Head and Face
Facial expressions and head movements (nodding, shaking, leaning, etc.) use 43 muscles to nonverbally communicate emotions, attitudes, and attention levels during social interactions.
THE IDEA
Head and Face
When speaking, we usually either nod or shake our heads, depending on whether we agree or not. When we listen extra carefully to a discussion, we can lean our heads to one side. Hanging your head or wrinkling your forehead can signal sadness or depression. When we’re amazed at something, we often raise our eyebrows, while we turn up our noses at things we aren’t fond of. In your face alone forty-three different muscles are concealed, and these can be combined in countless ways.
When to use it
In a job interview, using appropriate head nods can convey agreement and interest without interrupting.
During negotiations, observing the other person's forehead wrinkling or eyebrow raising can reveal hidden emotions.
In public speaking, tilting your head or raising your eyebrows can help engage the audience and emphasize key points.
When meeting people from different cultures, being aware that a head shake may not always mean 'no' can prevent misunderstandings.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Nodding for Agreement
When you agree with someone's point, you often nod your head. This gesture can signal agreement and encourage the speaker.
Leaning Head to Show Attention
Tilting your head to one side while listening indicates that you are paying close attention and are engaged in the conversation.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How might your own facial expressions influence the outcome of a difficult conversation?
Can you recall a time when someone's head movement (nodding, shaking) changed your interpretation of their words?
How do cultural differences affect the meaning of head gestures like nodding or shaking?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)