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 anything to go by, sexual encounters are characterised by intense moaning and groaning.

But non-verbal communication during sex is key to avoiding 'disrupting intimacy', according to a new study.

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

A team, led by scientists from Missouri State University, interviewed 78 participants aged 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.

If the iconic scene from When Harry Met Sally is anything to go by, sexual encounters are characterised by intense moaning and groaning. But non-verbal communication during sex is key to avoiding 'disrupting intimacy', according to a new study

The communication, which most said enhanced the experience, was predominantly non-verbal.

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

The researchers also found that participants, particularly 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 Behaviour, the team said: 'These findings have implications for sexual pleasure and how communication during sexual activity helps facilitate it.

'The findings may help explain why long-term relationships are associated with more orgasms because the partners enjoy more comfort with communication.'

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

They added: 'Though participants reported a perception that communicating pleasure served as encouragement and affirmation to their partners, most preferred to communicate pleasure nonverbally.'

A previous study has indicated that the noise a woman might make in bed does not necessarily correspond to her orgasm.

Researchers asked women to complete a questionnaire about their sexual behaviour, which included details about how they reached climax and at which point they were more likely to express themselves vocally.

While most women polled said they reached orgasm during foreplay, the majority said they were most likely to vocalise their enjoyment during their partner's climax.

The researchers, from the University of Central Lancashire, said the reason for this discrepancy could be that women are 'manipulating male behaviour to their advantage.'