body language - Facial Expressions

 Facial expressions are an important part of body language. We use

our faces to express ourselves, and we all interpret the facial

expressions we see. While some facial expressions are cultural,

some facial expressions are universal. Understanding the basics of

facial expressions and decoding them will help you determine what

people are feeling and facilitate better communication.

Linked with Emotion

Many scientists agree that facial expressions are linked to emotions. Different

feelings create physical responses within the body, and facial expressions are

emotional responses to situations. Because of the emotional connection, it is not

easy to continually fake facial expressions. A flash of true emotion will typically

flicker across the face, even when feelings are kept in check. Not only are emotions

shown with facial expressions; the degree of emotion a person feels is visible on the face. For

example, you can see the difference between a face that shows sadness and one that shows sorrow.

Micro‐Expressions

We all hide negative or unwanted emotions from time to time. We can even mask

our facial expressions to fit social situations. Feelings can occasionally slip out in

the form of micro‐expressions. These brief, involuntary expressions betray

emotions, and they typically last 1/25 of a second. For example, someone gives a

brief sneer but smiles when running into an acquaintance. Most people do not

consciously notice micro‐expressions. In fact, roughly ten percent of people will

knowingly pick up on the micro‐expressions of others.

Most micro‐expressions are based on universal facial expressions. Being aware of these facial

expressions will make micro expressions easier to catch. Noticing micro‐expressions can help

Beauty without expression is boring.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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determine if someone is lying. It is not foolproof, however. For example, someone can be afraid of

being caught in a lie or of not being believed.

Facial Action Coding System (FACS)

The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) is a complex system attributed to Dr. Paul

Ekman. This system breaks down the muscle movements of micro‐expressions into

numbered action units (AUs). The muscles that relax or contract with emotion are

identified to show the feeling behind each movement of the face. There are AUs identified in the

upper and lower face. The meanings behind these involuntary muscle movements are interpreted by

the FACS system. The intensity, duration, and asymmetry of expressions are also noted.

Upper Face:

 Eyebrows

 Forehead

 Eyelids

Lower Face:

 Up/Down

 Horizontal

 Oblique

 Orbital

 Miscellaneous

Example:

 An insincere smile will only trigger the zygomatic major muscle. A sincere smile will also

include the lower part of the orbicularis oculi.

Universal Facial Expressions

Many facial expressions are learned from one’s family and culture. There are,

however, facial expressions that all people are believed to share in common. These

are the universal facial expressions. Success with FACS and interpreting micro‐

expressions requires an understanding of universal facial expressions. There are

different lists of universal facial expressions, but most lists include the same six facial expressions.

Facial Expressions:

 Happiness: More than a smile is needed to indicate happiness. Genuine happiness should

include the eyes. Eyelids crinkle a crow’s feet become visible.

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 Anger: A frown typically accompanies anger. Additionally, the eyes narrow, the chin points

forward, and the eyebrows furrow.

 Fear: Wide eyes and slightly raised eyebrows signal fear. The lips may be parted or stretched

when the mouth is closed.

 Surprise: Surprise is similar to fear. The eyebrows fully raise and the eyes are wide with

surprise. The mouth, however, is usually open.

 Sadness: The mouth turns down when someone is sad. A crease in the forehead and quivering

chin accompany this slight frown.

 Disgust: The expression of disgust includes the nose. The nose wrinkles, the lips part, and the

eyes narrow.

Note: Contempt is not always a universally recognized facial expression. It is useful to recognize,

however, and includes a sneer with the side of the mouth elevated.

Case Study

Jane attended a FACS class to improve hers sales. After the class, she began to

close sales quickly. Her sales increased by 20 percent after the first quarter. Jane

learned to stop spending time with potential clients who showed contempt and

disgust. The skills helped her identify what made clients happy and address

potentially difficult situations before anger boiled over. Due to her results, her

department invested in further FACS training.