‘Lot of confidence’: One body language expert’s analysis of Carney’s shift in Trump meetings

U.S. President Donald Trump and PM Mark Carney faced questions on trade, border security, and national competition.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump emerged from a high-stakes meeting at the White House on Tuesday, showcasing what one body language expert describes as “a tutorial” in political communication and composure.

“Body language does one of two things: It either enhances what the speaker is saying, or it detracts from it,” said Robyn Braley, body language expert and president of Unimark Creative Inc., in an interview with CTVNews.ca. “Carney and Trump gave us a really interesting tutorial today in a very different way than most politicians do.”

• Trump touts Canada-U.S. ‘merger’ at White House, Carney leaves Washington without a deal

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Carney once again called Trump a “transformative president,” listing his accomplishments during his second term, during which Trump added: “and the merger of Canada and the United States.”

“That wasn’t where I was going,” Carney replied.

Braley said Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st state have dominated the headlines for months, but it was Carney’s non-verbal performance that stood out this time.

“What Carney did that was really quite masterful is he was very busy active listening,” he said.

Braley said Carney maintained a “stoic, neutral look” during those moments and engaged only when it served the conversation.

“They came across as actual friends, and how real that is I don’t know,” Braley said. “But when Donald Trump threw in the 51st state … Mark Carney was great in repartee and coming back to that with a funny comment.”

The meeting, Braley said, was different from their first encounter in the Oval Office earlier this year, when he said Carney appeared more guarded.

“At that first meeting, Carney was a lot more stiff and a bit on the defensive,” Braley said. “He allowed Donald Trump to get to him a little bit. But this time he was very relaxed and he mirrored a lot of Trump’s body language.”

That, Braley said, included leaning forward in his chair, turning toward Trump when speaking, and occasionally acknowledging reporters with subtle gestures.

“Media like that,” said Braley. “He was respecting them and he understood they were a valuable communication tool for him.”

He noted that Carney’s performance reflected a growing ease in his public persona.

“He was much more comfortable and at ease today than he was during the Canadian debates,” said Braley. “He showed a lot of confidence. He was acting cool and in control, and Donald Trump didn’t faze him whatsoever.”

With files from CTV News’ Spencer Van Dyk