Body Language Analysis No. 4359: Trump and Putin in Paris - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During the remembrance ceremonies marking the Centenary of the end of WWI today in Paris, the interaction between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin was noteworthy.

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of the two men's exchange.

Many people have speculated regarding the significance of President Trump's jacket adjustment after shaking hands with President Putin. This is a common alpha-upregulatory behavior. Alpha upregulators are a set of body language behaviors displayed by individuals who normally may be moderately or even highly alpha personalities - when they're caught in the midst of a relatively beta moment. This is exactly what's occurring here.

Although he's normally alpha, Donald Trump feels he's beta to Vladimir Putin's alpha status. It's important to emphasize that this is Trump's perception - and this is why he feels the need to upregulate. Yet while Trump's psyche attempts to dial itself up, Putin is already walking away to his seat.

This is literally the same behavior of a beta gorilla halfheartedly pounding his chest - after the alpha male gorilla has already established his dominance.

Now, let's back up a bit. Just as Putin finishes shaking Trump's hand, he's trying hard to suppress his mouth smile. This is not a sincere smile - and in Putin's efforts to suppress it, along with his tightened mustache region, his eyelids are opened very wide as his eyebrows also elevate. Putin, an ex-KGB officer, in this moment, cannot maintain a poker face (a skill at which he's quite accomplished and otherwise routinely successful). This is profound.

Putin then gives Trump the Thumbs-up gesture. This universal nonverbal signal of optimism very much matches his facial expression. Note how his forehead has now relaxed, his eyebrows are also lowered and he has concave-up furrows in his lower eyelids (all requirements for a sincere smile). His mouth smile, while still somewhat suppressed, has broken through the thin facade. Putin is pleased.

As Vladimir reaches to shake Melania's hand (whilst still smiling), Trump pats Putin on the back. Note Trump's Jaw Retraction - along with an Inward Lip Roll. In this context, this nonverbal cluster indicates an effort to suppress strong emotions. 

Notice Emmanuel Macron's expression in this instant - it's one of contempt (a slight snarl-like configuration).

Trump maintains this jaw retraction as he stands back up. Macron's expression of contempt continues - combined with his right forehead elevating in disbelief.

Angela Merkel's central forehead is elevated along with a pseudo-smile, indicating her disgust and incredulity.

Putin then pats Trump on his left arm - just above his elbow. It's important to note that Putin did not touch Macron or Merkel in this manner.



But if we look back even further - at a few crucial seconds  -just as Putin was approaching the other leaders, we see a display of his which was omitted in the first video. Please watch just a few seconds - beginning at the 1:37:45 mark - of this second, comprehensive video.

As Putin approaches - walking closer to the other heads-of-state, he shows us a classic Tongue-In-Cheek display.

In this context - clustered with the other simultaneous nonverbal signals (e.g., his elevated central forehead), Putin's tongue-in-cheek behavior telegraphs his smug feelings of "I just won", "I gotcha".

SUMMARY: Donald Trump's nonverbal behavior in Paris today, indicates he feels that he is beta to Vladimir Putin's alpha. The American president clearly doth acquiesce. Moreover, Putin cannot contain his sincere emotions of joy-happiness with his dominance over Trump - and by extension, the United States.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4358: Donald Trump, Pseudo-Christianity, and the Not-So-Subliminal Cross 

Body Language Analysis No. 4356: Donald Trump: "When I can, I tell the truth"

Body Language Analysis No. 4354: Mass Shooting at Pittsburgh Synagogue

Body Language Analysis No. 4352: Donald Trump, Mohammed bin Salman, and Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

Body Language Analysis No. 4350: Ashley Kavanaugh during Brett Kavanaugh's Swearing-in Ceremonies for the Supreme Court

Body Language Analysis No. 4334: Ivanka Trump and the Pistol Steeple

Body Language Analysis No. 4332: Richard Nixon, Nikita Khrushchev, and The Kitchen Debate

Body Language Analysis No. 4317: Scott Pruitt Confronted in Restaurant by Kristin Mink

Body Language Analysis No. 4303: Donald Trump, the G7 Summit, Women's Empowerment, and Rage

___________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 4334: Ivanka Trump and the Pistol Steeple - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

The above image and the close-up below were taken at the White House on 2 August 2017. Ivanka Trump was chairing a meeting in the Roosevelt Room addressing what the administration could do to help support military spouses.

Ms. Trump's hands are configured in what, in body language parlance, is termed a Steeple. More specifically, this is what is known as a Pistol Steeple.

The word Pistol is a nonverbal metaphor in this context - and in several ways. The shape of the hands with three fingers intertwined while extending parallel forefingers (index fingers) mimics the morphology of a handgun. Many people will hold a handgun in a similar manner (only with all fingers around the pistol grip) - and not surprisingly, children "playing guns" will hold their hands this way.

The metaphor, however, extends even further. For when a person holds their hands in the pistol steeple, they are very much shooting down the idea or proposal being discussed. The pistol steeple is very much a Hyper-Alpha gesture (illustrator). The additional component of holding it physically high (level with her neck) further amplifies it's alpha assertiveness and aggressiveness (Occasionally, the pistol steeple is held even higher - in front of one's face). 

SUMMARY: Whenever a person uses a pistol steeple, they view themselves as the most alpha individual in the room. (In this case, although there were at least two cabinet-level officials in the room, Ivanka Trump is the President's daughter, Senior Advisor to the President, and she was chairing the meeting). Individuals using a pistol steeple are recognized as having (or sometimes they're taking) what amounts to veto power and they're effectively killing an idea/proposal.

If your boss begins using a pistol steeple in your presence, take heed - for your days of employment are probably numbered. If you're an attorney and the judge uses a pistol steeple when addressing you - change your tactics. If your spouse frequently points a pistol steeple at you - call a marriage counselor.

The fact that Ivanka Trump used this High Pistol Steeple to shoot down an idea/ideas while meeting with military spouses - carries a particularly high level of irony.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4333: Ivanka Trump's response to Robert Mueller and Trump Tower Meeting

Body Language Analysis No. 4331: Donald Trump Speech Two Days Prior To Trump Tower Meeting

Body Language Analysis No. 4329: Donald Trump Jr.'s Trump Tower Meeting

Body Language Analysis No. 4327: Trump and Putin just prior to Helsinki Press Conference

Body Language Analysis No. 4325: Part II - Trump Putin Helsinki Summit Press Conference 

Body Language Analysis No. 4312: South Korea Defeats Germany at The World Cup

Body Language Analysis No. 4287: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - Why Do We Kiss with Our Eyes' Closed (most of the time)

Body Language Analysis No. 4245: Security Video of Stephen Paddock (1 October Las Vegas Shooter) - My KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas Interview

Body Language Analysis No. 4162: Is Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Going to Run for President in 2020?

____________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 4332: Richard Nixon, Nikita Khrushchev, and The Kitchen Debate - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Fifty-nine years ago last week an event took place which contrasts strongly with the recent Trump-Putin Helsinki Summit. On 24 July 1959, Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev met in a replica of an American Kitchen. The pseudo-kitchen was part of the American National Exhibition in Sokolniki Park in Moscow.

This meeting was of monumental importance - for it was on Soviet Soil and took place at the height of the Cold War. It was only two years after the launch of Sputnik - and three years prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The following summer, while Nixon was running for President, an American Pilot, Francis Gary Powers was shot down flying a CIA U-2 spy-plane over the Soviet Union.

Their photo-op morphed into an impromptu and fiery debate (via interpreters) between the merits of capitalism and communism. It has come to be known as "The Kitchen Debate."

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of that event.

In the above close-up, Nixon is shown in the midst of a vertical hand-chop. Although this is an alpha-beta hybrid gesture, it leans more alpha. Provided it's not used too dramatically or too frequently, it's a wise illustrator in this context.

Notice also the position of Nixon's left foot - it's resting on the gate. This shows both dominance and emotional comfort on the American's part - which is a considerable feat since he is standing in the capital of the Soviet Union.

Nixon's forefinger (index finger) up-pointing is another alpha-leaning gesture. If the two men were standing four feet apart, it would have been more beta. However, their physical proximity amplifies its nonverbal weight - making this interaction more alpha.

The act of pointing down - is more beta. To nuance this moment further, if the Vice President had been pointing down - but also toward Premier Khrushchev, it would have been more aggressive, more alpha ... and more escalating. But because Nixon was pointing down and away from Khrushchev, it is less escalating. This difference is highly significant.

This last picture is quite surprising. Nixon's index finger is touching Khrushchev's chest. There's no doubt Khrushchev saw this as a deliberate attempt at intimidation by the American - and understandably so. Such behavior is highly discouraged. In many settings, this hyper-alpha nonverbal dynamic very often leads to physical altercation.

Khrushchev is closing his eyelids in a moment of psychological blocking. His mind is trying to down-regulate his strong feelings. He can't believe Nixon is doing this - and making him look weak.

SUMMARY: In the immediate aftermath of the Kitchen Debate, Nixon probably felt that he had come across a bit too aggressively. Taken in isolation - and from a nonverbal perspective, one could also make such a claim. But geopolitics do not exist in a closed system. Given the context, Vice President Nixon certainly projected American assertiveness and strength. Richard Nixon did not cower, he did not grovel, and he did not acquiesce. He stood firm where the American perspective differed from the Soviet's worldview. Nixon's nonverbal behavior was entirely consistent with his words - considerably dominant, alpha - and even hyper-alpha. Nixon did not shy away from confronting Khrushchev. 

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4331: Donald Trump Speech Two Days Prior To Trump Tower Meeting

Body Language Analysis No. 4329: Donald Trump Jr.'s Trump Tower Meeting

Body Language Analysis No. 4327: Trump and Putin just prior to Helsinki Press Conference

Body Language Analysis No. 4325: Part II - Trump Putin Helsinki Summit Press Conference

Body Language Analysis No. 4303: Donald Trump, the G7 Summit, Women's Empowerment, and Rage

Body Language Analysis No. 4289: A Royal Wedding, Suppression of Tears, and Meghan Markle's Mom

Body Language Analysis No. 4254: Tony Robbins, Nanine McCool, and the #MeToo Movement

Body Language Analysis No. 4193: Hope Hicks, Sexual Attraction, Armpits, and Elbows

Body Language Analysis No. 4081: Catalonia's Referendum vs. Spain's Control

____________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 4327: Part I - Trump and Putin just prior to Helsinki Press Conference - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

This image (and the cropped close-ups below) show Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin just prior to beginning their joint press conference during last week's Helsinki Summit.

It is only an instant in time - but from a nonverbal perspective, it's very telling (see below for other, more comprehensive analyses of this same presser).

Look at the overall posture of each man. Putin's spine is upright - perpendicular to the floor with his shoulders relaxed and squared. Holding notes, his hands and arms are flexed with mild activity. His body looks relaxed, ready, and confident.

President Trump is in the midst of stepping - so this is not entirely an apples-to-apples comparison - however, his shoulders are hunched with his torso leaning forward - while his neck is also foreshortened. This makes him look weak - like he doesn't really want to be there. His arms should not be resting at his sides in this moment - for it gives him the appearance of an enlisted man, standing at attention (or a subordinate facing reprimand).

Trump also forgot to button his suit-jacket (or prefers it). In this setting, such casualness elevates President Putin (making him look athletic, classy, and assertive) and diminishes President Trump. It also accentuates their age difference (the Russian is 65 and the American is 72).

Putin's posture projects health, vigor, and dominance - while Trump's configuration conveys a tired, stressed, and submissive emotional tone. 

President Trump's head, neck, and eyes are all directed downward during this crucial entrance onto what is, very much, the World Stage. The expression on Trump's face is projecting anxiety and low confidence. Trump is preoccupied. He's not fully present - he's not 'in the moment'.

President Putin's expression projects a smug confidence. He knows he's 'already won' before the first word is spoken.

SUMMARY: Trump's nonverbal behavior in this pre-presser moment is worried, tired, and subservient - while Putin is confident, relaxed, and dominant. Vladimir Putin looks like he wrote the script - while Donald Trump looks worried, shell-shocked, acquiescing - as if he's trying to remember his lines.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4325: Part II - Trump Putin Helsinki Summit Press Conference

Body Language Analysis No. 4323: Trump Putin Helsinki Summit Press Conference

Body Language Analysis No. 4321: Donald Trump and The Queen

Body Language Analysis No. 4319: Jim Jordan Fox Interview - regarding Allegations of Ignoring Complaints of Sexual Abuse at Ohio State - Part II

Body Language Analysis No. 4302: G7 Leaders Surrounding Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 4299: Bill Clinton confronted regarding Monica Lewinsky Affair

Body Language Analysis No. 4268: Benedict Cumberbatch, Schadenfreude, and The Grinch

Body Language Analysis No. 4205: Chloe Kim, Albert Einstein, and Creativity

Body Language Analysis No. 4048: Lady Di - Ambassador of Empathy

__________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 3949 (Re-posting): Donald Trump Shoves Montenegro's PM Dusko Markovic at NATO Summit - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In the light of the upcoming NATO Summit (11 - 12 July 2018), it's very much worth revisiting last years' Summit - and one of Donald Trump's infamous displays. What follows is a reposting of an analysis from 25 May 2017. Updated cross-references are included at the bottom of the page.

Today, while at NATO Headquarters, Donald Trump shoved his way through a crowd of other heads-of-state. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of this incident.

As Donald Trump grabs the upper arm of Montenegro's Prime Minister, Dusko Markovic, Trump's expression simultaneously displays Disgust.

Then, as Trump pulls and then pushes Markovic, the Montenegrin is startled - while the American President's face continues expressing disgust.

Not only is this is a dramatic violation of interpersonal (intimate) space, but it's an aggressive physical act, which in most professional contexts would be classified as a form of harassment or even assault.

Dusko Markovic managed to respond to Donald Trump's personal space violation by quickly positioning his hand against Trump's lower back. In this moment he's "counter-pushing" Trump away from him. It's a watered-down/analog behavior of "punching back".

Although it's only a limited, lateral view - we can see Dalia Grybauskaitė's expression (the President of Lithuania) on the far right side of this image. Her mouth is partially open (slack-jawed) and her forehead and eyebrows are elevated. She's in disbelief. This is an expression of emotional shock and moment of emotional processing.

Note how Trump's jaw is jutted forward in this moment. This action is indicative of the adrenaline surge he's experiencing from pushing his way through a crowd of people.

Dalia Grybauskaitė is increasingly shocked.

Dusko Markovic is suppressing his smile - and beginning to laugh.

While Dusko Markovic is continuing to suppress simultaneous laughter - along with disgust, Trump performs a false-adjustment of his suit jacket. It's an example of what is known as an "Alpha-Upregulator". Very much like a gorilla beating his chest, Trump's affirming to himself and everyone else he is THE alpha (from Trump's POV) - and that he has put them in their collective (beta) places.

Although we don't know what she's saying, we see President Dalia Grybauskaitė gesture with her palm-up. This illustrator is, generally speaking, not alpha, but beta behavior. However, depending on the other simultaneous nonverbals and verbals signals - it can be an alpha-beta hybrid. While it may involve an "asking" or a suggestion to "consider" - it's friendly, disarming, and projects a symbolic "please" emotional tone. Thus it's rapport building and engenders diplomacy.

President Trump often displays the double palms up - however, he over-uses it in terms of both frequency and in amplitude ('performed' a hyperbolic nature).

Trump retorts with a palm-down index finger pointing/jabbing.  This illustrator is hyper-alpha, hyper-aggressive, and universally offensive in every culture in the World.

Trump then rotates his torso away from President Grybauskaitė (Dissing/Disrespecting behavior) - but then fluxes downward to a beta emotional state as he configures his hands in a fig-leaf (aka genital guarding) position. A part of his psyche knows he has over-stepped, thus he is (subconsciously and only momentarily) down-regulating his aggressiveness.

SUMMARY: Donald Trump's shoving and pushing his way through a group of other World leaders at the 2017 NATO Summit is a classic example of dramatic "out-of-context" behavior (e.g., This was not a contest, nor was it a platform for physical prowess). Trump displayed quintessential hyper-alpha body language, multiple violations of interpersonal (intimate) space, and aggressive narcissistic behavior.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4319: Jim Jordan Fox Interview - regarding Allegations of Ignoring Complaints of Sexual Abuse at Ohio State - Part II

Body Language Analysis No. 4317: Scott Pruitt Confronted in Restaurant by Kristin Mink

Body Language Analysis No. 4315: Rep. Jim Jordan grills Rod Rosenstein at DOJ hearing

Body Language Analysis No. 4312: South Korea Defeats Germany at The World Cup

Body Language Analysis No. 4311: Jeff Sessions, "We never really intended to do that"

Body Language Analysis No. 4295: Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos, and Red Flags

Body Language Analysis No. 4276: Waffle House Hero James Shaw Jr. Meets His NBA Idol Dwyane Wade

Body Language Analysis No. 4254: Tony Robbins, Nanine McCool, and the #MeToo Movement

Body Language Analysis No. 4249: Will Smith, Sophia the Robot, Robot-Empathy, and Responding in Context

____________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 4304: Donald Trump's and Kim Jong-un's Handshake in Singapore - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In a meeting many thought would never happen, Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un made history in Singapore on Tuesday. What follows is a nonverbal analysis of their initial handshake. 

In this first moment leading up to their handshake, Donald Trump is the first to extend his hand as he is walking toward Kim Jong-un. This is a good body language tactic - for it projects initiative, strength, and an overall alpha-tone.

However, simultaneously, President Trump appears to be making a mistake - but it's a ruse. He approaches with his palm oriented upward. By using the palm-up configuration, the American appears to placing himself in the more beta, acquiescing role - inviting the North Korean to be in the more dominant, palm-down position.

If he were to instead approach with his palm in the neutral position (perpendicular to the floor) - he would nonverbally be saying, "We are equals". But here, this component of Trump's body language is a decoy - offering the sentiment, "I will be your subordinate".

But Trump does not maintain this position, for as they get closer, watch what happens. Trump's hand rotates a bit more toward the neutral position - as his hand and arm are retracting closer to his torso. This obligates Kim Jong-un to extend his arm farther.

As the two men get even closer, Trump continues to rotate his hand so that it then becomes perpendicular to the ground. This dynamic facilitates Trump's usual action of pulling the other person's hand/arm close to his own chest - as well as pulling it upward. The upward vectoring of Kim's hand - along with being closer to Trump's torso are both Trump-dominant maneuvers.

Note also that Trump's wrist is not bent - but straight from his elbow to his hand. In distinction, Kim's wrist is bent at a near 90º angle. This is a hyper-alpha maneuver and is uncomfortable - sometimes even overtly painful. 

Despite all this, President Trump, with high likelihood, has been counseled against his hyper-dominant type of handshake - yet he still does it, but somewhat less so with Kim Jong-un compared with most other leaders (Trump has a history of pulling the other person's hand even higher and closer - such that it typically physically touches Trump's mid-to-upper chest).

Trump then extends his left hand and squeezes the lateral aspect of Kim's right upper arm (0:10). While this maneuver exerts dominance and makes Trump look stronger - it's an example of false-affection/false familiarity and often backfires.

A couple seconds later Trump's pull loosens - allowing a more neutral position (although Kim's arm is still somewhat elevated). Note that Kim Jong-un has now straightened his wrist.

The two men's hand-contact lasts about 13 seconds. As Kim Jong-un breaks eye contact first, and begins to rotate his head, Kim's mouth displays a mild expression of pain (0:21). It's probable that Donald Trump deliberately exerted considerably more force than was necessary - or than was wise.

Too many Americans erroneously believe that a handshake should be conducted with maximum squeezing. A proper and rapport-building handshake should include a grip strength equal to the other person's grip. Squeezing too strongly during a handshake is considered rude across the vast majority of cultures.

Less than a second later Donald Trump touches Kim Jong-un again - this time on Kim's left upper arm with Trump's right hand.

A nonverbal display which Trump repeatedly uses with virtually everyone, is he openly choreographs the other person's next move by displaying a palms-up maneuver pointing in the direction in which they were obviously moving. This gives Trump an advantage - for it makes the other person feel like Trump is directing, in charge, and giving orders (and that Trump is hosting even when they're obviously not on US soil).

The facial expression Trump is displaying in this moment is highly indicative of disgust.

In this brief video, Donald Trump touches Kim Jong-un's arm or back at least seven times (not including the handshakes). However, the North Korea leader reciprocates only once (1:07).

Partially obscured from our view by a pillar, the two men then shake hands once again (note the position of Kim's hand and wrist). Kim Jong-un's smile is feigned, however - it's a social smile (albeit a fairly good one compared to most). Sincere smiles do not display one's bottom teeth.

SUMMARY: Although Donald Trump watered-down his typical version of a hyper-alpha handshake, he still asserted significantly more dominance in his greeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4303: Donald Trump, the G7 Summit, Women's Empowerment, and Rage

Body Language Analysis No. 4301: Donald Trump and the G7 Summit "Family Photo"

Body Language Analysis No. 4299: Bill Clinton confronted regarding Monica Lewinsky Affair

Body Language Analysis No. 4297: Donald Trump's Fearful Forefinger

Body Language Analysis No. 4295: Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos, and Red Flags 

Body Language Analysis No. 4257: Mark Zuckerberg Testifies Before The Senate

Body Language Analysis No. 4254: Tony Robbins, Nanine McCool, and the #MeToo Movement

Body Language Analysis No. 4241: Vladimir Putin responding to a question regarding the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal

Body Language Analysis No. 3983: Female Kurdish sniper fighting IS narrowly cheats death

__________________________

Body Language Analysis No. 4297: Donald Trump's Fearful Forefinger - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence

On Friday 1 June 2018, Donald Trump met with former North Korean spy chief Kim Yong-chol in the Oval Office for about 90 minutes. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of the President - with a focus on one particular tell.

DONALD TRUMP (beginning at 0:00): We'll be, ah - meeting on June twelfth in Singapore - went very well - it's really 'getting to know you' kind of a - situation. Ah, Mike has spent two days, ah, doing this. We've gotten to know their people very well and we will - you people are going to have to travel, because you'll be in Singapore 'n June twelfth. Ah - and I'll think it will be a process. It's not - I d't-, I never said it goes in one meeting - I think it's going to be a process. But the relationships are building and that's a very positive thing.

During, 0:29, as he says, "... relationships ...", he moves his right hand/arm gesturing using two rapid cyclical rotations - while advancing his hand anterior-laterally with his palm is facing in (toward his torso). Crucially, during this dynamic, his index finger is flexed (retracted) - but the other digits are extended.

This gesture is but one of many examples of what are known as alpha-beta hybrids. Alpha-beta hybrids are not pure alpha, nor pure beta - but somewhere in between. In general, the use of alpha-beta hybrids is wise. Politicians certainly don't use them anywhere near as often as they should - rather they tend to default to alpha and hyper-alpha nonverbal behavior (which, although solidifies their base - these will alienate swing/independent voters).

While this particular gesture - with the index finger retracted and all the other digits extended - is not idiosyncratic to Trump, it's relatively rare in the general population. And although it IS an alpha-beta hybrid, this illustrator lives toward the beta end of that Goldilocks zone.

Because the forefinger (index finger) is the most alpha/most powerful of all the digits, this non-usage gesture is known as the Forefinger Retraction, Forefinger Flexing, or Fearful Forefinger.

Thus, in a very literal way, this dynamic is the exact opposite an extremely Hyper-Alpha gesture - Forefinger Pointing - (where the forefinger [index finger] is extended, and all the other digits are retracted).

SUMMARY: When we observe his Fearful Forefinger Retraction in dynamic context - it unequivocally tells us that the President is having a momentary downturn of his confidence. Its presence projects a hesitancy to commit/not wanting to engage. Moreover, as its name suggests, there's also a component of fear present.

Group Appearances and One-on-One

Online Courses Available 

702-239-8503

Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4296: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Chokes Up

Body Language Analysis No. 4294: LeBron James, Adrenaline Surges, and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 4292: Sarah Huckabee Sanders' Deception

Body Language Analysis No. 4290: President Trump regarding talks with North Korea

Body Language Analysis No. 4278: Jaws - "You're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat" - vs. A Real Shark Encounter on a Paddleboard 

Body Language Analysis No. 4249: Will Smith, Sophia the Robot, Robot-Empathy, and Responding in Context

Body Language Analysis No. 4205: Chloe Kim, Albert Einstein, and Creativity

Body Language Analysis No. 4071: Fans' Reaction to Trauma - Young Girl Hit By Foul Ball at Yankee Stadium

Body Language Analysis No. 3955: Jeff Sessions, Russia, and Sergey Kislyak

____________________________