Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3241: Trump - a Hyper-Alpha Donald vs. a Kinder, Gentler Version - Body Language and Likability (PHOTOS)

Donald Trump's personality is generally very confrontational. Some would describe it as an "in your face" style - while others would label him with having narcissistic personality disorder.

Here, "The Donald" is shown in two contrasting hand-arm gestures (aka "illustrators"). Prior to the primaries, you may notice that virtually all candidates will use alpha - and even hyper-alpha body language displays much more frequently. After the primary, although such nonverbals are still used, their frequency diminishes. This behavior is virtually all subconsciously driven and done so in an effort to draw distinctions between their competitors who have very similar political ideologies. Yet the hyper-alpha body language always backfires. Rather than building rapport, hyper-alpha nonverbal signals destroy it. Only those who already are aligned with the candidate will be attracted to such behavior - all others will be alienated.

Below Mr. Trump is shown pointing with a "palms-up" illustrator. This accomplishes the goal of drawing visual attention ("pointing") - yet it does so in a rapport-building manner. While still demonstrating assertiveness and authority it has none of the negative side-effects of the above displayed index finger pointing (aka forefinger point). Narcissistic personalities have difficulty grasping and accomplishing this important distinction. What "feels right" to them - has the opposite emotional impact on others (for those who use such index finger pointing excessively [or even moderately] lack empathy and suffer an excess of ego). Index finger pointing is negatively received across all cultures.

A profound and almost never recognized benefit of a less aggressive/kinder hand-arm gesture - is its effect on the face. Tension in the hand will be mirrored on the face - as well as the emotional status. And a kinder, empathetic hand will produce a kinder face. This effect is greatly demonstrated in these two images. An astute person will recognize this hand-face relationship and use it as a biofeedback tool to regulate their emotions (there are of course many others).

While Donald Trump is currently enjoying a boost in the polls when compared with most of the 2016 republican presidential candidates - he is simply not likable. In order to win a presidential primary (let alone a general election) a candidate must be likable. And the largest component in the likability equation is body language.

Donald Trump will absolutely not win the republican nomination.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3240: Ariana Grande - Tongues, New Boyfriend, Donuts ... & Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3132: Ashley Judd responds to Twitter Troll Harassment - "I'm pressing charges"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2149:  Joe Biden - Losing Voters with the Double Index Finger Point -  A Faux Pas Nearly Every Time

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1918:  Vladimir Putin - Pointing with Pen Surrogates  Sharp vs. Blunt   

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3152: Hillary Clinton First Campaign Ad - "Getting Started"


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3163: Robert Downey Jr. Interview Part Deux - Body Language mistakes interviewers and negotiators should never make ... (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Robert Downey Jr. walks out during an interview promoting the film, "Avengers: Age of Ultron" - Part Deux.

While naturally the cameras were, the majority of the time, trained on Robert Downey Jr., some of the time we could see Krishnan Guru-Murthy. There is a clear pattern that develops here - as Guru-Murthy's words and questions as well as his vocal qualities grew more offensive and condescending - his body language did as well. This DOES indicate sincerity - in other words, although these qualities are not desirable, the triad of verbal language, vocal qualities (paralanguage) and his Body Language - were all congruent and all trended in the negative direction as this interview proceeded.

What follows here is a partial analysis of some of this negative behavioral pattern.

0:11

Displayed early on,
a Palms Up Illustrator is very
rapport building and non-confrontational. 

This is consistent with and fosters - both trust and openness to questions while still being assertive.

1:04

Mr. Guru-Murthy pointed several multiple times at Robert Downey Jr.

Index Finger Pointing is universally (World-wide) interpreted as offensive, reprimanding and patronizing. It never builds bridges - rather it destroys rapport.

If you want to build your ego - go ahead and point though ....

4:51

Palms out - toward audience (even an audience of one)

Fingers moderately tense - here a modification of "The Claw" and the "Split Finger Fastball" a good alpha-beta hybrid with a large audience, but in front of just one person this can often be too aggressive and inflammatory. There are elements of the "Dominant Spider" here too.

5:29

Palms out and fingers straightened with increased tension - pointed at Robert Downey Jr.

This illustrator is often used by politicians and those asserting authority, yet it often backfires if not used in proper contexts and in small doses. With an interviewer this body language projects a disproportionate authority and condescending emotional tones which are not conducive to a good interview or favorable negotiations.

Words, vocal qualities (paralanguage) and nonverbal signals must always be congruent. When they're not - something is wrong. Moreover - when they are parallel, they should be fully understood and directed in a manner which engenders rapport and never to inflame. It's as if we're all given a room full of instruments - anyone can make noise, but hopefully we play music.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy self-destructed like a slow motion car crash.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3162: Robert Downey Jr. walks out of Interview - Star walks out when asked about past - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2941: Barack Obama at NATO Summit - Split Finger Fastball & the Dominant Spider

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3122: Lebanese TV Host Rima Karaki Cuts Short London-Based Islamist's (Hani Al-Seba'i) Interview following Insolent Remarks

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

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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 # 2300: Kim Kardashian & Kanye West in Rio at Christ the Redeemer Statue and the Body Language of Palms Up vs. Palms Down

Glancing at the image above, it looks as if Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are perhaps trying to appease a child and "fly like a bird" in what is obviously a posed photograph. When we put it in the context of posing in front of the "Christ the Redeemer" Statue in Rio de Janeiro (many are put off by what they consider sacrilege. Notice however how different it "feels" to look at the statue of Christ with his palms turned upwards - whose body language in this context connotes a very giving and supportive emotional tone.

In strong contrast, the palms down nonverbal displayed by Kardashian and West communicates a very authoritative and assertive demeanor. This alpha attitude is amplified by fingers closed and lessened when the fingers and thumbs are opened. A Palms down gesture should be used rarely and briefly - lest it destroys rapport and send signals of arrogance and dominance.

Without having any body language training whatsoever, most people of all cultures make these distinctions intuitively. Others remain oblivious.

See also:

Leadership Secret # 222: Palms Down vs. Palms Up & Angela Merkel

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 554:  Ron Paul's Palms Down Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1899:  Bill Cassidy and "Obama-care" - Letting your Body Language Detract from your Message

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1059:  Santorum's Dominant Spider

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1868: John McCain's plea before the Senate for  Direct American Involvement to Stop  Syrian Government Killing its own People

Negotiation Secret # 555:  How Facial Expressions Correlate with Palm Position - Silvio Berlusconi

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1698:  Susan Rice, Bashar Ja'afari &  Kofi Annan's Six Point Peace Plan for Syria

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1868: John McCain's plea before the Senate for Direct American Involvement to Stop Syrian Government Killing its own People

After yet another massacre of innocents by government directed forces, this time seventy-eight to one hundred killed, forty of whom were women and children in the village of Mazratt al-Qubeir, John McCain (R-AZ) makes the case for direct American involvement in Syria before his colleagues in the United States Senate.

Direct your attention to Senator McCain's changing hand positions throughout this segment and how they are related to what we hear him say. The former Presidential Candidate's body language is very congruent with his tone, words and volume (indicating his high "Sincerity Quotient" here) - but many times in our own business and personal lives we don't see this agreement. Said another way, many times the body language will say one thing and the words/tone will say another. Whenever there is a disparity - always believe the body language. Word choice is much more consciously controlled. Tone of voice is often misleading as well - although tone is more reliable than words. Body language is extremely difficult to consciously control - so it is the most reliable when assessing for sincerity and/or deception. Even if, for example, you're able to alter the nonverbal display of your hands - the underlying emotion will "leak" out in your face or elsewhere.

Note how McCain's hand positions adopt more palms-up configuration when he is making a plea or talking about Syrian Civilians' needs - and his tone and volume match the nature of his words (again - in your own lives you'll see many times where they don't match). When his words change to criticism of the Obama Administration he adopts a vertical hand-chop. His tone and volume are much more harsh. So the take home point here is - when you see the hand chop, with kind words - don't trust the words. There is alpha-assertiveness and dominance behind the hand chop. Depending on the other signals you may see clustered with the hand chop (particularly on the face) it may also signal anger and force. 

Also notice towards the end of this video when John McCain is discussing more graphic and personalizing examples of fresh wounds, death and rape - his hands display considerable anxiety as he rolls up some paper into a tighter and tighter roll.

John McCain has suffered a peripheral cranial nerve (aka facial nerve) palsy on his left face several years ago (if no cause is found for this specific type of palsy, it is known as "Bell's Palsy"). This palsy makes his facial nonverbals difficult to interpret. 

See also:

Analysis # 1267: John McCain, Sarah Palin and Bell's Palsy

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1843: United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice in Response to Syrian Government's Houla Massacre

Yesterday, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice gave a press conference at the U.N. regarding the latest developments in attempts at peace in Syria. This was precipitated by a massacre of 108 civilians in Houla over the weekend, including 34 women and 49 children.

Ms. Rice is a strong and well-spoken leader. Although she is both petite (1.60 M or 5'3") and attractive, she projects a presence and strength far greater than her stature or looks typically afford in our male chauvinistic World. One not-so-obvious reason for this is her nonverbal communication skills. Note at the very beginning of the video, and again during the 4:22 - 4:33 segments, when the camera focus is wide, Ms. Rice is standing with her feet approximately shoulder width apart (we can tell she stands like this throughout the press conference if we look at her shoulder height compared with the backdrop - note how this doesn't change - if she stood with her feet together she would appear taller). Too many female (and male) "leaders" stand with their feet very close together. While this feet-together stance does project femininity, and there are times Susan may very well want to stand in such a configuration, in many contexts it projects lack of confidence, low levels of assertiveness, diminished power and even acquiescence. Delivering a speech or press conference, particularly at the U.N., certainly is not a time to look demure. Woman in most cultures are not used to standing in such a manner by social convention. Thus their unconsciousness's directs them most times to stand with their feet together. Obviously, standing with feet too far apart projects the wrong signals too - and this body language is certainly not advocated either. Positioning the feet a shoulder's width apart projects the right level of assertiveness, power and confidence that any leader, male or female should stand when in such a prominent leadership role. Despite standing with feet apart, one critique offered here to Ms. Rice - is not too stand with her toes pointed inwards. This is an additional layer of nuance to look for when dissecting and quantifying the confidence of others. Note that at the 4:30 time-mark, she re-adjusts her right foot and rotates it outward - simultaneously dialing up her assertiveness. It is very important to emphasize that these positions of the legs & feet not only appear more confident, assertive, powerful, etc. to anyone watching - they also will literally change brain chemistry and physiology such that these emotions will truly be increased. This will subsequently be reflected in one's voice, word choice, fluidity of thought and action.

See also:

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

Secret # 919: How Newt Stands Influences Voters

Secret # 1095: al-Assad Feels a Weak Link with Russia

Secret # 719: When to Stand with Your Feet Close Together

Secret # 103: High Confidence vs. Low Confidence Stance - Who's Leading Who?

Secret # 337: Michele Bachmann's Low Confidence Stance

Another tool used by Ms. Rice in this press conference is a lectern with an open design, utilizing a thin central beam. This affords us a full view of the Ambassador. We trust someone when we can see more of them. Thus the open-lectern is a rapport building tool that all leaders - corporate or government - male or female - short or tall should use. The less we can visualize - the less we trust. Very few lecterns are designed with a person of short stature in mind.  Even if Miss Rice were a 1.91 M (6'3") man, an open lectern would still be a very wise idea - but being so petite, this also allows her to control her environment in a way that a tradition wide lectern does not. She is building rapport, sending signals of openness and honesty by this simple but crucial detail.

Secret # 903: The More I see of You .... Plexiglass Podiums

Secret # 33: Transparency in Words and Actions

Ambassador Rice does use the traditional index finger (aka forefinger) point. She should avoid using this body language gesture as virtually all cultures find it offensive. The forefinger point is a rapport destroyer. A much better alternative is to point with loose fingers (not fully extended), palm pointed upwards, elbow bent (arm not fully extended either). This mode of pointing engenders a much more cooperative and nonthreatening feeling while still projecting confidence and authority.

Secret # 1224: Two-Handed Index Finger Point

Secret # 1652: Crude Oil, Speculators and Counting with Thumb First

Analysis # 1705: Francois Hollande & the French Presidential Election - The Pistol Steeple and Emotional Dissonance

Secret # 1233: Putin's Pointing Pen 

Analysis # 793: The Index Finger Point - A Rare Exception

Although it is difficult to see throughout most of the video, Susan Rice commits several hand to hand touches in front of her central lower chest & upper abdomen. While some very brief uses of a low steeple would be helpful here to project power and authority, they should be deliberately choreographed and used only for a second or two during particularly important statements. Otherwise, the conventional steeple can backfire and send signals of arrogance. I don't believe Ms. Rice committed this nonverbal faux pax here, although again, it is difficult to see because of the tight camera angle. She also would be well advised to not touch the opposite hand or commit brief self "hand-holds" that so many people do when speaking (watch almost any news reporter for both this bad body language blunder as well as the dramatic over-use of the conventional low steeple).

At the 5:21 Mark, just after an audience/press member asks Ms. Rice, "Was there any country that immediately dismissed the idea of sanctions, or do you see an opening for discussion there?", she exhibited a prolonged bilateral blink (indicating a desire to block the subject from her mind - and there of are indeed diplomatic road blocks here), a looking away (at 5:22 - a similar emotional tone and cause as the prolonged blink) and a more than moderate contempt nonverbal (5:22 - 5:23). Susan Rice has strong contempt to countries (and leaders) that are blocking the effectiveness of any sanctions (a' la Vladimir Putin).

The Ambassador uses the basketball steeple and the palms up gestures very well - much better than the vast majority of speakers/politicians/leaders in any given venue. This gives her confidence and connects her in both an intellectual and especially an emotional manner with her audience - even the small minority who may disagree with her. In short, although not perfect, Susan Rice's body language is very good and sends signals of strong leadership as it also aides dramatically to build rapport and consensus.

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1095: al-Assad Feels a Weak Link with Russia

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is pictured here with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. It is quite evident from al-Assad's body language, that he does NOT feel strength in Syria's relationship with Russia. While it is certainly true that Russia (along with China) recently vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution which would have condemned Syria, Lavrov does NOT feel comfortable meeting with al-Assad. Something is amiss.

In another place and time, this could very well be a photo of an employee pleading for his job in the midst of a reprimand. The Syrian's feet and legs are very close together, in a configuration typical of an acquiescing, beta persona. Moreover al-Assad's feet are pointed at Lavrov, and thus showing us that he holds the Russian/Russia in high respect. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister's feet are crossed at the ankles, betraying his closed and standoffish attitude. Sergey's feet are pointed away from Bashar. In a romantic context, we point our feet toward the person whom we find most attractive. In all other scenarios, such as the one above, the subconscious points our feet toward those we like or respect, and away from those we don't like and/or disrespect. It is very obvious who needs whom here.

Mr. Lavrov's hands are palms-down, demonstrating his relative authority, assertiveness and comfort - while the Syrian's right hand is palm-up, in a very beta, pleading-his-case manner.

The Russian's eyebrows are down turned, particularly medially and taken together with his mid-facial tightening, and the down-turned corners of the mouth - his expression is that of anger. 

Al-Assad's central eyebrows are upturned - while the corners of his mouth are also slightly elevated. This particular facial nonverbal cluster is ALWAYS a warning signal - and Bashar uses far too often. 

Taken in total, this photo tells us that al-Assad needs Russia - BADLY - which is obvious to everybody, but he feels as if their patience is wearing thin ... or worse. The Syrian's nonverbals strongly betray his low-confidence level. Al-Assad is asking, not telling. He's backpedaling. He's been given a yellow card.  He is feeling a bit desperate. This Russian-Syrian relationship is more tenuous than most know or believe.

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Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1059: Santorum's Dominant Spider

This Hand Gesture Rick Santorum is using, is known as "The Dominant Spider". It tends to be used by primarily by alpha males and somewhat less frequently by alpha females. Although not as dominant or negatively received as the closed-palm or nearly closed-palm down gesture (see Secret # 222: Palms Down vs. Palms Up), it should be used sparingly and for very brief moments in order to assert authority and dominance. If over-used (which doesn't take much and is a strong tendency for the alpha-personality types to do), the audience (even an audience of one) will feel domineered and patronized. 

Tonight the former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania is certainly feeling very dominant - so spiders abound. As of this writing, he is projected to win both the Minnesota Caucuses and the Missouri Republican Presidential Primary. It's still too early to call Colorado's Caucuses, but Rick may have just pull off the hat trick. 

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Negotiation Secret # 555: How Facial Expressions Correlate with Palm Position

These two photos of Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi are fantastic examples of how the orientation of our palms are very strongly correlated with our facial expressions. Palms down, in general, should be avoided. Most of the time, the majority of audience members (even with an audience of one!) will feel patronized and that the speaker is arrogant. Alpha personalities who go too extreme will conspicuously over-use the palms down signal. Notice how Berlusconi's face matches this - he is displaying smug/contempt. If you're a teacher, professor or trainer - the learning/retention will also be significantly reduced (B. & A. Pease).

When palms are pointed up, the face again matches. There is a very strong tendency towards a more beta personality with a softer/reconciliation/asking/kinder face. The examples shown here are very demonstrative and typical of everyday people and situations. Watch carefully for these hand-face correlations in your personal life and at work. It will allow you to read between the lines and inside their minds with great accuracy and tremendous benefit.

Berlusconi faces ongoing charges of corruption, bribery and paying and underage girl (Karima El Mahroug) for sex (See Negotiating Secret #89: Opposite Facing Arms Akimbo).

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Negotiation Secret # 602: Honesty in Testimonies

We tend to not trust someone the less we can see of them. If they hide body parts when they are asked questions, this should set off alarms in our internal lie detectors. This is accurate for several body parts and particularly true of the hands. Here, Dr. Richelle Cooper is testifying in Dr. Conrad Murray's trial regarding the death of Michael Jackson. Her hands are visible, and with her palms up gesturing, this adds even more to her honest persona - but she has to bring them up fairly high for this to occur. It is possible that their view is even obstructed to some jury members. It would be a great idea for witnesses to testify with a plexiglass top table, or something similar, so that all those in court could see them in near entirety and see their Body Language displayed upon questioning. The same would be apply in depositions as well as voir dire. This would certainly add to the justice process. Those who bear false witness would be much more easily sussed out.

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Negotiation Secret # 339: Don't Point at Me! I am not your child!

Yesterday at the NBA labor dispute negotiations, Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat is reported by many to have got very angry, stood up and shouted at Commissioner David Stern, "Don't point your finger at me, I'm not a (your) child!" No known video or photos exist of this incident at the time of this post (the above photo, discussed below, was taken at a different press conference), but if Stern did in fact point at Wade, or anyone else, it is not at all surprising that he had this or a similar reaction. In most all cultures it is consider a very insulting to point.

If you feel you must call attention to something and you feel the need to point - point with your whole hand, arm out stretched with your palm up and open with your fingers relaxed. This gesture is not thought of as pointing in the conventional sense. It will bring extra awareness to someone/something and not incite negative emotions - indeed it will often help to foster understanding and openness. Of course, your facial expressions/other body language as well as your words and tone should also be congruent.

In the above photo, Commissioner Stern is probably attempting to emulate a "Politicians Point", which has been popularized by candidates and office holders because it too, if used properly, has a very low inflammatory potential. Stern is not pulling it off though (see George Mitchell demonstrate it here - A Friendlier Way to Point). While pointing with two fingers (or a finger and thumb), is not as bad a pointing with a single finger, it still is incendiary and a gesture which should not be used.

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Negotiation Secret # 25: Silvio Berlusconi and the Exaggerated Pout

Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's Prime Minister displays an "Exaggerated Pout" during a news conference. Depending upon the other nonverbal signals with which it is clustered, a pout can be a signal of sadness - but when you see an exaggerated pout as Mr. Berlusconi shows us (without other expressions of sadness) - this is a signal is a body language way of saying, "Isn't it obvious?" or "This should be clear to everyone". Moreover it signals that there is a disparity of what is truly being felt and that which is expressed verbally. It is often seen in conjunction with the gesture cluster of a elevated eyebrows (and contracted forehead muscles) shoulder shrug and a palms-up display. Silvio's shoulders are elevated here and his palms-up gesture completes this cluster. Many confuse the exaggerated pout for a sign of sincere consideration. Don't make this mistake.

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