Reading facial expressions to find out what a person is feeling is much easier than you might imagine. You will learn to recognize 'micro-expressions', small facial expressions that make it clear what a person is feeling at that moment.
Steps
Step 1. Before trying to read someone's face, learn to recognize 'micro-expressions'
They are small facial expressions, each corresponding to the increase in intensity of a specific emotion. They are:
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Happiness - A smile, this is evident, however, if it is not accompanied by some sort of ripple, if the cheeks do not swell or if no movement of the muscles around the eyes is visible, the smile is forced.
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Sadness - frown, lips turned down. A frown can also indicate feelings of guilt.
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Contempt - One corner of the mouth lifts, as in a sort of 'half smile'. In case of extreme contempt, the mouth moves upward asymmetrically.
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Disgust - The upper lip lifts, in extreme cases showing the teeth, as if taunting someone.
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Surprise - Open mouth with raised eyebrows. If this expression lasts longer than a second, the person is faking.
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Fear - Raised eyebrows and, in extreme cases, lowered lower lip. Swallowing is also a symptom of fear.
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Anger - Lips tightened, nostrils widened, both eyebrows lowered are all signs of anger.
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Step 2. Start observing
Once you have learned to recognize micro-expressions, try looking for them in the people you meet every day.
Step 3. Recognize a 'basic expression' in the person you are trying to recognize micro-expressions in
A basic expression is the normal muscular activity of a person that determines the expression they have when they experience very light emotions, or feel none at all. Ask regular questions. Make a mental note of the muscle activity that determines his expression when he speaks the truth. Your task is almost done. It is enough to look for micro-expressions and try to relate them to what he is saying.
Advice
- Watch 'Lie to Me'. It is a crime fiction, the main character of which is a scientist, who is really a forensic psychologist, known to be the best in the world in his field, who helps solve crimes using the kind of thing they have to do with. facial expressions and body language. Everything that has to do with body language that is talked about on the show is real. It is broadcast on Fox TV. The pilot episode is the mile to learn body language and facial expressions. The other episodes focus mainly on the crimes to be solved.
- These signals help you understand if someone is lying. If the facial expression is inconsistent with what the person is saying, it means they are lying.
- Some expressions may merge with each other, so that deciphering them can be tricky. Consequently, it takes practice to discern differences. This can be done at school or at work, observing people talking, and trying to understand what they think or what emotions they feel.
