“You were talking just to me.” I love hearing that because it means my eye contact created a positive atmosphere. Conversely, failing to make eye contact can communicate that you lack confidence, are arrogant, dishonest and devious! There is a reciprocal relationship between eye contact and confidence. Good eye contact builds confidence and more confidence leads to better eye contact!
Making eye contact one-on-one. When you’re introduced to someone, look them in the eye and smile. As you converse with them, maintain eye contact 70-80% of the time. Don’t stare! Break away every three to five seconds and focus on different spots on their face. The transitions must be smooth so that the overall impression is one of good eye contact without uncomfortable staring.
Speak directly to individuals when presenting. When addressing a large group break the audience into three zones—center, left and right. Scan the room about every 30-45 seconds. Start with one of your zones and engage someone for about five seconds. The people around that person will also feel that you are addressing them personally. Then move your attention to the next zone and repeat the process. When you have worked each zone, do the same thing in the opposite direction. Each time you settle in a zone, select someone different to make eye contact. Try to cover the zone from front to back so that, by the end of your presentation, you have covered the entire room and everyone feels you addressed them personally.