 
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.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3621: Bernie Sanders Endorses Hillary Clinton

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2935: David Cameron and ISIL-ISIS-IS

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2409: David Cameron & François Hollande - Variations on the Hand Chop & Palm Orientation

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3526: Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler Meet - the Munich Agreement

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3617: President Obama and Speaker Ryan regarding the Dallas Shooting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3407: GOP Debate, the National Anthem and Shades of Napoleon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3207: Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3609: Emma Watson, Tina Turner, Ring Tones and Body Language


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3619: Lone Protester, Baton Rouge Police and Body Language (PHOTOS)

Photo Reuters Credit: Jonathan Bachman/Reuters

At the time of this writing, the full story surrounding this specific woman and situation is not available - while protesting the deaths of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and others - she refused to get off the street in front of the Baton Rouge Police Department.

In these two photographs taken at the same instant from different angles, we can see the police are advancing toward the woman. Presumably she was then escorted or maybe carried off the street with or without hand cuffs - and arrested.

From a body language perspective, these images give us insight into several key thought-emotions transpiring in this moment.

In her right hand is her phone - however it's difficult to tell what's in her left hand, perhaps some paper from which she had just read something aloud. Her hand/arm position is somewhat beta - although not dramatically so. To nuance this further - if her hand(s) and arm(s) were moving away from her body then this would have been crescendoing towards alpha, and if they were moving toward her torso, she would have been becoming more beta. The dynamics would be of course much easier to "read" if we had some simultaneous accompanying video.

The police no doubt are, to a degree, practicing protocol. Yet this scenario seems somewhat over cautious on their part. Perhaps the officers think she has a weapon or some device in her hand. The officer more distant to the camera appears to be about to grab her left wrist.

Note the position of her lower extremities. Both her feet are flat on the ground facing forward - and both are also slightly splayed. This leg/foot position is one of strength. Despite the fact that she is dramatically over-powered - this woman is, in large measure, the alpha personality in this moment.

The officers are two and she is one (not to mention the mass of many cops behind them). They are armed - she is not (most probably). They have full riot gear - military style protection. She has on a sleeveless and backless sundress. They have steel-toed boots - while she has on flimsy flats.

The police are obeying orders - however they are also conducting themselves in a manner which, while protecting them, also lends itself toward escalating the tension (particularly for other protestors watching). Their crouching and approaching body configuration implies both caution and aggression.

Note the woman's overall posture. This is seen most accurately via the perfect lateral perspective shown above. From the top of her head down her back, legs and feet - she is simply straight. Again - this is very alpha - signaling her strength, determination and defiance.

Photo credit: Max Becherer/AP

Photo Credit: Jonathan Bachman/Reuters

Although some detail is not possible due to the angle, glasses and the face shields - in this close up of the first image we can also see that the woman's face is relatively neutral (non-aggression). The officer furthest away is displaying a jaw jut - indicating anger and/or significant physical exertion (thus a high adrenaline state).

Addendum: The woman in this photo has been identified as Ieshia Evans.

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.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3618: Salma Hayek regarding Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3615: Store Owner Abdullah Muflahi Interview regarding the Shooting of Alton Sterling

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3607: Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Dating Rumors and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3597: David Cameron, The Brexit and Suppressing Emotions

Body Language Analysis No. 1864: Assuring a Nonverbal Display

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2689: Mirrors Used as Protest Tool in Keiv (Kyiv) Ukraine

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2727: "I am a Ukrainian" Video

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2649: How a Kiss can Change the World - Body Language of Affection


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3396: President Obama's Oval Office Address - Dialing up The Alpha - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Unlike his only other (two) Oval Office Addresses, last night Barack Obama was standing.

With the "Resolute Desk" behind him (rather than between him and his audience), the President (or anyone) will project and feel significantly more strength and resolve while standing. And even though this was a traditional speech (written in advance and read, as opposed to a press conference or debate), standing strongly engenders greater fluidity and confidence versus saying the same things while seated.

Standing has also been shown to temporarily increase testosterone (in both males and females) while also lowering cortisol (a "stress hormone"). This effect should not be trivialized or ignored. If you want to increase your assertiveness and look as well as feel more determined - take this one standing up.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3395: President Obama's Oval Office Address, ISIS and the Split-Finger Fastball - Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3112: John Travolta Chin Holding and Face Touching Idina Menzel at the Oscars - What Makes it Extra-Creepy 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3337: Barack Obama regarding Vladimir Putin on 60 Minutes 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3210: Matteo Renzi, Christine Lagarde, Barack Obama and Up-Regulating Alpha Emotions

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3285: Donald Trump Dialing Up His Alpha - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3328: PewDiePie on Stephen Colbert's Late Show - a Common Body Language Alpha Up-Regulator 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3046: Chris Pine Dials Up His Alpha - "Into the Woods" 
  
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2910: Becky Hammon, First Female Full-Time NBA Assistant Basketball Coach and an Under-used Body Language Illustrator (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday the San Antonio Spurs hired Becky Hammon as an assistant coach. She is just the second female coach in the history of the NBA - however she's the first in a full-time, salaried assistant position.

As many women leaders know, it is often a difficult balance to be assertive and alpha - and yet to not over-do these emotions. Many leaders, male or female do just that. The opposite extreme - too beta and diminutive is of course not an option. Hitting a happy-medium requires someone with both great interpersonal and intrapersonal skill.

In the sphere of nonverbal communication, there are many alpha-beta hybrids - and they are sorely underutilized. It is pure coincidence that the body language illustrator highlighted here is termed the "Unilateral Basketball Steeple".

While the "Conventional Steeple" is certainly a very strong alpha gesture - if used more than a second or two it will transmit feelings of arrogance and condescending emotional tones (and even when used very briefly, it must be choreographed for specially selected and very important moments of emphasis. See: Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2496:  Would You Buy a Car from this Man? [a Lykan Hypersport?],  Destroying Rapport with Arrogant Body Language)

An outstanding alpha-beta body language alternative to the conventional steeple is the basketball steeple - with the hands gesturing and held apart as if holding an invisible basketball (See: Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2710: Microsoft's New CEO Sayta Nadella's Body Language vs. Bill Gates). In this image (captured at the 9:57 mark) while at a press conference, Becky Hammon uses the unilateral basketball steeple. It is a nonverbal which projects strength, healthy leadership, assertiveness and confidence - and yet it is not over-zealous like the conventional steeple.

There is a ton of great nonverbals in this video - what others do you see?

Congratulations Becky Hammon!

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2102:  The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle and the  Conventional Steeple vs.Basketball Steeple

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2835: Jay Carney Resigns - President Obama Shows Us a Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2605: President Obama and Health Insurance Cancellation Fix - and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid Body Language Illustrator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2749: President Obama, Ukraine's Interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2680: Chris Christie's State of the State Address - Body Language Swagger and Sincerity (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Chris Christie gave New Jersey's State of the State Address today. This year's Address was a particularly difficult one for him. The Governor's stressor of the recent scandal surrounding the George Washington Bridge lane closures has been compounded by allegations of abuse of funds intended for Hurricane Sandy relief. A commercial which featured the Governor and his family costing $ 4.7 million was opted for rather than a version for $ 2.5 million which did not feature the New Jersey first family. This commercial was intended to drive up tourism for the Jersey Shore. Many feel that this was essentially free campaigning for Christie in the months leading up to his re-election.

The video above features the first 2:42 of the Governor's 2014 State of the State address from earlier today. At several times (two of them captured in still images below) he displays a characteristic quick, head tilt-head turn - which conveys a significant alpha quality. This quick snap of the head and neck can be thought of as a form of body language swagger or machismo, even when displayed by women. It conveys strength, a high confidence level and determined mindset. Note that Christie displays this nonverbal signal in the context of defending himself amid attacks from his political foes. Although the head snap does not in isolation convey sincerity, in this cluster context it does. Governor Christie believes strongly he is in the right.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2674: Did Chris Christie Orchestrate Bridge Closure or Cover Up His Subordinates Actions? Body Language Tells Us ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2673: New Jersey Bridge Closing - Fort Lee, NJ Mayor Mark Sokolich - What His Body Language Says about His Feelings towards Governor Chris Christie

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2468:  Princess Kate, Prince William & a New Baby Boy -  Body Language, Rapport & Saving Face

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2548: Confused, Quizzical and Disbelieving Body Language from Eric Cantor's Colleagues

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2676: Nancy Pelosi, Chris Christie, Bling and a Handkerchief

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2538: Governor Chris Christie's Body Language Tells regarding Shutting Down the Government and Telling us He’s Running for President in 2016 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2679: Tina Fey & Amy Poehler - Body Language of Suppressed Smiles, The 2014 Golden Globe Awards and Variation on a Theme

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2440: Vladimir Putin Dials Up His Alpha ...Foot Position, Projecting Leadership, Confidence & Body Language

Vladimir Putin is shown in the above image with his feet slightly greater than his shoulder-width apart. Although neither a video or the translation is currently available for this moment, we can certainly diagnose his emotions in the moment this photo was taken.

Mr. Putin is rarely feeling a lack of confidence. And this is no exception. He felt particularly alpha & adamant about an issue when he was speaking here. The Russian President is only 1.70 meters (5'7") in height - and some shorter men have an aversion of standing in such a way because it momentarily decreases their height. However standing with your feet about shoulder width apart or slightly closer projects (outwardly to others as well as to one's own psyche) confidence, strength of purpose, leadership, courage and increases the over-all "Alpha Quotient". It even engenders greater fluidity to speech and increases confidence in vocal tone. Those who stand with their feet too close together will experience the opposite. And while it is not advocated for women to stand with their feet separated as widely as men - the same phenomena holds true for both genders - as well as the animal kingdom (women configure their feet about 20- 25% closer in equivalent scenarios). Too often women avoid doing so for fear of looking masculine/not looking feminine. However, women need to take advantage of this nonverbal principle too. 

Very occasionally, if one wants to place a powerful punctuation regarding a particular point - a momentary slightly wider stance of the feet will add alpha. This is exactly what Vladimir is doing here.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2043:  Foot Position at a Funeral/Receiving of Remains Ceremony -  Respect vs. Disrespect

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2313:  Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel -  What Her Body Language Tells Us ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2137:  Mitt Romney vs. Barack Obama - First Presidential Debate -  Barack's Bad Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2199:  Thailand, Body Language,  Barack Obama and Yingluck Shinawatra -  Mirroring and Foot Point

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 337:  Michele Bachmann's Low Confidence Stance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1843:  United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice  in Response to Syrian Government's Houla Massacre

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2155:  Body Language Tells at the Second Presidential Debate  Mitt Romney at Attention &  President Obama's Disapproval-Subtle Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1867:  Ann Romney - Demure vs. Assertive Stance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2426:  Remembering Ronald Reagan,  "Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall"  Body Language at the Brandenburg Gate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2436:  Vladimir Putin next to Barack Obama - G8 Body Language

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2221: How NOT to Pose if You Want to Project Confidence -Heisman Body Language

While this is possibly an example of Nonverbal Mirroring, Johnny Manziel, Manti Te'o and Collin Klein were almost surely told to deliberately stand in this pose. Whether mirrored or deliberate, hands clasped over the lower abdominal region (known as the "fig leaf" or "genital guarding") is, in most settings a signal of low confidence. It can also signal reverence or respect - such as in a religious ceremony or in the presence of a dignitary, etc. And while these men have great respect for the Heisman Award and their nominations, this is a body language position which sends message of non-engagement, low confidence, demure and beta behavior. In this setting, they would have been much better advised to stand with their hands loosely clasped behind their backs (with feet a shoulder's width apart) - which projects the alpha emotions of confidence, assertiveness and strength. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1563: Geithner and Holder  In Deference to the President - One Occasion to Use the Fig Leaf

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 441:  Bill Clinton's Rapport and His Temporary Universe

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1770: White House Correspondents' Dinner - Lindsay Lohan's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1873: Hillary Clinton & Kofi Annan on Syria

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2155: Body Language Tells at the Second Presidential Debate  Mitt Romney at Attention &  President Obama's Disapproval-Subtle Contempt

Leadership Secret # 99:  One Body Language configuration a leader should (almost) never adopt - Steven Harper

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1865:  Five Presidents Standing in the Oval Office - Who has the Lowest Confidence?  Who is the Least Emotionally Comfortable? 

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