1. Identify facial expressions.

Find a partner and take turns telling each other a three-minute story. When each of you tells your story, try to exaggerate, as if you were on stage and telling the story to a live audience. As you watch your partner, take notes on facial expressions you see, and identify what emotion each expression conveys (e.g., anger, excitement, and disgust). Pay particular attention to your partner’s nose, mouth (lips and tongue), eyes (eyebrows and eyelids), and forehead.

As an alternative to this exercise, watch a few minutes of your favorite stand-up comedian online. What facial expressions do you see, and which emotions does he or she convey?