Body Language Analysis №4011: Anthony Scaramucci’s First UK Interview — Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)
Some say Anthony Scaramocci is simply acting under Donald Trump’s instruction. Other’s say that his personality has naturally become more Trump-like (by design) — or even perhaps it’s his baseline personality. Which ever the reason, the new White House Communication Director needs a remedial course in body language.
The video above is Mr. Scaramocci’s first interview with the BBC (with Journalist Emily Maitlis). There’s a myriad of nonverbal tells in this eleven-minute video. The images below capture only those demonstrating the Communications Director’s multiple personal space (intimate space) infractions.

1:22, It’s offensive to direct a palm towards another person, particularly in such close quarters.

1:56, Palm-down gestures — especially so close to another person is hyper-alpha signal and universally offensive.
Note also the near-full extension of Scaramucci’s arm. The further the arm is extended (elbow, shoulder, and wrist) this amplifies to the overall alpha-tone of the hand gesture.

2:11, On multiple occasions, Mr. Scaramucci uses an index finger point — which is offensive in every culture on the planet.

2:38, Another index finger point in intimate space. This has a wag-variation, which adds an element of a patronizing emotional tone.

2:40, This is an example of touching a person out of context and without permission. This does not build rapport — rather it destroys it.

3:45, More touching out of social context.

4:32, Palm-down gesture — hyper alpha and much too close.

5:41, More touching without permission. Emily Maitlis’ mouth is configured in a thinned-lipped manner. Her nostrils are flared. She’s angry — and she reflexively crosses her arms across her upper abdomen/lower chest.

5:59, Repeated index finger pointing — universally offensive.

6:11, Another touch — this “feels” a bit less offensive because it involves two fingers and is vertical rather than palm-down.

6:13, Two seconds later, a repeat performance.

6:16, This palm-finger forward gesture is aggressive, offensive and particularly discouraged when directed at a woman’s breasts.

7:08, More Palm-down touching

7:33, A double index-finger point is especially contemptuous. This is a tremendous rapport destroyer and an illustrator which is never recommended.

7:34, Mr. Scaramucci tells Emily Maitlis she is a bit of an elitist (with a very elitist gesture)

8:11, Right hand with an index finger point with the left hand in a tight fist. This is not how a gentleman behaves — and, crucially, it’s indicative of a significant adrenaline surge. It’s dramatically out of proportion to context — and is a profound warning sign.

8:14, Ungentlemanly redux

8:53, Yet another palm down infraction

9:02, May I touch you? (No, you may not!)

9:06, More is better? (NOT!)

9:16, Mum always told you not to point.

9:37, Especially not with both hands …

11:00, Additional touching without permission (Ms. Maitlis’ mid-back)

11:02, One last index finger point in intimate space
Summary: Anthony Scaramucci’s multiple violations of Emily Maitlis’ personal and intimate space is certainly not diplomatic — nor is it consistent with even a rudimentary understanding of body language (particularly ironic given he is the White House Communications Director). This behavior is universally offensive, rapport destroying, and narcissistic.
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See also:
Body Language Analysis №4010: Lisa Murkowski Responds To Donald Trump’s Criticism
Body Language Analysis 4008: Veteran Who Survived Dunkirk Reacts to Film
Body Language Analysis №4006: Vladimir Putin and Melania Trump at the G20
Body Language Analysis №4002: Justin Trudeau Meets His Namesake
Body Language Analysis №3985: Grief, Pain, and Barometers of Empathy
Body Language Analysis №3979: Ivanka Trump, “I Try to Stay Out of Politics”
Body Language Analysis №3965: Manspreading, Madrid, and a Business Faux Pas
This post and the associated website serve as reference sources for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts — not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.
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