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How do I Read Facial Expressions?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

You can learn to read facial expressions by becoming a keen observer of people. Notice how people react to certain situations and how their faces look when as they express different emotions. Studying both people you've known for years and strangers can help you become more aware of what facial expressions can reveal.

Facial expressions are a form of non-verbal communication just like other types of body language. Learning to read the face along with observing body language can really help you get an accurate reading. For instance, if a person crosses his or her arms and has the facial expression of darting eyes, discomfort and a guarded front is being communicated. You can then look for further clues as to what the emotional discomfort is or what the person seems to be hiding.

An intense stare could be a sign of deceit.
An intense stare could be a sign of deceit.

It's important to note that although indirect eye contact tends to mean that someone isn't being totally honest with you, too intense straight forward eyes can also be a sign of deceit. A person concerned about his or her facial expressions revealing too much could purposely try to keep direct eye contact. Look for forced effort rather than a natural way of maintaining eye contact. Sociopaths, who can be violent without experiencing guilt, are especially talented at maintaining the appearance of natural eye contact while actually concealing their true emotions. You may just simply feel somehow uncomfortable when in the presence of a sociopath because otherwise they can appear to be quite conventional and charming.

Autistic children have a difficult time interpreting other people's facial expression.
Autistic children have a difficult time interpreting other people's facial expression.

Reading facial expressions accurately is challenging, so practice is necessary. You shouldn't quickly judge an expression without giving it some analytical thought. Gut instinct is also an important consideration. It takes practice and the right mix of gut instinct and careful analysis to learn to read facial expressions well.

Some people's facial expressions may be subtle while others' are more animated. To make facial expression reading even more difficult, not all people react or communicate non-verbally in the same way. Slightly narrowed eyes for one person may signal suspicion, while for another person it may mean anger or annoyance. Raising the eyebrows up for most people means they're surprised.

Learning to read facial expressions can often help people communicate more effectively.
Learning to read facial expressions can often help people communicate more effectively.

Eyes tell the most when you're reading facial expressions, but other features can be telling as well. Pursing, or pulling in, the lips may mean that a person is trying not to reveal negative criticism. Wrinkling the nose may mean either disgust or confusion. Practicing daily to read faces can help you become increasingly accurate at it.

Discussion Comments

helene55

Research has shown that people younger than about 16 are naturally worse at reading facial expressions. For example, "fear", "surprise", and "anger" might all look to same to a 10 or 12 year old child, while adults could identify each very easily. I imagine this can be particularly true for people who spent less time watching people as children.

mitchell14

Some people's facial expressions are harder to read than others. If you watch enough people, however-especially people you might know less and be less able to predict- you can become much better at reading at least basic expressions. Finally, a good use for "people watching".

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    • An intense stare could be a sign of deceit.
      By: dundanim
      An intense stare could be a sign of deceit.
    • Autistic children have a difficult time interpreting other people's facial expression.
      By: sneksy13
      Autistic children have a difficult time interpreting other people's facial expression.
    • Learning to read facial expressions can often help people communicate more effectively.
      By: amyinlondon
      Learning to read facial expressions can often help people communicate more effectively.
    • It is often easy to see if someone is confused by something by reading their facial expressions.
      By: Konstantin Sutyagin
      It is often easy to see if someone is confused by something by reading their facial expressions.