Your 7 smiles and the signals they’re sending to your audience
If you’d flashed your pearly whites in a grin during Greek and Roman times, you’d have been seen as a fool and highly inappropriate.
Smiles and laughter were reserved for the gods.
Thank goodness none of us are gods, and that we’ve graduated some centuries in our opinions of a very normal facial expression.
Your smile is one of the most nuanced nonverbal communication points on your face.
A smile can convey contempt, annoyance, and even sickly sweet appeasement.
But, wait, isn’t it meant to show joy, adoration, and contentment?
Oh, a smile is so much more.
Here are your 7 Smiles
(and characters who embody them)
1.) Duchenne Smile
This is your winner winner chicken dinner smile!
It’s the smile you want on your face, and to see on other's visages. It was named after French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne. It involves both your mouth and your eyes. It's genuine, warm, and conveys trustworthiness and positive intent.
This smile isn’t just about the lips. The orbicularis oculi muscle - aka that one creates crows feet - contracts, causing the skin around the eyes to wrinkle—commonly known, again, as “crow’s feet.” This is typically seen as a genuine, warm expression that conveys trustworthiness and positive intent. Research shows that people tend to trust those displaying a Duchenne smile more than those with other types of smiles.
Where have you seen this on the big screen?
Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation – Her insatiably genuine enthusiasm shows in her warm, eye-crinkling smiles, especially when she talks about her love for her friends, waffles, or her job.
Ted Lasso in Ted Lasso – Displays that 1,000 watt smile which is always heartfelt, especially when encouraging his team, which creates an authentic sense of connection and trust.
2.) Non-Duchenne Smile
While the name suggests a polar opposite of number one, it's your corporate handshake smile.
It's a polite smile involving only the major muscle (zygomaticus for you fellow nerds out there), which pulls the corners of the mouth up, without the eye's involvement. It can appear friendly but may also come across as merely polite, reserved, or even controlled. It’s often used in formal or professional situations where a more composed demeanor is needed.
Can you put your finger on where you’ve seen this?
The Queen in The Crown – Frequently displays polite, restrained smiles that convey decorum rather than genuine joy, especially in public appearances.
3.) Brittle Smile
Likely you've heard this referred to as a “strained” smile. It functions like a mask to hide underlying tension, discomfort, or forced enthusiasm. It might look overly tight or wide. It's often linked with a need to mask negative emotions. These smiles can cause others to feel uneasy or suspicious of the smiler’s true intentions.
What HBO show captured this best?
Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones – In an effort to hide her true emotions, she smiles especially in scenes where she feels threatened or cornered, but it means anything but happiness.
4.) Shit-Eating Grin
Generally asymmetrical or lopsided, this one can imply sarcasm, smugness, or insincerity. Much like a certain cat you meet in Wonderland. Because of its uneven appearance, (Cheshire) grins lack the symmetry and harmony of a Duchenne smile which can come off as condescending. Cross-culturally this smile is universally recognized. It’s often interpreted as an attempt to cover up genuine feelings of irritation, superiority, or even contempt.
Spot the smirk:
Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean – Known for his roguish, self-satisfied grin, especially when he’s manipulating or tricking others.
5.) Affiliation Smile
Of the five, this once joins forces with a nonverbal behavior. While used to communicate openness and approachability, affiliation smiles are softer and may be accompanied by nods or slight head tilts. In corporate settings, affiliation smiles are useful for establishing rapport and signaling empathy. Studies show that affiliation smiles can help create a sense of connection and reduce social tension, making them a valuable tool for leaders who want to appear more approachable and collaborative.
This warmth is hiding out in Wakanda, forever:
T'Challa in Black Panther - His warm, welcoming smile, is infectious especially in moments with his family and friends like Nakia and Shuri. It’s used to showcase his kindness and natural inclination to bring people together.
6.) Contempt Smile
Similar to the “shit-eating grin” in asymmetry, the contempt smile also involves a one-sided mouth movement plus an iconic Disney-villain-cartoon raised eyebrow. This smile conveys disrespect or superiority. It has the power to instantly change the tone of an interaction, signaling that the smiler views themselves as above the person they’re interacting with. Recognizing this smile in others can be helpful to assess hidden interpersonal dynamics.
You love to hate this one:
Regina George in Mean Girls – Famous for her contemptuous smile, especially when delivering backhanded compliments or making subtle insults, “that's why her hair is so big. It's full of secrets."
7.) Embarrassment or ‘Appeasement’ Smile
This is Liz Lemon in a nutshell, for all you 30 Rock lovers. Said smile is often displayed when someone feels awkward or out of place. It usually goes hand in hand with a downward gaze or head tilt, as if the person is trying to make themselves appear less intimidating. This smile signals a desire to smooth over social discomfort. People often use it in situations where they feel they've made a mistake or are uneasy.
Characters who embody this expression beyond Lemon?
George Costanza in Seinfeld – Of all characters often caught in compromising, uncomfortable, or awkward positions, George takes the cake. He gives this smile to diffuse tension.
Want to elevate your team's communication skills and make the most of every smile?
Book time to talk about a tailored workshop for your team where they can learn how to harness the power of body language and expressions in professional interactions to influence and persuade.
