Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3780: Donald Trump's Chief Strategist Steve Bannon Time Magazine Pic - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTO)

Time Magazine named Donald Trump as the "2016 Person of the Year". When conducting the cover photo shoot of President Elect - the Time photographers also took pictures of Trump's inner circle.

The message communicated here by Steve Bannon's body language is certainly not to be ignored.

Trump's Chief Strategist right hand is being held in a variation of the "Double-L" configuration. This is called the Double-L because of two simultaneous right angles - one made by the index finger and middle finger - and the second between the thumb (not visible) and the index finger. This is one example (and a classic one at that) of a "Critical Evaluation" expression. Although Bannon may be partially listening, he doesn't like what he's hearing (and he's forming a plan).  His left hand covering his right further amplifies his tone of critical emotion.

The slightly downward angle (forward bending) of his head and neck are yet another components of this Nonverbal Critical Evaluation Cluster.

Bannon's eyes are not looking at the camera - but fixed at middle distance - signifying focused thought, contemplation and planning. He's not fully present.

It's also profoundly important to note that Bannon's middle finger is covering his lips. This is an example of what is know as a "Partial Emblematic Slip". Here the "Emblem" is the middle finger (when extended, the meaning of which is universally recognized). It is termed "Partial" because here it's not being used in the "Full Bird" form (e.g., held high in front of the body with the middle finger extended and isolated). The "Slip" terminology is included because it's subconsciously initiated (or occurring at the edge of consciousness) - rather than fully conscious and deliberate. In addition, the finger position over his lips indicate his desire for the other person to "shush".

Summary: This image of Steve Bannon coveys a classic critical evaluation cluster with an additional component of subconscious profanity. He wants the person with whom he's interacting to stop talking . Moreover he's contemplating a specific "counter-punching" tactic.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3779: Donald Trump Cover Shoot - Time Magazine's Person of the Year

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3777: Donald Trump, Ben Carson - and Mike Pence's Poor Poker Face

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3775: Women Try 'Manspreading' For A Week

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3765: Conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald - See each other directly for the first time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3719: Donald Trump's "Apology" - Crisis Management, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3704: Hillary Clinton, Likability and Presidential Debates 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3674: Drake Presents Rihanna with Vanguard Award - 2016 MTV Video Music Awards

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3620: Cristiano Ronaldo's Injury, UEFA Euro 2016 and Body Language


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3779: Donald Trump Cover Shoot - Time Magazine's Person of the Year - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTO)

On Wednesday Time Magazine announced it had selected Donald Trump as their 2016 "Person of the Year".

While some people may find Trump's pose"artsy" - from a nonverbal point of view, the image on Time's cover is particularly unusual in several ways.

We don't look directly at people who we don't like, don't believe or don't trust - and this body language is exemplified here in the extreme. Trump's lower body is pointed in the opposite direction. His abdomen is rotated a bit - and his torso a little more - yet they are still pointed approximately 90 - 100 degrees away from the camera.

On this cover we are getting Trump's proverbial "Cold Shoulder". And although such a hand position (as Trump shows here) is natural and common when rotating in a chair - it still conveys a closed-off emotional tone.

Mr. Trump's face is configured in one of his common default expressions - that of a combined anger and incredulity.

It's also very intriguing that Trump's chair is quite obviously worn and damaged. Although it's not part of him or his clothing - here the chair very strongly acts an extension of the President-elect. This is a visual metaphor, a nonverbal analog and most certainly is not accidental.

Summary: This pose, image and chair are very poor choices on the part of President Elect Trump. Its nonverbal message is: "I don't like you, I disrespect you, you're an afterthought and I've turned my back on you."


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3778: Steve Harvey Recounts His Miss Universe Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3776: VP Elect Mike Pence Defends Trump's Claim of Voter Fraud

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3774: Luke Bryan Hits/Slaps a Fan For Flipping Him Off

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3763: Matt Smith, Claire Foy and Where NOT to be stung by a Wasp

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3745: Kris Bryant Smiles Throughout the Entire Last Play of Game Seven

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3736: Newt Gingrich and Megyn Kelly re: Donald Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3687: Katy Perry Surprises Fan-Survivor of Orlando Nightclub Shooting on Ellen 

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2755: Vladimir Putin on Time Magazine, An Iconic Body Language Image (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Vladimir Putin has garnered more attention than any man in the World the last few weeks - and that's the way he likes it. With the Crisis in Ukraine and the Russian orchestrated election in Crimea - a region which it has now annexed, many leaders are focusing on particulars of Putin's personality.

In December 2007 Mr. Putin was chosen as "Man of the Year" by Time Magazine. The photo has become iconic. What follows is a body language analysis.

Note his forehead is relaxed. This helps to convey that Vladimir is not worried and in control.

Putin's mouth is configured in a display of mild contempt with its left corner contracted. 

Putin's "mustache area" is slightly tightened. 

His left nostril is slightly flared (dilated).

The partial closing of the Russian President's upper eyelids in this cluster-context act as a "contempt amplifier". And although not present in this image, they can also heighten the emotional projection of disgust and anger.



What other subtle nonverbal is seen here which lets us glimpse inside of Mr. Putin's emotions and thoughts?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2742: Vladimir Putin on the Crisis Ukraine - Thin Slicing Levels of Anger - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea - Body Language

Communication Analysis No. 2754: Einstein, Gravity Waves, The Big Bang and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2721: Vladimir Putin at U.S. Hockey Victory over Russia at Sochi Olympics - Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2684: Controversial Sex Ed Poster - A Concerned Parent and a Contemptuous School Official - Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2559: John Boehner's Body Language - Microexpression of Contempt vs. Facial Tic 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2331: Sheryl Sandberg on Time Cover - Magazine Brass Picked Completely Wrong Image - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTO)

An obvious yet important distinction here: This week's Time Magazine cover with Sheryl Sandberg on the cover was posed. Such is the case for most Time covers. The body language in this or any posed situation - rarely conveys the true real emotional mindset of those being photographed. The image chosen for the cover incorporates one of the worst possible nonverbal configurations. The body language used here projects a message which is the complete antithesis of the article within the Magazine - as well as that of Ms. Sandberg's book which went on the stands yesterday. It's truly hard to believe that this was the image chosen for this particular article.

In Ms. Sandberg book, "Lean In", she says, "We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in."

There's no leaning in here folks - rather it screams, "Pull Back!"

The Facebook COO's hands are being held in front of her lower pelvis. For both women and men this is known as the "Fig Leaf" position or "Genital Guarding". It indicates a low confidence, beta emotional mindset and vulnerable. With the exception of funerals, weddings and sometimes in the presence of superior leaders or other similar ceremonial scenarios - a leader should never adopt this position. And assuming this configuration will engender a LESS assertive emotional tone. The entire gist of her book is for women to become more assertive and being so isn't a bad thing or weak - rather it's great, it's strong and it's needed.

Ms. Sandberg's legs are crossed just above the ankles. This nonverbal signifies a closed-off mindset, demure and timid affect. This is how children stand when they LACK confidence and they believe they're not good enough to be picked when choosing sides in the school yard or in the class-room. Adults often stand in this manner as well. It very literally says, "I lack confidence".

This is not about "looking masculine" - it's about confidence, real assertiveness and sending an accurate and consistent message.

Ms. Sandberg is a brilliant woman. She's very accomplished and a great leader. After seeing her interviewed several times - I can also say both her sincerity and her empathy quotients are sky high. She deserved a much better cover. More succinctly - the body language here is not representative of or consistent with the written message - it's a light-year off the mark.

The article is well written. Time's (or any other) professional photographers take great technical and artistic images. Spouses or friends may indeed like them. Magazine editors & senior staff pick the ones they want from a choice of many images for internal photos and the cover shot. But here - and very often, such photos send the completely wrong messages. The same thing happens in a myriad of advertising and marketing scenarios. This is corporate self-destructive behavior. Why shoot yourself in the foot? Please stop. Do your homework.

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See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2329: Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) on 60 Minutes AND a bit of Mark Zuckerberg -Two Crucial Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1770: White House Correspondents' DinnerLindsay Lohan's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1873: Hillary Clinton & Kofi Annan on Syria

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1563: Geithner and Holder  In Deference to the President -  One Occasion to Use the Fig Leaf

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1865:  Five Presidents in the Oval Office - Who has the Lowest Confidence?  Who is the Least Comfortable?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2202:  Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and the  Body Language of the "Fig Leaf"

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 919:  How Newt Stands Influences Voters

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1843:  United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice  in Response to Syrian Government's Houla Massacre

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2295: Marco Rubio - Three Magazine Covers Three Different Body Language Signals

The body language displayed in this first Time Magazine cover (left) is by far the best of the three Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) shown on this page - although it can certainly be improved upon. His feet cannot be seen but are clearly "felt" to be about a shoulder's width apart - which is very alpha and what is expected to be seen-felt in a leader. Woman leaders, often in an effort to appear feminine, stand with their feet close together and thus appear diminutive and very beta. While the "not-too alpha-but-not-too-beta zone" is (very unfairly) more difficult to navigate for women (a huge double-standard), every female leader should nonetheless endeavor to do so. Women should stand with their feet just slightly closer together than men (about an inch less than shoulder's width) during any such "leadership moments".

The Junior Senator from Florida's hands are relaxed - showing no tension. This lack of tension is important. It sends signals of a person who is comfortable in his/her own skin and confident. He looks as if his right hand is about to reach out (perhaps in a handshake, note also that his right shoulder is lower) and he also seems to be leading slightly with his right foot-leg. Although this a "static" image and thus only a moment in time, this implied motion gives Rubio a bit of dynamism here. 

In this close-up from the above cover, Marco Rubio's facial expression shows a trace of contempt. Not the best choice - however it is subtle.While his face is probably meant to show readiness and assertiveness, it would have been considerably better to show a sincere smile.

In this National Review cover from September 2009, Senator Rubio like many alpha's - male or female, politicians or CEOs, actors or athletes - have and will continue to pose in this arms-crossed configuration on the front of magazines. It's not only old and it's tired - it's WRONG. It does not send the message they want to project. They are never sending signals of confidence when they pose or adopt this configuration - for this nonverbal is consistent with a defensive and closed-off mindset.

Senator Rubio's face also shows clear signals of anger with mild incredulity.

In this lower resolution image of an earlier Time Magazine cover, Senator Rubio is shown in a lower confidence body language stance. Nearly all forms of self-touching signal anxiety, and his particular hand-to-hand nonverbal here is a good example of a beta body language. In it, Senator Rubio's nonverbals are considerably non-assertive and demure. He is hesitant. While most people cannot necessarily "bullet point" and dissect this image, they are certainly left with these emotional impressions.









See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2215:  Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio Joke and Hint regarding the  2016 Presidential Race - "Tongue-in-Cheek" Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1600:  Senator Marco Rubio - Sincerity, Self-directed Incredulity & Humor, Blocking and Appeals for the Vice Presidency

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1869:  One Body Language Signal a President Should Never Display

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 199:  When a Lie is Told, Heard or Visualized by ....Vladimir's Eye

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 913:  Low Confidence, Low Trust and Demure

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1085:  Low Confidence vs. High Confidence  Kennedy and Eisenhower

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1843:  United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice  in Response to Syrian Government's Houla Massacre

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1808: Time Magazine's Breast Feeding, Dr. William Sears, and Attachment Parenting Controversy - Shows Emotional Dissonance at Best

Jamie Lynn Gromet is shown here with her son of almost four years on the cover of the current issue of Time Magazine. The cover story is about "Attachment Parenting" which among other principles advocates "co-sleeping", breast feeding children to a greater age than many are accustomed, feeding with love and respect, responding with sensitivity, providing constant loving care and using a nurturing touch.

Clearly this particular photograph was chosen for its shock value in an effort to increase readership - but the body language in this image is not consistent with the principles of attachment parenting. Ms. Gromet is displaying significant emotional dissonance - e.g. "I'm doing this because I HAVE to ...", "I'M the alpha, is that CLEAR?", "What's YOUR problem?", etc. Her son is also significantly non-affectionate.

While her left hand has good palmar touch to her child's back - certainly a signal of some affection, Ms. Gromet's right hand is akimboed in a thumbs-backward fashion on her hip. Particularly in this context, this overly-strong alpha nonverbal does not engender boding with children (or adults) - on the contrary, it is a rapport and bonding destroyer. It will not calm a child - it will not even create feelings of tolerance. This arm/hand gesture will raise the respiration and heart rate of children and promote anxiety. A thumb-forward akimbo transmits completely different emotions - that of trust and fostering emotions and in some contexts quizzical. Thumb-forward akimbo is therefore very commonly seen in teachers and parents on the playground.

See also: Secret # 33: Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo

The lack of any arm-hand contact by the little boy is also conspicuous. It is distancing and off-putting. It makes us feel uncomfortable. Any parent-child bond (or any loving relationship) should be reciprocated - not because it is cognitively driven - but because it is emotional.

See also:

Secret # 2: Blake Lively & Penn Badgley - Hugs as a measure of Affection - Impending Break-up

Secret # 771: Ann's & Mitt's Affectionate Hug

Secret # 105: Parental Affection and Love

Another strong signal of affection is tilting of one's head - leaning towards the one we love. This is true at any age, between parent and child ... or between lovers. No head/neck tilting here. Hmmm...

See also: Secret # 1500: Leaning in, Head Touching and the Manubrium - Kyra and Kevin are 10th cousins, once removed

Jamie Gromet should also be wearing a face of peace and joy. Not only do we not see any evidence of a sincere smile - or even a social smile - but incredibly, she has a subtle display of contempt! Why?

See also:

Secret # 101: Contempt Doesn't Sell

Analysis # 1696: George Zimmerman's Testimony - Fear, Incredulity, Regret & Contempt

Analysis # 1407: Auboni-Champion Morin - Reunited with Son after 8 years - Microexpression of Contempt

When there is true affection and/or respect, an embrace is marked by a pointing of the feet, the hips, the shoulders and the face towards each other. In this example, the two are turned askew. This body language is also significantly less consistent of sincere affection.

See also: Secret # 39: Affectionate vs. Non-Affectionate Hug

Whether a mother practices or is familiar with attachment parenting or not, affection should be natural between any loving parent and child. Dr.William Sears and his followers place extra emphasis on this premise - thus it is inconsistent that both mother and child here are not looking at each other, but the camera instead. Eye contact promotes and is symptomatic of bonding, affection, love, good parenting and nurturing (friendship and romance as well). Where is the eye contact? There is none.

See also: Secret # 335: What does "Eye Contact" really mean?

Any nurturing, loving or bonding here, is not about us - it's about THEM. Time magazine makes Ms. Gromet looks task-oriented and bitter - rather than a young mother driven by love, affection and the maternal bond. Consequently a loving act is made to look perfunctory and cold. Where is the warmth?

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