Thread by @DrGJackBrown

1/ THREAD: #SteveCastor displaying an R2E2 (Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression) while he's being asked about #DonaldTrump asking Pres. #Zelensky into investigating Joe Biden and Hunter Biden.

#BodyLanguage #BodyLanguageExpert #ImpeachmentHearing #Impeachment

2/ The Rationalization Rapport Empathy Expression is a common nonverbal signal which varies in duration (e.g., very briefly, such as a microexpression or near-microexpression) - but it may also manifest via longer-duration facial displays.

#ImpeachmentHearing #BodyLanguageExpert

3/ Most body language novices will mistake this the R2E2 with the thought-emotion signal of disgust - yet these have two completely different meanings.

#ImpeachmentHearings #BodyLanguageExpert

4/ An R2E2 resembles a unilateral snarl and almost always is accompanied by partially closed eyelids and often times with a side-to-side head shaking.

5/ It's crucial to emphasize that all emotionally-healthy people display the R2E2 expression on occasion, but when it is seen - and most importantly, when it's frequent, one should always ask the following questions:

6/ • What's my overall feeling of their sincerity in this moment?

• Does this person truly believe what they're saying?
What specifically, do I feel is their predominant emotion in this moment?

• What are my gut feelings regarding this person's motive(s) in this moment?

7/ • Of what, specifically, are they trying to convince me?

• Why are they putting an extra effort in trying to convince me of an idea, course of action, etc.?

8/ • Are they feigning an "Achilles Heel" and if so, what is it?

• Are they falsely sharing one of their 'weaknesses' with me?

9/ A warning light should go on when you see an R2E2. For although it's not true 100% of the time, very often people displaying the R2E2 are trying to rationalize and seek our empathy.

10/ They're trying to gain rapport and your trust. This is especially true when we see it frequently - or they're agitated, accused, in the spotlight, etc.

11/ In addition, much of the time they're also trying to convince their own psyche. Thus, they're trying to get you to jump on board and become a "Co-Rationalizer".

END