What is the importance of eye contact in a conversation? Why do we need to look at the person while interacting? Have you ever thought about this?
We have all heard this age-old saying – ‘Eyes are the window to the soul’. Well, that’s accurate; they indeed are! While conversing, it is essential to look into the eyes of others.
Eye contact can be of different kinds. For instance, it can be subtle or like a glaring scowl when you are annoyed about anything. It can even be a quick look when trying to express a specific idea.
Whether you realize it or not, we always use our eyes to communicate. Today, we will know the importance of gaze, facts related to it, and how you can make perfect eye contact.
So, let us commence!
Importance of Eye Contact in a Conversation
Eye contact is a kind of body language that is extremely crucial during a conversation. Eye contact is a part of non-verbal communication that accounts for most body language. This is why maintaining eye contact with the person represents that you are actively listening and paying attention to each and everything they say.
Moreover, eye contact can help you enhance your communication skills. Here are a few reasons regarding the importance of eye contact. Take a look!
- Enhanced concentration & communication
Eye contact helps you enhance confidence and concentration skills. If you maintain eye contact with the other person, you can feel whether they are paying attention and retaining the information or not to what you are saying.
- Improved empathy & authority
Eye contact represents that you are an expert on what you are presenting. Holding eye contact while delivering information can also show your audience that you are able to process their actions and have empathy for what they are feeling.
- Improved Engagement
Through eye contact, you can turn passive audience members into active participants while you deliver your speech. They will take part in your presentation, thereby improving engagement. For instance, they will retain the information or perform the action you are requesting.
- It captures & holds the attention
If you wish to capture someone’s attention, suddenly/ directly looking at them will do the trick. Also, if you don’t want the person to be distracted, you need to make eye contact often.
Although eye contact can be helpful when talking to others, it is also essential to understand that not all people are comfortable making eye contact. As a result, they might become anxious while interacting.
Now, there are several types of eye contact through which one tries to tell you that they are interested in conversing. So, let’s look at them.
The types of Eye Contact
In order to understand and learn the art of eye contact, you need to know the types associated with it. Here are different kinds of eye contact:
- Quick Glances
This is the most common type of eye contact. Quick glances are used when you have a crush on someone. For instance, it is like looking at someone you like, and then you can’t help but keep looking at them.
So, tell us – what would you do if someone glanced at you? Will you smile back or avoid that person?
Quick glances can also be called unconscious glances. This may happen accidentally. For instance, a person engaged in deep thoughts might not even realize that they are looking at you.
- The Second Glance
Among various types of eye contact, this one primarily focuses on physical attraction. If a person makes another/ second glance, it means that they are swooned by your confidence, physical beauty, etc.
- Staring
Of all the kinds of eye contact, this one is the trickiest. It is vital to note that people stare at you because they like you, i.e., your traits/ characteristics mesmerize them.
This kind of attraction is common, but it can have a different meaning for everyone. For some people, staring might not be troubling, but for others, staring might make them feel uneasy and uncomfortable. Therefore, it is better to be aware of how one looks at you.
- Avoiding Eye Contact
Many of us find it easy to make eye contact. But some people feel extremely nervous. This is why they tend to avoid looking others in the eye. Moreover, people who avoid eye contact might also suffer from social anxiety. Such people have a hard time talking to others, explaining what they feel and why. Therefore, the simple task of presenting in a meeting can cause anxiety to them.
Making eye contact while conversing shows that you respect the other person. It shows that you hold the other person important and empathize with them!
Facts regarding Eye Contact
Eye contact is crucial and beneficial, but there are several other facts that make it an interesting concept. Here they are!
- It helps others recall what you said
When you share an eye gaze during a conversation, you will remember more of what the other person said. Subsequently, others will also retain more of what you said.
For instance, during a video call, the information delivered will be easily retained because there is an enormous amount of eye contact involved.
Research shows that a direct gaze increases concentration levels by almost 30%. Therefore, the people you interact with are bound to remember what you said.
- It can help in Self-Awareness
Being self-aware means that you know what is internally and externally happening in your life. Eye contact helps people in gaining realization regarding their looks, behavior, attitude, etc.
Many studies have proven that we focus more on ourselves when we notice someone looking at us. Therefore, eye contact makes us conscious!
How to make unforgettable eye contact
We have had many answers regarding the importance of eye contact. But one question still remains, i.e., how can one make eye contact? Well, eye contact is crucial while communicating. Many psychologists recommend that over 60% – 70% of eye contact helps build good rapport and trust.
Below are a few tips to make unforgettable eye contact.
- Switch between the eyes
When talking to someone, it is best to look into both eyes. It might seem daunting, but it’s easy. Do one thing – while communicating, try looking at one eye and then slowly switch from one side to the other to instill connection and interest.
An essential thing to remember here is not to switch the gaze too often. Move slowly and naturally. Keep it subtle!
- Maintain good proximity
Be careful about the intensity of your gaze while interacting. In order to maintain proximity, lean back and tilt your head slightly sideways to add space between you and the other person. This will avoid awkwardness while communicating.
- Hold your Gaze
Not sure for how much time you must hold your gaze? Well, try looking into a person’s eye for four to five seconds at a time.
Also, instead of looking down, try to look sideways. Then you can resume eye contact. Make sure you don’t hold your gaze for too long, as it can turn into staring, which can seem to be downright creepy!
- Use Gestures
Do you ever feel uncomfortable during a conversation and wish to break eye contact? If yes, then here’s a solution. Instead of looking away, try using body language and gestures.
For instance, you can nod, use your hands while talking, or use other gestures. This will seem to be more natural than looking away directly.
- Maintain eye contact 50% of the time
When you are having a discussion with someone, follow the 50-70 rule. In this rule, you must maintain eye contact for 50% – 70% of the time. Maintain this amount of eye contact while talking as well as listening.
- Use the Triangle Method
Continuous eye contact creates connection but looking at one place all the time can give rise to awkwardness. In such situations, it is best to use the triangle method. In this technique, you must start from the left eye, switch to the other eye, and finally move your gaze to the chin/ lips. Repeat this process to make your eye contact look natural.
Importance of eye contact – Build better relationships!
Maintaining good eye contact is essential to communicate effectively and ensure proper understanding between both parties.
It can help you improve your personal and professional relationships. Along with this, it also imparts respect and trust in the workplace. So, if you are struggling to make eye contact, it’s time to begin practicing the art of gazing.
Know the different kinds of eye contact and start implementing the tips mentioned above to unlock the power of charisma. After all – ‘Eyes are the window to one’s soul!’.
