The Careful Art of Eye Contact

Eye
contact is a powerful method of communication we use every day. It has the
potential to impact our careers, relationships and opportunities in both
positive and negative ways. Even so, many of us are unsure how to employ eye
contact strategically, to our own advantage.

So
what’s the secret? Is it possible to use eye contact to close a big deal or get
a girl’s number? To answer these questions, we need to take a closer look at
the science of eye contact and how it affects our interactions.

Eye Contact Can Make You Appear More — or Less — Honest

Think
about the last time you spoke with someone who refused to meet your eyes. How
did their behavior make you feel? You probably thought they had something to
hide — you may have even suspected them of being dishonest.  

Research
indicates that most people prefer eye contact to last just over three
seconds, at
least when it comes to acquaintances they don’t know well. You can tell how
close a couple is, for example, by the amount of eye contact they make.

People
also tend to maintain eye contact longer when speaking with a supervisor or other
authority figure. Children tend to hold eye contact for longer as well, though that
habit usually changes as we enter adulthood.

Three seconds of eye contact is often considered appropriate. If you’re trying to close a deal with a client, aim for the three-second mark. Staring for a long time may make them distrust you, as sociopaths often maintain heavy-duty eye contact in an attempt to convince a victim of their veracity.

Eye Contact Helps People Remember You

Research
indicates that people perceive those who make high levels of eye contact more dominant and
powerful,
but also warmer and more approachable. Doing so helps others remember you
because you create a sense of connection with them. This can help you do
anything from winning a promotion to attracting a partner.  

Eye Contact Builds Self-Awareness Naturally

Eye
contact lets other people know you’re paying attention to them. This was the
primary reason why everyone from teachers to your parents demanded you look at
them when they disciplined you.

Don’t
underestimate the power of eye contact in your interactions. Making eye contact
with your colleagues when they’re speaking during an important meeting fosters
feelings of goodwill. Of course, paying attention when the boss speaks matters just
as much.  

When
you make eye contact, you reveal more of your innermost thoughts and feelings.
It’s difficult to lie when you hold someone’s gaze. This creates a higher level
of intimacy and trust between you and your listener.

Too Much or Unnatural Eye Contact Creates Discomfort

Have
you ever sat on an airplane with a book open while your seatmate chatters away
in the seat next to you? Chances are, you did your best to avoid glancing in
their direction, right? Unwanted eye contact makes us feel uncomfortable.

The
human brain specially evolved to attune us to the gazes of others. If you’ve
ever felt someone was
staring at you
even though you barely looked their way, chances are, you’re not psychic. Your
mind recognized, even subconsciously, the fact that someone had you in their
sights. In primitive days, this helped you avoid danger. It still can today, if
you pick up on a suspicious-looking individual ogling you on the bus and
exiting at the same stop.

Eye Contact, Sexual Attraction and Romantic Love

Maintaining
eye contact can help you find romantic love. Your gaze can also indicate sexual
attraction.

When
you find someone attractive, your eyes tend to gravitate down their bodies.
When you feel a romantic attraction, however, your eyes remain fixated on their
facial area. In short, you should learn where the ladies’ eyes are, fellas.
Hint: they’re not below the neck.

The Eyes are Truly the Windows of the Soul

The
way you make eye contact says a lot about you. You want to project an image of
confidence and trustworthiness, so take a few of the insights from this article
and apply them to your everyday life.