10 TIPS FOR EYE CONTACT
When we talk to others, we use more than just our words to communicate! We alsocommunicate through our body language, gestures, and such facial expressions as eye contact. Eye contact is when we look directly at a person’s eyes as we talk to him/her. Asking and answering questions, sharing stories, and greeting others as we pass by are examples of everyday situations in which we make eye contact with others.
Before the meeting or event even begins, an initial greeting with direct eye contact helps build rapport, turning strangers into friends.
#2: START AND END WITH DIRECT EYE CONTACT.
Once you’re introduced but before you say a word stop, look out at your audience directly, and smile. End your remarks by looking out, scanning the audience, and smiling.
#3: DIVIDE THE ROOM INTO SECTIONS.
Make sure to give each section of the room equal time and energy. Look to the left side for a few seconds, then the middle, then to the right. Don't neglect the people in the back!
Hint: When looking at the back of a large room, it makes more sense to focus on a section or a head in the distance rather than trying to make direct eye contact with someone far away.
#4: LOOK FOR FRIENDLY FACES.
To build confidence, initially make eye contact with people who are smiling, nodding, and showing support for you and your message.
#5: USE THE 3-SECOND RULE.
Hold eye contact with a person for 3 seconds at a time. Have direct eye contact with a number of people in the audience, and every now and then glance at the whole audience while speaking.
#6: MAINTAIN DIRECT, ROVING, CONTINUOUS EYE CONTACT.
Sweep your gaze across the audience, remembering to engage with people at the very back and far sides as well as those in the front. The rule of thumb is 90% direct, roving continuous eye contact.
#7: BE EASY ON THE EYES.
Have sincere eye contact but careful not to drill holes through people.
#8: SPEAK TO THE EYES.
Avoid speaking to your notes, slides, flip chart, ceiling or back wall.
#9 USE YOUR EYES TO READ YOUR AUDIENCE.
Remember, a presentation is more than a one-way communication; it's a dialogue with your audience. As you scan the audience they are communicating with their eyes, their body language and their facial expressions. Take advantage of this non-verbal communication and adjust your delivery accordingly.
#10: BE SENSITVE TO CULTURAL DIFFERENCES.
In the United States, eye contact communicates confidence, credibility and connection. People from Arab countries use prolonged eye contact to gauge trustworthiness. However, in some countries direct eye contact is seen as challenging and rude, for example in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, people avoid direct eye contact as a sign of respect. It will be worth your while to know this about your audience ahead of time.
