The Great Intangible

When we smile at one another, especially if it is a true smile, in a very real and scientifically accurate sense, not only are our conscious minds communicating, but our subconscious minds have also connected.

We do business with people we like and we simply like people much more who are sincere and friendly; and that friendliness begins with and is fostered by sincere smiles.

• Lower blood pressure
• Decrease heart rate
• Relax muscles
• Boost the Immune System
• Releases Endorphins (feel-good hormones)
• Creates an overall sense of well-being
• Lengthen marriages
• Lead to long-term happiness

Your face and facial expressions can be thought of as the control panel for your emotional brain!

• Eye openings narrow (lids get closer together)
• “Crows Feet” form (or increase)
• Mouth is pulled up and out
• Upper teeth exposed
• Very little of, if any, of lower teeth show
• Cheeks bunch upwards
• Eyebrows lower slightly

• Eyelids do not come closure together
• If Eyelids are open wider than usual, then in this context, it is a stronger sign of insincerity
• No Crows Feet
• Mouth is pulled outwards (remember: “say cheese” for pictures)
• Upper and Lower teeth exposed
• Less bunching of cheeks
• This is by far the most common type of smile

• Mouth shaped like an upside-down “U”
• No teeth exposed
• Lips are tightened
• Chin wrinkled
• No Eye involvement
• Think of Politicians after they’ve been caught in scandal
• People actually believe they’re smiling, but this resembles a tight-lipped frown

• Lips are tight and form a horizontal line
• Area between the nose and mouth tightened
• No teeth exposure
• Be aware, this is an attempt at a polite rejection

• May be a sign of subtle Contempt (one of the Seven Universal Facial Emotional Expressions)
• Only one side of mouth is elevated (more commonly on left side)
• A sign of insincerity
• Watch out!

• Jaw drops downward
• Used often by Presidents and Celebrities
• (Also, think of “The Joker” in Batman)
• Gives a pseudo-surprised appearance
• Eyelids are often open extra-wide
• Insincere

• Head & Chin down
• Eyes turned sideways and looking up
• Mouth may be tight-lipped
• Commonly used by women to look attractive
• Think of Lady Di
• Men love this smile

The best way you can produce a true and sincere smile is to smile with your eyes. I teach my clients to “lead with your eyes” and your mouth will automatically follow.

Downloads