Body Language Facial Expressions

Question 1

Which facial expression is considered universally recognized across cultures as indicating happiness?

Accepted Answer

A genuine smile involving both the mouth and eyes

Answer

The Duchenne smile, which engages both the zygomatic major and orbicularis oculi muscles, is universally recognized as genuine happiness.

Question 2

What does it typically indicate when someone's eyebrows are pulled together and lowered simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Confusion or anger

Answer

Eyebrows pulled together and lowered is a classic indicator of anger or deep concentration and confusion.

Question 3

Micro-expressions in body language are significant because they:

Accepted Answer

Reveal genuine emotions that last only a fraction of a second

Answer

Micro-expressions are involuntary facial movements lasting 1/25 to 1/5 of a second that reveal true underlying emotions.

Question 4

When someone displays a social or 'polite' smile, which muscle is typically NOT engaged?

Accepted Answer

Orbicularis oculi (around the eyes)

Answer

A polite or fake smile typically only uses the zygomatic major muscle, while a genuine smile also engages the orbicularis oculi around the eyes.

Question 5

Which facial cue most strongly signals that a person is lying or suppressing an emotion according to body language experts?

Accepted Answer

A micro-expression that flashes before a controlled expression

Answer

Micro-expressions that appear briefly before a composed expression are among the strongest indicators of emotion suppression or deception.

Body Language Practice Test