Body Language Mouth

We’ve covered the body language of the mouth when smiling, distinguishing different types of smiles and fake smiles from genuine ones, but the smile is just one of many ways in which the mouth sends messages. Let’s take a look at a few more.

Body Language Mouth Gestures of Emotion

Look for the following body language mouth tells, each of which reveals a different emotion.

Fear: The mouth becomes wide and pulled back.

Happiness: The corners of the mouth rise

Contempt: The corner of one side of the mouth rises

Disgust: The top lip curls upwards towards the nose

Surprise: The lower lip drops open

Sadness: The mouth arches downwards.

Anger: The top lip becomes very thin.

Body Language Mouth and Mental States

Mouth Body Language of Insecurity

When feeling insecure we will fidget with our mouths either with a finger or by chewing or nibbling nervously on our lips

Body Language Mouth of Attraction

When we are attracted to someone we may lick our lips

Mouth Body language of Dominance and Confidence

Dominant and confident people smile only occasionally, compared to submissive or insecure people who will either smile all the time in order to always appear polite to everybody, or never because they have a frozen face (a sign of protectiveness).

Body Language Mouth When Lying

We will often put a finger over our mouth when lying, but we also do this when feeling stressed or nervous.

Mouth Body Language By Gesture

Pursed Lips: Distaste, disapproval or distrust

Lip Biting: Worry, Anxiety and Stress

Covering the Mouth: People will often cover their mouth to hide an emotional reaction or to prevent themselves from saying something.