Facial expressions and gestures: the psychology of human behavior. Facial expressions: exercises, how to develop beautiful facial expressions

  • 11.10.2019

Facial expressions are a classic field of study for the physiognomist. Not knowing its data means being subject to serious physiognomic mistakes. Often we happened to change, using the data of facial expressions, the diagnosis made by the study of forms.

Facial expressions are the main indicator of the speaker's feelings.

Facial expressions help to better understand the person with whom communication takes place. Facial expressions are also very important in relationships, as it allows you to figure out what feelings people experience in relation to each other. For example, raised eyebrows, wide eyes, downturned lips are signs of surprise; lowered eyebrows, curved forehead wrinkles, narrowed eyes, closed lips and clenched teeth indicate anger.

Drawn eyebrows, dull eyes, slightly lowered corners of the lips speak of sadness, calm eyes and raised outer corners of the lips - about happiness, contentment.

For any participant in communication, the ability to decipher the facial expressions of the interlocutor is very important. But at the same time, the ability to master facial expressions yourself, to make it more expressive, so that the interlocutor better understands intentions and motives, is no less important. This skill is especially necessary in the practice of business interaction.

While the morphological type is created in an investigative way, facial expressions are the result of education. If the Jupiterian in our example had spent his childhood in an environment where he would have been taught to want to express himself, he would not have become a neuropath and his facial expressions would have expressed a strong nature. This statement is a powerful encouragement for those who see signs of moral weakness in themselves. Improving our mental culture, we improve our nature, and this is a worthy goal.

People who are not subject to strong passions have calm facial expressions.

On the faces of eternally trembling people, as well as on the faces of eternally busy people, wrinkles often appear already in youth. The deeper the wrinkles, the more they emphasize the ideas they represent.

“The depth of the fold of any matter speaks of its frequent and everyday use,” Delestre noted.

Of course, one must be able to distinguish mental wrinkles from those that appear from rapid fattening.

The movements of the forehead are closely related to the movements of the eyebrows.

"The forehead of a good man," says Delestre, "carries the clarity of his conscience." If the forehead without wrinkles is the forehead of weak-willed, indecisive people. The forehead rises above their blond arched eyebrows, which are usually thin and emphasize the innocence of their owner and the lack of reactions from their passions.

Neuropaths have horizontal wrinkles on the forehead, which are the result of frequent raising of the eyebrows, the well-known gesture of constant surprise. Because of the smallest work, they wrinkle their forehead.

Balanced natures have on their forehead the smallest number of horizontal wrinkles, because they do not wrinkle in surprise: their forehead is wrinkled vertically in the area where intense, strong-willed attention is expressed, that is, between the eyebrows at the root of the nose. So, vertical wrinkles go hand in hand with horizontal and thick eyebrows. The depth of the vertical wrinkle and wrinkles generally determines the amount of mental control.

If the vertical wrinkle in question is very deep, it means a wayward and even violent will. In this case, it is accompanied by thick and naughty eyebrows. This type of forehead and eyebrows is found in people who are not amenable to any discipline. Delestre saw many such faces in prisons.

Until now, the opinion is firmly held in society that physiognomy, graphology, palmistry, phrenology and similar sciences are the legacy of medieval obscurantism, that they have nothing in common with true science and therefore should be thrown out of modern knowledge like superfluous and useless ballast.

Indeed, there was a time when such a harsh review was partly justified - then these sciences, together with magic, astrology, cabalism and other so-called occult knowledge, were engaged in predicting a more or less distant future. However, in our time, these sciences have entered into close connection with the purely positive sciences, such as anatomy, physiology and anthropology, and, using their data, have adopted a positive method of research.

The soul of a person is especially sharply loomed in his appearance, or physiognomy - it is not for nothing that the people have an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe face as a mirror of the soul. And in fact, our habits, our aspirations, our passions, in a word, everything that makes up our personality, our “I” - all this is reflected on the face, giving it one or another feature, often elusive, but unconsciously striking to an experienced observer. .

The ancient art of face reading originated thousands of years ago during the time of the Yellow Emperor, when it was used by Eastern healers to diagnose diseases. The purpose of this alternative medicine was - and is - to prevent health problems and provide advice on nutrition, exercise and meditation in order to stop diseases when they barely appear.

This art has existed for centuries, and its popularity is based on the fact that it can help people better understand themselves, work colleagues, friends, and family members.

Physiognomy

Physiognomy- These are the characteristic features and expression of a person's face. The face is divided into three zones - upper, middle and lower.

  • intellectual- the upper part of the face, it occupies the entire forehead, starts at the hairline and ends with the eyebrow line. The size and shape of the forehead determine the mental activity and real understanding of life.
  • emotional- the middle part of the face, includes the space below the eyebrows to the very tip of the nose, i.e. equal to the length of the nose. It reflects the degree of sensitivity, spiritual depth and inner content.
  • vital- the lower part of the face. It starts from the line of the nostrils, consists of lips, chin and gives an idea of ​​the energy of a person, his love for pleasure and base instincts.

Therefore, in order to understand a person by his face, you need to make out which zone of the three is more pronounced, and having learned this, we can assume what drives a person - instinctiveness, emotions or intelligence.

The main mimic zone of the face is the eye area. Its expressiveness is determined by the contraction of the three main muscles: the frontal abdomen of the occipital-frontal muscle, the muscle wrinkling the eyebrows, and the upper part of the circular muscle of the eye, i.e., the superciliary muscle. The work of these muscles ensures the squinting of the eyes, their opening and modeling the position of the eyebrows and eyelids. The functional reserve of facial expressions here is very large: from the expression of strong will to confusion and chagrin. But, perhaps, the facial expressions of attention are most prominently expressed.

The external manifestation of attention, of course, requires the mobilization of all the senses, but the expression of the eyes stands out most sharply. They assess the degree of emotional mood, they read the level of understanding of what is happening. The outer corners of the eyes and the ends of the eyebrows lowered down express sadness, raised up - they give the face an expression of joy. Concentration, will are unmistakably recognizable in a subject whose gaze is fixed, the muscles of the face are tense, and the eyebrows are shifted to the bridge of the nose.

If the eyebrows are raised and drawn together, and the transverse wrinkles on the forehead, connecting with the longitudinal ones in the form of the Greek letter “omega”, signal a painful attempt to concentrate, then we can definitely talk about the expression of grief. Such a pattern of wrinkles is typical for the face of melancholics - “omega melancholics”.

By the movement of the eyes, one can read grief, pleasure, rage, sympathy, compulsion. Eye movements are involved in maintaining contact with the interlocutor. By the nature of the look, one can judge the intention of the interlocutor, the stages of the conversation, the level of relations. Eyes can express approval, consent, prohibition, permission, encouragement.

When analyzing the expression of the eyes, their size, direction of gaze, condition of the eyelids, folds around the eyes, and the position of the eyebrows are taken into account. In a calm environment, raised eyebrows, horizontal wrinkles on the forehead and opening of the eyes give the face a surprised expression. The reduction of the eyebrows indicates immersion in reflection, in solving a complex problem.

Close attention and a complete understanding of what is happening are unthinkable without a fixed, focused look. On the contrary, a wandering gaze is noted in people who are not interested in the essence of the issue: such a look also indicates impatience, indifference, disappointment.

The inability to focus on something specific (“shifting eyes”), even in response to a call for attention, suggests emotional imbalance, unpreparedness for consistent, logical thinking. Very temperamental people with a sanguine character are distinguished by a lively look, harmoniously combined with the play of facial muscles. Very tired people have a heavy, sluggish, sometimes meaningless look. Now it is turned into the distance, then down, the eyebrows are brought together, vertical folds form on the forehead.

For an accurate judgment about the emotional state of a person, it is necessary to take into account all the components of facial expressions. So, with strong excitement, tense eyelids, dilated pupils are combined with stretching of the wings of the nose and compression of the jaws. Further excessive concentration of attention may be accompanied by the opening of the mouth. A person, as it were, listens to something, in this case he is more comfortable with breathing through his mouth.

Organs that are loaded to a large extent and trained for a certain, specific facial expression are marked by a better ability to perform their usual functions. This applies primarily to the eyes, which are controlled by involuntary muscles (iris and ciliary body), and voluntary, subordinate III, IV, VI and VII cranial nerves. The brilliance and expressiveness of the gaze make the eyes important detectors of the cheerfulness and viability of the individual.

Emotional nuances are captured even in the direction and stability of the gaze. In a state of thought, a person's gaze is turned into the distance. The depth of perception is consistent with a steady gaze in the direction of the object being studied. The firm look of the subject, evaluating or checking any object, seems typical.

The direction of gaze depends on the contraction of the muscles of the eyeball. With the contraction of the upper rectus muscle of the eye on the face, one can read an expression of pride, surprise, pious humility. The expression of feelings of shame, sadness, oppression is due to the contraction of the lower rectus muscle of the eye, when the eyeballs turn downward. When the external rectus muscle of the eye contracts, facial expressions of contempt appear on the face: the gaze is turned to the side, contraction of the medial rectus muscle of the eye contributes to the expression of lust.

The direction of gaze when communicating with people often reflects subordination. Persons in a dependent position often hide their gaze. Psychological imbalance gives rise to the instability of the gaze (the desire to look away, hide the eyes). Functional disorders of the nervous system are also accompanied by gaze instability. The variability of the gaze is one of the constituent elements of facial expressions.

facial expressions

facial expressions is an integral process. It involves the reactions of individual muscles, but they are connected by a common basis, a single purposefulness. If a natural smile appears on a person’s face, then the state of satisfaction, joy, delight is simultaneously reflected in other facial features. They are combined into a single complex according to the law of correspondence. Obviously, the emotional state of a person cannot be reflected only in any one area of ​​the face. Be sure to include the entire facial ensemble in the expression of emotions.

The shape of the face is inherited, it reflects genetic characteristics, is included in the complex of constitutional characteristics. The genetic conditionality of the reactions of the facial muscles expressing emotional experiences is confirmed by the early maturation of their motor complexes. All facial muscles necessary for expressing emotions are formed in the fetus by the 15-18th week of life. And by the 20th week, mimic reactions can be observed in the embryo. By the time the child is born, the mechanism of facial expression is already fully formed and can be used in communication. The innate nature of facial expressions is also indicated by its similarity in blind and sighted babies. But with age, in a blindly born child, the reactivity of the facial muscles fades.

During life, a person acquires new facial features under the influence of speech, perception, illness, profession. The mimic warehouse of the face also changes, reflecting the signs of all previous mimic processes. Living conditions (climatic, material, social, family) significantly affect the mimic appearance of a person.

Changes in facial expressions throughout life are due to the characteristics of facial muscles. Unlike all muscles of the human body, facial muscles are unique in their anatomical structure and function and differ both from striated or skeletal muscles, and from smooth muscles. They differ from the skeletal one in the places of origin and attachment, and also in the fact that they, in a complex, despite the external differences in individual muscles, represent a single integrative system, parts of which are localized around the natural openings of the face: mouth, eyes, external nose and ear. The anatomical features of the facial muscles also include the presence of oral and ophthalmic sphincters, which generally do not have a direct origin on the bones.

Mimic muscles differ from skeletal ones in their development in phylo- and ontogenesis. If the latter originate, as a rule, from the muscular part of the somites of the mesoderm, then the facial muscles originate from the mesenchyme of the 2nd branchial arch (the area of ​​the hyoid arch). This mesenchyme migrates cranially and pulls along the branches of the 7th cranial nerve and the external carotid artery, which initially innervated and supplied the hyoid arch.

The main difference between facial muscles and skeletal muscles is their function. If the purpose of skeletal muscles is to strengthen and move parts of the skeleton, then the function of facial muscles is much more complicated. Initially, as in previous stages of phylogenesis, they supplemented the functions of the digestive and respiratory systems. However, later, in parallel with the development and complication of the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS), they began to perform the functions of facial expressions, i.e. reflections on the visceral (facial) part of the skull of the emotional state of the central nervous system. In fact, mimic muscles become a means of communication between highly developed biological entities at the level of the 1st signaling system. By what systems and ways is the connection between the state and level of psycho-emotional activity of the brain and mimic muscles carried out? When expressing an emotional state, a very differentiated, sometimes multidirectional and at the same time well-coordinated work of several muscles simultaneously serving the various above-mentioned openings of the face takes place. Facial expression associated with the correction of the activity of various facial muscles is a reflection of 6 basic emotions, which are based on processes occurring in the brain, in particular, in the limbic system, starting from the hypothalamus, where the primary centers of positive and negative emotions are located, corresponding to the effects of the actions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. A special role here is assigned to the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, which, in contrast to the sympathetic division, predominantly carries out targeted innervation of individual organs. A number of facts testify in favor of this. At the beginning of its course, the facial nerve is mixed, consisting of efferent somatic, parasympathetic and efferent taste fibers. Then the main mass of efferent fibers is divided into two parts and switches on the pterygopalatine and submandibular parasympathetic ganglia. Connections of the intermediate nerve with the trigeminal, vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, as well as with the somatic part of the facial nerve proper, are known. It is known that in a number of peripheral somatic nerves there are always efferent parasympathetic nerve fibers. They are present in the oculomotor, ear-temporal branch trigeminal nerve. The fact that the muscle tissues of the initial sections of the digestive and respiratory systems, which include the mimic muscles, developed from the mesenchyme of the gill arches, the innervation of which, as for all internal organs carried out by the autonomic nervous system.

The participation of the nervous system in the mechanism of facial expressions has long been proven, although much in this matter remains unclear. The phylogenetic antiquity of the external expression of vital signs, the reflection of the response effect in the movements of the muscles of the face indicates their direct connection with those parts of the brain that formed earlier than others. These include the stem nuclei, the reticular formation, the old ancient cerebral cortex. The role of the neocortex is clearly seen at the stage of formation of external nervous activity, when facial expression is both recognized and directed. Human facial expressions have reached incomparable perfection and have become an important communication tool, a source of information about the spiritual life of a person.

The localization of the anatomical and physiological regulators of facial expressions in the cerebral cortex and subcortical nuclei and their connection with the facial muscles through the facial nerve system is proved by clinical observations and animal experiments. It is quite obvious that the filigree plexus of the branches of the facial nerves makes possible the extremely varied play of the muscles of the face. From the nerve branches, bundles of nerve fibers are released, and behind them are single fibers, along which effector impulses propagate, causing individual parts of the muscles to contract. Simultaneously with such conductors of the cerebrospinal (animal) nervous system, autonomic nerve conductors approach the vessels of the face. They initiate automatic reactions of the vessels of the eye muscles, which is manifested by the expansion of the lumen of these vessels and reddening of the face, for example, with a sense of shame. In addition, the contraction of the mimic muscles occurs in many cases not at all by a signal from external nerve centers, but as if involuntarily. Thus, it is necessary to allow for the possibility of transmission of excitation from the nuclei of the facial nerve in the brainstem to the mimic muscles in unforeseen situations.

The results of experimental studies on animals lead to the conclusion that the thalamus, as the most important regulatory link in the diencephalon, is responsible for involuntary, unconscious movements of facial muscles during emotional stress.

Mimic expressiveness is reproduced as an unconditioned reflex. In its formation, participation is necessary: ​​the stimulus (contact, distant, associative), the peripheral end of the analyzer (receptors) and the central nuclei of the analyzers (subcortical formations, the cortex), the means of controlling the muscles and the mimic muscles themselves, on the contraction or relaxation of which the facial expressions depend. Regardless of human consciousness, the subcortical innervation of the facial muscles causes an increased tone of the facial muscles and their group contraction under certain conditions.

Involuntary contractions of facial muscles under the influence of emotional stimuli are a special type of motor reaction, characteristic of the facial region of the human body. The transverse striation of the muscle does not yet indicate its absolute correspondence to other striated muscles, which is observed, in particular, in the myocardium.

The special position of the facial muscles does not cause any controversy. The reason for the automatism of facial reactions, interpreted as expressive, is probably in the subordination of their innervation to diencephalic nuclei, which are part of the extrapyramidal system responsible for the tone of facial muscles. Automatic contractions of the latter in response to various stimuli are caused by effector impulses through the thalamus and striatum.

Involuntary, subconscious facial expressions of a person's face are restrained and inhibited. It is subordinated to the functions of the cerebral cortex. It is quite natural, therefore, that the participation of a person in various types of expression should be considered not only from the standpoint of mimic motor skills, but also in the light of higher nervous activity. The cerebral hemispheres, according to I.P. Pavlov, are the most reactive and supreme part of the central nervous system, depending on the state and activity of which four psychological types are distinguished:

  • sanguine- this is a strong, balanced, mobile type;
  • choleric- strong, unbalanced (excitable), mobile type;
  • phlegmatic person- strong, balanced, inert type;
  • melancholic- weak, unbalanced type, nervous processes are inactive.

Consequently, according to the facial expressions, patterns of movements, one can draw a conclusion about the type of nervous activity.

Facial Emotion Identification (FAST)

In the 70s of the last century at the University of California, P. Ekman and his colleagues developed a technique for identifying emotions by facial expressions (Facial Affect Scoring Technique - FAST). FAST has photo reference atlas facial expressions for each of the six emotions - anger, fear, sadness, disgust, surprise, joy - in statistical form. The photo standard for each emotion is represented by three photographs for three levels of the face: eyebrows - forehead; eye - eyelid and lower face. In addition, there are options for different head orientations and gaze directions. When using FAST, the subject is looking for the similarity of emotions with one of the photographic standards, like a witness who takes part in the compilation of an identikit of a criminal.

Facial Muscle Activity Coding System (FACS)

The second method for evaluating emotions was developed by P. Ekman together with W. Friesen (1978). It is called the Facial Action Coding System (FACS). The method is based on a detailed study of the anatomy of the facial muscles. In the FACS system, 41 motor units were identified, of which 24 patterns of reactions of individual muscles of the face and 20 patterns reflecting the work of a group of muscles, for example, those involved in lip biting, were composed. Each unit has its own number and description not only in statistical but also in dynamic terms. The system also recorded the time of the beginning and end of the activity of each muscle.

P. Ekman belongs to the neurocultural theory of emotions, which takes into account both the innate nature of facial expression and the influence of cultural and national traditions on the expression and recognition of emotions. The model assumes that the expressive manifestation of the six basic (basic) emotions is universal and does not depend on culture, nationality and race. All people use their facial muscles in the same way when expressing basic emotions. Similar to human reflections in the facial expressions of emotions are also observed in animals.

Ancient Oriental system "Yin and Yang"

The art of face reading, as mentioned above, has its roots in ancient Eastern diagnostic medicine. Doctors believed that all existing objects and the Universe are connected by a constant flow of energy. This energy is known in China under the name "qi", in Japan - under the name "ki", In India - under the name "prana". Energy exists in the form of energy - yin and energy - yang. Yin is described as a more passive form of energy, while yang is more active. Yin and yang attract one another, like the opposite poles of a magnet. Yin and yang are related to everything in the universe, and everything that surrounds us consists of a combination of these two qualities, although some of the objects and phenomena are more yin, while others are more yang. Facial features can be more "hoarfrost" or "honey", as well as emotions, character traits associated with each feature. Thin lips, for example, are considered more yang (and the character traits associated with this trait are hard work and responsibility), while full lips (and the tendency to relax, enjoy) are considered more "hoar".

Some people in general can be too yin or too yang. A person who is easily irritated and angered becomes "yane". In order to correct the imbalance, such a person should incorporate more yin energy into their lifestyle by consuming yin foods (light meals such as salads and fruits, as well as more fluids) and engaging in relaxing "yin" activities such as reading, yoga, and walks.

According to ancient Eastern beliefs, it is believed that the left and right halves of the face are associated with different types of qi energy. For most people, the chi energy on the left side of the face tends to be more active and thus yang, while the chi energy on the right side of the face tends to be quieter - more yin. The right half of the face is considered the feminine side and usually reflects the facial features of the mother and grandparents, while the "Jane" left half represents the masculine aspect and is associated with the father and grandfathers. The feminine, right half of the face is associated with the earth's chi energy, and it is usually more pronounced than the left, and represents our main emotions and point of view, as well as our personal, inner character traits and creativity. Male, the left half of the face is associated with the heavenly qi energy and represents logical thinking and accepted social masks. It reflects controlled emotions and represents the person we want to appear to the outside world.

The effect of functional brain asymmetry on human facial expressions

To see this better, you need to create two images using photographs of the right and left half of the face, which will show a noticeable difference in the facial expressions of each of the photographs. Perfectly symmetrical faces practically do not exist. The asymmetry of the face (facial expressions) is also indicated by anisokyria. According to E.S. Velkhover and B.V. Vershinin, anisocoria occurs in practically healthy individuals in 19% of cases, in patients with somatic diseases - in 37%, in individuals with CNS pathology - in 50-91% of cases. Moreover, in the vast majority of somatic patients and healthy people, the right pupil is wider than the left one.

Currently, the difference in the facial expressions of the right and left halves of the face is explained by the fact that the right and left hemispheres of the brain perform different functions. This was especially clearly proved in the 50s of the twentieth century by American researchers who achieved success in the treatment of continuously occurring seizures of epilepsy by separating the right and left hemispheres of the brain through surgery - the destruction of the bridge between the hemispheres (corpus callosum). Such an operation was performed on several patients, really alleviated their suffering and at the same time led to the largest discovery, awarded the Nobel Prize in 1980. It was received by R. Sperry.

Although the connections between the two hemispheres of the brain were broken, the person ate, performed daily activities, walked and talked with other people without serious visible deviations in behavior. True, several observations made shortly after the operation were alarming: one patient complained that he behaved strangely with his wife and was unable to control his behavior - while his right hand hugs his wife, his left hand pushes her away. Another patient drew attention to the strange behavior of his left hand before visiting the doctor: while with the help of his right hand he dressed and put himself in order, the left hand tried to unbutton and take off his clothes. Then it was noted that the right hand could not redraw the simplest geometric shapes, it could not add simple designs from the cubes, she could not find simple household items by touch. The left hand perfectly coped with all these tasks, but could not write, even very clumsily, a single word.

Thus, the right hemisphere, which controls the left hand, in all actions, with the exception of writing, was superior to the left hemisphere. But on the other hand, the function of speech, except for writing, turned out to be inaccessible to the right hemisphere. The right hemisphere was significantly superior to the left in the ability to navigate in space, in the perception of music, the recognition of complex images that cannot be decomposed into simple components - in particular, in the recognition of human faces and emotional expressions on these faces.

In this regard, the following study is of interest. A group of architects were hooked up to electroencephalographs (EEGs). The architects received a task in which it was necessary to perform an arithmetic calculation.

The EEG showed an increase in the activity of the left hemisphere, and when it was necessary to complete the project of the facade of the building, the activity of the right hemisphere increased. Consequently, there are differences in the functions of the right and left hemispheres (functional asymmetry of the brain). The function of the left hemisphere is the operation of verbal-sign information (logical operations, reading, counting). The function of the right hemisphere is the operation of visual images (object recognition, imaginative thinking, intuition).

At present, a large number of experimental and clinical data have been accumulated on the different roles of the cerebral hemispheres in the regulation of mental abilities and emotions. The study of the functions of the left and right hemispheres revealed the existence of an emotional asymmetry of the brain, which manifests itself, among other things, in facial expressions. According to V.L. Deglin, a temporary shutdown of the left hemisphere by an electroconvulsive electric shock causes a shift in the emotional sphere of the “right hemisphere person” towards negative emotions. His mood worsens, he pessimistically assesses his position, complains of feeling unwell. Turning off the right hemisphere causes the opposite effect - an improvement in the emotional state. T.A. Dobrokhotov and N.N. Bragin found that patients with lesions in the left hemisphere are anxious and preoccupied. Right-sided defeat is combined with frivolity, carelessness. The emotional state of complacency, irresponsibility, carelessness that occurs under the influence of alcohol is associated with its predominant effect on the right hemisphere of the brain.

For a harmonious combination of a person with the surrounding world, there must be a consistency of intuition and logic, spirit and mind, in which a person with his logic (function of the left hemisphere) can realize his intuition, images (function of the right hemisphere). From a psychological point of view, the harmony of a person corresponds to the degree of his psychological protection from life shocks and illnesses.

Consequently, the most complex mimic reactions, reflecting the subconscious and conscious reactivity of the corresponding centers of the brain, can be carried out only if there are various anatomical and physiological connections between all the central and peripheral components of this integral system, carried out by neuroconductors, both somatic and autonomic parts of the nervous system. In contrast to the somatic fibers of the facial nerve, most of which cross in the brain stem and when the cortical centers are damaged, heterolateral paralysis of the mimic muscles of the lower part of the face develops, emotional reactions associated with the autonomic nervous system, in relation to the cerebral hemispheres, are mainly manifested homolaterally.

The part of the motor nucleus of the facial nerve that innervates the mimic muscles of the upper part of the face (frontal, circular muscle of the eye) has cortical innervation from both hemispheres of the brain. In contrast, the lower part of the nucleus, which innervates the lower facial muscles, receives cortical innervation mainly from the opposite precentral gyrus. Therefore, when the precentral gyrus is damaged on the opposite side, paresis of the facial muscles of the lower part of the face occurs, but the function of the facial muscles of the upper part of the face, which have bilateral cortical innervation, is not disturbed.

Thus, the state of the right hemisphere is reflected on the right half of the face, and the left hemisphere - on the left. This is especially important for the eyes. Until now, it was believed that the state of the two hemispheres of the human brain is reflected on his face "crosswise" - the left hemisphere on right side face, and the right hemisphere on the left side of the face. This circumstance did not allow scientists to develop an adequate method for testing psychotypes. Therefore, for example, the "James Express Test" is not reliable and has not been successfully applied in practice.

In healthy people, the facial expressions of the left side of the face reflect the emotional state to a greater extent than the facial expressions of the right half. A more pronounced manifestation of the emotions of the left half of the face is confirmed in special model experiments, in which it was shown that emotions are more recognized in photographs made up of the two left halves of the face. To determine the mental state, we use the method of video-computer diagnostics. With the help of a video camera, the computer builds two new human faces. One portrait is made from the right halves of the face (spiritual, genetic portrait), the other from the left (life, social portrait).

On the "genetic portrait" one can see the determination, readiness for action of this person, and on the "social portrait" - fatigue, depression, which is manifested by the drooping of the corners of the eyes, eyebrows, etc. Further, these portraits are compared in a computer according to a special algorithm, and according to this program, the computer assigns this person to one of 49 psychological types and gives out a percentage of a complete personal characteristic, professional characteristic and recommendations for harmonizing the personality, changing lifestyle, effective interaction with other people , the surrounding world.

Video-computer diagnostics, along with questionnaires, is used to determine the mental state of somatic patients (bronchial asthma, arterial hypertension, peptic ulcer, etc.), for more effective treatment these patients, taking into account the mental status (anxiety, depression).

With the help of this method, psychophysical self-regulation of a person can occur on the basis of visual biological feedback. If a person looks at these two portraits of himself, then he begins to realize his subconscious (repressed from consciousness) feelings. As a result of this biofeedback, the emotions in the two portraits become positive and even out. Practically at the same time, the stabilization of mental processes occurs, the alignment of the intuitive and logical abilities of a person, the degree of harmony of the individual increases. At the same time, the face and eyes become more symmetrical, psychosomatic disorders decrease, the process of rejuvenation occurs (if aging occurs prematurely), the person returns to his life program, to himself.

One of the significant advantages of this method is the ability to study a person in the past. The study of early photographs, starting from early childhood, makes it possible to identify periods of mental trauma and the dynamics of the development of disorders. During psycho-correction, with the help of portraits synthesized from early photographs, the best of the previous states is restored.

Not many of us know what physiognomy is, and so, it is a science, or rather an unfounded doctrine, which is directly focused on determining the character of a person and his spiritual qualities based on the analysis of the characteristic features of the face, features of the head and facial expression. So in China and Japan, this art was especially developed in the Middle Ages. In these countries, schools were created where the human face was carefully studied, and it was studied literally in every millimeter, while paying attention to every bump, redness or blanching of the skin. And already after, based on the accumulated material, physiognomists tried to determine the character of a person and even determine his fate.

Article outline:

Principles of physiognomy

Many scientists tried to prove the fact that it is necessary to study physiognomy, but, unfortunately, today this science is considered frivolous. But still, the study of the connections between a person’s character traits and his thoughts, as well as the expression of his face, is necessary primarily for artists and actors, as well as for those people whose work is directly related to people, that is, investigators, teachers, sellers, etc. .d.

Four of the five sense organs are directly located in the face area, it is with their help that we receive information about the world around us. Eyes, ears, nose and mouth act as peculiar antennas, it is with their help that we perceive the information that is happening around us. Basically, a person perceives this information most strongly at the age of five or up to six years. This is even clearly visible on the face of the child, many, most likely, paid attention to the fact that children have large open eyes, sometimes it seems that he wants to see everything at once, ears that hear everything in the world, a nose that tries to feel everything smells, even the most subtle ones, the mouth, where he sends everything that just comes under his hands, it is these sense organs that help the children to call for the surrounding information.


Unfortunately, over time, the sharpness of feelings passes, becomes dull, and an adult already loses the ability to notice everything that previously brought him so much joy and surprise, this, in turn, is the result of the fact that a person gets used to the world around him, to its influence, and these he does not need sensitive antennas. As for the human psyche itself, it, in turn, becomes rigid, and this is directly reflected on the person's face. That is, the process of reduction begins, that is, the eyes lose their brilliance, become a little sunken, they are no longer interested in what is happening around, the face loses its mobility, and the mouth takes the form of a narrow slit. The character of a person becomes closed, and he gradually withdraws into himself. For each person, such changes occur at a different speed, regardless of age, for someone the face begins to change only by the age of seventy, while for someone such changes have already occurred at twenty.

For a person whose face quickly lost its liveliness, pessimism is characteristic, he already treats everything new with fear, and endures changes rather painfully. His character is characterized by the manifestation of the traits of an introvert. It is quite difficult to persuade such a person to do something that could. Such people tend to think by the age of forty that life is over and they just have to wait in the wings. But people with this type of character are quite rare. Basically, people with such behavior suffer from some kind of illness, or suffer for some reason, but when all the bad things that happen to him end, this person is transformed right before our eyes in a fairly short time. He is getting younger, his antennas begin to work with renewed vigor, receiving signals from the outside world, and he is again interested in everything new.

You can often meet people in old age who, despite their gray hair,. The faces of such people are often not subject to reduction and, accordingly, their antennae do not close until old age. By the type of their character, these people are extroverts, in their hearts they always remain big children. They quite simply find a common language with others, it is easy for them to make new acquaintances, but at the same time it is very easy for them to quit what they have started in order to do something more interesting and informative. Such people are distinguished by open and brilliant eyes, due to which they are often very popular in society.

Nowadays, a lot of attention is paid to the language of facial expressions and gestures. This method of information is considered natural. All of us quite often pay attention to the body movements of other people, and in this case it is worth noting that they not only carry information that our mind perceives, but are also able to influence another person. It is due to this that sign language has become quite widespread in the field of politics and business. Using gestures and facial expressions, people are much more interested in people in this or that matter, which in turn helps to make presentations much more efficiently, captivate the audience with their speech, etc.

As for the direct perception of the gestures and facial expressions of the surrounding people, it is they who determine our reaction and attitude towards those people. It is necessary to learn to better understand the bodily signals given and to correctly use this knowledge, applying it to more effective interaction with people.

When communicating, in addition to spoken phrases, a person makes many subtle or noticeable gestures, which are also not made senselessly, they also express his point of view on these circumstances. Each of the interlocutors perceives these gestures on a subconscious level, but basically our consciousness does not lend itself to their rational analysis. By learning such a hidden language, one can read all the hidden information.

Scientists believe that this ability to read other people's thoughts by facial expressions and gestures is characteristic of all people. Due to external signs, starting from facial expressions and up to the adopted posture, it will help to guess about the intentions and feelings of this or that person.

It is possible to read the information that gestures and facial expressions speak about due to the fact that, regardless of the cultural level of people and specifically any person, the words and, accordingly, the movements accompanying them coincide with such a degree of predictability that a well-trained person, even by voice, can determine which the movement will be made by his interlocutor during the pronunciation of a particular phrase.

The ability to communicate with other people, understanding their psychology, intentions and interests dominates in any communication. A person who knows how and can put himself in the place of another person and understand him will always be lucky in life.


The very shape of his face says a lot about the character of a person. Basically, it is classified into four types: 1) round; 2) square; 3) triangular; 4) rectangular; 5) trapezoidal.

Types of faces and their characteristics

The round type of face is characterized by an expansion in the middle part, in the cheekbones and neck. The dimensions of the face in this case are very close both horizontally and directly vertically. Roundness is observed in the area of ​​the lower jaw, chin and temporal cavities.

The shape of this type of face characterizes people with heavy weight. If at the same time a person has a small nose, then this characterizes him as a carefree nature that loves life's comfort. A person with such traits is a great gourmet and lover, by nature he is very soft and peaceful, gentle. People with a round face do not aspire to high position or fame, because they are more materialistic. Basically they are not ambitious. People with a round face, penetrating eyes, prominent cheekbones and a high bridge of the nose are thinkers, with a characteristic ordered mind.

The square face itself is wide in the middle part and cheekbones, the lower jaw is much heavier, wider, and the angles of the lower jaw are pronounced. The square shape of the face is characteristic of a courageous, rude, thin type of people who have a rather quick temper. Such a person is by nature a great fighter, a leader. As a rule, they are stubborn, persistent, slow-witted, resolute both in business and in love, have an immediate desire for success and are good performers. If a woman is endowed with such a face shape, then she, in turn, is a stubborn rival in any business, in family life she occupies a dominant position.

The trapezoidal face has the form of a compressed upper part, in the area of ​​the temples, while the lower part of the face is heavier, and the angles of the lower jaw are sharply expressed and deployed.

This face shape indicates that this person is quite artistic, intelligent and receptive, but, unfortunately, he lacks a fighting spirit. Women with this type of face are mostly very loving, their family life is always happy.

The triangular face has the shape of a pointed chin, lower jaw area.

This form indicates that a person is busy with himself and hypersensitive. This face shape is found in intelligent people, smart, quirky, cunning, devoid of affection and devotion, jealous. Triangular-faced people can be excellent scientists, philosophers, or artists, but they can also be shameless businessmen, traitors, and spies.

An elongated face is characterized by an elongated chin and a high forehead, in this case, the vertical dimensions win, in contrast to the horizontal ones.

Extended or rectangular shape The face needs the same width of the jaw and forehead. It is also called the aristocratic face shape. Such a face is characteristic of a sensitive, intelligent, far-sighted and prudent, calm and fair person. People with this type of face are endowed with excellent organizational talents and are excellent at working with other people in order to achieve their goals. Basically, these people achieve success in life.

Combined face shapes

Oval face - has a smooth outline, especially the chin, cheekbones and lower jaw. Such a face is usually called a classic or ideal.

Rhombus face - this type of face is characterized by strongly protruding cheekbones, which in turn are outlined by subzygomatic depressions, a narrow forehead. In the upper region at the temples and lower - the chin and jaw, parts of the face narrows, but expands in the cheekbones.

As for the facial muscles themselves, they can also tell a lot, depending on whether they are relaxed or tense. People who are characterized by hypertonicity of facial expressions, or in other words, great muscle tension, which in turn can be manifested in all kinds of twitches and tics, as a rule, have a lot of problems that disturb him. These problems can be both real and far-fetched, it doesn’t matter anymore, the main thing in this case is that they don’t let you forget about yourself for a minute.

Because of this, often such fears do not give a person the opportunity to make new decisions that completely change the situation, he is afraid that everything that he built with such difficulty will collapse and, as a result, he will have to start all over again. But, despite this, such people are quite energetic, in the case when they are confident in the success of a new business, they take on it with great enthusiasm, they are quite easy to climb, in addition to this, they have a much stronger ability to make various kinds of decisions, and they are much more in need of communication.

And a person who has relaxed muscles, that is, with hypotonicity of the face, behaves in a completely different way. This type of face is characterized by a somewhat pronounced sagging of the cheeks, sleepy, half-closed eyes, a slightly ajar mouth, and the expression of complete indifference is mainly on the face. The thoughts of such people flow more slowly, and actions are devoid of enthusiasm and energy, if they do something, then only because it is necessary, if it were their will, then they would hardly do anything at all.

They do not want to solve any problems, and, in fact, they do not have those. They let everything take its course, so that it resolves itself. It should also be noted that muscle hypotonicity and hypertonicity is only a reflection of the state of the human nervous system, its immediate stability and excitability. Accordingly, the higher the muscle tone, the more easily the nervous system is excited, and the faster the hypertonicity is replaced by hypotonicity, the less stable it is. Such differences are mainly observed in people with an affective type of face.

The affective type of face is characterized by a somewhat rough face, too uneven, with sunken cheeks, prominent cheekbones, and with many protrusions and depressions, which are directly left by strong emotions that arise quite often. A person with this type of face quite easily enters into a state of passion, namely, when strong emotional arousal appears, it happens to him quite often, he cannot control it.

This type of face can directly belong to both an introvert and an extrovert, and equally. This manifests itself in extroverts with open faces, and in introverts with reduced ones, affects, of course, manifest themselves in different ways. For example, if an extrovert has anger, anger and resentment very emotionally and violently spills out, then for an introvert negative emotions find their manifestations in emotional experiences, for a long time, corroding his soul.

It is customary for physiognomists to mentally divide human faces into three parts, the first is called vital, comes from the word vita - life, it shows how strongly a person defends his right to exist. This part directly includes the chin, which perfectly makes it clear to what extent a person uses his strong-willed qualities in order to achieve his goal. It is clearly seen that when a person needs to defend his point of view, he unconsciously begins to strain the muscles of the lower part of his face, therefore, the more often and successfully a person defends his rights, the more developed his chin is.

But a harmoniously developed chin can already tell a lot about its owner, namely that this person basically achieves his goals, although he is able to abandon the goal if he sees that it is inappropriate. A person who has a well-developed chin, often has a square shape, achieves his goal by any means, rushing to the breach like a tank, this person cares little about what remains after he reaches the target. It is typical for him to storm new and new heights. But as for the small chin itself, which can be said to be soft to some extent, such a person can easily deviate from his plan, just imagining what difficulties and obstacles may be associated with this. But this may not happen, especially if a person is ruled by a strong desire, or, conversely, unwillingness to achieve something.

The second zone is called emotional, it directly includes the cheekbones, nose, cheeks, mouth. The most mobile part of the human face is the mouth, as it is the first to react to various changes in the emotional background, reflecting the emotions that a person is currently experiencing, even if it lasts only a couple of seconds.

Such emotions as joy, anger, resentment, contempt, etc., expresses the bend of the lips, even when their owner is in control of himself and tries to hide his mood from those around him, anyway, any emotion will be reflected on his face for a moment, mostly in the mouth area, so you should be very careful and not miss this moment. If you saw that your interlocutor is biting his lips slightly, then in this case, this means that at that moment he is thinking about something, and quite tensely, but whether to interrupt his thoughts or not depends directly on you.

In the event that a person is in some kind of critical situation, he can bite not only his lip, but also his tongue. Also, his nose conveys the feelings of a person very well. During excitement, and of any origin, the wings of the nose begin to swell. If a person sees something that annoys him, then the nose in this case wrinkles.

In addition to the lips, the mouth also includes two nasolabial grooves, a chin groove and the corners of the mouth.

Depending on the incision of the oral fissure, the mouth can be small or large, and as for the corners of the mouth itself, they can be lowered or raised.

If a person has a wide mouth and a square face, then this indicates that the person is authoritative and has the talent of an organizer.

If the mouth is large and does not close tightly, then this, in turn, indicates that this is an indecisive and careless person.

If a woman has a large mouth, then she is more likely to show great abilities for a career career than for domestic work.

In the presence of a wide mouth on a full solid base in people with a large bone structure, it indicates that the person is aggressive and ambitious, adventurous, indifferent to his defeats and successes.

A person with a small mouth can be said to be constantly engaged in the struggle for existence, has a weak shy character who does not dare to take responsibility. A protruding mouth (the mouth of a person is considered in profile with closed lips) - indicates that the person is active and decisive, has a quick mind.

Characteristics of a person by his lips

If the lower and upper lips overlap one another and the lower lip is protruding, then this indicates that a person is selfish by nature and may be unsuccessful in marriage.

In the case when the upper and lower lips overlap one another and the protruding lip is the upper lip, this indicates that the person is vain and indecisive, has an insatiable libido and often starts extramarital affairs.

If the line between the lips bends downward, then this characterizes a person as stubborn and self-centered, who lends himself to being liked only with the help of praise and flattery.

The presence of thin lips, poorly closed and corresponding to each other, says about a person that he does not have special business ambitions, he is characterized by criminal inclinations.

In the case when the line between the lips curves up in the middle, this indicates that the person is agile and resourceful.

A wide, coarse, long upper lip and a pointed or small lower lip indicate that these people are bad businessmen who can become victims quite easily.

What will the nose tell us?

And he says the following:
  • Oddly enough, but the nose controls the fate of a person from about 41 to 50 years old, it is during this period of life that the question of success or failure of the individual is decided.
  • So, the owner of a long nose, the following main character traits appear - unsuitability for business enterprises and conservatism. They have elements of contemptuous-arrogant behavior, they have the ability for intellectual achievements (in the field of science or technology).
  • The owner of an over long nose is characterized by: conservative spirituality, quite often unrealistic and capriciously speculative personality.
  • A short nose characterizes its owner as a person with an open character, optimistic and friendly, having a free sexual morality, he can be easily irritated over trifles, emotional impulses are a good motive for doing work, so he needs to be constantly patted on the shoulder.
  • A bony nose with a small hump and a high inflection speaks of its owner that he is a proud individual, stubborn, aggressive and determined.
  • A high and very bony nose says that a person lives in loneliness. And if the nose also has a pointed tip and looks quite full and flat, then in this case we can say that the person is endowed with a rather enterprising spirit and impulsiveness, which in turn quite often repels relatives and friends, thereby dooming himself to complete loneliness .
  • A skinny, bony nose indicates that it is very difficult for a person to concentrate. In the case when the nose is located quite high in accordance with the face as a whole, then such a person can be said to be a very proud person, difficult to communicate and arrogant. If such a person is endowed with power, then problems with subordinates are inevitable, sometimes even in family relationships, he does not go beyond mere tolerance.
  • If the back of the nose is well rounded, then this person is quite artistic and happy in marriage.
  • If the platform of the nose has a break, a depression and horizontal lines crossing the back of the nose, then this person is endowed with poor health, even early mortality is possible.
  • If the nose has a high tiny area between the eyes, then this person has close family ties, is loyal and has a long lifespan. In the case when the site is full and flat, this, in turn, says that the person has a warm heart and is quite happy in marriage.
  • If the nose has a broken back with many small ridges, then such a person is characterized by poverty and deprivation.
  • If the nose is narrow and looks like the edge of a sword, then such a person has a life full of hard and exhausting work.
  • If the back of the nose is slightly flattened and, moreover, intersected by horizontal lines, then misfortune awaits such a person.
  • When the back of the nose is flat, well balanced by both wings of the nose and large, then this person is prudent in nature, having a forecast for wealth.
  • If a person's nose has a weak back, then this person is endowed with chances for early success and, unfortunately, a late failure in life.
  • A nose whose back widens in the middle and is only slightly covered with flesh, in combination with small nostrils and low cheekbones, this in turn indicates that a person has a somewhat banal and boring life, full of hard work and practically unrewarded.
  • If the back of the nose has a slope to the side, then this indicates that, most likely, failures will haunt the person.
  • A nose whose back is crossed with deep lines says that the fate of such a person will be to some extent connected with disasters.
  • In women, such a nose is evidence of a difficult marriage and an imminent divorce.
  • If veins are visible on the back of such a nose, then this is a possibility that it will have.
  • If the tip of the nose hangs like a nut, then this person will occupy a fairly strong position in society, and prosperity in business.
  • If the tip of the nose sags strongly, then this indicates a person's oversexuality. If the tip of the nose is pointed and not fleshy, then this indicates that the person is prone to betrayal and treachery.
  • If the tip of the nose has the shape of an eagle's beak, then this is a vindictive person, we can say that to some extent he is obsessed with mania, that everyone constantly interferes with him. In the case when the tip of the nose has a slightly reddish tint, it indicates that its owner is lazy and unsteady, a careerist will not work out of him, but he is quite insightful and gifted with foresight.
  • In the case when the back of the nose is high, in the presence of weak cheekbones and jaws, this indicates that a person was born in a family with a high social position, in middle age disaster awaits him, and in old age - deprivation.
  • When the nose has a sagging shape and a skinny tip, which in turn covers most of the upper lip, then this is a treacherous and treacherous nature.
  • If the tip of the nose is split, then this person is suspicious, vindictive, shy, preferring to solve his problems on his own, with the help of his original mind.
  • If the nose has a full, large, convex tip, then this indicates that the person is sincere, kind-hearted, always ready for self-sacrifice, if there is a controlled gleam in the eyes.
  • A nose that has a round and full tip, which covers a certain part of the groove above the middle of the upper lip, then this person has extraordinary energy, unlimited business acumen and a shrewd mind.

The ideal nose is considered to be a nose of normal length, balanced with the mouth, eyes and chin. There must be two deep lines on both sides of the mouth. Such a nose says about a person that he is honest, temperamental, sexually active, proud, active and having great authority.


The third zone of the face directly includes the upper part of the face, eyebrows, forehead and eyes, this part is called the intellectual. In the eyes of a person, the thought processes that take place in the head of a person, their speed and direction are always quite clearly displayed. Brilliant eyes and a lively look indicate that their owner is enthusiastic and passionate about some idea. And, accordingly, half-closed eyes with an extinct look indicate that a person is depressed or depressed. American scientists have found that people basically look in six different directions, it directly depends on what is happening at the moment in their brain.

For right-handers, it is typical, with some kind of memory or if they represent something, to direct their gaze up to the right, and for left-handers, respectively, up to the left. When remembering some kind of sound of music, the right-hander will direct his gaze to the right, and if he imagines some kind of sound, then to the left. The right-hander looks down to the left when he wants to remember a sensation, taste, smell, and looks in the opposite direction when he is conducting an internal dialogue. As for the left-hander, the same thing happens to him, only in the opposite direction.

If you want to check who is in front of you, you can ask that person to remember some image or sound and look at the movement of his eyes accordingly. It is worth noting that in Chinese physiognomy, wrinkles that directly appear in the corners of the eyes, when laughing, are called the tail of a goldfish. And the larger and more magnificent this tail, it means that this person is sympathetic and kind. On the face of a person, it is not uncommon to notice two small vaults above the eyes, they are especially noticeable in people with great powers of observation. It is generally accepted that they mean a desire to help and increased attentiveness.

Quite often, but not in all cases, a large forehead is a sign of a great mind, but sometimes circumstances develop in such a way that a person cannot develop his intellectual potential. But it also happens that a rather smart person, in the field of knowledge, does not understand at all in another field. Therefore, with regard to the assessment of the mind, here with each person it is necessary to be quite careful. In adults, a furrow in the middle of the forehead can be clearly visible, which in turn indicates that he is an introvert and has a high degree of introspection. In the case when a person concentrates quite often, focusing on something, he accordingly forms several vertical folds above the bridge of the nose.

Eyes are like an open book, you can read a lot through them.

If a person has large balanced eyes with irises, then this person is conservative, calm and kind.

Proportionate eyes, but smaller than usual, indicate that a person is modest by nature, tries not to attract attention to himself, the personality is dim, stubborn and internally self-satisfied. For women with such eyes, purity and impregnability are characteristic, married women remain faithful and faithful, but very jealous.

Proportionate eyes, but more than normal, say about a person that he is a sensual and receptive nature, domineering and courageous. Women with such eyes are characterized by an aesthetic face and inclinations.

Small eyes with small irises, inherent in people who are not satisfied with their position in life, they are grouchy, and do not want to accept existing order, they are characterized by the manifestation of cruelty and the use of force to achieve their goals.

The eyes are raised up, which means a person is sensitive, courageous, greedy and decisive. If at the same time a person has a hooked nose and a low forehead, then these features are negative. Women with such an appearance are characterized by irrationality, jealousy and violence.

In the case when the outer corner of the eyes (the one at the temple) is sharp and long, then such a person is endowed with a strong mind and insight, ruthless and artistic.

Eyes slanted to the bottom indicate that the person is optimistic, good-natured, able to win favor.

If the corners of the eyes look down, then this person is calm, pessimistic and submissive by nature.

It would seem that eyebrows are just a trifle, but they also say a lot about the character of a person. They are directly thin, wide, fused at the bridge of the nose. If the eyebrow is short and thin, then this indicates that the person is alone in the struggle for life. If short eyebrows have an uneven or coarse structure, then this means a changeable career. Too thin and almost invisible eyebrows - characterizes its owner as slutty and cunning. Concerning general characteristics, then a thin eyebrow is primarily a sign of an amorous nature and a happy life in marriage.

If a person has the shape of an eyebrow that resembles a boomerang, then by nature he is an inventive and quite strong person, able to set in motion his ideas and turn them into actions, this is a self-confident and sexual nature. A woman with such eyebrows tries to take the initiative in love relationships, dominates in marriage, has a rather strong physical attractiveness.

In the case when the eyebrows are closely connected and form a horizontal line, they are sometimes so rigid that they can bunch up at their outer ends. A person with this type of eyebrows is characterized by resourcefulness and determination.

If the eyebrows are located obliquely, and practically converge in the middle of the forehead, then this person has excellent imagination, courage, and foresight. A woman is characterized at first by some violation of beauty, but later she will succeed in her career.

When both eyebrows and, accordingly, the eyes are at the same level, well balanced and proportional, this indicates that a person is by nature very good-natured, honest, serious, lucky, conscientious, and is in excellent relationships with society.

In the event that part of the eyebrows goes in the opposite direction, it indicates that this is a rather stubborn person, devoid of flexibility, uncompromising in relations with people.

The eyebrows join and form a heavy and thick line, characteristic of a straightforward person who does not consider the opinions of others. A woman with this type of eyebrows is endowed with a rather strong character, she does not have a penchant for housekeeping, most likely her marriage will end in divorce, but as far as career and professional activities are concerned, everything is fine here.

From the facial features of a person, as well as from his facial expressions, you can tell a lot about what mood a person has, what he thinks about, how he will behave in the future, but in order to be able to read it in the face, it is necessary to study the facial features well and possible further behavior.

Facial expressions and gestures - essential elements communications. These are what are commonly called methods. non-verbal communication. These tools help to place the semantic accents of the conversation, enhance the emotionality and expressiveness of speech.

In addition, "body language" is often able to say much more about the speaker than the words themselves. Facial expressions and other non-verbal means of communication are poorly controlled by the speaker, so they can become a source of additional information about a person. About his intentions, emotional state, mood and attitude towards the interlocutor.

This article will help you understand the nuances of the psychology of facial expressions and gestures.

Contrary to what many people think, gesticulation is not just an "addition" to a conversation, not just a manifestation of individual or cultural habits. According to modern scientific research, gestures and other elements of non-verbal communication - this is one of the primary ways of communication between people. Some scholars generally believe that at some point in history it was one of the main means of communication.

These means of communication do not just accompany the conversation, they greatly influence its semantic content. Moreover, in such a way that the listener often does not even understand this, since such signals are read subconsciously. On the one hand, they greatly facilitate communication, because they help to place the necessary accents in the conversation, expressively highlight some elements of the conversation, and set the very modality of speech. On the other hand, they work effectively as a means of persuasion.

In addition, facial expressions and gestures can be a source of additional information or, in some situations, replace speech altogether.

Facial expressions and gestures in a person, from the point of view of psychology, perform the following functions:

  1. regulation. These are gestures that accompany imperative speech - orders, requests, etc.
  2. Representation of the internal emotional state of the speaker, his attitude towards the interlocutor and the very situation of the conversation.
  3. Spatial function - gestures indicate the spatial position of the speaker and interlocutor.
  4. . Gestures replace or supplement such language expressive means as metaphor, irony, hyperbole, etc.
  5. communicative function.
  6. The function of displaying speech actions. Gestures can illustrate an offer, a threat, a request. Not to be confused with the first paragraph. This function is connected precisely with the speech action of the subject of the dialogue.
  7. The function of describing the physical parameters of an object, its actions and properties.

Gestures, facial expressions and other elements of non-verbal communication have a strong connection with speech. We can say that they form a single system of communication, which is designed to most effectively convey information and influence the interlocutor.

What part of the brain is responsible for gestures

The use of gestures and facial expressions is not only due to cultural characteristics. The source of this lies much deeper - in the very human psyche. Facial expressions and gestures, first of all,.

Human gestures and facial expressions are perceived and produced by different parts of the brain.

The right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for production. The same hemisphere allows a person to navigate in space, recognize voices, intonations, rhythm, music. The right hemisphere is responsible for specific subject thinking.

However, the same areas of the brain that are responsible for speech - the lower frontal gyrus and the posterior temporal region - help to perceive, decipher signals of gestures and facial expressions. In other words, the brain perceives a gesture as a symbol equivalent to a word.

What gestures can tell about a person

Gestures and facial expressions are an inexhaustible source of information about a person. Of course, this should not be taken as universal way obtaining information about the intentions or thoughts of the interlocutor, because you always need to take into account the individual context, the individual habits of the partner and the environment in which the conversation takes place.

Facial expressions can also speak of a purely physiological state of a person. However, there are some general behavioral patterns, the knowledge of which will help you navigate in a particular speech situation.

The face and eyes are rightfully considered the most expressive parts of the body when it comes to facial expressions.

  1. Direct gaze, long and continuous eye contact with the interlocutor, indicate interest, disposition for dialogue and a high level of trust.
  2. Covered and slightly lowered eyes - physical or emotional fatigue, passivity, disinterest.
  3. Squint is traditionally read as a sign or heightened attention, or as evidence of malicious intent, a negative attitude towards the interlocutor.
  4. A bowed head and a look from bottom to top are subconsciously perceived as a sign of aggression, readiness and desire to use force.
  5. A bowed head with a bent back, on the contrary, speaks of a desire to please.
  6. A "running", constantly evasive look signals the uncertainty or anxiety of the interlocutor. Or that the atmosphere of the conversation makes him uncomfortable.
  7. Side view - skepticism or distrust.
  8. Raised eyebrows, wide eyes and parted mouth - surprise.
  9. Small wrinkles around the eyes give out joy.
  10. Tightly compressed lips, furrowed eyebrows and dilated, as if "inflated" nostrils - anger.
  11. If a person wrinkles his nose, it is quite possible that he is disgusted. This instinctive reaction to a bad smell also works on a more symbolic level.


Head position

The position of the head itself can tell a lot:

  • Head at the level of the interlocutor - readiness for dialogue.
  • Slightly raised with a protruding chin - self-confidence, high self-esteem, arrogance, readiness for action.
  • Head, tilted to one side or lowered down - weakness, fatigue, willingness to compromise.

Hand gesture

  1. Involuntary manipulations with wardrobe items, foreign objects, or the face (rubbing the nose or earlobe) can indicate strong excitement, anxiety, that the interlocutor is waiting for something or is not sure of something. Such gestures, oddly enough, are designed precisely to hide excitement and stress, to distract the person himself from them.
  2. Open, raised palms - this gesture is used in a situation of explanation, persuasion. We can say that this is a kind of stop sign.
  3. Hands folded into a “lock”, covering certain parts of the body, hidden in a pocket - this often indicates uncertainty and alertness. A person unconsciously resorts to defensive gestures when they feel threatened.
  4. Hands behind the back are perceived as a signal of unwillingness to dialogue, a signal of timidity and doubt.
  5. If the arms hang freely along the body, this can be read as a symbol of passivity.
  6. Hands clenched into a fist are perceived as a sign of determination, aggression or concentration.

Shoulder gestures

  • A person is perceived as confident and determined when he freely moves his shoulders.
  • Signs of high self-esteem and a desire to act can be called a protruding chest with shoulders laid back.
  • On the contrary, the "hollowness" of the thoracic region is often interpreted exactly the opposite. As well as shoulders pressed to the head or “dropping out” forward.

Gait and posture

  1. A confident person has a straight posture and does not slouch.
  2. Although slouching can be, for example, a sign of an inactive, sedentary lifestyle, it is often interpreted psychologically.
  3. The gait is fast, with active hand gestures, giving out determination and a desire to act.
  4. A shuffling and slow gait is subconsciously associated with laziness and slowness.
  5. A straight, measured and wide gait speaks of openness and confidence.
  6. Small steps indicate caution, foresight and prudence.

Conclusion

Extremely rich and varied. Gestures and facial expressions make speech richer, more varied and richer in terms of expression.

Gesticulation for a person is natural and necessary. Even in those cultures where it is not customary to emphasize speech abundantly with facial expressions or movements, they play a big role. It is important to be able to "read" and decipher these more or less obvious signs.

It is equally important to be able to use them yourself. Appropriate, expressive and bright gestures, the correct look and posture will help build a dialogue as efficiently, effectively and convincingly as possible.

True feelings are reflected on our face because facial expressions can be involuntary, not subject to our thoughts and intentions. But the face can also lie, because we are able to control our facial expressions, preventing people from seeing the truth and forcing them to accept lies. The face leads a double life, combining expressions that we deliberately adopt with those that sometimes appear spontaneously, without our knowledge.

Truth is rarely pure and never unambiguous. (Oscar Wilde)

In fact, when a person communicates, they are always accompanied by micro-expressions, and they can be seen. This suggests that even diplomats or intelligence officers are not always excellent at lying and restraining my facial expressions during strong emotions.

Mimic movements - this is a joyful, intense, mournful facial expression, etc. - are involuntary and not purposeful. All voluntary movements, however, have a mimic aspect: they are not identical to each other even when the same goal is meant, and vary in the same person depending on his emotional state.
On the one hand, the face seems to obey our will. On the other hand, it lives on its own, its own, unknown to us life. The unconscious, involuntary component is constantly present, very often becomes predominant - and most of all, when we are seized by some kind of feeling. Crying, laughter, squeezing pleasure, a furious grin, as well as simple yawning - all these are convulsions of the facial muscles, proceeding somewhat differently ... Two levels of life of the face - voluntary and involuntary - fully correspond to our internal stratification: consciousness and subconsciousness. The face is the focus of mental muscles - the organ of communication of the psyche with another psyche - and with itself. Soul organ.
The face is a very valuable source of information for the verifier, because it can lie, and tell the truth, and do both at the same time. Usually a face carries two messages at once - what the liar wants to say, and what he would like to hide. Some facial expressions support lies by giving us false information, while others give out the truth because they look fake, and true feelings seep through all attempts to hide them. At some point, the face, being deceitful, may look quite convincing, but after a moment, hidden thoughts may appear on it. And it also happens that both sincere and ostentatious emotions are transmitted by different parts of the face at the same time. I think most people can’t immediately see through a liar just because they can’t distinguish between sincere facial expressions and false ones.


Along with involuntary and intentional expressions, there are also once learned by us and now appear automatically, whether we like it or not, and sometimes even despite it and, as a rule, without our awareness. An example of this are facial expressions that have become habitual and have become "ritual"; they quite often appear on our face, especially when, for example, we cannot express our anger towards a high-ranking person. For now, however, we will be concerned only with the deliberate, controlled, false expressions used by people in an attempt to deceive, and the involuntary, spontaneous, emotional ones that sometimes betray the liar's true feelings despite his best efforts to hide them.
The involuntary expression of emotions on the face is the result of evolution. Many human facial expressions are similar to those seen in primates. Some emotional expressions- at least those who talk about happiness, fear, anger, disgust, sadness, grief, and possibly a number of other emotions - are universal, the same for all people, regardless of age, gender, racial and cultural differences.
These expressions give us rich information about the feelings of a person, betraying the slightest movements of his soul. A face can convey such shades of emotional experiences that only a poet can express in words. It can tell us:
- what emotions a person experiences (anger, fear, sadness, disgust, grief, joy, satisfaction, excitement, surprise, contempt) - each of these emotions has its own specific facial expression;
- about the imposition of emotions - often a person experiences two emotions at once, and both are partially reflected on his face;
- about the strength of the emotions experienced - all emotions have different degrees of manifestation - from mild irritation to rage, from fear to horror, and so on.
In addition to automatic, habitual facial expressions, people can also have quite conscious facial expressions, which they adopt by suppressing the manifestation of their true emotions and imitating others that are not actually experienced. Most people are great at using some form of deception. Almost everyone can recall a case when someone's facial expression completely confused him, but almost everyone is familiar with the opposite, when a person’s face clearly shows that he is lying. There are moments in the life of every married couple when one reads on the face of the other a feeling (usually fear or anger), which his partner not only does not realize, but also denies.

There are thousands of different facial expressions, and they are all different from each other. Many of them have nothing to do with emotions and refer to the so-called signs of speech, which, like illustrations, correspond to stress and punctuation (for example, facial expressions that reflect a question or exclamation mark). But there are also facial expressions: a wink, a surprised raising of the eyebrows, a contemptuous squinting of the eyes, a horseshoe mouth, a skeptical grimace, a drooping jaw, etc. There are also facial manipulations - biting and licking the lips, smacking, puffing out the cheeks. In addition, there are simply emotional facial expressions, both sincere and feigned.

Moreover, not one facial expression corresponds to one emotion, but dozens, and sometimes even hundreds.
Each emotion has a specific and very specific set of expressions. This is not surprising, because each emotion corresponds not to one situation, but to a whole series. Let's look at expressions of anger. Anger is classified as:
- its intensity (from slight irritation to rage);
- degree of controllability (from explosion to hidden malice);
- the rate of development (from a sudden flash to a slow boil);
- the rate of extinction (from sudden to prolonged);
- heat (from boiling to cold-blooded);
- degree of sincerity (from genuine to feigned - like parents scolding their naughty, but beloved child).
And if we add to this the addition of other emotions to anger: gloating, guilt, righteousness, contempt, then there will be even more components of this series.

Disgust. With disgust, the eyebrows frown and the nose wrinkles, the upper lip rises, and the lower lip falls, the mouth takes on an angular shape. The tongue is slightly protruded, as if pushing out an unpleasant substance that has entered the mouth. Children, disgusted, stick out their tongue and say "fu" or "be", adults can express this emotion only by moving their upper lip or wrinkling their nose. These movements are sometimes so elusive that they can go unnoticed by others. Sometimes they are involuntary, and the person does not realize that he is disgusted.

Sadness. In a sad person, the inner ends of the eyebrows are raised and reduced to the bridge of the nose, the eyes are slightly narrowed, and the corners of the mouth are lowered. Sometimes you can observe a slight trembling of a slightly extended chin. Depending on the age of the person and the intensity of the sadness experienced, its facial expression may be accompanied by crying. Mimic sadness lasts for a few seconds, but the experience can last longer. She usually gives herself away in one way or another, although her signs can be almost subtle. The face looks faded, devoid of muscle tone, the eyes seem dull. A sad person speaks little and reluctantly, the pace of his speech is slow.

Contempt is a complex pantomimic expression. Depicting contempt, a person becomes taller: he straightens up, tilts his head slightly and looks at the source of emotion, as if from above. With all his appearance, he seems to show his superiority over the “rival”. At the moment of contempt, the eyebrows and upper lip are raised, the corners of the lips may shrink, the mouth rises slightly and small symmetrical depressions form in the area of ​​the cheeks adjacent to the corners of the mouth. An eyebrow may be raised or the head tilted back and to the side.

Happiness. The forehead and eyebrows are at rest, the lower eyelids are raised, but not tense. The outer corners of the eyes have wrinkles called spider or crow's feet. The corners of the lips are drawn to the sides and raised.

Astonishment. Eyebrows are raised, horizontal wrinkles may form on the forehead. The upper eyelids are raised and show the sclera, the lower eyelids are relaxed. The lips are relaxed and parted.

Fear. The eyebrows are pulled together and raised, which can cause wrinkles in the center of the forehead. The upper eyelids are raised so that the sclera is visible above the iris. The lips are tense and stretched to the sides, and the mouth is slightly parted.

Unlike a mask or a grimace, a living face incomprehensibly changes every moment - and it is precisely its micromimicry that changes - the ratio of the tones of different muscles, the play of their fibers and ligaments in endless combinations and vibrations. Tone mimicry conveys the secret movements of the soul, deep moods and states of mind, conveys the character.
Great facial expressions can be played like a ball, juggling with masks. You can frown menacingly, you can smile affectionately; you can squint slyly or, raising your eyebrows, portray surprise; one can draw horror, rage, despair with one's face, chain oneself into impenetrability - everything is possible and more than that; but - if you are not a professional actor, not an expert in acting - you never know exactly what happens and what is the possible impression ...
It is very difficult to control the tone of the face - mimicry, which only gives expressions liveliness, authenticity and persuasiveness. No wonder: unlike the arms, legs and torso, we do not see our own physiognomy (as well as, sorry, the rear physiognomy) - and by nature we should not see, we communicate with it blindly. Yes, least of all, oddly enough, we know and understand our own face - all our life it is the most unfamiliar, the most unexpected, the biggest mystery for us ... Hence the insatiable need to communicate with mirrors ...

Not every politician is able to control facial expressions so skillfully. The former president of Egypt, Anwar Sadat, wrote about his youthful attempts to learn to control the muscles of his face: “... My hobby was politics. In those years, Mussolini ruled Italy. I saw his photographs and read about how he could change his facial expression in front of the public, taking on a hard, aggressive look, so that people, looking at him, read the power and strength in every feature of his face. It fascinated me. I stood in front of the mirror at home and tried to imitate the authoritativeness of his face, but my results were disappointing. My facial muscles just got tired, and it hurt - that's all.
How to understand that politicians speak sincerely, and what they have been taught? Olga Gladneva and a psychologist helped to understand facial expressions.

“In this photo, Viktor Andreevich is disappointed and annoyed, trying to choose his words so as not to offend anyone,” Olga Gladneva, a specialist at the EVAX-BiS center, comments in physiognomy. - This is a very characteristic picture - in uncomfortable situations, the president is hard to see openly indignant. Because, based on the laws of physiognomy, such a person a priori will not strive for leadership, and therefore he speaks, as a rule, as if by force quite often. With his innate softness, he bribes women whom he listens to, but acts in his own way. Viktor Andreevich knows how to work meticulously and for a long time, is patient, sees shortcomings, including his own, has a mathematical mindset and has logical thinking.

“Here, Yulia Vladimirovna confidently talks about what she doesn’t really believe in,” says Olga Gladneva. - Her hairstyle emphasizes her organizational skills, and her open forehead signals her readiness to hear criticism. But if we take into account that image makers are working on the image of the prime minister, then “readiness” may be insincere. Her face is a challenge. She is probably the only politician to whom no one is indifferent. This is because the character of this woman is a paradox (high cheekbones and a sharp chin betray this): when she tries to do good things, she gets bad results, and vice versa. It is not surprising that in the ranks of her subordinates there are people who are opposed to her, and among her opponents - who sincerely admire her.

The fact that the emotions of Viktor Fedorovich in public are quite monotonous, according to Olga Gladneva, suggests that he does not play roles, and such people, as a rule, are well versed in the business they will undertake. Their decisions are made quickly. “In this photo, Viktor Yanukovych is definitely glad to see someone. Although the smile on his face is not always natural: when everything is not good around him, he cannot pretend. And if you analyze a photo, say, 10 years ago, you can see that since then he has become less categorical and tough, says Olga. - A general analysis of Yanukovych's face shows that he does not always say what he really wants to say. But in general, the work of specialists on his facial expressions is minimal.”

“Yatsenyuk has an unusual face for a politician,” says physiognomist Olga Gladneva. - There is no imprint of self-confidence on him - facial features are small. But he is observant, sees all the shortcomings - small eyes speak of this. Able to build grandiose plans, while taking into account everything. Because of this, he takes a long time to make decisions and embodies them in the same way. He knows how to invent, but he needs hands that will embody his ideas, his own energy is not enough for him. He is polite in the Western cliché, to the question: "How are you?" replies: “Good,” and it doesn’t matter how it really is.

“Vladimir Mikhailovich, the analysis of his facial expressions suggests that he is an open, emotional person, loves to express himself and talk. He likes to joke around with friends. People with such facial features do not have real power, but they know how to act covertly, through others. Him unusual ideas, creative thinking - this is emphasized by the cheekbones. He knows how to listen and analyze, to present any idea beautifully. But it’s hard for him to finish what he started.”

Simonenko's face speaks of his determination: “He is inclined to bring everything to the end, but the result is not always the one that was intended,” says Olga Gladneva. - In the process, cases may acquire new details, and this politician does not always react mobilely to changes. He knows how to embellish events, but sees them in a real light. In this photo, when leaving the Presidential Secretariat, he has a worried face, although it is clear that he was thinking about something of his own. And this is always the case with this politician: he can think about the personal, but things are primary for him anyway.

Oleg Tyagnibok“There is some difference between his personal attitudes and those that he expresses to a large audience - in the photo the look is both defiant and confident,” Olga Gladneva says in physion. - That's why he quickly makes decisions, quickly implements them. He looks at things realistically, but positions himself as an optimist. From the general analysis of the face, it follows that there will always be those opposed to him in his team.

People tend to say one thing and think something completely different, so it is very important to understand their true state. When transmitting information, only 7% of it is communicated through words (verbally), 30 percent is expressed by the sound of the voice (tones, intonation) and more than 60% goes through other non-verbal (look, gestures, facial expressions, etc.) channels.
Thus, if facial expressions are a movement of the muscles of the face, reflecting the internal emotional state of a communication partner, then the possession of facial expressions is necessary, in fact, for any person, but especially for those who, by the nature of their activities, have numerous contacts with people.


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Now it will be much easier for you to delay the thoughts and intentions of Russian politicians and make the right choice... :))