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.


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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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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3903: Rex Tillerson Disagrees with Donald Trump - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This image of Rex Tillerson and Donald Trump was taken on Friday 7 April 2017 at Mar-a-Lago.

The Secretary of State and the President were in the midst of their second-day meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his staff.

It also happened to be the day after 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched into Syria striking Shayrat Airbase. Trump had ordered the attack in retaliation for the Syrian government's Khan Shaykhun chemical attack which occurred on 4 April 2017. This was perpetrated with the release of toxic gas, most likely sarin - killing at least 74 people while injuring at least 557.

At the time of this photo, President Trump was discussing the missile attack (although what detail was not published). Rex Tillerson's hands are configured in a what is known as a "Pistol Steeple". This is a multiple nonverbal metaphor - for the position of his hands, with the three least dominant fingers on each hand contracted/flexed but the index finger (forefinger) of each hand extended resembles a small firearm - and also roughly approximates the way some people hold a handgun.

But crucially, from a nonverbal perspective, the pistol steeple also says, "I'm shooting down your idea", "I strongly disagree with you". We can be sure whatever, specific Syrian War nuance Donald Trump is discussing - Rex Tillerson doesn't like what he's hearing.

Additionally, the index fingers of Tillerson's pistol steeple are being held over his mouth/lips (e.g., often times this body language signal is displayed with the hands held in front of the abdomen, chest or lower neck, etc.). This variation tells us that the Secretary of State believed the President was either speaking too freely, was in error, was being misleading, or being deceptive. Rex Tillerson was wanting Donald Trump to be quiet - and was quite literally silently shushing the commander in chief.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3902: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping - Power, Control, and Handshakes

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3900: Donald Trump's Statement Regarding US Retaliation for Syria's Chemical Weapons Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3899: President Trump regarding Poison Gas Attack in Syria

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3869: James Clapper regarding Alleged Wiretap of Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3841: Tom Brady's and Roger Goodell's Handshake after Super Bowl LI

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3811: Hayden Panettiere, Stephen Colbert and Personal Space

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3659: Ryan Lochte's "Today Show" Interview regarding Alleged Rio Robbery

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3591: Jo Cox, The Brexit and Sincere Smiles


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3900: Donald Trump's Statement Regarding US Retaliation for Syria's Chemical Weapons Attack - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Arm and hand nonverbal "gestures"- when used contextually and proportionately are powerful communicators. With respect to body language behavior nomenclature, gestures belong to the category of  either "MAPs" (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers) or "Illustrators". We can either build rapport with these nonverbal signals - yet just as often, without realizing, we will destroy it. MAPs and Illustrators may project qualities such as arrogance, humility, compassion, dominance (or hyper-dominance), alpha behavior, beta behavior (or alpha-beta hybrids), confidence, acquiescence, deception, etc.

Many people use gestures in incongruently with respect to their vocal qualities (paralanguage) and their verbal language - and in so doing, they "leak" their true thought-feelings. Sincerity is present (and we recognize it) when - in contrast, people use all three modes of communication (verbal, nonverbal, paralanguage) congruently.

Last night, during his statement regarding the US retaliation in Syria for Bashar al-Assad's recent chemical gas attacks, Donald Trump displayed almost no hand gestures. Although he did use some shoulder illustrators, there were NO arm gestures and only very brief finger extensions during 1:04 (as he says, "... It is in this vital, nation security interest of the United States ...") - and during 1:59 - 2:02 and 2:02 - 2:04 ("Tonight I call on all civilized nations [fingers briefly back to lectern] to join us in seeking to end this slaughter ...") - with the remainder of each hand staying anchored on this lectern/podium. This near abstaining of arm and hand usage is very rare for President Trump.

During a speech or statement regarding recent tragedy, loss of life - and/or that of a military attack - particularly as events are in the early stages - hand and arm movements which are held lower on the body and are minimal (as we see exampled here) - send messages of greater respect and reverence for the lives lost and somber nature of the events.

If President Trump had used hand and arm movements which, for him, are typical (flamboyant, hyper-alpha, dominant, etc.) - this would have been dramatically out of context here and it would have been "felt" by many to be self-serving. Even moderate arm and hand gestures would have seemed "tone-deaf" and insensitive.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3899: President Trump regarding Poison Gas Attack in Syria - What Will Trump Do?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3897: Roger Stone, Donald Trump, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3895: Donald Trump Walks Out of Oval Office without signing Executive Orders   

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3843: 84 Lumber Super Bowl Ad - "The Entire Journey"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3796: Bryan Cranston, Donald Trump, Anxiety and Alpha Up-Regulators

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3746: Alicia Keys, Questlove, Krispy Kremes and Connecting the Dots

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3594: Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Fareed Zakaria


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3899: President Trump regarding Poison Gas Attack in Syria - What Will Trump Do? - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today, during a joint press conference with King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Trump was asked about the recent deadly gas attack in Syria.

What follows is a portion of his response followed by a partial nonverbal analysis.

JULIA IOFFE [This question was edited out of this specific clip of the press conference, however, it is the one to which President Trump is responding]: You've condemned the chemical attacks in Syria, but you also appeared in your statement yesterday to pin some of the blame on the Obama administration. You are the president now. Do you feel like you bear responsibility for responding to the chemical attacks and does the chemical attack cross a red line for you?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I think the Obama administration had a great opportunity to solve this crisis a long time ago when he said, "The red line in the sand". And when he didn't cross that line after making the threat, I think that set us back a long ways - not only in Syria, but in many of the parts of the world - because it was a blank threat. I think it was something that was not - one of our better days as a country. So I do feel that, Julia, I feel it very strongly.

IOFFE: Do feel like you now have the responsibility to respond to the chemical attack?

TRUMP [over-talking]: I now have responsibility and I will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly - I will tell you that. It is now my responsibility. It was a great opportunity missed.

[CNN's video edit gap] 

IOFFE: Before I move on to the King, can I just quickly ask you if the chemical attack "crosses a red line" for you?

TRUMP: Ah, it crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill - innocent children - innocent babies, babies, little babies - with a chemical gas that is so lethal - ah - people were shocked to hear what gas it was [Lip Smacking, Head Torquing, Disgust Display, Eyelids Partially Closing, Mid-Facial Tension], that crosses many, many lines - beyond a red line. Many, many lines.

During 0:38 - 0:39, as he says, "... I now have responsibility and I will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly - I will tell you that. It is now my responsibility ...", Donald Trump spreads his arms quite widely, in a palms-up fashion.

This nonverbal signal indicates that the President is very accepting of and welcomes the responsibility to, "... respond to the chemical attack".

Just prior to the President saying, "... that crosses many, many lines - beyond a red line. Many, many lines" (during 1:06), he displays a nonverbal cluster containing the key signals of:

• Lip Smacking
• Head Torquing
• Eyelids Partially Closing
• Mid-Facial Tension 
• Disgust Display

This temporal combination of nonverbal displays is highly indicative of Trump's critical evaluation, a high degree of confidence in a decision(s) he has made, and he has determined a specific course of action to be taken regarding Syria.

Summary: Donald Trump's body language during the press conference earlier today, indicates with very high probability, the President intends to order a heavy military retaliation in response to the Poison Gas Attack of Bashar al-Assad upon the Syrian People.


See also:


Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3898: President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Meet at The White House

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3896: Did Matthew Perry Really Beat Up Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3894: Michael Flynn and Russia - "When are given immunity, it means you probably committed a crime" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3873: Brie Larson's Eyes, The Bachelor, and the Edge of Consciousness

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3858: Milo Yiannopoulos resigns from Breitbart with "Apology"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3735: Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Mean Tweets

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3662: Weverton Dives, Neymar Kicks and Brazil Wins Gold

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3596: Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3378: Ben Carson Likens Some Syrian Refugees to "Rabid Dogs" - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier today in Mobile, Alabama - Ben Carson compared some Syrian refugees to rabid dogs and the need to protect one's children. Many have criticized the Presidential candidate for say this, believing his metaphor was both inaccurate and in poor taste. However what did Carson himself think about his statement? His body language speaks volumes.

At in the above video, 0:39 Dr. Carson continues:

".... and I'm going to call the humane society and hopefully they come and take this dog away and create sa-, a safe environment on again." [Tongue Jut at 0:49].

At the very end of the video (at 0:49) we see Dr. Carson display what is known as a "Tongue Jut". Here it is so brief, it's a form of a microexpression.

In this body language cluster-context, Carson's tongue jut indicates: "I've got caught", "I've been bad" or "I did a foolish thing"(Navarro). Dr. Carson believes he went too far here and he regretted this comparison as soon as he said it. What other nonverbal signals present in this video support this conclusion?

With what other thought-emotions can a tongue jut be associated when other simultaneous body language signs are seen (not present in this example)?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3377: Holly Holm's post-fight interview after defeating Ronda Rousey

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3081: More Bill Belichick Body Language Deception Deflategate Tells

Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 48:  A Lizard Tongue gives us a Great Glimpse into  Katie Holmes' Psyche 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3334: Kevin McCarthy, Judy McCarthy and the Representative's Decision to Withdraw from Pursuing the Position as Speaker of the House - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3332: Ben Carson's New Book Cover is a Rapport Destroyer 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3372: Ben Carson, Low Expressivity & Body Language 

Dating & Romance Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1010: Rashida Jones - What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye? 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3348: Vladimir Putin, Bashar al-Assad and the World Stage (PHOTOS)

After four and a half years of the Syrian Civil War which is rapidly escalating with multiple actors, Bashar al-Assad has found a stronger ally in Vladimir Putin. Beginning on 30 September 2015, Russian planes began bombing al-Assad's opponents. And while initially, Putin claimed the purpose of these attacks were to fight ISIS, the Russian President has since admitted his priority of strengthening al-Assad.

Surprise ... the Syrian President met with his Russian counterpart earlier today in Moscow. In the above moment, al-Assad and Putin are shown shaking hands. From a body language perspective, this photo tells us several important things.

Bashar al-Assad's "smile" is a false one (AKA a pseudo-smile, fake smile or social smile) and more importantly, in this particular flavor contains a significant component of disgust.

In addition, Putin's body is turned 90 degrees away from where it should be. Vladimir is facing the camera when he should be looking at al-Assad. In order to build rapport - and show respect, your feet, hips, torso, head and eyes must be pointed at the person whose hand you're shaking. Vladimir's behavior here is highly unusual - even for a head-of-state, posed greeting.

In summary, President Putin's body language is tremendously disrespectful toward the Bashar al-Assad and very much validates the assertion of many - that Putin is using the Syrian President and conflict in order to re-assert himself on the World stage and hold onto Russia's only strong ally in the Middle East. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3347: Paul Ryan, The Speakership, Four Conditions and One Repetitive Facial Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3325: Vladimir Putin, the United Nations, Russian Soil and Confidence Levels 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3300: Vladimir Putin, Narcissism and Body Language  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3324: Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Shake Hands at UN Luncheon

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1162:  Ahmadinejad, Napoleon, al-Assad and Dominance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1874:  Bad Handshake - Political Prevalence


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3325: Vladimir Putin, the United Nations, Russian Soil and Confidence Levels (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday Vladimir Putin gave a speech before the United Nations General Assembly. Whenever the former KGB agent is off of Russian soil, although his words may be strong and alpha - his nonverbal signals rarely match.

One reason politicians use a teleprompter is to dramatically increase eye contact with the audience and the camera. Here however, the vast majority of the time, Mr. Putin is looking at his notes. Whether you're a high school speaker or an experienced head-of-state, you should be well acquainted with the power of proper eye contact brings to influence others. This is a lesson Mr. Putin has either not learned or has yet to master. Not only does lack of eye contact destroy rapport and influence - this beta behavior also sends signals of low confidence.

Notice too how Mr. Putin rocks back and forth on his feet. This is also a sign of low confidence and high anxiety - and will remind many readers of a nervous (beta) school boy.

Additionally, throughout this entire speech, Mr. Putin rarely uses his arms/hands. Such lack of gestures should at the very least, make us think of his low confidence - and should also call into question the possibility of deception. When we don't see somebody's hands, we instinctively do not trust them. Another very freshman faux pas.

What other two nonverbal signals does Vladimir repeatedly display - one of which should send up red flags of low confidence - and the other of INsincerity?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3324: Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Shake Hands at UN Luncheon - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3091: Vladimir Putin has Asperger's Syndrome according to Pentagon Report

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3300: Vladimir Putin, Narcissism and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3117: Boris Nemtsov and Vladimir Putin - What Body Language Tells Us 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2519:  Vladimir Putin Speaks Syria,  Chemical Weapons and Disarmament -  Body Language just after his New York Times Op-Ed 



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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3298: Aylan Kurdi, a three year-old Syrian refugee drowns and the image of his body moves the World - a Body Language Empathy Self-Assessment

This is an image of a joyful three year-old, Aylan Kurdi (left) and his five year-old brother Galip. As refugees, escaping the wars in Syria along with their parents, they were fleeing to Europe. These two precious little boys and their mother (Rehan) drowned off the coast of Turkey. Only their father survived. An image of Aylan's body - washed up on a beach has been seen the World over. That photo - and more specifically the powerful emotions it has evoked, has moved many, including European leaders, to action. The picture is deliberately not included here - yet, if you've not done so already, give some thought to googling the photo and viewing it in private.

What did you feel when you first viewed the image Aylan's body? It may strike you as odd, yet some people did not feel very much emotion. Those with high empathy quotients however will manifest most or all of the following nonverbal changes.

Many people upon seeing such an image immediately bring their hands up to their face and cover their:

• mouth, 
• mouth and nose or 
• mouth, nose, cheeks and with fingers usually covering parts of their eyes

Beneath your hands your mouth is usually opened - with tightened lips covering your teeth. Your eyes will also open widely. This nonverbal cluster is indicative of shock-surprise with a high empathy quotient.

The above emotional moment virtually always transitions fairly rapidly to that of grief-sadness - which is nonverbally manifested by an elevated central forehead contraction (elevated CFC) along with a mouth of sadness with its characteristic down-turned corners - while at the same time the cheeks are pulled upwards. The upper eyelids droop significantly and the lower eyelids partially close too. Grief-Sadness is typically the longest lasting emotion.

You may initially feel nausea along with your grief and may clench your jaw as your tongue bunches-up and contract backwards.

Sometimes a classic of partial mouth of fear expression will manifest, although this is typically brief and replaced my grief-sadness.

Your head-neck-torso complex will typically retract away from the computer/T.V. screen. You may even step backwards or pull your chair in the opposite direction. Your legs and feet will often retract together. The knees and the ankles will bend. Your arms will typically cross over your chest with the hands and fingers contracting/clenching as the psyche goes into a protective mode. The hands will very often move over the heart. Simultaneous with the hands-over-heart dynamic - the tears will often begin to flow. Along with extreme grief, this cluster-complex is a form of emotionally holding the little Alyan from a distance. A part of us (many of us) instinctively want to comfort him and protect him even though he has passed. For with those of higher empathy at this moment, the miles disappear - as well as the fact that we've never seen or heard of this innocent little boy before.

My deepest condolences to Aylan's and Galip's Father and Rehan's husband - Abdullah Kurdi, their family and loved-ones.

Please donate here to help the refugees:

United Nations Refugee Agency

Save the Children

Islamic Relief USA


For nonverbal cross-referencing, see also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3292: Empathy, Yawning and Dogs

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2787: Korean Ferry Sinking, Empathy and Emotional Processing 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3035: John Wall, Miyah Telemaque-Nelson - and Grief, Empathy & Emotional Pain 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3297: 70th Anniversary of the End of World War II - Height, Intimidation and Surrender on the Mighty Mo'

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3079: Tom Brady, Deflategate - Part Deux
 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2927: Barack Obama regarding ISIS/ISIL - Atypical for the President (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday U.S. President Barack Obama spoke to the World regarding ISIS/ISIL and the execution of James Foley.

During his speech Mr. Obama uncharacteristically displayed a dramatically diminished use of his hands and arms. In body language terminology most of these are referred to as "Illustrators" (although in common parlance most people simply call them "gestures").

Most of the time the President is far superior compared to most politicians in his quality use of illustrators - and typically he strikes a very good balance between alpha or beta - and relatively rarely deviates from quality body language. This speech however was a significant exception.

No doubt the President felt and continues to feel great anguish at the death of the American photo-journalist and the other innocents killed, raped and assaulted by ISIS/ISIL. However, his anxiety and beta behavior is shown by, among other things, essentially no use of his hands and arms throughout this speech. It is, of course, easy for anyone to comment or critique when they do not bear the burden of high office, yet if Mr. Obama had used his more typical quality nonverbal illustrators - with even a modest amount of more alpha and assertive emphasis - it would have better served him at driving home his points in such a crucial speech.

My sincere condolences to the family and loved-ones of James Foley and the multitudes of others who are suffering in Iraq and Syria at the hands of ISIS/ISIL.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2926: Baby Hears Lion's Roar for First Time - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2923: Barack Obama, Jaw Clenching and Diffusing Anger - Body Language as a Form of Biofeedback

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin  Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2150:  Body Language Advice for  President Obama and Governor Romney in Tonight's Debate

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2877: Zac Efron and Michelle Rodriguez Dating - Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo  

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2889: Bashar al-Assad takes his Oath of Office (again) - Body Language Signals of Low Confidence and ... (PHOTOS)

This past week, Bashar al-Assad has once again taken his oath of office as President to serve the people of Syria. Yet something is amiss in Damascus - and we detect what it is and with great certainty from the hints in this photo.

Al-Assad is the man standing behind the lectern in this picture. Note how close his feet are together (note the man to his right has his feet further apart). In this context (and in the vast majority of them) a confident leader should never stand with his feet so close together. Take a break from reading this post now and stand with your feet close together as he is doing - and then stand with them about a shoulder's width apart. Switch back and forth a few times and notice how your confidence changes. Al-Assad has low confidence and feels low emotional comfort. He is faking it. He's pretending to be alpha - yet his true emotions are beta. He is worried about his ability to lead.

Disparities between what people profess and what they are really thinking-feeling are of paramount importance. How many dozen of these incongruities have slipped by you this week?

What other immediate emotional and cognitive benefits immediately result from standing with your feet in a shoulder's width stance?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2888: Hillary Clinton, Jon Stewart and Destroying Rapport

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2759: Vladimir Putin, Annexation of Crimea and Mouth Asymmetry

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1861:  Bashar al-Assad's Denial and Deception

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2518:  Bashar al-Assad Shows Body Language Tell of Extreme Stress  Charlie Rose Interview, Part III

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2501:  Bashar al-Assad, Chemical Weapons and a  Body Language Signal of a Sociopath

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2827: Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy - She was the Alpha, He was the Beta 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2857: Barack Obama on Syria, Belief that Syrian opposition could have overthrown Assad with U.S. arms a "fantasy" - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Norah O'Donnell interviewed Barack Obama earlier today. A portion of that interview is included above and a partial nonverbal analysis follows below.

At 0:00.5 Norah O'Donnell begins, "... Would that vacuum exist had we backed the moderate rebel forces in Syria?"

President Obama, answers, "... ah, yes.... I, I, I think th, this notion that somehow there was this ready made, moderate, ah, Syrian force that was able to defeat, ah, al-Assad, is, simply not true, ah ..."

As O'Donnell finishes up her question, and before the President even answers, he displays a brief expression of contempt.

While this is too long in duration to technically qualify as a "Microexpression" - it still is quite evanescent and has the same level of significance.

Note his asymmetrical smile - with Mr. Obama's right corner of his mouth vectored upward.

His right "mustache area" also contracts - as his right nostril flares as well. Additionally, and an amplifier of his contempt is betrayed in his eyelids partially closing - with greater prominence on his right.

At 0:07, further mouth asymmetry is displayed.

Still at 0:07, greater eyelid closure is manifested, particularly on the president's right side.

Even further eyelid closure with the President gazing down to his right (still at 0:07).

This and other eye moment directionals are epiphenomena of different emotional-thoughts. And while they are not 100% predictive - once normed, they can provide significant nonverbal adjunctive diagnosis. President Obama's brain behaves more like a right handed dominant person's (even though he is left handed) - do you know why?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2856: Coleen Rooney (Wayne Rooney's Wife) at England's 2-1 Loss to Uruguay - What Emotions? - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin  Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2704: Barack Obama, John Boehner and the State of the Union Address - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2758: Barack Obama Regarding Further Sanctions to Russia for Annexation of Crimea

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2442:  Nancy Pelosi's Subtle Contempt Display  Body Language Regarding "Who Cares?" Retort

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2822: Ludacris, Low Confidence, High Confidence and Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2811: Jason and David Benham are Dropped from HGTV - Body Language of Subtle Contempt, Anger & Disgust

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2581: Syria, Ambassador Robert Ford and a Body Language of Deception (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Within the above video is a fantastic nonverbal example of a lying tell. When making a definitive and declarative statement (as Ambassador Ford does here) - a nose rub/scratch is highly indicative with deception.

Beginning at the 0:36 mark, Senator Corker asks, "Do you feel good about what our country is doing with the opposition right now?"

Robert Ford then answers back, "Senator, there's not a person on my team at the State Department that doesn't feel frustrated, frustrated by the Syrian Problem in general". He begins this specific, declarative statement by rubbing the area just to right side of his nose. There can be no doubt - there is some level of deception being projected here.

What other body language signal clustered here is congruent with deception?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2400:  One Way Deception Could be Minimized in the Court Room -  O.J. Simpson

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2421:  Gov. Phil Bryant, Working Moms and  Body Language - Deception and Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2033:  Lie Detection, Sergey Lavrov and Syria

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1907:  Governor Rick Scott tells a Lie

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2176:  James Carville's Body Language - Pennsylvania & Swing States

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2156:  Barack Obama's Body Language at Al Smith Charity Dinner -  Comedy, White Lies and Facial Touching MAPs 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2541: Barack Obama, Permanent U.N. Security Council Members, Syria's Chemical Weapon Disarmament and a Presidential Gaffe - Body Language in the Oval Office (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In this recent video, President Obama commits a big nonverbal mistake. He typically has outstanding body language skills but it appears here that he was not fully present in the moment. Unfortunately this probably burned some bridges with the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh with whom he was sitting.

Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The images below however, were captured from this video. 

India has long sought to be a permanent member of the United Nation's Security Council. At the beginning of this video (0:03 - 0:08), Barack Obama gestures with a loose fist thumbs up configuration directly at Mr. Singh and yet was speaking about Russia and the other members of the P5 (United States, Russia, United Kingdom, France and China), the other (rotating) members of the U.N. Security Council (of which India is not currently one) - and the efforts to disarm Syria of chemical weapons.

This mistimed gesture made it seem to Mr. Singh and those who were watching - that Mr. Obama had somehow momentarily confused the Indian leader for a Russian one - or perhaps that India was on the U.N. Security Council. Of course neither of these is true. When he realized this mistake, Mr. Obama reflexively retracted his hand and arm away from the Prime Minister and closed both of his eyes and verbally paused as he tried to collect his composure.

Bilateral eyelid closure in this context is significant for emotional processing and a desire to emotionally "wipe away" an event which was just witnessed or "erase" a mistake that was just committed.  It is useful to think of this as the emotional mind trying to "catch up to" what the intellectual mind already knows to be true.

In addition Mr. Obama is displaying a near microexpression of contempt (on his left) which is almost certainly self-directed. He is scolding himself for having made such a major mistake.










Oodles of other nonverbal signs are in this video. What other significant tells do you see?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2291:  A Tight Fist and Tension in The Face -  Jay Carney's Body Language as he defends  Chuck Hagel's performance during  Senate Confirmation Hearing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2152:  Second Presidential Debate - 16 October 2012 -  Barack Obama's Duping Delight -  Benghazi, Libya Attack was an "Act of Terror" -  Alpha, Beta, Confidence & Acquiescence ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2374:  Tom Cruise on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Body Language of Emotional Dissonance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2285:  Emotional Processing during Crying - Body Language of Survivor of Brazilian Nightclub Fire

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1510:  Handshakes, Statesmanship and Dominance -  Manmohan Singh & Asif Ali Zardari

Leadership Secret # 17:  The Only Time for the Politicians' Double Hander

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2519: Vladimir Putin Speaks Syria, Chemical Weapons and Disarmament - Body Language just after his New York Times Op-Ed (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Vladimir Putin was interviewed on Thursday 12 September a day after his Op-Ed was published in the New York Times in which he called for American caution and reserve in Syria. Mr. Putin showed a good number of anxiety-correlated body language tells in this exchange. He is not as confident as he would have the World believe.




Vladimir’s right hand is shown here in what is termed as the “spit finger fastball” (because of its similarity to the positioning of the hand necessary for that particular baseball pitch).

Here shown in a close-up, the split finger fastball gesture is a good example of an alpha-beta hybrid hand illustrator. It is a wise hand gesture for a leader to use – for it projects confidence without arrogance and strength without being over-bearing. It also engenders this much sought after, yet rarely delivered persona.






Despite the above noted use of the split finger fastball, Mr. Putin displays a relatively low amount of hand-arm illustrators throughout this interview. This relative rarity of hand gestures behavior is consistent with relatively high levels of anxiety. Mr. Putin is on the world stage as he has never quite been before. He has reasons to be anxious.

At 0:56, the Russian President displays a microexpression of mild fear with an overlaying emotion of regret. This occurred just after Mr. Putin said, "...On September the ninth ..." [MICROEXPRESSION] he then continued his sentence "... we heard John Kerry's statement. He said it's an important issue which needs to be dealt with and we agree...". This was most probably in response to Mr. Putin's calling Mr. Kerry a liar several days ago. Mr. Putin displays this expression multiple times throughout this video.

Another interesting finding is seen throughout the entire length of this interview: Vladimir Putin shifts his weight back and forth from leg to leg. Barring any back injury or arthritis, this constant center-of-gravity shifting is significant for low emotional discomfort and high level of anxiety.

During the 0:41 – 0:44 segment Vladimir displayed an example of a modified fig-leaf. This is a low confidence body language stance rarely used by Putin. This betrays a lower degree of emotional comfort. 

Although they are not seen directly, it is evident that during the 1:11 to 1:14 segment, Mr. Putin stands with his feet close together as he slaps his left thigh with his left hand (an example of a MAP, Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier). For Mr. Putin in particular (who is advanced in both Sambo and Judo as well as an ex-KGB agent) - this is highly unusual. He looks as if he is momentarily standing at attention. This feet-close is yet another stance conveying lower confidence. Projecting a beta and demure emotional tone, Vladimir is telling us he does NOT feel emotionally comfortable or confident on this particular World Stage.

The Russian President then dials up his alpha a bit by gesturing with the split finger fastball (discussed above).







There were oodles of nonverbals signals in this interview. What others did you spot?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2250:  Deal Reached on "Fiscal Cliff",  Barack Obama's Body Language  and the "Split-Finger Fastball"

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

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 # 2331  Sheryl Sandberg on Time Cover - Magazine Brass Picked Completely Wrong Image - Her Body Language has the Opposite Message of the Article

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin  Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2433:  Vladimir Putin & David Cameron Disagree on Syria -  A Body Language Evaluation of Russian Leader

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


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