Body Language & Emotional Intelligence

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3223: Jordan Spieth, the U.S. Open, Annie Verret, Kissing and Body Language (PHOTOS)

The image above shows Jordan Spieth kissing his girlfriend, Annie Verret - after winning the Masters earlier this year. Ms. Verret was noticeably absent from Spieth's victory at the U.S. Open today. Spieth is the first to win the first two of the year's majors since Tiger Woods in did so 2002. And Jordan Spieth won't even turn 22 until next month.

From a body language perspective, it's notable that the World's number one ranked golfer has his eyelids closed in both images. As human beings, we close our eyes during a kiss when true affection is present. Forty percent of the mass of our brain is dedicated to the visual system. In addition, ninety percent of the sensory input is visual. The other four senses must "share" the left-over ten percent. Most every child will tell you that people who are blind will acquire a greater tactile sense. This is absolutely true of course - however few are aware that this phenomenon will also happen immediately with those who have excellent (or any) vision - though to a lesser extent.

When we close our eyes, the blood flow and electrical activity of the visual portions of our brains' diminishes slightly (and immediately). This mild decrease allows greater resources to be redistributed and divided-up between the other four senses - as well as our brains' cognitive and emotional centers. Thus we close our eyes during a sincere kiss because we want to feel it more - we want to drink-in every ounce of emotion. We want to live more deeply. Spieth is shown here kissing two things for which he truly feels deep affection - Annie Verret and the U.S. Open Trophy. The trophy is a surrogate for the accomplishment as well as representing the moment of victory. Like a sommelier tasting fine wine or a lover - he is drinking-in the moment to its fullest.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3222: First Look Promo: Nick's Escape: Fear the Walking Dead: Series Premiere - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

A "First Look Promo" was released yesterday for The Walking Dead Companion/Spinoff Series, Fear the Walking Dead. It's titled Nick's Escape (see above). Nick is played by Frank Dillane - and he's running from something - presumably a walker. This video clip is included here because, from a body language perspective, Dillane does a considerably better job than most actors in achieving and maintaining the nonverbal signals indicative of a fear expression.

0:07

If you're a director, be aware that when a head is turned and (or) the eyes are looking laterally (as both is occurring here) they will naturally open considerably wider. This adds to the emotional feel of the face of fear - especially when looking back during a chase.

0:11

While Dillane's eyes are not opened as widely as they would be here (if he truly were being chased by a walker), his mouth - pulled extremely laterally and downward - is particularly well acted in this moment.

0:13

Mid-facial tension is common and expected with fear.

0:16

Once again - very widely opened eyes achieved with a lateral gaze.

0:18

Flared nostrils accompanies both fear and physical exertion - both of which are components of this "fleeing from fear" (remember Flight of Fight [or Freeze] from biology/physiology class?).

What other emotions also have flared nostrils?

0:19

Most people can open their eyelids widely if the forehead muscles are recruited to assist - however in high adrenaline states (such as fear) the eyelids themselves will open very widely without the forehead muscles (although they may also be contracted).

0:24

When the head/neck is tilted back - and the eyes are looking straight ahead - the eyelids naturally are less open. However had this been true high level fear, the eyelids would be retracted higher even with this temporary tilt - and we would see more "white" (sclera) on the upper part of his eye.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3221: Gov. Nikki Haley Choking Back Tears - is She Sincere? Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3220: Charleston, South Carolina Shooter Dylann Roof - Social Media, Public Persona and Predicting Violent Behavior

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2434: Brad Pitt's Tongue-in-Cheek regarding Reasons for Choosing to Work on "World War Z"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3065: Meryl Streep "Not Pretty Enough" To Be In King Kong - The Graham Norton Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2344: Jillian Michaels Body Language Neck of Fear & Mouth of Fear

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3198: Sepp Blatter, FIFA, Subtle Fear & Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2097: Mitt Romney's "No one's ever asked to see my birth certificate" defense - Body Language of Rationalization, Rapport and Empathy

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Friday, June 19, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3221: Gov. Nikki Haley Choking Back Tears - is She Sincere? Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

At the very beginning of this video (0:03), Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina briefly looks upward twice. Such an upward gaze is a rarely recognized yet very common and subconscious mechanism which is seen during moments when a person is trying to suppress their sadness and crescendo to tears. Some people have suggested that Gov. Haley's emotions here were insincere. They were very sincere. Of course this doesn't mean that every issue she will speak about regarding this shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston will all be directly from her heart - however this moment was indeed very sincere.

What other nonverbal signals seen in this video are indicative of sincerity?

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3220: Charleston, South Carolina Shooter Dylann Roof - Social Media, Public Persona and Predicting Violent Behavior (PHOTOS)

Dylann Roof, pictured above, has been arrested this morning in Shelby, North Carolina. He is alleged to have been the perpetrator in a mass-shooting event last night in downtown Charleston, South Carolina at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Nine people were killed and one was wounded. Among the deceased is Clementa C. Pinckney - who was a senior pastor at the church and South Carolina State Senator.

This photo of Dylann Roof was one he had posted on his Facebook and is his current profile picture. His primary emotion displayed here is anger while his secondary emotion is disgust. Although both of these emotions share the characteristic of flared nostrils, his mid-facial tension has a significant disgust component. The downward-forward tilt of his forehead, his partially closed upper eyelids, lower eyelid tension and downward vectoring of his eyebrows are all strong anger indicators. In addition his jaw is mildly clenched and his chin is dimpled. The thinning of his upper lips and his concave-down mouth configuration are all indicative of anger.

This is the image he chose as his public persona. It conveys the emotions which encapsulate his self-image - the ones he projects onto the public and therefore the ones he wishes the World to perceive. Those who perpetrate violent crimes have a very strong tendency to post on social media images which display them showing during moments of contempt, disgust and anger. People who project such emotions will also tend to have a greater tendency toward a narcissistic profile as well as possessing shorter tempers. They have a predilection to react to verbal conflicts and confrontations with physical responses and much less so with diplomacy. Thus when time permits, social media images play a valuable role in threat assessment.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3219: "Slow Jam the News" with Jeb Bush, Jimmy Fallon and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2828: Elliot Roger, Isla Vista/U.C. Santa Barbara Mass Shooting & Threat Assessment - Body Language and Threat Assessment

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2231: A Common Facial Expression of Mass Killers - Using Body Language as a Threat Assessment Tool

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3133: The Red Flag of Robert Durst's Body Language

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3219: "Slow Jam the News" with Jeb Bush, Jimmy Fallon and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

It's almost difficult to watch - yet funny - Jeb Bush is the latest to "Slow Jam" with Jimmy Fallon. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of the former Florida Governor.

Beginning at 3:24 Jimmy Fallon asks Jeb Bush to explain his stance on immigration. Governor Bush first explains his response in English - during which his forehead only contracts for a split second (when he says, " ... Jimmy ..."). However when he "translates" (a word he should have not have used for in this context it is demeaning and condescending) to Spanish - the entire width of his forehead remains contracted for the duration. This tells us definitively that although the Republican nominee hopeful can speak the language well - something is amiss. His words are theoretically "the same" (After all he translated it, didn't he?) - however his change in body language lets us know his emotional tone is significantly different. He feels different. Bush's nonverbal disparity should not be ignored (to the voters nor unto himself). Jeb is either uncomfortable either speaking Spanish, is trying to project a disproportionate emphasis (and an example of a body language "illustrator") to this voting demographic (e.g. pandering) - or has anxiety speaking regarding this subject to this voting demographic.

Overall however, in the vast majority of his interviews and speeches, Bush's forehead remains relaxed and uncontracted the majority of the time (so far in this campaign at least). This is a rare nonverbal pattern in politician population - and it's also a quality that's indicative of a high sincerity quotient.

Through this Slow Jam video, Bush can be seen in the background (out of focus of course) repeatedly sitting up in his chair - even bouncing (or in this context and from a body language aspect - similar to if he were standing and elevating up on his toes). This "bouncing" in this context is "a nervous energy bleeder" and also acts to suppresses Jeb's own laughter (he's trying to maintain as straight face). Another person may very well use an "Inward Lip Roll" in this same setting to suppress their laughter.

The possible third President Bush also displays multiple "Hard Swallows" throughout this video - which a highly reliable indicator for generalized anxiety (Here clearly seen at 1:20).

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3218: Jeb Bush Formally Announces His Candidacy for President - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2313: Elisa Lam Video in Elevator at Cecil Hotel - What Her Body Language Tells Us ....

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3135: Ariana Grande Does a Spot-On Celine Dion Impression on Jimmy Fallon - Body Language Signals of ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3207: Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2691: Barbara Bush, "I Love Bill Clinton"

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Monday, June 15, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3218: Jeb Bush Formally Announces His Candidacy for President - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Jeb Bush made his formal announcement of his candidacy for the 2016 Presidential election today at Miami Dade College. This of course came as no surprise to anyone. His speech, at least the verb components, was good - but not great. The possible "Bush 45" is not considered to be a very dynamic speaker. The reason for this however is not primarily in his words - but in his body language.

One wise tactic of Bush's was to use a minimalist lectern that does not obscure a good share of his body. This makes him more likable and easier to trust. The less we see of another person (e.g., speaking from behind a large, traditional lectern) the less we believe them and the less we like them.

Bush's body language was a good deal beta however. He very often used, what for him seems to be a default configuration - interlaced fingers resting on the lectern just above waist-level. Depending on the other nonverbals with which it is clustered, interlaced fingers often conveys impatience and frustration - even anger, yet here it signals a less assertive, more demure emotional tone. While there are some occasional exceptions, self-touching is to be largely avoided by any public speaker. Such practice should be second-nature to a politician of his experience. Jeb needs some work.

Below, Bush is a seen in a standing "Fig-Leaf" configuration (aka "Genital Guarding"). Again, there are exceptions when presidents, former presidents and presidential candidates should indeed display the fig-leaf body language - such as at a funeral, religious service, a wedding, interacting with a major religious figure, when a former president appears with a current one in a speech or public appearance, at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier - and a few others. But here, while running for president - and particularly at his kick-off speech, Jeb Bush should NEVER stand or sit in a fig-leaf position.

Many candidates (and other so-called "leaders") project alpha signals much too frequently - and thus what should transmit confidence and assertiveness instead sends signals of arrogance and condescending emotional tones. These are examples of hyper-alpha mistakes. Here Jeb Bush is doing the opposite, he's over-doing the beta signals. It is certainly good to be humble - but not hyper-beta. Anyone who displays the fig-leaf outside the context of the scenarios mentioned above is sending signals of weakness and projects low-confidence. He simply does not look at all presidential.

What other body language was Bush doing wrong?

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3217: Rachel Dolezal, NAACP and Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Much has been made in the last several days regarding Rachel Dolezal and how she has allegedly passed herself off as African-American. This post is not intended to pass judgement on whether such actions, if true, are ethical or unethical - or to comment on any possible racial aspects or ramifications of doing so. Rather this website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc. are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others' body language as well as the projection of one's own nonverbal skills in many different contexts - not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

What is very obvious to all who view this interview is Ms. Dolezal's claim of not understanding and her non-answering of a straightforward question as well as her refusal to continue and walking abruptly away. What follows is of greater nuance - a partial nonverbal analysis of Ms. Dolezal.

7:44 to ~ 7:51

Unilateral Eyebrow and Forehead Elevation - when stating "... as a Black Studies Professor, I know what these images mean, and I take that very seriously given the history ..."

(David Meany, a spokesman for Eastern Washington University, is quoted in the International Business Times, "This [Dolezal's employment] is a part-time position to address program needs. Dolezal is not a professor,".

A unilateral eyebrow and forehead elevation is a classic nonverbal indicator of doubt and/or disbelief.

7:58

This is moment is subtle yet highly significant. A tilting of her upper head backwards as Ms. Dolezal's lower face/chin tilts forward - along with tension seen in the lower eyelids, flaring of her nostrils and tightening of the tissue above her upper lip and below her nose are all very telling. This nonverbal cluster is highly consistent primarily of anger and secondarily of disgust.

8:10

Greater disgust display with a higher degree of midface tension and nostril flaring.

In this context her extended blink is a disgust amplifier.

8:21

Obvious blushing with a poorly suppressed mouth smile

Jaw Jut (common with both suppressed smile and anger)

8:28

Deeper Blushing with Embarrassment and Sincere Smile.

Although no one desires to be embarrassed - it's extremely interesting to note that the smile of embarrassment is a sincere smile - although it may be suppressed to varying degrees (as it is above).

8:39

Face of Fear (subtle to mild)

Her eyelids subtly yet quickly open wider, tension is seen in lower eyelids and a mild "mouth of fear" are all displayed as Mrs. Dolezal begins to grapple with the ramifications of what is being discussed on camera.

8:50

Inward Lip Roll (ILR) just prior to walking off camera and refusing further questions

An inward lip roll is a signal that the emotional mind is attempting to suppress an inward crescendo of emotion - as well as trying to control any increase in outward expression.

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3214: Chris Pratt, Jurassic World, Bad Acting and a Body Language Red Flag

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3078: Tom Brady, Deflategate, Deception and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3125: Vladimir Putin, Suppressed Smiling & Blushing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3061: Jimmy Fallon Blew a Chance to Date Nicole Kidman

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2911: Becky Hammon Part II - Blushing & a High Sincerity Quotient
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Saturday, June 13, 2015

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

Like any candidate, Hillary Clinton needs to build rapport in order to get votes. People may agree with your policies and these will have already won-over one's political base - yet to win elections and not just primaries, candidates must capture that middle 1/3 of the electorate. And swing voters will vote for those the LIKE - and then rationalize their decisions with intellectual wallpaper. We of course believe we're doing this the other way around, but we're all human beings and that's not the way we operate. In short, to win you must possess - and project - likability. Few politicians truly understand this much past a superficial (and insincere) smile. Both Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan knew this instinctively - however Hillary does not.

We turn our whole body - eyes, head, shoulders, hips and feet - towards those we like and/or those we respect. When you're running for high political office - the crowds are huge and of course you can't begin to get to everyone. It takes much more time and effort. You'll end up greeting less people. Yet you will build more rapport - much more. And those who don't get to shake your hand and look you in the eye, will do so vicariously. You'll win their votes. This is another profound version of quality vs. quantity and sincerity vs. veneer.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3214: Chris Pratt, Jurassic World, Bad Acting and a Body Language Red Flag

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3212: LeBron James stealing ball from Stephen Curry - then pointing at his Temple

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2426: Remembering Ronald Reagan, "Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall" Body Language at the Brandenburg Gate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2861: Ronald Reagan and Variations on Thumbs

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2577: Bill Clinton and Terry McAuliffe - Alpha and Beta Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2379: Bill Clinton's Speech at the George W. Bush Presidential Library Opening Body Language of Former and Current President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2973: Rand Paul's Body Language Tells Us His Plan B for 2016

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

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Friday, June 12, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3214: Chris Pratt, Jurassic World, Bad Acting and a Body Language Red Flag (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

A sure sign of a poor actor is one who over-uses his/her forehead. This is true whether they are using the entire forehead or seen in the context of a central forehead contraction (usually elevated, aka an "Elevated CFC"). The central forehead contraction is often clustered with some semblance of a mouth smile. Such "smiles" are false smiles though - and thus never sincere.

This CFC-pseudo mouth smile combination is often seen very commonly displayed by news reporters, attorneys, sales professionals, politicians, etc. - and other professions where there is low-to-medium quality acting. Said another way, these other professions require a degree and frequency of pretending one thing when another is felt - yet Daniel Day Lewis or Meryl Streep they are not.

Good actors and sincere people don't over-use their forehead muscles - and when they are contracted, the CFC seen in concert with congruent verbal and paralanguage.

Another setting where the forehead muscles are over-used is within the context of sociopathic behavior. These individuals are also chronically insincere. In fact - chronic insincerity is one of the cornerstones of a sociopath (What are its other key characteristics). Sociopaths are usually modest actors - but rarely great.

Below are three images from Jurassic World - a film which premiered in North American theaters today. One of these photos is captured from the video/trailer above. Chris Pratt dramatically over uses his forehead. He relies on his looks to carry his roles. His acting is sophomoric.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3212: LeBron James stealing ball from Stephen Curry - then pointing at his Temple

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2627: Ron Burgundy in a Real News Cast - Will Ferrell's Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2989: Jessica Chastain, "Interstellar", David Letterman and a Partial Emblematic Slip

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2268: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Kathryn Bigelow & Jessica Chastain - Body Language at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3133: The Red Flag of Robert Durst's Body Language

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

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Thursday, June 11, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3212: LeBron James stealing ball from Stephen Curry - then pointing at his Temple - Body Language (PHOTOS)

In game 3 of the 2015 NBA finals, LeBron James stole the ball a couple times from Stephen Curry late in the game as the Warriors were mounting a come-back.

James had jumped into the passing lane and grabbed the steal on Curry's inbound pass - then LeBron was fouled immediately. The Cavalier's small forward then pointed to his temple and subtly smiled on his run back up the court.

In the post-game press conference James said, “Ah ... nah I just, I seen them run that set before, and I was telling the coaching staff that I was in tune and I was, I knew what was coming.”

Here James' interpretation of his own body language is of course accurate (e.g. "I know what you're thinking" or "I've got you figured-out") - although coupled with a different facial expression, such temple-pointing would have a completely different meaning (Can you describe some of these scenarios?). Perhaps LeBron had a tactic and this act was a form of trash talk - and yet, it would have been wiser to keep this advantage a secret (not unlike poker). Stephen Curry or his coaches would have probably figured it out eventually of course - however if perhaps James could get even one more steal out of his ability to read Curry - it could very well be a game-changer and a championship-maker.

"All warfare is based on deception."

Sun Tzu

(or at least the ability to keep secrets)

This website serves as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

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