Nonverbal Communications Analysis # 1715: Jay Carney's Lip Purse Bin Laden is Dead & General Motors is Alive

In this video, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, responds to CBS correspondent, Peter Maer, when he asked about the possible politicizing of the death of Osama Bin Laden. This was in response to Vice President Joe Biden's recent speech in New York City, when he said, "Bid Laden is Dead and General Motors is alive". Carney exhibits many body language tells in this video segment, however I want to highlight one in particular - the Lip Purse. These are seen at 0:03, 0:11 (don't confuse with "lip pout" seen at 0:12), 0:19 and 0:23 - 0:25. All except the last are very brief and some are evanescent enough to be classified as microexpressions.

Pursing of the lips is a signal of disagreement and consideration of alternative action. However the vast majority of the time, those displaying the lip purse will either very minimally voice their differing opinion (or say nothing at all) - compared to what they are really feeling-thinking. I call this "Iceberg Disagreement" - because most of it is hiding beneath surface.

When you see the lip purse, those using it also believe they're in a relative position of power. In this example, Jay Carney (and anyone else who displays it) believes he's the most powerful alpha in the room. If the president or the attorney general walked in - he wouldn't use this nonverbal. Betas don't use it unless they're in the vicinity of lesser betas - ergo a temporarily & relative alpha.

In a business setting, court room or when negotiating - if you see members of the "other team" using the lip purse, it's a body language signal of clandestine disagreement - and opinion/plan different than yours. They most definitely believe they hold the upper hand as well. Be prepared for the unexpected. You may not see it immediately, or it may not be obvious. If a person knows some strategic information of which you're not aware, and they wield power that you don't have - it's very likely that they intend to - and will act on it.

See also:

Analysis # 1515: Jay Carney's numerous microexpressions and subtle displays of contempt

Secret # 391: Pursed Lips may sink ships

Secret # 9: Lip Pursing Redux

Nancy's Lip Purse

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Negotiation Secret # 9: Nancy's Lip Purse

We don't know what was said - or who said it, but Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), doesn't agree with it.  Whenever you see this classic nonverbal pursed-lip signal, which Ms. Pelosi is displaying, you can be sure that its owner disagrees with what they hear or see. In addition, it's very likely that those who display the pursed lip have an alternative plan or proposal in-the-ready and are waiting for the best time to put it forth, if they've not already done so. 

In the real world, the lip purse is not always so classic in appearance. Stay tuned for future posts for more subtle examples. Whenever you see it displayed though, this should be a signal that the other person will be taking action in the direction of their plan. You can be very certain of this - even if their words say otherwise.  Those who display the lip purse are also demonstrating a fairly high level of confidence. Plenty of people disagree with us, but not everyone has the confidence, assertiveness and the resources to take action. So when you see this classic sign of disagreement and confidence - break out your diplomacy, your plan B or your resume.

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