Mastering the Art of Deciphering Fleeting Facial Cues: An In-depth Analysis of Microexpressions
Ready to master the art of reading people like a pro? Here's a fun and informative take on microexpressions, aka the window to the soul.
A Glimpse at Leadership
Ever wondered if a CEO's face could reveal the success of their company? Check out these snapshots of top CEOs. Can you guess which ones lead the most profitable firms?
In a fascinating study by Nicholas Rule and Nalini Ambady, researchers found that people can accurately gauge the success of CEOs just by looking at their pics. Some examples to test your skills:
- J. David O'Reilly (Chevron)
- James Mulva (Conoco Phillips)
- H. Lee Scott Jr. (Walmart)
Can You Read Facial Expressions?
Think you're good at spotting microexpressions? Put your skills to the test and identify the seven universal facial expressions! Learning this ability is a must-have soft skill that'll level up your people game.
Microexpressions: The Key to Reading Faces
Microexpressions are brief, involuntary facial expressions that last for a tiny fraction of a second – just enough time to slip by our conscious awareness, but not fast enough to evade your keen eyes. Bill Clinton and Lance Armstrong have shown them in all their glory during crucial moments.
The Power of the Face
The face is the ultimate truth-teller, but we often overlook its signals. Dr. Paul Ekman, whose research is the basis for the show Lie to Me, has shown us that facial expressions are not just unique to different cultures but are also universal.
Universal Emotions: Ekman's Seven Expressions
Ekman has identified seven facial expressions that are easy to pick up on and highly informative in understanding the people around us:
Surprise
- Eyebrows raise and curve slightly
- Skin beneath the brows stretches
- Horizontal wrinkles appear across the forehead
- Eyelids open, showing both the upper and lower white of the eyes
- Jaw drops slightly, teeth remain parted
Fear
- Eyebrows rise and draw together in a line
- Wrinkles in the forehead narrow between the eyebrows
- Upper eyelid lifts, lower lid tenses and draws up
- Eyes reveal the upper white but not the lower white
- Mouth opens, lips stretch and rise slightly, exposing teeth
Disgust
- Eyes narrow
- Upper lip rises
- Upper teeth may show
- Nose wrinkles
- Cheeks raise
Anger
- Eyebrows lower
- Vertical lines appear between the brows
- Lower lip tenses
- Eyes harden or bulge
- Lips tighten or press together, with corners pointing down
- Nostrils may widen
- Lower jaw juts out
Happiness
- Corners of lips lift and turn up
- Mouth may or may not part, teeth may show
- Wrinkle runs from outer nose to outer lip
- Cheeks raise
- Lower eyelid may show wrinkles or be tense
Sadness
- Inner corners of eyebrows rise and turn up
- Skin beneath the eyebrows triangles, with the peak at the inner corners
- Lips drop
- Jaw comes up
- Lower lip pouts out
Contempt
- One side of the mouth rises
Emotions and Actions: A Two-Way Street
Here's a fun fact: making a facial expression can trigger the corresponding emotion! So, if you fake a smile, you might actually feel happier soon after.
Crafting Your Emotional Reading Skills
Want to become a master people-reader? Start by getting your facial expression game on point. Practicing in front of a mirror can help you recognize the different expressions on your own face.
Stay tuned for more insights on reading people and their emotions!
- To excel in business, one might find it beneficial to understand the subtle cues in fitness-and-exercise routines and skincare regimens of potential CEOs, as these can reflect their mental-health and lifestyle.
- Mastering microexpressions can be a valuable addition to your social-media presence, as it allows you to engage better with followers, discuss health-and-wellness topics, and offer fashion-and-beauty advice with a deeper understanding of emotions.
- As a reader, understanding the science behind universal emotions lets you analyze entertainment content with greater insight, review books that delve into psychology, and discuss technology advancements that aim to support mental-health and lifestyle improvements.
- One can utilize their newfound people-reading skills to analyze leadership styles in films and TV shows, leading to thoughtful discussions on entertainment and its impact on our mental health.
- With the ability to read microexpressions, one can navigate online communities focused on progressive lifestyle choices, such as health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, fashion-and-beauty, and technology, and engage in meaningful conversations on these topics.
