Making Eye Contact

Learn about making eye contact and prolonged eye contact when giving a speech

A big concern for many new and novice speakers is knowing where to look when giving a speech.

Do you look at one person for a long time, otherwise known as prolonged eye contact? Or do you move quickly from one person to another.

How important are you eyes when giving a public speaking presentation?

Well along with other signs of body language, you eyes are very important.

If you are nervous or anxious about your speech, your eyes will give it away. You don't, therefore, want to draw attention to them.

When you are speaking you should be looking at different people. However you need to do it naturally.

If they are darting from one face to another, your nervousness will be very apparent.

Here is a a fun way to learn how to master making eye contact.

Let's pretend your living room (or another place you feel comfortable in) is your stage.

Pick out some objects in that room and pretend they are audience members. It doesn't matter what they are, they could be a vase, coffee cup, picture frame, anything that you have to hand.

Place them at difference distances to you and practice your speech in front of them.

I know you may feel stupid (and you might wish to close your curtains) but this is a great way of teaching your eyes to move naturally around the room.

Knowing the layout of your venue and where your audience will be sat can help too.

What about prolonged eye contact?

Although it is a relief to find a friendly face smiling back, don't fixate on them.

Why?

1 you will look bad
2 you will also make that person feel uncomfortable

A good amount of time to look at someone is between five and ten seconds.

Other considerations for making eye contact.

Don't read your speech. If you want to rely on notes or prompt cards ensure they are designed so that a quick look will give you the answer. Do not spend your time looking down and reading notes you need to be looking at your audience

The same rule applies to visual aids. Your audience needs to see your face and eyes for most of your speech.

There is a Yiddish proverb that says 'the eyes are the mirror of the soul'. If you want your audience to believe in you and what you are saying, they need to be able to look into your eyes.

But what happens if you are nervous or anxious will they see that in your eyes?

Unfortunately yes.

But lets face it, public speaking is often more feared than death itself, well according to Jerry Seinfield anyway.

So is there a way we can that get rid of that fear whatever it intensity?

I believe so and so does Jo Barry.

Public Speaking and Panic Attacks

Public Speaking Anxiety Help

Speech Motivation

First Impressions

Panic Away

Overcoming Public Speaking Fears

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