A micro-expression is a brief, involuntary facial expression shown on the face of humans according to emotions experienced. They usually occur in situations where people have something to lose or gain. There are 7 main micro-expressions that are usually spotted and are labelled. These are similar to the Basic Emotions of contempt, anger, fear, disgust, joy, sadness and surprise.
Micro-expressions are usually displayed when someone is consciously trying to conceal how they are feeling or when someone is not consciously thinking about their feelings. They are very brief in duration, lasting only up to 1/25. Macro-expressions last from half a second to about 4 seconds. Like poker faces in a gambling situation, experts are supposed to be able to be so neutral in their expressions that opponents would not have a clue about their opponents luck.
Unlike regular facial expressions, it is difficult to hide micro-expression reactions. Micro-expressions express the six universal emotions: disgust, anger, fear, sadness, happiness, and surprise. Over the last 35 years, Paul Ekman has travelled the world and all the continents and through his detailed research , has concluded that universally, everyone expresses similar emotions when they are exposed to situations they would cause such emotions. His expanded his list of emotions, including a range of positive and negative emotions not all of which are encoded in facial muscles. These emotions are amusement, contempt, embarrassment, anxiety, guilt, pride, relief, contentment, pleasure, and shame.
The training of micro-expressions helps tremendously in influencing. Sales and negotiations can be deftly strategized if one is adept at reading such micro movements on the face. All this does fall under the umbrella of our EQ Training in EQ Asia.
