Microexpressions

Microexpressions occur when a person is consciously trying to conceal all signs of how he or she is feeling, or when a person does not consciously know how he or she is feeling. Unlike regular facial expressions, it is difficult almost impossible to hide microexpression reactions. Because we can't control microexpressions as it happens in a fraction of a second, but it is possible to capture someone's expressions with a high speed camera and replay them at much slower speeds.

Microexpressions express the six universal emotions: disgust, anger, fear, sadness, happiness, and surprise. Other emotions are amusement, contempt, embarrassment, anxiety, guilt, pride, relief, contentment, pleasure, and shame. They are very brief in duration, lasting only 1/25 to 1/15 of a second. As people with aphasia we need to be aware that others may take advantage of us So, it's important to trust your instincts and keep yourself safe.

Click the Guide Reading Microexpressions or watch Lie to Me, a TV Crime Dramas.

The TV show, Lie to Me, is loosely inspired by the career of psychologist Paul Ekman, this engaging crime drama focuses on the work of Dr. Cal Lightman, whose knowledge of human facial and behavioral cues lets him determine whether a person is telling the truth (3 seasons).  It's on Netflix.