Micro Expression

The Micro Expression of Surprise

by

The Element of Surprise

By David M. Schneer, Ph.D.

Surprise cuts both ways.

Surprise can be positive and absolutely breathtaking: an unexpected gift, a marriage proposal, bumping into a long-lost friend, a surprise party. Or, surprise can be negative and sometimes deadly; infidelity, an assault, an ambush. Either way, surprise is the micro expression we show when we experience the unexpected.

When we are surprised, we open our eyes to see better and open our mouths to breathe more deeply. Of all the micro expressions, surprise is the shortest in duration. Oftentimes, surprise can be bundled or masked with other micro expressions:

  1. We show surprise when we are fearful.
  2. Surprise can quickly turn to anger when you are attacked or mistreated.
  3. Surprise can also dissolve into disgust when you are thrust into an unsavory situation from which you would like to be removed.
  4. We show surprise when we are presented with a sudden delightful event such as surprise gift or surprise birthday party (although for some, this can be downright terrifying).

Surprise has many variations. A common indication of surprise is when the mouth drops open with relaxed lips. Your eyebrows can also convey surprise when they are raised, untense and coupled with a quick lift of the upper eyelids. My colleagues Kasia and Patryk from the Center for Body Language are showing genuine micro expressions of surprise below.

Cautions

Remember, surprise occurs very quickly.  If the eyelids are raised for a longer period of time, then it is likely fear you’re seeing instead. In addition, someone who raises their upper eyelids briefly can simply be signaling high interest in what they are hearing. Elongated raised eyebrows can also be conversational signal for emphasis.

What to Do When You Encounter Surprise?

To summarize, when you experience the unexpected you will react with surprise. When you encounter expressions of surprise in others, try the following:

  1. To the extent possible, try to figure out what, if anything, you may have said to surprise them. In Human Resources, for example, you might learn very quickly whether your salary offer is well received (surprise coupled with a genuine smile) or not (surprise followed by disgust or anger). Change your offer accordingly.
  2. Change the topic.

The Merrill Institute

Stay tuned to our next blog as we individually analyze the “neutral” micro expression. If you’re a poker player, you won’t want to miss this blog.

Contact The Merrill Institute to learn more about Body Language Training and Micro-Expressions

 

The Many Faces of Anger

by

Are You Mad at Me or is That Just Your RBF?

By David M. Schneer, Ph.D.

In his groundbreaking tome “The Many Faces of Evil”, Theologian John S. Feinberg depicts several varieties of abomination: moral evil (the evil we perpetrate upon each other), natural evil (natural catastrophes), and religious evil (suffering from disease). While the title of Feinberg’s book is metaphorical, the micro-expression of anger literally has many faces.

In our last blog, we discussed the micro-expressions of contempt. Today we discuss the micro expressions of anger and how to spot its various forms.

Anger can be displayed by many parts of the body—not just the face or eyes. For example., when people are angry, from head to toe—literally.

Why do we get angry? Anger’s purpose can be to signal displeasure, frighten someone, or can precede a physical fight. We can all recognize when someone is angry. We can sense it ourselves; our muscles become tense, our heart rate and breathing increase, blood rushes to the face, and our neck bulges. But, what about more subtle expressions of anger that can often be masked with a smile? My colleagues Kasia and Patryk below are displaying various forms of anger.

The Many Faces of Anger

Cautions

 If you don’t see other indications of anger—either with the face, eyes or body—be careful; a lone indicator of anger could be misleading. For example, activity with eyelids and eyes could also mean problems on focusing, with concentration, extremely bright light, very low light, or someone with poor eyesight. A jutting jaw could simply mean someone is chewing gum. Pressed lips can also sometimes be indications of controlled sadness.

Are You Mad at Me?

Angry eyes can pierce but oftentimes we mistake anger for concentration. Remember, micro expressions occur in less than a split second. If someone is looking at you with furrowed, narrow brows for longer than that—they’re likely not angry. They’re likely concentrating. It could also be their RBF[2]. This type of action is what Dr. Eckman calls forms of “communications signals” or “emblems” (there are 60 used in the US today alone and many more outside the US).[3] These emblems differ from micro expressions in two very important ways: 1) first, as previously noted, emblems are expressions longer in duration; and 2) with a few exceptions, we can control them. Writes Eckman, “Emblems are almost always performed deliberately. The person who makes an emblem knows what she is doing. She has chosen to state a message”[4]

What to Do When You Encounter Anger?

We see the micro expressions of anger in the face-to-face research that we conduct—especially in advertising or new product development when respondents see a concept that frustrates them in some way. When you encounter such expressions of anger, try the following:

  1. Change the topic and talk about something pleasant.
  2. Apologize, and if you are not the source of their anger, ask them why they are mad.
  3. Give the person a topic that requires deep thinking to refocus them.
  4. If you see clenched fists, remove yourself from the situation.

The Merrill Institute

Stay tuned to our next blog as we individually analyze the micro expressions of fear and how to spot signs of it.

Contact The Merrill Institute to learn more about Body Language Training and Micro-Expressions

 

[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/fashion/im-not-mad-thats-just-my-resting-b-face.html

[3] Paul Ekman. “Telling Lies: Clues to Deceit in the Marketplace, Politics, and Marriage (Revised Edition).” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/telling-lies-clues-to-deceit-in-marketplace-politics/id684667828

[4] IBID.