THE SCIENCE OF FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
What Are Microexpressions?
Microexpressions are extremely brief facial expressions that can occur when a person experiences an emotion. Often lasting only a fraction of a second, these fleeting expressions can be difficult to recognize.
Discover what microexpressions reveal about emotional communication, explore the science behind them, and learn how to improve your recognition skills.
Understanding Microexpressions
Facial expressions are a fundamental part of nonverbal communication. They can convey information about emotional experiences, sometimes without conscious intention.
Microexpressions are particularly brief facial movements associated with emotion. Because they occur so quickly, they may go unnoticed during everyday interactions. Learning to recognize them can strengthen your observation skills and deepen your understanding of emotional communication.
The Seven Basic Facial Expressions of Emotion
Humintell’s training focuses on seven facial expressions commonly studied in emotion recognition research.
Happiness
Raised cheeks and characteristic movements around the eyes and mouth.
Sadness
Changes in the eyebrows, eyelids, and corners of the mouth.
Anger
Lowered eyebrows, tightened eyelids, and lip tension.
Fear
Raised eyebrows, widened eyes, and changes around the mouth.
Surprise
Raised eyebrows, widened eyes, and an open mouth.
Disgust
A wrinkled nose or raised upper lip.
Contempt
An asymmetric movement at one corner of the mouth.
See Microexpressions in Action
Watch this introduction to facial expressions of emotion and Humintell’s training.
Why Do Microexpressions Occur?
Emotional experiences can influence facial muscle activity, sometimes producing rapid expressions without deliberate intention. Researchers study microexpressions to better understand the relationship between facial behavior, emotion, and emotional regulation.
While these expressions may provide insight into emotional responses, they do not reveal the precise cause of an emotion. Context and individual differences remain essential.
Can Microexpressions Reveal Deception?
Microexpressions can provide clues about emotions and mental states that may be relevant when evaluating truthfulness and deception.
Research on nonverbal indicators of deception has examined how certain facial expressions and other behaviors can help differentiate truth-tellers from liars in some contexts.
However, no single facial expression is definitive proof of deception. Effective behavioral analysis considers clusters of
scientifically validated nonverbal behaviors across multiple channels, including the face, voice, gestures, and body movements.
For interviewers, investigators, therapists, and negotiators, recognizing these cues can highlight meaningful topics, inform follow-up questions, and provide additional insight into emotional states.
Who Can Benefit From Microexpression Training?
Facial expression recognition skills can be valuable across a wide range of professional settings.
Communication Professionals
Build awareness of facial behavior during interpersonal interactions.
Educators & Researchers
Explore connections between facial expressions, emotion, and human behavior.
Interviewers & Investigators
Strengthen observation skills and interpret emotional cues in context.
Healthcare & Helping Professionals
Develop greater awareness of nonverbal communication.
Can You Learn to Recognize Microexpressions?
Yes. Structured training can help people develop their ability to recognize brief facial expressions. Humintell offers interactive online programs with instructional videos, expression images, practice exercises, and assessments.
MiX Enhanced
Practice recognizing microexpressions through interactive exercises, instructional content, and assessments.
SubX Training
Build your ability to recognize subtle, lower-intensity facial expressions of emotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do microexpressions last?
Microexpressions may last only a fraction of a second, making them difficult to recognize in real time.
Are microexpressions involuntary?
Microexpressions are generally described as brief facial expressions that occur without deliberate control.
Can anyone learn microexpression recognition?
People can improve their facial expression recognition skills through structured practice, although individual results vary.
Put Your Recognition Skills to the Test
Curious how well you can recognize facial expressions of emotion? Try Humintell’s free demos or explore our online training programs.