Forget dirty talk! Facial expressions are more effective to convey what you want during sex, scientists say

If the iconic scene from When Harry Met Sally is to be believed, sexual encounters are characterized by intense moaning and groaning.

But nonverbal communication during sex is the key to avoiding “disturbing intimacy,” according to a new study.

Researchers have found that most people believe facial expressions and body language cues are the best way to enhance the experience.

A team, led by scientists from Missouri State University, interviewed 78 participants ranging in age from 18 to 69 and included a mix of genders and sexual orientations.

Analysis of their responses revealed that effective communication during sexual activities was significantly influenced by the level of trust and comfort felt with a partner.

The communication, which most said improved the experience, was primarily non-verbal.

And many participants said body movements, facial expressions and other physical responses were preferred because they were less likely to interrupt the flow and intimacy of the encounter.

The researchers also found that participants, especially women, often refrained from talking honestly about how satisfied they were to avoid hurting their male partner’s feelings.

Writing in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior, the team said: ‘These findings have implications for sexual pleasure and the way communication during sexual activity helps facilitate it.

‘The findings may help explain why long-term relationships are associated with more orgasms, because the partners experience greater comfort with communication.’

Researchers have found that most people believe facial expressions and body language cues are the best way to enhance the experience (stock image)

They added, “Although participants reported the perception that communicating pleasure served as encouragement and affirmation for their partners, they preferred to communicate pleasure nonverbally.”

Previous research has shown that the sound a woman makes in bed does not necessarily correspond to her orgasm.

Researchers asked women to complete a questionnaire about their sexual behavior, detailing how they reached climax and at what point they were more likely to express themselves vocally.

While most women surveyed said they reached orgasm during foreplay, the majority said they were most likely to express their pleasure during their partner’s climax.

The researchers from the University of Central Lancashire say the reason for this discrepancy could be that women ‘manipulate male behavior to their advantage’.