Body language expert dissects Meghan Markle's awkward silence at conference

Meghan Markle encountered an uncomfortable pause at the 2016 Create and Cultivate blogger conference in Atlanta, leaving fans wondering why the then-actress froze up. Now we may have the answer as a body language expert breaks down her moment.

The Suits star appeared to shut down during a Q&A session while discussing her lifestyle website, The Tig, her blogging website that she launched alongside juggling her acting role.

Invited to share insights on her experiences, Meghan initially appeared confident and at ease. However, as the audience failed to immediately respond with questions, an uneasy silence set in, lasting 14 seconds and drawing attention to her physical cues.

Judi James, a recognized body language expert, has examined the footage and identified clear indicators of discomfort during this awkward exchange to tell the world what may have been going on in the Duchess' mind.

"There is an awkward amount of gap-filling to cover the fourteen seconds before someone steps up," James remarked to the dailymail.com, noting her mild exasperation and wry, uneven smile.

The analyst further highlighted how Markle initially sat with legs crossed and occasionally raised one knee, a stance that suggested openness rather than defensiveness as she was willing to embrace her audience.

However, she adds that, despite the poised demeanor, the awkward silence revealed the challenge of hosting a live audience when no questions are forthcoming as quiet settled in.

"Every speaker knows the mild dread that comes with the 'Any questions?' moment," Judi continued. "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."

Breaking the silence, Meghan quipped, "They have no questions, they just want their cocktails," deliberately distancing herself in what James described as a "subtle rapport gap."

Markle then turned to her host with a playful, slightly exasperated comment: "I'm a chatty girl," accompanied by a loose wrist movement that conveyed frustration.

"Not even a question about Mike Ross [her Suits co-star played by Patrick Adams], that surprises me," Markle joked, raising her eyebrows as she added, alongside a dismissive hand gesture, palms facing outward.

What does it all mean?

The moment was finally alleviated when a woman in the audience asked about feminism within conservative business environments, a topic that allowed Meghan to regain her composure.

Upon hearing the question, Markle placed a hand on her forehead and laughed as the uncomfortable moment came to an end.

James interpreted this as Markle's effort "to re-boot her status following what might have been misinterpreted as a lack of enthusiasm." Meghan then pivoted the conversation by sharing her prior work.

Once she regained control, Meghan's body language conveyed renewed confidence and enjoyment, particularly when referencing speaking engagements and influential figures in the world.

This moment reveals Meghan Markle's resilience and self-awareness, showing her ability to manage public discomfort with humor and poise but that it does have an impact on Prince Harry's wife.