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

Vladimir Putin is shown in the above image with his feet slightly greater than his shoulder-width apart. Although neither a video or the translation is currently available for this moment, we can certainly diagnose his emotions in the moment this photo was taken.

Mr. Putin is rarely feeling a lack of confidence. And this is no exception. He felt particularly alpha & adamant about an issue when he was speaking here. The Russian President is only 1.70 meters (5'7") in height - and some shorter men have an aversion of standing in such a way because it momentarily decreases their height. However standing with your feet about shoulder width apart or slightly closer projects (outwardly to others as well as to one's own psyche) confidence, strength of purpose, leadership, courage and increases the over-all "Alpha Quotient". It even engenders greater fluidity to speech and increases confidence in vocal tone. Those who stand with their feet too close together will experience the opposite. And while it is not advocated for women to stand with their feet separated as widely as men - the same phenomena holds true for both genders - as well as the animal kingdom (women configure their feet about 20- 25% closer in equivalent scenarios). Too often women avoid doing so for fear of looking masculine/not looking feminine. However, women need to take advantage of this nonverbal principle too. 

Very occasionally, if one wants to place a powerful punctuation regarding a particular point - a momentary slightly wider stance of the feet will add alpha. This is exactly what Vladimir is doing here.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2043:  Foot Position at a Funeral/Receiving of Remains Ceremony -  Respect vs. Disrespect

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2313:  Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel -  What Her Body Language Tells Us ...

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2137:  Mitt Romney vs. Barack Obama - First Presidential Debate -  Barack's Bad Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2199:  Thailand, Body Language,  Barack Obama and Yingluck Shinawatra -  Mirroring and Foot Point

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 337:  Michele Bachmann's Low Confidence Stance

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

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 # 1867:  Ann Romney - Demure vs. Assertive Stance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2426:  Remembering Ronald Reagan,  "Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall"  Body Language at the Brandenburg Gate

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

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Negotiation Body Language Secret # 913: Low Confidence, Low Trust and Demure

When hands are placed in the front pockets, particularly when the thumb is included, it sends signals of low confidence and non-engagement. As with all nonverbals, this effect is amplified when standing in front of an audience. Mitt Romney (shown here with South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley) is surely not the only political candidate who has a problem with putting his hands in his front pockets though. Unfortunately many people have this habit - and it is certainly NOT a nonverbal sign consistent with leadership . It does not engender trust in others, and indeed it often creates feelings of distrust. Even in the best possible context, the pocketed hand is a very BETA and a very demure Body Language signal.  The former Massachusetts Governor commits this nonverbal political mistake often - even during debates. Intriguingly, placing or keeping hands in the pockets will interfere with one's ability to formulate quick answers and speak fluidly. Without a doubt, we don't want our leaders displaying this configuration. Mitt needs votes. Mitt needs delegates. Mitt needs to show us his hands.

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