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One thing that's really important is to be able to keep your observation 'pure', to prevent it spilling over into interpretation. The starting point is to understand the difference:

Observation is simply what you notice with your senses: what you see, hear, feel, taste and smell.

Interpretation is when you go beyond the sensory information gathered and draw a conclusion of some kind.

The following exercise will give you an opportunity to practice distinguishing between observation and interpretation.

Exercise:

Place a mental tick next to each item that contains specific sensory-based information. Place a mental cross next to anything that's an interpretation.

1. The manager raised his right eyebrow slightly as he read the report.
2. Jerry squirmed in her seat as she waited for his reaction.
3. His lips narrowed and his nostrils flared.
4. Jerry's voice had a rhythmic quality to it when she confidently responded to his questions.
5. The pinkish color gradually disappeared from the manager's face.
6. Jerry showed how unflappable she was.
7. The manager stood up, having regained his composure.
8. Jerry was clearly happy as she held out her hand.

Answers
1. 'Raised his right eyebrow' is sensory-based information; 'read the report' is an interpretation of his behavior.
2. 'Squirmed' is an interpretation - more than a mere description.
3. This is sensory-based information.
4. 'Rhythmic quality' is sensory based; 'confidently