Did you know about the Duchenne smile?

A smile is formed primarily by flexing the muscles at the sides of the mouth. Some smiles include a contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes, an action known as a Duchenne smile.

Often a smile is used to establish an instant connect with another person. Remember the cabin crew, front office receptionist who always smiled at you, for it was their way of making you feel welcomed.

Not sure if that smile achieved its true intent of establishing a connect with you. Do you remember dismissing it off as a fake or just a polite smile? Is there a genuine smile and how does one distinguish a fake smile or a polite smile from an authentic smile? Because I am sure we all agree that a connect is established only when the smile is authentic.

The other day I was researching about smiles and guess what prompted my research? The reason, in this COVID -19 era smiling at someone with the mask on, has become a huge challenge. I stumbled upon research done on Duchenne smile.

While an ordinary or so-called polite smile or sometimes fake smile is formed primarily by flexing the muscles at the sides of the mouth, the Duchenne smile includes a contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes. Thus, you begin smiling with your eyes when you give a Duchenne smile. Studies also show that a Duchenne smile is quite persuasive and reflects sincerity.

Now sit back and visualise a few smiles especially the ones that were the most authentic one’s, maybe when you met that long-lost friend of yours, the surprise birthday party your friends gave you to make you feel special. I am sure your smiling even now as you recall each of those moments and your able to make an instant connect with those memories and people. Wow, that is the magic of your Duchenne smile. The most authentic smile that helps establish a genuine connect.

While you wear the mask, it is time to unmask your inhibitions and smile with your eyes letting your authenticity shine through.