{Facial Expressions

By Keriann Clinton

Non-Verbal Communication

The human face is able to convey emotion without words. It is universal and natural.

The face has muscles that control the mouth, lips,

eyes, nose, forehead, jaw and eye brows.

With so many much going on, it makes the human face capable of over a

thousand different expressions.

6 Universal Facial Expressions

Happiness, Sadness, Surprise, Disgust, Fear and Anger

All of the above emotions can be emphasized by other things such as shifting of the eyes, breathe and combining the different expressions.

Happiness

Description

Raising of the Mouth Corners

Lift of the Cheeks

Mouth Maybe Open Slightly

Uses 6 Linear Muscles

Sadness

Description

Lowering of Mouth Corners

Raise Inner Brow

6 Linear Muscles

Surprise

Description

Jaw Drops Slightly, Mouth Open

Brows Arched/Raised

Flared Nostrils

Eyes Wide Open, Exposed White

3 Linear Muscles

Disgust

Description

Nose Wrinkled

Cheeks Raised

Upper Lip Raised

Eyes Narrowed

Lowered Brow

6 Linear Muscles

Fear

Description

Brows Raised

Eyes Open

Tense Lower Eye Lids

Mouth Open Slightly

5 Linear Muscles + 1 for the Mouth

Anger

Description

Brows Lowered, Closer Together

Eyes Bulging/Glaring

Lips Pressed Firmly/Narrowed

5 Linear Muscles + 1 for the Mouth

Natural or Learned

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G6ZR5lJgTI&feature=player_embedded

The following video explains the research of facial expressions observed during the Olympics. Researchers observed the regular Olympics competitors and compared them to the blind competitors during the special Olympics. The finding showed that the facial expressions were almost identical.

Where Facial Expressions Fail?

Modern Communication- Phone- Text- Email

Disabilities- Visually Impaired - Loss of Muscle Movement

Conclusion

Facial expressions are universal and natural.

The six universal expressions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what human faces can express.

In the every advancing world of technology changing how we communicate, the most basic and universal tool in communication is left out.