Understanding emotions doesn’t have to be abstract. The Feelings Field Guide is a science-backed tool developed by Drs. Paul and Eve Ekman to translate over 50 years of behavioral research into everyday skills. Whether you are a parent managing anxiety or a professional navigating high-stakes negotiations, this guide provides a tactile way to identify universal facial expressions and respond constructively.
What is the Feelings Field Guide? It is a comprehensive toolkit consisting of 92 emotion flashcards and a scientific guidebook designed to improve emotional awareness and non-verbal communication.
See How It Works
Dr. Eve Ekman introduces the Field Guide and explains the core methodology behind recognizing the seven universal emotions:
From Insight to Action
The Feelings Field Guide draws from over 50 years of research into emotion and facial expression, transforming that science into something practical and applicable.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The Science of Emotions Guidebook: Detailed explanation into the research of Dr. Paul Ekman takes emotions beyond “good” and “bad” .
- 92 Expression & Quiz Cards: Hands-on practice for identifying subtle muscle movements in the face.
- Actionable Exercises: Strategies for understanding subtle nuances like expression and signals of emotions like anger, fear, and sadness and practical strategies for how to respond constructively.
It’s not just about noticing emotions, it’s about knowing what to do with that awareness.
Designed for Flexibility
The Feelings Field Guide is designed to be adaptable, so you can use it:
- On your own to build awareness and practice recognition
- With a partner to strengthen communication
- In groups or teams to develop shared emotional understanding
You might quiz yourself using the expression cards, focus on one emotion at a time, or work through specific reflection exercises. There’s no single “right” way to use it, it’s about finding what’s most useful for you.
What People Are Saying
“I have always been fascinated by the science of emotions and how I can be used by a layman such as myself. I have no formal scientific background in behavioral sciences or psychology but I do have a son who has issues with anxiety and social regression. I appreciate that “The Feelings Field Guide” deck turned out to be an effective tool to use in discussing emotions with my son. Knowing that this science was practically pioneered by Dr. Ekman gave me a very high degree of confidence in the validity of this product.”
-Mark B.
“The Field Guide is a great tool to have and I recommend it to anyone interested in understanding micro-expressions and emotions…Working in information security and data protection, understanding micro-expressions and emotions has helped me understand colleagues, customers and suppliers better and improved my interactions with people. These are great skills to have as a security professional, especially in determining what people really feel compared to what they are saying.”
-Simon B.
Why It Matters
Emotions shape how we think, communicate, and make decisions, often more than we realize.
When we misread them (in ourselves or others), the result can be misunderstanding, conflict, or missed opportunities for connection. But when we learn to recognize and respond to emotions more accurately, we gain:
- Reduced conflict
- Better communication
- Stronger relationships
- More informed decision-making
- Greater emotional clarity
The Feelings Field Guide is designed to help build those skills in a way that is grounded, practical, and repeatable.
FAQ
How is this different from other emotion flashcards? Most cards simply label a feeling. The Feelings Field Guide is the only tool based on the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), ensuring that the expressions you learn are scientifically accurate and universally recognized.
Is there a digital version? While the Field Guide is a physical, tactile tool, it is often paired with the Micro-expression Training Tools for those seeking certified, performance-based mastery.
