202 W H A T EVERY BODY IS SAYING
GRAVITY-DEFYING BEHAVIORS OF THE FACEThe old adage “Keep your chin up” is a remark directed at someone who
is in the doldrums or experiencing misfortune (see figures 85 and 86).
This bit of folk wisdom accurately reflects our limbic response to adver-
sity. A person with his chin down is seen as lacking confidence and expe-
riencing negative sentiments while a person with his chin up is perceived
as being in a positive frame of mind.
What is true with the chin is also true for the nose. A nose-up grav-
ity-defying gesture is a high-confidence nonverbal tell, while a nose-
down position is a display of low confidence. When people are stressed or
upset, the chin (and nose, since it must follow along) tends not to be held
high. Tucking the chin is a form of withdrawal or distancing and can be
very accurate in discerning true negative sentiment.
In Europe, in particular, you see a lot more of these behaviors, espe-
cially holding the nose high when looking down on those of lower class
or snubbing someone. I was watching French television while traveling
When confidence is low or we are
concerned for ourselves, the chin will
tuck in, forcing the nose down.When we feel positive, the chin comes
out and the nose is high: both signs of
comfort and confidence.Fig. 85 Fig. 86