We are more likely to trust a person who is easier to read; they're easier to believe. Or we tend to think that an energetic and happy person will be more productive. Even traits such as competence, dominance, and courage can be conveyed by certain facial expressions and will stimulate unconscious bias.
In her book "The Art of Body Language," Susan C. Young discusses how non-verbal cues significantly influence our perceptions of others. When a person's expressions and demeanor are easy to interpret, we are more inclined to trust and believe them. This transparent quality often leads us to feel that they are more reliable and credible.
Moreover, Young points out that specific traits like energy, happiness, and even competence can be communicated through facial expressions. These signals can trigger unconscious biases that affect how we assess someone's potential productivity or leadership qualities. Understanding these dynamics of body language can enhance our interpersonal communications and positively impact our interactions.