• RSS
  • Register
    Login
SWNSdigital
  • Home
  • Stories
    • Health and Nutrition
    • Science & Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Family
    • Work & Careers
    • Business and Money
    • Food
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Stories
    • Health and Nutrition
    • Science & Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Family
    • Work & Careers
    • Business and Money
    • Food
No Result
View All Result
SWNSdigital
No Result
View All Result

A body language expert has produced a guide to reading people’s facial expressions – when they are hidden behind a face mask

22 November 2020
in Lifestyle
Home *Copy
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Reddit
NEWS COPY
A body language expert has produced a guide to reading people’s facial expressions – when they are hidden behind a face mask.

Research has found that 76 per cent of Brits struggle to read others when they are wearing a face covering, with more than half mistaking their expression completely.

Now body language expert and TV personality Judi James has revealed her top tips – and not surprisingly, it is all in the eyes.

She indicates a genuine-looking eye-smile should involve some wrinkling at the corners and the rounding of the cheeks.

An ‘eye-flash’ – where the eyes narrow in the eye-smile but the brows pop up and down again in one rapid movement – can signify someone is flirting and ‘likes what they see’.

While a rounding of the eye suggests shared excitement and those who are in love will have dilated pupils – giving true meaning to the ‘look of love’.

But not all eye-signs are indicators of happy feelings – as Judi points out, there are tell-tale signs of someone feeling disgusted or angry.

To recognise disgust on the face of someone wearing a mask, you should look out for a puckered frown, narrowed eye shape and a wrinkling of the skin at the bridge of the nose.

While anger is typically displayed with knitted brows that come as low as possible over the eyes, plus a hard eye-stare with the eyes slightly rounded.

The head would be tilted slightly forward too.

Speaking on behalf of Vision Direct, which commissioned the study of 2,000 adults and the research into eye expressions, Judi James said: “The human animal has always depended on facial expression as a way of social and workplace communication and over the years the key focus has been the mouth.

“We have come to depend on this widening of the lips as a rapport-building social shorthand, which is why the wearing of face masks has caused worries in terms of closing down our ability to communicate.

“The good news is that our eyes are more than capable of taking over the job of transmitting and reading non-verbal signals, in fact one of the reasons we tend to direct attention to our mouth expressions is that our eyes are such strong (and more honest) conveyors of moods and emotions.”

Vision Direct’s findings show more than two thirds of adults struggle to see how someone is feeling when they have a mask on.

And four in 10 have been misunderstood themselves when wearing a face covering.

More than six in 10 adults admit to misunderstanding what someone was saying when they had a mask on, with 42 per cent putting this down to not being able to see their lips.

In particular, 55 per cent have mistaken someone’s expression, with seven in 10 now trying harder to study and read someone’s eyes to guess what face they are making behind the mask.

It also emerged that 71 per cent of those polled via OnePoll agreed the eyes are a key indicator of an expression – if only they knew how to read them.

Judi James added: “My worry is that if we don’t make a few simple tweaks to our body language, moving the focus of sending and receiving non-verbal signals via the eyes rather than the mouth, we will begin to avoid vital communications that make us feel happy and safe, like greeting neighbours in the street or all those small chats with shop-keepers or even clients when we are doing business.

“Reading other’s eye expressions is important but we also need to be aware of our own.

"Our ‘resting’ faces can make us look miserable and unapproachable and without all those mouth shrugs or grins in our repertoire we need to make an active effort to use our eyes to transmit friendly smiles and expressions of empathy.”

Following the findings, Vision Direct has created a quiz to test the nation on its ability to recognise key everyday expressions – via the eyes.

To take the quiz visit www.visiondirect.co.uk/facial-expressions-under-the-face-mask

Karen Foster, research manager at Vision Direct, said: “As face masks prevent us from revealing our true facial expressions, possibly resulting in a breakdown of communication, it’s really up to our eyes to perform.

"Plus, if you add glasses into the mix, they can act as a further block in terms of conveying non-verbal signals, particularly if they fog up due to your mask.”

JUDI JAMES’ TOP TIPS:

1. THE EYE-SMILE
‘Smile like a cat’ is my tip, as cats ‘smile’ by narrowing and softening their eye shape. A genuine-looking eye-smile should involve some wrinkling at the corners and the rounding of the cheeks that occurs when we perform an authentic smile will push the lower lid upward slightly too.

2. THE EYE-FLASH
The eye-flash can work like a micro-handshake and suggest good humour and a liking of the other person.  The eyes narrow in the eye-smile but the brows pop up and down again in one rapid movement. It can also be used as a momentary tie-sign with other people, even strangers.  The eye-flash has another use, though. In a social situation like a bar or club it is often thrown to flirt as it can signal ‘I like what I see’.

3. FUN/HUMOUR
This is a vital gesture during what can be depressing times and we tend to be attracted to people who can lighten and boost our mood in among all the gloom. Fun is a two-part eye ritual. Part one involves a rounding of the eye to suggest shared excitement, but with the brows kept in their normal position to avoid looking scared or shocked. Part two is the narrowing, eye-smile shape, with a subtle lowering of the top lid.

4. DISLIKE/DISGUST
When we dislike something, we tend to mimic the rituals of a baby rejecting food. For the eyes this involves a puckered frown, narrowed eye shape and a wrinkling of the skin at the bridge of the nose. This is one of many facial expression rituals that are linked directly to the survival response. When food smelled bad it would cause this automatic closing of the mouth and eyes and often a shaking of the head to make eating it impossible.

5. LOVE/ATTRACTION/LIKING
Our eye expression softens when we see someone we like and it forms ‘the look of love’ when we gaze at our partner. There’s a very dramatic non-verbal give-away too though that only comes from the eye. Pupil dilation is a physiological response when we look at someone we like or love and as it occurs naturally and can’t be simulated it’s one of the greatest ‘tells’ in terms of our body language.

6. FEAR
Fear is primarily an eye expression and involves a rounding of the eye shape and a small puckering together and upward of the inner brows.

7. SURPRISE/SHOCK
This is another eye expression that is prompted by the survival response as the widening of the eye would allow for better vision during a surprise attack.
The eyebrows raise in an arch and the eyes widen so that the white of the eye is visible nearly all the way around the pupil.

8. CONCERN/EMPATHY
Many people are sharing their troubles right now and it is important to show concern via the eye expression. The brows need to be pulled into a gentle frown but the eye shape itself needs to be softened to avoid the frown looking angry. A small head-tilt signals active, empathetic listening.

9. ANGER
Eye signals can vary depending on the levels of anger but a classic expression would be knitted brows that come as low as possible over the eyes plus a hard eye-stare with the eyes slightly rounded. The head would be tilted forward slightly, too.  Another signal of growing anger or feelings of being under pressure is the eye-stutter where the blink rate quickens.

10. DISBELIEF/DISTRUST
When we’re confused or puzzled or suffering from mixed emotions the facial expression becomes asymmetric, meaning parts of the face will be sending out contrasting signals from others. With the eyes you might see one brow rising while the other is lowered or remains neutral or even one eye crinkling in a smile while the other stays more rounded.

ENDS


copy available for download images available for download 

Previous Post

A raunchy new ad campaign is set to get pulses raising and raise a few eyebrows - but it’s less about romping bodies and more about roll-top baths

Next Post

Almost two thirds of Brits miss how clear the air was during the first national lockdown

Next Post
Almost two thirds of Brits miss how clear the air was during the first national lockdown

Almost two thirds of Brits miss how clear the air was during the first national lockdown

  • Home
  • Archive
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

© 2025 72Point

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All releases

© 2025 72Point

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
AWSALBCORS7 daysAmazon Web Services set this cookie for load balancing.
AWSELBsessionAssociated with Amazon Web Services and created by Elastic Load Balancing, AWSELB cookie is used to manage sticky sessions across production servers.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie records the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
CookieLawInfoConsent1 yearCookieYes sets this cookie to record the default button state of the corresponding category and the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.
crumbsessionSquarespace sets this cookie to prevent cross-site request forgery (CSRF).
JSESSIONIDsessionNew Relic uses this cookie to store a session identifier so that New Relic can monitor session counts for an application.
lvapp_session6 hoursLinkedin sets this cookie to allow the forms to function within the website.
rc::aneverThis cookie is set by the Google recaptcha service to identify bots to protect the website against malicious spam attacks.
rc::csessionThis cookie is set by the Google recaptcha service to identify bots to protect the website against malicious spam attacks.
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
wpEmojiSettingsSupportssessionWordPress sets this cookie when a user interacts with emojis on a WordPress site. It helps determine if the user's browser can display emojis properly.
XSRF-TOKEN6 hoursWix set this cookie for security purposes.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
CookieDurationDescription
yt-player-bandwidthneverThe yt-player-bandwidth cookie is used to store the user's video player preferences and settings, particularly related to bandwidth and streaming quality on YouTube.
yt-player-headers-readableneverThe yt-player-headers-readable cookie is used by YouTube to store user preferences related to video playback and interface, enhancing the user's viewing experience.
yt-player-webgl-spherical-3d-display-modesessionThe yt-player-webgl-spherical-3d-display-mode cookie is likely used by YouTube to remember user preferences related to the playback of 3D videos using WebGL technology.
yt-remote-cast-availablesessionThe yt-remote-cast-available cookie is used to store the user's preferences regarding whether casting is available on their YouTube video player.
yt-remote-cast-installedsessionThe yt-remote-cast-installed cookie is used to store the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video.
yt-remote-fast-check-periodsessionThe yt-remote-fast-check-period cookie is used by YouTube to store the user's video player preferences for embedded YouTube videos.
yt-remote-session-appsessionThe yt-remote-session-app cookie is used by YouTube to store user preferences and information about the interface of the embedded YouTube video player.
yt-remote-session-namesessionThe yt-remote-session-name cookie is used by YouTube to store the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video.
ytidb::LAST_RESULT_ENTRY_KEYneverThe cookie ytidb::LAST_RESULT_ENTRY_KEY is used by YouTube to store the last search result entry that was clicked by the user. This information is used to improve the user experience by providing more relevant search results in the future.
__cf_bm30 minutesCloudflare set the cookie to support Cloudflare Bot Management.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
CookieDurationDescription
AWSALB7 daysAWSALB is an application load balancer cookie set by Amazon Web Services to map the session to the target.
SRM_B1 year 24 daysUsed by Microsoft Advertising as a unique ID for visitors.
swpm_sessionsessionThis cookie is set by the Simple WordPress Membership Plugin. This cookie is used for membership login session and to provide access to the protected content on the website.This cookie keeps the login records so user don't want to authorise each time while moving to next page.
_gat1 minuteGoogle Universal Analytics sets this cookie to restrain request rate and thus limit data collection on high-traffic sites.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
CookieDurationDescription
ajs_anonymous_idneverThis cookie is set by Segment to count the number of people who visit a certain site by tracking if they have visited before.
ajs_group_idneverThis cookie is set by Segment to track visitor usage and events within the website.
ajs_user_idneverThis cookie is set by Segment to help track visitor usage, events, target marketing, and also measure application performance and stability.
attribution_user_id1 yearThis cookie is set by Typeform for usage statistics and is used in context with the website's pop-up questionnaires and messengering.
CLID1 yearMicrosoft Clarity set this cookie to store information about how visitors interact with the website. The cookie helps to provide an analysis report. The data collection includes the number of visitors, where they visit the website, and the pages visited.
CONSENT2 yearsYouTube sets this cookie via embedded YouTube videos and registers anonymous statistical data.
MR7 daysThis cookie, set by Bing, is used to collect user information for analytics purposes.
SMsessionMicrosoft Clarity cookie set this cookie for synchronizing the MUID across Microsoft domains.
vuid1 year 1 month 4 daysVimeo installs this cookie to collect tracking information by setting a unique ID to embed videos on the website.
_ga1 year 1 month 4 daysGoogle Analytics sets this cookie to calculate visitor, session and campaign data and track site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognise unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_*1 minuteGoogle Analytics sets this cookie to store a unique user ID.
_ga_*1 year 1 month 4 daysGoogle Analytics sets this cookie to store and count page views.
_gid1 dayGoogle Analytics sets this cookie to store information on how visitors use a website while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the collected data includes the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
CookieDurationDescription
ANONCHK10 minutesThe ANONCHK cookie, set by Bing, is used to store a user's session ID and verify ads' clicks on the Bing search engine. The cookie helps in reporting and personalization as well.
idsessionSet by Google DoubleClick, this cookie is used to create user profiles to display relevant ads.
IDE1 year 24 daysGoogle DoubleClick IDE cookies store information about how the user uses the website to present them with relevant ads according to the user profile.
muc_ads1 year 1 month 4 daysTwitter sets this cookie to collect user behaviour and interaction data to optimize the website.
MUID1 year 24 daysBing sets this cookie to recognise unique web browsers visiting Microsoft sites. This cookie is used for advertising, site analytics, and other operations.
personalization_id1 year 1 month 4 daysTwitter sets this cookie to integrate and share features for social media and also store information about how the user uses the website, for tracking and targeting.
PREF8 monthsPREF cookie is set by Youtube to store user preferences like language, format of search results and other customizations for YouTube Videos embedded in different sites.
rl_anonymous_idneverRudderStack set this cookie to store statistical data of users' behaviour on the website, which can be used for internal analytics by the website operator.
rl_group_idneverRudderStack sets this cookie to collect user activity on the web.
rl_group_traitneverRudderstack sets this cookie, which is used to store performed actions on the website.
rl_page_init_referrerneverRudderstack sets this cookie, which is used to store performed actions on the website.
rl_page_init_referring_domainneverRudderstack sets this cookie, which is used to store performed actions on the website.
rl_traitneverRudderstack sets this cookie, which is used to store performed actions on the website.
rl_user_idneverRudderStack set this cookie to store a unique user ID for the Marketing/Tracking purpose.
test_cookie15 minutesdoubleclick.net sets this cookie to determine if the user's browser supports cookies.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE5 months 27 daysYouTube sets this cookie to measure bandwidth, determining whether the user gets the new or old player interface.
YSCsessionYoutube sets this cookie to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.
yt-remote-connected-devicesneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the user's video preferences using embedded YouTube videos.
yt-remote-device-idneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the user's video preferences using embedded YouTube videos.
yt.innertube::nextIdneverYouTube sets this cookie to register a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
yt.innertube::requestsneverYouTube sets this cookie to register a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
CookieDurationDescription
aff1 monthNo description available.
AWSALBAPP-07 daysDescription is currently not available.
AWSALBAPP-17 daysDescription is currently not available.
AWSALBAPP-27 daysDescription is currently not available.
AWSALBAPP-37 daysDescription is currently not available.
AWSALBTG7 daysAssociated with Amazon Web Services.
AWSALBTGCORS7 daysAssociated with Amazon Web Services.
caf_ipaddrsessionNo description available.
citysessionNo description available.
countrysessionNo description available.
debugneverNo description available.
jnews_view_counter_visits[0]less than a minuteJNews theme sets this cookie to store and count page views.
kmt_ex2 months 23 daysDescription is currently not available.
kmt_rid1 monthDescription is currently not available.
kmt_sesssessionDescription is currently not available.
kmt_sess.sigsessionDescription is currently not available.
lander_typesessionDescription is currently not available.
loglevelneverNo description available.
pwvisitor1 monthNo description available.
sitesessionDescription is currently not available.
tf_respondent_cc6 monthsDescription is currently not available.
traffic_targetsessionNo description available.
VISITOR_PRIVACY_METADATA5 months 27 daysDescription is currently not available.
_cfuvidsessionDescription is currently not available.
__Secure-ROLLOUT_TOKEN6 monthsDescription is currently not available.
__tad10 yearsNo description available.
Save & Accept
Powered by CookieYes Logo