The Science of Being Happy

Scientifically speaking, the ‘real’ smile is one called the ‘Duchenne’ smile.


Named after French physician Guillaume Duchenne, who first noted an anatomical distinction between a week, or fake smile, and one that reveals a truly spontaneous emotion. His work took place in the mid-nineteenth century during a study of human facial expressions.

The alternative to the Duchenne smile, one without ‘crows feet’ around the eyes, is what is often called a PanAm smile – so named because it resembled the mild smile with which customers were greeted when they boarded the now-defunct PanAm airlines. What is notable about the Duchenne smile are the physiological responses that take place in the body when a smile is genuine.



Consider this from Dan Johnston, PhD…

Dr. William Fry, a physician and researcher, has studied humor for 20 years and found that it is good for us — not only for our mood — but for our health as well. Laughter relieves stress and improves our immune system. Laughing has been described as an internal jog; massaging our inner organs and giving them a workout. Smiling exercises 14 facial muscles.



When we laugh our blood pressure goes up and then comes down. We also stretch our lungs, relax our chests, and breathe easier. Laughter causes our bodies to release neurochemical compounds associated with an improved mood. When we can laugh at something, we change our perspective and our attitude.



So, how often do you smile? Research has found that four-year-old children smile and laugh about 400 times a day while for adults smiles and laughter decrease to only 14 times a day. Four-year-olds are often joyous, and adults are not.

Just think what might happen if you were to smile even half as many times as a four-year-old. The results might surprise you, and your coworkers. Sometimes the best way to affect change is with something simple, accessible, and easy to do. A smile meets all these criteria, and few people will be offended as you walk down the hall at work.

Powerful PowerPoint Presentations

While there are many ways to go about creating a valuable PowerPoint message, there are some primary rules that ensure the message participants hear, is the message you intended to deliver.

Working to deliver a clear message is the core of training any topic. Getting that message across has come to include the use of PowerPoint as the leader in presentation software.

MicroSoft’s Small Business Center website shares a perspective about the use and value of PowerPoint, you can read the full Top Ten list here. An excerpt from this article highlights the challenge with uses this dynamic software to the best effect.

Cherie Kerr knows how PowerPoint can be both provocative and persuasive in a business meeting. She’s also aware that precisely the opposite can occur. “It can be the very best friend you have,” says the Santa Ana, Calif., public relations consultant. “But you have to use it right.” Kerr’s two-sided view of Microsoft’s popular presentation and graphics program in Office Small Business mirrors a debate coursing through business and academia. While many embrace the values of PowerPoint as a potent business tool, there are others who contend that it’s a drag on effective interaction ó that it confuses, distorts and even strangles communication. (Read Full Article)

You know many of these rules, so consider this a refresher to have the most impact possible.

Rule #1 Avoid using black text on a white background

From a distance of more than 5 feet, this color combination will prove difficult for participants to read. When the lights are on, the white screen will wash out the text. When the lights are off black font loses sharp edges and is hard to see.


Rule #2 Avoid using font that is Red, Green, or Blue

These colors may appear bright on their own, but they are not easily seen in a training room from more than 5 feet away. These colors are also the kind that may prove hard to see depending on the strength of a participants vision. These colors also will not work based on following rule number three.

Rule #3 Avoid using a light or white background as this is hard to observe from more than 5 feet away

The best background colors are black, dark blue, dark green, dark brown, dark gray and other dark color variations. It is easier to see text that is white or light colored over a dark background than any other color combination. This is true whether the lights are on or off in the training room.

Rule #4 Avoid using any font size smaller than Arial 20 in bold or regular style

The ability to read a slide from more than 5 feet away in almost any light conditions is made possible by using a high-contrast white font over a dark background that is at least 20 points in height. The largest font you might use is 26 to 30 points in height, though these are usually used for the title.


Rule #5 Avoid the use of clip-art cartoons to ensure a clean and polished message

I know there are many cool graphics available, be clear – clip-art is one worth avoiding. If you want to show people, show an image by using a search engine to locate photos of professionals. If you have actual employee images that are professionally developed, then you may consider using these photos to add an authentic appeal. Note: If employee turnover is high, avoid using actual employee photos.

Rule #6 Use graphics and other icons to enhance even the most basic text

Bright graphics minimize eye fatigue by delivering a visually engaging message on each slide. The graphics must be related to the topic in some way to avoid being a distraction. The goal is to tell the story in a visual manner that is echoed by the text on the slide.

Rule #7 Avoid the use of automatic slide transitions and sound effects

The idea behind automatic slide transitions is to deliver a smooth progression of information – as part of an information kiosk. Using transitions that are activated with the click of a mouse button. In front of participants automatic transitions can lead to embarrassing back-tracking. If you want to add elements with an audio-visual edge use a DVD player to inject a short film, or anecdotal clip into the presentation.