Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3872: "Fearless Girl" Statue in Manhattan's Financial District - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Just in time for International Women's Day, a sculpture has been installed across from the famed "Charging Bull" (aka Wall Street Bull or Bowling Green Bull) in Manhattan's Financial District. "Fearless Girl" is a bronze sculpture by artist Kristen Visbal. Her presence is meant to send a message regarding gender diversity in the workplace - including, of course, in the boardrooms.

Fearless girl's nonverbal signals are so well embodied - it's as if we can hear her thoughts.

Her hands, and more specifically her closed fists, are held akimbo on her hips. This nonverbal signal is of a higher alpha emotional state (more assertive and strong) than if her hands were open with her fingers forward - which is in turn, more alpha than if she was akimbo with her thumbs were forward.

Her elbows are pointed out laterally - but angled back about 20-25 degrees. If they were in the same plane of her torso (straight out to each side), her body language would be even more defiant. Her nonverbal power would be even further up-regulated if her elbows were angled forward.

Her facial expression is without fear. There is no tension on her face - it's relaxed and confident.

Fearless girl's "Whole-Body Pointing"(pointing directly with one's feet, hips, torso, face and eye/eye contact) toward the Charging Bull projects a particular boldness, courage, and confrontation.

The forward thrusting of her chest - as well as her head, especially her chin/jaw - is indeed a hyper-alpha body language stance. It's as if the little girl truly has no fear - and is challenging the raging bull to a fight.

Though she be but bronze, Fearless Girl speaks to us - and we should listen.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3871: Emma Watson's Old Habit, Harry Potter Outtake, and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3869: James Clapper regarding Alleged Wiretap of Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3867: What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye? Emma Stone, Romance and Flirting 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3845: Kellyanne Conway's Commercial for Ivanka Trump

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3823: Nina Dobrev, Flyboarding, Laughter and a Rapport/Bonding Amplifier

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3796: Bryan Cranston, Donald Trump, Anxiety, and Alpha Up-Regulators

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3759: Nicole Kidman's and Jimmy Fallon's Almost Date Redux

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3594: Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and Fareed Zakaria


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3203: Caitlyn Jenner on Vanity Fair - Did Annie Leibovitz Project what she intended? - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

A huge percentage of the time professional photographers pose their subjects in body language which is off the emotional-context mark - way off. They may be good at lighting, knowing the best angle, picking the right filter or lens - but relatively few professional photographers have any significant amount of nonverbal knowledge. The same is true for advertising professionals. The wrong expressions and body language are often used despite teams of people, months of effort and millions or even tens of millions of dollars spent (or more).

If Annie Leibovitz is trying to capture a successfully transitioning Caitlyn Jenner - from a body language perspective - she hits the mark. Of course a magazine cover presents a very different and artificial scenario vs. interpreting body language in real-time and real-life, however Jenner's arms behind her back with her hands clasped - projects a strength, confidence and alpha emotional tone - which is certainly in her character. It also sends signals of significant openness - and who in World history has made a more open transition? While of course currently there are other important reasons for such a configuration, by keeping her legs tightly crossed - Jenner still transmits femininity (as do her bare shoulders).

By rotating Caitlyn's head to one side (projecting coyness), tilting her head/neck downwards - makes it so that in order to have eye contact with the camera, she must look up - which necessitates more widely open eyes (This is true with her right eye, while Jenner's droopy left lid [ptosis] gives the secondary effect of "bedroom eyes" here - adding to the sexuality). The combination of Jenner's head & neck tilted down - yet upwardly gazing with Leibovitz's slightly downward camera angle, also projects a "come hither" look - which is often emulated in every day flirting and romance.

The one suggestion I would make regarding this specific photo, is to not have Kaitlyn's back a corner. This component gives the feeling of her being bad, trapped or "cornered" - and is a visual metaphor suggesting a decision that is punishment or forced, rather one of free will - which of course is an important sentiment and distinction.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3202: FIFA's Jack Warner Cites 'The Onion' in His Own Defense - Insincerity Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3165: Bruce Jenner's 20/20 Interview, Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3167: Bruce Jenner's 20/20 Interview, Part II - Confidence, Vulnerability and Sincerity

Dating & Romance Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1010:  Rashida Jones - What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3190: Taylor Swift's Body Language of Feigned Surprise

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3127: Hillary Clinton's Press Conference and a Body Language Down-regulator of Sincerity 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2806: Russian "Separatists" in Ukraine - Body Language of ..... (PHOTO)

What does this man know that the Ukrainian Military has yet to realize?

Some may say this is body language of laziness - they would be wrong. In this context in particular it is a significant alpha display. This Russian "separatist" is inside a regional government building in the City of Donetsk, Ukraine. This nonverbal configuration is indicative of "ownership". It speaks to his confidence and emotional comfort and his anticipated success of Russia annexing eastern portions of Ukraine. It also tells us that there is no one who out-ranks him in the room.

What other key thought-feeling does his body language indicate?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2749: President Obama, Ukraine's Interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2742: Vladimir Putin on the Crisis Ukraine - Thin Slicing Levels of Anger - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2727: "I am a Ukrainian" Video - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2805: Amanda Knox, Meredith Kercher and the Othello Error - Body Language
 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2749: President Obama, Ukraine's Interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and an Alpha-Beta Hybrid - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Today President Obama met with Interim Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk in an effort to put pressure on Russia to not meddle with Ukraine and to respect its sovereignty.

President Obama is very good at displaying body language which is not too alpha yet also not excessively beta. These nonverbals are collectively known as "Alpha Beta Hybrids". In the video above one of these amalgams is exampled which can be seen using quite a bit - the "Loose Fist Thumbs Up". This illustrator helps to drive home an important issue or phrase in an assertive manner without being too confrontational or offensive - such as an index finger point.

Some do not execute this particular body language well and thus with a stiff or extended arm or a fist clenched tightly - it escalates their own emotions towards anger. In these scenarios, the anger and tension are manifested simultaneously on the face.

The position of the thumb on top of index finger (forefinger) - rather than in a more tightly griped position of a full fist on the side of the index, middle and ring fingers - is a crucial regulator in preventing this emotional crescendo towards anger. 

The President however, down-regulates his own potential anger about this delicate crisis by maintaining his fist, elbow and shoulder in a more relaxed configuration. Thus he uses the alpha-beta hybrid (whether he fully realizes this or not) to both illustrate diplomacy and for his own emotional self-regulation. This body language is indeed is a form of biofeedback.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2748: Tatia Pilieva's Brilliant Video "First Kiss" - Body Language of Romance and Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2291:  A Tight Fist and Tension in The Face - Jay Carney's Body Language as he defends Chuck Hagel's performance during  Senate Confirmation Hearings

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2541: Barack Obama, Permanent U.N. Security Council Members, Syria's Chemical Weapon Disarmament and a Presidential Gaffe - Body Language in the Oval Office

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2152:  Second Presidential Debate - 16 October 2012 -  Barack Obama's Duping Delight -  Benghazi, Libya Attack was an "Act of Terror" -  Alpha, Beta, Confidence & Acquiescence ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2245:  The Fiscal Cliff Grows Closer & Tempers Fray -  Barack Obama's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2668: Ryan Seacrest - Less Offensive Variations on Pointing - Body Language Nuance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2727: "I am a Ukrainian" Video - Body Language

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2437: Michael Jackson's Wrongful Death Trial Faux Pas Body Language during Testimony byAEG Live CEO Randy Phillips

Randy Phillips the CEO of AEG Live is shown here during his recent testimony of Michael Jackson's wrongful death trial. The configuration of Mr. Phillips hands is that of a "High Conventional Steeple" with a simultaneous mouth cover. A conventional steeple - if displayed very selectively (and essentially choreographed) for short periods of time (a second or two) will transmit emotions of authority, alpha personality and high confidence levels. The trouble is those who use it almost always overuse it and therefore it backfires and sends signals of arrogance as well as patronizing and condescending emotional tones. These are never emotions which, as his attorney, you would ever want the jury to perceive.

Additionally Mr. Phillips' coexisting mouth cover is a variation of a MAP (manipulator, adaptor, pacifier). MAPs very often signal heightened anxiety levels - as is the case here (in the setting of differing facial expressions, what would be some other interpretations of this particular MAP cluster?). Thus Mr. Phillips' body language is displaying significant emotional dissonance - both a hyper-alpha/arrogance - while at the same time that of significant anxiety.

How to behave on the witness stand is an important matter - for the guilty can look innocent and the innocent may appear guilty. And jurors (or judges) will decide with their guts as much or more than their heads.

See also:

Negotiation Body Languge Secret # 361:  Conrad Murray's Fingers and Nostrils

Negotiation Nonverbal Secret # 559: Pointing at a Witness, Conrad Murray's Trial

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2323:  Jodi Arias Murder Trial - The Body Language of Unilateral Regret vs. Contempt 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2343:  Jodi Arias, the Courtroom and the Body Language of Mirroring

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2050:  George Zimmerman's Interview on Fox -  Microexpression of Contempt and Duping Delight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1897:  George Zimmerman's Reenactment of  Trayvon Martin Shooting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2411:  Zimmerman's Attorney, Mark O'Mara's - Body Language Faux Pas in Court

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2310:  Oscar Pistorius' Body Language in Court - Part II  Central Forehead Contraction, Frown & Pupil Dilation ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2311:  Reporter Robyn Curnow's re: Oscar Pistorius, Her Body Language shows her Bias

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2398: Self Righteous Head Wiggle, Alpha Behavior & First Drone Flight Off of an Aircraft Carrier (Video)

Yesterday the first drone (UAV) took off from the deck of an aircraft carrier (U.S.S. George H.W. Bush). This represents a dramatic evolution in warfare and air flight in general. There is a small segment of the video above wherein Rear Admiral Ted Branch speaks. He is proud of the Navy's achievement and it clearly shows in a nonverbal example - the "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" (SRHW). This body language is a common subconscious (99.9+% of the time) display of nonverbal swagger. Conscious examples of the SRHW are dramatically exaggerated and thus are easily spotted. 

The self-righteous head wiggle is comprised of a relatively rapid side-to-side movement of the head & neck. The example in the video above (during 0:38 - 0:48) however demonstrates a greater component of the torso & shoulder movement (typically a minor part of this nonverbal cluster). There is even sometimes a similar component of jaw movement (very slight here).

The SRHW is displayed in people who feel they are a relative alpha in their environment accompanied by a highly definitive verbal statement (Here, Admiral Branch says, "...it's a, a marker for a line between naval aviation as we've known it and the future of naval aviation with the launch of the X-47B ...").

Although neither is present in this example, two possible additional nonverbals include a superimposed forward vector (in addition to the side-to-side motion) - which often accompanies a reprimand/scolding scenario, whereas a backward motion overlying the SRHW adds a layer of incredulity.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2148:  Joe Biden vs. Paul Ryan and the "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" in the Vice Presidential Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2167:  Colin Powell Endorses President Obama - His Body Language Display of Anxiety, Contempt & the  Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1552:  The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle & The Buffett Rule

Nonverbal Communication Intelligence # 2113:  Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran, the U.S. and the  Self-Righteous Head Wiggle

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1923:  Hillary Clinton's Body Language re: Syrian Government - The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2102:  The Self-Righteous Head Wiggle and the  Conventional Steeple vs.Basketball Steeple

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2158:  Kennebunk Maine, Alexis Wright, Prostitution &  Spotting the Body Language of the Self Righteous

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 345: Dialing Up Her Alpha

This is an image of Ms. Sharon Bialek immediately after her press conference two days ago when she accused Republican Presidential Nominee Hopeful, Herman Cain of unwanted sexual advances - which she alleges occurred in 1997. This particular hair-adjust-behind-the-ear gesture (HABE) is extremely common. It belongs to a set of behaviors known in the Body Language world as a Manipulators, Adaptors or Pacifiers (MAPs). These terms are synonyms and in general, are types of self-touching. They are indicative of increased anxiety at the particular moment of and immediately preceding their display. The hair-adjust-behind-the-ear is seen almost exclusively with women and gay men although straight men will occasionally exhibit it. Specifically, when you see the HABE maneuver, the subconscious is calling on the psyche to "dial-up" the Alpha personality qualities (e.g. Less Beta and more Alpha). The emotional mind is trying to be more assertive. This is a fantastic and very consistent signal telling you the person perceives themselves at a disadvantage, less confident, and out of their element. While MAPs do not indicate deception, their frequency increases at times of deception - especially hand-to-face MAPs. Never self-touch, particularly your face when speaking. Interestingly, audience members will perceive speakers as less credible when they commit MAPs. The HABE has several more stereotypical male analogs. Would you recognize any of these masculine displays?

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