Body Language Analysis No. 3628 (REPOSTING): Donald & Melania Trump's interview with Matt Lauer Prior to Her Speech at Republican Convention - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In the light of Matt Lauer's recent firing and with the news of his long-standing behavior recently made public, multiple requests for the re-posting of this article (from 2016) have been made in the last several days. It's included here in its entirety (with updated cross-reference links at the end of the article).

Last night at the Republican Convention did Melania Trump know she was reading a speech which, in part, was plagiarized from Michelle Obama's speech at the 2008 Democratic Convention? Did she write the speech or did she have help? If so, was that a little help or was it a considerable amount?

What follows is a partial body language analysis of Melania Trump and Donald Trump in an interview with Matt Lauer yesterday morning.

At 0:59 in the above video MATT LAUER continues: One part of that campaign ends in that hall tonight - another part begins. Your wife is going to get to speak to the delegates ...

DONALD TRUMP: Right.

MATT LAUER: About you. Has she gone over the speech with you? Did you practice it on the plane?

MELANIA TRUMP: I read once over it, and that's all - because I wrote it and ah, li- [stutter], with a little help - as possible soooooo ....

MATT LAUER: Are you nervous? 

MELANIA TRUMP: No-

MATT LAUER [over-talking]: It would be okay to be nervous.

MELANIA TRUMP: I'm excited.

MATT LAUER: Yeah?

MELANIA TRUMP: Yeah. It's exciting night.

MATT LAUER: What do you want to tell the delegates, Mrs. Trump, about your husband, that they haven't learned in the last year?

MELANIA TRUMP: Well I will tell it in the speech - and, ahhh, he's ah, an amazing -

DONALD TRUMP: Yeah

MATT LAUER: Yeah, she looks good, she's learned a lot from you. That was really good. Go ahead, continue.

MELANIA TRUMP [over-talking]: Soooo, he's an amazing guy, and ah, he really wants to bring ah, America to the next level.

Matt Lauer touching Melania Trump on the arm (during 1:10 as he says, "... practice ...) is an invasion of her personal (intimate space) and is one signal of false affection. It also is highly consistent with narcissism.

Note that on multiple occasions, Lauer refers to Mrs. Trump as if she wasn't there - in the third person:

"... Your wife is going to get to speak to the delegates ..."

"... Has she gone over the speech with you?"

"... Yeah, she looks good ..."

"... she's learned a lot from you ..."

This last example is also particularly patronizing.

Notice too, Lauer interrupts Mrs. Trump on multiple occasions.

Now flash back to the very beginning of Lauer's interview - he's leaning on the back of a seat. While this may appear to be an attempt at being casual - this dynamic is Lauer's baseline behavior of trying to assert dominance when it's out-of-context.

Focusing on Melania, during 1:14, she shrugs her left shoulder and rotates her torso toward Donald as she says, "... that's all  ..."

A shoulder shrug indicates, "I don't care"/"What does it matter?", "I don't know",  or "What could I do?/What choice did I have?" 

During 1:15 as she says, "... because I wrote it and ...", Melania looks to her right, blinks, and looks slightly down. Looking in this quadrant in right-hand dominant individuals is very often correlated with emotional overtones of sadness, regret and other forms of emotional discomfort. For her to look in this direction (and AWAY from Lauer) the instant she says "... I ...", strongly implies deception.

Just as she says, "... and ah, li- [stutter], with ...", Melania looks down to her left. Gaze in this direction in most right-handed people is very often associated with "internal dialog" (e.g., here deciding how to phrase an answer).

Importantly, Melania is also stuttering and again, she's looking away from Lauer.

Also of profound significance here is Donald Trump's body language. The instant after Melania says, "... because I wrote it ..." - HE TURNS AWAY. Donald Trump knew his wife was lying. Note he keeps his same facial expression - but we see a change manifested elsewhere on his body. This is an excellent example of what in nonverbal parlance is termed "Leakage".

As Melania says, "... with as little help as possible soooooo ....", both the pitch and volume of her voice increase, she leans forward with her head, neck, and torso (a "Neck Stretch"), with a Self-Righteous Head Wiggle display, her eyebrows elevate and her forehead contracts across its entire width and also elevates. In addition, she ends her sentence with the stretched-out word, "... soooooo ...". This nonverbal-verbal-paralanguage cluster is highly consistent with deception. She is emotionally uncomfortable talking about her upcoming speech and wants Lauer to change the subject.

Summary: While this analysis cannot directly discern any intent of plagiarism on her part (or her speech writer's), Melania Trump did lie when she said she had "... as little help as possible ..." writing her speech - and Donald Trump knew she was lying.

Matt Lauer's verbal, nonverbal, and paralanguage behavior are not only rude - these are classic manifestations of narcissism, invasion of personal (intimate) space/false affection, and misogyny.


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See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4141: Vladimir Putin and Michael Flynn in Moscow (Part II)

Body Language Analysis No. 4139: Donald Trump, the Tax Bill will "Cost Me a Fortune"

Body Language Analysis No. 4137: Matt Lauer's "inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace"

Body Language Analysis No. 4134: Hope Hicks, Emotional Intelligence, and Communicating Nonverbally

Body Language Analysis No. 4125: Michael Flynn, Trick Arrows, and Suppressing Strong Emotions

Body Language Analysis No. 4106: Jordan's Queen Rania meets with Rohingya Refugee Children

Body Language Analysis No. 4078: Toddler Steals Prince Harry's Popcorn

Body Language Analysis No. 4057: Steve Bannon's "60 Minutes" Interview

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


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2322: Jeb Bush & Matt Lauer - Which one is the Narcissist? Body Language Red Flags

This video segment of Matt Lauer interviewing Jeb Bush demonstrates some of the body language routinely exhibited by a narcissist. The morning show host crosses his right leg over his left knee - coming within a few centimeters of the former two-term governors right leg - well into his personal space. Lauer's left arm is over the left back of his chair throughout much of the interview while he points both the point of his pen and as well as left index finger (forefinger) at the possible 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate from Florida. Moreover he wags his finger as he points. This is offensive in virtually any setting and across all cultural boundaries. His voice is louder and his tones are more harsh than most people consider normal - even for media-interview context.

Here we see several nonverbal (and verbal) narcissist tendencies:

• Deliberate encroachment into another person's personal space while trying to look relaxed (Lauer's Leg)
• Taking up more space with arms
• Index finger pointing - particularly pointing with a wag or chopping motion, Pointing with sharp end of Pen
• Speaking louder for the social context
• Tone-of-voice harsh for social context
• Accusatory (e.g. Here Bush becomes a pseudo-target for events/things for which he was not responsible)
• Directing the conversation (This is of course normal for a talk show - although many would give an ex-governor, a brother & son of Presidents and possible future Presidential Candidate a bit more conversational latitude and courtesy. In most other scenarios, this conversational directing tendency, rather than true dialog - is a warning sign)
• False aka Pseudo-smiles 
• Excessive forehead muscle contraction (insincerity, narcissism or worse)

See also:

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 341: Narcissism, Parking and Mobile Phones

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1912:  Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye Matt Lauer's Insincerity

Negotiation and Dating Secret # 111: The Great Phone Tell

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1503:  The Conventional Steeple vs. The Basketball Steeple - Seeking a Balance

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 359:  Last Stop for the Cain Train

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1874:  Bad Handshake - Political Prevalence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2242:  Rihanna & Chris Brown at Lakers Game  Body Language of Dominance, "Ownership",  Narcissism and Submission

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2262: Katherine Webb (A.J. McCarron's Girl Friend) Interview on "Today Show" - Her multiple Body Language Tells

Katherine Webb, Miss Alabama USA and the girlfriend of University of Alabama's quarterback, A.J. McCarron, was interviewed yesterday on the "Today" show. There were many body language tells during this video segment. Here are some of them:

Ms. Webb displayed multiple examples of fear - nonverbally manifested specifically in the classic expressions of the "Neck of Fear" as well as the "Mouth of Fear". These can be seen multiple times in the above video, e.g. at 0:47, 0:49-0:50, 2:26, 2:35 and 2:39.

At the 1:31, mark Ms. Webb's torso shifts backwards (away from camera), her eyelids squint (partially shut), and there is subtle mid-face tightening of her upper lip and the area just above her upper lip. This cluster-context signifies anger. She is upset at Matt Lauer for second-guessing her and essentially saying she wasn't truthful when she answered the first time.

Very evanescently, in a classic microexpression of joy-happiness Ms. Webb displays a smile at the 1:34 mark. This is in response to Lauer referencing Brent Musburger's commenting on her appearance.

After Lauer asks, "...with a little hindsight, how do you feel about the comments?", Miss Alabama shows us multiple subtle indications of contempt. These are well exemplified from 1:42 - 1:53
 1:42 - 1:53 and 1:59 - 2:07 and resembles a slight snarl and/or unilateral lip curl.

At the 2:05 mark a "Rationalization, Rapport, Empathy Expression" (R2E2) can be seen. This is a common nonverbal seen when someone is trying to convince you of their point-of-view.

Later, at the 2:32 mark, Ms. Webb displays a cluster of nonverbal expressions of anger with her upper lip thinned out, tightening of the area above her upper lip, a wrinkled chin, a bulging lower lip and her jaw tightly clenched.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2261: Mom pulls Python off of her 2 year old daughter -  Body Language & Microexpression of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2031: Tina Fey arriving at Alec Baldwin's Wedding,  Fear-Empathy with a (partial) Sincere Smile - Emotional Dissonance

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1060: Bill Belichick's Body Language of Anger

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

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 817: Anger and Steroids in Milwaukee

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1143: Santorum Video Analysis  R2E2 and other Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1732: Rationalization, Rapport, Empathy Expression  How Jewel got her name

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1912: Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye, Matt Lauer's Insincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2093: Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye - Matt Lauer's Classic "Tongue-in-Cheek" and Duplicitous Smile

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2089: Ann Curry's and Matt Lauer's Very Awkward Reunion

In this incredibly awkward reunion of NBC's Ann Curry and Matt Lauer, it obvious to all how uncomfortable this is for Ann. Matt's attempt at being warm-and-fuzzy fails miserably. If you squirm when you watch it, you've got some empathy for the former Today Show's co-host. 

Matt obviously has read up on body language since Ann's departure. Note their lower limb directions. Ann's feet and legs are pointed away from Lauer. Moreover, her legs are crossed away from him - while Matt's are crossed towards Ann. Curry's torso is leaning distinctly away from Lauer as she both consciously and subconsciously distances herself from her former co-host. Her thin-lipped and tight "pseudo-smile" at 1:04 exemplifies anger and an attempt at polite tolerance. Lauer is rebuffed. Who could blame her?  

See also:

Analysis # 1912: Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye Matt Lauer's Insincerity 

Analysis # 1905: Ann Curry's Smile and Sincerity Quotient 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1912: Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye Matt Lauer's Insincerity

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Note: This video is a very similar but slightly different version than was first posted. An addendum updated post will soon describe another key nonverbal tell by Matt Lauer.

In this last morning with Ann Curry on Today, there are many body language signals. Here are a few highlights:

Matt Lauer is chronically insincere - which is a final common personality pathway for many (but not all) who report the news - they have to daily act sincere when these feelings do not exist. A narcissistic signal is displayed by Lauer when at the 0:14 second mark he puts his arm up on the coach in back of Curry and leaves it there through most of the remainder of this segment. In this context this nonverbal is highly consistent of narcissism - as if to say here, "... I know this is your moment Ann, but really it's always about me ... " Narcissists tend to chronically and at inappropriate moments adopt body postures which take up more space.

Freeze frame at 1:23 - 1:24 and you will see a unilateral "pseudo-smile" on Lauer's face. This is also a classic body language tell of insincerity. It is an unconscious act. The shoulder touch to Ann Curry at 2:08 is consciously controlled however, and in this nonverbal context, it is feigned - and not a signal of true affection.

Analysis # 424: Beware the Mona Lisa Smile

Though a very secure and accomplished woman, Curry displays a double-arm grip during 2:24 - 2:52, displaying temporary signals of self-hugging and self-comforting.

Ann has a bitterness-regret pseudo-smile at the 2:27 mark as she reacts to Lauer's statement. Ann also looks at Roker and Morales when they reminisce about past stories - but she doesn't make eye contact with Lauer.

 Analysis # 335: What does "Eye Contact" really mean in a Body Language context

Ms. Curry again displays bitterness in her pseudo-smile at 4:19 when Lauer kisses her temple. Notice also how there's no reciprocal kiss or affection signals. Yet there is much affection displayed for Al Roker.

Note also the narcissistic word choice by Lauer, " .... We're going to continue to put you on planes ...", when Curry's future assignments certainly won't come from him. 

Another very strong body language signal of insincerity on Lauer's part - is that he is the only one with his back touching the back of the couch. He's aloof. He's distancing himself emotionally and physically from the conversation and his colleague's emotions. Curry, Roker and Morales are all leaning forward in their seats - backs not touching the couch. They are engaged in the emotional context of the moment.

In a nutshell: Matt Lauer displays chronic insincerity - do NOT pick him for your jury.

See also:

Analysis # 1855: Sincere Kisses & Closed Eyes

Analysis # 2: Blake Lively's & Penn Badgley's Body Language Strongly Suggests Impending Break-up in Near Future

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

Analysis # 39: Affectionate vs. Non-affectionate Hugs

Analysis # 399: Sincerity in the U.S. Congress

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2019: Sarah Palin's "Co-Hosting" on The Today Show - She Fears Romney's Candidacy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Former Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin, is shown here in this video interview with Matt Lauer. She also later co-hosted a portion of The Today Show (aka "Today"). When asked about Mitt Romney and her opinion of his being the probable Republican Party's candidate this November, Ms. Palin never answered Lauer's question directly. Just before her indirect response she displays a classic "Neck of Fear" as well as a "Fear Mouth" (at about the 0:31-0:32 mark, freeze the video here for a good look). These body language tells were accompanied by the very common hiss-like inhalation. The duration of this nonverbal cluster is quite brief - only about one second, however not evanescent enough to be classified as a microexpression (less than 0.5 seconds). This certainly doesn't alter the meaning of her body language though. Palin indeed fears something here - either Romney's ability to beat Barack Obama in the general election, that Romney is less conservative than her own political beliefs, or maybe she just fears her ability to handle Lauer's question - or perhaps all three. 

See also: Secret # 329: The Neck of Fear

See also: Secret # 1081: Newt's Mouth of Fear

See also: Secret # 931: Harbaugh's Fear and Anxiety

See also: Secret # 1267: John McCain, Sarah Palin and Bell's Palsy

See also: Secret # 54: The Manubrium Touch Betrays Our Feelings

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