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James Holmes’ Colorado Theater Shooter, Body Language in the Courtroom,

A link to the story is below. It is also on the Yahoo front page where it should stay for the next 24 hours or so.

James Holmes’ revealing courtroom behavior during the Colorado theater shooting trial

‘He swivels at specific times,’ says body language expert

  Yahoo News

As James Holmes watched his father being cross-examined on the witness stand Wednesday, the convicted Colorado theater shooter reverted to what has become his routine during many of the trial’s more contentious moments: He swiveled.
The conspicuous behavior, almost a tic, has become a hallmark of sorts. From his seat at the defense table, Holmes begins to methodically swivel back and forth in his black office chair.
Robert Holmes was testifying in an effort to sway the jury vote for a life sentence instead of the death penalty for his son.
The defendant’s swivel was steady as Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler quizzed the elder Holmes about the arsenal his son amassed in the months before he opened fire in a Colorado movie theater on July 20, 2012, killing 12 people.
Ten minutes later, Holmes sat slouched and motionless as the video depositions of old family friends and acquaintances were played in court. 
The defendant, James Holmes, stood with his hands in his pockets for an hour on July 16 while
Judge Carlos Samour …


Though Holmes’ face has been inscrutable, body language experts say it appears he is seeking comfort and, at moments, showing defiance through his movement in the chair.
“That's a very fascinating combination,” said Patti Wood, a longtime communication and behavioral consultant. “There are so many things he can’t express. He’s probably been coached not to express, but the body lets it out.”
When the adjustments occur is key, much like the actions of a poker player who changes physical demeanor at pivotal moments.
“He swivels at specific times,” Wood said.
Unbeknown to the jury, the 27-year-old is tethered to the floor by a hidden harness and cable.
“He is doing what the chair is allowing him to do — that side-to-side motion to offer himself comfort,” Wood said. “He's rocking himself.”
Lillian Glass, who has authored several books on communication, said it could be that Holmes is anxious because he knows negative details are forthcoming.
“So it’s kind of like a self-soothing technique,” Glass said of his seat turning.
Holmes, who waived his right to testify, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to killing 12 and wounding 70 others in the rampage. Defense attorneys argued that the former neuroscience graduate student was in the clutches of a psychotic episode and didn’t know right from wrong when he ambushed the sold-out theater.
“It’s kind of like a self-soothing technique.” 
— Lillian Glass, body language expert
On Thursday, the jury is expected to begin a second round of deliberations in the punishment phase. This time, jurors will be asked to decide if the heinousness of the crime outweighs mitigating factors.
If the jury is unanimous in its decision, the case moves to a third phase in which victims’ relatives can testify before jurors decide if he should be sentenced to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Holmes’ chair pivoting was unmistakable during closing arguments of the guilt phase on July 14. Holmes seemed to swivel more than usual as Brauchler pointed a finger him and exclaimed, “Sane, sane, sane — guilty.”
“It was very wide and broad,” said Wood, who watched clips from the closing at the request of Yahoo News. “It went beyond what would be just comfort to more like you're shaking your head no. The chair became the shake ‘no, no, no.’”
Minutes earlier, however, Holmes had been still and stared straight ahead when lead defense attorney Daniel King begged the jury to “accept the mental illness. … You can’t separate the mental illness from him or from this crime.”
Throughout the trial, Holmes hasn’t seemed to swivel, at least not noticeably, when Judge Carlos Samour speaks or during routine court matters. Experts say that shows the movement is not random.
“It does mean that, in this case, he does know right from wrong … when to do it and when not to do it,” Glass said.
Holmes, usually dressed in khakis and an Oxford shirt, often turns his head to see photos and other evidence presented on large TV screens.
Sandy Phillips, whose 24-year-old daughter Jessica Ghawi was killed by Holmes, has attended nearly every moment of the trial. Not once, she said, has she seen the defendant show signs of compassion.
“Oh yeah, I watch him all the time,” Phillips said of Holmes. “He gives himself away. I’m always looking for signs that he’s human. How can you look at the autopsy photos of a 6-year-old girl and not have any remorse?”
The 12 who were killed at the movie theater. Click image to open gallery. Top, left to right: Matt McQuinn, Alex …











Veteran jury and trial consultant Robert Hirschhorn said prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers routinely counsel their witnesses or clients how to behave and control their emotions in front of a jury.
“Eighty percent of all communication is nonverbal,” Hirschhorn told Yahoo News. “Body language that changes will be picked up by the jury and scrutinized by them.”
Indeed, on the fourth day of the trial, one juror asked if the defendant’s chair could be moved so she could see his “facial expressions and demeanor.” The seat couldn’t be switched, but a scale replica of the theater was moved to give the jury a better view of his seat at the end of the defense table.
“Many times they’ll have the two defense attorneys, one on either side,” Wood said of Holmes’ seating arrangement. “To have him in that far corner is also interesting to me.”
Holmes is not the first high-profile defendant to let his emotions show.
Despite coaching from his attorneys, Wood said, O.J. Simpson showed facial expressions of rage and anger during his murder trial 20 years ago.
“They can’t help themselves. It just comes out,” she said. “Even a pathological liar — they are mentally ill — but they can still control their body language behaviors. But what makes nonverbal communication so rich and so telling is sometimes they can’t always control all of them. And that’s why we’re seeing this rocking.”
Holmes was standing, not sitting, when Judge Samour delivered the jury’s decision two weeks ago. For an hour, Holmes stood with his hands in his pockets as all 165 counts of guilty were read.
“Symbolically, the hands come out from the heart and often show our emotional state,” Wood said. “Quite often we hide our hands to hide our emotional state, but to hide both hands that way for that length of time shows a bizarre desire to hide all emotion.”
Jason Sickles is a reporter for Yahoo News. Follow him on Twitter (@jasonsickles).


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Body Language Read Of Kim Kardashian at the ESPY's in Los Angeles


Caitlyn Jenner gave an emotionally raw speech on July 15 when she accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs in Los Angeles. But while some of her family members were brought to tears, body language expert Patti Wood tells RadarOnline.com that it looked like Kim Kardashian was more concerned about being ready for her close-up!

http://radaronline.com/photos/caitlyn-jenner-espy-acceptance-speech-mixed-emotions-family-photos/photo/1079079/

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

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Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

A Perfect Getaway

A Perfect Getaway 
1.       Discover lots of art: Asheville is one of the top arts destinations in the country. Galleries abound downtown and in Biltmore Village (see the Gallery Guide). To explore artist studios tucked in valleys and communities near Asheville, pick up the Craft Heritage Trails book. Watch the artists at work, and buy directly from them. The book features more than 450 stops. Click here to go to the Craft Heritage Trails web site. For a guided tour to studios, go to Art Safari web site.
2.      Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway: Enjoy a leisurely drive to see nature's beauty while riding the crest of the mountains. You'll find breathtaking overlooks, numerous hiking trails, and great spots for picnics. Drive north for panoramic views at Craggy Gardens and Mt. Mitchell. A drive south takes you through a dozen tunnels (we call them the tunnels of love!) by the time you stop for lunch at the Pisgah Inn on a 5,000-foot mountaintop. There is no entrance fee to the Parkway. Go to the Blue Ridge Parkway Guide.
3.      Watch a sunset from a mountaintop: Hike to the top of the Pinnacle at Craggy Gardens to watch the sunset (about 3/4 mile one-way). A great spot to hold hands and kiss. Be sure to leave the top to make the 15-minute walk back to the car before dark! (Go to the Hikes & Walks Guide under "Best Pinnacle Hike.") West-facing overlooks on the parkway are perfect to watch a sunset from your car.
4.      Strolling through gardens: Asheville is a garden city. Gardens with no admission fee include the Botanical Gardens of Asheville, by the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and Richmond Hill Inn. Tour the North Carolina Arboretum for a small per car fee (don't miss their bonsai collection). The Farms, Gardens and Countryside Trails book is a comprehensive guide for garden spots in West North Carolina.
5.      Picnic by a waterfall: Take a picnic to Dupont State Forest (about 40 miles from downtown Asheville) and relax by one of three waterfalls. Our favorite spot is Triple Falls, where you can picnic on a large flat rock area between two waterfalls. See "Best Waterfall Hike" in the Hikes & Walks Guide for more details. Often, your inn or hotel will prepare a picnic for you to take. Or stop by Laurey's Gourmet-To-Go.
6.      Explore downtown Asheville: A creative way to see downtown is the Urban Trail, a walking tour of 30 sculptures that depict tidbits of local history. Go to the Art Museum at Pack Place to rent audio headsets. The great architecture (with lots of art deco) and the quaint shops will fascinate you. See the Downtown Photo Tour.
7.      Sunset on the lake: Lake Lure is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Enjoy a spectacular sunset with a one-hour cruise ($20/couple) departing between 6 and 7 pm (depending on the time of sunset). If you time your visit just right you can also take a moonlight two-hour tour during a full moon (bring a bottle of wine). Several times a year, you can take a Meteor Shower Cruise. Both of these cruises leave at 9 pm at $30/couple. Click here to visit their web site.
8.     Movie date: See an independent or foreign film at the nostalgic Fine Arts Theatre downtown, followed by coffee in Old Europe coffee shop (see After Dinner Guide). An entire evening for less than $35, including two movie tickets, popcorn, sodas, and after movie coffee. Click here to go to the Fine Arts web site to see what's playing.
9.      Mine for sapphires: Try your luck finding sapphires and other precious minerals at Old Pressley Sapphire Mine, an authentic mine about 20 miles west of downtown Asheville near Canton. For $45 a bucket, you both can sift through the soil and wash stones in their flume, and you are guaranteed to find a sapphire! Click here to visit their web site.
10.  Dinner with the best view: In pleasant weather, enjoy the great vistas and mountain breezes on the famous Sunset Terrace at Grove Park Inn. Enjoy steak and seafood with sunset views of downtown and the surrounding mountains. The average dinner check with wine is $150 per couple. Call early for reservations. Click here to visit their web site.





Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Testimonials from Clients of Patti Wood, Speaker, Trainer and Body Language Expert

Testimonials from Clients of Patti Wood
Speaker, Trainer and Body Language Expert

  
Your Evaluations were Outstanding and Filled with Superlatives
"The comments from your keynote evaluations where outstanding and filled with superlatives including  repeated comments such as , " Awesome, Fascinating, Energetic, Informative, Highly Recommend, Amazing, Very Dynamic, Exceeded Expectations, Captivating, Fantastic, Very Engaging, Fun, Energizing, Just Terrific, Loved the interaction, Wonderful, Great information, Very Entertaining."  There was even one of our favorites, "...so honored to learn from the best of the best!”
Stephanie Gunner
National Alliance for Grieving Children
Program and Communications Coordinator

Fantastic Presentation...
"It' been almost a week since your presentation and the team is still buzzing.  Your presentation was fantastic.  We've received great feedback from all levels of Management, our Account Executives and support staff that was in attendance.  I was very pleased to see the long line at your book signing and the multiple questions that came with it. We were also extremely pleased with the way you seamlessly incorporated our objectives and theme into your presentation.  It was like you were working with us for weeks.    I've been in the business world almost 30 years and never quite knew the proper protocol on how, when or how long to shake a woman's hand.  I now can confidently do this."
Scott Bloom
Director, Optimum Business Sales Operations
Cablevision
 
Fresh, Motivating and Funny...highly recommend Patti...
"...one month later I am still getting comments from satisfied members who attended her body language symposium.  She was fresh, motivating, and funny.  She has a knack for making her point in a way you won't forget.  Her simple tools to enhance the first impression you give are invaluable.  I walked into a member office the other day and laughed as two of the attendees to Patti's class were standing there talking about one of Patti's techniques!" "We enjoyed all of our speakers, but few stay with you like Patti does!  We highly recommend using Patti Wood as your next speaker."
Libby Sheard, E-PRO
Little Rock REALTORS® Association

Absolutely Fantastic...A Joy to Watch in Action...
"I just wanted to thank you so much for coming and speaking to our members.  You were absolutely fantastic and a joy to watch in action. We hope to have you back very soon.... 
Dana Earl
Operations Administrator
Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS®

An Ultimate Professional
"I am writing to say that I have had the privilege of working with Patti Wood on two separate occasions for our GFOA-PA Annual Conferences.  I have never before seen an audience on their feet within 5 minutes after the speaker took the microphone!
Patti has an amazing knack for involving every single attendee.  And they have such a great time!  She has people who have never met before sharing information, learning about and from each other. 
The first time I worked with Patti, she was virtually an unknown to our group.  Within 30 minutes after Patti ended her presentation, I was told by the committee that we had to have her return again the next year.  When Patti is on the Agenda, I know that my attendance is going to increase. 
Patti is the ultimate professional who takes time to learn about her audience and their professional needs so that she can customize her remarks to assure that the audience can relate.
I am happy to entertain any questions and will happily offer personal recommendations to anyone who may be considering working with Patti Wood.  I can assure you, it is a win-win situation."
R. Keith McNally
GFOA-PA Program Coordinator

I Don't Think I've Seen Our Group Laugh So Much!
 "On behalf of the New Mexico Court Reporters Association, I would like to sincerely thank you for a wonderfully entertaining and engaging show! Everyone truly enjoyed your spirited presentation on body language. I don't think I've ever seen our group laugh so much! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us!"
Vanessa Arrieta,
NM CCR, RPR Past President NMCRA

Incredible Energy...
"Thank you so much for bringing your incredible energy and wonderful knowledge to us. I've been sharing some of your stories all week with co-workers! "
Susan Y. Shen Deloitte Consulting LLP 

Hired Patti Over 40 Times!
"I have hired Patti Wood over forty times to kick-off my seminars around the country and plan to use her six more times this year. She gets my audiences energized, focused and she teaches them skills that they can incorporate in their work life immediately. The first thing my audience members ask me when they're deciding on whether to register is, 'Is Patti going to be there?'" Yes she is!
Jeff Justice Seminars

Awesome Job...
You did an awesome job! An entire day of you giving keynotes in a studio for us. I think we have enough information captured to truly give us what we need for your videos. Now begins the edit process. We have so much great information from you that it will be difficult to decide what stays and what goes. We reported out to Richard and Ashley yesterday, and everyone felt that you showed up great on camera and delivered (as usual). I'm looking forward to April as well (When you are live with us again). Take care Patti, and rest easy knowing you did a great job for us!
Kenny Simon
Emersonhc.com

The Best Conference because of You...
"....I heard .... our participants saying this years "Gathering of Eagles Conference" was the best and that's because of YOU!"
Dr. Penelope Schmidt
Executive Director of Advancement & Foundation South
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

Outstanding Keynote...
"Thank you for your outstanding keynote presentation to kick off our Credit Insurer's Association meeting. The participants said you were excellent. You built up interest and momentum from your high energy session which carried throughout our meeting. The two days were abuzz with comments that showed how much fun they had and how much they learned such as "Did you see him put his hands in his pockets!" and "I cross my arms to think but, I'm not ADD." You really made a lasting impression. People came up to me and said they wanted more of you and "we could listen to Patti all day.” I really appreciate you motivating our group. We are hoping we can have you back some time in the future so check your calendar."
Beth Kastigar
Credit Insurers Association

Incredibly interesting...
"Great to listen to you and soak up so many great and valuable pointers on people and interactions. It was incredibly interesting. I thank you for presenting so masterfully and sincerely."
Kate Carpenter
Stowe Kitchen Bath and Linens

We Could Have Listened to You For Several Hours More!
On behalf of my entire Builder 20 group I would like to thank you for a wonderful presentation Friday morning. It was very informative and we could have easily listened to you for several more hours.
Brian Builder 20 Group

You Have a Wonderful Way About You!
Didn't want this day to end without telling you how much the group and I enjoyed listening to you, learning from you and watching that body language! You have a wonderful way about you.
Mary Jo IHG

Best Presentation ...
"I just wanted to say thank you for an excellent presentation at last week's entrepreneur expo. It was easily one of the best presentations and information sessions I have ever seen. I learned a lot about body language and the funny thing was that you start to see examples of it everywhere. From being at a bar talking with some friends to working with potential clients, it was just eye-opening to see how accurate your information was..."
Billy Gallagher
Florida Web Presence, LLC

Engaging...Enthusiastic and Insightful...
"Thank you so much for such an engaging program last night" "We were treated to an intimate, captivating gathering." I wish I'd taken your program years ago and over and above anything else paid attention to my own 'gut'. Thank you for your enthusiasm and insights about so much."
Lynn Cromer

Awesome...
"I thought your training was awesome! I will pass your information on to our Top Directors and Nationals at our next meeting and suggest they schedule an event for you to come in and talk to all of us."
Linda Morris Future Director Mary Kay Cosmetics

You're fantastic...
I have never been to a more delightful or interesting presentation. I started practicing what I learned and I just can't believe the difference it has made in such a short time. I am so glad you will be back next year; I am bringing friends to hear you speak. Thank you for the book, I have already started reading it. It really reinforces your presentation and makes a great reference manual too! Good luck and thank you."
Patty Griffin
San Antonio Program

Patti is a rare individual...
"Patti is a rare individual...warm, funny, and so knowledgeable....you can really learn from her. Her programs are A1."
Vickie Okoro 

 
Patti's Audience Members Rave 
About her Body Language Keynotes and Deception Detection Training

Excellent & informative Presentation...
"Thank you so much for such an excellent and informative presentation! Your enthusiasm about the subject is contagious....Thanks again for such an awesome presentation!"
Susan Meyer
UCB Pharm Group

You were Superb...
"You were superb!!!!! Thank you for the insight and the wonderful suggestions."
Lynne A. Harper RN C COHN Manager
The Coca Cola Company

Amazing...
"Patti's workshop on Deception was amazing. The next day I looked at video clips of the politicians she mentioned. Then I stopped people in the locker room and at book group to tell them about Patti and her insights. Can't wait to use her tips with eHarmony matches! I'm getting a group together to go to Patti's workshop on Body Language."
Marilyn Harris
Detecting Deception Class 

What Participants said about Patti Wood's Presentation Skills Training

Hold on to Your Seats...
"Hold on to your seats! If you want to improve your presentation skills, Patti Ann Wood is the person to help. She will teach you how to grab your audience. Patti Wood is Excellent! You were the top rated speaker at our conference.
Denise Crowe
CSPA

Patti is the Person to Help You...
If you need to be a better speaker Patti Wood is the person to help you. She will teach you how to grab your audience with tricks to hold your audience and help you build your presentation. Don't book her for just half a day, or one day as the audience wants to interact with her. Patti will WOW you!!"
Ana Woerner RN BS COHN-S
AAOHN Program  


 Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.