EFFECTIVE EYE CONTACT

Eye contact is a form of non-verbal communication. It involves looking at someone while they are also looking at you as interaction takes place. This does not mean staring at the other party condescendingly.

Eye contact in business relationships.

In delivering excellent customer service the role of eye contact cannot be overemphasized. Maintaining eye contact when speaking to a customer directly is important. Especially when you’re having a one-on-one conversation. Customers prefer to be heard when they speak. They are happier when they visit businesses where their problems are acknowledged, welcomed, and addressed. So, maintaining appropriate eye contact may be considered a factor in customer retention strategies as it will increase the firm goodwill. When a customer is speaking with you, maintaining eye contact can help you develop a one-on-one relationship with them and demonstrate that they are given priority. This is goal-oriented since it contributes to greater profitability. Apply Continuous adjustments are made to meet the needs of the customer. Effective eye contact is essential for providing excellent customer service. Since it strengthens business ties. It is vital to keep eye contact when speaking to a group of people.

In this post, we’ll explore the advantages of maintaining eye contact with customers for presentation purposes. In addition how to build and boost your confidence in presentation.

How to maintain eye contact with your customers?

1. Look at the customer’s eye when they are talking with maximum interest.
2. Write down some notes, so that no points are forgotten.
3. Do not look at the customer in a derogatory manner.
4. Smile or show empathy when necessary.
5. Avoid every distraction that could divert your attention.
6. When listening, keep your hands and head still.
7. Attend to customers one at a time.
8. Keep your mind relaxed, calm, and composed.
9. Show signs of affirmation like nodding your head where necessary.

Below are some of the advantages of adequate eye contact.                    

1. It helps you concentrate and focus without having any divergent thoughts.
2. It shows commitment and dedication to serving the customer.
3. It signifies willingness and openness. This means you are not compelled to listen as you are showing selfless service delivery.
4. It indicates interest and enthusiasm Spirit.
5. It displays connection and understanding.
6. It is an act of respect and a sign of courtesy.
7. It is a method of customer interaction that will make the customer feel valued.
8. Effective communication through eye contact shows attentiveness and strengthens trust

FORMS OF EYE CONTACT

There are two major forms namely: Direct and indirect eye contact.

Direct eye contact

Used when the speaker and audience are very close to one another. You’ll need to look the other person in the eyes when you’re speaking or listening. Most frequently used in one-on-one or small-group conversations with up to five people.

Indirect eye contact.

This is the practice of speaking or listening while maintaining eye contact with a nearby portion of the face. Mostly used when you are far away from the speaker or listener. Done by looking at the other person’s nose, lips, chin, and forehead. The other person might believe that you are looking them directly in the eye due to the distance. By making indirect eye contact, you can lessen any stress or anxiety that might result from the other person’s facial expression or response. Moreover, more frequently used while speaking to an audience or a large group of people and in a presentation.

How to maintain eye contact when you are the speaker and engaging one person or a group of audience

Depending on the number of persons you are talking to, there are strategies for maintaining adequate eye contact. Using the indirect form is the best form of eye contact. When you have a presentation to make to a group of people, to be more confident practice indirect eye contact, also make sure you are carrying everyone along, by moving quietly while speaking from one end to the other. If there is a need to look down and pick your point from your note, read it and quickly raise your head.

Benefits of eye contact when anchoring a presentation.

1. It makes the interaction engaging and interactive.
2. This means you believe in yourself and give yourself confidence.
3. Makes you attractive and your speech engaging.
4. Help meet set goals and boast confidence.
5. Don’t feel intimidated by the negative facial expression of the audience, therefore do not lose composure.

How to make eye contact to increase confidence?

1. Practice more indirect eye contact when in a crowd or group of people.
2. Do not feel anxious when you see the audience’s facial reaction not accommodating.
3. Or if you are the speaker look away from your material, notebook, or laptop.
4. Gently walk around the audience while giving a presentation; it helps everyone feel carried along.
5. Practice these tips at home first in a mirror, and talk to yourself. It gets better with time.

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In summary:

Improve your eye contact to boost your communication confidence. Most Great Speakers, preachers, motivational speakers, employers, and other professionals did not perform well when they initially began. Continuous practice and a willingness to learn from mistakes make one better. Hence, if your initial performance wasn’t great, try not to get disheartened. Do more face-to-face communication with a family member or oneself in front of a mirror to help you get improved. After each interaction, assess your level of confidence by rating yourself. Finally learning from your mistakes if you dictate any deficiencies. Then challenge yourself to achieve better the next time.