An expert in nonverbal communication watched the Trump-Biden debate with the sound turned down

[TexasTowelie]

An expert in nonverbal communication watched the Trump-Biden debate with the sound turned down – here’s what he saw


President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden met on Oct. 22 for the final debate in the 2020 election and, like the first debate, it was unusual.

COVID-19 forced social distancing and largely took the studio audience, with their laughter, cheering and booing out of the equation.

What’s more, with norm-breaking interruptions and stealing of speaking time an inherent part of Donald Trump’s debate strategy, the contentious crosstalk between the two candidates and the moderator made long sections of the candidates’ first debate nearly impossible to hear or follow. The threat of having the microphone cut off effectively muted this aggression.

But is what they say as important as we think?

Although news coverage generally focuses on what the candidates say, as a political psychologist who studies nonverbal behavior, I focus less on the rehearsed answers and more on the space between talking points. These moments, when candidates nonverbally – and largely involuntarily – respond to their opposition can be enormously revealing.

Read more: https://theconversation.com/an-expert-in-nonverbal-communication-watched-the-trump-biden-debate-with-the-sound-turned-down-heres-what-he-saw-148688

[saidsimplesimon]

1. IT with the puckered lips, a very ugly, evil older man.

Now, that my rant is over, I'll go watch....

[SheltieLover]

2. I agree!

Most of what we convey is non-verbal. (93%!)

[sheshe2]

3. !!!

Instead of directly attacking Biden when his assertions were questioned, Trump responded with what may best be termed a controlled-posed smile, in which his lower lip is pressed up while his lip corners were pulled up in a smile. This type of smile is often used to mask negative emotions or to signal positive emotions when they are not felt.

Perhaps Trump’s signature facial display is his protruding funneled lips. This lip funneler – as it is referred to by facial display researchers – can often be seen while Trump is listening and preparing to interrupt or respond to Biden. The research that exists about this behavior in humans suggests it is a primal display often occurring during intense emotional situations and is associated with anger and threats while engaging in dominance-seeking behavior.

Good read.

[captain queeg]

4. You'd have to pay me to study trumps face. He is so hideous and childish