The art of smiling

I GET two different reactions from friends when I tell them there are at least five types of smile. Some become amused and excited they won't let go until I spilled the beans while the others give me the "Oh, come on!" look, suspecting another antic coming. Now, don't give me that faint smilec

British researchers on body language have actually recorded nine types of smile after studying over a hundred distinct head gestures and facial expressions. Here are the five types, the first three of which are more common:

1) SIMPLE SMILE
The simple smile is created when the lips curve back up while the mouth is closed. This smile is commonly seen when a person is alone with happy thoughts. Shy persons also often wear a simple smile.

2) UPPER SMILE
Also known as the "How do you do? Smile," this is formed when the mouth is slightly open and the upperteeth are seen. This is usually the greeting smile when friends meet. This is also the best smile customer service providers should use when meeting clients.

3) BROAD SMILE
This is created when the lips curve back and the mouth opens to expose both the upper and lower teeth. This smile is often associated with play and laughter. More vivacious individuals, actors, actresses, singers and campaigning politicians wear this smile. Compared to the first two smiles, the person smiling broadly appears happier, more confident, warm and approachable.

4) OBLONG SMILE/GRIMACE
The lips are drawn fully back from both upper and lower teeth forming an oblong with the lip. Compared to the first three types that are often associated with happy feelings, this type of smile is worn when one wants to be polite during a trying situation ? as when pretending to enjoy a joke.

5) LIP-IN SMILE
This is more like the upper smile except that the lower lip is drawn in between the teeth. This smile is worn when a person is flattered to meet someone who is more superior.

Knowing the five types of smile is one thing but using this knowledge to your advantage is another. By now you would have concluded that the best smile is the broad smile but you wouldn't, of course, flash this during a wake or a funeral, or when interviewed by media on your reaction to the New York bombings.

Insecurities show with a lip-in smile. This is best avoided when meeting with competitors, marketing a product to clients or defending a thesis.

Upon hearing a corny, dilapidated and outdated joke, give the joker a simple or upper smile instead of an oblong. You would appreciate this if you were in his shoes.

And if you are very shy that you always wear a simple smile, upgrade to an upper or broad smile and notice a change in people's reaction when they think you are now more confident. *