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Kiliano Ratha

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Aug 4, 2024, 12:09:09 AM8/4/24

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Paul Ekman's Subtle Expression Training Tool: A Review

Paul Ekman is a renowned psychologist and expert on facial expressions and emotions. He has developed several online training tools to help people improve their emotional awareness and detect deception. One of these tools is the Subtle Expression Training Tool (SETT), which teaches how to recognize very small and brief changes in facial expressions that can reveal hidden emotions.

In this article, I will review the features, benefits, and limitations of SETT, and share my personal experience with using it.

What is SETT?

SETT is an online training program that consists of four modules: Pre-Test, Learning, Practice, and Post-Test. The Pre-Test assesses your baseline ability to spot subtle expressions, which are the very "mini" expressions that often appear in just one region of the face, such as the brows, eyelids, cheeks, nose, or lips[^1^]. The Learning module teaches you the seven universal emotions (anger, fear, sadness, disgust, surprise, contempt, and happiness) and their corresponding subtle expressions. The Practice module lets you apply your knowledge by identifying subtle expressions in various faces and situations. The Post-Test measures your improvement after completing the training.

Why use SETT?

SETT can help you enhance your emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills by increasing your sensitivity to the feelings of others. By learning to read subtle expressions, you can gain insight into what people are really thinking and feeling, even when they try to hide or suppress their emotions. This can help you communicate more effectively, empathize more deeply, and build more trust with others. SETT can also help you detect deception and uncover hidden motives by spotting inconsistencies between verbal and nonverbal cues.

SETT is based on decades of scientific research by Dr. Ekman and his colleagues[^1^]. It is designed to be user-friendly, interactive, and engaging. You can access it anytime and anywhere with an internet connection. You can also track your progress and performance with feedback and scores. SETT is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their emotional awareness and social skills, such as professionals in sales, education, medical, law enforcement, or psychology fields.

What are the limitations of SETT?

SETT is not a magic bullet that will make you a master of emotions overnight. It requires time, effort, and practice to achieve optimal results. It also does not guarantee that you will always be able to read subtle expressions accurately in real life situations. There are many factors that can influence how people express their emotions, such as culture, context, personality, or individual differences[^1^]. Therefore, you should always use SETT as a guide rather than a definitive answer.

SETT is also not a standalone tool that can teach you everything about emotions and facial expressions. It is meant to complement other training tools by Dr. Ekman, such as the Micro Expressions Training Tool (METT), which teaches how to recognize very brief and involuntary expressions that occur when people try to conceal or repress their emotions[^2^]. You can also benefit from learning more about the science behind emotions and facial expressions from Dr. Ekman's books and articles[^3^].

My experience with SETT

I have completed SETT twice so far and I have noticed a significant improvement in my ability to spot subtle expressions. I found the training to be fun, challenging, and informative. I enjoyed seeing different faces from different cultures and backgrounds expressing different emotions. I also learned a lot from the explanations and tips provided by Dr. Ekman in each module.

I think SETT has helped me become more attentive and empathetic to the emotions of others. I feel more confident in understanding what people are feeling and why they are feeling it. I also feel more curious and interested in exploring the nuances and complexities of human emotions.

I would recommend SETT to anyone who wants to learn more about emotions and facial expressions. It is a valuable tool that can enhance your personal and professional life.