http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/why-brothe...=rss&utm_content=/rss/yahoous/news&yptr=yahoo
Why the brother of strangled beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey smiled while discussing her murder
Burke Ramsey came under fire from viewers for bizarrely smiling throughout the televised chat.
September 16, 2016
A body language specialist, Judi James, has given her insight on Burke's behaviour to IBTimes UK.
She said: "When we assess body language behaviours we compare expressions and gestures to what
we consider to be 'normal'. However when we look at someone under extreme pressure, e.g. emotional trauma or appearing in court accused of a crime, there is no real 'normal' to use, as has been seen many times in court cases.
"Deep grief can make a person respond with a reflex laugh or become immobile, appearing unfeeling. Guilt can look calm and innocence can prompt displays that might be seen as 'shifty'.
"We especially forget the pressure of the kind of 'performance' someone like Burke will be under as we tend to ignore the fact that there were cameras filming his every move and a professional interviewer asking questions.
"No matter what someone's inner feelings there will always be
the pressure to look normal when in reality there is no such thing. It would be easy to imagine that looking 'yourself' might involve a smile.
"Anxiety can also prompt a smile under extreme conditions. Apes use what looks like a smile gesture when they are in fact terrified and the same tightening of the lip muscles can affect humans."
"Body language is not a precise science which is why in court cases or events like this
it is always important to look at facts and evidence rather than make assumptions based on the facial expressions or non-verbal behavior of anyone involved."