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If someone is talking to me for more than 10 seconds I'll just grab my phone and start talking as if someone just called and then hurry away while muttering that the report was rejected due to compliance issues and hide in a bathroom stall for awhile. No one wants to deal with compliance issues and I'm generally avoided.
I like the idea about thinking about boring things. However, at times I have to listen to what the people are saying. This is especially important for newbies, who are theoretically eagerly awaiting instructions from the Head Boss. In that case I can act like an eager vessel, paste on the ever useful fake smile (which actually improves one's attitude even when it's insincere,) and take notes, a strategy that scores points with most bosses.
It's a skill, like anything else. Improving will just take practice.
Even if you don't agree with what's being said, most of the time the other person does believe what they are saying. Most people are not trying to intentionally mislead you. Try to understand their perspective, and why they think what they're saying is true while listening. IMO focusing on understanding them is more valuable than keeping a blank face.
I am starting a new job soon, and I would like some advice on how to keep an expressionless face when someone is talking to me. My face gives away my thoughts, and that phenomenon is not a useful trait when one is working, especially if one does not agree with what is being said. Also, how does a person respond neutrally if they think they are hearing BS? I have difficulty doing that too. I normally say nothing, but then the person feels I am not listening (I am) or my face instantly gives my thoughts away. I get along well with coworkers; I am just as transparent as newly cleaned glass. Any advice would be appreciated.
You have an attitude problem to begin with and need to address that. You are going to be working there 40 hours a week for years, you can't expect to have a stone face the entire time. Even accomplishing that isn't going to help you, because people expect normal facial and body language when you are engaged in the conversation even if you are simply passively listening in a group meeting. You need to address the actual problem you have and it isn't by turning yourself to stone.
Maybe if you gave us examples of conversations which fit your criteria for BS. I'm asking, because I suspect it will reveal the source of your attitude problem.
I understand the OP's dilemma, since I have the same problem.....my face gives away my thoughts and I don't even realize I'm doing it. I think I missed my calling, since people with this ability usually make great actors and actresses.
And no, I have never found a solution to maintaining a poker face.
It's a skill, like anything else. Improving will just take practice.
Even if you don't agree with what's being said, most of the time the other person does believe what they are saying. Most people are not trying to intentionally mislead you. Try to understand their perspective, and why they think what they're saying is true while listening. IMO focusing on understanding them is more valuable than keeping a blank face.
^^^ This It is a skill and can be improved upon. Some people naturally seem to be able to keep a poker face but even for those who don't, it can be learned. It might be more difficult or take longer but it is not impossible.
This is the truth--focus on understanding them and active listening rather than deciding if it is BS or not while you are listening to them. After they are done talking, review a couple of their main points back to them to show them you understand. The analyze if it was BS or not is AFTER they have left the area. Also, it may seem like BS to you but it may be something that works for them so keep that in mind. It's fine to periodically nod or say, "okay" & engage in give-take discussion rather than forcing yourself to stand there like a statue.
I've had 2 career paths that require a straight face but HR for certain requires a straight face. Employees have come to me saying they need to go home because they have pooped their pants. I can't count how many times over the years I've had to address issues with hygiene in the workplace by talking with people about bad breath, body odor, feminine odor, and smelly feet. I've also had the 'pleasure' of being the one to address other issues such as an employee who had a chronic issue with half his arse crack showing, employees who picked their noses, and so on. Oh, and HR gets the job of telling people they are fired which is absolutely NEVER a pleasant one.
I do feel embarrassed in the situations where I have to talk with people about hygiene and feel sympathy for the ones I have to let go. I've felt outright upset about quite a few people I've had to let go.
I learned to keep a straight face by focusing on the task/issue rather than how I feel, giving myself permission to later express the feelings, and thinking about the other person. When I say thinking about the other person I mean thinking about the impact it would have on them if I did not keep a straight face. If I acted embarrassed and uncomfortable addressing a hygiene issue, it would make it just that much more uncomfortable for the affected person. If I started getting outwardly upset while letting someone go, it would stir up additional stress in the person--which they don't need!
You can practice by having a friend try to make you have a reaction and work on resisting it.
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It is a skill and can be improved upon. Some people naturally seem to be able to keep a poker face but even for those who don't, it can be learned. It might be more difficult or take longer but it is not impossible. 
