Importance of Eye Contact
I recently discussed the fundamentals of eye contact with a buddy.
For instance, when they say something that makes you feel bad, how to look them in the eyes when you speak to them, and many other things. After some time, it became evident that this subject is crucial for public speakers and any type of speaker looking to advance their presentational abilities.
In fact, research shows that when people are in their heads, they think more abstractly and less concretely. When they focus on something else, their brains can regain a level of attentiveness which allows them to focus more on their audience and the message being delivered.
Let’s look at some reasons why eye contact is important for effective Public Speaking:
1) Making eye contact improves concentration
Have you ever noticed when you simply scan a place, you end up absorbing a lot of visual information?
Because your brain is attempting to focus on both what you are saying and all of this other information that your eyes are grazing over, all of those colours and shapes really slow down your thinking.
Making occasional eye contact allows your brain to concentrate on just one thing, which frees it up to concentrate on what you’re trying to communicate.
2) It helps you measure your confidence
If a speaker avoids making eye contact, it is assumed that they are unconfident and know nothing about the topic.
As a result, when you direct your gaze at the audience, you convey assurance and conviction to them. Because you would be more assertive, they would be more inclined to pay attention to what you have to say.
3) It encourages others to pay attention
An effective approach to persuade someone to pay attention to you is to make eye contact with them. It’s really simple for a crowd to start losing concentration these days with smartphones, readily available WiFi for computers, and other distractions.
By looking someone in the eyes, you can aid in regaining this attention. They will look at you if you give them a glance. Smaller crowds will notably benefit from this.
4) Your listeners become participants
When you stare at someone while they are speaking and they then frown, you know something isn’t right. You now have the chance to switch up your strategy. Or, when someone smiles and nods their head, you know that things are falling into place.
Your speech becomes a discussion with your audience when you pay attention to people, read their facial expressions, and make adjustments after the fact.
So next time you’re about to give a speech, be sure to make eye contact with your audience.
It’s important for speech, and it’s just as important for being a human being.
Stay Awesome. Stay Productive.
– Divas Gupta