I just finished an
interview for the Wall Street Journal here is one of the topics I discussed
Facial Feedback Loop and reason to smile!
Here is a research quote of
the facial feedback loop that explains why I do outside in coaching (change the
smile to change how you feel) and inside out coaching (change how you feel to
effect the clients smile. )
The facial feedback
hypothesis states that individuals can initiate emotions through their facial
expression (McIntosh, 1996). If individuals make a specific facial expression, it
will illicit the emotion. The facial feedback hypotheses proposes that
expression amplify our emotions by activating muscles associated with specific
states and the muscles signal the body to respond as through we were
experiencing those states. Thus when we simulate the facial expressions
normally associated with happiness, we may fell happier. Similarly, the
behavior feedback hypotheses assumes that if we move body as we would when
experiencing some emotion such as smiling when we are happy, we are likely to
feel that emotion to some degree.
Research Strack, Martin, and
Stepper (1988) provided a relevant study in support for the facial feedback
hypothesis. These researchers utilized the facial simulation procedure in which
participants were posed into a certain facial pose. This technique has often
been associated in testing the facial feedback hypothesis. Participants were
asked to read a set of cartoons and respond by rating how humorous the cartoons
were. The condition of the facial-pose simulation was used utilizing a pencil
placed between the teeth of some participants. The three conditions of the
pencil included between the teeth, lips, or use of the non-dominant hand
(Strack, Martin, & Stepper, 1988). Results and ratings concluded that those
who held the pencil between their teeth, producing a smile rated that the
cartoons were more humorous than those that inhibited the smile.
For more smile research and
tools to improve your smile read "SNAP Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma."
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.
