Reference: Zhao, F., Wood, A., Mutlu, B., & Niedenthal, P. (2023). Faces synchronize when communication through spoken language is prevented. Emotion, 23(1), 87-96. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000799 When working with others, how do you communicate your intentions, ideas, support, and actions to collaborate efficiently and effectively? Researchers asked, “Do people increasingly use their facial expressions to communicate in order to enhance their collaboration when the situation prevents them from speaking?” They split 110 female participants into two groups of 25 pairs. They asked the groups to communicate and work together to complete a series of tasks. Half of the pairs were allowed to speak while completing tasks and were compared with the other half that was not. Results? The researchers found that these women flexibly increased their reliance on nonverbal communication to compensate for the loss of speaking together. Therefore, even when we are unaware, we use our facial expressions to send social signals to others to guide and encourage working together more effectively. However, it did not enhance the actual problem-solving. Encourage positive working relationships with others. Use your facial or bodily expressions to give cues of success, approval, or discouragement with joy, and humor. Understand the social cues you encounter daily. There‘s more going on than what’s being said!

Written by Jarret Bain B.S.