Can Facial Expressions Go Solo?

In communication facial expressions are the richest resource-a beacon of people's emotional states. If you want to know if your boss approves of your presentation to the board, get a fix on their face before you ask for their feedback and watch for micro-facial expressions (momentary loss of control) before facial management(a look of disappointment followed in a nano second by a look of approval). Finally, look for incongruent verbal messages that don't match the facial expression (verbally "I liked it" said with a look of dismay or a frown).

Are facial expressions that important in the communication process? Apple and government agencies like TSA are developing software to identify customers' moods and training programs to help gauge the intent of airline passengers. In the mental health field, illnesses like autism and schizophrenia are diagnosed and treated in part by training patients to distinguish emotions by facial expressions.
Past research and  scientific studies have revealed how important facial expressions are in "reading" others. However, there is new research that suggests to decipher the emotion someone is feeling, you need to see more than just his/her facial expression. In other words, facial expressions may not speak for themselves-stand alone. New insight suggests we pull from other nonverbal cues. A few examples are:

• context
• body position
• gestures
• a vocalization (nonfluenicies -um, er, ah,)

The bottom line, while the face may be one of the primary sources to help us "read" others, it does not tell the whole story. Facial expressions taken together with other nonverbal cues help us better interpret the emotion and feelings of others. When your boss begins their feedback on your presentation pay attention to the whole nonverbal environment.

Audrey presented The Art of Conscious Communication to
EKS&H

“Overall I think it was a very good training program….and she is an engaging presenter who knows her stuff.  I would recommend we use her again for communication oriented trainings. I liked the way she moved around the class-room to help keep folks engaged (although Boulder might have missed seeing her a bit?) She was very good with names – impressive really!  Only making 1 mistake that I heard with a large group….I aspire to that.

This was the first L3 session I have went to.  Overall, I thought Audrey was a great speaker – the hour and a half flew by.  Normally, I feel that trainings can drag on, not this one.  I really liked her animation and energy level.  She had great stories/examples to prove/show her point.  When I left the training, I was glad I went and I am planning on looking at her books because she spoke of things that are a great reminder to us all.”

Christine Voss
EKS&H
AUDIT/TAX/CONSULTING
Learning and Development Senior

Hi Audrey, I attended the Mile High SHRM seminar you conducted in November. I wanted to let you know that I'm finding "The Gender Communication Handbook" very informative & helpful. I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.
 Leslie

Hi Audrey,
Thank you so much for being our DeltaDays Keynote speaker—you did a great job!  You handled the situation like the pro you are. We look forward to having you back on campus when another opportunity arises.  I wish you continued success and look forward to seeing more of your work.  Be sure to let me know if you haven’t received your check by the end of the week.
Take care,
Deb  
Debra K. Lasich
Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
Colorado School of Mines