Thread by @DrGJackBrown

1/ THREAD: Body Language Analysis No. 4636: Vladimir Putin's Index Fingers
#BodyLanguage #BodyLanguageExpert #Putin

2/ I don't have a date on this image (I believe it's 2018-20), (Please subtweet a date and reliable source if you have one), so we lack specific context. However, this is an outstanding #BodyLanguage teaching example.

3/ Note Vladimir Putin's Index Finger (aka Forefingers) are both retracted. All of the other visible digits on his hands are actively or passively extended.

4/ The forefinger (index finger) is the most powerful digit — and that same finger on the dominant hand, is even more so.

5/ Retraction of the index finger/forefinger indicates a momentary waning of confidence and/or emotional comfort. It can also indicate deception. We don't know the full context of this situation, but we can be sure Putin was not his full alpha self in this moment.

6/ Trump often points his hand with his index finger retracted. This is a similar/overlapping behavior that indicates he has low confidence/disbelief in what he's saying (that is to say, he's lying).

7/ Body Language is dynamic. A nuanced observer sees the moment-to-moment changes on the face and body, and thus, accurately interprets the emotions as they change — contextualizing these with the words spoken and vocal qualities.

8/ Your ability (or inability) to spot and accurately interpret (or misinterpret) these nonverbal subtleties will bode well (or ill) for both your professional and personal future.

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Addendum: Date of image is 9 May 2015