The Power of Micro-Expressions: How to read what people are really saying
People lie. They hide their true feelings. They say one thing but mean another. But the face always tells the truth if you know what to look for. Micro-expressions are split-second facial movements that reveal real emotions before the brain has time to mask them. Even when someone tries to control their words, their face flashes the truth for just a fraction of a second.
You have probably seen this happen before without realizing it. Think about a time you told someone good news, and for a split second, their face tensed up before they forced a smile. That brief flash of emotion, maybe irritation, envy, or disappointment, was a micro-expression slipping through before they could hide it.
Or maybe you have had a conversation where someone said they were fine, but their lips tightened and their eyebrows pulled together for a moment. Even if they insisted everything was okay, their face revealed otherwise. Once you start noticing these moments, you will never look at conversations the same way again.
How to Spot Micro-Expressions
Unlike normal facial expressions, which last for seconds, micro-expressions appear and disappear in less than half a second. They are completely involuntary, which means they cannot be faked or controlled.
Here are the seven universal micro-expressions and how they show up in everyday life.
Fear: Wide eyes, raised eyebrows, lips slightly stretched
Fear is when someone giving a presentation suddenly widens their eyes and stretches their lips right before speaking. Their words may be confident, but their face just showed their nerves.
2. Anger: Eyebrows pulled down, lips pressed tightly, nostrils flared
Anger is when a coworker says, "No problem," but their eyebrows pull down and their nostrils flare for a brief moment. Their face just revealed the frustration behind their words.
3. Happiness: Genuine smile with crow’s feet around the eyes
Happiness is when a person’s entire face lights up when they smile, including small wrinkles at the corners of their eyes. If the smile stops at the mouth, it is fake.
4. Sadness: Drooping eyelids, downturned lips, slightly furrowed brows
Sadness is when someone shares a personal struggle, and their eyelids droop while their lips turn downward. Even if they say they are okay, their face tells a different story.
5. Disgust: Upper lip raised, nose wrinkled, cheeks lifted
Disgust is when a friend hears about a new restaurant and subtly wrinkles their nose before saying, "Yeah, we should check it out." Their micro-expression exposed their real feelings.
6. Surprise: Raised eyebrows, dropped jaw, widened eyes
Surprise is when someone’s eyebrows shoot up and their eyes widen for a split second before they say, "Oh, I already knew that." Their expression revealed the truth before they could play it cool.
7. Contempt: One side of the mouth lifted in a half-smile
Contempt is when one side of the mouth lifts in a smirk while listening to an idea they secretly think is ridiculous. That brief asymmetrical smile just exposed their judgment.
Why This Matters
Most people focus on what is said. The best communicators pay attention to what is shown. A client might express enthusiasm about a deal, but a brief flicker of hesitation in their face reveals their doubt. A friend may insist they are fine, but a subtle tightening of the lips exposes underlying tension.
Words can be rehearsed, controlled, and manipulated. Micro-expressions cannot. Once you start recognizing them, you will stop just hearing conversations and start truly understanding them.
