DONALD SHELVES ‘GORILLA’ STANCE
US President Donald Trump used a communication tactic to manipulate Russian leader Vladimir Putin in their Helsinki summit, according to a leading body language expert.
The leaders exuded power, but Mr Trump was less “gorilla like” than normal.
Body language expert Louise Mahler said he did this to make Mr Putin feel important.
Dr Mahler said he did this through a neuro-linguistic programming technique, an approach developed in the 1970s that can be used to achieve goals, and is taught in management training courses.
It encompasses the idea that if you subtly “mirror” someone’s behaviour, it makes the other person feel connected to you.
“I noticed Trump wasn’t puffing himself up as he did with the Queen and Kim (Jongun),” Dr Mahler said.
“He wasn’t overly trying to overpower him. He was still quite strong and powerful, but he didn’t go over the top. It was bizarre.
“My theory is he knew exactly what he was doing.
“He was obviously intentionally pandering to Russia and it’s obvious this is part of a plan. The question is what that plan is.”
She said Mr Trump exposed his communication weapon by copying Mr Putin’s body language so the pair would come across as equals.
“When they went in for a handshake, Trump went in as a pure equal rather than putting his hand on top or underneath, and it was a real sword thrust,” Dr Mahler said.
“Putin’s legs were wide and firm, and they both fixed their eyes on each other and their mouths were tight.
“Trump was very much playing a game.”
Dr Mahler also said the pair glossed over questions about Russia’s alleged interference in the US election.
“This doesn't necessarily mean they were lying but Putin was fiddling with his fingers and looking down,” she said.
Despite their seemingly level playing field summit, Dr Mahler said the pair fought for an overall win when they said goodbye.
“When they walk off, Putin puts his arm around Trump which is a power trip, to get your arm on last,” she said.
“Trump put his arm around Putin, and Putin did it again. “It was like ‘no, no, no, I’m winning.”
And when it came to Melania, Dr Mahler thought the President treated her “like she was a piece of scum”.