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 MODULE 1 – FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
Welcome to Module 1 of the 8 module program! Again, thank you for taking the plunge and investing in this
program. If you have any feedback, comments or questions, please let me know directly on my personal e-mail
and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Before we get started, I’d like to point out SDL’s recommended reading list for books related to micro
expressions, body language and deception detection, which can be found on the link below:
http://www.microexpressions.co.nz/services.php?id=124

This module is all about facial expressions. The first thing to do is to have a read through this module, then (if it
is included in the version you purchased) come back to visit the eMETT 3.0 by logging in with the details
provided here: http://www.paulekman.com/login/. If you did not receive a log in within the initial introduction email
then you did not purchase the SDL Certification 101: Online Program including eMETT 3.0.

If you purchased the 101 program including the micro expressions online training (eMETT 3.0) you will receive
via email your log in details and password for you to log in. If you purchased the program excluding micro
expressions online training, this is something you’re expected to either purchase this yourself – or if you have
already – provide a copy of your certificate. eMETT 3.0 can be purchased here
http://www.paulekman.com/product/ekman-mett-3-0/ or the Humintell’s MiX Professional here
http://www.humintell.com/reading-people-and-their-emotions/.

It is recommended that you invest at least 45 minutes per day every day until your proficiency level is
consistently high. Upon achieving 80% accuracy on the post test you are able to download a PDF certificate of
achievement, and at 95% you receive a certificate at expert level. It is your aim to email me a copy of your expert
level PDF certificate by the end of the program.

The Five Channels of Communication

This module also introduces the first of the five channels of communication: (1) facial expressions, with the rest
being introduced over subsequent modules: (2) gestures and body language, (3) voice, (4) verbal style, and (5)
verbal statements. By the end of the program, you will have a good understanding as to how each of these
areas work individually with behavioural cues, mainly regarding to how they interact with deception detection.

1. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
The face contains two messages:
a) What the person wants to show; and
b) What the person wants to conceal.
True felt emotions and expressions occur involuntarily without thought or intention. False ones have to be
put up. The face is a duel system, showing both and sometimes making a blended expression. Expressions
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 are likely to be false when they are asymmetrical, the duration of expression is either too long or too short,
or the timing of the expression in relation to the speech is not synchronised. (Ekman, 2009)

The face can be a valuable source for the lie catcher, because it can lie and tell the truth and often does
both at the same time.

THE FACIAL ACTION CODING SYSTEM (FACS)

A Tool for Evaluating and Understanding Facial Expressions & Emotion

The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) has provided the scientific community with a systematic way of coding
muscle movements in the face and then impartially classifying specific muscle combinations into emotion
categories. The coding system developed by Dr. Paul Ekman is the most widely used tool for classifying facial
behaviour and in turn interpreting people's emotional states at any given moment in any situation.

So much emphasis has been placed on using FACS in research because of the link between emotions and how
they are 'universally' expressed on the face. FACS has played an integral part in the breakdown and
identification of the various muscles and muscle combinations involved in each of the universal facial
expressions. As such, FACS has also been an integral part of the research into deception detection,
interpersonal communication, consumer engagement, psychological states such as pain, computer animation
and more.

FACS:

1. Can identify the slightest movements in facial musculature uncovering even the subtlest emotional
reactions in subjects

Besides macro facial expressions or emotions, which are obvious expressions meant to openly
communicate one's feelings and micro facial expressions, which are signs of hidden emotions displayed
through brief flicker-like flashes of emotion, there are also subtle expressions of emotion. Facial
musculature changes associated with subtle expressions of emotion occur when a person is just starting to
feel an emotion or the emotion is of low intensity. Usually in a low emotional state, the expression will not
only be of weak intensity but only partially appear on the face. For example, instead of a full disgust where
one would see a nose wrinkle, a subtle raise in the upper lip on just one side of the face equally divulges a
subject's true emotion. A FACS trained eye can easily pick up these subtle yet reliable and very telling clues
to emotion.

2. Can identify the exact emotion felt as well as the time frame including start/peak/end and duration of
an emotional reaction

Each of the universal emotions is composed of a series of action units (corresponding to specific muscle
movements in the face). The combination of action units specifically identifies what emotion is felt at the
time the expression is shown. FACS can reliably differentiate between anger, contempt, fear, surprise, joy,
disgust, distress as well as combinations of these emotions. Additionally, by recording time markers for
emotional change and when an emotion was felt the strongest one can directly gauge and align the
emotional response to the external stimulus. Subjects engaged in a task react to particular stimuli and
FACS provides a way to identify the 'how' and the 'when' of a subject's emotive state.

3. Can identify all facially expressed emotional reactions across a given sequence or stimulus
duration.

Emotions are brief and fleeting. People can feel happy one moment, scared the next, and angry the
following. Often we see emotional blends such as surprise and happy or anger and disgust occurring at the
same time. These are common and natural emotional occurrences. FACS, as a coding and emotion
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 interpretation tool, can distinguish each emotion and identify each of the observable emotional reactions a
subject displays within a given stimulus. By using time markers, each emotional reaction can be associated
directly to the given stimulus at the time the emotion is felt providing an accurate account of not only what
initiated the emotional response but also recording the duration and changes in emotional reactions across
stimuli. This process creates a 'behavioural map' of sorts, mapping out the changes of positive and negative
emotions within a given time frame.

4. Can capture emotional reactions during both speaking and non-speaking occurrences

The face emotes not only while a person is speaking but also while they are listening, observing or silently
engaging. Recording visible and involuntary reactive emoting during non-speaking segments provides a
host of valuable information about a person's state of mind. FACS can capture intimate information about a
subject's emotional reactions while listening, observing or engaging in a task.

5. Is a non-invasive tool allowing for subjects to remain unaware / impervious to the behavioural
analysis

Except for the use of a camera to capture a subject's interview, the use of FACS in identifying expressions
of emotion is a completely non-invasive process. As long as the camera is placed at an appropriate distance
with a close-up of the subject's face, there is no need for multiple cameras or close-up machinery to a
subject. FACS allows for the observation of naturally occurring emotional responses as opposed to self-
reported interpretations of what a subject thinks they feel. Previous research conducted using cameras to
record subjects emotional responses for FACS coding has successfully collected genuine responses and
shown that subjects forget about the cameras once the task has begun.

Using FACS, pain is identifiable if a person exhibits the following visible facial changes; a lowering of
the eyebrows (AU4), a raising of the cheeks (AU6), the squinting of the eyes (AU7), a wrinkling of the
nose (AU9) and the raising of the upper lip (AU10), often exposing the upper teeth.

Emotions play a major role in our everyday experiences and facial expressions are the primary nonverbal
mechanism through, which people communicate how they feel. The use of verbal and nonverbal cues together
as a mode of human behaviour interpretation has proven to be a very powerful method at decoding what people
are truly thinking and feeling. Many in the professional fields have already learned that relying simply on what
people say often does not yield the whole truth and nothing but the truth. While people do have voluntary control
over their facial expressions, there is a strong evolutionary component that betrays even the most practiced
professionals at disguising their true feelings betraying a person's true feelings. FACS is a tool that can dissect
facial behaviour and in many ways expose the face, making it a rich source of information.

Special thanks to VisualEmotion for the FACS description

(http://www.facscodinggroup.com/about/areas-of-application).

SDL Certification 101 © www.MicroExpressions.co.nz, www.facebook.com/sdlmicroexpressions & www.StuDunn.com

SDL helps our clients to understand non-verbal communication and avoid deception.
 Terms of the Face used in FACS

SDL Certification 101 © www.MicroExpressions.co.nz, www.facebook.com/sdlmicroexpressions & www.StuDunn.com

SDL helps our clients to understand non-verbal communication and avoid deception.
 FACIAL EXPRESSIONS OF EMOTIONS

There are 3 types of facial expressions of emotions known as (1) Macro expressions, (2) Micro expressions and
(3) Subtle expressions.

1. Macro expressions typically last from 1/2 second to 4 seconds: we see them in our daily interactions with
people all of the time.

2. Micro expressions last less than 1/2 second: they occur when people are consciously or unconsciously
trying to conceal or repress what they are feeling. Most people report that they don't see micro expressions;
however research has shown that people can be taught to spot these relatively easily. Micro expressions
express the seven universal emotions: disgust, anger, fear, sadness, happiness, surprise, and contempt
(Frank & Ekman, 1997; Warren, Schertler, & Bull, 2009).

3. Subtle expressions occur when a person is just starting to feel an emotion or when their emotional
response to a situation is relatively low or they are able to disguise their expression well. Recently published
research showed a high correlation between recognising subtle expressions and being able to detect deceit.

Other nonverbal behaviours are also important, including gestures, voice, and verbal style. The start, however, is
always to focus on facial expressions, because the research has demonstrated that these are involuntary
reactions and thus important nonverbal cues to deception (Frank & Ekman, 1997).

SDL Certification 101 © www.MicroExpressions.co.nz, www.facebook.com/sdlmicroexpressions & www.StuDunn.com

SDL helps our clients to understand non-verbal communication and avoid deception.
 MICRO EXPRESSIONS: The Seven Universal Facial Expressions of Emotions

HAPPY / JOY
“I believe that there are more than a dozen enjoyable emotions, each universal, each as different from
the other as sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and contempt are from one another” – Dr. Paul Ekman

“I believe that there are more than a dozen enjoyable emotions, each universal, each as different from the other
as sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and contempt are from one another. Just as there is a set of distinctive
emotions that we usually don't enjoy feeling, there is a set of distinctive emotions that we do enjoy feeling. The
problem with the words enjoyment and happiness is that they're not specific enough; they imply a single state of
mind and feeling, in the same way that the terms upset and negative don't reveal whether someone is sad,
angry, afraid, or disgusted. The English language does not have single words for all of the enjoyable emotions.”
(Ekman, 2003, p.190-191, Emotions Revealed).

Genuine happiness is expressed with a Duchenne smile, which is expressed on the face by the combined
contraction of the zygomaticus major muscle and the orbicularis oculi. In FACS terms, this is the lip corner puller
AU 12 (of which is the voluntary part of a smile, which is also engaged when saying “cheese”, or clenching a pen
in one’s teeth), and the cheek raiser AU 6 (which raises the cheeks and creates or increases crows feet).
COMMON FACS CODES

6+12*
12C/D
* Means at any intensity (A, B, C, D or E)

View Codes: http://www.microexpressions.co.nz/images/documents/SDL_FACS_Codes.pdf. Read more about this emotion

here: http://studunnsdl.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/put-your-best-face-forward/
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 SURPRISE
"In a moment surprise passes as we figure out what is happening, and then surprise merges into fear,
amusement, relief, anger, disgust, and so forth...or no emotion at all" – Dr. Paul Ekman

“Surprise is the briefest of all the emotions, lasting only a few seconds at most. In a moment surprise passes as
we figure out what is happening, and then surprise merges into fear, amusement, relief, anger, disgust, and so
forth, depending upon what it was that surprised us, or it may be followed by no emotion at all if we determine
that the surprising event was of no consequence. It is rare to see a photograph of surprise. Because it is
unexpected and the experience is brief, a photographer is rarely ready to shoot and even if he is he may not be
fast enough to capture it once something surprising happens. Press photographs usually show reenacted or
posed surprise.” (Ekman, 2003, p.148, Emotions Revealed).

Surprise is the briefest of all the emotions, lasting only a few seconds at most, which consists of raised
eyebrows, eyelids widen slightly, and it is likely that the mouth opens.

COMMON FACS CODES

1+2+5B+25+26
1+2+5B+25+27

View Codes: http://www.microexpressions.co.nz/images/documents/SDL_FACS_Codes.pdf. Read more about this emotion

here: http://studunnsdl.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/fear-or-surprise/
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 CONTEMPT
Contempt will often be accompanied by anger, a mild form of anger such as annoyance, although it may
be felt without any anger at all.

To feel the sense of contempt, think of someone's actions that don't revolt you but that cause you to feel
contemptuous toward him or her. Perhaps it is a person who jumps place in line, who plagiarizes, who name-
drops. Make certain you don't feel any anger or disgust, simply contempt. Notice that the tendency to want to
raise your chin, as if you are looking down your nose at someone. Feel the tightening in one corner of your lips.

"Contempt is only experienced about people or the actions of people, but not about tastes, smells or
touches...the idea of eating calves’ brains might be disgusting, but it would not evoke contempt. You might,
however, feel contemptuous toward people who eat such disgusting things, for in contempt there is an element
of condescension toward the object of contempt." – Dr. Paul Ekman

COMMON FACS CODES

Unilateral 10*, 12* or 14*

* Means at any intensity (A, B, C, D or E)

View Codes: http://www.microexpressions.co.nz/images/documents/SDL_FACS_Codes.pdf. Read more about this emotion

here: http://wp.me/p1VL5R-3C
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 SADNESS
The message of the sadness signal is a cry for help

"Sadness is one of the longer-lasting emotions. After a period of protesting agony, there is usually a period of
resigned sadness, in which the person feels totally helpless; and then, again, the protesting agony returns in an
attempt to recover the loss, followed by sadness, then agony, again and again." – Dr. Paul Ekman

The most reliable facial indicator of sadness is a raise of the inner corners only of the eyebrows referred
to as AU 1 in FACS

COMMON FACS CODES

1+4+11+15B with or without 54+64

1+4+15* with or without 54+64
6+15* with or without 54+64

* Means at any intensity (A, B, C, D or E)

View Codes: http://www.microexpressions.co.nz/images/documents/SDL_FACS_Codes.pdf. Read more about this emotion

here: http://studunnsdl.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/genuine-emotions-on-screen/

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 FEAR
There has been more research on fear than any other emotion, probably because it is easy to arouse
fear in nearly any animal, including the rat

The threat of harm, either physical or psychological harm, characterizes all fear triggers, themes and variations.
The theme is danger of physical harm, and variations can be anything that we learn is likely to harm us or loved
ones in any way, whether physical or psychological threats.

Characterised by the eyebrows and upper eyelid raised (AU 1+2+5), with the eyebrows being pulled down in
opposition (AU 4). The mouth may stretch, lips may open and the jaw may drop.

The family of fearful experiences can be distinguished in terms of 3 factors:

a) Intensity: how severe is the harm that is threatened?
b) Timing: is the harm immediate or impending?
c) Coping: are there actions that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the threat?

COMMON FACS CODES

1+2+4+5*+20*+25+26 or 27
1+2+4+5*+25+26 or 27

* Means at any intensity (A, B, C, D or E)

View Codes: http://www.microexpressions.co.nz/images/documents/SDL_FACS_Codes.pdf. Read more about this emotion

here: http://studunnsdl.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/fear-or-surprise/
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 DISGUST
It is not only tastes, smells, and touches, or the thought, sight, or sound of them that can bring forth
disgust but also the actions and appearance of people, or even ideas

"[Disgust]...has an allure, a fascination which is manifest in the difficulty of averting our eyes from gory
accidents,...or in the attraction of horror films....Our own snot, feces and urine are contaminating and disgusting
to us, [but we are]...fascinated in and curious about them...we look at our creations more often than we
admit...how common it is for people to check their Kleenex or handkerchief after blowing their nose."

COMMON FACS CODES

9
9+16+15+25+26
9+17
10*
10*+16+25+26
10+17

* Means at any intensity (A, B, C, D or E)

View Codes: http://www.microexpressions.co.nz/images/documents/SDL_FACS_Codes.pdf. Read more about this emotion

here: http://wp.me/p1VL5R-3C
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 ANGER
Anger is one letter short of danger

Anger can motivate us to stop or change whatever caused us to feel angry.

Lowered eyebrows, eyelids lifted, tense around the eyes – these are the signs of anger. In FACS, this would
read 4+5+7.

Anger is the most dangerous emotion, because we may try to harm the target of our anger.

COMMON FACS CODES

4+5*+7+10*+22+23+25+26
4+5*+7+10*+23+25+26
4+5*+7+23+25+26
4+5*+7+17+23 or 24
4+5*+7+23 or 24

* Means at any intensity (A, B, C, D or E)

View Codes: http://www.microexpressions.co.nz/images/documents/SDL_FACS_Codes.pdf. Read more about this emotion

here: http://wp.me/p1VL5R-3C

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
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 MODULE 1 ASSIGNMENTS

Well, you’ve made it through the first week’s material, now it’s time to click on the eMETT 3.0 training or similar,
unless you have previously completed it). If you have not yet received your log in details, please send an email
to Stu@MicroExpressions.co.nz to ensure you can get started right away.

All assignments must be emailed to Stu@MicroExpressions.co.nz, with your name and the module number in
the subject. E.g. Subject: Your Name, Module 1 Assignments.

Think it, ink it, do it, review it

Your Module 1 Home Work:

• Read through this module carefully; please ask any questions relevant to this module (as other modules
may answer your questions as you learn them).

• Begin your eMETT 3.0 http://www.paulekman.com/login/. Aim to invest 45 minutes per day until you
reach expert level (95% accuracy in the post test).

• Find two (2) examples of each of the seven universal facial expressions in the media (14 pictures in
total) and email them through to me (labeled with the specific emotion) – the more recent the better.
Please do not use images that have already been uploaded to a body language or micro expressions
websites. The aim is for you to learn to identify these expressions yourself, rather than have other
people tell you what they are.

The source of the images does not matter so much as long as the emotions in the images are genuine.

That’s it for this module. Good luck!

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SDL helps our clients to understand non-verbal communication and avoid deception.
 References

Ekman, P. (2009). Telling Lies – Clues to Deceit in the Marketplace, Politics, and Marriage. W.W. Norton &
Company, Inc., New York, NY 10110.

Ekman, P. (2003). Unmasking the Face – A Guide to Recognizing Emotions from Facial Expressions. Malor
Books, Cambridge, MA 02238-1069.

Ekman, P., Friesen, W. V., & Hager, J. C. (2002). Facial Action Coding System. Research Nexus division of
Network Information Research Corporation, Salt Lake City UT 84107.

Frank, M. G., & Ekman, P. (1997). The ability to detect deceit generalizes across different types of high-stake
lies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 72, 1429-1439.

Frank, M. G., Feeley, T. H., Servoss, T. N., & Paolantonio, N. (2004). Detecting deception by jury, I:
Judgemental accuracy. Journal of Group Decision and Negotiation, 13, 45-59.

Facs Coding Group, Areas of Application. Retrieved July 18, 2011, from
http://www.facscodinggroup.com/about/areas-of-application

Frank, M. G., O’ Sullivan, M. & Menasco, M. A. (2009). Human behavior and deception detection. In J. G. Voeller
(Ed.), Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Matsumoto, D. (2011). Evaluating Truthfulness and Detecting Deception. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, June
2011, US Department of Justice.

Meyer, P. (2010). Liespotting – Proven Techniques to Detect Deception. St. Martin’s Press, New York, NY.
10010.

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SDL helps our clients to understand non-verbal communication and avoid deception.