Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3282: Zac Efron Swam with a Wild Tiger Shark and Avoided an Attack by using Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Zac Efron was a guest on the Tonight Show last night. Many people have gained a considerably higher level of respect for the actor after his encounter with a tiger shark in the wild. Not only did he keep his cool and follow the recommendations of shark experts - but he also held onto the shark's dorsal fin and hitched a ride back to his boat.

From a body language perspective, as with many interactions, this interview includes a multitude of nonverbal displays - some of which are alpha, some beta and some hybrids. A few of these are described below. Intriguingly (and courageously), Mr. Efron also uses body language to avoid a shark attack.

0:31

Mr. Efron displays a "false tie-adjust"

This common nonverbal display is indicative of anxiety. Even though he's an accomplished actor and is quite used to being in front of a camera - here he's NOT method acting - he's human and he's just being Zac. Efron does this again at 0:50 as well as at the 2:12 mark.

0:39

Here we see the palms partially turned down at about a 45 degree angle. This is one of many  ALPHA-beta hybrids (here with the alpha being greater than beta).








1:00

This more complete palm down gesture is significant of a higher dominance level.

Had his fingers been positioned tightly together (here there is space between them) and his arm been extended - this would have conveyed an even greater alpha level. His partial (suppressed) sincere smile also helps to make this a bit less dominant.

1:11

This palm-down gesture is more dominant than that displayed above (at 1:00) - for Efron's arm is held further away from his body with his elbow more extended. He also does not have a smile at this moment in addition to having a contracted forehead. However his fingers remain separated - thus leaving some dominance unclaimed.

1:37

Although we can't see this MAP fully (manipulator, adaptor, pacifier), if you watch the video, you can tell Efron adjusts the lower part of his tie. This is a common gesture for men in moments where they are attempting to up-regulate their alpha emotions. This body language is better appreciated in the dynamic context of the video rather than a static image.

2:42

Zac Efron displays a conventional low steeple. The conventional steeple is a considerably high-alpha display and is only recommended for very brief duration (he uses it for about 5 seconds here) during very selective moments (photos of U.S. Presidents using a conventional steeple are exceedingly rare).

When a guy is describing how he survived a stare-down with a 14 foot tiger shark, he's certainly has greater social-latitude to use this nonverbal swagger.

I don't pretend to be a shark expert and thus I can't at this time can't validate Efron's advice, yet here (based on the teachings of his mentors) he describes how he used his clear wits and body language to avoid a possibly fatal shark attack.

2:58

"What you're supposed to do is slow down your heart rate and just sort stay calm."

"I held my breath, I sorta crossed my arms and let the shark know I wasn't prey."

3:03

Efron describes staring directly into the eyes of the shark - implying that his body was turned toward the shark as well (e.g., "I'm not afraid of you and I'm not swimming away - but my hands are not in an aggressive configuration either, so this is a truce Mr. Tiger Shark, okay?").

3:54

Just as Jimmy Fallon holds up a picture of Zac with the Tiger Shark - he displays a subtle fear mouth (in a moment of partially reliving the encounter). The camera cuts away before his trepidation is perhaps more fully expressed.

Don't try this at home.

Many shark experts would say that once Efron avoided the initial face-to-face encounter, he should have not touched the shark - as tiger sharks are particularly unpredictable.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3281: Donald Trump on "Meet The Press" - Who Does He Talk to for Military Advice?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2877: Zac Efron and Michelle Rodriguez Dating - Thumbs Forward Arms Akimbo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3160: Warren Sapp Recounts Night with Prostitutes 

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2896: Hillary Clinton - Vladimir Putin Bears Some Responsibility for the Downing of Malaysia Air Flight MH17 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3281: Donald Trump on "Meet The Press" - Who Does He Talk to for Military Advice? - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Donald Trump was a guest on "Meet The Press" on Sunday. When Chuck Todd asked him where the poll-leading republican presidential candidate gets his military advice, Trump's answer was a surprise to many. Two (of the many) nonverbal signals associated with this segment of the Q & A - provide some excellent nonverbal teaching moments.

A friendly reminder: 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.

The following dialog begins at the 7:45 mark in the above interview.


Chuck Todd:  Who do you, ah, talk to for military advice, right now?

Donald Trump: Well, I watch the shows.  I mean, I really see a lot of great - you know, when you watch your show - and all of the other shows and you have the generals and -

Chuck Todd: So you do the -

Donald Trump: And you have certain people that you like -

Chuck Todd: But is there a go-to for you?  You know - [inhaling hiss with fear expression]

Donald Trump: Ah, probably there are -

Chuck Todd: - every presidential -

Donald Trump: - two or three -

Chuck Todd: - candidate has a go-to -

Donald Trump: Yeah, probably there are two or three.  I mean, I like Bolton.  I think he's, you know, a tough cookie, knows what he's talking about. Ah, Jacobs is a good guy -

Chuck Todd: Do you mean Ambassador John Boton (misspeak), Bolton? 

Donald Trump: Yes.  I think he's terrific -

Chuck Todd: You mean Colonel Jack Jacobs? [over-talking]

Donald Trump: Colonel Jack Jacobs is a good guy.  And I see him - on occasion.  Um, I actually had dinner - I was given a very high award by the Marines at the Waldorf

Chuck Todd: Hmmm

Donald Trump: Astoria a couple of months ago. And your new head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the head Marine, 

Chuck Todd: Yeah

Donald Trump: - was a very impressive guy. He just got appointed.  I think that he will do

Chuck Todd: You hear good things (over-talking) 

Donald Trump:  a terrific job.


The following six images are all from one partial sentence of Trump's, "Well, I watch the shows.  I mean, I really see a lot of great - you know, when you watch your show - and all of the other shows and you have the generals and - "

7:48 as Trump says, "... I really see a lot ..."

7:50

"... of great - you know ..."

7:52.2

"... you watch your ..."

7:52.4

"... your show - and ..."

(a continuum from above)

7:53

"... other shows and ..."

7:54

"... have the generals and ..."













As discussed in a previous post, when a relative alpha personality or a person in alpha context (e.g., where the other people are perceived as relative beta personalities or in beta rolls) - one common manifestation of his/her relative higher status are exaggerated mouth and lip movements. Moreover, those who display this nonverbal pattern chronically have an extremely high incidence of narcissistic personality disorder (although not all narcissists will display this body language). Trump's progression of this lip-mouth movement nonverbal can be easily seen to have progressed over the last several decades (thus one manifestation of progressing narcissism).

Intriguingly this nonverbal tell can shed even further light on Trump's thought-emotion. The frequency and amplitude of this hyperbolic lip-mouth configuration is proportional to the effort put forth to convince an audience. Said another way, the more often and more exaggerated this mouth display is seen - the harder he's trying to convince you he's correct. And when a person is trying harder to convince you - most of the time it's because they don't believe it themselves.


Below we see captured in another very telling body language moment - for when Chuck presses Donald for specific names - Trump transmits trepidation.

7:59

Inhaling Hissing with partial (mouth) Fear expression

This occurs just after Chuck Todd says, "But is there a go-to for you?  You know - " and just prior to Donald Trump saying, "Ah, probably there are - "

This variety of fear expression is not indicative of physical danger - but captures social-fear and hesitancy to disclose or act in a certain manner. This display telegraphs a fear of social repercussions and indicates that although Mr. Trump may know (or has met) John Bolton and/or Colonel Jack Jacobs (as well as the Marine whose name he did not recall - presumably Joseph Dunford [Moreover, notice Trump's use of the words, "... your new head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ..."? He did not say "the" or "our". This is very significant.]) - we can say with a very high degree of confidence that Trump almost certainly did not seek their military advice.

Update: Jack Jacobs went on record stating he has never spoken with Donald Trump about anything related to national security and is not an adviser to Trump.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3280: Jeb Bush, Iowa State Fair and the ability to Change the Minds' of Voters

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2964: Eric Holder Interview After Announcing Resignation - Microexpressions and other Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3138: Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes, "God She's Beautiful"

 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3280: Jeb Bush, Iowa State Fair and the ability to Change the Minds' of Voters - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Jeb Bush - like Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders - made an appearance at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday. In this video, Governor Bush (to no one's surprise) criticizes Mrs. Clinton regarding her use of a private server with official Government emails during her tenure as Secretary of State.

Later in the interview, beginning at 1:44, Kelly O'Donnell (reporter) asks, "I've watched you describe yourself as 'Not a grievance candidate' - and yet the mood of voters is anger ... "

Governor Bush: "Yeah."

O'Donnell: "Are you out of step with where voters are?"

Bush: "I - Look, I, I want to serve. I want to be a president that brings us together. I think over the long haul there will be a transformation, people will say, 'Who's going to sit behind the big desk to make the changes necessary for our country to move forward?' If it's about appealing to peoples' angst, I don't think I gonna [pause] win. If it's about with passion and commitment and high energy - saying that, 'We can rise up again - We can fix these things and America can be on the rise again' - I believe I'm going to be a pretty formidable candidate."

O'Donnell: "The mood is changeable for the public?"

Bush: "Absolutely, it is, it always - look [nose rub/nose scratch during 2:25 - 2:26] we're very, very early on ....."

While a nose rub or nose scratch does not always indicate deception - in this specific context, when Gov. Bush is asked a "yes, no or maybe type-question" - and in the midst of answering he touches his nose - then there is an extremely high likelihood that Jeb is telling a lie. Governor Bush has at the minimum, very significant trepidation as to whether "The mood is changeable for the public". Thus he most likely fears Donald Trump or even Bernie Sanders more than Hillary Clinton.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3279: Jeb Bush, Donald Trump and the Iowa State Fair

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3101: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jada Pickett Smith and "Focus" 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3181: Cristiano Ronaldo defends Japanese boy on TV - Body Language of Deception 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2919: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama - Friends? - will they Hug it Out? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3019: Bill Cosby, Rape Allegations, AP Interview 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3236: A Common Body Language Disparity Display - Donald Trump
 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3279: Jeb Bush, Donald Trump and the Iowa State Fair - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Jeb Bush appears here in a brief video at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Posted yesterday, he alludes to Donald Trump's entrance (and exit) on his helicopter.

Question: "Governor, getting elected one vote at a time, is that a challenge?"

Governor Bush answers, "Three hundred and thirty million people, it, it's a challenge for sure, but this is how you win in Iowa. Yeah. You don't wanna lob it - you don't wanna lob it in. You gotta be here. You can't helicopter in and leave [Contempt Cluster] - you gotta be all it. Subject yourself to peoples' questions and - this is - look I mean - New Hampshire's similar, Nevada's similar I'm learning - ya know, people really want to know where you stand. There's a lot of yearning for change and - you can't just ah, give it to 'em with a 30 second ad."

While much of the time, the emotion of contempt is subconsciously initiated. Yet in this example, just after the former Florida Governor says, "... You can't helicopter in and leave ...", he displays a contempt display which has a significant conscious component. In rapid succession (all during 0:15) we see the following cluster:

• Eyebrow Flash
• Prolonged Blink
• Eye Roll

Eyebrow Flash
(Fast & brief elevation of eyebrows)

As eyebrows continue to elevate, there is a prolonged blink

Eye Roll














All three of these nonverbals - the eyebrow flash, the extended blink and the eye roll occur in an overlapping and rapid succession manner (ergo, a body language example of a "cluster"). Most people would miss these signals in real-time. Here it shows us Governor Bush has some real contempt for Donald Trump - and at this particular time, this emotion is deliberately and consciously initiated.


Jeb continues, "... Nevada's similar I'm learning - ya know, people really want to know where you stand. There's a lot of yearning ..." - he rubs/scratches his lower sternum and left chest.

This over-the-lower-heart gesture is a general, yet highly reliable indicator of anxiety. In this context, it tells us that Governor Bush feels he's behind in his Nevada campaign and he's at a disadvantage for the caucus there on 23 February 2016.


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3278: Chris Christie's Feeling Weak in the Knees - Body Language and The Republican Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3218: Jeb Bush Formally Announces His Candidacy for President

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3056: Jeb Bush Interview - 14 Dec. 2014 - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3256: Katie Holmes on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3273: Marco Rubio, The Republican Debate, Monotonous Body Language and Anxiety

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2914: François Hollande, Anxiety and Dialing up his Alpha 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3184: Erin Andrews' Eye Roll upon and "Dancing with the Stars" semifinalist Noah Galloway proposing to his girlfriend Jamie Boyd live after he performing to "Time of My Life"

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3278: Chris Christie's Feeling Weak in the Knees - Body Language and The Republican Debate (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Chris Christie is not known for keeping his emotions concealed - and the first Republican Debate was no exception. In this example he's betrayed by his body language - and it's not what you may expect.

A friendly reminder: 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

Governor Christie does something that's quite rare in a debate - he leans on the lectern. Moreover this isn't done when the cameras are on another candidate - but when all attention is focused on him - during his answer.

Bret Baier begins, "Governor Christie, you’re not exactly the darling of conservatives. You tout your record as a Republican governor in a blue state. On Facebook, the most people talking about you, not surprisingly, come from your state of New Jersey, and one of the top issues they are talking about is the economy. This, this may be why, under your watch, New Jersey has undergone nine credit rating downgrades. The state’s 44th in private sector growth. You face an employee pension crisis and the Garden State has the third highest foreclosure rate in the country. So why should voters believe - that your management of the country’s finances - would be any different?"

At 0:43 Governor Christie answers, "If you think it’s bad now, you should’ve seen it when I got there."  (LAUGHTER), (APPLAUSE). [Christie then leans on lectern with his right forearm/elbow and shifts his weight, 0:45 - 1:01] Um, ya - fact is - fact is, in the eight years before I became governor, taxes and fees were raised at the state level 115 times. In the eight years before I became governor, spending was increased 56 percent. And in the eight years before I became governor, there was zero net private sector job growth in New Jersey. Zero. For eight years.  So, what did we do? We came in, we balanced an $11 billion deficit on a $29 billion budget by cutting over 800 programs in the state budget. We brought the budget into balance with no tax increases. In fact, we vetoed five income tax increases during my time as governor. We cut business taxes $2.3 billion, and we cut regulation by one-third of what my predecessor put in place.  And, what’s happened since? A hundred ninety-two thousand private sector jobs in the five and a half years I’ve been governor. We have a lot of work to do in New Jersey, but I am darn proud we’ve brought our state back."

In body language parlance, Governor Christie is using the lectern as a MAP surrogate (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) - and even momentary for direct physical support. This lectern-leaning may have appeared to some as a form of swagger, a type of sloppy nonchalance - yet this was far from it. The economy of New Jersey gave the Governor enough anxiety that his knees became weak. You can almost hear his heart palpitating and feel his blood pressure drop.

"Lean on me, when you're not strong. And I'll be your friend - I'll help you carry on ..."

Thus the lectern served the Governor in two ways - for temporary physical support until he gained psychological momentum with his answer - but also in lieu of rubbing the back of his neck, scratching his opposite shoulder, touching his forehead, etc. (none of which he should ever do in a public appearance, particularly during a national debate) - touching an inanimate physical object may also help to down-regulate one's anxiety level (although this is by no means an absolute).

Although he is proud of what he's done for the economics of New Jersey, Mr. Christie either feels he could/should have done more - and/or that this issue will hurt him significantly in his efforts to win the Republican nomination.

As usual, there is a multitude of body language displays in this short video and only one example is highlighted above.

A crucial take-home point here for the other presidential hopefuls: Gov. Christie feels vulnerable on his economic record. Exploit his Achilles' heel to your advantage (just be aware that your weaknesses are equally as visible).

Got body language?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3277: John Kasich reflecting on Debate

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

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. 3274: Chris Christie, Rand Paul, The Republican Debate and National Security 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2595: Barack Obama's Emotional Dissonance, Low Confidence and the "Turtle Retreat" - He Does Not Want To Be There 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2906: President Obama, "... We Tortured Some Folks ..."  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2918: Lauren Bacall, Flirting and a "Come-hither look" 

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3277: John Kasich reflecting on Debate - Body Language Tells (VIDEO, PHOTO)

John Kasich gave this post-debate interview earlier this week. Governor Kasich did well in the debate and has subsequently climbed significantly in the polls. One question some critics felt he did not go into sufficient detail on however, was the issue of illegal immigration and how his views compared to Donald Trump's hardline.

Chris Wallace once again asks the Ohio governor - and specifically regarding building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. At multiple times Governor Kasich displays microexpressions of fear. One of these moments is captured in the image below (during 2:29). Take notice his "Mouth of Fear" - with the corners very briefly pulled down and laterally. What is less noticed by most and rarely ever discussed is his simultaneous "Neck of Fear" - with a tightening and tenting-up of the neck muscles. Please watch the interview above as these fear signals (and most nonverbals) are much better exampled via the dynamic context of a video.

These crucial body language displays tell us Governor Kasich has trepidation regarding immigration reform - for although taking a firmer stance here may help him win the Republican nomination - it may also cost him in the general election.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3276: Word Blurt with Kristen Stewart & Jimmy Fallon

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3270: Trump at 1st Republican Debate - Donald's Body Language Shows His Cards

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3165: Bruce Jenner's 20/20 Interview, Part I

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

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3276: Word Blurt with Kristen Stewart & Jimmy Fallon - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Kristen Stewart was a guest on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon yesterday. Kristen and Jimmy played one of his many games - "Word Blurt".

From a body language perspective, Kristen gives us a fantastic example of a common (and relatively complex) nonverbal cluster - yet one rarely described.

In the image below (captured during the 1:42 segment of the video) take note of Ms. Stewart's mouth - it's an amalgam of both fear and yet it's projecting some joy as well. The corners are pulled laterally and down and yet simultaneously her cheeks are partially vectored upwards. Stewart's eyelids are partially closed and have subtle markers of concave up furrows in her lower lids (although this is by no means a complete "eye smile"). She is displaying a slight amount of facial bushing too. Her central forehead is contracted (CFC) and elevated along with her inner (medial) eyebrows. Kristen's shoulders are hunched and her neck is foreshortened and she's leaning forward. Lastly her hand is oriented palm-up and fingers spread with her arm held close to her torso.

This cluster tells of fear - yet a low grade, public fear, consistent with the embarrassment of losing while playing a game of low consequence. Emotional dissonance is of course present because in the same instant Ms. Stewart is exhibiting a partial smile of joy-happiness. Her elevated inner eyebrows and central forehead contraction in this fear/joy mixture are (along with the palm-up hand) asking for our empathy and thus some latitude with her response. Kristen's neck-shoulder contraction/leaning forward along with the arm being held close to her torso display a low degree of expectation in the asking - as if her body is saying, I know it's a stretch, but pleeeeease give it to me?

Although this example is taken from a comedy-talk show, it's a fantastic display of what we all see throughout our day - two or more emotions existing - and thus projecting - simultaneously (or in rapid succession). Such mash-ups of emotions and their nonverbal signals are very often of what the real world is made. It's much like listening to (or playing) two or three songs from different artists and disparate genres. Yet most people only hear (see) one verse (emotion).

False dichotomies abound!

See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2915: The Many Faces of Tony Stewart  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3099: Jon Stewart Announces he's Leaving "The Daily Show" - A Classic Body Language Cluster

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2556: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Star Trek - Even Great Actors Leak Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3192: Jimmy Kimmel Chokes-up in his Tribute to David Letterman - a Body Language Signal of Crying Suppression & Sincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3151: Barack Obama and Raúl Castro Shake Hands

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2733: A Neuroscientist who's a Psychopath

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3275: Carly Fiorina, The Republican Debate and Likability (or not) – Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Carly Fiorina has climbed in the polls and Donald Trump has fallen. According to Rasmussen the former HP CEO has increased her share of the polling pie to 9%. She is clustered with Governor Scott Walker who's also poling at 9% - and just behind Governor Jeb Bush and Senator Marco Rubio who are both at 10%. Donald Trump has slipped significantly to 17%.

Yet from a body language perspective, Ms. Fiorina is far from where she needs to be. Although there are several mistakes exampled in this short video segment, one very common one seen here is a complete lack of the use of her arms and hands.

In nonverbal parlance many of hand and arm gestures are examples of what are termed "illustrators" - for they emphasize, highlight and add flavor to our verbal language. And while illustrators certainly may be displayed too frequently, too dramatically, overly aggressively (hyper-alpha displays such as Mr. Trump) or not congruently with the simultaneous-clustered paralanguage and verbal messages - using them minimally or not at all, will almost always project a lower confidence and diminished assertiveness.

What many people don't realize is that lack of/low illustrator use results in other over-compensatory behaviors (How is Carly overcompensating here?).

Also, when hands are hiding behind, blocked by or resting too long on a lectern (or below a table, a witness stand barrier, etc.) human beings will subconsciously assign less trustworthiness to the speaker. Simply put, if we cannot see your hands we tend to think you're less honest.

Quality and nuanced hand and arm illustrators will also send signals of likability and improve rapport (as well as decrease unfavorables and increase her favorables). These behaviors must never be or look as if they're forced or cliché in nature - lest the audience will feel the insincerity and such acting will backfire. By improving her nonverbal skills, Ms. Fiorina will further leverage her verbal prowess and climb higher in the polls. If so, come November 2016, we could very well have two women running for the White House. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3274: Chris Christie, Rand Paul, The Republican Debate and National Security

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

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3060: Bradley Cooper, Air Guitar, Neil Young & the R2E2 Expression 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2818: The Caring Hand, Palms Up and Building Rapport

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2977: Raven-Symoné: "I'm Tired of Being Labeled" - Interview with Oprah

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2952: Kmart's "Not a Christmas Commercial" - No Place for Arrogance
 
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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3274: Chris Christie, Rand Paul, The Republican Debate and National Security - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

At the Republican Debate last Thursday, Chris Christie and Rand Paul sparred on issue of balancing national security vs. American civil liberties. Mr. Paul didn't like it when Mr. Christie made his Senate Subcommittee responsibility sounded like he was playing in a sandbox. And the New Jersey Governor didn't like it when the Kentucky Senator reminded the American voters of him hugging President Obama in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Between the two of them however, Chris Christie is much less skilled at camouflaging his anger.

The image below was captured at the 3:01 mark just after Paul references Christie and Obama embracing. Although the resolution is not optimal here, this cluster of nonverbal signs is easily seen:

• Inner (medial) eyebrows directed downward
• Partial closure of the eyelids
• Lower lid tension
• Flaring of the nostril
• Tense "mustache area"
• Evanescent thinning of the lips
• Horizontal configuration of the lips
• Clenching of the Jaw and its muscles (An excellent example displayed a second earlier at 3:00)

Going a step further, the ability to recognize the nuances of one's own anger signals - as anger crescendos (and hopefully very early in this process) - then responding by modifying the nonverbal response - is of profound practical value - for it is truly a form of biofeedback. Those who are skilled at this use their emotions to their advantage - rather than reacting to them. It puts them in the driver's seat.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3273: Marco Rubio, The Republican Debate, Monotonous Body Language and Anxiety

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. 2676: Nancy Pelosi, Chris Christie, Bling and a Handkerchief 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2174:  President Obama, Hurricane Sandy,  Body Language and Thumbs Backwards Arms Akimbo

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2930: Rand Paul and "Likability" - Building vs. Destroying It

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3150: Rand Paul Announces His Candidacy for Presidency of United States - Body Language Truth Check 

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. 3273: Marco Rubio, The Republican Debate, Monotonous Body Language and Anxiety (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

It's often been noted that Marco Rubio is a bit more nervous than many would expect for a U.S. Senator - and particularly during higher priority televised events. You may recall Senator Rubio gave the Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union Address in 2013. In this retort his throat grew dry and he took a gulp of water. This is not surprising however - for public speaking (especially with the incredible spotlight of a national and even World stage) is an extremely common anxiety evoking activity. Indeed many rate speaking before an audience at near the top of all feared events. Some people would even prefer death to giving a speech.

During the Republican debate last Thursday, Rubio responded to a question regarding illegal immigration with repeated, fairly monotonous variations of the same nonverbal illustrator. With some mild variations, the Florida Senator used the index finger-to-thumb pinch-point with his right (dominant hand) during his entire response (except at the very end - once his time had expired).

Pinch-Point Forward

This is a more aggressive, more polarizing, hyper-authoritative nonverbal and should never be used for too long a duration (only a few seconds when driving home a crucial issue).

A person displaying the forward pinch-point - and in a tight fashion as Senator Rubio is here, indicates a higher level of anxiety.

The downward pinch-point is also high on the scale of both an anxiety indicator as well as signaling both aggressiveness and authoritativeness.

Hand tension is highly correlative with facial tension.

This pinch-point is more loosely-held and indicates a reduction of the Senator's stress. Accordingly we can see his face shows less tension as well. 

Here - we see a brief "Loose Fist Thumbs-up". It's almost a "Politician's Point" - and is a more relaxed illustrator as well (The thumb is not pinching against the forefinger [index finger], but they are momentarily forming a circle).

In this moment, all five digits come together - in a loose pinch - and importantly, the palm is turned upward.

Palm-up displays generate more rapport and indicate less anxiety.

Senator Rubio is saved by the bell - for it's not until it rings that Marco uses his left hand in this answer. During this entire response it was griping the lectern. The monotonous use of only one arm/hand is a sure signal of anxiety - moreover it has projects less confidence, diminishes trust and significantly reduces the ability to influence others.

Knowing his time is up - at least until he gets another question - Senator Rubio's anxiety drops, he loosens-up his body language and his left hand comes out of hiding. The increased distance Rubio's arms are from his torso in this last moment are also very telling for his momentary heightened confidence.

Notice how relaxed Rubio's face has become - and of course his hands, arms and shoulders are as well. Always remember this control mechanism - lowering the tension in your upper limbs will reduce your nervousness. Senator Rubio would be well-advised to practice more relaxed and fluid arm-hand gestures (yet such nonverbals must ALWAYS congruent). Not only will this project more confidence and build greater rapport (ergo votes) - but it will also have the added benefit of down-regulating the Senator's anxiety level via a user-friendly feedback loop.


See also:

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

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2215:  Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio Joke and Hint regarding the  2016 Presidential Race - "Tongue-in-Cheek" Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3154: Marco Rubio announces his Candidacy for President - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2295:  Marco Rubio - Three Magazine Covers  Three Different Body Language Signals

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1209:  Even Putin has Anxiety -  False Tie Adjust 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2408:  Sen. Kelly Ayotte's Anxiety & Regret via  Senators Graham & McCain -  Republican Body Language in Response to  President Obama's National Defense University Speech

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3200: Martin O'Malley announces Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Race - Body Language of Emotional Processing 
 
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