Facial expressions and body movement are more effective than dirty talk during sex, study says

Adriana Diaz
·3 min read
Collage of couples staring into each other's eyes
A study recently found that nonverbal cues are more effective than verbal communication during sex.

The eyes are the window to the soul — and your sexual desires.

Nonverbal cues are more effective than verbal communication during sex, according to a study recently published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior.

Researchers at Missouri State University conducted in-depth interviews with 78 participants of varying ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations — though the group included no lesbians — to determine what keeps them going during a romp in the hay.

A study recently found that nonverbal cues are more effective than verbal communication during sex. Getty Images/iStockphoto
A study recently found that nonverbal cues are more effective than verbal communication during sex. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the team found that people are significantly more likely to communicate during sex with partners they trust and feel comfortable with.

However, that communication — which often enhanced the sexual experience — was predominantly non-verbal.

The team found that people are significantly more likely to communicate during sex with partners they trust and feel comfortable with. Getty Images/iStockphoto
The team found that people are significantly more likely to communicate during sex with partners they trust and feel comfortable with. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Most people felt that verbal cues disrupted the flow and intimacy of the erotic moment — so keep those cheeky oneliners to yourself.

Instead of getting turned on by dirty talk, people prefer non-verbal indicators — such as body movements, facial expressions and other physical responses — to help get them there.

Communication is always key, and many studies have shown a link between sexual dissatisfaction and poor communication, yet many people struggle to express what they want or need during sex — especially women.

“All of that matters because sexual communication increases our likelihood of sexual satisfaction. So, the more openly and more clearly we can communicate during sex the better sex we’ll have,” study author Alicia M. Walker, an associate professor of sociology at Missouri State University and author of “Chasing Masculinity: Men, Validation, and Infidelity,” told PsyPost.

The new research found that women often refrain from honest verbal communication about their sexual dissatisfaction to avoid hurting males’ feelings, particularly when the man’s masculinity or self-esteem seems fragile.

This comes as many surveys suggest that about half of all women are not satisfied with how often they reach climax — and 10% to 15% of women have never had an orgasm in their lives, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Meanwhile, men have less trouble doing so — only about 5% to 10%, a study published by Sexual Medicine found.

However, people’s sexual shyness did lessen with age: people 30 years old and up were more likely to express how their partner could turn up the heat.

Instead of getting turned on by dirty talk, people prefer non-verbal indicators, such as body movements, facial expressions and other physical responses. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Instead of getting turned on by dirty talk, people prefer non-verbal indicators, such as body movements, facial expressions and other physical responses. Getty Images/iStockphoto

The researchers believe that this thirsty, flirty and thriving erotic energy simply comes with age as people gain self-confidence and a better understanding of their sexual needs and desires.

Everybody is different, of course, but experts agree that three factors are key to reaching the finish line: stimulation, mindfulness and communication.

So shut up and let your body talk.