CNN brought on a “behavioral analyst and body language expert” to help break down the interactions between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin during their Alaska summit.

CNN’s Michael Smerconish brought on body language expert Chris Ulrich on Saturday who provided commentary and analysis while footage of Putin and Trump meeting and talking played out. Ulrich insisted there was far more than just some clapping and a handshake when Trump awaited Putin’s arrival on a red carpet.

“He’s waiting. He’s in the authority position. By using that clap, he’s taking some of the authority out of the moment, going from host into receiver. He offers a rapport, an opportunity to lighten the moment through that clap. It’s followed by a smile as he puts his hand out in this very open palm gesture. It’s an interesting hand move that he does in order to clap,” Ulrich said.

Smerconish noted Trump faced pushback from critics for briefly clapping at Putin’s arrival, but he saw it as simply a welcoming gesture. Ulrich compared it to late night comedians inviting on a guest.

“We’ll see Tonight Show hosts and other folks do this. It’s like, let’s get ready to do this. The handshake that followed that is a moment of opportunity for them to connect,” he said. “And that handshake lasts for 10 seconds, Michael. As they build rapport, they‘re smiling at each other. They‘re making eye contact as they‘re looking at each other. This is a moment of rapport building and parity. And even in those moments, keep in mind, Michael, the handshake is a negotiation, an ongoing signal for power.”

Ulrich argued Trump made it clear he was “in command” with his gestures towards Putin.

“Trump shows deference, followed by pulling the hand in and using these touch gestures to reestablish dominance as they walk down, showing he’s in control, he’s in command,” he said.

Watch above via CNN.

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