Micro-expressions: The Science of Reading Faces with David Matsumoto
Learn the science of micro-expressions with expert David Matsumoto. Discover how these involuntary facial movements reveal the truth in nonverbal communication.
Best quote from Micro-expressions: The Science of Reading Faces with David Matsumoto
Micro-expressions are involuntary facial movements that can last as little as one-fifteenth of a second; they reveal the raw, unedited truth of what a person is feeling and are nearly impossible to fake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Micro-expressions are involuntary facial movements that occur during a conversation, often lasting as little as one-fifteenth of a second. According to the science of nonverbal communication, these flickers are the most honest moments in an interaction because they reveal raw, unedited emotions that the conscious mind might try to hide. Because they happen so quickly, they are nearly impossible to fake, providing a window into a person's true feelings regardless of what they are saying verbally.
David Matsumoto is a world-renowned expert on facial expressions and a Professor of Psychology at San Francisco State University. His extensive work focuses on the psychology of facial movements and how these signals function in human interaction. In this episode, his research is used to explain how understanding these rapid facial signals can help individuals gain what he calls "data superiority" in both their professional and personal lives by identifying unspoken needs and hesitations.
Learning to spot micro-expressions gives you "data superiority" by allowing you to catch the momentary flashes of emotion—such as annoyance or hesitation—that others might miss. David Matsumoto suggests that because these movements are involuntary, they provide more reliable information than spoken words. By mastering the science of reading faces, you can better understand a client's unspoken needs or a partner's true feelings, ensuring you have the most accurate information available during any social or professional exchange.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
