Public Speaking: Eye-Contact

Eye contact occurs when two people look at each other's eyes at the same time.

Eye contact is a form of nonverbal communication and is thought to have a large influence on social behavior.

From Wikipedia.com

• Eye-contact signifies interest in what another person has to say. When a person looks away it’s often a sign that they are not interested.

• Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone but they don’t look directly at you? Did you feel that the person was really listening?

• Reading a speech from written notes makes the audience feel that you are not talking to them, but at them.

• Make eye-contact to show the audience you are speaking to THEM.

Image: hearsaycommunications.com

Maintain eye-contact with each person for 3-5 seconds. Staring too long at one person makes that person very uncomfortable and excludes everyone else.

You also want to avoid running your eyes across the audience at a rapid pace, this is just creepy!

Eye-contact often signifies honesty. People who lie usually can’t help but look away but someone who is honest has no hesitation looking at listeners.

The audience feels that a speaker who looks at them is more credible.

Image: salon.com

When you make eye-contact with others a form of bonding occurs. The audience feels that they are a part of your speech and want to listen.

Image: Australianspeaker.com

Eye-contact keeps the audience focused on your message.

Image:http://www.ihatepresentations.com/2012/06/

Top Tip: As you look at each person imagine you are having an individual conversation with them.

This helps you to feel and act more natural.

Caravaggio: The Fortun

Caravaggio: The Fortune Teller.

Summary

Eye-contact is a powerful form of non-verbal communication.

Use Eye-contact to make your speech a success