Body Language Analysis No. 3944: Dwayne Johnson, The 2020 Presidential Election, and The Rock Dialing Up His Alpha - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Dwayne Johnson was recently featured in the cover article of GQ. It's author, Caity Weaver, asked him if he'd ever run for president. His answer - "I think that it's a real possibility." Was he serious? What do his nonverbal signals tell us?

One anxiety display - common to The Rock and all humans, is the "Butt Adjust". When one sees or hears something which causes them anxiety, they will frequently lean forward, lift their butt up a just a little, and sit back in their chair - usually a bit closer to the back. Not only does this indicate anxiety, but more specifically, it's their psyche attempting (not always successfully) at dialing up their alpha qualities and down-regulating their beta characteristics. Of course, there's no doubt that Johnson is an alpha male - but of he's also human. And he too has many moments when he feels the need to 'step it up'.

As Johnson says (beginning at 3:59), "... She's very, very witty, she was amazing [Deep Inhalation] But in it, as we were talking 'bout, she goes, 'Would you ever consider running for President?' and I said, 'Yeah, of course I would consider it' ", Johnson displays a "Butt Adjust" (image above).

The Rock performs another Butt Adjustment during 5:15 - 5:16 after he acknowledges The Tonight Show audience and, in return, they cheer him on.

That same second (beginning at 5:16) Johnson says, "I, I, mean really, I, I, I've been blown away and I'm very flattered by it, 'n' three and a half years is s-, is a long ways away so we'll see [laughs]."

Jimmy Fallon answers,"I love that. Ah, and I love the, thee, here's the, the theme, the c-, the cover is sooo, ah, ah, it's being parodied ..."

As Fallon says, "... and I love the ..." (during 5:26), The Rock displays a "Tongue Jut" - more specifically a "Loose Tongue Jut". This is an indication he feels, "I've just been caught" (Navarro). This is in response to his statement, "so we'll see".

This emotion of being caught/embarrassment is further amplified by Johnson's blushing as well as his simultaneous prolonged blink. There are also elements of humbled-self-deprecating feelings present as well.

Summary: Dwayne Johnson is indeed considering a run for the US Presidency in 2020. He is humbled. He is sincere. There is no deception here.

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See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3943: Donald Trump hugs James Comey - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 3941: H.R. McMaster’s Press Conference, Part II — Donald Trump, Russia & Classified Information

Body Language Analysis No. 3939: The Russians are Confident - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 3937: Mr. Lavrov Goes To Washington - “Was he fired? You’re kidding!” - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and James Comey

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3928: Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron Debate

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3912: Keri Russell's Schadenfreude, Matthew Rhys' Fear, and a Hesitancy to Disclose

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3887: Why Does Donald Trump Point at People So Often?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3858: Milo Yiannopoulos resigns from Breitbart with "Apology"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3775: Women Try 'Manspreading' For A Week

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Body Language Analysis No. 3943: Donald Trump hugs James Comey - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In the video above, Benjamin Wittes, a and friend of James Comey (and senior fellow at The Brookings Institute) - recounts the former FBI Director's interaction with Donald Trump just two days after his inauguration. There were many moments of this exchange worthy of nonverbal nuance.What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.






The second video (immediately above) is the same event, only unedited.

In the image above we see the two men a fraction of a second after their initial, hand-to-hand contact.

Here is a closeup cropped image of that same instant. Although it's a lateral view, this very brief facial expression (microexpression) is in complete agreement with Mr. Wittes' description of Director Comey's Disgust. It's certainly present here - the flared nostril, the tightening of the tissue below the nose and above the upper lip, and the angle of the corner of his mouth. If we were to view his face from a forward angle, Comey's nose would be "wrinkled".


Now - let's go backward a few seconds.

As Donald Trump says, "Oh, and there's, um, [hyperbolic air kiss/pucker, arms extended, hands tilted primarily upward] James [pause]. He's become more famous than me [audience laughter]. Director Comey."

The President's melodramatic/false air kiss/pucker, extending his arms with his palms upward - was very much a pseudo - "Come to Daddy" nonverbal cluster. It's a significantly patronizing gesture - asking/demanding the then FBI Director to walk across the room to him.

As James Comey walks across the room to the new President, he keeps his fingers intertwined - both vestigially from a moment before - in deference to the Office of the Presidency (note most everyone else in the room is in a fig-leaf or similar configuration) - but also largely reflecting his hesitancy to shake Trump's hand.

Upon grasping James Comey's right hand, Donald Trump pulls him in, close to his torso. This is Trump's default handshake choreography. When it's a behavior displayed over time, it also is highly correlative with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Trump then transitions into a hug - which, as Mr. Wittes observes, is one-sided. Director Comey turns his torso to his left (and very probably his feet were pointing to his [Comey's] left too) - already rotating away from Trump in an effort to minimize the torso contact - which allows Trump to whisper in Comey's ear (both poor etiquette and further patronizing).

Note Comey's left arm - the upper portion (humerus) is posterior to his torso - distancing himself from Trump - yet the lower arm/hand held in readiness should it be needed to insulate further from any proximity to Trump.

In this last image, we see a beautiful example of a well described nonverbal phenomenon known as a "Partial Emblematic Slip". You'll notice that Trump's forefinger, ring finger and pinky finger all partially contracted - however, his middle finger is extended.

Breaking down the nomenclature - this is an "Emblem" - because an extended middle finger recognized widely for its meaning. It's "Partial" - due to the fact that it's not held high, finger pointed up, in a fully expressed manner. And it's a "Slip" because it's not consciously initiated - rather it driven by the subconscious. Trump's psyche is flipping Comey off.

This nonverbal profanity display, albeit subconscious, is congruent with new allegations published today - that President Trump told Sergey Kislyack and Sergey Lavrov - in the Oval Office earlier this month that the firing of James Comey, had alleviated “great pressure” on him. Trump also allegedly told the Russian's, "I just fired the head of the F.B.I. He was crazy, a real nut job" - and that he (Trump) "faced great pressure because of Russia. That’s taken off.”

Summary:

As was told by Comey's friend, Benjamin Wittes - James Comey did indeed feel disgusted toward Trump in this moment. And not only was Donald Trump very patronizing toward the FBI Director - Trump's subconscious flipped Comey the bird too.


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Online Courses Available 
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Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3942: Donald Trump, James Comey, Contempt and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 3940: National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster's Press Conference regarding President Trump's Sharing of Classified Intelligence with the Russians - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 3938: Donald Trump regarding asking James Comey for his Loyalty

Body Language Analysis No. 3936: Donald Trump's first interview after Firing James Comey

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3931: Marine Le Pen's Default Configuration (and What it Tells Us)

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3918: The Image of Kim Jong-un He Most Prefers the World to See

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3885: Vogue's 73 Questions with Selena Gomez

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3860: Ian McKellen, The Oscars and a spot-on Maggie Smith Impression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3809: Horse Lays His Head On Coffin As He Mourns The Loss Of His Human Best Friend - Cross-Species Body Language & Emotional Intelligence


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Body Language Analysis No. 3942: Donald Trump, James Comey, Contempt and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On 18 May 2017, President Trump hosted Columbian President Juan Manuel Santo. The video above includes the majority of their joint press conference.

From a nonverbal communication perspective, the event was laden with teaching examples - two particularly telling moments are highlighted here.

JOURNALIST (beginning at 20:13): Thank you, Mr. President. Ahum, in the light of a very busy news week, a lot of people would like to get to the bottom of a couple of things, give you a chance to - go on record here. Did you at any time urge former FBI Director James Comey in any way, shape, or form to close or to back down the investigation into Michael Flynn? And also as you look back - 

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  [over-talking] No.  No.  Next question.

JOURNALIST: Next question. As you look back over the past six months or year, ahum, have you had any recollection where you’ve wondered if anything you have done - has been something that might be worthy of criminal charges in these investigations or impeachment, as some on the left are implying?  

During 20:33, as Trump says the word, "... Next..." (shown above), and again during the later portion of "...question...", he displays two beautiful examples of extremely brief manifestations of contempt (Microexpressions).

And a few seconds later, during 20:34 - 20:37, as the journalist says, "... Next question. As you look back...", Trump then displays what is known as a "Subtle Expression". It's also one of contempt. As its name implies, it's somewhat difficult to detect (for most people) due to its low magnitude. They also typically last longer.

While nonverbal novices are more familiar with the phenomenon of microexpressions - and they get much more press - subtle expressions are just as important in nonverbal interpretation and behavioral analysis.

These examples, placed side by side, serve as an excellent contrast. Please view them several times at normal speed and again in slow motion.

Another intriguing moment comes a few seconds later (20:43 - 20:44) immediately after the journalist says, " As you look back over the past six months or year, ahum, have you had any recollection where you’ve wondered if anything you have done" - and then simultaneous with the journalist saying, ... has been something ...", Donald Trump blinks, then looks down to his right, then blinks again as he reestablishes his gaze upon the Journalist.

The vast majority of right-handed people will look down to their right during moments of high anxiety particularly when those feelings are linked to sadness or regret.

Blinking which punctuates the beginning and/or the end of gaze direction changes are longer in duration and are much more correlative with anxiety.


Summary: Donald Trump displayed contempt during a key question in today's press conference - most likely toward James Comey or for the journalist who asked the question. The President also showed signs of significant regret and anxiety when asked about recent past actions.

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Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3941: H.R. McMaster’s Press Conference, Part II — Donald Trump, Russia & Classified Information

Body Language Analysis No. 3939: The Russians are Confident - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 3937: Mr. Lavrov Goes To Washington - “Was he fired? You’re kidding!” - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and James Comey

Body Language Analysis No. 3935: Donald Trump and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3921: Kim Jong-un, North Korea, Alpha Status, and Clapping

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3871: Emma Watson's Old Habit, Harry Potter Outtake and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3864: Uber's CEO, Travis Kalanick Arguing with an Uber Driver regarding Falling Fares - Escalation v. De-Escalation, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3861: Emma Stone, The Oscars and Sincerity

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3808: Felicity Jones' Sincere Smile - Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

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Body Language Analysis No. 3941: H.R. McMaster’s Press Conference, Part II — Donald Trump, Russia & Classified Info — Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Although often ignored, a crucial nonverbal fundamental is to always correlate signals with simultaneous or near-simultaneous verbal language and paralanguage. Within the video above there lies a profound example of this principle. 

The word "Appropriate" (when used in its adjective form) is a highly subjective word, which, on the vast majority of occasions, is used in a context so as to posture and feign objectivity. It's also an attempt at projecting authority. However, with extremely high frequency, the use of "appropriate" is also simultaneous with nonverbal signals - such as regret, contempt, disgust, and/or anger.

Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being subjective, but when subjectivity is camouflaged as objectivity - it should always raise red flags.

Toward the end of H.R. McMaster's press conference yesterday, the following question was asked:

JOURNALIST (beginning at 16:26): General McMaster, thank you. General McMaster, um, to put a finer point on it - is there now, an active investigation, into how this information was leaked? And can you tell us about who's running that investigation? And I'd also like to ask you, um, given that President Trump is now going to meeting face-to-face with - literally dozens of foreign leaders, if there are sensitivities - to his discretion and what sort of information to decide to declassify - um, how is that something that you are advising him ahead of this foreign trip?

MCMASTER: Yeah, well, I mean, there, there are no sensitivities in terms of, ah, me, or anybody who's been with the President in many of these engagements. He shares information in a way that is wholly appropriate. And I should just make, I should just make, maybe this statement here that, that the President wasn't even aware, you know [laughs], of where - this information came from. He wasn't briefed on the source or method of the information either - so... ah, I'm sorry this going to have to be the last question. Because we do have the, we do have the President of Turkey coming - I think - momentarily.

During 17:06, coincident with his speaking the last two syllables of the word, "appropriate", and captured in the image above, the National Security Advisor displays a classic expression mixture of regret (primary) and contempt (secondary). This is very evanescent, and thus it's also an example of a microexpression. Please watch this several times at normal speed and then in slow motion.

General McMaster's nonverbal display of regret just as he says, "He shares information in a way that is wholly appropriate", shows us a dramatic disparity between his nonverbal and verbal signals. If he sincerely felt Donald Trump's information sharing was wholly "appropriate", why did he display regret and contempt when making this declaration?

Moreover, a paralanguage tell here, is his use of the qualifier "wholly". McMaster is trying too hard. He's being over-compensatory. If an action is appropriate, the use of the adverb "wholly" further indicates McMaster is rationalizing.

Summary: Despite what he said in yesterday's press conference, General McMaster's nonverbal behavior demonstrates he has significant regret and contempt over the manner in which President Trump shares information.


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Online Courses Available 
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Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3400: National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster's Press Conference regarding President Trump's Sharing of Classified Intelligence with the Russians - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence

Body Language Analysis No. 3398: Donald Trump regarding asking James Comey for his Loyalty

Body Language Analysis No. 3396: Donald Trump's first interview after Firing James Comey

Body Language Analysis No. 3394: Donald Trump's (False) Praising of James Comey

Body Language Analysis No. 3932: Raúl Labrador's Town Hall statement, "Nobody dies because they don't have access to healthcare..."

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3594: Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and Fareed Zakaria

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3534: Taylor Swift's (Vogue's) Rapid-fire 73 Q & A Session

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3664: Benjamin Netanyahu, Viktor Yanukovych, and Vladimir Putin

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


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Body Language Analysis No. 3940: National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster's Press Conference regarding President Trump's Sharing of Classified Intelligence with the Russians - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

H.R. McMaster's press conference on Tuesday regarding President Trump sharing classified information with the Russians was packed with information. And while a good amount of it was conveyed via verbal language - a truckload arrived in the form of body language.

General McMaster displayed some particularly interesting nonverbal signals as the very first question was being asked (beginning at 6:00 in the above video):

Journalist: Thanks a lot. General McMaster, ah, you came out to the stakeout are yesterday and, ah, and coming out to the stakeout area, you said that the Washington Post story, which came out yesterday afternoon, was false. Do you stick by that assertion? Do you think that every element of that story is false and do you have anything to correct, in terms of what you said at the podium yesterday afternoon?

Now watch his face one more time in slow motion - paying close attention to McMaster's face as the journalist says the words which are color-coded below.

Journalist: Thanks a lot. General McMaster, ah, you came out to the stakeout are yesterday and, ah, and coming out to the stakeout area you said that the Washington Post story, which came out yesterday afternoon, was false. Do you stick by that assertion? Do you think that every element of that story is false and do you have anything to correct, in terms of what you said at the podium yesterday afternoon?

This first image was captured during 6:05, as McMaster was listening to the journalist's words, "... coming out ...". Note the general tilts his head downward (as he also gazes downward) and juts his jaw significantly forward. There are even portions of his lower teeth visible. This is significant for a sizable adrenaline surge. In this moment, he is experiencing the emotion of anger.

In the next instant (during 6:06), as the general was listening to the journalist say, "... the stakeout area ...", we see an excellent example of an Inward Lip Roll (ILR). An inward lip roll is a signal of the psyche's attempt at suppressing the crescendo of strong emotion (both felt internally and displayed externally).

A spit second later, as the journalist spoke the words, "... you said ..." (6:07), General McMaster displays a clear primary expression of Contempt (note his left 'Mustache area tighten and elevate simultaneous with his left flared nostril) - and with a secondary component of Anger (His eyebrows are drawn downward and slightly closer together. There is also increased tension in his lower eyelids). This display is evanescent enough to classify it as a microexpression.

A few seconds later in the same question, as the Journalist says, "... assertion? Do you think ..." (6:15 - 6:16), General McMaster again both gazes and tilts his head downward - as he juts his jaw forward - this time exposing even a bit more of his lower teeth. Once again, this display indicates Anger.

With the very next words of, "... that every element of that ..." (6:16 - 6:17), H.R. McMaster clenches his jaw in Anger - as the tissue below his lower lip bulges up (Frustration) and his chin displays dimpling. This was a very common expression of Barack Obama during his presidency.


Summary: H.R. McMaster felt significant emotional dissonance during his press conference on 16 May 2017. The short segment above demonstrates anger, contempt, frustration - as well as a strong desire to suppress these feelings. It's not possible, with this limited sampling, to determine whether the general feels these emotions toward himself, the journalist asking the question, the Russians, President Trump, or some other person(s).


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3399: The Russians are Confident - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and Donald Trump

Body Language Analysis No. 3397: Mr. Lavrov Goes To Washington - “Was he fired? You’re kidding!” - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and James Comey 

Body Language Analysis No. 3395: Donald Trump and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 3933: Sally Yates Testimony before Senate Judiciary Committee

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3927: Jimmy Kimmel's Emotional Monologue regarding His Son’s Birth & Heart Disease

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3924: French Presidential Front-Runner Emmanuel Macron

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3901: Jared Kushner in Iraq

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3875: Children Interrupt Dad During BBC News interview

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3805: Mariah Carey's New Year's Eve Lip Sync Fail On Live TV


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Body Language Analysis No. 3939: The Russians are Confident - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and Donald Trump - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)

Maybe you've heard? The Russians came to town. Last Wednesday Sergey Lavrov and Sergey Kislyak visited Washington and met with Donald Trump and Rex Tillerson. The image above shows Minister Lavrov and Secretary Tillerson at the State Department.

This particular moment contains some profound nonverbal tells. An analysis follows...

While Minister Lavrov is speaking, Secretary Tillerson's facial expression is primarily that of bitterness and regret - with a secondary (minor) emotion of anger.

Note Tillerson's hands are configured in what is known as a modified "Fig Leaf" (aka "Genital Guarding"). This is a significantly beta nonverbal display and should never be used among geopolitical equals (with the exceptions of funerals, weddings, certain military ceremonies [e.g., at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier], and in the presence of high-level religious figures).

Holding his own hands is pulling Tillerson's shoulders forward and down - making him look weak. In contrast, Lavrov's shoulders are straight, square and strong. The Russian projects power and assertiveness - while in comparison, the American looks diminutive and weakened.

You may have also noticed that Tillerson is squeezing his fingers. Finger squeezing is a subset of hand-wringing behavior - both of which are high anxiety displays. In particular, these are frequently displayed during times of higher levels of stress when it's felt that the likelihood of a successful outcome is increasing small or there are 'feelings of no recourse'.

Tillerson's feet are relatively close together while Lavrov's are positioned in the more recommended mode - slightly less than a shoulder's width apart. In comparison, Tillerson looks like he is 'At Attention' and that Lavrov is his commanding officer.

Standing with your feet close together - particularly when next to someone with a broad stance - engenders feelings of inferiority and subordination. It will lower your confidence (even if standing alone) and - as military leaders knew millennia ago - it makes one much more likely to take orders and acquiesce.

Incredibly, standing with one's feet close together will also cause thoughts and speech to be less fluid.

Thus if you want to improve your ability to:

• Think on your feet
• Speak on your feet
• Be confident and project confidence
• Be authoritative and project authority
• Intimidate another person
• Look like a leader

                  ...then stand like Sergey - and not like Rex.

Summary: While we cannot say specifically why - we can be absolutely sure, that in this moment - Secretary Tillerson's confidence is low while Minister Lavrov's confidence is high. This is especially noteworthy for Tillerson is on his home soil.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3398: Donald Trump regarding asking James Comey for his Loyalty

Body Language Analysis No. 3396: Donald Trump's first interview after Firing James Comey

Body Language Analysis No. 3395: Donald Trump and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 3933: Sally Yates Testimony before Senate Judiciary Committee

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3926: Donald Trump regarding Xi Jinping, Kim Jong-un and Nuclear Threats

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3922: Vladimir Putin and Michael Flynn in Moscow

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3868: Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, The West Bank and Anxiety

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3799: Carrie Fisher and Princess Leia - Full Lips and Lip Pursing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3717: Creepy Clowns, Body Language and Emotional Intelligence


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Body Language Analysis No. 3938: Donald Trump regarding asking James Comey for his Loyalty - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

During his recent (12 May 2017) interview on Fox, Donald Trump was asked by Jeanine Pirro about his allegedly asking James Comey, for Comey's loyalty. This interview took place three days after the President fired the FBI Director.

What follows is a transcript of this portion of the interview, followed by a partial nonverbal and paralanguage analysis.

JEANINE PIRRO: People suggest that the question that - apparently The York Times is selling, that you asked Comey, whether or not you had his loyalty was - possibly inappropriate. W-, could you see how people could think that?

DONALD TRUMP (over-talking): No, I don't think, I read, I read that article. I don't think it's approp, inappropriate. The mor- [inaudible]

JEANINE PIRRO (over-talking): Did you ask that question?

DONALD TRUMP: No. No, I didn't. But I don't think it would be a bad question to ask. I think - loyalty to the country, loyalty to the United States is important. You know, I mean it depends on how you define a-, loyalty. Number one. Number two, I don't know how that got there - because - I didn't ask that question. 

JEANINE PIRRO: What about the idea that - in a tweet, you said that there might be tape recordings, well -

DONALD TRUMP (over-talking): Well - that I can't talk about. I won't talk about that. All I want is for Comey to be honest, and I hope he will be, and I'm sure he will be, I hope.

During 0:31, as he says, "... because - I didn't ask that question ...", President Trump's face takes on an expression of forced (acted) incredulity. Thin-slicing this moment further:

• Donald Trump's central forehead contracts and elevates (although significantly blunted secondary to the effects of Botox) 
• His mouth configures in a hyperbolic, feigned smile (pulled more laterally rather than vertically, it's also asymmetrical - biased to his right side)
• Simultaneously he glances, very briefly, up to HIS Left 

Donald Trump very rarely displays an elevated central forehead contraction (Elevated CFC). But when he does, his mouth is always displaying a partial, albeit false, smile component. In this particular example, his mouth display not only does not show any upper teeth (e.g., as with sincere smiles), moreover his mouth is melodramatically morphed. His forehead and mouth cluster display is an example of forced (acted) incredulity. This is overkill. This is melodrama.

Evaluating his gaze behavior: When right-hand dominant individuals (as is Trump) look up to their left, a very large percentage of the time (>95% in those who have been evaluated ["normed" or normalized] for their baseline behavior), they are visually recalling an event from the past which they witnessed. This indicates, with high probability, that President Trump did indeed ask James Comey for his personal loyalty.

Note also, later in this segment, when Ms. Pirro asked the President about tape recordings, Trump looked to up and to HIS Right (0:39). When a right-hand dominant person looks up to his right, he is visually constructing an event in his mind. Why isn't Trump looking up to his left then? (Why is he not simply visually recalling the event?). He has to visually construct the event for one of two reasons:

• It did not occur - ergo he's lying

          or

• It did occur, BUT he was not there to see it 

With either scenario, he did not witness the alleged event, thus he's re-creating a visual "memory" of it. Since Trump was there with Comey, he would not have to construct a memory (If it was a true memory, he would simply have to recall it). Thus we are left with the conclusion that, with a very high probability, Donald Trump did not tape record (audio record) James Comey as he has suggested in his recent tweet.

President Trump also displayed multiple paralanguage behaviors which are noteworthy. Here are two particularly glaring examples:

• During 0:14, the President stutters saying, "I don't think it's approp, inappropriate."
• When Ms. Pirro asks him a question regarding him allegedly asking for James Comey's loyalty, Donald Trump responds with statements about loyalty to the country. 

Summary:

Based on President Trump's nonverbal and paralanguage behavior during this interview segment, we can say with a high degree of confidence:

• Donald Trump did indeed ask James Comey for his personal loyalty
• The President did not record this conversation with then Director Comey. He is bluffing.

Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3397: Mr. Lavrov Goes To Washington - “Was he fired? You’re kidding!” - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and James Comey

Body Language Analysis No. 3395: Donald Trump and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 3933: Sally Yates Testimony before Senate Judiciary Committee

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3930: Emmanuel Macron, Hacking, and Anger

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3923: John Boyega, Orlando Bloom, Swagger, and Alpha-Beta Balance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3873: Brie Larson's Eyes, The Bachelor, and the Edge of Consciousness

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3843: 84 Lumber Super Bowl Ad - "The Entire Journey"

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3798: Elle Fanning, Channing Tatum and Dialing Up the Alpha

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3814: Claire Foy's recounting of Meeting Kate Winslet

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Body Language Analysis No. 3937: Mr. Lavrov Goes To Washington - “Was he fired? You’re kidding!” - Sergey Lavrov, Rex Tillerson, and James Comey - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

This past Wednesday, 10 May 2017 - only a day after Donald Trump fired FBI Director, James Comey - Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov and Russian Ambassador, Sergey Kislyak visited with President Trump in the Oval Office. The video clip above was captured in the US State Department on that same day. Many people have noted and commented regarding Minister Lavrov's sarcastic quip - but almost no one saw what feelings he betrayed on his face just prior to his retort.

What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.

After Secretary Tillerson's Statement, Journalist Andrea Mitchell asks Minister Lavrov (beginning at 0:27), "Does the Comey firing cast a shadow over the talks, gentleman?"

Minister Lavrov answers, "Was he fired? You're kidding? You're kidding?"

For a split-second, as Ms. Mitchell says, the word, "... talks ..." (0:30), the Russian Foreign Minister displays an excellent example of a what is known as a microexpression. This reaction is involuntary and subconsciously driven.

Note that his eyelids open very widely - albeit extremely briefly. His mid-face also contracts - primarily in his "mustache area" as well as with flaring of his nostrils. Lavrov's mouth only moves a trace amount.

Thus this particular Microexpression is that of Fear. Something Andrea Mitchell said triggered in Lavrov an evanescent emotion of fear.

Watch this several times with a full screen and in slow motion. You'll also see his eyes, briefly looking forward, focus on the middle-distance, and rapidly fixate back-and-forth several times. This is an epiphenomenon of rapid cognitive and emotional processing when faced with something unexpected. This nonverbal dynamic is profoundly valuable in the negotiation, sales, and legal professions - for it's a signal of panic. And this is a textbook classic response.

What happens next is also very telling - for in his recovery from fear, Minister Lavrov makes a very universal and very human mistake - he overcompensates.

During 0:35 Mr. Lavrov:

• Closes his eyelids for a long duration. This action indicates a dismissive emotional tone, physiological blocking, and also acts as a contempt amplifier.
• Tilts his head quickly to the side - projecting dismissiveness (e.g., You are dismissed, this is beneath me, etc.). This emotion shares a large overlap with Contempt.
• Displays a very open and classic Contempt expression on his face (his right side)

       0:36 

• Turns and shakes his head quickly, side-to-side and then walks away

Summary:

Sergey Lavrov was rattled by something in Andrea Mitchell's question. It's as if, for a moment, his psyche feared he had been caught (perhaps he even misunderstood something she said). Then he recovered - but in his defensiveness, Lavrov over-steered with his response. This nonverbal-verbal-paralanguage cluster display is absolutely classic for this behavior.


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See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 3396: Donald Trump's first interview after Firing James Comey

Body Language Analysis No. 3394: Donald Trump's (False) Praising of James Comey

Body Language Analysis No. 3932: Raúl Labrador's Town Hall statement, "Nobody dies because they don't have access to healthcare..."

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3930: Emmanuel Macron, Hacking, and Anger

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3912: Keri Russell's Schadenfreude, Matthew Rhys' Fear, and a Hesitancy to Disclose

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3887: Why Does Donald Trump Point at People So Often?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3857: Taunting a Snowplow Driver - Belleville, Ontario

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3835: Beauty and the Beast – Official Final Trailer

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3561: Catchphrase, Andy Samberg, Bryce Harper, Gigi Hadid and Body Language


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