“The face is a picture of the mind with the eyes as its interpreter.”
Cicero, the Roman statesman and philosopher, nailed it way back in ancient times. He didn’t have FBI interrogation studies or modern psychology to back him up, but he knew the face could spill more secrets than a gossipy hairdresser on a slow day.
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Learn to read Micro Expressions:
For example, most liars look down and to the right, according to FBI interrogation studies. That’s where the term “downright liar” comes from. But before you go off accusing everybody you know of being deceitful, learn to look for the body language cues that will make you more aware of what they’re saying. In the book “Without Saying a Word∗,” Kasia Wezowski succinctly highlights the body language cues that you will need to learn to be a great leader and a great salesperson.
Becoming a micro expression expert is like gaining a superpower, minus the radioactive spider bite. It’s about noticing those fleeting facial expressions that last for a fraction of a second. They’re like text messages from the subconscious, but instead of “LOL” or “BRB,” they’re saying “I’m lying” or “I secretly hate this idea but I’m too polite to say so.”
Start by watching people’s faces when you know they’re experiencing a certain emotion. Happy? Look for those crow’s feet around the eyes (real smiles reach the eyes, fake ones don’t). Disgusted? There’s a little wrinkle that appears on the nose. Surprised? The eyebrows go up and the mouth opens slightly. It’s like a game of emotional Bingo, and you’re trying to get a full house.
But here’s the catch: don’t get so caught up in playing facial detective that you forget to actually listen to what people are saying. You’re aiming for “attentive leader,” not “creepy face-starer.”
And remember, context is key. If someone looks down and to the right, they might be lying… or they might have just noticed a stain on their shirt. If their nose wrinkles, they might be disgusted by your proposal… or they might be allergic to your aftershave. Don’t jump to conclusions faster than a kangaroo on a pogo stick.
The real skill is in combining what you see with what you hear. It’s like being a human lie detector, but without the awkward wires and electrodes. Plus, it’s a lot more socially acceptable in meetings.
Pro Tip:
Practice your micro expression reading skills while watching TV with the sound off. It’s like a silent movie, but instead of piano music, you provide the internal monologue. “Ah, he’s saying he didn’t eat the last cookie, but that slight lip purse says otherwise!” Just don’t do this out loud at the office. Trust me, it’s a quick way to earn a reputation as “that weird mumbly guy.”
So, start paying attention to those micro expressions. It’s like learning a new language, but instead of “Where’s the bathroom?” you’re learning to ask “Is Dave really on board with this project, or is he just nodding along while planning his escape?” Master this, and you’ll be reading rooms like a bestselling author. Just remember to blink occasionally, okay?
∗ Get the book Without Saying a Word: https://amzn.to/487AAIj