Describing facial expressionsHow to describe facial expressions

There are two reasons why you’d need to describe facial expressions in a performance. You might be describing what you tried to achieve and why you used particular expressions in a performance you gave. Or you might be describing the work of an actor in a performance you watched.

What am I describing in a facial expression?

Think about what makes up a face:

• Eyes
• Ears
• Nose
• Mouth / Lips
• Eyebrows
• Chin
• Cheeks
• Forehead

Creating an expression

How could you make these work for you in creating an expression? Some are more mobile than others, but all of them could contribute to an expression. Think about raising your eyebrows, staring blankly, sticking your nose and chin in the air or glowering, and the impact that these actions might have. For example:

The mother’s pursed lips clearly conveyed her irritation at this point, even though Jack’s explanation meant she did not have the chance to say anything immediately.

Or

I pursed my lips when I heard that Jack had sold the cow for five beans, to convey my irritation, as I had to wait for my line.