So like most stories this one starts off with me in front of my computer going down a YouTube rabbit hole when I came across this HILARIOUS R&B music video. Although the video is fairly tame for our times, I probably wouldn't want to watch it at work since it's a bit racy.
Aside from making me throw my head back in uncontrollable laughter every time I see it, it is basically a 4 min crash course on microexpressions.
What are microexpressions and why do they matter?
A microexpression is a quick facial expression that is almost invisible and happens in a less than a second. Projecting confidence through body language is as important as being able to read it from other people. Although it may be easy to tell when someone is being friendly from the big smile on their face, you should also look for the microexpressions to confirm what you're seeing. Are they smiling because they're being polite or are they genuinely happy to see you?
Being able to read body language and microexpressions is very important during an interview because it let's you know if what you're saying is being well received by the interviewer. If you're able to decipher what they're telling you with their body, you are in a better position to figure out what they're really asking and adapt your responses to match what they really want to hear. This is one of the techniques I teach to students of my program who work with me in One-on-One coaching sessions. It's not as difficult as it sounds and we'll use this video to help you learn some things to keep an eye out for.
I will break down this music video and give you examples of the type of body language you should keep an eye out during your interview. If you notice things going south, you can adjust the topic, responses, or ask more questions to correct the course and turn that job interview into a job offer.
Knowing how to read body language can mean the difference between getting a job offer or a rejection so pay attention! Whether it's a job interview or a first date, the image you project and the cues you receive will help you take you to the next level.
One more thing:
I took screen shots so you can see what I'm referring to as well as put the time markers so you can go back and review the video.
Like most music videos, it starts off with two very good looking ladies in their undergarments chit chatting because that's what women do in the world of music videos. They reminiscence about Ice JJ Fish (first red flag) and his "great smile and that voice....so angelic" (:37)
Notice how the girl that says this can't look at the other girl straight in the eye when she says it (a sign of deception) and immediately after, smiles in a way that looks more like she's about to burst out laughing (you'll see why in a bit).
This sly smile is called the "Liar's Delight". It's a micro expression done when someone who is lying literally feels delight because they "pulled a fast one".
If you see someone doing the "Liar's Delight" ask them the same question again but in a different way. Personally I would ask "What about his smile do you like the most?" paying attention to how she responded to confirm if she is being sincere or not.
I've seen the "Liar's Delight" smile during interviews especially when I ask a question like "Would you recommend this job to your best friend?" If I catch that sly smile, I ask the question again in a different way (What part of the job do you think your friend would enjoy the most?)
By 1:19 we've met Ice JJ Fish and his great smile and angelic voice. Too bad his date doesn't feel the same way. If you notice on the screenshot above Ice JJ Fish has his body towards his date (shoulders, torso, face). His date, on the other hand, is facing forward with a forced smile.
If you were to look at the video you can see another microexpression. For a split second you can see the girl almost roll her eyes like saying "God I'm going to kill my agent!"
What should Ice JJ Fish have done? He should continue facing his date and ask "Is everything ok? I feel like you're uncomfortable." This would allow his date a safe space to mention if something is bothering her.
By 2:21 our hero Ice JJ Fish is still as oblivious as ever clearly enjoying his ski lift ride. His date, on the other hand looks like she wants to jump out. While he's reclined on his chair, she's sitting upright almost in a tense position.
Once again we see the forced smile and the "When is this going to be over?" look. We can tell it's not a natural smile because her eyes aren't involved.
A natural smile gives you "crow's feet" around your eyes because it engages the whole face. A forced smile only activates the muscles around your mouth. When you get a chance, look at a magazine like People and try to figure out which smiles are fake or real. You will definitely be able to tell a difference once you start paying attention.
"Hmm. This date isn't going so well. I know! Dancing in the snow next to some trains will do the trick!" Not quite.
At 2:25 when Ice JJ Fish puts his arm around his date, we can clearly see how her smile turns into disgust and back to a smile in less than 1 second. That right there is a microexpression. Almost too fast to see but still visible if we pay attention.
Mr Fish should keep his hands to himself for the rest of the date if he knows what's good for him.
We finally see her genuinely smiling at 3:03. Too bad for Ice JJ Fish that it's only when she beans him with snowballs.
Now that you've seen some examples of microexpressions, you know what to keep an eye out for during an interview. Like I've mentioned before, the key is to be aware and pay attention to the details.
Did the recruiter laugh at your joke because she thought it was funny or because she felt awkward at how offensive it was? Is he really going to call you for a second interview? You can answer these questions just by paying attention to their body language.
Be Bold!
Ramon
Bonus:
According to her body language, we can assume she's happy the date is over
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