Body language as an early warning signal

Digitization and artificial intelligence are gaining more and more significance in our modern society. The question arises: what role does the human still play in this transformation, and to what extent will human abilities and values remain indispensable? Sabine Finkmann discusses why real body language and facial expression resonance remain indispensable tools – whether in recruiting, conflict management, or negotiations. She shows how fine signals behind words and numbers reveal a deeper truth. The expert in facial expression resonance and business profiling offers a behind-the-scenes look and demonstrates how challenges can be not only detected but also solved – with heart, mind, and a touch of crime-thriller excitement.

Digitization and AI are currently on every tongue. Is there a need for the human factor at all – what can humans do that AI cannot?

AI can analyze data, but it cannot create genuine resonance. It may recognize a smile, but not whether it is sincere. Of course, there are already AI models and apps that try to measure emotions or digitally analyze faces. But this is exactly where the difference lies: software can compute patterns – but it cannot feel. It does not replace the deep understanding that arises when a person truly feels seen and understood. Humans sense nuances, notice when words and body language do not match. This gut feeling – scientifically grounded in facial expression resonance – remains irreplaceable. There still needs to be a human with heart and mind on the other side to not only recognize emotions but also interpret them appropriately and respond with appreciation.

You are a business profiler – that sounds like crime and adrenaline, but is it really? How can one specifically imagine your workday?

(laughs) It isn’t exactly like a crime story, but it’s exciting every day. I work with companies that want to understand their teams better, with leaders who seek clarity in negotiations, or with doctors who want to improve their communication. Often the goal is to make the unspoken visible – before misunderstandings escalate, conflicts arise, or wrong decisions are made. Sometimes a barely noticeable twitch in the face is enough to recognize that something isn’t right. It’s precisely these fine signals that make the difference – both in business and in healthcare. I therefore see my work as a kind of early-warning system: by recognizing people and translating features, I help others make better decisions, stabilize relationships, and build trust. And that’s more thrilling to me than any crime novel – because it’s real and because it shows immediate impact.

In particular, in the recruiting process everything revolves around assessing the behavior of the (potential) employee. Many questions and tests have become established for this. But how much validity do they actually have?

Tests show tendencies – they are snapshots. They can be prepared for, influenced, or even faked. With the right online guide articles, you quickly learn which answers are “expected.” But that distorts the picture. In a conversation, with facial expression resonance and profiling, I don’t need questionnaires. I see what is truly there: I decode signals, recognize hidden patterns, and translate indicators that point to a person’s potentials and abilities. This makes visible whether the enthusiasm is genuine, whether motivation is merely performative, or whether values and attitude truly fit a company. Tests deliver numbers – facial expression resonance reveals the person behind them.

Are there typical mistakes that entrepreneurs make when selecting the right candidate, and how can these be avoided?

The biggest mistake is to look only at the résumé or at charm. Technical skills can be learned; values and attitude cannot. Entrepreneurs should honestly ask themselves: are we really asking the right questions in the interview? Do the answers actually help us see the person behind the facade? Or do we often only hear what applicants have practiced online beforehand? Many answers sound smooth, adjusted, and perfect – but that makes them little usable. What does it matter to me that someone says “I am resilient and a team player” if I don’t see how they react when under real pressure? With classic questions, the true personality often remains hidden. This is exactly where facial expression resonance and profiling come in: they open the view to the fine signals between the words – micro-expressions, body language, nuances. This makes visible whether enthusiasm is genuine, whether motivation is merely performative, or whether the values truly fit my company. It’s not about a perfect answer, but about truly recognizing the person. And that is the crucial difference: with profiling I don’t just see what is said – I see who is really sitting in front of me.

For your field of facial expression resonance and emotion recognition, you were even nominated for the German Medical Award. If you had to name three reasons why these skills are essential for business, what would they be?

First: better decisions because true motives are recognized. Many business decisions are based on resumes, metrics, or superficial impressions. Yet behind every yes or no, behind every application or investment, there are motives – and they are often unspoken. Facial expression resonance makes them visible. An applicant may say, “I want to take responsibility” – but a microexpression on the face reveals doubt or fear. Those who recognize these signals decide not just by words but by truth. This leads to more fitting hires, smarter negotiations, and fewer wrong decisions.

Second: more stable teams because conflicts are detected early and defused. Most workplace conflicts do not erupt suddenly; they announce themselves – through body language, facial expressions, and subtle signs. Facial expression resonance acts as an early warning system: leaders detect tensions before they become open disputes. This saves nerves and enormous costs – turnover, sick days, and frictions are expensive consequences of unresolved conflicts. Teams where emotions are seen and understood are more resilient, loyal, and creative.

Third: more trust – and trust is the hardest-won currency in any negotiation. Trust arises not from pretty words but from authenticity. Those who can read and decipher emotions immediately notice whether a smile is genuine or whether a “yes” really means an inner “no.” In negotiations, that is invaluable: you can detect uncertainties, address objections, and strengthen the relational level. And this relational level decides whether a deal happens, whether customers stay, or whether employees remain loyal to the company in the long term. Trust is the foundation for sustainable success – and facial expression resonance is the key to it.