We often hear about how important first impressions are, and nothing makes a lasting impression quite like a warm, genuine smile. But here’s a little-known secret: the most impactful smiles aren’t just about your lips—they come from your eyes. The ability to smile with your eyes is an art, and mastering it can take your presence and charisma to the next level.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key techniques and steps to perfecting the art of smiling with your eyes, also known as a Duchenne smile. Named after French anatomist Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne de Boulogne, who discovered the difference between genuine and fake smiles in 1862, a Duchenne smile involves not only the movement of the mouth but also the crinkling of the eyes, signaling true joy and warmth.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this perfect smile with your eyes:
1. Practice in Front of a Mirror
The first step toward mastering any art is practice. Spend some time in front of a mirror observing how your face moves when you smile naturally. Pay attention to how your eyes change when you smile genuinely compared to when you give a forced or staged smile.
- Why it’s important: Practicing in front of a mirror will help you become aware of the subtle shifts in your facial muscles. Over time, this will make smiling with your eyes feel more natural.
- Tip: Try a few different smiles—one with just your mouth, one with your eyes, and then a full Duchenne smile. Notice the difference and refine it.
2. Think Happy Thoughts
Smiling with your eyes isn’t just about manipulating your facial muscles—it’s also about conveying genuine emotion. To achieve this, think of something that makes you truly happy. It could be a cherished memory, a loved one, or even a favorite place.
- Why it’s important: The feeling of joy or contentment will naturally reflect in your eyes, making your smile appear more genuine and less rehearsed.
- Tip: If you’re getting ready for a photo or public appearance, take a moment to think of a funny memory or visualize someone you love—it’ll add warmth and depth to your smile.
3. Squint Slightly (Engage Your Eye Muscles)
A key part of smiling with your eyes is engaging the muscles under your lower eyelids. When you smile genuinely, these muscles naturally tighten, creating small “pillows” or subtle wrinkles under the eyes.
- Why it’s important: This slight squint is what differentiates a genuine smile from a forced one. It makes your eyes sparkle with warmth and kindness.
- Tip: Avoid over-squinting, as it may look exaggerated. Aim for a soft, natural squint that adds character without creating tension.
4. Lift the Corners of Your Eyes First
Before lifting the corners of your mouth, try lifting the corners of your eyes. This small, subtle lift happens when you genuinely smile. It’s a way of “prepping” your eyes for the full smile.
- Why it’s important: Starting the smile with your eyes ensures that your expression looks natural and heartfelt rather than mechanical.
- Tip: Imagine that you’re smiling gently with just your eyes before your mouth catches up. This can help create a softer, more authentic look.
5. Raise Your Cheeks
When you smile genuinely, your cheeks naturally lift along with your eyes. This movement is essential for creating that warm, inviting expression.
- Why it’s important: Raised cheeks help frame your smile, adding fullness to your expression and enhancing the overall appearance of joy.
- Tip: As you raise your cheeks, be mindful of the slight upward movement of your eyes. This will create harmony between your eyes and mouth.
6. Relax Your Mouth
A crucial part of the Duchenne smile is keeping your mouth relaxed. Whether your lips are slightly parted or gently closed, allow the corners of your mouth to naturally turn upward.
- Why it’s important: A relaxed mouth complements the smiling eyes, giving your whole face a natural and friendly appearance.
- Tip: Avoid the tight, forced grin that shows only the mouth. Let the smile spread across your whole face, starting with the eyes and flowing into your lips.
7. Slightly Move Your Face Toward the Camera
If you’re taking a photo, moving your face slightly toward the camera can help emphasize your jawline and highlight your smile. This subtle movement helps create a more flattering angle and enhances the impact of your eye smile.
- Why it’s important: Accentuating your jawline and tilting your face slightly can make your smile look more polished in photos, adding to the overall effect.
- Tip: Practice this in the mirror or while taking selfies to find the perfect angle that works best for you.
8. Be Confident and Warm
Confidence is key when it comes to smiling with your eyes. Imagine that you’re making eye contact with someone you care about or someone who brings you joy. Your confidence and warmth will naturally shine through.
- Why it’s important: When you’re confident, your smile is more genuine and inviting. People are drawn to those who project warmth and self-assurance.
- Tip: As you practice this technique, focus on the intention behind your smile. Genuine warmth is the secret ingredient to a successful eye smile.
The Science Behind the Duchenne Smile
The Duchenne smile—characterized by the crinkling of the eyes and the upward movement of the lips—is named after French anatomist Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne de Boulogne. He discovered that genuine smiles involve both the muscles around the mouth and the eyes, while fake smiles engage only the mouth.
- The Key Difference: A fake smile can often look stiff, as it only engages the muscles around the lips, while a genuine Duchenne smile engages both the orbicularis oculi (the muscles around the eyes) and the zygomaticus major (the muscles that lift the corners of the mouth).
- Why it Matters: Research has shown that people who express genuine smiles are perceived as more trustworthy, likable, and friendly. Learning to smile with your eyes can make a significant impact on personal and professional interactions.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of smiling with your eyes is about more than just facial movements—it’s about expressing genuine emotion, warmth, and connection. By practicing these techniques, you can create an authentic smile that resonates deeply with others, whether in person, on camera, or during professional interactions.
Start by practicing in front of the mirror, engage your eye muscles, and most importantly, think happy thoughts. Over time, smiling with your eyes will become second nature, and you’ll notice how much it enhances your presence, confidence, and relationships.
So go ahead—smile with your eyes, and let the world see the warmth and confidence that lie within you. 😊
Importance of Smiling Through Eyes for Digital Coaches, Entrepreneurs, and Top Leaders
- Builds Instant Trust and Connection
For digital coaches, entrepreneurs, and top leaders, building trust is crucial. Smiling through your eyes—also known as a Duchenne smile—shows authenticity, making people feel comfortable and connected. This helps to create an instant rapport with clients, colleagues, or team members. - Conveys Warmth and Approachability
Whether you’re presenting on a Zoom call or delivering a keynote speech, an eye smile can soften your expression, making you seem more approachable. Leaders who radiate warmth through their eyes foster a positive work environment where team members feel valued and open to sharing their ideas. - Enhances Non-Verbal Communication
As a digital coach or leader, your body language says just as much as your words. Smiling through your eyes is a powerful form of non-verbal communication that conveys sincerity, confidence, and attentiveness, especially in virtual settings where physical interaction is limited. - Establishes Credibility and Authority
Entrepreneurs and coaches are often required to speak with authority and confidence. A genuine eye smile signals that you are confident and in control, reinforcing your credibility and expertise in your field. - Improves Client Relationships and Retention
Clients are more likely to stay loyal to someone they feel genuinely cares about them. An eye smile during conversations—whether virtual or in-person—demonstrates that you’re emotionally present and engaged, which strengthens long-term client relationships. - Boosts Influence and Persuasion
Leaders and coaches often need to inspire and persuade others. Smiling through your eyes amplifies your influence by making your communication more relatable. People are more likely to be influenced by someone who appears genuine and approachable. - Enhances Virtual Presence
In the digital world, where face-to-face meetings are often replaced by video calls, a warm eye smile can compensate for the lack of physical interaction. It shows you’re fully engaged, boosting your virtual presenceand making your interactions more impactful in remote settings. - Reduces Stress and Tension
As a top leader or entrepreneur, your demeanor sets the tone for your team or audience. A calm, smiling expression—especially one that engages the eyes—can help reduce stress during high-pressure situations, making you appear composed and collected even when facing challenges. - Builds Emotional Intelligence
Leaders and digital coaches benefit greatly from emotional intelligence. Learning to smile through your eyes helps you become more aware of your emotions and the emotions of others. This level of self-awareness enhances your ability to empathize with clients, team members, and business partners. - Creates Memorable Impressions
First impressions are lasting, and an eye smile is a subtle but effective way to leave a memorable impact on others. As a digital coach or entrepreneur, you often have limited time to make a strong impression, and a genuine eye smile can help you stand out as both likable and trustworthy.
By mastering the art of smiling through your eyes, digital coaches, entrepreneurs, and top leaders can significantly enhance their professional presence, improve relationships, and elevate their leadership influence. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that conveys authenticity, empathy, and confidence in every interaction.