A short while ago Bernie Sanders endorsed his rival and the presumptive Democratic Party's nominee Hillary Clinton. Highlighted below are but a few Body Language moments which jump out in his speech:
Near the middle of the video above (beginning at 0:45), the Vermont Senator continues, "... This campaign is not really about Hillary Clinton, or Donald Trump, or Bernie Sanders, or any other candidate who sought the presidency. This campaign is about the needs of the American people and addressing [applause omission] ... and addressing the very serious crises that we face. And there is no doubt in my mind, that as we head into November, Hillary Clinton far and away the best candidate to do that!"
At multiple times during this speech, Bernie Sanders gestured his right arm and hand in front of Clinton - including in particular her face. This is a major faux pas. Anyone who has seen Sanders speak knows he tends to use his arms/hand more than most - and because of this and coupled with the fact he's right hand dominant, Clinton perhaps should have been positioned to his left (although all other things being equal, the left hand side of the stage/podium [as she is currently positioned - to Sanders' right side] is the power position - with more alpha status). Alternatively, Secretary Clinton could have been slightly further away or Sanders shouldn't have used his hand/arm in such a fashion at all (this last option is considerably unrealistic for a "high energy" and enthusiastic Sanders stage presence given this idiosyncrasy).
Such a gesture in front of another person - is typically Hyper-Alpha and Dismissive. And although many people are aware of this somewhat excessive arm and hand use of Senator Sanders - as with any other politician, leader or others making a speech - it IS disrespectful and he should NOT do it. It also downgrades Clinton's status. Many who commit such actions regularly are very often either narcissistic or on the autism spectrum disorder.
During 1:21 (above) as Sanders says, "... Hillary Clinton far and away the best candidate to do that!"
Another example (during 0:50) as Sanders says, "... or Donald Trump ...". Note that Hillary Clinton leans backward slightly during this segment - which she should not be doing. This is distancing body language as well - yet few in her shoes could avoid doing so.
Just after he completes this paragraph (1:22) we see Sander's display a Twisted Smile" - which of course is not any type of smile at all. Asymmetrical smiles should always be suspect, and while it is possible that the beginning of a sincere smile is more pronounced on one side, this is not the case here. The right side of his mouth (his right) is frowning while his left side is projecting strong regret.
Simultaneously, Hillary Clinton displays an Inward Lip Roll ILR) - as her psyche tries to suppress the outward display of her emotions - as well as those being felt inwardly. In short, she's trying to calm herself in this moment.
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. 3620: Cristiano Ronaldo's Injury, UEFA Euro 2016 and Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3617: President Obama and Speaker Ryan regarding the Dallas Shooting
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3609: Emma Watson, Tina Turner, Ring Tones and Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3594: Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Fareed Zakaria
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3585: Bernie Sanders Visits Barack Obama
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3581: Hillary Clinton, Likability and Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3603: David Cameron's Resignation, The Brexit and Beta Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3579: Donald Trump, Trump University Lawsuit, a Judge's 'Mexican heritage' and Body Language
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