Winning People by Our Countenance (Facial Expression)

Written by: Daniel Richard

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Image courtesy of Morgy

This post is part of a new series of entries under the category of “Winning People“, where I’d be sharing practical steps and approaches I personally take for winning and connecting with people.

We communicate not only through our voice, but also by our body language.

By saying body language, this means every part of us would be sending signals on how we present the things we say and the meaning beneath the words.

After writing about winning people by sharp dressing, this post would be about how we can win people with our countenance - our facial expression.

There are many kinds of smiles, each having a distinct character. Some announce goodness, and sweetness, others betray sarcasm, bitterness, and pride; some soften the countenance by their languishing tenderness, others brighten by their spiritual vivacity. - Johann Kaspar Lavater

I’ve chosen this photo of a young cheerful toddler as the topic’s image for a reason. His smile certainly has brought a smile onto my face! His bright countenance has lighten up mine even as I am writing this post.

If smiles and laughters are contagious, the same must be for their contrasting opposites of frowns and sadness.

Though the negative sides are also contagious, they tend to have a total different effect as compared to the former category that includes the descriptions for positive countenance.

The positive would definitely attract and draw people closer and pass on their joy onto them, while the negative polarities would definitely detract others away. Even if there are people who are under the gloomy category hang out with each other, there’s no doubt that bad friction would form between them.

Let’s talk more about the good stuffs shall we?

Smile! And the whole world will smile with you!

Here’s a cool thought of looking at smile in an interesting perspective. A smile is like having both hands and arms lifted high up in form of praise and joyful worship in a less exaggerated manner that would be appropriate in public.

Since the joy is the Lord is our strength, and having our arms lifted high up when in public is an awkward sight and act, the best alternative to carry the joy on our outward expression is through smiling!

There was once, a friend whom I met during a three month camp period came up to me and asked if I am a Christian. It was only the second week in the camp and we had not introduced ourselves with our religion or denominational group that we are in at anytime and neither had we spoken to each other before.

When I asked him about how he knew that I am a Christian, he told me that there are people who we can easily spot who are carrying the presence of God with them. And he was spot on with a couple more people who he went up to later on after that conversation.

There are two strong traits (and I’ve added a third!) which I can think of in looking at one’s countenance to know if he or she carries the presence of God with them.

1. Looking fresh and composed

And that’s after being awake for more than 24 hours straight and even longer after serving and daily work!

I remembered recently in late March this year on my friend’s birthday, I had literally rushed from one place after work to attend the birthday celebration. A couple of friends that day asked me how do I still look fresh and as though I have had a good rest.

Maybe it could be my new haircut. I had chopped of my fringe the evening before to get me a neater look. It was then I realized that it was through praying continuously the nights before that should had attributed to the increased in positive countenance!

There were times that my day lasted longer than 24 hours. I was tired on the inside, but showed no signs of tiredness or had any dark eye rings appearing on my face. As long as I kept my posture straight, I looked as though I am still going on strong.

2. Smile even when the going gets tough

A strong genuine and focused smile squeezed out even in toughest situations that motivates everyone around the person for an additional hour or more.

A smile that says “you can go through this period and come out stronger and changed, adopting the good and better approaches along the journey”.

A smile that assures a person and brings peace into his life even when the odds are against him.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. - Proverbs 15:13, New International Version

Those smiles when backed with a good and strong countenance does wonders, and they are easily receptive and recognized by others around the person who brought that smile in that second which ignited and triggered off a different but better atmosphere.

3. “A pink aura”

I was reminded of a story that my pastor had shared once before in regards to an experience he had on board an airplane. This third point is added for those of you out there who are into looking at other people’s auras.

He was on a trip for a missions work overseas and seated beside him was a well dressed person who was into some form of new-age activity and could see auras of people.

That passenger, not knowing that he was seated beside a pastor, turned to look at him and to his amazement, he saw a pink aura around the pastor, and started telling him about how rare it is to see someone carrying such an aura, and was honored to be seated beside one that day.

2 ways to building a strong countenance today!

Here’s two very practical and easy ways to start building up a good and positive countenance that wins people over today!

1. Prayer

I’ve mentioned earlier that I had prayed during nights prior to the birthday outing, and that had resulted to a better complexion and countenance which my friends had given praises on.

The rest of the other examples stated above are also attributed to the fact that we pray (which is communion with God in our dedicated time to Him).

This night, I had committed myself to praying for a friend who
is currently overseas in Germany (not Mavarick) for his work. Maybe I could pray for both Germany and Mavarick while I’m following up on the prayer request.

That would also be a good way for those who have yet to know how to start a prayer life. Start by committing to pray for a friend, pray for yourself, and of course, pray to get to know Jesus better (and start reading the Bible too!).

As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. - Luke 9:29, New King James Version

2. Giving

If you have read the world news around late last month, you should be able to find articles about researchers reported saying that money can buy happiness when spending on someone else, to economists writing on money that buys happiness in a non materialistic way, and more related articles on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and Psych Central News.

I’m a believer in tithing, while offerings are given on top of tithing.

Well now, given the range or reports released on major financial sites stated above, those would be the more reasons to why you should start giving - it makes you happy too.

You can give to your strong local church, buy gifts or lunch with friends, donate to charitable organizations, provide financial support to organizations that bring positive influence and impacting people around them, and of course many more ways you can give.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7, New King James Version

I like this powerful verse! Especially the last part where it says “for God loves a cheerful giver”.

Looks like you are expected to have a positive, good, smile, and a cheerful countenance upon giving, and once after you give - which is good!

This adds on to your positive facial expression, and brightens up your countenance that will definitely draw people closer to your life.

Bring on the smile now!

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