Today Bashar al-Assad made a rare public appearance. In this brief video clip and in the still image below, Syria's Tyrant President displays several low confidence signals consistent with high anxiety and low confidence outside a power plant in Damascus.
The President's elbows are constantly held close to his torso. In the context of a leadership role this is a strong signal of lack of confidence and ownership. It is very beta for a male, even effeminate. He has displayed this for some time. He knows his days are numbered. Women leaders should also avoid this tendency when speaking in public or on camera. It is a common configuration used by news reporters. Do not let the constant exposure to this industry specific idiosyncrasy (which should be avoided there as well) alter your interpretation of this body language.
Al-Assad's hand gestures (illustrators) are very rapid here - more so than in videos of the previous two years (thus filtering out any cultural or personal tendencies) are also consistent with anxiety. Moreover he constantly returns to his default of holding hands with himself (below with a finger intertwined hold) - more demure, beta and confidence lacking signals. His nonverbals project the emotions of a frightened man, which indeed is and should be.
One moment in particular that is very illustrative from a body language perspective. Towards the end of this clip as Ms. Colbert Bush says, ".... I'm a fiscally conservative, independent, tough business woman ...." During this statement, Ms. Colbert-Busch shows several signals of anger. At the 2:32 mark in particular as she says "... independent ..." she shows a dramatic flash of anger that is very brief but just a bit longer than a microexpression. This nonverbal is fairly dramatic as her center eyebrows (only right side visible) moves downwards as her upper eyelids open wider. Her nasal flaring is dramatic and very telling as well. In addition, Ms. Colbert-Busch's jaw juts outward which is very easy to see in this side view (note her lower teeth are further forward than her upper teeth). A jaw jut is a signal significant of high levels of anger. Her lips are also pulled back tightly - significantly bearing both here upper and lower teeth - also very significant for anger.
Of course, this is not the entire debate, but in most other political settings this anger display would be ill-advised, however with Sanford's specific history it probably will result in a win.
Syrian Opposition Leader Ghassan Hitto is interviewed in this video by Holly Williams. Note throughout this interaction Mr. Hitto, an American Citizen, sweats profusely (even dripping onto his jacket). Primary Hyperhidrosis (a diagnosis of exclusion - when other medical causes of excessive perspiration have been ruled out) affects approximately 2.8% of the population. Said another way, a relatively small percentage of the population sweats a lot even if they are not nervous, it is not hot, if they don't have an underlying medical condition and if they are not exercising. Thus, if you're in the midst of a negotiation, sitting across from another person who displays excessive sweating - be aware that although it may indicate a nervous emotional tone - alone it is not a conclusive sign of anxiety. You must also see other signals of anxiety to be sure of this emotion. Mr. Hitto only displayed one MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) in this interview (What was it and what did its display indicate?). Ghassan Hitto's anxiety level was proportional to the context for a normal healthy individual in this scenario - and indeed many "leaders" would have been much more nervous than he (and displayed it) - given the gravity of the situation.
The finger wag exhibited in this video by the Syrian Opposition Leader, even though pointed up (pointed at Ms. Williams/audience/camera would have been even worse), is an ill-advised body language illustrator in almost any interview. Even though you may agree with his words and the sentiments he expresses here, Mr. Hitto's finger wag is a rapport destroyer and engenders patronizing and condescending sentiments towards those watching this interview. Leaders must believe in their cause (as he does and his sincerity quotient is indeed high) and show passion - while also winning over support of others (e.g., maintain your base and win over the centrists).
Hitto, like all of us, needs a balance of both alpha and beta body language. Knowing when and how to nuance your nonverbals to support your verbal message is important skill where many stumble. Too many otherwise experienced people rely on their autopilot in these situations - and an autopilot won't get you through a dogfight. Projecting a "hyper-alpha" personality, even momentarily, drives away many who otherwise would support your cause.
Jessica Paré was recently a guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Ms. Paré plays Megan Draper and wife of Don Draper (Jon Hamm) on AMC's "Mad Men". Early on Jimmy says, "...This, this is your first late night show?" and Jessica answers, "It is my very first. I'm really excited and a little terrified".
This image is captured at 0:17 seconds as Ms. Paré looks away from Fallon and takes on a nonverbal cluster of fear. As she said - she really is a little terrified. Her neck in particular shows a mild tenting-up of the skin at the juncture of her neck and jaw. This is a sign that the platysma muscle is mildly tightened and is highly characteristic for fear. The corners of Ms. Paré's mouth are also pulled backwards. In higher degrees of fear the corners are pulled back and downwards. The actress's eyelids are also opened wider than her normal baseline and her entire forehead muscle (inner and outer) is contracted - elevating her eyebrows. Again, this is an expression of mild fear. The eyelids would be open wider with greater levels of fear. The forehead would also be more furrowed and the eyebrows lower in more extreme fear. This is a great example of the subtle "neck of fear" and "mouth of fear" seen throughout the day in every business, law and medical office in every city. How many times have you missed this nonverbal at placed yourself at a disadvantage (but never realized it)?
This second image is classic embarrassment after Jessica describes her real-life mother performing imitations of her T.V. character - Mrs. Draper's "Zou Bisou Bisou" at family gatherings. Paré's body language displays a cluster of blushing, looking down and away, making a sincere smile/laugh, with a bilateral eyelid closure and covering her mouth.
What other body language of anxiety does Jessica Pare exhibit in this video?
Most people feel that Johnny Depp is a fantastic actor. I certainly do. But he is still only human. The remake of "The Lone Ranger" will be released soon (3 July 2013) and Depp recently appeared on Late Night with David Letterman to promote the movie.
Depp really did not want to be there that night. Moreover his body language demonstrates that - at that moment - he did not like Letterman. When he sits down he crosses his left leg (closet to Letterman) over his right and his legs and feet are pointed away from his host. Ninety-five plus % of the time a guest will cross his or her leg the opposite way - the right over the left (towards host). And when the exception occurs, the guest will almost always compensate by shifting his/her torso, legs and feet so that they are pointed towards the host - but not in this case. In addition Captain Jack Sparrow's torso is only rotated slightly in David's direction. Letterman's desk (and chair on wheels) and the guest chairs are even configured in a mild arc to facilitate a natural "turning towards one another" posture (typical for any talk-show). We subconsciously turn our feet & legs towards those we respect or like (or in the context of romance, towards someone to whom we are sexually attracted). A big part of Depp's psyche did not want to be there - or did not like Letterman/something he had recently done.
Later in the night, after his friend and a second guest Bill Carter joins him on the set, Depp has grown more emotionally comfortable and crosses his legs the opposite way (towards Letterman) allowing a more natural and rapport facilitating positioning. This change is initiated by an increase in Johnny's emotional comfort - not his physical comfort.
Another telling nonverbal is revealed in this video just after David says, "...Thank you so much for being on the program. This is an exciting night ..." Immediately after this is spoken, Johnny shows us a partial mouth cover/mustache rub (0:31). This MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) is an anxiety signal and in this context it signals us that Letterman's statement of the "night's excitement" does not at all hold true in Depp's mind. Indeed he probably believes that Letterman is outright lying.
Yesterday, the four living former U.S. Presidents as well as Barack Obama gathered on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas for the dedication of the George W. Bush Memorial Library and Museum. It was an intriguing sight to see them all together. Needless to say, there was a ton of great body language displayed. Below are some great examples of nonverbal behavior. These all can be viewed in dynamic context within the video above.
At the 0:11 mark, just after Bill Clinton lets the crowd know that Barbara Bush let him see some of George W. Bush's paintings - the former First Lady takes on the expression of fear - not knowing what he's about to say. This can be most easily seen in her mouth - with its corners pulling backwards and down. Mrs. Bush's eyes momentarily open wider too - most easily see in her left eye and when viewed in the video. A second after this, her expression morphs into a sincere smile when Clinton says that the paintings were great. While Mrs. Bush displays the high conventional steeple of confidence-alpha-assertiveness (and sometimes more), here it is forced (and more consciously initiated). Her subconscious displays of fear betray her (momentary) sincere feelings.
Here Bill Clinton can be seen biting his whole bottom lip (0:32 - 0:33 after another joke). This bite of the entire lower lip (as opposed to just one side) is a common nonverbal displayed to suppress a laughter or full smile display when they've made a good-natured, yet somewhat still mischievous joke. It's as if to say, "I've been a bad boy".
Clinton is also blushing in this photo.
This image was taken the moment after Bill Clinton pointed out to George Bush that, "...and you beat me to be a Grandfather". Despite the fact that he had been President for eight years, being a grandfather is a new experience. He is proud of this, yet another pointing it out before the World provokes anxiety. This self-preening tie adjusting (1:03 - 1:04) is a signal that Bush - an alpha male - is still human - and here he's "Dialing up his alpha" - ascending to the role of grandfather and yet feeling the extra weight of this responsibility and role. A common female analog of the male tie adjust (or the similar shirt cuff or wrist watch adjust) is the "Hair Adjust Behind Ear" or HABE.
Here after Clinton again calls attention to Barbara Bush, President Obama can be seen withdrawing his arm (1:34 - 1:37) which was just a moment before touching Mrs. Bush's upper back/shoulder in what is a breach of her personal space and a display of false affection. When Clinton addresses Barbara Bush, Obama's faux pas surfaces to his consciousness and he withdrawals his touch. Alpha personalities of all types, particularly men commit this nonverbal mistake all too often. They believe it is somehow a display of affection - however it is really a dominance display. And while the recipient may try to smile - emotions of discomfort are being felt and the corresponding body language is displayed elsewhere (can you spot it?).
Here Bush 43 can be seen sincerely smiling, blushing and although its dynamics can't be seen here in a still image, he's in the middle of a shoulder shrug (1:53), Bill Clinton just let us all know that during George W's second term, Bush would periodically call up Bill and talk politics. This embarrasses Bush who was apparently seeking advice from his predecessor. The shrug is as if to say, "...Well Ah shucks, sure I called up Bill, who wouldn't?" - yet he's quite embarrassed.
Zubeidat Tsarnaev the Mother of the Boston Marathon Bombing Suspects - Dzokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev is featured in this short video interview where she says, "What happened is a terrible thing, but I know, that my kids have nothing to do with this. I know it. I'm mother. I have, I, you know, I, I know my own kids, I know my kids. I ... really my kids never get involved into anything like that."
Although she proclaims her sons' innocence, at multiple times she displays contempt - probably for those who committed the crime. One of these moments is captured in the image below. Note her dramatic mouth asymmetry (although the nonverbal sign of mouth asymmetry can indicate other emotions). Her lip is curled up in a snarl and her right nostril is simultaneously dilated. The area between the upper lip and the nose is also tightened. This is a strong nonverbal cluster indicating she feels sincere contempt - probabaly for those who bombed the Boston Marathon.
Later in the video (during 0:11 - 0:17) Ms. Tsarnaev with her right hand (most probably her hand of dominance) touches her full palm to her upper chest (a heartfelt "Palmar Touch" over sternum and left chest). Her right hand (which is holding what looks like a phone) is placed on top of it as she also displays two prolonged eyelid closures (0:13 & 0:14) as she says, "... I'm mother. I have, I, you know, I, I know my own kids, I know my kids. I ...". The cluster of body language she displays here is significant for a high sincerity quotient here as well.
Of course sincerity is aboutbelief, feelings and communicating truth - and here the "truth" for her is what she perceives it to be. Ms. Tsarnaev is not lying if her thoughts, feelings, nonverbals and her words are congruent - and in this video they are. She loves her sons. And she sincerely believes that they are not the perpetrators of the bombings.
Ms. Tsarnaev is feeling other emotions as well. What are these and what other corresponding body language do you see here?
This is a hilarious video - but it's also very instructive. Jimmy Kimmel's "Lie Witness News" interviews several people at Coachella 2013 about their opinions of Bands that were completely fabricated. All of those interviewed in this video are lying of course. The chances of convincingly pulling off a deception are roughly proportional to the consequences of getting caught in the lie(s). In small lies (aka white lies), most can act the lie well. However, if the ramifications are more serious, pulling of the lie is much more difficult.
There are several signals of lying displayed in this video - but I'd like to concentrate on a particular nonverbal display which is seen clearly on two different individuals - that of the central forehead contraction (CFC) WITH a smile. When these two tells are seen simultaneously or clustered very closely in time (temporal clustering) with rare exception - it signals insincerity, incredulity or arrogance. Everyone makes such a facial expression occasionally, however if it seen chronically (about on 4 - 5% of individuals) it signals narcissistic personality disorder, sociopathic tendencies or worse.
Most commonly the central forehead contraction is seen in the presence of pain (either emotional or physical pain) being experienced directly or felt indirectly (via empathy) for another person, group or animal(s). Congruent with this facial component body language, the mouth takes on the configuration of pain, fear or sadness in these emotional contexts. However when there is no emotional or physical pain present - empathy is not being felt - something else is .....
In her mug shot seen here - what is most obvious to most is her lack of eye contact - and downward directed head, neck and eyes. These are all directed down and to her right - the direction most right-hand dominant people look during significant levels of sadness. This is consistent with shame and emotionally processing a significant event - both of which are being expressed in this moment. She may be blushing as well, although it is difficult to tell.
What has been misinterpreted here is what many people would call a "smirk" or a "partial smile". Note her mouth's dramatic asymmetry. This is not a suppressed smile - but a manifestation of contempt. And although the actress may have earlier felt a good deal of contempt towards the officer who arrested her, in the moment of this photo Reece's contempt is probably self-directed - mixed with the emotion of regret. In regret-self-contempt, the corner of the mouth takes on more of an lateral vector along with significantly less nostril flaring vs. contempt felt towards another person or group (although detail of Witherspoon's nose is difficult to visualize in this low resolution) where the mouth and cheek muscle are directed more upwards and with more nasal flaring. The forward tilt of her head & neck gives the left corner of her mouth a false appearance of more upward curvature.
At multiple times during the above video, Governor Patrick's left forehead contracts, while his right forehead is either hypo-reactive or shows essentially no reaction at all. An example of one of these moments is captured in the image below. A casual observer and/or body language novice may very well FALSELY interpret this as a nonverbal signal of: incredulity, contempt, an insincere smile or duping delight. However none of these emotions nor their nonverbals are present here. This FALSE expression is due to a (peripheral) Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII) palsy on Patrick's right side. When all other causes are ruled out (aka a "Diagnosis of Exclusion") this diagnosis is termed "Bell's Palsy".
Additional findings which support the diagnosis of a right-sided peripheral cranial nerve VII palsy is the relative lack of muscular tone in the Governor's right cheek muscles (zygomaticus major and to a lesser extent the zygomaticus minor). Contrast this contraction with that of his left cheek and it's decreased tone.
Moreover when the corners of Deval's mouth are scrutinized, you will note the right upper lip & corner slopes downward - while his left upper lip & mouth corner slopes steeper (an indication of greater muscle tone) and meets with lip meets the corner in a delta-shaped dimpling. The left "mustache area" shows more muscle tone compared to the right. Again these are manifestations of a right-sided Facial nerve palsy.
Of course, Deval Patrick will feel and thus display the body language of disbelief, contempt, duping delight and an insincere smile - just as any other human being. However one must be meticulously observant and take the time to establish a norm (normal baseline behavior) before an accurate and unbiased nonverbal assessment can be made. I cannot find any reference to this palsy with Governor Patrick. Perhaps it is a recent ailment or my search was incomplete. However, he would be well-advised to make such an announcement to the press if he has not already done so.
