Mastering the closed-mouth smile involves more than just keeping your lips together; it's about conveying emotion through subtle facial expressions. Here's how to achieve a naturally appealing closed-mouth smile:
Techniques for a Closed-Mouth Smile
Several techniques can help you achieve a successful closed-mouth smile:
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The Jaw Clench: Begin by clenching your jaw. Then, smile. This unexpected approach, while seemingly counterintuitive, can actually create a more genuine-looking closed-mouth smile. (Source: Christine Buzan, Instagram Reel)
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Tongue Placement: Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth while smiling. This helps lift and subtly shape your smile, preventing a flat or forced expression. (Source: Christine Buzan, Instagram Reel)
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The "Prune" Technique: Try saying the word "prune" before attempting your closed-mouth smile. This subtly engages the muscles used in smiling, creating a more natural expression. (Source: Christine Buzan, Instagram Reel)
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String Visualization: Imagine strings pulling the corners of your mouth outwards and upwards. This visualization helps activate the right muscles for a pleasant and subtle smile. (Source: Reddit r/TheGirlSurvivalGuide)
Understanding Closed-Mouth Smiles
A closed-mouth smile is a subtle facial expression where the lips are closed but the cheeks are slightly raised, often accompanied by a crinkling of the eyes. It's often associated with politeness, shyness, or a more subdued expression of joy.
Different interpretations of a closed-mouth smile exist, often dependent on context and the surrounding facial expressions. It can signal happiness, contentment, or even apprehension depending on the individual and the situation. (Source: GLO Science Blog; Talkspace Blog)
Practicing Your Closed-Mouth Smile
Practice makes perfect. Experiment with the techniques described above in front of a mirror to find what works best for you and to refine your technique. Observe how different techniques affect the overall expression. Remember, a subtle, genuine closed-mouth smile often looks more appealing than a forced one.
