Imagine I came to ask you for some help.

What would you think if  I did not look you in the eye?
Or if I avoided your gaze?
Or if I looked down every time I said something?
What impression do you get?

We like people who can make eye contact (remember the last time you were flirting with someone?).
We trust people who can  ”look you in the eye”.
We want to see people “eye-to-eye”.

When presenting or speaking in public you will get a better reaction  if you improve your eye contact.

Eye contact is a learned skill which takes a bit of practice.  From extensive work with our clients, here are some easy tips you can apply:

1. For small groups, only talk when you are looking at someone.
2. Talk to each person directly – spend one or two sentences talking to each person.
3. Don’t drop your eye contact before the end of each sentence
4. If you don’t like looking into someone’s eyes, then look at their forehead or nose.
5. Above all, practice.  Start with friends.  Make them point out each time your eye contact drops.

Just these simple tips will make you a more convincing and persuasive public speaker.

Written by BenjaminBall

Founder and MD of Benjamin Ball Associates - presentation experts

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