Anne Smedinghoff died over the weekend in Afghanistan. The United States diplomat was killed along with five others when a suicide bomber attacked her convoy as she was delivering books to a school. Her parents speak of her truly doing what she wanted to do. Smedinghoff's smile in the above image speaks of this too - for it has all the components of a true and sincere smile. Her eyelids are partially closed - which is a must for all true joy smiles. Her "smiling eyes" are further characterized by a dynamic, concave-up furrow in each of her lower lids. This temporary fold of skin is a product of her cheek muscles (zygomaticus major) being elevated and the peripheral portion of her "eyelid closing muscles" [orbicularis oculi (pars orbitalis)] contracting.
Note also Anne's forehead is relaxed and smooth. There are no furrows or dynamic wrinkles on her forehead - thus indicating no muscle contraction. Whenever the forehead muscles are contracted, the "smile" (pseudo-smile) is never a sincere one.
It is not necessary for any teeth to be exposed during a truly sincere (Duchenne Smile) - examples of this occur when the smile is being suppressed or during initial stages of formation. The lower teeth are not usually visible during a sincere smile either - but there are exceptions here as well (e.g.: If the smile is held too long - fatigue sets in; if the camera angle or person is significantly taller and thus looking downwards; or if there is a component of laughter present).
Anne Smedinghoff's facial expression body language has all the components of one in the midst of true joy.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Anne Smedinghoff.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2297: Rooney Mara on Conan O'Brien Common Body Language Tell Fear Apology Query Expression-Cluster
Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2292: Mercedes Benz CLA Super Bowl Commercial "Soul" Willem Dafoe's Body Language as the Devil
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2329: Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) on 60 Minutes AND a bit of Mark Zuckerberg - Two Crucial Body Language Tells
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2297: Rooney Mara on Conan O'Brien Common Body Language Tell Fear Apology Query Expression-Cluster
Nonverbal Communication Analysis #2292: Mercedes Benz CLA Super Bowl Commercial "Soul" Willem Dafoe's Body Language as the Devil
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2329: Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) on 60 Minutes AND a bit of Mark Zuckerberg - Two Crucial Body Language Tells
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2264: Kate Middleton's First Portrait as Duchess of Cambridge Captures Body Language of Contempt, Disapproval and Fatigue
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2157: Al Smith Charity Dinner Barack Obama's & Mitt Romney's Smiles Sincere or False?
Dating & Romance Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1010: What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye?
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2345: Tiger Woods & Lindsey Vonn - Body Language of True Affection?
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