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You won’t be able to comment on every facial expression in a performance. But you can select the key points of a piece of work to talk about so you have a clear commentary that highlights the most important elements.

When writing about facial expressions, every comment needs two elements:

• the details of the facial expression
• what that expression conveyed or what it intended to convey

These key points will only be expressed effectively if each and every one of them is explicitly described and linked to the effect or impact they were designed to have. This is still true even if you are being negative:

She tried to express shock with a wide-eyed expression, but ended up looking slightly startled as she never lost the slight smile on her face.

In this example, both the intended expression and effect and the actual ones are expressed with precision. Precision is the key word when describing facial expressions.

Interpreting a script

Take a scenario and a line from a play of your choice, eg:

Work with a partner. One of you should write precise instructions for the facial expression needed to portray this line effectively. The other has to play the line according to these instructions. If they weren’t precise enough, write them again together to create a detailed description that enable the reader to ‘see’ it as they read it.

Note that this line begins in a philosophical way and Eric could convey this with a thoughtful and ‘deep’ look on his face. His eyes should look to the distance as if he’s seeing the people as he speaks. When he reaches the punchline, growing vegetables which is a mundane pastime compared to the epic themes of ‘death’ and ‘life’ that precede it, his facial expression should change. He should raise a quizzical eyebrow, but keep a deadpan expression on his face so as not to signpost the joke excessively.