Body Language of Honest Smile or Duchenne Smile
Cue: Honest Smile or Duchenne Smile
Synonym(s): Duchenne Smile, Felt Smile, Broad Smile, Smiling Eyes
Description: This smile is called the honest smile and its giveaway is the appearance of crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes. The orbicularis oculi muscles surround the eyes contract when happy emotions are present. The zygomatic muscles, around the mouth, on the other hand, are consciously controlled and can be a giveaway to a false smile, as does the presences of asymmetry.
In One Sentence: The Duchenne is an honestly felt smile indicating true happiness.
How To Use it: Research has found that with practice many people can actually replicate the characteristics of the “true smile” to fool casual observers. Honest smiles should be the default smile as it will create the most warmth and trust in others.
The exception of course, is when one does not wish to welcome people closer. A polite smile is better suited for such occasions.
Should a woman wish to repel men in a dating context, an honest smile would be counterproductive. A polite smile can be used in its stead and tell him nonverbally, that, while the offer is appreciated, no mutual feelings exist.
To perform the Duchenne smile, be sure to flex the muscles surrounding the eye to produce crow’s feet. Practice this in the mirror.
Context: General
Verbal Translation: “I’m so overjoyed that my eyes are lighting up with happiness – it’s as if my eyes are smiling.”
Variant: A broad smile occurs when the teeth are made visible. See Smiling, Fear Smile, Friendly Smile, Frown (the) or Downturned Smile, Honest Smile or Duchenne Smile, Jaw Drop Smile, Nervous Smile, Polite Smile (the), Uneven Smile Or Lopsided Smile, Upper Lip Smile, Artificial Smile or Fake Smile, Nervous Smile, Honest Smile or Duchenne Smile, Contempt Facial Expression.
Cue In Action: a) Despite holding her laugh in, her eyes crinkled into crows feet. b) Wrinkles formed at the edges of her eyes – she had smiling eyes. c) The con artist gave himself away. When he smiled, his jaw dropped, but no wrinkles formed at the edges of his eyes.
Meaning and/or Motivation: The Duchenne smile is a “true smile.” It is honest and due to true feelings of joy. The gaze is relaxed and the smile is intended to convey joy and pleasure. It is difficult to replicate these smiles without being truly amused or in good company as the muscles are usually out of our conscious control. Therefore, this is a smile that is not easily faked making it a reliable indicator.
The Duchenne Smile draws its name from the French researcher Guillaume Duchenne who used electrodiagnostics and electrical stimulation to distinguish between real and fake smiles.
Cue Cluster: Duchenne smiles will be coupled with other open and relaxed body language such as arms uncrossed, palms up and gesturing, relaxed gaze, ample gesticulation, increased proximity, orienting toward a person, and so forth.
Body Language Category: Honest body language, Open body language, Liking, Emotional body language.
Resources:
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