Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3461: Cam Newton Walks Out of Super Bowl 50 Post Game Press Conference - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The images below however, were captured from this video.  The video above is a different video of the same event with poorer quality sound and from a different angle.


Cam Newton has received a lot of criticism regarding the way he handled the Super Bowl 50 post game press conferences. The purpose of this article is not to criticize or explain this act further (yes, many are holding Newton to different standards than others and yes, the room was crowded and he could hear members of Denver's defense speaking), but to evaluate some of the key moments of this video from a nonverbal perspective. What follows is a partial analysis.

0:49

Partially closed upper lids

Head tilted down

Subtle mid-face contempt (his right side)

The head tilt and the partially closed upper eyelids both as contempt amplifiers.

1:01

Contempt is blatant

1:04

Clenched Jaw

Tight Forward lip purse

Lower lid tension

These comprise a nonverbal cluster highly indicative of Anger

1:11

Primary emotion in this second is Bitter Regret (note vectoring of mouth corners laterally) with dimpling

There is a lesser component of anger in this moment (thinning of lips)

1:35

Jaw Confessional

Quick Lateral Movement of Jaw

Just prior to Cam Newton saying, "I mean, we had our opportunities ..."






Highly indicative of embarrassment-anxiety as well as indicates honesty-sincerity.

1:38

Tongue Jut

Just before Newton says, "It wasn't nothing special that I did. We dropped balls, we turned the ball over ..."

The tongue jut indicates, "I've been bad" or "I messed up"

1:46

Regret after he says, "Threw errant passes"

2:27

Regret and Contempt

Just prior to the Quarterback walks out of the press conference











There's one other component to Cam Newton's body language which is profoundly important to take into account. Although the wearing of a hooded sweat shirt or "hoodie" has, particularly the last 2-3 years, been assigned by some people to speak with racial overtones, that is not now, has never and will never be the case here. Without a doubt in this context, Newton's wearing of his hood during this appearance speaks volumes about his reluctance to talk and not wanting to be there. Outside of certain ethnic, religious and cultural settings (which are never to be ignored), the covering of one's face (whether conscious or subconscious with hands or with some surrogate) has very real nonverbal meanings. In this scenario, Newton's hoodie acts as an extension of his body and to some degree a mask. If, prior to his speaking at this conference, he had considered it - and then decided to not wear his hood, he would have spoke with more openness, fluidity, with less anger or contempt and certainly would have built more rapport.

This press conference was horrendous PR for the Carolina Panthers and appalling PR for Cam Newton. Indeed it's a symptom of poor crisis management. Having superior nonverbal skills is just one component of handling yourself in such a scenario - yet it's extremely an important one. Body language management is nearly always handled via a "wing-it" or "learn as you go" approach - which are mammoth psychological mistakes and awful strategies. 

Those who use nonverbal skills deftly, can (among other things) use it as a form of biofeedback and use it as a tool to help control their mood. This is not only very helpful for those with impulse control disorders, depression, etc. - but for everyone, even those who otherwise have good emotional intelligence and social skills.

Manage your brand. Control the room.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3460: Eli Manning Reacts to Bronco's Superbowl Touchdown

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3457: Chelsea Clinton refers to Bernie Sanders as "President Sanders" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3453: Marco Rubio's Hyper-Alpha, Backfiring Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3443: Donald Trump - "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and Shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any Voters!" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3438: Hillary Clinton, What's Your Relationship with Vladimir Putin? - Democratic Debates 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3428: Jenna Dewan Tatum performs Ginuwine's "Pony" - Lip Sync Battle 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3410: Bernie Sanders Apologizes to Hillary Clinton for Data Breach at Democratic Debate - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3420: Bill Cosby's Mug Shot

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3460: Eli Manning Reacts to Bronco's Super Bowl Touchdown - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

The Vine video shown above has gone viral - and it's no wonder. Eli Manning is shown here the moment as C.J. Anderson scores a touchdown with just over three minutes to go in the forth quarter - all but guaranteeing the Denver Broncos a Super Bowl 50 victory. It would also give his brother Peyton Manning a second Super Bowl ring.

The caption on the video reads, "Eli Manning is SO EXCITED for his brother, Peyton." However in its sarcasm, this description dramatically misses the mark - for "Non-excitement" is definitely not what Eli Manning is feeling.

Although not fully manifested, this is a classic expression of fear.

Eli's Eyelids (particularly on his right) is opened wider than baseline. Note also the unmistakable expression of the "Mouth of Fear" as the corners of Manning's mouth are pulled back and down.

This is a classic "Thousand Yard Stare" of a person in emotional shock - who's processing negative information quicker than his emotional brain can handle.

Here Eli is displaying subtle-to-mild level of contempt. This is more easily seen when viewed in the context of the video looping.

It's very likely however that his contempt is not directed at his bother as it has been suggested.



Eli Manning has a high sincerity quotient. Moreover he also has high empathy displayed in the many hours of video available for anyone to watch. So what is behind this moment? Many have made this into a sibling rivalry issue - and perhaps it is. Yet Eli's fear, sudden shock and contempt - may have an explanation in the expression of a man who has just lost a lot of money (e.g., self-contempt). The suddenness of this display and out-of-character nature of these emotions are particularly striking.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3459: Miscues on the Introductions to New Hampshire Republican Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2988: How did John Elway feel about Peyton Manning's Touchdown Record?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2690: Peyton Manning Explains the Meaning of "Omaha" Call  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3078: Tom Brady, Deflategate, Deception and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3224: Jordan Spieth, the U.S. Open, and a Classic Fear Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3399: Donald Trump, a Bald Eagle and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1752: Wearing Red and Sexual Attraction - What are You Marketing?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3077: Caroline Wozniacki & Rory McIlroy - One Reason Why Relationships Fail - and an Important Warning Sign


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