Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3658: Usain Bolt's "Cheeky Smile" - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

The image above went viral shortly and it quickly became a meme after it was captured during the men's semi-final of the 100 meter run. Later that day, Usain Bolt went on to capture his third consecutive gold medal - a feat unprecedented in Olympic history. The Jamaican phenomenon owns the three fastest times ever run for that event (in addition he also owns the world record for the 200 meter run as well as one of the members of the 4 x 100 m relay record).

Many people were describing the expression on Usain Bolt's face as a smile - while some were more specific - labeling it a "Mischievous Smile", "Cheshire Cat Smile" or a "Cheeky Smile" - but from a strict nonverbal perspective - what was it?

The short answer is this was not a true, sincere smile of joy-happiness (not a Duchenne Smile). Note that his jaw was thrust out and his lower teeth were largely visible in this close up view. Both of these characteristics are not indicative of a sincere smile - yet they are very characteristic of high adrenaline states. One could make assertion that there's even a trace of fear on his face in this moment. This idea makes sense, since Bolt is looking to the side - concerned about the exact position of his competitors. Such a maneuver is considered very poor form - for even a high school sprinter.

The physicality of exerting oneself at such an extreme level brings with it emotions and physiology not present while resting. Thus, this is probably is about the best example of some would call a "Social Smile" (although it's certainly not a true sincere smile and not even a good social smile) while looking to one side and still running and winning a world class 100 m sprint semi-final on the World's-stage.

A further reference and context is demonstrated in the image immediately below, taken after the completion of the race - about 12 - 14 seconds later.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3657: Abbey D'Agnostino, Nikki Hamblin and the Olympic Spirit

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3656: Usain Bolt, Justin Gatlin and the 100 M Olympic Final

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3651: Micheal Phelps, Chad le Clos and the Power of the "Game Face"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3631: Donald Trump's Acceptance Speech at the GOP Convention

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3599: The Brexit, David Cameron announces his Resignation and Protection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3502: Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant Pranks a College Team as ‘The Transfer’

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3435: US Sailor captain Apologizes to Iran

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3380: Adele at the BBC, When Adele was disguised as Jenny


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3656: Usain Bolt, Justin Gatlin and the 100 M Olympic Final - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTO)

Justin Gatlin won the Gold medal at the Olympics in Athens in 2004 and the Bronze in London in 2012. He also was twice banned from his sport for performance enhancing drugs.

The image captured above was Gatlin's facial expression as he entered the Olympic Stadium in Rio last night. Gatlin was about to face off against the seven other fastest people on the planet - including his longtime rival Usain Bolt. For those who don't follow track and field (aka "athletics" in Olympic jargon), Usain Bolt of Jamaica is considered to be the best sprinter in history - owning world records in the 100 meters (9.58 sec), the 200 metres (19.19 sec) and the 4 x 100 relay (36.84 sec).

From a nonverbal perspective, Justin Gatlin's facial signals were not that of a confident athlete preparing for a performance on the World stage.

Note his forehead - it's contracted and elevated across the entire width. His eyebrows are elevated and his eyelids are also opened wider than baseline. If we stopped here, this nonverbal cluster alone is not at all indicative of high confidence or emotional comfort.

Look further though - for Gatlin's mouth is configured in what is known as a "Lateral Lip Purse". This signals open (non-secretive) decision making mindset. It's extremely commonly seen at the grocery store or when perusing a menu. But Gatlin's not at a restaurant.

This is a very beta body language expression and moreover even facilitates lower confidence, lower emotional comfort and indecision. Justin Gatlin's face is silently screaming, "I'm not comfortable in my own skin (at the moment) and I'm not sure what to do."

Gatlin finished with a silver while Usain Bolt went on to capture an unprecedented third consecutive Gold Medal.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3655: Rescue In Baton Rouge Floodwater

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3652: Simone Manuel & Penny Oleksiak Win Olympic Gold

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3649: Donald Trump's Endorsement of Paul Ryan

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3647: Yusra Mardini, Refugees, Syrian Swimmer, and Sincere Smiles

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3624: Terrorist Attack in Nice, France

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3582: Brock Turner's Dad Draws Outrage of "20 Minutes of Action" - Lack of Empathy and No Remorse

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3547: Kate Middleton on Cover of Vogue's 100th Anniversary Issue

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3438: Hillary Clinton, What's Your Relationship with Vladimir Putin? - Democratic Debates

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