Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3400: Amy Poehler, Jimmy Fallon, Visual Recall and "Truth or Truth" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

It's both entertaining and highly instructive to watch actors when studying body language. Why? Because it demonstrates that nonverbal behavior is so deeply ingrained, even professional actors/entertainers cannot suppress their real thought-feelings for long (and are typically no better than average at lying when they're "out of character")

In the video above, beginning at 2:55, Amy Poehler says, "... I'd like you to tell the truth. Truth or truth?"

Jimmy Fallon: "Well okay, truth."

Poehler: "What's in your pocket right now?"

Fallon then makes a suppressed smile, tilts his head slightly, begins to look up to his left, blinks (bilaterally) and then a looks up to his left for about 1.1 seconds (during 3:07 - 3:08) and then he blinks with both eyes once again during the realignment of his gaze back toward Poehler.

"A CD case of Bon Jovi's 2005 album, 'Have a nice day' - but inside is Green Day's 'Dookie' CD."

He then pulls the CD out his pocket revealing he had in fact, told the truth. 

If this had been a high level vetting, a deposition, Voir dire, negotiation, interview, etc., Ms. Poehler would do well to know that with the large majority of those who are right-hand dominant (as is Fallon), eyes that suddenly look up to their left during the mental process of visually recalling a person, event, object, etc.

If this had been a high-stakes person-to-person communication scenario, Poehler would have done well to note the timing and context of her question in relationship to this brief but telling momentary eye movement. While this behavior is not seen 100% of the time during visual recall, if a person is "normed" for this nonverbal, it's predictive value rises significantly.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3399: Donald Trump, a Bald Eagle and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3229: Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers and a SNL Reunion - REALLY!?! - a Body Language Trick of Comedians

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3334: Kevin McCarthy, Judy McCarthy and the Representative's Decision to Withdraw from Pursuing the Position as Speaker of the House - Body Language 

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3358: Hillary Clinton on Stephen Colbert - We Let the Banks Fail Next Time - Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3351: A Body Language Signal of Sincere Affection


_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2657: Keanu Reeves's, "47 Ronin" and a Hesitancy to Discuss - a Key Body Language Tell (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

A fantastic body language tell is displayed in the above video. Keanu Reeves is being interviewed regarding his just released movie, "47 Ronin" by Savannah Guthrie (Today).

Beginning at 2:20, Guthrie asks the accomplished actor, "Well, it's really exciting to watch and I, I was thinking about you because honestly we don't see you that often. You seem to be very choosy about your projects. Is that on purpose? Is that by design?"

Reeves answers, "Yeah. Yeah ...I mean, you know you want to find the right project. You wanna [deep exhale] ummm, yeah, I can just say that. You know."

During the 2:27 - 2:29 segment as Guthrie says, "... about your projects. Is that on purpose? ..." (And probably repeated however camera angle precludes the view), Reeves rubs both of his thighs with each hand forward to and then including the knees. This self-massage, rubbing of the thighs is an example what is known as a Manipulator, Adaptor or Pacifier (aka MAP) and is consistent with a heightened anxiety state. However, when this progresses forward (and downward) to include the knees, there is a particularly hesitancy in full disclosure of the matter being discussed. This evasiveness is clearly expressed verbally in this example of Reeves - however in other scenarios it is not so obvious. This very specific nonverbal tell is particularly helpful during vetting, voir dire, negotiations, depositions, interrogations and interview settings.

This is yet another example of a skilled actor being very easy to read with respect to his body language. And he acts for a living. What other significant tells did you see in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2567: Keanu Reeves, "Man of Tai Chi" and a Beta Posture

Body Language Confidence Secret # 33: Keanu Reeves - Covering the Mouth While Smiling

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2642: Tom Hanks Can't Act Away a Fib - His Body Language Tells a Little Lie

Negotiation Secret # 91: MAPs by Proxy

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2522: Jake Gyllenhaal and Jimmy Kimmel, Part II,  Body Language and Anxiety in Hollywood

________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2419: Sexual Assault in U.S. Military Senate Armed Services Hearings - Kirsten Gillibrand and a Body Language Crescendo (Video, Photos)

Today the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee conducted hearings on Sexual Assault in the U.S. Military. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) a veteran U.S. Naval Aviator and 5.5 year P.O.W. (whose father and Grandfather were both four-star Admirals in the U.S. Navy) recounted a conversation with a mother responded "... I could not ..." when asked if he could give his unqualified support for her daughter enlisting in the military. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) also spoke in an impassioned and very sincere manner. Some of her body language is evaluated here. This critique (or any within this website) has no political agenda - only to teach and offer analysis of nonverbal communication.

Senator Gillibrand has a very high sincerity quotient in the above video. Her words, paralanguage and body language are all highly congruent. Note that both her rate (e.g. words/minute) and volume of speech increase as her segment continues. "But" (and its refined synonym "however") are two of the rare words that can be "heard" far in advance. When Gillibrand starts the sentence at 0:32 ("I agree with you ...."), you can feel "but" coming 31 seconds in advance. This technique amounts to a preamble (and increases the anticipation and attention of her audience) for the more formidable and alpha-priority declaration which is to follow. In addition her tone of voice also grows more impassioned with time (oft very undervalued and poorly acted in the insincere).

Thus this "speech" has the quality of a nearly perfectly choreographed presentation. Her Nonverbal, verbal and paralanguage are all highly congruent. Sen. Gillibrand (or any other politician of any stripe) could only do this if she were truly and passionately sincere.

What may not be evident to many though is that the "alpha coefficient" of the Senator's nonverbal displays also crescendos considerably. Without listing all of her body language or even all of her hand-arm illustrators, very notable is the use of Sen. Gillibrand's Pseudo-Prayer Hand-Chop (1:45 to 1:52), then her mid-level Conventional Steeple and close variations from 1:52 to 1:55; and finally her Index Finger Point (aka Forefinger Point, with her dominant hand) when she says "not" at 1:56 and with more vigor at "rape!" at  2:01. It's also very important that she does not point directly at the military brass to whom she is speaking, but off to the side at 2:01 - which is an alpha-beta hybrid (however it's primarily alpha; and this same variation vs. the more aggressive point - would have also been advised at 1:56). All three of these gestures should be used very sparingly - not only in an absolute sense, but also within any conversation, speech or presentation. Most everyone who uses any of these three nonverbals, over-uses them (very easy to do) and thus comes off arrogant, patronizing and condescending. Gillibrand gets it right though - she pulls it off beautifully here (regardless of your political beliefs). Again, she (or you) could not do so unless she was very sincere. If you were conducting voir dire - on the basis of her sincerity, you would want to select her for the jury.
 
See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2414:  Sen. John McCain after his Trip to Syria - Body Language of Regret and Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2214:  John McCain Jokes - sort of .... and  John Kerry senses Deception

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2195:  Sen. John McCain's Body Language when comparisons made between Condoleezza Rice to Susan Rice &  War with Iraq to Benghazi, Libya Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2223:  Dick Armey's Body Language and the Fiscal Cliff

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

The "Pseudo-Prayer Chop". It is Highly Alpha. Use it very rarely for it
will project arrogance, condescending 
& patronizing emotions in most contexts or if used a but brief durations.         

The "Low Conventional Steeple". It is Highly Alpha. Use it very rarely as it
will also project arrogance, condescending & patronizing emotions in most contexts or if used in anything but for short durations 

The "Index Finger Point". It is highly Alpha and Universally Offensive. Use this extremely rarely. It is another nonverbal which will also project arrogance, condescending & patronizing emotions in most contexts or if used in all but for short durations.
If you use this iIllustrator, do NOT point directly at them. 
         ___________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2358: Rutgers University President Robert Barchi on Tim Pernetti Resignation & Mike Rice Firing - Body Language of Regret

The above video is a clip from a press conference which took place on Friday 5 April 2013 wherein Rutgers University President Robert Barchi spoke about the resignation of the school's athletic director, Tim Pernetti. This was in regards to the recently much publicized scandal with Rutgers Mens Basketball Coach Mike Rice and his physical and verbal abuse of his players.

At multiple times during this video, Mr. Barchi demonstrates nonverbal displays of the emotion of regret in the form of a bitter, thin-lipped pseudosmile. They are difficult to see and recognize due to his downward head/neck tilt. Such an emotion is certainly within the context for what is expected - both a personal and a professional embarrassment for the University President.

The emotion of regret - as displayed in this video - does not alone indicate whether Barchi feels he shares any direct personal responsibility for what has been placed on Tim Pernetti's shoulders. Are there any nonverbals present here which indicate Barchi feels that he is partially responsible for not firing Mike Rice earlier or does he believe he is not at fault? Does his body language here demonstrate innocence? If you were guiding attorneys in the voir dire process, would you advise them to pick Robert Barchi on your jury?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2354:  Rutgers' Basketball Coach Mike Rice  Body Language of Averting Gaze

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1517:  Signals of Acquiescence and Regret  Rick Santorum Drops Out

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 347:  Joe Paterno's Regret

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1253:  Peyton Manning's Bitter Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1696:  George Zimmerman's Testimony -  Fear, Incredulity, Regret & Contempt

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1499:  Bill Clinton's Empathy for Eric Fehrnstrom and  Mitt Romney ... What's Your Sincerity Quotient?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2320:  Estonian Skier Andrus Veerpalu  Denies Performance Enhancing Drugs -  What his Body Language Tells Us

____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 4949: Colin Kaepernick's Body Language of Clandestine Disagreement at Press Conference

In a press conference last Sunday, Colin Kaeperneck displayed a great example of some subtle body language. Although there are other nonverbals captured in the above image (e.g. mild anger), the San Francisco Quarterback sensation is showcasing an excellent example of a subtle lip purse. When a person's mouth opening morphs into a lip purse, they are nearly always voicing very little to no disagreement - yet if you can spot this key nonverbal, you'll know that their true differences are sizable. Moreover, betas never make this expression - only alphas or those who believe they are alphas relative to with whomever they are speaking or interacting (they of course may be betas in a different group). You can be sure they have a plan they're not sharing with you, and they believe they have the power, the resources and the intention to execute it.

In this moment, Kaepernick doesn't like what he's hearing. His body language is screaming clandestine disagreement. If you see this during a sale, in a negotiation, the boardroom, the courtroom, in depositions, or voir dire - you better have a strong plan B. Your adversary is about to attack your flank.

Don't bet against Colin Kaepernick.

See also:

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1055: The Subtle Lip Purse

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2072: Jay Carney's Lip Purse while NOT commenting on  Mitt Romney's Visits to the U.K., Israel and Poland

Nonverbal Communications Analysis # 1715: Jay Carney's Lip Purse  Bin Laden is Dead & General Motors is Alive

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1896: IMF Managing Director - Christine Lagarde Pseudo-Prayer & Pursed Lips

Negotiation Secret # 9: Nancy  Pelosi's Lip Purse

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2216: Senator Jim DeMint's Body Language - Lip Purse, Suppressed Smile, Duping Delight & Retiring Early

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2265: Ryan Gosling pulls a woman from audience on Conan -  His Classic Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2130: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Helping Syria -  Interview with Charlie Rose and Norah O'Donnell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2088: McKayla Maroney's Expression - Everyone Got it Wrong  2012 Olympic Vault Silver Medalist

 __________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2277: Diane O'Meara, Lennay Kekua, Ronaiah Tuiasosopo & Manti Te'o - O'Meara's Body Language - Part I

The above interview segment is of course edited, however within the context of the video provided, Diane O'Meara is being completely honest. She demonstrates no signals of deception. Moreover her overall "Sincerity Quotient" is high as well (If you were conducting voir dire - you would definitely want to select her for your jury). If the basic framework of this "catfishing" story holds, her honesty & sincerity has no direct bearing on the honesty level of Manti Te'o. Ms. O'Meara, the woman whose likeness was used to allegedly dupe the Notre Dame football star, is scheduled for a more complete interview tomorrow and it will perhaps be more telling. The elaborate hoax, apparently orchestrated by Mr. Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, had Te'o believing her name was "Lennay Kekua".

Of particular note is the "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" (SRHW) that Ms. O'Meara demonstrates during 0:33 - 0:35 in the midst of saying, "...My name is not, Lennay Kekua ...". The self-righteous head wiggle is often seen simultaneously with a display of contempt and incredulity - both of which Ms. O'Meara also subtly displays on her left. Anger and disgust are other common emotions which may accompany a SRHW. It is very often seen displayed by an alpha personality when speaking with betas - when making definitive statements (or similar answers) and/or with the need to be particularly assertive. The characteristic side-to-side rapid movement of the head/neck (and to a lesser degree the torso) seen here can sometimes also be accompanied by an additional backwards or forwards component (although neither present in this example).

Later in the video Diane O'Meara also displays the body language of subtle disgust as she says, "...that would fix this..."(2:25 - 2:29).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2286:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo's Body Language on Dr. Phil's Interview -  The Voice and Mind of "Lennay Kekua" - Part I

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2287:  Ronaiah Tuiasosopo on Dr. Phil Interview -  Part II - A Body Language Signal that's a Red Flag

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2280: Manti Te'o's interview with Katie Couric Manti isn't telling us the whole truth -  Te'o's Body Language of Duping Delight

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2278: Diane O'Meara (the "face" of Lennay Kekua)  on the Mantei Te'o "Girlfriend Hoax"  Part 2

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2204: Kate Winslet's Body Language Shows Disgust, Humility and Sincerity Over Award (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

The beautiful and talented Kate Winslet recently received the prestigious CBE honor and a medal from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Add humble to the list as well, for in this interview, Winslet speaks in a very clear manner about how she doesn't feel that she or her profession measures up to how others have and do contribute. Many body language signals are seen here, however a particularly telling moment is displayed during the 0:17 - 0:20 segment, where Ms. Winslet displays a nonverbal disgust cluster. Here Kate's words and paralanguage are highly consistent with her body language. When all three communication modes are congruent - the sincerity quotient is very high. 

You want people like Kate on your jury. And on your board. And teaching your children. And serving in your government. How's your voir dire skills? Can you vet yet? Can you spot insincerity?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1905: Ann Curry's Smile and Sincerity Quotient

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2179: Mitt Romney & Barack Obama - Sincere Hugs and True Affection

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2045:  Disgust in New Delhi

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2164:  Mitt Romney's Disgust Display regarding  President Obama's Relationship with Putin and Russia -  ".... I'll give you more flexibility after the election ...."

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1496: Tiger Woods' Disgust & Biofeedback

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2198: Susan Rice's Body Language at United Nations - Her First Public Appearance Since her Initial Post Benghazi Attack T.V. interviews

Today, in her first public appearance since her T.V. interviews immediately following the 11 September 2012 Benghazi, Libya attacks - Susan Rice spoke outside United Nations Security Council. Although the entire event is not included in the above CBS video (those who have a URL of this full press conference are invited to forward the URL), the portion which is shown here is crucial. Susan Rice's verbal statements were highly congruent with her nonverbal signs as well as her paralanguage. At no time does the United States Ambassador to the United Nations display any body language signals of deception. Moreover, Ms. Rice's nonverbals are highly consistent with truth and indicate a very high "Sincerity Quotient". If this were a voir dire (jury selection), you'd be well advised to pick Susan Rice for your jury.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2195: Sen. John McCain's Body Language when  Comparisons made between Condoleezza Rice to Susan Rice & War with Iraq to Benghazi, Libya Attack

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2190: President Obama's Body Language - Press Conference 14 October 2012 - Defense of Ambassador Susan Rice 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2187:  Paula Broadwell with Hearsay on Benghazi Attack -  Excerpt from University of Denver Speech and a Body Language form of "Duping Delight" .... 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2179:  Mitt Romney & Barack Obama -  Sincere Hugs and True Affection 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1905:  Ann Curry's Smile and Sincerity Quotient 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1516:  Ozzie Guillen Apology, his "Sincerity Quotient" &  Fidel Castro 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1822: President Obama's Stand on Same-Sex Marriage - Is he Sincere?

Ten days ago, during an interview with ABC's Good Morning America's Robin Roberts, U.S. President Barack Obama made an open declaration in support of same-sex marriage. Is he sincere? - Or is the President using this issue as a political tool during an election year? The vast majority of people answer this question based on their political bias. If this was another issue, and this were another man/woman - and you were sitting across the table from him during a crucial negotiation, could you tell if he was bluffing? If you were a defense attorney, and your client (the defendant) was gay, and you were selecting a jury (voir dire) - would you pick him to serve on the jury? What OBJECTIVITY TOOLS do you have at your disposal? 

Body language is a tool to enhance your objectivity when, as human beings, we are all inherently biased.

What does the President's head position tell you in this video?

What about the direction of his eye movements?

Did his forehead contractions suggest sincerity or insincerity?

What did his rate of blinking tell you?

Are his hand gestures (illustrators) consistent with deception or truth?

What MAPs (Manipulators, Adaptors, Pacifiers) did you spot?

What does the President's foot/leg position tell you?

If you were the President's body language/speech coach, what would you advise him to change in this video if he had a "do-over"?

Do you allow your personal biases to color your judgment as to guilt vs. innocence, sincerity vs. insincerity or truth vs. deception? OF COURSE YOU DO. The question is what are you doing to become more objective?

Fifty-five to Eighty percent of all direct human communication is Nonverbal. If you're not skilled in both the nuance of interpretation body language - as well as how you present yourself, moment to moment, in context - then you're placing yourself at a massive disadvantage. It's as if you would put ear plugs in - and pretend that you're listening.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1559: Timothy Geithner on Face the Nation

Timothy Geithner appeared on Face the Nation yesterday. He exemplified "Nonverbal Homonyms" using (subconsciously) the same hand gesture on different occasions with two different meanings. When the thumb and forefinger (index finger) are held in close proximity (but not touching), it can be a body language indication for "a little bit" or "very close". Geithner exampled this twice in this video, first during the 2:23 - 2:26 time marks, when he spoke about a small percentage of people paying more taxes and again displaying the same nonverbal with similar words during 2:51 - 2:55.

The Treasury Secretary also used this same hand gesture at the 3:58 - 4:02 mark, only this time it had a different meaning. This same hand configuration may also indicate hesitancy, ambivalence or uncertainty (Pease) - and that's the context in which he was using it here. During this occasion - the third time he used the gesture - Geithner was discussing the Obama administration's disagreement with tax cuts for the wealthy when he said, "....but you know, extending unaffordable tax cuts for the most fortunate Americans ...." - and so his verbal message was also clearly expressing a similar sentiment - one of reluctance. We can therefore conclude that Geithner's nonverbal signal was highly congruent with his spoken word - and thus based on this consistency, we should assign him a high "sincerity quotient" - at least on the basis of this video (of course, this has nothing to do whether we agree with his politics or not). If we were selecting a jury, based on this honesty display - he would pass. Voir dire away.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Nonverbal Communication Analysis #1516: Ozzie Guillen Apology, his "Sincerity Quotient" & Fidel Castro

Ozzie Guillen, the outspoken manager of the Miami Marlins, and the first Latino manager to win a World Series (with the Chicago White Sox in 2005), has landed himself in hot water recently for positive comments he's made regarding the Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro. He has since been issued a five game suspension.

In the two videos included in this post, Guillen has a very high "Sincerity Quotient". He's certainly an alpha male who's very good at what he does. In strong alpha individuals, it's extremely rare that a genuine apology or an honest and open discussion takes place when such an incident arises. You may like Guillen or "hate" him, but you've to respect this quality. "I'm sorry", "It's my fault", "forgive me" are three of the rarest statements, made in any language - particularly made so authentically.

When I began watching the second video, I was thinking - he should really take off his sunglasses - people will perceive him disingenuously if he leaves them on, etc. Then Ozzie himself spoke about the importance of "looking people in the eye". Later he repeated this as well as the significance being "face to face" when trying to patch things up. Guillen then took off his sunglasses. It was important for him - that other people to look him in the eye and see the sincerity and honesty in his eyes and on his face. He recognized the value of the human-to-human connection made during an apology and the increased ability to transmit such a very heart-felt emotion beyond that of just the words. Words are the symbols for the feelings which are the real movers in the hearts and minds of all those involved. I doubt Ozzie Guillen ever had a body language coach or read a book on nonverbal communication (indeed too few people have experienced either) but he certainly has and listens to his instinct.

Note that Ozzie did not stare at people when apologizing or discussing, if a person's eye contact increases over what it had been (generally speaking over 70% of the time when speaking in good, rapport generating conversation) - particularly when the STARE at someone's eye/eyes - there is an increased chance of deception taking place. Ozzie was not staring. His eyes naturally moved around to different people. If the amount of eye contact drops from baseline (or if a person keeps/puts their sunglasses on) - this also increases the likelihood that a lie is being told.

See also: Secret # 335: What does "Eye Contact" really mean?

Ozzie is sincere. If I were an attorney conducting voir dire (jury selection), I'd pick him any day.

What Guillen may lack in verbal discretion, he certainly makes up for in nonverbal intuition. Go Marlins!

Negotiation Secret # 441: The Political Point - How Not to Use It

Herman Cain has recently enjoyed a tremendous boost in the polls. Some even have him on top as the current Republican favorite for the U.S. 2012 Presidential election. In the last decade or so, one Body Language gesture that a lot of political candidates have begun to use is the "Political or Politician's Point". This is where the "okay" sign (the index finger and thumb touching to form an oval-shape) is used as opposed to traditional pointing with the just the index finger extended and the rest of the hand in a fist/near fist. The traditional index finger point is very negatively received in the vast majority of cultures and should be strongly avoided. People interpret the finger point as a strong sign of arrogance and will feel patronized.

Mr. Cain isn't pulling off the "politician's point" though. The remaining three fingers should not be closed in a near-fist as Herman is doing here, rather they should be loose. He is also pinching with the index finger and thumb. Properly done, the connection of these two digits should also be relaxed - forming an approximate oval, rather than a pinched off tear-drop shape. This semi-fist and pinching are signals of emotional tension.

What the hands are doing - influences the face. Emotional tension in the hand(s) will cause and/or correlate with negative facial expressions. Herman Cain's face is clearly displaying contempt. Contempt does not engender the heart's of the electorate. Contempt will lose votes. It is indeed a rare situation where a candidate should display contempt. If Mr. Cain, and the rest of us, relax our hands, our faces will relax (and vice versa). Look for emotional clues in one and you will find them in the other.

____________________________________________________________________________________

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).

___________________________________________________________________________________

Lie Detection Secret # 652: Megan Fox has got an Itch - Not!

When we have a momentary rise in our anxiety level, in an extremely high percentage of the time portions of our head and/or neck will itch. This is not imaginary - they truly itch. There are probably several reasons for this that have not to date, been fully elicited - however one of these is a simple rise in blood pressure. The blood vessels will press on surrounding tissue - which of course contains nerve endings and this pressure leads to pruritus. When a lie is told (or heard) we tend to experience this itching/swelling in some areas more than others. The nose is particularly prone to this phenomenon. Another region is just above the lip and below the nose - in the "mustache area". So when we tell a lie, we scratch the nose and above the upper lip particularly often. Part of this particular gesture is "vestigial behavior" from childhood - when the mouth is immediately covered once a lie is told. We partially, but never completely "unlearn" this response as we grow older. Here, the lovely Megan Fox is shown in this highly characteristic Body Language maneuver.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Negotiation Secret # 704: False Mastication and Contraction of the Central Forehead

This is Raj Rajaratnam. He is founder of the hedge fund management firm, the Gallon Group. Earlier this year he was found guilty on all 14 counts of securities and conspiracy fraud. Today he was sentenced to 14 years in prison. In this photo he is chewing on the inside of his right cheek. In Body Language lingo this is termed "false Mastication" since there is no food in the mouth. It is a strong signal of anxiety. In addition, his central forehead is mildly contracted. When the peripheral forehead is relaxed and the medial (aka central) forehead is contracted - think "pain" - either emotional or physical pain and either experienced directly or via empathy for another person, group or animal 

If you should see false mastication in the context of a conversation, there is a high likelihood that the anxiety is deception-related.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Body Language Secret # 619: Head and Neck Contact with Love and Affection

There are several things you should see during a hug when true love and affection are felt (see also Body Language Secret # 105: Parental Love and Affection). One of these is a touching of the heads and necks accompanied by a bending of the necks. It's as if you're trying to get the maximum surface area possible in contact with the other person. This is true between parent and a child as well in romantic adult relationships. The persistent absence of this highly characteristic Body Language signal is particularly worrisome.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Negotiation Secret # 559: Pointing at a Witness

This is J. Michael Flanagan, the defense attorney for Dr. Conrad Murray. Murray is on trial for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. Flanagan is a skilled and experienced attorney, but in many cases, I would disagree with his gesture of pointing at a witness (in this case Dr. Thao Nguyen, Cardiologist). In particular, I would steer him away from pointing with his index finger (forefinger). While this body language may certainly make the witness squirm and feel uncomfortable - and this may work to his advantage, he should weigh this against how the jury may feel. Pointing is considered a significant insult in nearly every culture and country around the World. If any jury member has empathy for the witness being questioned, she/he will feel as if they are being pointed at, chastised, and thus falsely persecuted along with the witness. Got empathy? Your jury does.

A better way to point would be with the whole hand, palm up. The fingers and arm should both be extended (but not fully extended, some flexing to the shoulder, elbow and fingers should be displayed) but relaxed. 

______________________________________________________________________________________

Body Language Secret # 702: Mouth of Fear, trying to Smile and Forehead of Pain

Blake Lively has got one of the best "Social Smiles" in Hollywood. That is, her "acted smiles" in social/interview/public appearance settings - most of the time comes pretty close to resembling a "Sincere, Felt Smile". Very few people - even actors/actresses can truly pull this off. That's one reason why this particular image is a great example here. Her mouth shows a trace amount of fear - not the typical type of fear though. She's trying to smile, but she can't in this particular moment. Her bottom teeth are showing and they shouldn't be with a sincere smile, but it is a characteristic of fear. In this case, it's an empathy-embarrassment-apology type of fear. The kind of fear where she has just delivered some bad news or she has to back out of a commitment, etc. It's not danger-fear, but it is a type of fear. One signal that it's not a classic fear is that her eyes are not opened wider than normal (e.g., with "whites of the eyes" showing above the irises/irides - not just on the sides of the eyes) in fact her lids are a bit more closed.

Blake's central eyebrows are also elevated. Another sign that goes along with this - is her central forehead being contracted. This is a classic signal of pain, either physical or emotional pain and either directly felt or experienced through empathy.

This whole smorgasbord of signals  is what is known as a gesture cluster, when several body language signs are seen simultaneously or nearly so - like words in a sentence - they take on a specific meaning. So, in summary, when you see this mild "yikes" type of expression displayed by the mouth, the eyes closed slightly, the central eyebrows raised and the central forehead wrinkled - you know that she/he is about to deliver some news that they know you don't want to hear (and they fear speaking it). You may very well see this beacon several minutes before the news is spoken - which will give you time to mentally and emotionally prepare. Your own body language, tone and words will then work to your advantage. Our overly emotional response to bad news is a common flaw that many share and a few seconds warning is priceless.

See also:

Secret # 133: Surprise or Smile or Neither?

Analysis # 2: Body Language of Blake Lively and Penn Badgley Strongly Suggests an Impending Break-up in Near Future

Nonverbal Communication Secret # 2091: Sincere Smiling (a la' Blake Lively) and Laughing Reduces Anxiety and  Heart Rate, Boosts Immune System and Relieves Pain

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2203: A Body Language Metric of Intimacy and Affection -  How Do YOU cuddle?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Negotiation Secret # 405: Carli Bruni & Dagger Eyes

This is the President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, and his actress-model-singer-song writer wife, Carla Bruni. We've all heard the expression, "If looks could kill", or "She is Shooting Daggers" at him, etc. Here Ms. Bruni is giving us a subtle to moderate example of "Dagger Eyes". Her eyes are opened wider than her non-angry eyes would be and her brows are also elevated. Her lips are stretched/thinned and her mid-face is subtly tightened as well. Ms. Bruni's nostrils are clearly slightly dilated too. All of these are consistent in with anger. 

Most everyone people can spot Body Language signals when they are exhibited in their extreme or nearly so, but I am uterly amazed at the number of educated, skilled and otherwise socially adept professionals who will continuously miss moderate, let alone subtle examples of Body Language. They are truly missing a gold mine of information, for it is in the detection and understanding of these milder examples that you will give yourself a profound advantage. 

Another similarly related issue is the brevity of many Nonverbal signals. Since this is a still image, and not a video - it's impossible to say how long Carla displayed this look. It may very well have been an example of a "Microexpression". Microexpressions are exceedingly common and by definition are very evanescent - as brief as 0.04 of a second. One of the reasons for this is that they are initiated by our subconscious - before our consciousness is even aware of our feelings. While about 1 in 300 people detect these microexpressions naturally, virtually everyone can be trained to recognize them.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Negotiation Secret #593: Projecting and Detecting Confidence

Projecting confidence through Body Language is a incredibly valuable life and business skill. This photo is obviously posed for the new film "Ides of Mach". Left to right are Marisa Tomei, George Clooney, Evan Rachel Wood and Ryan Gosling. Let's forget for a moment that this is a promotional photo and pretend it's "real world". Contrasting the two males, who projects the most confidence? Mr. Clooney does and here's why:  His upper body is aligned toward the camera while his lower body is slightly turned. While the seated male crotch display is often a dramatic turn off to nearby women (especially in a business setting, but even in personal life; see Negotiation Secret # 401: Male Dominance Display - Faux pas), George is not overdoing it here - a moderate stance is achieved. He's projecting confidence and possibly attraction to Ms. Wood. George's unilateral left arm akimbo is another good example of some confidence/dominance while not overdoing it with his right arm as well. How much confidence display is too much? Just ask Clooney. He's confident without being a narcissist.

Ryan Gosling on the other hand is sitting with his knees much closer together and his feet are probably almost touching (If his knees were any closer, it would be considered by most to be a bit effeminate. Again, this is a promotional photo - Gosling's being told how to pose - or how to ill-pose). Moreover, his hands are crossed in a variation of the seated "fig-leaf" - this too projects low confidence. He's is the only one whose body is not pointed at the camera as well. Gosling is clearly acquiescing to the Beta male position in this group, while Clooney is the clear Alpha.

Even Clooney's and Gosling's leather jackets demonstrate the Alpha-Beta contrast. In study after study, men are always rated much higher when dressed in black (or navy blue if we were also including sport coats/suits) vs. lighter colors. This is true in professional as well as personal life. The best example I can site here is the Nixon-Kennedy Debates (see "A Watershed Body Language Moment: Nixon - Kennedy Debates, 1960) Kennedy wore a dark navy suit which contrasted well against the background of the stage, while Nixon wore a significantly lighter color and blended into the background. Thus their clothes became a visual-metaphors for how well defined they were as men and candidates. For the majority who watched this first televised U.S. Presidential debate, Kennedy was the clear winner - while those few who listened on the radio, called it a draw or gave Nixon the edge. 

How would those around you rate your confidence? Alpha or Beta? Narcissist or just right? Are you sure?

___________________________________________________________________________________