Tuesday, March 10, 2015

'CONNECT' 30: Tips on Public Speaking: Establishing Eye Contact


'An eye can threaten like a loaded and leveled gun, or it can insult like hissing or kicking; or, in its altered mood, by beams of kindness, it can make the heart dance for joy'
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I read somewhere that eyes are the windows to the soul. Universally it is agreed that establishing eye contact with the audience improves the quality of our communication. Eyes by themselves may not communicate any emotions. however, how you use your eyes and the areas around your eyes such as the eyebrows etc, may mean a lot to those who are in front of you.


When addressing an audience, look into their eyes in a friendly and pleasant way. It will improve the rapport. It is not merely looking at their eyes which matters, but also how you look. If you have a piercing look into the other person, he may not like it. It should make the other person feel at ease and connected.
When you are addressing a group of people, looking only at one person or a section of the audience may convey an impression that you do not care about others. If someone is looking at your eyes, you should also connect. If you don't, it may mean that you are avoiding him.
You can also divide the audience into sections like the left, the right, the front and the rear and make eye contact as though you are a light house beam.
NC Sridharan

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