1/ THREAD: Body Language Analysis No. 4413: Mike Pompeo and Sergey Lavrov meet in Washington DC —#Nonverbal #EmotionalIntelligence #BodyLanguage #BodyLanguageExpert #DonaldTrump #SergeyLavrov #MikePompeo #Alpha #Beta
2/ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met today (10 December 2019) at the State Department in Washington DC. After their meeting, they held a joint press conference. Later in the day, Lavrov met with President Trump in the Oval Office. 
3/ This image represents Pompeo's body language for about 10% of the total time of their joint presser.
4/ Notice Pompeo's hand position. From a body language perspective, this is termed a 'Fig-Leaf' (also known as Genital Guarding).
5/ This is a significantly beta configuration wherein a person's hands protect their vulnerable anatomy during times of psychological or physical vulnerability.
6/ The fig-leaf is also seen during times of respect for superiors and/or during high-ceremonial times (i.e., If the Pope or the Dalai Lama had been present — or during a funeral, or a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier).
7/ So the question is: Why is the US Secretary of State in a Fig-Leaf configuration, on American Soil, in our State Department? Is he intimidated? Is he fearful? Is he feeling vulnerable? Or is he feeling subordination/acquiescence to a high-level Russian official?
8/ Moreover, although we cannot see them directly, we can discern by the contour of his legs, that his feet are together.
9/ Millennia ago, military leaders learned that if enlisted men stood with their feet together, they feel subordinate. They feel weaker. They take orders more easily. They are less likely to disobey. Standing with your feet together engenders these weakened emotional-tendencies.
10/ Mike Pompeo knows this — he's a West Point graduate. So why does he subordinate himself to Lavrov?
11/ Why does Mike Pompeo stand in this manner on his own accord? Why does he feel weakened to a Russian leader on American soil?
12/ Moreover, Pompeo turns partially toward Lavrov. This is a sign of respect and attention. BUT LAVROV IS NOT HIS AUDIENCE, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE HIS AUDIENCE!
13/ Turn and speak to us! Pompeo should be facing toward the audience at all times with his feet spaced a shoulder-width or slightly greater distance apart.
14/ In distinction, Lavrov's hand positions (on the sides his lectern) engender his alpha status.
15/ There were even times when Pompeo bowed his head and closed his eyes. This body language projects strong self-subjugation. This almost looks as if Pompeo is praying to Lavrov!
16/ SUMMARY: During a significant portion of Mike Pompeo's and Sergey Lavrov's Joint press conference today, Pompeo's body language behavior was significantly beta — projecting self-subordination, emotional discomfort, and fear.
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17/ Pompeo was behaving beta, acquiescing to Lavrov's alpha-dog status.
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