Body Language Analysis No. 4050: Lady Di - Alpha vs Alpha-Beta Hybrids - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

One of Lady Diana passion's was the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. In both of these images, taken within minutes of each other she was working toward that goal.

At first glance, you may think Diana's body language appears relatively unchanged. Look closer.

In each moment, Lady Di is in an "Arms Akimbo" configuration - but in the image above, her thumbs are forward - conveying a supportive and curious emotional tone. It's also mildly assertive. However it's not an alpha nonverbal signal, yet it's not a fully beta one either - but a hybrid. The Thumbs-Forward Arms Akimbo is one of one of many "Alpha-Beta Hybrids".

Now, look at the photo below. Diana is again seen in Arms Akimbo, but this time her fingers are positioned forward. This variation is significantly more alpha and less relaxed. It's more assertive. It signifies a readiness for action and greater authority relative to others in the vicinity.

Whenever making a body language diagnosis, a profound fundamental principle is to not rely on a single signal. Keeping this in mind, contrast Diana's face in each picture. In the first image she's smiling - and she is either speaking and/or transitioning to (or from) laughter. This is congruent with her Thumbs-Forward Arms Akimbo.

Now compare this with Diana's face in the second image. She's not smiling. Her mouth and her mid-face are tense. Di's nostrils are mildly flared. Her eyelids are also displaying tension as she focuses sharply on an object or person in the mid-distance. This facial expression also matches her Fingers-Forward Arms Akimbo.

Although examples cannot be visualized here, such nonverbal pattern clustering is also typically seen in the lower extremities. When a person is standing in the Fingers-Forward Arms Akimbo, their feet tend to be position further apart - and thus conveying more alpha emotions - versus with the feet closer together when standing in the more beta, Thumbs-Forward Arms Akimbo.

"Anywhere I see suffering, that is where I want to be, doing what I can."

Media Inquiries and Group Appearances 
One-on-One and Online Courses Available 
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com
702-239-8503

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4049: The Arrest of University Hospital Nurse Alex Wubbels

Body Language Analysis No. 4047: Joel Osteen, Houston, and Hurricane Harvey

Body Language Analysis No. 4045: Rex Tillerson Regarding Donald Trump, "The President Speaks for Himself"

Body Language Analysis No. 4043: Donald Trump Pardons Joe Arpaio - Contempt of Court and Red Flags

Body Language Analysis No. 4017: Elisabeth Moss, Anthony Rizzo, and a Signal of Sincerity

Body Language Analysis No. 4002: Justin Trudeau Meets His Namesake

Body Language Analysis No. 4001: Jodie Whittaker, Dr. Who, and Flirting from a TARDIS

Body Language Analysis No. 3971: Elon Musk, Amber Heard, Affection, and Ownership

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3901: Jared Kushner in Iraq

________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3861: Emma Stone, The Oscars and Sincerity - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

At the time of this writing, the 2017 Academy Awards have already begun. It's an hour or so before we know if Emma Stone will win an Oscar for "Best Actress in a Leading Role" for her portrayal of Mia Dolan in the film La La Land.

During this recent interview with Lee Cowan, Ms. Stone displays several excellent body language signals.

In the image above, Emma is reunited with a childhood mentor, Bobb Cooper of the Valley Youth Theater in Phoenix. Notice that during their hug, although Ms. Stone is not much shorter than Mr. Cooper, when she hugs him, she elevates up on her toes - with both feet - for an extended period of time. Although, of course, such toe elevation during a hug is not at all required for a sincerity to be present - we can be sure that when it is performed bilaterally (that is, with both feet) and for an extended time, it indeed is a signal that high sincerity and true affection are being experienced (and projected).

In this next image, Ms. Stone and Mr. Cowan are fairly closely mirroring each other. We cannot see most of Cowan's hands - but we can see much of Emma's. She is displaying a good example of an "Alpha-Beta Hybrid". As the categorical name implies, these are a class of nonverbal behaviors which are not too alpha - not too beta, but somewhere intermediate. To slice it even thinner, this particular alpha-beta hybrid is a bit closer to the alpha end of the scale (but certainly not "Hyper-Alpha).

Much of the time when the hands are positioned in the pockets - it does project a beta and sometimes submissive/low confidence emotional tone. Depending on the dynamics, the coexisting verbal cues and the other nonverbal signals with which it may be clustered - hands in the pockets can even be a signal for deception. Yet these examples don't apply to Stone in this scenario - for only her fingers on her right hand (and slightly more on her left) are in her pockets. Moreover, these are her front pockets - allowing a more assertive variation of an "Arms Akimbo" configuration. Her elbows, which are protruding laterally - but not excessively so, is an alpha quality.

Notice too, each of Emma's thumbs are hooked in her belt loops. This is a stronger alpha component adding to this body language cluster, and indeed contains a significant element of sexuality (not for her interviewer, rather that she is "on camera", being herself - rather than a character. This feeling of being "on display", given the right setting and situation, can make a person feel confident and sexy.

This last image is on the set of Saturday Night Live (which Stone has hosted on three occasions). Her "Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo" is another example of an Alpha-Beta Hybrid body language display. When the thumbs are positioned forward (and thus the palms are directed up), it projects a confident, open-minded and supportive emotional tone. Depending on the other nonverbal signals present, there may also be an inquisitive component present too.

Good Luck Emma Stone!


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3860: Ian McKellen, The Oscars and a spot-on Maggie Smith Impression

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3856: "Belle" Clip - Beauty and the Beast

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3854: Donald Trump's Press Conference - "I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2814: Claire Foy's recounting of Meeting Kate Winslet

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3809: Horse Lays His Head On Coffin As He Mourns The Loss Of His Human Best Friend

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3729: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part I - Vladimir Putin, Body Language & Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2802: Emma Stone & Jimmy Fallon Lip Sync Battle


_____________________________________________________________________________________

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

Zac Efron and Michelle Rodriguez are seen here on a sail boat while vacationing off the coast of Sardinia, Italy. After several weeks of rumors, the Hollywood couple have confirmed they are dating.

In the image above, Efron is subconsciously showing us several distinct nonverbal signals. The most obvious one is his "Arms Akimbo" configuration - however he is displaying a variety less common in men - with his thumbs forward and fingers backward.

Thumbs forward arms akimbo signals some assertiveness - yet significantly less so compared to the more common fingers forward variation (thus not highly alpha and not highly beta - but what is known as an "alpha-beta hybrid"). It signifies an elevated level of emotional support for those in whom one's attention is directed - as well as that of a quizzical mindset. A person displaying a thumbs forward arms akimbo always has an elevated level of emotional comfort. Thus if you note a person changing from a thumbs forward to a fingers forward akimbo stance - this is a very reliable signifier that their emotional comfort has dropped (much like a deer raising its tail when it goes to a higher level of alertness). This significant (while subtle to some) shift in hand-arm position will be virtually always accompanied by elevated facial anxiety indicators (can you name some?).

From a body language nomenclature perspective, the thumbs forward arms akimbo is classified both a subtle "emblem" as well as a nonverbal "MAP" (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier).

What other nonverbal sexual attraction signals (and others) do you see in this image?

What additional beta signals? What alpha signs?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2876: President Obama on Key Bridge regarding John Boehner's Lawsuit - "So Sue Me"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2034:  Even Physicists have Body Language -  Beta behavior at Higgs Boson Conference

Dating & Romance Secret #227:  Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake - Are You Comfortable Around Your Ex?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2174:  President Obama, Hurricane Sandy,  Body Language and Thumbs Backwards Arms Akimbo

Negotiation Secret # 89:  Opposite Facing Arms Akimbo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2577: Bill Clinton and Terry McAuliffe - Alpha and Beta Body Language

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

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

________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2311: Reporter Robyn Curnow's re: Oscar Pistorius Her Body Language shows her Bias

CNN Reporter Robyn Curnow shows her bias against the police/South African Government and in favor of Oscar Pistorius in a number of different ways with her body language (as well as verbally and via paralanguage) in the above video. One dramatic example of her emotional leaning is seen with her repeated use of the "Fingers Forward Arms Akimbo". Although it is unilateral (her right arm) and we cannot even visualize her hand in this example - its effect is surely transmitted as Ms. Curnow editorializes at least as much as she reports when she adopts this strong alpha hand-arm configuration. This particular body language is rare for a news reporter. The dominant & highly assertive nonverbal is further amplified when it is displayed bilaterally (but not seen in this example). 

Don't confuse this with the "Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo" - for its meaning is very different.

How many of these nonverbal signals of Pistorius preference can you spot?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2310: Oscar Pistorius' Body Language in Court - Part II  Central Forehead Contraction, Frown & Pupil Dilation ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2307: Oscar Pistorius in Court, Body Language and the  Bilateral Eye Cover

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 89:  Karima El Marhrough & Opposite Facing Arms Akimbo 

Confidence Secret # 14:  High and Low Confidence Drivers: Arms Akimbo and Assertive Attitudes 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2174:  President Obama, Hurricane Sandy,  Body Language and Thumbs Backwards Arms Akimbo 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 33:  Zelda Williams & Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 831:  Santorum's Hands and the Alpha-Beta Hybrid

___________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2034: Even Physicists have Body Language - Beta behavior at Higgs Boson Conference

Yes, even Physicists display body language. This image was taken yesterday near Geneva, Switzerland at the CERN conference where it was announced that there is a 99.999% probability (one in 100,000 that it's an error) that the Higgs Boson was discovered. 

The woman in red, Fabiola Gianotti, Ph.D., is displaying a classic unilateral "Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo". The thumbs forward variation is assertive, yet it is considerably more beta than the thumbs-backward variety. It is supportive and nurturing as well. One common place this is seen is among teachers/professors and with parents on the playground. Outside of these settings, this type of arms akimbo is more frequently seen in females (thumbs backward is more common in males). It is also a signal of a quizzical emotional and thought. What better place to display inquisitiveness, than at the announcement of such a monumental discovery?

Commonly referred to as the "God Particle by non-physicists (physicists, for the most part, don't care for this slang), the Higgs Boson has been sought for 48 years. It gives all other particles the property of mass, thus allowing the Universe to exist. Moreover, this discovery strongly suggests that the Higgs Boson and Higgs Field interact with other (parallel) Universes. As well as being part of our Universe, they also belong to an even greater giant - the "Multiverse" - Wow!

See also:

Analysis # 89: Opposite Facing Arms Akimbo

Analysis # 33: Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo - Zelda Williams

Analysis # 831: Santorum's Hands and the Alpha-Beta Hybrid

___________________________________________________________________________________

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 831: Santorum's Hands and the Alpha-Beta Hybrid

Where to put the hands? Well, this topic is very context related. It is NEVER a "one sized fits all" scenario. However, here Presidential hopeful, Rick Santorum, former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania shows us a great "Alpha-Beta hybrid" with regards to his hands. Santorum has both hands in his back pockets, and while this is not a configuration you should hold for the duration of any speech or presentation, 20 to 30 second portions of this body language sprinkled throughout an appearance conveys an approachable and open personality. 

This variation of the Arms-Akimbo nonverbal is a good compromise between the prototypical ALPHA thumbs-backwards-hands-on-hips arms akimbo (see Confidence Secret # 14: High and Low Confidence Drivers: Arms Akimbo and Assertive Attitudes) and the BETA thumbs-forwards-hands-on-hips arms akimbo (see Dating & Romance Secret # 227: Are You Comfortable Around Your Ex?). They're difficult to see, but Santorum has his thumbs positioned forward and outside, while his fingers are inside of his pockets. This thumbs-forward is a BETA nonverbal. However, the elbows/arms sticking out (laterally) from the body is an ALPHA body language signal. Hands in the pockets is a BETA beacon. But his thumbs out of pockets shifts the sign to a bit more in the ALPHA direction. 

Rick Santorum's feet are an intermediate distance apart - which is also a good ALPHA-BETA mix in the right setting. Here however, I'd recommend the former Senator stand with his feet a bit more apart. For a Presidential Candidate, his foot-to-foot distance is a bit too demure. He'd look a bit more like Ronald Reagan or John Wayne with his feet a shoulder width apart. On the eve of the South Carolina Presidential Primary, Santorum needs a little more "Gipper".

___________________________________________________________________________________

Dating & Romance Secret #227: Are You Comfortable Around Your Ex?

<

Are you comfortable around your Ex? ......Cameron Diaz is - at least when it comes to Justin Timberlake. She's not only comfortable, she's supportive. When someone is in the "Arms Akimbo, with Thumbs Forward" stance, it most often indicates a supportive and nurturing emotional mindset. It also may indicate a quizzical emotional tone. It is more commonly displayed by women and is very commonly seen with teachers around younger children or by mothers at the playground.

_____________________________________________________________________________________