Facial Feedback Loop and Reason to Smile!

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I just finished aninterview for the Wall Street Journal here is one of the topics I discussedFacial Feedback Loop and reason to smile!


Here is a research quote ofthe facial feedback loop that explains why I do outside in coaching (change thesmile to change how you feel) and inside out coaching (change how you feel toeffect the clients smile. )
The facial feedbackhypothesis states that individuals can initiate emotions through their facialexpression (McIntosh, 1996). If individuals make a specific facial expression, itwill illicit the emotion. The facial feedback hypotheses proposes thatexpression amplify our emotions by activating muscles associated with specificstates and the muscles signal the body to respond as through we wereexperiencing those states. Thus when we simulate the facial expressionsnormally associated with happiness, we may fell happier. Similarly, thebehavior feedback hypotheses assumes that if we move body as we would whenexperiencing some emotion such as smiling when we are happy, we are likely tofeel that emotion to some degree.
Research Strack, Martin, andStepper (1988) provided a relevant study in support for the facial feedbackhypothesis. These researchers utilized the facial simulation procedure in whichparticipants were posed into a certain facial pose. This technique has oftenbeen associated in testing the facial feedback hypothesis. Participants wereasked to read a set of cartoons and respond by rating how humorous the cartoonswere. The condition of the facial-pose simulation was used utilizing a pencilplaced between the teeth of some participants. The three conditions of thepencil included between the teeth, lips, or use of the non-dominant hand(Strack, Martin, & Stepper, 1988). Results and ratings concluded that thosewho held the pencil between their teeth, producing a smile rated that thecartoons were more humorous than those that inhibited the smile.
For more smile research andtools 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.