HENRI’S BODY LANGUAGE: WHAT IT REVEALS

It would seem that Henri wants to project that he’s in control but he doesn’t always succeed, says Dr Denise Björkman, a body-language expert from Johannesburg.

“Here’s an example of someone who wants to play in the big boy’s game but doesn’t know the rules.”

She points out that he sits down with his jacket closed when it’s customary for men to undo their buttons when seated. This indicates a certain level of naivety and lack of knowledge about etiquette.

Henri’s baby-faced look with its feminine curve is an indication of someone who’s still in a childlike, immature state, she says, adding, “As a man matures the jawline tends to square.”

According to her Henri’s downturned mouth and jaw thrust forward is indicative of “open defiance and aggression”.

People like this have difficulty with relationships and building good networks, she adds.

“Unlike Oscar Pistorius’ more broken and humbled portrayal in court, Van Breda projects an air of defiance. He makes little emotional connection. He’s guarded,” Björkman says of Henri’s body language.

She explains that women communicate nonverbally with jewellery, make-up, accessories and clothing, while men use mainly ties and socks to assert their individuality. “Henri uses colourful ties to stand out.”

He wears blue and grey suits to court, and sometimes he’s seen with interesting ties – one had a print of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night on it.

Björkman says Henri can’t resist showing off his individuality – he once wore red socks, which might even indicate a level of narcissism. “He doesn’t know the rules of impressive and mature dressing.”