THREAD: Body Language Analysis No. 4633: Putin and Trump a moment before joint presser at 2018 Helsinki Conference #Trump #VladimirPutin #TrumpPutinSummit #BodyLanguage #BodyLanguageExpert #HELSINKI2018 
2/ The above image (and the close-ups following) show Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump just prior to beginning their joint presser during the 2018 Helsinki Summit.
3/ Despite being but only instant in time — from a nonverbal perspective, it's packed with information.
(See below for other analyses of this presser)
(See below for other analyses of this presser)
4/ Observe carefully, the Gestalt posture of each man. Putin's back is upright — it's perpendicular to the floor. Putin's shoulders are squared. His hands and arms are flexed, holding his notes. His body is confident, ready, and relaxed.
5/ Trump is in the process of taking a step, thus, this is not quite an apples-to-apples comparison, however, Trump's shoulders are hunched. His torso leaning forward.
6/ Trump's neck is also retracted ('turtling'). He feels weak and this appearance betrays his feelings. Trump has to be there, but his body language screams that he doesn't want to be there.
7/ Trump's arms are resting at his sides — but they shouldn't be. This configuration gives him the appearance of a common 'enlisted man' — as if he were standing at attention for his commanding officer.
8/ Very literally, Trump is a subordinate. This presser is performative. It's also a form of a reprimand.
9/ Trump has his suit-jacket unbuttoned. In this scenario, such casual sloppiness elevates Putin. It makes the Russian look assertive, athletic, and fashion-forward — while Trump simultaneously diminishes himself on the World stage.
10/ This body language and clothing casualness also serves to highlight their age difference — at the time of the Helsinki Conference Trump was 72 and Putin was 65.
11/ Putin's posture projects dominance, vigor, and health — but Trump's nonverbal behavior conveys a tired, submissive, and stressed emotional tone.
12/ Trump's eyes, head and neck are all oriented downward during such a critical World stage entrance.
13/ Trump's facial expression is actively projecting low confidence and anxiety. He's very much preoccupied. He's not fully present. Trump's not 'in the moment'.
Trump is worried about what he's going to say and how he's going to say it.
Trump is worried about what he's going to say and how he's going to say it.
14/ President Putin's expression projects a smug confidence. He knows he's 'already won' before the first word is spoken.
15/ SUMMARY: Trump's nonverbal behavior during the 2018 Helsinki press conference was submissive, subservient worried, and tired — while Putin is relaxed, victorious, confident and dominant.
continued ...
continued ...
16/ Vladimir Putin is the script writer & he KNOWS it (Did you spot the [subconscious] Partial Emblematic Slip of Putin's 'Thumbs Up'?).
In contrast, Trump is acquiescing, shocked, and worried — as if he's trying to remember his lines — and just keeping his head above water.
Ω
In contrast, Trump is acquiescing, shocked, and worried — as if he's trying to remember his lines — and just keeping his head above water.
Ω
17/ Addendum:
Additional Analysis from 2018 Helsinki Press Conference (1 of 2)
Additional Analysis from 2018 Helsinki Press Conference (1 of 2)
https://twitter.com/DrGJackBrown/status/1019012358365048833
18/ Addendum B:
Additional Analysis from the 2018 Helsinki Press Conference (2 of 2)
Additional Analysis from the 2018 Helsinki Press Conference (2 of 2)
https://twitter.com/DrGJackBrown/status/1020375444112068609
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
