Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3275: Carly Fiorina, The Republican Debate and Likability (or not) – Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Carly Fiorina has climbed in the polls and Donald Trump has fallen. According to Rasmussen the former HP CEO has increased her share of the polling pie to 9%. She is clustered with Governor Scott Walker who's also poling at 9% - and just behind Governor Jeb Bush and Senator Marco Rubio who are both at 10%. Donald Trump has slipped significantly to 17%.

Yet from a body language perspective, Ms. Fiorina is far from where she needs to be. Although there are several mistakes exampled in this short video segment, one very common one seen here is a complete lack of the use of her arms and hands.

In nonverbal parlance many of hand and arm gestures are examples of what are termed "illustrators" - for they emphasize, highlight and add flavor to our verbal language. And while illustrators certainly may be displayed too frequently, too dramatically, overly aggressively (hyper-alpha displays such as Mr. Trump) or not congruently with the simultaneous-clustered paralanguage and verbal messages - using them minimally or not at all, will almost always project a lower confidence and diminished assertiveness.

What many people don't realize is that lack of/low illustrator use results in other over-compensatory behaviors (How is Carly overcompensating here?).

Also, when hands are hiding behind, blocked by or resting too long on a lectern (or below a table, a witness stand barrier, etc.) human beings will subconsciously assign less trustworthiness to the speaker. Simply put, if we cannot see your hands we tend to think you're less honest.

Quality and nuanced hand and arm illustrators will also send signals of likability and improve rapport (as well as decrease unfavorables and increase her favorables). These behaviors must never be or look as if they're forced or cliché in nature - lest the audience will feel the insincerity and such acting will backfire. By improving her nonverbal skills, Ms. Fiorina will further leverage her verbal prowess and climb higher in the polls. If so, come November 2016, we could very well have two women running for the White House. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3274: Chris Christie, Rand Paul, The Republican Debate and National Security

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3272: Donald Trump, Megyn Kelly, Deception and Misogyny 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2016: Hillary Clinton, Roosevelt Island, Building Rapport and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3060: Bradley Cooper, Air Guitar, Neil Young & the R2E2 Expression 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2818: The Caring Hand, Palms Up and Building Rapport

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2977: Raven-Symoné: "I'm Tired of Being Labeled" - Interview with Oprah

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2952: Kmart's "Not a Christmas Commercial" - No Place for Arrogance
 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3235: Jim Webb Announces His Presidential Bid .... and some Body Language Weakness (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Late Wednesday yet another candidate announce his bid for the 2016 Presidential Race. Jim Webb - a democrat - who served in the U.S. Senate for Virginia from 2006 - 2012. He announced his decision via Twitter and the video above was posted on his website and on YouTube shortly thereafter. What follows is a partial nonverbal critique.

Webb has been described as "having a gruff personality", a "stiff campaigner", a "stoic military personality" and "standoffish" among others.

From a production standpoint, the resolution of the video is of low. It's not framed in the typical 16:9 aspect ratio (utilized by YouTube any many other media sources) - subsequently the sides of the video are black. This looks amateurish.

On the right side of the video the medium-blue background moves in a slow wave-like manner. This is visually distracting both physiologically and psychologically. On the left side of the screen the much darker background blends in with the candidate - and acts as a visual metaphor making Webb appear weak and indistinct. This very same mistake was made famous by Richard Nixon in his first Debate with John Kennedy in September of 1960.

Throughout the entirety of this 14 minute video, whenever Sen. Webb is shown - he's virtually in the same position. Webb essentially never moves his body (although we see a slight shrug-like nonverbal exception during the 1:04 - 1:05, when he says, "Over the past few months, thousands of concerned Americans from across the political spectrum have urged me to run for president." In this context, what does this shrug signify?). Sen. Webb is indeed stone-like and stoic.

One key mistake is that Webb's hands are not visible. When we cannot see a person's hands - it is human instinct to trust them less. This principle cannot be over-stated. Indeed when hand and arm gestures (known in body language colloquial as "illustrators") are used in a nuanced, contextual and proportional manner - they will lead to improved rapport, they project assertiveness and confidence - as well as engendering better listening and greater recall of those who hear them.

What do Senator Webb's facial nonverbals tell you? Stay tuned.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3234: Whole Foods Market, Message to Customers, Damage Control and Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2016: Hillary Clinton, Roosevelt Island, Building Rapport and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3200: Martin O'Malley announces Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language of Emotional Processing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3177: Carly Fiorina Announces her Candidacy for the 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3134: Ted Cruz to Announce his Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Why He Will Never Win

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3226: Bobby Jindal Jumps In the 2016 Presidential Race - Puts "Family Meeting" online

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2134:  A Watershed Body Language Moment:  Nixon - Kennedy Debates 1960

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2322:  Jeb Bush & Matt Lauer - Which one is the Narcissist? Red Flags

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3171: Brooke Baldwin - Blames Vets for Riots? Then Apologizes - Contrasting Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

These two videos are an excellent study in contrast. Yesterday, CNN Anchor Brooke Baldwin, in an interview Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) on the subject of the rioting in Baltimore, said, “I was talking to a city councilman here last week who was saying, ‘Brooke, these people have to live in the communities. There’s no emotional, or there’s a lack of emotional investment,’ ” Baldwin continued, “And a lot of these young people … and I love our nation’s veterans, but some of them are coming back from war, they don’t know the communities and they’re ready to do battle.”

Note Baldwin's hand and arm movement during the dialog in the above video. In body language terminology these are examples of what are termed "Illustrators". Yet they are incongruous in both amplitude and context with her words (As if she was an orchestral conductor and the music is "off" to a bit). This disparity is a strong signal of insincerity. It shows us that Brooke Baldwin either did not believe what she was saying - or that she was being melodramatic and trying to inject (act) sincerity and emphasis when she was not well thought (or fully emotionally present) on the specifics. Either way this is insincere behavior.

Understandably, many have blasted her for making this statement.

Today she apologized for her words (See video below). In contrast to the above AND with vast majority of other apologies of celebrity and public officials - this one was sincere. Note that she did NOT read her apology. An apology that has to be read (and written by lawyers) is not spoken from the heart and not sincere. An unscripted apology, even to an eight-year old "feels right". Both Baldwin's vocal qualities and her choice of words were also sincere.

[For some reason, several months after it was posted, CNN has removed Brooke Baldwin's apology from their YouTube channel. The image captured below however, was taken during this apology.]

From a nonverbal perspective, Ms. Baldwin's central forehead is contracted and directed upward (an Upward CFC). Her inner eyebrows are also vectored up. In addition, Brooke's mouth configuration is consistent with mild pain and sadness. While her facial expression could have been more extreme, this is certainly consistent with sincerity and emotional pain.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3170: Angry mother beats son for participating in Baltimore Riots - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3169: Baltimore Deputy Police Commissioner Jerry Rodriguez regarding the Death of Freddie Gray - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2863: Gary Oldman's Apology on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" - Sincere or Insincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3092: Brian Williams' Apology - Was He Sincere? - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3115: Giuliana Rancic apologizes to Zendaya Coleman comment made regarding her dreadlocks at the Oscars - that she "smells like patchouli oil and weed" on "Fashion Police" - Is She Sincere?





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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3025: Vladimir Putin, Alpha Hand Signals and "The Claw" (PHOTOS)

This image of Vladimir Putin was taken several months ago just after Russia's annexation of Crimea. Here we see great examples of two nonverbal illustrators. The Russian President's right hand is formed in what is known as "The Claw" - his hand held up with fingers forward as if he were a raptor about to grab his prey with talons. This is a considerably alpha body language illustrator - and as with most alpha nonverbal signals - if used too often, for too long a duration or out of context - it rapidly becomes hyper-alpha. Note Vladimir's face - particularly his mouth and mid-face - they are contracted - displaying considerable tension. Aggressive hand signals are very often accompanied by simultaneous or nearly simultaneous facial tension. The hands mirror the face.

Mr. Putin's left hand is held out far from his torso and forward. His palm is directed downward and it's grasping the side of the lectern. This cluster is also an alpha body language configuration - though a good amount less than "The Claw" - so it can be held for longer duration and has less chance of "back-firing with too much alpha".

Politicians will virtually always use an excessive amount of alpha body language when speaking to audiences which already share their views and/or when they are trying to engender enthusiasm - and Vladimir Putin is certainly no stranger to such scenarios.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3024: Officer Darren Wilson's Interview - Does He Feel Remorse For Killing Michael Brown?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3009: Vladimir Putin, Chivalry and China's first lady Peng Liyuan

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2942: Vladimir Putin's & Recognizing Duplicity in Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2937: Vladimir Putin - “If I want to, I can take Kiev in two weeks” and Critical Evaluation - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3014: Vladimir Putin - Odd Man Out Down Under at the G20 Summit

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2616: John Kennedy and Richard Nixon Handshake at Kennedy Inaugural Address, One Body Language Maneuver to Counter a Dominance Display

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2337:  Rick Santorum at 2013 CPAC  Body Language,Facial Tension & Hand Tension

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2935: David Cameron and ISIL-ISIS-IS, Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Despite the fact that he is a very good speaker and for four years the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, David Cameron, like everyone, suffers occasional anxiety. In this recent video wherein he speaks about heightened security/terrorism threat level in the U.K. due to ISIL-ISIS-IS as well as drawing a clear distinction between Islam and Islamic extremism, Mr. Cameron displays several body language signals indicating elevated anxiety. Two nonverbals in particular are well exemplified here.

Note that during this entire 3:32 video segment, Mr. Cameron frequently rocked back and forth on his feet - shifting his body weight from one to the other. In addition, there was not a single hand gesture used (known in body language parlance as "illustrators") throughout the length of this segment of his speech. These two nonverbal findings are highly correlative with anxiety - in particular when clustered together. And although this is a well accomplished leader and head-of-state speaking on a subject involving the entire planet - these same nonverbal beacons are just as accurate in a court room, board room or sales floor.

What other significant body language does Mr. Cameron display here?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2933: Will Hayden ("Sons of Guns") Arrested - Body Language of His Mug Shot 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2934: Little Boy Goes Off On His Mom for Getting Pregnant - A Body Language Signal of Emotional Processing




Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2409:  David Cameron & François Hollande -  Variations on the Hand Chop & Palm Orientation

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2064:  David Cameron & Boris Johnson - Wincing at Wimbledon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2844: Vladimir Tells a Lie To Obama at Normandy - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis 2759: Vladimir Putin, Annexation of Crimea and Mouth Asymmetry - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2794: Lupita Nyong'o's Speech on Black Beauty Essence, Body Language and Anxiety

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Nonverbal Communication Quiz-Analysis No. 2902: How Sincere was Ray Rice's Apology? (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Ray Rice apologized today in a press conference for allegedly assaulting his then fiancée (and now wife), Janay Palmer. A video showing Rice allegedly dragging Palmer out of an elevator in an Atlantic City, NJ Casino has been widely circulated (see below). NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been widely criticized for his mild punishment (in relative and in absolute terms) of the Baltimore Ravens Running Back.

When you view this video of the press conference, do you think Ray Rice is sincere?

When it comes to an apology, do you believe sincerity is an "all or nothing" emotion - or are there degrees of sincerity? If so, on a scale of 1 to 10 - how sincere is Ray Rice in this apology?

Do you believe that Rice is mad, sad, or regretful for his actions - or for the fact he was caught?

Do you see Nonverbal Communication signals in this video which signify Anger?
Is there Body Language of Regret?
What signs of Sadness do you see?
What is Ray Rice's "Empathy Quotient"?

When assessing a person's sincerity - always take note of their words, paralanguage and their body language. Ask yourself - are they all in agreement? Are Ray Rice's words, tone of voice and other vocal qualities as well - as his nonverbal signals congruent or are they in disparate? All three must be consistent with each other in order for high sincerity to be present.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2901: Sadie doesn't want her brother to grow up - Body Language of Sincere Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2441:  Paula Deen's Apology - What Does Her Body Language Say?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2839: Jonah Hill's Apology on Jimmy Fallon - Sincere or Insincere? - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2296:  Penelope Soto Apologizes & Avoids 30 Days in Jail -  Body Language Accompanying Sincere Tears & Apology

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2512:  Matthew Cordle's YouTube Confession  and the Death of Vincent Canzani  "I Killed a Man" - What His Body Language Tells Us ...  It's NOT what you think!

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2818: The Caring Hand, Palms Up and Building Rapport (PHOTO)

Besides being beautiful and very creative, this sculpture in Glarus, Switzerland is configured in a very giving and rapport building way. Known as "The Caring Hand" with only the thumb and fingers visible in a loose, palm-up orientation with the implied palm below the ground and not visible - the hand appears to be holding the roots of the tree - and brilliantly the body language of this art projects an open, caring and giving - yet still authoritative emotional-tone.

In the world of flesh and blood, people who use this loose, palms-up body language when gesturing (known as "illustrators" as when used properly, they serve to emphasize, underline and animate verbal language as well as paralanguage) will build much more rapport, make more sales, win more negations & elections, de-escalate many confrontations and convince multitudes of juries  - vs. the use of palms-down gestures. The palm-up illustrator with a loose hand, elbow and shoulder is thus very effective alpha-beta hybrid.

Palm-down hand movements are examples of alpha and hyper-alpha illustrators. Particularly rapport destroying and audience alienating (and amplified when the palm-down fingers are closed together, and when the wrist, elbow or shoulders are extended and stiff) - this will body language will destroy rapport and alienate audiences (even an audience of one).

Incredibly, the students or audience of teachers, professors, attorneys, speakers, etc. who use palms-up illustrators will have significantly higher retention-rates of the materials presented. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2360:  Bill Clinton and the Body Language of a  "Loose Hand, Palm Up Point"

Leadership Secret # 222: Angela Merkle - Palms Down vs. Palms Up

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2816: Donald Sterling Interview - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2817: Rep. Joe Garcia Picks His Ear & Eats it - What his Body Language Really is Saying

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2519: Vladimir Putin Speaks Syria, Chemical Weapons and Disarmament - Body Language just after his New York Times Op-Ed (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Vladimir Putin was interviewed on Thursday 12 September a day after his Op-Ed was published in the New York Times in which he called for American caution and reserve in Syria. Mr. Putin showed a good number of anxiety-correlated body language tells in this exchange. He is not as confident as he would have the World believe.




Vladimir’s right hand is shown here in what is termed as the “spit finger fastball” (because of its similarity to the positioning of the hand necessary for that particular baseball pitch).

Here shown in a close-up, the split finger fastball gesture is a good example of an alpha-beta hybrid hand illustrator. It is a wise hand gesture for a leader to use – for it projects confidence without arrogance and strength without being over-bearing. It also engenders this much sought after, yet rarely delivered persona.






Despite the above noted use of the split finger fastball, Mr. Putin displays a relatively low amount of hand-arm illustrators throughout this interview. This relative rarity of hand gestures behavior is consistent with relatively high levels of anxiety. Mr. Putin is on the world stage as he has never quite been before. He has reasons to be anxious.

At 0:56, the Russian President displays a microexpression of mild fear with an overlaying emotion of regret. This occurred just after Mr. Putin said, "...On September the ninth ..." [MICROEXPRESSION] he then continued his sentence "... we heard John Kerry's statement. He said it's an important issue which needs to be dealt with and we agree...". This was most probably in response to Mr. Putin's calling Mr. Kerry a liar several days ago. Mr. Putin displays this expression multiple times throughout this video.

Another interesting finding is seen throughout the entire length of this interview: Vladimir Putin shifts his weight back and forth from leg to leg. Barring any back injury or arthritis, this constant center-of-gravity shifting is significant for low emotional discomfort and high level of anxiety.

During the 0:41 – 0:44 segment Vladimir displayed an example of a modified fig-leaf. This is a low confidence body language stance rarely used by Putin. This betrays a lower degree of emotional comfort. 

Although they are not seen directly, it is evident that during the 1:11 to 1:14 segment, Mr. Putin stands with his feet close together as he slaps his left thigh with his left hand (an example of a MAP, Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier). For Mr. Putin in particular (who is advanced in both Sambo and Judo as well as an ex-KGB agent) - this is highly unusual. He looks as if he is momentarily standing at attention. This feet-close is yet another stance conveying lower confidence. Projecting a beta and demure emotional tone, Vladimir is telling us he does NOT feel emotionally comfortable or confident on this particular World Stage.

The Russian President then dials up his alpha a bit by gesturing with the split finger fastball (discussed above).







There were oodles of nonverbals signals in this interview. What others did you spot?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2250:  Deal Reached on "Fiscal Cliff",  Barack Obama's Body Language  and the "Split-Finger Fastball"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2440:  Vladimir Putin Dials Up His Alpha ... Foot Position, Projecting Leadership,  Confidence & Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2155:  Body Language Tells at the Second Presidential Debate  Mitt Romney at Attention &  President Obama's Disapproval-Subtle Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2331  Sheryl Sandberg on Time Cover - Magazine Brass Picked Completely Wrong Image - Her Body Language has the Opposite Message of the Article

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2511:  Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin  Handshake at 2013 G20 Meeting

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2433:  Vladimir Putin & David Cameron Disagree on Syria -  A Body Language Evaluation of Russian Leader

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2436:  Vladimir Putin next to Barack Obama -  G8 Body Language


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2281: Inaugural Luncheon Anxiety Barack Obama's Body Language Michelle's Mirroring

The above video captures a few moments during the speech President Obama made at the Inaugural Luncheon earlier this week. During this speech, Barack Obama, who normally is a very relaxed and confident speaker, uncharacteristically displayed several body language signals of discomfort, lower confidence and anxiety. 

Note very early in the speech the President scratches above his right ear. This MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) is a general and reliable signal of anxiety. Touching the ear or just below the ear (not seen in this example) while also an anxiety sign, can indicate other additional thought-emotions. It is interesting to note that Michelle also simultaneous scratches the same area. This mirroring shows that Barack and the First Lady are very "in sync" emotionally. 

Also early on, Mr. Obama's left hand then goes in his side pocket for several seconds before he retracts it. While some falsely interpret this body language as a signal of relaxation - it's not. Along with anxiety, it also is an indicator of non-engagement and a lack of desire to speak.

Barack also stands with his feet relatively close together at the lectern. Feet in this position is indicative of lower confidence, low comfort and beta emotional tones. He (and other alpha personalities) typically stands with his feet a shoulder's width apart - which both engenders and indicates higher levels of comfort and confidence.

In addition, relative to his typical speech, the President uses very few hand/arm illustrators here (what in common parlance are called gestures). This relative lack of illustrators, particularly given his norm, is a strong indicator of anxiety and low comfort (and counter-intuitive given that he just was re-inaugurated). He grips the sides of the lectern platform a lot. And while this is not an awful nonverbal to emulate, and is certainly much better than hands that stay in pockets or below the lectern platform - it should not be overused. John Kennedy popularized this lectern gripping 50 years ago - but he did so primarily because he had a longstanding and painful back injury.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2276: Michelle Obama's Eye Roll .... What was she thinking? and What Did Boehner's & Barack's Body Language Say? 

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 831: Santorum's Hands and the Alpha-Beta Hybrid

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2074: Mitt Romney and Senator Kelly Ayotte - What Body Language Tells?

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1143: Santorum Video Analysis  R2E2 and other Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2155: Body Language Tells at the Second Presidential Debate  Mitt Romney at Attention &  President Obama's Disapproval-Subtle Contempt

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 # 1869: One Body Language Signal a President Should Never Display

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 801:  Mirroring Down Under - Barack Obama & Julia Gillard

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Tip # 1239: Benjamin Netanyahu, Barack Obama and Iran

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2254: John Boehner's Speech Today - One Major Body Language Improvement The U.S. Speaker of the House Should Make

John Boehner (R-OH) was re-elected by his republican colleagues as U.S. Speaker of the House. Of course this speech contains many nonverbals - a couple notables here:

Mr. Boehner's use of his hands is very minimal during this speech. In the world of body language, most hand-arm "gestures" are termed "Illustrators" (although other parts of the body/face can be illustrators as well) while others here fit into what are known as Manipulators, Adaptors or Pacifiers (MAPs). In general, although there are some exceptions, illustrators act to visually "underline", emphasize, accentuate, etc. simultaneous speech (although they can be used in absence of any verbal communication). Illustrators usually involve no self-touching.

MAPs involve of variations self-touching - although some examples of this category of body language may not at first glance seem to fit into this category. MAPs in general (exceptions here too) are signals of anxiety - and these can of course be greatly nuanced with added, layered meanings depending on the specific MAP and the other nonverbals with which they are clustered.

Speaker Boehner, throughout the vast majority of his speech today, used very little illustrators. Most of the time his left hand was placed on top of his right hand, with his right hand held in a loose fist. Such body language (one of many examples of a MAP) in this context is very ill-advised. Rather he would greatly benefit from skillful, congruent and relaxed use of illustrators - for they send signals of honesty, an alpha mindset, confidence and assertiveness. Together with other intangibles these qualities engender rapport. In fact, in face-to-face interactions, if a person does not use his hands, full and objective rapport is very difficult to establish. One who rarely uses his hands-arms (again in a congruent and relaxed manner) projects to her/his audience (even an audience of one) significantly reduced feelings of trust, reduced forthrightness and much less comfort-confidence. Of course, over-use, incongruent and "excessive-alpha" illustrators will backfire and also prevent and/or damage rapport - or worse.

Another under-appreciated MAP displayed several times in the above video is Mr. Boehner's short-lived biting of his right lower lip. Here his subconscious/edge of consciousness is attempting to squelch his emotions as he tries to prevent the display of happy-sad tears. This is well exemplified during the 5:06 - 5:12 segment.

Good luck to the entire 113th Congress.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2078: Mitt Romney's Taxes and Harry Reid's Accusations

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2121: Mitt Romney's 47 Percent - Body Language of the Hidden Video 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2061: David Cameron Defends London Olympics against  Mitt Romney's Remarks - Alpha Dominance and Illustrators - Matching Hands and Feet as Sincerity Amplifiers

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2052: Dialing Up Empathy and Sincerity - Mitt Romney's & Barack Obama's Response to  Aurora, Colorado "Batman Shooting" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2150: Body Language Advice for President Obama and Governor Romney in Tonight's Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1915: Mitt Romney's Response to Supreme Court's Decision on "Obamacare"

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1083: Brewer's Body Language MAPs Flag Foreboding

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 199:  When a Lie is Told, Heard or Visualized by ....Vladimir's Eye
 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2063: Mitt Romney and Ed Miliband - Under Used and Backfiring Uses of Hands

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

The fiscal cliff is closer with each passing hour and President Obama, who normally rarely shows any anger, displayed some yesterday during his press conference. Barack Obama is very skilled at the use of nonverbal hand illustrators. For example, he makes good use of both the two-handed & one-handed basketball steeple, the loose-fist-thumbs-up point, the claw, the split finger fastball, etc. during this appearance in the White House Press Room. However when photographers and others were making excessive noise, his he broke into an index-finger point (2:02). This indicates a momentary heightened alpha state in emotional-tone in a person who seldom uses this nonverbal and should, to the astute body language observer, indicate a shortening of his fuse. This somewhat subtle but highly significant nonverbal signal indicates anger.

Anyone can spot extreme changes in emotion. However everyone should endeavor to nuance their ability to see inside others' emotional brains - for therein is great advantage.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2152:  Second Presidential Debate - 6 October 2012 - Barack Obama's Duping Delight - Benghazi, Libya Attack was an "Act of Terror" - Alpha, Beta, Confidence & Acquiescence ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2160: Index Finger (Forefinger) Pointing in Politics - The Third (and Final) 2012 Presidential Debates - Body Language of Being an Alpha Male without Offending 

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1224: Two Handed Index Finger Point 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1918:  Vladimir Putin - Pointing with Pen Surrogates  Sharp vs. Blunt 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1652: Crude Oil, Speculators and Counting with Thumb First 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2777: Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin, John McCain and John Boehner

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1705: François Hollande & the French Presidential Election  The Pistol Steeple and Emotional Dissonance 

Negotiation Secret # 339: Dwayne Wade to David Stern, "Don't Point at Me! I am not your child!"

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2184: President Obama - "I'm Open to Compromise ..." But What Does His Body Language Say?

As the "Fiscal Cliff" approaches, President Obama gave his first post-election speech today in the East Room of the White House in which he spoke of the budget, taxes, deficit reduction - AND his strong desire to bring both parties together and arrive at a solution that has so far proven elusive. But was he sincere?  In the CNN video above President Obama says, ".... I want to be clear; I'm not wedded to every detail of my plan. I'm open to compromise. I'm open to new ideas ... (1:41 - 1:50)." Note specifically during the 1:48 - 1:50 segment, Mr. Obama's hands gesture widely (shoulders width apart) together with an up-and-down motion - in one example of what in body language nomenclature is known as an "Illustrator". Moreover it signals openness. This particular nonverbal is highly congruent with his spoken words - and thus is a strong indicator of the President's high sincerity quotient in this message. If at this particular juncture his hands were held close together - or if they were closed in fist-like configurations, one would have to doubt his word. The President's body language is highly consistent with his verbal message. He is being honest.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1915: Mitt Romney's Response to Supreme Court's Decision on "Obamacare"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2046:  Romney, Sincerity, Truth and Bain Capital

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2150:  Body Language Advice for  President Obama and Governor Romney in Tonight's Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2078:  Mitt Romney's Taxes and Harry Reid's Accusations

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2121: Mitt Romney's 47 Percent - The Hidden Video

By now most all of you have seen several clips of the hidden video of Mitt Romney speaking at a fundraiser this past spring (displayed here in two segments from their source at Mother Jones via YouTube). What can be learned from the limited amount of body language that is visible to us?

With respect to nonverbals, only Mitt's hand movements can be seen with any clarity. Hand/arm gestures (not including self-touching configurations) are termed "Illustrators" (although there are  additional types of illustrators which don't involve the hands or arms). These nonverbals are used to emphasize and highlight the accompanying verbal messages. Mr. Romney has a strong tendency NOT to use illustrators very much. During his speech responding to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision regarding the "Affordable Care Act" (aka Obamacare), Mitt Romney never used his hands - even once. However during an interview explaining when exactly his CEO status at Bain Capital changed - he displayed illustrators in great abundance (for Mitt this was an exception). During his RNC acceptance speech his illustrator use was somewhat intermediate (3 or 4 out of 10).

When a speaker uses nonverbal illustrators in a congruent manner with his verbal messages, they are in general, being more honest, more assertive, more impassioned and they build more rapport (the topic of illustrators can be extensively nuanced). Their audience will also have greater recall. If a person suddenly diminishes their illustrator use - or uses them very minimally, they tend not to be trusted and will have more difficulty building rapport.

During much of this candid video of Mr. Romney's fundraising speech, Mitt used illustrators throughout as he speaks - indicating a high level of sincerity and passion. Mr. Romney very much  meant what he said.

See also:

Analysis # 1915: Mitt Romney's Response to Supreme Court's Decision on "Obamacare"

Analysis # 2046: Romney, Sincerity, Truth and Bain Capital

Analysis # 2061: David Cameron Defends London Olympics against Mitt Romney's Remarks - Alpha Dominance and Illustrators - Matching Hands and Feet as Sincerity Amplifiers

Analysis # 2063: Mitt Romney and Ed Miliband - Under Used and Backfiring Uses of Hands

Analysis # 2078: Mitt Romney's Taxes and Harry Reid's Accusations

Analysis # 2052: Dialing Up Empathy and Sincerity - Mitt Romney's & Barack Obama's Response to Aurora, Colorado "Batman Shooting"

Analysis # 2104: Mitt Romney's Convention Speech - Part II

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2063: Mitt Romney and Ed Miliband - Under Used and Backfiring Uses of Hands

Mitt Romney has the very bad nonverbal habit of not using his hands enough or as well as many politicians with much less experience. This adds to his relative inability to develop rapport with the masses and detracts from what pollsters quantify as "likability". From a body language standpoint this is no surprise. It also makes a person "feel" less trustworthy. In fact, if a person suddenly stops using his hands/arms as illustrators during a part of a speech, conversation, deposition, testimony, jury selection, etc. - particularly when they were displayed before and after - this is highly consistent with elevated anxiety (since Mitt appears to have forgotten his host's name - note how he addresses him as "Mr. Leader" at the 0:01 mark), and depending on the other nonverbals, a possible indicator of deception. 

Mitt Romney chronically underuses his hands/arms. Many speech coaches from years past, with no scientific data would routinely give such advice based only on anecdote and personal bias. Certainly hand/arm illustrators can be over-used or inappropriately used too. Enter Ed Miliband ....

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, Ed Miliband, throughout much of the first portion of this video does his best Angela Merkel imitation and positions his hands in a prominent low and classic conventional steeple (see: Analysis #901: The Over-Used Steeple - Backfire in Berlin). While this MAP (manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) body language does project authority and power, it must be used judiciously. Most people over-use it (a' la the German Chancellor) and thus it backfires and sends signals of arrogance and condescension. It is best used as a scalpel and choreograph exactly when to display this nonverbal - at key moments in a speech, negotiation, conversation, etc.

See also:

Analysis # Mitt Romney's Response to Supreme Court's Decision on "Obamacare"

Analysis # 913: Low Confidence, Low Trust and Demure

Analysis # 1553: Ann & Mitt Romney's Body Language at NRA Meeting

Analysis # 2062: Mitt Romney in London Speaking out the Side of His Mouth - Anxiety-Insincerity or Worse

Analysis # 2052: Dialing Up Empathy and Sincerity - Mitt Romney & Barack Obama's Response to Aurora, Colorado "Batman Shooting"

Analysis # 2046: Romney, Sincerity, Truth and Bain Capital

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1915: Mitt Romney's Response to Supreme Court's Decision on "Obamacare"

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision upholding most of "Obamacare", Mitt Romney's words and voice sounded more fluid and sincere during his speech today. His body language could use some improvement though. It's difficult to imagine what speech coach is advising him not to use his hands. He should use them. Known in the nonverbal communication world as "Illustrators" - these gestures, properly used, afford us an opportunity to increase our sincerity quotient (something all politicians sorely need), develop rapport and increase the recall of what we say in our audience's memories. Mitt Romney did not use his hands once as illustrators during this important speech - only to turn some pages on his notes.

Care should be taken not to confuse Illustrators with MAPs (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers).

Although the facial expressions and the upper body may act as illustrators as well, the hands and arms play a primary roll. These hand/arm gestures act to emphasize, underline and illustrate speech/words/tone/cadence, etc. By not using our hands, we make it more difficult for our speech - not just to sound more fluid and sincere, but to literally be more flowing and truthful. Allowing the hands to work with our speech will physiologically affect the brain in a positive way - and thus the words we speak and how they sound.

Obviously one can over-use hand gestures and care must be taken to avoid this. In general hands should not be lifted above the shoulders or more than three or four inches lateral to the shoulders. Hands should never be placed in the pockets. There should also be a "harmony" with the spoken word. Moving the Hands/arms in a haphazard fashion will destroy rapport and detract from the verbal message. It's useful to think a bit like an orchestra conductor - but less dramatic in speed and movement. 

Another reason to use ones hands (and avoid putting them in our pockets) during a speech or lecture - is because we tend not to trust people when we cannot see their hands. From the view on this video, it's not clear if Romney had his hands in his pockets - but he tends to do so. At the very best it sends signals of emotional dissonance - as if to say, "... I kind of want to be here, but part of me doesn't ...."

For this same reason, many politicians have begun to use lecterns made of Plexiglas or ones which have a thin central support beam. These give greater "transparency" of the speaker both literally and metaphorically. Indeed if a person suddenly stops using illustrators, and then begins using them - this sends up a red flag as to the truthfulness of their statements/answers they made/gave during the gesture hiatus.

See also:

Analysis # 913: Low Confidence, Low Trust & Demure

Analysis # 831: Santorum's Hands & the Alpha-Beta Hybrid

Analysis # 903: Plexiglass Lectern - the more I See of You

With regards to his paralanguage, Mr. Romney should avoid the lip smacking that he has of late made a habit. It can be heard throughout this speech.

The former Massachusetts Governor should also make an effort to relax his forehead during his speeches and even during dialog. Overuse (contraction) of the central forehead is extremely common among politicians and many in the public eye. While casual observers may believe it looks as if they're always concerned - overusing the central forehead contraction, especially in conjunction with a smile (even a slight smile) - transmits insincerity (or worse) and should be strongly avoided.

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