However, unless a potential juror is particularly adept at controlling or manipulating nonverbal communication, inconsistencies between feelings and outward appearances will leak out. First, the quality of the facial expression can be affected. Jurors often use smiles to mask other feelings. The fixed smile appears to linger, where the genuine smile naturally disappears as the situation or feeling changes. For example, when a lawyer inadvertently embarrasses a hostile juror, the juror may adopt a fixed smile to cover his or her hostile reaction to the lawyer.
Leakage also occurs through the jurors' other nonverbal body cues.
This leakage occurs when a facial expression communicates some desired effect but the body cues send a conflicting message. For example, potential jurors may verbally express a willingness to treat a party fairly and the facial expression may appear neutral or positive. However, the body cues may reflect resistance or anxiety, with crossed arms and a closed orientation. One type of potential juror highlights the above discussion of facial expressions. This smile gives the impression that the juror is receptive or feels positive toward the lawyer or party.