Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1858: What the Eyes Do - Transitioning from Mild to Severe Anger

Close-ups of the great actor & director Clint Eastwood's eyes are shown in these two images. In both photos, Clint is angry. His brows are lowered and pulled together along with a contraction of the muscles overlying the bridge of the nose - ergo the dynamic and characteristic wrinkling of the tissue there. 

Most notably though in these two images are the contrasting appearances of his eyelids. In the above photo they are partially closed in what some refer to as an anger "squint". This is indicative of mild anger and not to be confused with the partial eyelid closure (but very different eyelid appearance) of a sincere smile (see also: Secret # 353: Brad Pitt's Smiling Eyes - Sincere and Insincere Smiles)

The picture below however shows Eastwood's eyelids, particularly his upper eyelids (and more noticeable on HIS left) opening wider. This is demonstrative of transitioning to moderate and higher levels of anger. Severe Anger is synonymous with Rage - and once this full transformation occur, both of Clint's eyelids would be open very wide.

Anger is the only emotion where the eyelids have opposite findings when comparing the milder vs. more extreme examples.

See also:

Secret # 1060: Belichick's Anger

Secret # 817: Anger & Steroids in Milwaukee 

Secret # 273: Anger & Disgust in Azerbiajan

Analysis # 1555: Ann Romney Hits it Back Over the Net to Hilary Rosen

Secret # 779: What Does Staring Indicate?

Analysis # 1652: Crude Oil, Speculators & Counting on Thumb First

Analysis # 1211: Tiger's Eyes - Subtle Signal - Severe Anger

Analysis # 1465: Santorum's Anger Eyes - White & Wide - Confrontation with Jeff Zeleny of the New York Times

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 1019: Cameron's Critical Cluster

The United Kingdom's Prime Minister, David Cameron is pictured here in a classic critical evaluation cluster (Pease). With his thumb and middle finger supporting the jaw and the index finger covering his mouth, a subtle drawing together and lowering of his eyebrows, as well as his head turned slightly away from the person(s) he is listening to - this nonverbal grouping is a strong indicator that Mr. Cameron does not like what he's hearing. His words may very well not convey the same level of negativity that his body language does - indeed his words may very well be positive. In such examples of disparity, the nonverbal cues are always correct. What would make this configuration even more critical? ..... if his other hand/arm were crossed over his lower (or upper) chest - or if his thumb was covering his ear - or if there were flaring of his nostrils. These would all be additional negative nonverbal signals typically seen in this context.

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 703: Putin Pulling his Puppet

This photo is for anyone who doubts who is the real puppet master. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is very obviously angry at his President Dmitry Medvedev - but let's dissect this photo. Always the alpha dog, Putin is red-faced. The Russian President's distended veins (most obviously on his left temple) indicate an (unconscious) valsalva maneuver. Both of these nonverbal signs are consistent with a momentary increase in blood pressure and decreased venous return - ergo in this context, anger. Additionally, his head is tilted down, while his eyebrows are pulled together and lowered - all body language cues for anger. Another indication of this emotion is Vladimir's mid-face tightening - particularly to the sides of his nose, and also (although it's difficult to tell from this angle) nostril dilation. Finally Mr. Putin's jaw is jutting forward. Put all these signals together and they constitute a body language "Cluster" of anger. If we were in this meeting - we'd love to know what he was saying - but we wouldn't really have to, because we'd know what he was feeling.

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