Your Face Leaks, So Work on the Feeling
Expect that brief flashes of irritation will show, so lower the feeling early rather than relying on a poker face.
Some leakage is shown, but full micro-expressions were rare in studies and training people to read them has weak evidence.
Why it works
When people tried to hide feelings, parts of the real expression still slipped out at times. Others may not read it exactly, but they sense something is off.
How to do it
- Treat a tight face as a sign to calm down, not just to hide.
- Use a slow exhale and a reappraisal.
- Soften your eyes and drop your jaw.
- If they saw it, name it lightly.
What to say
Sorry, I frowned there. I was thinking, not disagreeing.
That surprised me. Tell me more.
Avoid
Believing you hide it well. Most people who show irritation think they did not.
Example
Devendra's colleague told him he frowned every time a client questioned the fee. He started breathing out and saying, tell me more, before replying. Clients stopped getting defensive.
Practise it
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