A body language expert has analysed President Barack
Obama and Donald Trump's mannerisms during their meeting at the
White House.
The two men both gave positive feedback about the 90-minute
conversation but after years of clashing, it was clear there was
some tension between them.
Patti Wood, a body language expert, analysed the two men,
concluding that Mr Obama was "resigned and not hopeful", while Mr
Trump was "serious and perhaps fearful".
"If you look at the seating position - their lower legs, they
are both in the male, alpha position saying ‘I am a man’," Ms Wood
told.
Mr Obama had his legs much further apart than Mr Trump’s, which
Ms Wood claims shows the current President is subconsciously
exerting dominance.
The hand position of the two men, in particular Mr Trump’s, also
proved to be interesting. The President-elect was doing the
"downward prayer position" while sitting beside Mr Obama.
"My read is that he has learned something he didn't know before.
It's a tentative hand position," Ms Wood said. "Trump holds his own
hands as he begins speaking which is an indication he needs to
comfort himself."
Mr Obama was resting his arms on his legs which apparently
indicated he was weary. "There is a part where he says he has been
encouraged. As he says it he closes his eyes. I call that an eye
block. That tells me he doesn't feel totally encouraged," Ms Wood
told.
"Obama was extremely fatigued, resigned and not hopeful but very
presidential. Trump was serious and showed indications he heard
information that made him fearful."
Mr Trump took to Twitter after the meeting to quash any rumours
of tension between the pair.
"A fantastic day in D.C. Met with President Obama for first
time. Really good meeting, great chemistry. Melania liked Mrs. O a
lot!," he wrote.