Body language expert explains what Meghan Markle’s tense 14-second interaction with the audience at a ‘awkward’ conference means

At the 2016 Create and Cultivate blogger conference in Atlanta, Meghan Markle found herself in an awkward moment while discussing her website, The Tig. 

At that time, she was balancing her acting career on Suits with blogging and was given the opportunity to speak about her experiences and insights into the industry. 

However, when the Q&A session was opened to the audience, an uncomfortable silence followed. 

Body language expert Judi James analysed Meghan’s gestures and movements, noting clear signs of discomfort during the interaction. 

Reviewing the clip, Judi observed: ‘There is an awkward amount of gap-filling to cover the fourteen seconds before someone steps up, and in that time, we see Meghan display a range of responses, including what appears to be possible exasperation and a wry, asymmetric smile.’

She pointed out that Meghan initially appeared confident in front of the audience, sitting with her legs crossed and at one point raising one knee – suggesting she had no desire to create a barrier with her posture. 

‘Her elbows propped out on the arms of her chair in an authoritative splay ritual while her left hand lightly rested on her thigh as she addressed the audience in a friendly, rapport-building manner, referring to them as ‘You guys’.’

A skilled host typically prepares backup questions or even plants audience members with pre-written queries, but this was clearly not the case for Meghan’s interview.

Meghan attended the Create and Cultivate blogger conference in Atlanta in 2016 where there was an awkward moment up on stage

Meghan Markle seen at NBC’s Today Show in 2016

Meghan Markle attended the 2016 Create and Cultivate blogger conference in Atlanta, but found herself in an awkward moment while discussing her website, The Tig

‘Every speaker knows the mild dread that comes with the ‘Any questions?’ moment where, no matter how engaging and informative you have been, there is always the risk of a tumbleweed silence that can suggest a lack of interest,’ Judi explained. 

As no immediate questions arose, Meghan quickly interjected, ‘They have no questions, they just want their cocktails,’ using the distancing word ‘they’ to create a ‘subtle rapport gap’. 

‘She looks at her host and steps in to fill the silence, saying ‘I’m a chatty girl’ as her hand flops from the wrist – hinting at that sense of exasperation. 

‘She then raises her eyebrows and adds, ‘Not even a question about Mike Ross, that surprises me!’ while adopting an aloof hand gesture, palm facing the audience, to match the raised brows.’ 

Eventually, a woman in the audience asked a question: ‘Today, I’ve noticed we’ve talked a lot about motivation and following your gut. Meghan, I was wondering if you could speak a little about navigating feminism within conservative business environments.’ 

At this moment, Meghan placed a hand on her forehead and laughed, having just been discussing how many people had offered her champagne. 

‘Once she receives a question about feminism, Meghan seems keen to re-boot her status following what might have been misinterpreted as a lack of enthusiasm,’ Judi noted.

She then shifted the conversation, referencing her past work: ‘I had written an article for the Irish Independent, which is a big newspaper in Ireland, about that exact thing because I had been really fortunate enough to meet with a lot of incredibly powerful women.

At the time, Meghan was balancing her acting career on Suits with blogging and was given the opportunity to speak about her experiences and insights into the industry

Meghan attends Elle’s 6th Annual Women in Television Dinner in  Los Angeles in January 2016

Meghan visits the Polo Ralph Lauren VIP Suite at the Wimbledon Championships in 2016

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement at The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace in November 2017 after dating for a year

‘Of course, you can still be a woman, and want to present yourself well, and look beautiful, and it doesn’t lessen the fact you’re standing up for something that’s incredibly important.’

According to Judi, once back on track, Meghan’s body language conveyed a ‘purring of enjoyment’ as she referenced speaking engagements, high-profile figures like Angela Merkel, and her work with the UN – seemingly regaining control of the moment.

Meghan’s blog, which launched in 2014 and closed eight years ago, was named after her favourite Tignanello wine.

Embracing the role of editor-in-chief, she used the website to share her views on topics ranging from feminism to her passion for philanthropy.

She also shared recipes, make-up and beauty tips, travel advice, and interviews with celebrity friends, including Serena Williams and Priyanka Chopra.