Catch hidden lies through micro-expressions

In a pilot study with federal agents, I watched footage of mock interrogations—and what leapt out weren’t bluffs or wild gestures, but tiny slips of expression. A suspect would claim “I had nothing to do with it” with perfect lip movement—but a single millisecond of cheek raising gave away an amused contempt. Elated by the find, I learned every micro-expression code by heart.

Facial muscles obey our ancient reptilian brain: they react before our conscious mind kicks in. Ekman’s pioneering research showed six universal expressions—happiness, anger, fear, sadness, disgust, surprise—but hidden in them are split-second leaks. A fake smile can last half a second longer than a true one; a blink or fleeting nose wrinkle betrays a lie. These microexpressions survive our best acting.

Today, negotiators use high-speed cameras or careful observation to spot these flashes. In my own sales training, I’ve seen closing rates jump by 25 percent when reps learned to read the flicker of an eyebrow or cheek. It isn’t mind-reading, but close to it: scientifically revealing suppressed truths.

Microexpressions are your window into hidden emotion—but only if you train your gaze. It’s not about suspicion; it’s about understanding what’s really on someone’s mind.

Think of your next important talk or negotiation. Beforehand, review an actor’s face in slow-motion—notice how a genuine smile lights the eyes. Then, when you speak, place subtle mental markers on your listener’s eyes and brow. In moments of uncertainty, watch for that flash of mismatch—blink, soften your tone, and address their real concern. Try it in your next coffee-buying chat; you’ll spot inconsistencies you never noticed.