Whether you tend to flash a demure grin or a pearly show-stopper, your smile may be doing more talking than you think, says body language expert Patti Wood, author of Success Signals, a primer on how to project your thoughts--and achieve your goals--through body language. She says your true smile (not the polite one you break out in a pinch!) requires so many tiny muscle movements that it's impossible to fake... and therefore reflects what you're really like. "As the expression you use to greet, emote, and bond--sometimes all at the same time!-- your smile is a telling signal of the true you", says Wood. And after studying the smiles of over 1,000 people, she's determined that there are four main grins, and each strongly correlates to a distinctive personality type.
Ready to find out what your smile is saying?
If You: *Often make direct eye contact when you smile*
*Find that your smile comes as quickly as it goes*
*Flash a grin that stretches from ear to ear*
You're A Driver:
Your smile vanishes quickly, not because you're fickle, but because you're passionate, moving through different emotions at a break-neck speed, says Wood. Juggling your many interests means your focus can shift several times within a matter of minutes, as you turn to the next activity that crosses your mind--be it helping out with your kids' homework or strategizing a conference call. Competitive and driven, you need challenges like other people need water. So it's no wonder "drivers are often the bosses of the world!" says Wood.
If you: *Can count on your smile to lead easily into a laugh*
*Grin all the way up to the corners of your eyes*
*Are able to diffuse tension with a spontaneous smile*
You're An Influencer:
Involving nearly every muscle of your face, your smile is just as contagious as your personality and shows you have an open, unselfconscious character. You're warm and fun-loving, and for you, it's not enough to be happy yourself--you want the same contentment for everyone you care about. This means going that extra mile whenever and however you can, be it giving the perfect advice or planning the perfect party!
If you: *Sometimes cover your mouth when you laugh*
*Find your smile comes on slowly--but stays indefinitely*
*Giggle easily with friends but rarely with acquaintances*
You're A Supporter:
"Supporters work behind the scenes because they're uncomfortable with the limelight", says Wood. You prefer a few close friends to gaggles of acquaintances, because you'd rather know people intimately. This caring, sensitive nature makes you a loyal and loving friend. In fact, you're so genuine that you rarely smile just to be polite; whether you're enjoying a romantic comedy or taking in your child's kindergarten play, every one of your expressions is strictly from the heart!
If you: *Press your lips firmly together*
*Often smile at things you find ironic or strange*
*Agree that it's difficult to make you laugh*
You're An Analyzer:
Pressing your lips firmly together shows a determined, disciplined frame of mind. It's hard to make you laugh because your wit is so sharp--you're moved only by the smartest stuff! And according to Wood, your discreet smile shows that you often have a lot on your mind. "You're so in control of your thoughts, that even your smile is controlled and subtle."
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Whether you tend to flash a demure grin or a pearly show-stopper, your smile may be doing more talking than you think, says body language expert Patti Wood, author of Success Signals, a primer on how to project your thoughts--and achieve your goals--through body language. She says your true smile (not the polite one you break out in a pinch!) requires so many tiny muscle movements that it's impossible to fake... and therefore reflects what you're really like.
"As the expression you use to greet, emote, and bond--sometimes all at the same time!-- your smile is a telling signal of the true you", says Wood. And after studying the smiles of over 1,000 people, she's determined that there are four main grins, and each strongly correlates to a distinctive personality type.
Ready to find out what your
smile is saying?
If You:
*Often make direct eye contact when you smile*
*Find that your smile comes as quickly as it goes*
*Flash a grin that stretches from ear to ear*
You're A Driver:
Your smile vanishes quickly, not because you're fickle, but because you're passionate, moving through different emotions at a break-neck speed, says Wood. Juggling your many interests means your focus can shift several times within a matter of minutes, as you turn to the next activity that crosses your mind--be it helping out with your kids' homework or strategizing a conference call. Competitive and driven, you need challenges like other people need water. So it's no wonder "drivers are often the bosses of the world!" says Wood.
If you:
*Can count on your smile to lead easily into a laugh*
*Grin all the way up to the corners of your eyes*
*Are able to diffuse tension with a spontaneous smile*
You're An Influencer:
Involving nearly every muscle of your face, your smile is just as contagious as your personality and shows you have an open, unselfconscious character. You're warm and fun-loving, and for you, it's not enough to be happy yourself--you want the same contentment for everyone you care about. This means going that extra mile whenever and however you can, be it giving the perfect advice or planning the perfect party!
If you:
*Sometimes cover your mouth when you laugh*
*Find your smile comes on slowly--but stays indefinitely*
*Giggle easily with friends but rarely with acquaintances*
You're A Supporter:
"Supporters work behind the scenes because they're uncomfortable with the limelight", says Wood. You prefer a few close friends to gaggles of acquaintances, because you'd rather know people intimately. This caring, sensitive nature makes you a loyal and loving friend. In fact, you're so genuine that you rarely smile just to be polite; whether you're enjoying a romantic comedy or taking in your child's kindergarten play, every one of your expressions is strictly from the heart!
If you:
*Press your lips firmly together*
*Often smile at things you find ironic or strange*
*Agree that it's difficult to make you laugh*
You're An Analyzer:
Pressing your lips firmly together shows a determined, disciplined frame of mind. It's hard to make you laugh because your wit is so sharp--you're moved only by the smartest stuff! And according to Wood, your discreet smile shows that you often have a lot on your mind. "You're so in control of your thoughts, that even your smile is controlled and subtle."