Body Language Analysis No. 4142: Donald Trump, "I feel badly for General Flynn" - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This morning, while leaving the White House on his way to Utah, Donald Trump answered a few questions from the press. One query (although largely inaudible in this video) was concerning Michael Flynn's recent guilty plea.

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of President Trump during this exchange.

DONALD TRUMP (continuing at 1:03): Well, I feel badly for General Flynn, I feel very badly. He's led a very - ah, strong life, and I feel very badly, John. I will say this - ah, Hillary Clinton lied many times to the FBI - nothing happened to her. Flynn lied and they destroyed his life. I think it's a shame. Hillary Clinton - on the fourth of July weekend - went to the FBI - not under oath - it was the most incredible thing anyone's ever seen. She lied many times - nothing happened to her. Flynn lied - and it's like - they ruined his life. It's very unfair. Thank you very much.

After answering, The President immediately lifts his right hand - in a pseudo-wave. This gesture (illustrator) signals his departure - but more importantly, that he no longer wanted to answer any questions. Simultaneously, he also closes both of his eyes (eyelids) in an extended blink - blocking out his audience and the camera (1:39).

He then quickly turns away - still not looking at his audience or the camera - while his eyes remain closed.

He then displays a classic facial expression of regret.

Heading towards Marine One, the President gives a "Thumbs Up" gesture (Illustrator) - yet he still makes no eye contact.

He then puts his thumbs-up hand - his right - his dominant hand - immediately into his coat pocket. The inactive, left, and non-dominant hand remains exposed.

Note the Body Language cluster of:

• Closing his eyes in an extended blink (psychologically blocking)
• Looking away
• Displaying a classic expression of Regret
• Right hand, while normally dominant is seeking protection

In addition to the emotion of regret, this nonverbal-sentence is classic for low-confidence, emotional discomfort, and the need for refuge. This is Donald Trump during a significantly beta moment.

It's crucial to emphasize, while a "Thumbs-up" hand is a universal signal (emblem) for optimism - it's initiated consciously - and in this scenario, it was a nonverbal-lie. Trump's pseudo-wave was also consciously driven. But the President's other signals are unconscious. Whenever the nonverbal signals are/appear to be contradictory - it's the subconscious signals which indicate the person's true thought-emotions. This nonverbal axiom is beautifully illustrated in the dramatic contrast of the dominant, right hand, "Thumbs-up" display decrescendoing into the immediate hiding of this same hand.

Summary: Donald Trump's nonverbal behavior displayed in this video indicate he's in a significantly beta, low-confidence, and regretful mindset. He's in an emotionally protective-mode.


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


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3628 (REPOSTING): Donald & Melania Trump's interview with Matt Lauer Prior to Her Speech at Republican Convention

Body Language Analysis No. 4140: Michael Flynn Pleads Guilty 

Body Language Analysis No. 4138: Matt Lauer, Intimidation, and Aggression

Body Language Analysis No. 4136: Seminole Heights/Tampa Florida Serial Killer - Criminal Profiling

Body Language Analysis No. 4127: Al Franken, Leeann Tweeden, and the Mea Culpa Face

Body Language Analysis No. 4110: Yuli Gurriel "Apologizes" to Yu Darvish for a Gesture of Prejudice During The World Series

Body Language Analysis No. 4101: Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson - Interview on Good Morning America

Body Language Analysis No. 4068: Donald Trump's UN Speech - Nikki Haley's Reaction to The President's Threat to "Totally Destroy North Korea"

Body Language Analysis No. 4020: Bruce Willis and the "Death Wish" Remake


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3910: Donald Trump, Mar-a-Lago, Easter Weekend - Disparate Conscious vs. Unconscious Body Language - Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

The image above shows President Trump disembarking Air Force One as he begins his 2017 Easter weekend at Mar-a-Lago.

His "Thumbs-Up" illustrator is, of course, an extremely common gesture - particularly for politicians. It's an almost universal emblem meant to indicate optimism, an affirmation of a good decision, a positive judgment of what just occurred/is occurring, and other similar thought-emotions. The thumbs-up display is also a very conscious action.

Now contrast this hand-arm configuration with that of Donald Trump's face. The President's facial expression is highly indicative of both Contempt (his primary emotion in this moment) as well as Disgust (secondary). These emotions are, in this instant, very unconsciously displayed.

Whenever there is an apparent disparity in body language - it's a signal you must dig deeper. In such cases, it is the nonverbal signal which is subconsciously initiated which indicates the true thought-emotions.

Summary: President Trump's thumbs-up display, is in this image, is a deception - yet his face tells the truth.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3909: North Korea's Parade - Projecting Power and Control

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3907: Donald Trump Shows His Cards regarding North Korea

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3904: Sean Spicer Draws Criticism with Hitler-Assad Comparison and Denial of Use of Chemical Weapons in WWII

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

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. 3814: Claire Foy's recounting of Meeting Kate Winslet

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3791: Russian Ambassador to Turkey Assassinated in Ankara


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3820: Mr. Trump: "Who would you trust more, Angela Merkel or Vladimir Putin?" - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Michael Gove of The Times and Kai Diekmann, former chief editor of the German newspaper Bild, recently interviewed Donald Trump. The entire transcript of their exchange can be found here.

One of more important questions Mr. Trump was asked involved Trump's anticipated trust for Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin: "Talking about Russia, you know that Angela Merkel understands Putin very well because he is fluent in German, she is fluent in Russian, and they have known each other for a long time — but who would you trust more, Angela Merkel or Vladimir Putin?"

Trump answered, "Well, I start off trusting both — but let’s see how long that lasts. It may not last long at all."

The video above includes Trump during this answer (beginning at 2:22).

This first image (immediately above), was captured during the first portion of his response, "Well, I start off trusting both — but let’s see how long that ..."

Note his fingers are intertwined (aka interdigitated) with his elbows resting on his desk as he is speaking. This is a common authoritative configuration used by many alpha personalities and is meant to metaphorically elevate a person above others who are present as well as to appear thoughtful and contemplative - however in truth, the emotional tone is just the opposite. It indicates a defensiveness and closed-mindedness. A person who is using this body language is not open to suggestions or outside consideration - but only interested in advancing their agenda(s).

During the next portion of the sentence his thumbs momentarily extend as he says, "... lasts. It may not last ...", before they return back to their earlier form.

This evanescent "Thumb Extension" signifies the authority and control Trump feels as he makes his (rather ominous) prediction (Be careful not to confuse the "Thumb Extension" with a "Thumb Shrug" [How do you tell the difference?]) Mr. Trump enjoys the act of wielding power and his thumb extension is a clear signal of his feelings.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3819: Turkey's Parliament, Presidential Powers and Constitutional Amendments

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2817: President Obama Awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to Joe Biden

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2815: Donald Trump's first Press Conference as President-Elect

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3802: Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey and UFC 207

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3759: Nicole Kidman's and Jimmy Fallon's Almost Date Redux

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3756: Amy Adams, Anxiety and Hesitancy to Disclose

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3706: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump Presidential Debates - Part II

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3676: Colin Kaepernick Says He Be Sitting Down During the National Anthem


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3814: Claire Foy's recounting of Meeting Kate Winslet - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Last week, before she won a Golden Globe for portraying Queen Elizabeth II in the Netflix series, The Crown, Claire Foy was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live. During that appearance she told a story about meeting Kate Winslet for the first time. Kate ultimately said, "Keep on truckin'!"

In her retelling of this story, Claire gave herself a "Thumbs Up" signal while simultaneously making a particular face (2:22 in the video, and captured in the image below). First, notice her face is not congruent with her thumbs up. The thumbs up signal is much more conscious - and a universally positive signal of optimism, success and approval. Yet Claire's face is expressing self-deprecating feelings. Foy's facial expression is a much more subconscious phenomenon ... and the subconscious mind is always the place where the true feelings reside.

Take Home Point: Whenever there is disparity between the consciously and subconsciously generated nonverbal signals - it's the subconscious body language which tells the truth.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2812: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone & La La Land - Backstage Interview Golden Globes 2017

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3810: Mark Wahlberg, Justine Bieber and Ellen DeGeneres

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3808: Felicity Jones' Sincere Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3797: Donald Trump's Out of Context Christmas Tweet

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3767: Joseph Gordon-Levitt on playing Edward Snowden - but How Do Tom Hanks and Gemma Arterton feel?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3730: The 3rd Presidential Debate - Donald Trump v. Hillary Clinton - Part II - Donald Trump won't commit to accepting election results

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3669: Jordan Spieth, Bill Murray and the Asymmetrical Smile 

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


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3570: Donald Trump's Duplicitous Thumb - Body Language (PHOTOS)

When it comes to the "Thumbs Up" body language display, it's important to see what may not-so-obvious. First - never forget the accompanying facial expression - for it's subconsciously driven, whereas the decision to display an upward thumb is a conscious one. It's always the subconscious component which tells the true emotions. Donald Trump's facial expression shown above is one of blended contempt, disgust and disbelief. 

Yet there are further details for his thumb to reveal. Like many politicians (and of course people from all walks of life), when Mr. Trump uses the "Thumbs Up" display - his Thumb is rarely fully committed. Notice that the base of his thumb (proximal phalanges [or the singular, phalanx]) remains touching or very close to the rest of his hand - with only the distal end of his thumb extending away.

In contrast, note Ronald Reagan's thumb in this image from 1980 - his whole thumb is extended away from his hand.

Reagan's smile is also very sincere - thus his face and his hand are nonverbally congruent (vs. Trump's disparate body language).

This lack of full thumb engagement called a "Mini-Thumb", "Duplicitous Thumb" or "Tentative Thumb" - for it signals incongruity and insincere emotional tones. It is yet another nonverbal display revealing a significant difference between what is said and what is being thought and/or felt. 

Even when Mr. Trump's thumbs extend in this gesture a bit further - they rarely lengthened much more than what is seen here (on his right).











This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3569: Johnny Depp Surprises Pink on Jimmy Kimmel

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3568: Hillary Clinton, (Low) Likability, Rapport (Destroying) and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3559: Kit Harington, Game of Thrones, Jon Snow and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3558: Jack Whitehall, Harrison Ford and Jennifer Lawrence
 
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3382: Donald Trump's Mask

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3449: Natalie Portman's Hands

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3198: Sepp Blatter, FIFA, Subtle Fear & Body Language
 
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3434: Donald Trump and the Verbal vs. Nonverbal Disparity - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Today's post is an excellent illustration of a fundamental premise of body language - so much so, it belongs in a textbook.

On 9 January 2016, in preparation for the Iowa caucus, Donald Trump gave the above referenced speech in Clear Lake.

Beginning at 4:04, Mr. Trump continues, "... The Veterans Administration is a mess. It's corrupt. It's run poorly. Our vets are going to be treated well - so just put it down, and guarantee it. It's going to happen, all right? ..."

 
During 4:08-4:09, as Donald Trump says, "... It's corrupt ...", he simultaneously displays the universal emblem of "Thumbs Up".

Any time there is a disparity between a person's verbal and nonverbal behavior - it's the nonverbal which always tells the true feelings. This body language is big red flag.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3433: Barack Obama, The State of the Union and Paul Ryan

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3425: Donald Trump's first Campaign Ad Commercial

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3422: unplanned pregnancy : Deaf husband finds out wife is pregnant - Body Language and Emotional Shock 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3431: El Chapo, Sean Penn, an Interview and a Handshake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3388: Donald Trump, Duplicitous Expressions and "politely" Removing a Protester

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3376: Liam Hemsworth, The Hunger Games and "Honest Anxiety"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3362: Marco Rubio and Alleged Misuse of State Party Credit Card

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


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3352: Donald Trump's Contradictory Body Language (PHOTOS)

Like many politicians, Donald Trump is fond of flashing the "Thumbs Up" sign - as if it's their default setting. A thumbs up is one of many examples of what in body language parlance is known as an emblem. An emblem is universally or regionally recognized nonverbal signal which is understood to have a specific meaning.

In this example, Trump's thumbs up configuration is consciously generated - for he's trying to project agreement and optimism. Yet when we look at his face, his subconsciously initiated expression shouts loud with two other thought-emotions on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Donald's primary emotion is that of disgust - and it's quite strong (mid-face tension, nostril flaring, and amplified by partial eyelid closure/eyebrows drawn closer together). His secondary thought-emotion is that of a clandestine disagreement and/or a clandestine plan (forward lip pursing). In other words, although he's saying he's agreeing with a person/group with his thumb - what he's really thinking is:

1. "You disgust me."

and

2. "I know how I'm going to deal with you, but I'm not telling you."

Whenever you see consciously initiated nonverbal signs together with unconsciously generated ones (the vast, vast majority) - it's the unconsciously driven body language that always tells the true thought-feelings.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3351: A Body Language Signal of Sincere Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3265: Donald Trump, Exaggerated Mouth Movements and Narcissistic, Hyper-Alpha Personalities

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3281: Donald Trump on "Meet The Press" - Who Does He Talk to for Military Advice? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3293: Why is Donald Trump a Better Liar than Most Politicians? 

Negotiation Body Language Secret No. 343:  Nicolas Sarkozy's Clandestine Thumbs Up - an Emblematic Slip 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2016: Hillary Clinton, Roosevelt Island, Building Rapport and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2341:  Angela Bassett Interview -  Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression  R2E2, Body Language & "Olympus has Fallen"


____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3236: A Common Body Language Disparity Display - Donald Trump (PHOTOS)

Politicians are always giving the "Thumbs Up" sign. Richard Nixon did it, Ronald Reagan did it and so did Bill Clinton. Many people will tell you that the thumbs up nonverbal arose out of ancient Rome - the spectators' signal as to whether a gladiator should live or die. However some historians will say this is apocryphal  - a re-write of history which had its origins from artwork of the 19th Century (Pollice Verso, 1872 painting by Jean-Léon Gérôme). Regardless of its origins, the thumbs up body language gesture has come to mean an enthusiastic statement of the affirmative, proceed with your current action, you're on the correct path and or a simple yes.

Donald Trump probably uses the thumbs-up illustrator more often than most politicians. Regardless of party or country, a phenomenon associated with this gesture is that the facial expression is very often incongruent with the optimism an upward pointing thumb is supposed to be projecting. When the hands are not in agreement with the face - what is the true emotion? Are they both somehow correct? Hmmm.

The thumbs up display is a very conscious nonverbal signal - however the simultaneous facial expression is virtually always subconsciously generated. This is an excellent example of what in body language nomenclature is known as "leakage". A significant amount of mental energy and effort (albeit brief) is dedicated to the action of thinking about and then displaying this hand gesture. In this evanescence of the thumbs-up illustrator, the remainder of the mind's filter has a lower threshold to social norms and acting. Thus everything except the hand/arm becomes a bit more transparent - allowing us to glimpse into the psyche for a second. The facial expression of true emotion "leaks" out - when normally it would be more contained.

These four images of Mr. Trump all show him with his thumb(s) vectored upward - yet they all four have different facial expressions. And his face tells the real story.

Take home point: When there is a disparity between the conscious and the subconscious body language signals - the true emotions are revealed in those nonverbals initiated subconsciously.

In the first image (above) Mr. Trump's facial expression is primarily that of (subtle) anger. What is his secondary emotion?

This second image reveals Mr. Trump at a moment where his face is close to a sincere smile - close, but not quite sincere. What is/are the specific characteristic(s) here which tells us this is not complete sincerity?

In this instant, Donald Trump's thumb is saying yes, but his face (his true emotion) is projecting disgust.

Donald Trump is displaying two emotions here - the more prevalent one is incredulity - while contempt comes in second. 

What emotion is often seen when contempt and disbelief coexist?


If a person made this expression often, what other personality tendency would she/he most likely have?

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2763: Richard Nixon, My Lai Massacre - Conscious and Subconscious Body Language Display

Negotiation Body Language Secret No. 441:  Bill Clinton's Rapport and His Temporary Universe

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2861: Ronald Reagan and Variations on Thumbs-Up Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3152: Hillary Clinton First Campaign Ad - "Getting Started" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2426:  Remembering Ronald Reagan,  "Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall"  Body Language at the Brandenburg Gate 

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

___________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2861: Ronald Reagan and Variations on Thumbs-Up Body Language (PHOTOS)

Ronald Reagan is shown here with a disparity of two different emotions expressed nonverbally. The most obvious one is the universal emblem of the "Thumbs Up" - a Worldwide expression of optimism. This is a very conscious nonverbal.

However when we look at President Reagan's face - we see an entirely different emotional signal; Mr. Reagan's Jaw is clenched (note his dimpled chin muscles), his lips are horizontally configured and very thinned-out. Note also his nostrils are flared. The primary emotion Mr. Reagan is feeling here is Anger and the secondary one is Regret. These facial nonverbal signals are all initiated subconsciously.

Whenever there is a disparity between the nonverbal signals, the ones that are subconsciously generated are truly reflective of what another person is feeling while the consciously originated ones are deceptive.

On a different occasion we see the 40th U.S. President also displaying a thumbs up illustrator. Yet on his face we see a smile with a much higher sincerity quotient.

Here all of Reagan's nonverbal signals are congruent - and thus we know he believes the signal his thumb is sending.








See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2860: Michelle Obama regarding the First Woman President - What Does She Really Think?

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2135:  Ronald Reagan in Nashua, New Hampshire  "I'm Paying for this Microphone Mr. Green!"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2301: The State of the Union, Lenny Skutnik and a  Body Language Signal of Being Proud

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1859:  The Prince William is Angry at the Queen's Jubilee

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2524:  Jay Carney, Navy Yard Shooting and "The New Normal"  Emotion and Thought Disparity of the Exaggerated Pout

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2162:  Disparity in Body Language - What is He Thinking-Feeling?  Mitt Romney after Third Presidential Debate 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2763: Richard Nixon, My Lai Massacre - Conscious and Subconscious Body Language Display (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Recently documents have surface which implicate the Nixon administration and perhaps Richard Nixon himself in efforts to sabotage the Courts Martial of Lieutenant William Calley, Captain Ernest Medina and others involved in the My Lai Massacre.

The murder of between 374 - 504 innocent civilians by U.S. troops in 1968 had become a public relations nightmare for his administration.

In a document recently uncovered in H.R. Haldeman's handwriting, the Nixon associated euphemism, "Dirty Tricks" is seen - as well as "discredit witness", "not too high a level" and "keep working on the problem" were used. It may never be known whether Nixon himself gave orders or what ultimately was carried out, but in the words of James Rife a senior historian at History Associates, Inc. - "I would not characterize [Haldeman's note] as a smoking gun, but it's pretty strong."

The image above of President Nixon demonstrates him at a moment of emotionally contradictory body language. So what's really going on here?

His "Thumbs Up" gesture is very nearly universal nonverbal emblem of optimism and good intent. This is a very conscious display. However one look at Mr. Nixon's face and we see a very significant disgust expression - which is very subconsciously driven. This is not emotional dissonance. It's is a lie. The President wants to falsely project a positive emotional tone - but what is deliberately displayed by his hand is trumped by the "leakage" of his true feelings on his face.

Whenever two nonverbals are in disparity - and if one is subconscious and the other is conscious - it is the subconscious one which betrays a person's true feelings.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2134:  A Watershed Body Language Moment:  Nixon - Kennedy Debates 1960

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2616: John Kennedy and Richard Nixon Handshake at Kennedy Inaugural Address, One Body Language Maneuver to Counter a Dominance Display

Nonverbal Communication Negotiation Secret # 323:  I am Not a Crook!

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2761: What Specific Dance Qualities makes a Hetero Man Attractive to Women? The Body Language of Dancing

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2750: Oscar Pistorius, Reeva Steenkamp and Lies - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2762: Pepsi Max's "Unbelievable" Bus Shelter Video - Body Language

_________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2162: Disparity in Body Language - What is He Thinking-Feeling? Mitt Romney after Third Presidential Debate

The "Thumbs Up" gesture is an example of what is known in body language vernacular as an "Emblem". An emblem is a nonverbal display, most commonly made with the fingers, hands and /or arms (but they can be displayed with the parts of the face, shoulders, even legs/feet, etc.) which have very specific meanings within a city, region, country or even an industry/profession. Care must be taken not to misinterpret an emblem - for they can indicate completely thoughts & emotions in different cultures, etc. Some emblems have meanings which are universal or nearly so.

The "Thumbs Up" emblem - indicates "optimism", "good luck", "good performance" or "okay" in North America - while in parts of Europe it can simply mean "one". When given with an upward thrust it means "up yours!" in Australia and when given with a forward thrust it has a similar meaning in Greece. In Japan it can mean "five" or "Man" (Pease).

The vast majority of the time, the thumbs up is a very conscious display - particularly when shown in a typical position for that region/country and emotion. However if we look at the face we often may see conflicting nonverbal signals. In the image above, in addition to the obvious thumb display (consciously), Mitt Romney is also showing a classic facial nonverbal of disgust (unconsciously) after his third Presidential debate with Barack Obama. When two or more body language signals are seen simultaneously and there is conflict in their meanings - the one(s) which arise out of the subconscious are indicative of the true emotional tone.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2106: Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Teachers' Union Strike and a Body Language with Multiple Meanings

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 343: Nicolas Sarkozy's Clandestine Thumbs Up - an Emblematic Slip

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 # 1652: Crude Oil, Speculators and Counting with Thumb First

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2161: Body Language of the Third Presidential Debate - Barack Obama and Mitt Romney - What Did They Do With Their Hands When They Weren't Talking - and What Does This Tell Us?

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




___________________________________________________________________________________

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 ....

During last night's second 2012 U.S. Presidential debate, the attack on the American Embassy in Libya was of course raised. Note that as soon as the Moderator (Candy Crowley) said, " ... Secretary of State ... " President Obama's feet immediately configured to his widest stance of the evening (Mitt Romney, in general, kept his feet too close together for much of the debate - this is interpreted too acquiescing and beta). When the feet are positioned about a shoulder's width distance apart - it projects and is indicative of a higher level of confidence and authority. He then very briefly held the microphone with two hands in front of his lower abdomen when Crowley said, " .... she takes full responsibility for the attack on the Embassy in Benghazi ...." - indicating, transiently, a lower level of comfort with how he was going to respond to this question of full responsibility. Such emotional dissonance is common in a stressful scenario. Between the two competing emotions of confident authority vs. his anxiety about answering however - the alpha emotional tone of the Commander-in-Chief won out - and he no longer displayed this self-touching, self-comforting MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) configuration. Indeed Obama readjusts his feet to an even wider stance (0:23) as he "digs in" to answer this question with force.

Moments later as President Obama recounts his press conference in the Rose Garden on 12 September 2012, he uses the "Dominant Spider" (0:43 - 0:44) and its more assertive cousin "The Claw" (0:45 - 0:49) to help illustrate his recounting of the events. The second he spoke about, " .... we are going to hunt down those who committed this crime ..." (0:49 - 0:50 and again at 0:51 - 0:53) he displayed an accusatory "Index Finger Point" (aka Forefinger Point) toward the audience (I would have advised him to point down instead, only with a greater arm-shoulder display of force and greater verbal emphasis and volume). He then switched to the less aggressive "Loose Fist Thumbs Up" aka LFTU (0:53 - 1:01) gesture when he spoke about receiving the caskets of the four Americans and grieving with the families at Andrews Air Force Base (although his fist could have been more loosely configured - it was still too tight). The LFTU is a great "alpha-beta hybrid" nonverbal which is not overly aggressive and yet still displays a good level of confidence. Obama then dialed up his assertiveness once again with an index finger point with wagging at Governor Romney (1:23 - 1:24) ".... is offensive, that's not what we do ..." The extra wagging nonverbal modifier acts as an amplifier for the President - reminding the former governor (and everyone else) that HE is commander-in-chief. In this context it worked to Obama's advantage, but here it is a relative exception - for most of the time this body language illustrator will project arrogance and patronizing emotions. The President gets a pass here because for a moment, even many republicans are attempting to empathize with the weight of responsibility of four dead Americans.

Obama then displays a great body language cluster as he further admonishes Romney when he says, "....That's not what I do as President. That's not what I do as Commander in Chief ....". Note how he rotates & tilts his head/neck with his chin turning away with his head tilting towards Mitt. He also displays an extended blink which further drives home his scolding. In addition a subtle anger glare can be seen at 1:26 - 1:27 and at 1:28 (about a 2 or 3 on a 1-10 scale). He also shows us his right forehead-eyebrow slightly elevated in a body language tell of incredulity. The vast majority of the time, nonverbal experts will speak of the hands & arms when talking about illustrators - however these are all great examples of facial illustrators.

President Obama then turns his back on Governor Romney as he walks to his chair (1:31 - 1:34) - a beacon of disrespect and dismissal.

Mitt Romney's bilateral eyebrow flash - entire width elevated forehead (1:49) - is a common nonverbal signal of demand for a verbal response to a question. President Obama then displays a subtle "Duping Delight" with a slight left-sided smile (1:54) after he tells Romney, ".... Please proceed Governor ....." . Mitt Romney sees this body language and immediately senses that something (from his point of view) is amiss. This is demonstrated verbally by the candidate's extended stuttering during the 1:54 - 1:56 segment. More obvious and similar duping delight is again demonstrated during 2:03 - 2:06 and again at 2:07 - 2:09. Obama turned what could have been a very injurious issue into what many thought was his best moment of the night.

There were, of course, many other body language tells in this video. These were a few highlights. Obama made a clear comeback in this second debate - both verbally and nonverbally. Will it be best of three?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1251: Las Vegas Channel 8 KLAS Interview - Body Language in Tonight's Debate - Evaluation of earlier Debates

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2150: Body Language Advice for President Obama and Governor Romney for the Second Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2138: President Obama's Anger During First Debate - An Under-Appreciated Body Language Signal

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

Nonverbal Analysis # 2125: Presidential Debate Body Language - George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Ross Perot 1992

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

A Nonverbal Analysis # 2134: A Watershed Body Language Moment: Nixon - Kennedy Debates 1960

Nonverbal Analysis # 2131: Presidential Debate Highlights - Bush vs. Gore 2000 - Gore's Invasion of Bush's Personal Space

Nonverbal Analysis # 2104: Mitt Romney's Convention Speech - Part II

Nonverbal Analysis # 1149: Who was More Nervous in Last Night's Debate? Santorum, Romney, Gingrich or Paul?

Nonverbal Analysis # 915: Interpersonal Space of Candidates 

Nonverbal Analysis # 2135: Ronald Reagan in Nashua, New Hampshire: "I'm Paying for this Microphone Mr. Green!"

Nonverbal Analysis # 2136: Some Body Language Highlights from First Obama - Romney Presidential Debate in Denver

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2149: Losing Votes with the Double Index Finger Point - a Faux Pas Nearly Every Time

Nonverbal Analysis # 813: Ask Osama Bin Laden about Appeasement 

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 Hearings

___________________________________________________________________________________