Body Language Analysis No. 4390: Mike Pence visits 'Detention Center' in McAllen, Texas - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Vice President Pence briefly visited a migrant "Detention Center" in McAllen, Texas on Friday 12 July 2019. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of the above video of that event.

In our very first glance of Vice President Pence in this video (0:14), he is looking up - and maintains his upward gaze - well above the faces of the men in cages.

This complete lack of eye-contact in this scenario is profound - for it dramatically facilitates dehumanization. The tendency of a person to inflict suffering upon other human beings and animals is amplified by a lack of eye contact.

Conversely, eye contact during moments of pain and suffering engenders empathy and affection - affection even among people who have never met. Such eye contact dramatically builds rapport and feelings of connection which profoundly transcends any words.

The Vice President's facial expression is an amalgam of Contempt and Disgust.

Notice that Pence's head and neck are tilted backward. While this configuration is not a required component of either disgust or contempt - it does serve to amplify both of these emotions.

Another important component of Pence's body language here are his crossed arms. Note his right hand is largely hidden, with its fingers only partially exposed on his left bicep - while his left hand is mostly hidden. Notice too, that his upper arms are pulled more closely to his torso than is typical. This is not a loose arm cross. Pence is protecting himself from what he perceives to be a threat. His crossed arms projects the beta emotions of defensiveness (defensiveness-related anxiety), emotional discomfort, and low confidence. No leader should ever project these emotions — particularly in this context.

During the vast majority of this video, Pence's torso was oblique to it to the cage - a structure which serves as a surrogate for the men in toto (~45º to ~ 60º). Critically, although he twice twisted his torso parallel to the cage (0:16 - 0:18 and 0:45 - 0:46), by the Vice President's movements, his feet appear to have never been directly pointing at it. Human beings whole body point - and particularly point our feet - toward other people who we respect (and also toward those whom we like or find attractive). Pence's lack of body pointing in this context is further evidence of his nonacknowledgement of them as a group - and his feeling that they don't deserve respect.

Note the Male Officer in the green uniform. He's twisting/massaging/pulling at his left ring finger. This is a common significant indicator of anxiety.

Note Pence's disgust expression is more extreme in this next moment (0:21)

Senator Mike Lee, to Pence's left, is also looking over the heads of the men in cages - and while not a requirement of upward gaze, Lee's head is also tilted backward. He has an expression of both subtle contempt and subtle disgust.

The uniformed man in green has mild contempt expression together with frustration (presumably at the videographer). His fingers are interlaced with his thumbs steepled. In this context, his hand configuration is an amalgam of alpha-impatience and frustration.

Senator Lindsey Graham walks in the room and steps in between the Vice President and the encaged men. As he is doing so, he whole-body points toward who he considers to be his priority - Mike Pence (0:24).

Senator Graham continues to negotiate for positioning - maintaining his back towards the men - while his face and body point toward the Vice President (0:25).

Note also, his hands are in his front pants pockets. We hide our hands during beta moments of emotional discomfort.

The Vice President then, momentarily, uncrosses his arms, and while speaking to the officer in green, gestures with his palm down (0:27). Palm-down gestures are associated with alpha-emotional tones. These are used by individuals who are asserting dominant and often hyper-dominant mindsets. And crucially, a person using palm-down gestures has already decided what their course of action will be. There is virtually no chance of changing the mind of a person using palm-down gestures.

Note the direction of Pence's gaze - he's still not looking at the men. He's temporarily looking downward - as is the officer to whom he's speaking.

Senators Lindsey Graham and Mike Lee are also averting their gazes - but in the form of prolonged blinking. Their eyes are momentarily closed. At least a portion of their minds do not want to look at the suffering before them. They're both in states of cogitative-emotional dissonance.

Graham's hands are still in the pocketed and beta configured. His mouth projects regret. These are additional signals of cogitative-emotional dissonance.

Pence displays a clear expression for the thought-emotion of Contempt as he asks the office a question confirming that the facility ("you"), "... you don't have enough space?" (0:30).

Note that the context of "you" as Pence uses it here - the "Detention Center" - is instituted by the federal government - for which Pence is second in command. Pence is a crucial part of the "you" to which he refers.

In this next image, only Lindsey Graham is looking straight ahead (in primary gaze). Pence, Lee, and the officer are all looking in upward gaze - thus not into the eyes of the caged men (0:31).

A crucial detail here is that the heads and necks of each of the three American politicians are all tilted backward. This disgust amplifier is an indirect indication of the politicians "looking down their noses" at the caged men.

Pence continues his beta, defensive, protective, low confidence, emotional discomfort crossed-arm configuration. 

Pence proceeds to nod his head up-and-down while his facial expression conveys an amalgam of Anger and Disgust. Head nodding is extremely common default behavior for Vice President Pence.
This nodding behavior, while on its surface, would seem to be purely an acknowledgement and/or an agreement - with its excessive duration and context is a manifestation of Pence's adrenaline excess arising from his anxiety, emotional discomfort, a desire to look thoughtful - particularly while on camera.

Senator Lee's right index finger is digging into the pad of his right thumb as he simultaneously looks approximately 90º to his left. Senator Lee is profoundly emotionally uncomfortable. He's struggling to appear relevant - and yet, he very much wants to leave.

Lindsey Graham is feeling deep regret and shame during 0:36.

During 0:34 - 0:39, Pence lowers his arms and hands to his sides as he briefly looks out into the crowd of men in cages. His gaze is at a level consistent with their faces as he continues to nod his head up-and-down.

As he looks away, Pence continues to display contempt (0:46). Senator Lee continues his prolonged blinking - his psyche trying to block the suffering in front of him.

The officer of the facility elevates his forehead and eyebrows, while simultaneously making acknowledgment eye contact with the Secret Service agent. He motions with his right arm-hand as his left hand begins to elevate to Pence's back in order to direct the Vice President out of the room. It's highly likely that this officer, prior to Pence's entrance, was instructed to give him a very short description and get the Vice President back outside of the room.

Pence once again, defaults to his a disgust expression with his looking-down-his-nose/head and neck tilted backward posture (0:46).

Along with Senator Lee, Vice President Pence also manifesting his anxiety in a similar fashion - digging his right thumb into his right index finger (0:48).

While exhibiting the same anxiety dynamic with his left hand (0:50).

Pence exhibits continued contempt as he rotates to exit the room (0:50).


SUMMARY: Mike Pence's body language repeatedly displays contempt and disgust for these men in cages.

Although he is the second in command of the nation, the Vice President is defensive, has low confidence, high anxiety, and feels in need of protection.

It's of profound importance to note that Mike Pence had almost no eye contact with these men. Empathetic leaders would be engaging with them - looking them in their eyes, speaking with them, and even touching them. They would be acknowledged as human beings who are suffering.

Mike Pence is trying to feign empathy - he's making a token attempt at appearing thoughtful. However, the Vice President does not feel any empathy for these men. Rather he feels disgust and contempt toward them.

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See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4389: Jeffrey Epstein's Default Expression

Body Language Analysis No. 4388: Donald Trump regarding Drowned Father and Daughter in the Rio Grande

Body Language Analysis No. 4387: Donald Trump Welcomes Foreign Interference in US Elections

Body Language Analysis No. 4386: Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump in Churchill's War Room

Body Language Analysis No. 4385: William Barr Testimony - Part II - Senate Judiciary Committee

Body Language Analysis No. 4384: William Barr's Testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on 1 May 2019 - Part I

Body Language Analysis No. 4299: Bill Clinton confronted regarding Monica Lewinsky Affair

Body Language Analysis No. 4298: LeBron James Walks Out of Post Game Press Conference after Game One Loss

Body Language Analysis No. 4295: Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos, and Red Flags

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3257: Donald Trump at the Texas-Mexico Border - Body Language of a Hyper-Alpha (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Donald Trump jetted to the Texas-Mexico border on Thursday. The republican candidate who's leading most of the polls appeared in this video with the Mayor and the City Manager of Laredo.

It's of course common knowledge that Mr. Trump more than any other candidate - republican or democrat - spouts dramatic and aggressive language. What many don't realize however, is that his body language is also more invasive and provocative. Verbal and the nonverbal signals are intertwined. Assertive and hyper-assertive verbal language are linked to alpha and hyper-alpha body language. Passive and demure verbal language are also yoked with beta body language. The trick is (most of the time) to strike a happy medium. There are times of course, when projecting dominance and strength are important - but (surprise) Donald (way) over-does it.

What follows are five nonverbal hand-arm displays (Illustrators and one [Self-Pointing] sometimes also transitions to a MAP [Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier]) which are all common in political candidates (and other hyper-alpha personalities). These are much more plentiful (in the political context) prior to primaries - when republicans are running to the right and democrats are leaping left. After the primaries though, the nonverbal (and verbal) language is nearly always less extreme.

The "Dominant Spider"

This is much more common in males and is extremely frequent in those with narcissistic personality disorder.

"Palms Forward"

A refuting and dismissive illustrator


Much more common in those with impulse control problems

"Palms Down" illustrator

When the fingers are separated - the palms down is less alpha vs. when the fingers are together.

Depending on the frequency and context, "Self-Pointing" may of course be indicative of self-deprecating emotions and messages. Trump however is using the self-point in a braggadocio manner here. During this press conference (during 4:53 - 4:54), he even refers to himself in the third person. In most scenarios, frequent self-pointing is highly correlative with narcissism.

Of the five examples shown here, the "Hand Chop" is the most frequently seen illustrator among alpha personalities - and there's certainly no exceptions when it comes to politicians (the palms down is a close second).








It's important to show strength, confidence and assertiveness yet without being hyper-aggressive, arrogant and condescending. Hyper-alpha body language will polarize. Those who already agree with you will be drawn towards your cause. All others will run in another direction.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3256: Katie Holmes on Jimmy Fallon - Body Language Tells

Ted Cruz to Announce his Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Why He Will Never Win - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3134: Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3154: Marco Rubio's Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3227: Bobby Jindal's, "... I am tanned ..." remark - What does his Body Language tell us? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3200: Martin O'Malley announces Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language of Emotional Processing 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3235: Jim Webb Announces His Presidential Bid .... and some Body Language Weakness 

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3178: Garland, Texas Gunmen - Elton Simpson, Nadir Soofi, Contempt and Body Language Warning Signals (PHOTOS)

Although ISIS has claimed responsibility for this recent act of terrorism, the strength of such a possible link is still being investigated. The perpetrators - Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi - were shot dead by a police officer as they opened fire on a crowd of people at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas. Simpson and Soofi had assault rifles. They wounded a security guard - he was shot in the ankle, treated and later released.

The event at which Soofi and Simpson initiated an attack was billed as the "First Annual Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest" and was organized by the American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI). The Southern Poverty Law Center which tracks extremist groups classifies the AFDI as an Anti-Muslim organization.

Both Elton Simpson (above) and Nadir Soofi (below) are captured in these images with expressions of contempt on their faces. Simpson's contempt is subtle (perhaps 1 or 2 out of 10) while Soofi's is mild (2 or 3 out of 10). Everyone displays both contempt and disgust on occasion. This is normal - for we are all human. However those who display contempt and/or disgust chronically - have significantly higher rates of narcissism, increased problems with impulse control (problems regulating temper) and a greater tendency toward violence - when compared with those who don't have such chronic facial expressions.

Of course most all of those who display contempt or disgust chronically will not instigate mass shootings or other acts of terrorism. Yet those who wear these nonverbal signals frequently should certainly be avoided when possible. They're not pleasant people. And such individuals should themselves seek psychological help.




















See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3177: Carly Fiorina Announces her Candidacy for the 2016 Presidential Race

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3107: Erich Milton Nowsch Jr. - Las Vegas Road Rage Suspect - Body Language of Predicting Violence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2500:  Ft. Hood Shooter Nidal Malik Hasan and Contempt  The Body Language of Threat Assessment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2231:  A Common Facial Expression of Mass Killers - Using Body Language as a Threat Assessment Tool

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3134: Ted Cruz to Announce his Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Why He Will Never Win - Body Language (PHOTOS)

A Reminder: 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 or religious agenda.

Ted Cruz has leaked the fact that tomorrow he will formally announce his 2016 candidacy for the Presidency of the United States. Politics aside, the freshman Senator from Texas has absolutely no chance to win either the Republican nomination - let alone the White House. One non-political reason is - while he's very good at stirring up emotions, Cruz lacks even a fundamental understanding of building likability and rapport - and the psychology behind it. Without such knowledge and ability, no candidate will ever capture a significant fraction of that middle 1/3 of the electorate.

One example of this interpersonal blind spot is demonstrated above. This image was captured last month at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference - of course a very friendly audience for a republican candidate - yet even here faux pas abound.

Note Cruz is pointing his index finger towards the audience. Forefinger (index finger) pointing is universally offensive across all cultures on the planet - so even if a republican is in front of a conservative group - THIS BODY LANGUAGE WILL ALIENATE. Moreover his finger pointing is the only thing preventing his hand from forming a full, closed-fist. Such an 80% fist is another high-tension illustrator which destroys rapport. In addition Cruz's arm/fist is raised - further drawing tension. And while perhaps solidifying his hardline followers, this gesture pushes away the vast majority of any possible "maybe voters".

Another profoundly important nonverbal principle demonstrated in this image is the correlation between the Senator's face and his hands. When the emotions are sincere - hand tension will tend to strongly mirror facial tension - and vice versa. When the emotions are being feigned - the hands and facial stress levels will very often be quite disparate. Thus we can conclude absolutely that Senator Cruz's anger and disgust displayed on his face in this moment are indeed very sincere - for this anger is reflected by the configuration of his left arm, fist and forefinger - yet these will not build rapport or get him the swing voters he or any candidate needs.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3133: The Red Flag of Robert Durst's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2150:  Body Language Advice for  President Obama and Governor Romney in Tonight's Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2963: Barack Obama at the United Nations General Assembly regarding ISIS/ISIL, 24 September 2014 - Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2596: What Motivates Ted Cruz's Regarding Anti-Obamacare, Body Language Tells on Jay Leno

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2981: Wendy Davis, the Governor of Texas, Book Covers and Projecting the Wrong Emotions (PHOTO)

Wendy Davis is running for Governor of Texas. She's an underdog - currently polls say she's about 12 points down vs. Greg Abbott.

As do many who run for high office, she recently published her memoir, "Forgetting to Be Afraid". The story of her life to date has been a difficult one and many would not have overcome similar adversity. Yet the nonverbal messages as well as other components of her book cover works against her.

Let's look a couple of the easy issues first. Having two negatives words in the title has a destructive psychological effect. Alternatives such as: "Another helping of Courage", "Backbone", "Texas Courage" or "Texas Grit", etc. would have a much stronger message - and also one consistent with positive leadership.

Another amateur and basic mistake here (a' la the first of the 1960 Nixon-Kennedy Presidential Debates) is a background which is almost the same shade as Ms. Davis' shirt. This is a nonverbal metaphor for lack of strength, low definition and a beta personality. Nixon blended in, Kennedy stood out. This is a classic lesson in American political circles - learn from history.

Her smile is also insincere. This is a specific example of what in body language parlance is known as a "social smile" and what most everyone will label as "she doesn't really want to be here" or "she doesn't like me but she's pretending to" or "I belong here and you don't" or "insincerity/fake/inauthentic" or worse. From a strict nonverbal analysis perspective, what additional specific emotion is being projected here? When it comes to book covers, certainly not everyone has to be smiling. However in the context of a book, the purpose of which is to get her elected - the emotions her face is projecting are profoundly important. This is not the face of a person who you would want to baby sit or from whom you would buy a house. Nor is it one any politician should adopt who wants to get elected.

Most all nonverbal novices oversimplify "hand(s) in pockets" signals. A politician should NEVER have their hands in their pockets. NEVER. At best it projects signals of passive, beta, and unassertive emotional tones. Depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered, it can also send feelings of deception and cowardice. In this particular pose, secondary sexual signals suggest additional ambivalence. This and similar hand-in-pocket configurations have in the last several years become more popular for male actors posing on the red carpet. If you want to project strength, action, assertiveness, and alpha qualities - get your hands out of your pockets.

In summary, Wendy Davis' nonverbal signals on this book cover are not building rapport or engendering a leadership image - but destroying them. With regards to the book's cover and in other political nonverbals and behaviorals - she has been ill-advised.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2980: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Thinks Women Should Not Ask for Raises and should Trust in Karma

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2424:  Giada De Laurentiis on Conan O'Brien  Beautiful Teeth but Insincere Smiles and  Some Body Language Signals of Waning Love

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2596: What Motivates Ted Cruz's Regarding Anti-Obamacare, Body Language Tells on Jay Leno

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2705: Congressman Michael Grimm Apology - Sincere or Not? Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2546: Miss America Nina Davuluri, A Beautiful Woman - but What of Her Smile?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2870: Cate Blanchett and a Subtle Body Language Signal of Insincere Laughter

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

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

Rick Perry appeared at the Travis Count Justice Center today - for booking as well as having his mug shot taken. He is alleged to have committed two felonies in the abuse of power as Governor of Texas.

From a body language point of view, his mug shot displays an interesting mix of emotions. Politicians are used to having to try and smile when they are not truly feeling joy or happiness.

If we look at Governor Perry's eyelids - they are partially closed in addition to having concave-up dynamic furrows in each of his lower lids (more prominent on Perry's right side). Both of these eye findings are required in order for a sincere smile (Duchenne Smile) to be present.

Although the eyebrows do lower slightly in a sincere smile - it is very subtle and usually not visible. Here, Perry's eyebrows are significantly lower and also are drawn together (note the vertical furrow between his eyebrows expending upwards). These changes are indicative of anger.

Looking at the Governor's lips we see that they are straight (nearly) horizontal and stretched thin - particularly his upper lip. This mouth configuration is highly correlative with the emotion of anger.

The "mustache area" on Perry's left side is slightly tighter than on his right - there is also a trace downward and a bit more lateral vectoring of left side of his mouth. His left nostril is also flared. This indicates contempt.

Governor Rick Perry feels a self-righteous variety joy-happiness, mixed with anger and contempt during this mugshot.

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2879: Barack Obama, Governor Rick Perry and the Crisis at the Southern Border

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2924: Michael Brown, Captain Ron Johnson, Church Rally and Ferguson, Missouri - Body Language Tells

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 394 & 496:  Rick Perry's Nonverbal Mistakes in Iowa

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2563: President Obama's Subtle Anger - Body Language of Government Shutdown & the Debt Ceiling

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 353:  Brad Pitt's Smiling Eyes -  Sincere and Insincere Smiles

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2682: Sperm Donor Switch and a Body Language Example of ....

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2879: Barack Obama, Governor Rick Perry and the Crisis at the Southern Border (VIDEO, PHOTO)

Barack Obama visited Texas today to address the crisis at the border as well as the larger issue of overall immigration reform. President Obama met with Governor Rick Perry - since of course this problem puts a burden on the state he governs.

During the 1:54 - 1:56 segment in the above video (captured in images below), President Obama scratches five times behind his left ear (in such a scenario, people nearly always scratch/rub on the bony prominence there called the mastoid process) with his left index finger (forefinger). Many people falsely believe this signal as a nonverbal indicator of deception - yet it's not. However this behind the ear scratch is a very reliable indicator of anxiety.

As odd it may sound to some, scratching/rubbing/touching anywhere on the external ear itself (pinna) such as the earlobe or twisting a finger in the external ear canal (external auditory meatus) or just in front of or just below the ear in concert with a declarative statement or in when answering a question - is consistent with a lie. The President is not lying here though.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2878: Prince Fielder on ESPN Cover - Nude but What Emotion?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2848: Iliza Shlesinger, Hair Adjust Behind Ear, Dialing Up Your Alpha & Comedy - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2621: Matt Smith (11th Incarnation of 'Dr. Who'), Anxiety and American Psycho

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2647: Vladimir Putin regarding Edward Snowden, What Does the Russian Leader Think?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2626: Rashida Jones's Anxiety regarding YouTube Awards on Jimmy Fallon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2281:  Inaugural Luncheon Anxiety  Barack Obama's Body Language  Michelle's Mirroring

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2047: Barack Obama does not Believe

In this video filmed today in San Antonio, Texas, President Obama commits several body language displays that a President should never use. Typically, Barack Obama is far better than most when it comes to nonverbal communication, which gives these faux pas more weight.

At the very beginning of this segment (0:00 - 0:03), the President is rubbing/scratching just in front of his right ear. A few seconds later (0:12 - 0:16) he rubs his bottom lip with his right index finger. Both of these facial self-touching gestures (Manipulators, Adaptors or Pacifiers - aka MAPs) are highly consistent with anxiety and in this context, indicate the President does not believe the statements he is making regarding Texas becoming a "battleground state" in time for the November election.

The placement of his left hand in his left front-hip pocket (0:36 - 0:44) is another nonverbal signal which any leader, especially a President should never display, particularly during a speech. It indicates emotional-dissonance and demonstrates he is very uncomfortable with the statement he is making - anticipating what Mitt Romney will be saying about how Obama is handling the economy. This makes perfect sense - as he is self-critical when he puts himself temporarily in his opponent's shoes. None the less, it is body language which detracts from his rapport and momentarily projects a more demure and beta-male persona.

See also:

Analysis # 339: When a Lie is Heard or Told - Jon Corzine

Analysis # 1835: Dario Farnchitti Wins His Third Indianapolis 500 - His Disingenuous "Thank You"

Analysis # 717: Barry Bonds and the Obstruction of Justice

Analysis # 2033: Lie Detection, Sergey Lavrov and Syria

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

In the third segment of this video montage (0:53 - 1:09), Florida Governor Rick Scott tells a lie. Note during the 1:03 - 1:04 clip, he rubs his right eye with his right hand/forefinger (aka index finger). In the context of answering a question or, as is shown here, when making a point-in-fact statement, rubbing one eye is a body language signal highly consistent with anxiety and particularly deception (a bilateral eye rub indicates something completely different). He also very noticeably stutters. Obviously, as Governor Scott was joking about comparisons between Florida and Texas, the result of such a lie are insignificant - except that they will act as "norming" signs (individual baseline behavior) for those who study your nonverbals/ do business with/married to, etc. 

The ease at which one can pull off a "relatively convincing" lie is proportional to the risks of getting caught (Ekman). If it is difficult for a person to deceive others with a falsehood of such minor ramifications, then it is also accurate to conclude he/she is a "bad liar" and lies with greater consequences would be easier to detect.

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Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1439: Central Forehead Contraction & Inward Lip Roll Devon Davis & April Davis

April Davis, the mother of Devon Davis, is seen here early in the search process for her son. The two year old went missing on Tuesday, 27 March 2012 in Liberty County, Texas. April's contraction of her central forehead is consistent with emotional or physical pain. These feelings may be experienced in the first person or via empathy. Note that the sides (lateral portions) of Ms. Davis' forehead are smooth (not contracted). Congruent with this forehead nonverbal, are her frown and inward lip roll (ILR). The inward lip roll is a classic body language "tell". It signals an effort to contain negative emotions. Ms. Davis is experiencing very real and sincere sadness. Unfortunately, when children are missing - the parents are very often a primary suspect. Such is not the case here however.

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