Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3316: Ben Carson does not think that a Muslim Should be President - Is He Sincere - or Mimicking Trump's Tactics? - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Ben Carson has now stepped into an Anti-Muslim limelight - a door which Donald Trump walked through two days ago. Since the seventeen (now sixteen) candidates began seeking the republican nomination - some have taken the tactic (or out of sincerity) of being anti-Trump, while others have tried to ride his coat-tails (or simply truly shared Donald's ideology). A few of these examples are more obvious while many are not - and these are very important distinctions to make.

Pundits and others have inquired along these lines with respect to Ben Carson's statement earlier today on Meet The Press. Was the retired neurosurgeon truly sincere (or was he trying to ride the Trump train?) when Chuck Todd asked him, "So do you believe that, ah, Islam is consistent with the - Constitution?"

Ben Carson responded, "Ah, No I don't. I do not. I, I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that."

Answer: Yes. Ben Carson meant what he said - regardless of what Trump thinks. He is sincere.

Although Ben Carson has agreed with Trump on multiple issues in what appears to many to be tactical decisions in an attempt to climb in the polls - this Anti-Muslim stance of Caron's is indeed sincere.

Sincerity is a congruently between one's stated opinions and their true feelings. Politicians are famous for their chronic insincerity. A person may very well be sincere regarding a subject which you find reprehensible - or an opinion you hold dear. Ben Carson's nonverbal signals, his verbal language and his paralanguage are all congruent in this video segment. That's not to say Carson's sincere all the time (no one is) - but here the man meant what he said.

Can you dissect all of Carson's components of sincerity? Can you suss-out the B.S. as well as you think you can?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3315: Carly Fiorina, John Kasich and the Ten Dollar Bill - Republican Debate Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3311: Ben Carson to Donald Trump - "He's an Okay Doctor" - Trump's Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3287: Hillary Clinton, Email Servers and Crisis Management

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3247: Barack Obama's Response to Question regarding Revoking Bill Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2928: Oscar Pistorius, Hugging, Affection and Sincerity 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2951: Miss America 2015 - Sincerity, Surprise and Botox 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3233: Chris Christie formally enters the 2016 Presidential Race - What about his Body Language? 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3315: Carly Fiorina, John Kasich and the Ten Dollar Bill - Republican Debate Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During the most recent republican presidential debate, when asked what woman they would like to see on ten dollar bill, many of the candidates answers' betrayed the fact they were not well-thought on history and American women in particular.

From a nonverbal perspective the above video segment showcases several microexpressions, two of which are discussed here.



















Captured during 0:03, in this image we can see Carly Fiorina displaying a classic microexpression of contempt as she says the word "... honestly ..."

Ms. Fiorina's nonverbal, verbal and paralanguage were all highly congruent - thus indicating her answer to this question was very sincere.

Later in this same segment (this image during 0:32), Ohio Governor John Kasich displays several microexpressions of fear (with his mouth and neck). This one is a fraction of a second after he says, "... Teresa ..."

Mr. Kasich knew that although most people think as highly for Mother Teresa as he does - he also knew that his answer was not the best one since, of course, she wasn't an American. Did you catch his other microexpressions?

What do Governor Chris Christie's facial expressions tell us?

As with all microexpressions, the dynamic context of video is far superior vs. still photos. Please view the video (and perhaps slow it down to 1/2 or 1/4 speed) to fully appreciate these very short-lived but crucial body language tells.

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.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3314: Donald Trump's Town Hall Q & A in New Hampshire - Fails to Correct Questioner re: President Obama's Religion and Nationality

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3121: Barack Obama and George W. Bush at the 50th Anniversary of the First Selma-to-Montgomery March 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3259: Barack Obama responds to Mike Huckabee's Holocaust Reference 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3253: John Kasich Formally Announces His Candidacy for President 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3310: Carly Fiorina's response to Donald Trump's, "Look at that Face!"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2338:  Why Does Keit Pentus-Rosimannus feel Fear?  Body Language of Estonia's Minister of Environment 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2916: Rory McIlroy, the PGA Championship and Body Language of Self-Contempt
   
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3299: Kim Davis, Contempt-of-Court, Same-Sex Marriages and Body Language 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3314: Donald Trump's Town Hall Q & A in New Hampshire - Fails to Correct Questioner re: President Obama's Religion and Nationality (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Donald Trump once again made a highly controversial statement yesterday at a public question and answer session in Rochester, New Hampshire. What follows is a partial body language analysis.

Trump pointed [with an index finger, palm-down point with his left (non-dominant) hand] to a man in the audience and said: “Okay, this man. I like this guy.”

Man in Audience: “We have a problem in this country, it’s called Muslims. We know our current president is one [Trump nodding his head up and down]."

Trump [over-talking]: “Right [continues to nod]."

Man in Audience [over-talking]: "You know, he’s not even an American."

Trump [over-talking]: “We need this question [looks away, palm-up with opposite hand-arm asking for the audience's acknowledgement and approval]"

Man in Audience [over-talking]: "Birth certificate, man."

Trump [over-talking]: "This is the first question [laughing]”

Man in Audience: “But any way, we have training camps growing - where they want to kill us.”

Trump: “Um hmm,”

Man in Audience: “That’s my question: When can we get rid of them?” 

Trump [over-talking]: “We’re going to be looking at a lot of different things - and you know, a lot of people are saying that, and a lot of people are saying - that bad things are happening out there. We’re going to look at that and plenty of other things.”

Donald Trump has been widely criticized for not correcting the questioner as to President Barack Obama's nationality or his religion - as well as to the alleged presence of any "training camps" in the United States. Mr. Trump's campaign staff said that he didn't hear the question - yet there is not any type of nonverbal signal typically associated with any difficulty hearing. As can be clearly seen, Mr. Trump nods his head up and down in acknowledgement as well as making very overt verbal affirmations and even forms of celebrations - with laughter.

In the image below, eleven of the more dramatic facial expressions of various audience members have been captured and isolated (This was imaged from a different video which affords a more complete audience view. However the video above is slightly different and gives us lengthier capture, more audio, etc. Together they allow a more complete and accurate recounting of these moments).

A. Woman with mouth of fear

B. Man, eyelids open wide, slack-jawed. Surprise/Disbelief,

C. Woman, Eyes wide open, surprise with some fear component

D. Woman, Eyes wide open - fear and surprise, beginning of mouth of fear

E. Man, Disgust and Disbelief, recoiling with body, head and neck. Central eyebrows elevated.
    There's also a component of anger

F. Man, Anger, Eyelids wide open, central eyebrows lowered

G. Man, Disbelief, Shaking his head side to side, recoiling, narrow eyelid openings [see below]

H. Man, Prolonged and pronounced fear evident in widely opened eyes and classic mouth of fear

I. Man, Surprise-shock, eyes opened wide, slack-jawed

J. Woman, Some surprise, beginning fear-mouth [see below]

K. Woman, Similar to H, Widely opened eyelids with mouth of fear

Captured two seconds after the above image, this moment highlights two of the individuals seen above as their expressions evolve:

J. Woman, a more complete expression of fear with widely opened eyes and yet another classic mouth of fear

G. Man, A near complete eyelid closure, shaking his head side-to-side in disbelief of what he's just seen and heard. He's emotionally processing what's just transpired.


While there are other expressions here and some subtler changes seen in these video segments, this spotlighting demonstrates the surprise-shock, disbelief, disgust, anger and fear which some of the audience members were clearly were feeling. It also clearly shows that Donald Trump heard and understood the question clearly.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3312: Carly Fiorina's Retort to Trump - Best Moment of the Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2926: Baby Hears Lion's Roar for First Time - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2122:  Eyes White and Wide -  Three Body Language Examples with Two Different Emotional Causes 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3224: Jordan Spieth, the U.S. Open, and a Classic Fear Expression 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2274:  The Eyes & Mouth of Fear -  Body Language of Ahmed Dogan during  Attempted Assassination 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3147: Kentucky Loses to Wisconsin in Final Four - John Calipari

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3247: Barack Obama's Response to Question regarding Revoking Bill Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3210: Matteo Renzi, Christine Lagarde, Barack Obama and Up-Regulating Alpha Emotions

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3312: Carly Fiorina's Retort to Trump - Best Moment of the Debate - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In what many regard as Carly Fiorina's best moment from the second Republican Presidential Primary debate (last night) - the former HP CEO was asked by CNN's Jake Tapper, "... In an interview last week in "Rolling Stone Magazine", Donald Trump said the following about you: 'Look at that face. Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?' Mr. Trump later said he was talking about your persona, not your appearance. Please feel free to respond what you think about HIS persona."

Ms. Fiorina answers, "You know it's interesting to me - Mr. Trump said that he heard Mr. Bush very clearly, and what Mr. Bush said. I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said."

After an uncomfortable huge applause and long pause (13 seconds) - Trump responds, "I think she's got a beautiful face and I think she's a beautiful woman."

Despite it only being a 53 second segment, this video has multiple body language teaching moments. One in particular however encapsulates emotions of the moment more than any other. It's captured below during the 0:42 mark.

Throughout a good portion of this exchange, Ms. Fiorina has what many would describe as a stoic face. From a nonverbal perspective, what it indicates specifically though is her subtle-to-mild expression (and thus emotion) of disgust. She maintains this expression longer than most people could in such a scenario. Her doing so in this context projects tenaciousness, determination - and therefore a leadership-strength. Trump changes the orientation of his head/neck, direction of gaze and his torso. While Donald wavers - Carly is unwavering. This contrast alone speaks volumes.

Moreover Trump's expression in this same moment is one of an INsincere smile - what is known as a "Bitter Smile". While attempting to look amused, his primary emotion in this moment is regret. And although he has a ruddy complexion, in this instant it's a bit more reddened - and together with a clenched and thrusting jaw and dimpled chin betrays his accompanying feelings of anger.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3311: Ben Carson to Donald Trump - "He's an Okay Doctor" - Trump's Body Language Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3310: Carly Fiorina's response to Donald Trump's, "Look at that Face!"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3141: Carly Fiorina "Higher than 90%" Chances She's Running for President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2640: Disgust at Denver area School Shooting - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2443:  Kristen Wiig's Disgust & Fear Face -  Graham Norton, Chris O'Dowd and Fly Eating  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3264: Hillary Clinton, Likability, Perceived Trustworthiness and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3309: Delta State University Shooting (Mississippi) Suspect Shannon Lamb - Body Language Red Flags
 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3311: Ben Carson to Donald Trump - "He's an Okay Doctor" - Trump's Body Language Faux Pas (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier tonight the second Republican Presidential Primary debate for the 2016 race was conducted at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. It was entertaining (About a week ago in a phone interview, Trump had called Carson an "Okay doctor, not a great doctor". Toward the end of the above video, Ben Carson throws it back to Donald Trump referring to the real estate man with, "He's an okay doctor").

This post is the first of several body language analyses regarding this debate and is not intended to be comprehensive - but to highlight specific nonverbal examples in a teaching forum.

This exchange between Ben Carson, Donald Trump and the debate moderator, Jake Tapper - dealt with the subject of autism and how some people feel that perhaps vaccinations have a causative relationship. Dr. Carson pointed out that the medical research does not support this popular opinion but recognized that vaccines in infancy and childhood should be spread out over a longer duration - which Donald Trump had just said (although a bit less eloquently).

Trump then reiterates and agrees with Carson interrupting, "And that's all I'm saying Jake, that's all I'm saying."

A second later, Trump then touches Carson on his elbow. This act was an invasion of Carson's personal space (more specifically his "intimate space") and outside the scenario of culturally recognized invitation (e.g., handshake, "high-five","low-five", fist bump, etc.) should never have been done - particularly in such a public setting. While the elbow is indeed the least invasive place to touch another person - such a clear display of "False Intimacy" was a manifestation (one of many) of Trump's Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It's a patronizing act and an attempt to show dominance. Note this body language is also highly incongruent with Trump's earlier statement - referring to Carson as an "Okay doctor, not a great doctor."

In business, negotiation, personal scenarios, etc. - touching another person when it's uninvited will destroy rapport - usually irreparably. Once a certain level of familiarity, comfort and rapport has truly been established - then carefully selected touching can further enhance rapport - but NOT before. Even then, such an act should be reserved, for the most part, for personal, non-business and private/semi-private settings.

Even as Trump is still touching Carson, both men turn away from each other - with their heads and necks - as well subtly turning and leaning with their torsos.



These simultaneous subconsciously driven acts indicate their mutual disdain for what just occurred.


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.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3310: Carly Fiorina's response to Donald Trump's, "Look at that Face!"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3257: Donald Trump at the Texas-Mexico Border - Body Language of a Hyper-Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2276:  Michelle Obama's Eye Roll .... What was she thinking? and  What Did Boehner's & Barack's Body Language Say? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3268: Advice to the Ten Republicans for Thursday Night's Presidential Republican Debate (First Debate)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3209: G7 Summit - Angela Merkel, Barack Obama and Matteo Renzi - and a Major Body Language Mistake

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3244: Serena Williams' on-court interview at Wimbledon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2831: "Walking Contest", Anxiety, Mirroring and False Intimacy

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3310: Carly Fiorina's response to Donald Trump's, "Look at that Face!" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Earlier this month Rolling Stone magazine quoted Donald Trump speaking disparagingly about Carly Fiorina, "Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president? I mean, she's a woman, and I'm not s'posedta say bad things, but really, folks, come on. Are we serious?"

Carly fought back though - or rather her super PAC - "Carly for America" - did so. The above video - titled, "Look at this Face" is the ad they released just yesterday. One nonverbal display is particularly noteworthy here.

At multiple times when Ms. Fiorina is shown in this video she is displaying a fairly vigorous "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" (SRHW).

The characteristics of the self-righteous head wiggle include:

• A side-to-side movement of the head & neck
• Displayed by a person who has very strong opinions about a specific opinion
• Often feels they've been personally attacked in some way
• Relatively high frequency (speed the is head moving back and forth) - although this may vary
• Amplitude is variable (the amount the head & neck are moving)
• May be of varying duration (microexpression or lasting for several seconds)
• May be isolated or in occurring in clusters
• May have a similar jaw movement component (and sometimes jaw movement is all that's displayed)
• May have a similar movement of the torso or abdomen (also sometimes exhibited in isolation)
• Displayed by an alpha personality or one who believes they are an alpha
• Often seen in a hierarchical setting (e.g. a speaker or "leader" on stage or on camera)
• Accompanied by self-assured emotional vocal tones
• Often the vocal pitch, volume and speed of speech all increase simultaneous with the SRHW
• May have a forward-vectoring additional component (indicating contempt, disgust or incredulity) 
• May have a backward-vectoring component too (indicates arrogance and condescending emotions)

The self-righteous head wiggle is a good example of a body language which must be viewed in the dynamic context of a video - for it's impossible to capture the gist in a video.

Thus in this example Carly Fiorina's display of the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle, is completely normal-for-context and very congruent with her verbal message as well as her vocal qualities. This trifecta (verbal, nonverbal and paralanguage all in agreement - indicates a high sincerity quotient.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3309: Delta State University Shooting (Mississippi) Suspect Shannon Lamb - Body Language Red Flags

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3075: Franklin Graham (Billy Graham's son) Blasts Duke University for Muslim "Call to Prayer"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3263: Barack Obama on Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" - The Sarcastic Bobble Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3275: Carly Fiorina, The Republican Debate and Likability (or not) 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3297: 70th Anniversary of the End of World War II - Height, Intimidation and Surrender on the Mighty Mo'

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3255: Donald Trump and a Body Language Signal of Social Fear and Hesitancy  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3271: Donald Trump, Smiling out of Context and Running as an Independent
 
 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3309: Delta State University Shooting (Mississippi) Suspect Shannon Lamb - Body Language Red Flags (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Shannon Lamb died this evening of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police were seeking the Professor for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Amy Prentiss as well as his associate Ethan Schmidt, at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. Prentiss's murder took place in Gautier, Mississippi - while Professor Schmidt was shot in his office on campus - 300 miles away.

These five images of Shannon Lamb are of various ages. From a nonverbal perspective they show a very clear and definitive pattern. 

Each of these facial expressions display to a varying degree, components of the emotions of both contempt and disgust.

In the first and third image, the emotion of disgust is the stronger one. In the second, fourth and fifth photos - contempt is more predominant. 

As human beings we are entitled to feel both disgust and contempt from time to time (and of course also anger). Yet those who display disgust, contempt or anger chronically - have a strong tendency impulse control disorder (a predilection to losing their temper). 

People who commit violent acts, whether they are on a smaller scale or mass shootings/large scale terrorist acts - will very often have a preponderance of photographs with combinations of contempt, anger or disgust displayed. While this has always been true, in this age of social media, very often these images were chosen by the perpetrator. Such public displays of images should act as red-flags for astute observers.

Of course there are other nonverbal cues used for the purpose of threat assessment and predicting behavior. And certainly not everyone who displays these expressions chronically will commit such violent crimes. However, as mentioned above, they will indeed have problems controlling their temper. If you see these displayed chronically - try your best to avoid these individuals.





See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3308: Hillary Clinton's Apology - Certainly Late, Yet Was It Sincere? - Body Language

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2656: Threat Assessment during Robbery - Body Language of Perpetrator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2500:  Ft. Hood Shooter Nidal Malik Hasan and Contempt  The Body Language of Threat Assessment 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3301: Sarah Palin re: Bush vs. Trump regarding speaking Spanish - "When you're here, let's Speak American!" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3300: Vladimir Putin, Narcissism and Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3299: Kim Davis, Contempt-of-Court, Same-Sex Marriages and Body Language 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3308: Hillary Clinton's Apology - Certainly Late, Yet Was It Sincere? - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Last week on Nightline, Hillary Clinton made an apology for not keeping separate her personal emails and her Secretary of State-related emails. What follows is a nonverbal analysis of this crucial portion of the interview.

Beginning at 0:55, Mrs. Clinton says, "... Um, but I do think I - could have and should have done a better job, ah, answering questions earlier. As I look back at it now, even though it was allowed, I should've used two accounts, one for personal, one for - ah, work-related emails, ah. That was a mistake. I'm sorry about that. I take responsibility, ah, and I'm trying to be as transparent as I possibly can ..."

During this very important segment, Mrs. Clinton displays several shoulder shrugs (simultaneous with her spoken words outlined above in bold-red). A shoulder shrug should never be used in the midst of an apology. Never. It sends signals of:

• "I Don't Know"
• "I Don't Care" or 
• "What Does It Matter?"

Moreover an apology should never include:

• Torso Angled back in Chair (away from interviewer or audience) 
• Head & Neck angled back, tilted back (although this is not as pronounced here as with some of her interviews)
• Crossed Ankles (very commonly used by Mrs. Clinton)
• Intertwined Fingers 

Note also that the former Secretary of state is using a lower volume, lower tone and slower rate of speech than for her is typical. And although lowering one's pitch, rate and volume are certainly valuable tools in helping to regulate our emotions' and moods' - these changes do not in isolation indicate or project sincerity. She's been coached to modify her voice in this manner - yet she's not pulling it off.

Taken in parts or in toto - Hillary Clinton's apology is insincere. In addition, she's sending signals of impatient dismissal and strong feelings consistent with, "I'm only saying this because I have to." Mrs. Clinton feels she should NOT have had to apologize. She still feels she did nothing illegal. Thus while her apology is not a sincere one, this would be a similar nonverbal (and paralanguage) display for nearly all of us who felt we were forced into an apology which was not owed.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3307: Donald Trump on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3258: Hillary Clinton speaks out on "inaccuracies" of private email controversy

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3264: Hillary Clinton, Likability, Perceived Trustworthiness and Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3234: Whole Foods Market, Message to Customers, Damage Control and Body Language Faux Pas 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2512:  Matthew Cordle's YouTube Confession  and the Death of Vincent Canzani  "I Killed a Man" - What His Body Language Tells Us 


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3307: Donald Trump on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This skit where Donald Trump is interviewing himself was a very clever idea of Jimmy Fallon's. He got to feed Trump's ego and poke fun at him at the same time.

Notice that throughout much of this interview, Trumps hand-arm configuration is the classic steeple. Note also that Jimmy Fallon never mirrors this - the most he does (at 0:28 and again during 5:17 - 5:20) is a partial classic steeple with only his index fingers and middle fingers touching. It's quite possible that this is due, at least in part, to his recovering injury of left ring-finger.

The classic steeple (as opposed to the basketball steeple, partial steeple, one-handed steeple, etc.) is a highly alpha body language gesture - indeed it's even hyper-alpha. In very short moments (a second or two at most) it can send signals of confidence and assertiveness - and therefore must be used in small doses, essentially choreographed. Yet most of those who use the classic steeple (and other alpha body language), end up over-using it - thus it backfires - transmitting condescending and patronizing emotions. One thing often realized is over-use of alpha behaviors is very polarizing. Those who like you will like you more - yet people who don't like you or whom are on-the-fence will be driven further away. The person engaging in such nonverbal behavior will often feel more powerful and vindicated (much like yelling does [in the moment] during an argument) - but the projected arrogance is extremely off-putting and damaging on the receiving end.

Notice how Fallon's abbreviated, partial classic steeple feels a good bit less patronizing vs. Trump's full classic steeple.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3306: Demi Lovato covers Hozier's "Take Me To Church" in the Live Lounge - Why Do We Close Our Eyes When We're Singing Passionately?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3262: Donald Trump, Breast Pumping and Donald's "That's Disgusting"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3253: John Kasich Formally Announces His Candidacy for President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2496:  Would You Buy a Car from this Man? (a Lykan Hypersport?),  Destroying Rapport with Arrogant Body Language 

 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3306: Demi Lovato covers Hozier's "Take Me To Church" in the Live Lounge - Why Do We Close Our Eyes When We're Singing Passionately? - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Why do singers close their eyes? In this incredible rendition of Hozier's "Take Me To Church", we can see Demi Lovato demonstrate this nonverbal behavior throughout most of the song.

Ninety percent of our sensory input is visual. The senses of smell, taste, hearing and touch have to share the left-over ten percent. Moreover, forty percent of the entire mass of the human brain is dedicated to the visual system. So when we close our eyes, a bit less blood, oxygen, nutrients, neurological activity, etc. are channeled to our visual-brain and a bit more of these resources are directed to our other four senses - as well as our cognitive brain and emotional centers.

When we're kissing someone with who we have great affection, we close our eyes. This is not sexual - this is affectionate. It's because we want to drink-in every last drop of the emotion of that moment. Closing our eyes allows us to truly feel the kiss and its accompanying emotions more intensely. The same is true for when we're taste a favorite desert or a sip of wine - we close our eyes. When we smell a flower, the olfactory pleasure is deeper when we close our eyes. And even a sighted person with 20/20 visual acuity will increase their tactile sensitivity at a moment's notice - simply by closing their eyes.

And when a singer sings a song with intensity, they close their eyes because it's a multi-sensory experience. Besides hearing and controlling their own voice more fully and precisely - they feel their own body move and vibrate. This intensely emotional and energetic body language simultaneously facilitates what is a form of both method acting and biofeedback - up regulating their sensory experience and their ability to inject more energy and life into the moment - and go far beyond singing a song. Some would say this is even a form of self-hypnosis. It's difficult not to be pulled into Demi Lovato's emotions as we watch her and listen to her sing.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3305: Weatherman Liam Dutton nails pronouncing Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch - Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2701: Cuddling, Romance, Affection and Foot-Shunning

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2685: Amber Heard, Johnny Depp Engaged - When They Fell In Love

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2506:  Barack Obama, the Self-Righteous Head Wiggle and  Retaliation Against Syrian Poison Gas Attack

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3118: Leonard Nimoy, Spock and the Vulcan Hand Signal/Salute

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2674: Did Chris Christie Orchestrate Bridge Closure or Cover Up His Subordinates Actions? Body Language Tells Us .... 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3248: Daniel Radcliffe Temps as a Receptionist at Nylon

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2925: Governor Rick Perry's Mug Shot - What Emotions are Present? 
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