MicroExpressions Microexpressions are very brief facial expressions lasting

Micro-Expressions

Micro-expressions • are very brief facial expressions, lasting only a fraction of a second. They occur when a person either deliberately or unconsciously conceals a feeling. Seven emotions have universal signals: anger, fear, sadness, disgust, contempt, surprise and happiness.

The 7 Universal Micro-expressions

Anger

Disgust

Fear

Happiness

Sadness

Surprise

7: Contempt

Micro-expressions • Paul Elkman created the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), which is a common standard to systematically categorize the physical expression of emotions, and it has proven useful to psychologists and to animators. • Elkman believed that facial expressions are universal rather than culturally determined

Ekman’s extended list of Micro-Expressions • • • Amusement Contempt Embarrassment Excitement Guilt Pride Relief Satisfaction Pleasure Shame

Facial Communication • Facial expressions are a universal language ▫ These 7 Micro-expressions are used, universally ▫ Those who are blind from birth also use these micro -expressions, even though they have never seen them being used! • The Face communicates our most basic emotions ▫ Serves us well in our ability to survive (When we are in need of help, our sadness or fear will show through to others as a signal for our need)

Facial Communication cont. • The face is involuntarily triggered by emotionintense situations ▫ Facial expressions are connected to our Automatic Neuro-System (ANS), so when we feel an intense emotion, our feeling will involuntarily leak through our face ▫ This tendency can be consciously controlled to a certain degree (poker players, con-artists), but even the best of liars have been caught giving their true feelings away though Micro-expressions and body language.

Why does this matter to me? ! • When presenting, your facial expressions give away A LOT about you. • Whether consciously or subconsciously, your audience is garnering a majority of your message from your non-verbal communication, and Micro-expressions are one form of non-verbal expression that we use • Are your Micro-expressions congruent with what you are verbally saying?

Congruent vs. Incongruent