Eye
contact is among the most significant features of non-verbal
communication. Eye contact can reinforce the communication process.
In most cases, eye contact is considered a symbol of self-assurance
and self-esteem. Research has shown that most people can only
maintain eye contact for 30- 60 percent of the time for only 10
seconds or less. Most people avoid eye contact because of some of the
misconceptions associated with maintaining eye it. Too much eye
contact is usually seen as aggressiveness or a sign of sexual
interest.
When
people maintain eye contact, they communicate confidently. When a
speaker communicates with confidence, the listeners take him more
seriously, and they will believe that what he is saying is important.
When speakers maintain eye contact, the message will maintain
intimate thoughts and desires. Eye contact helps in building an
emotional connection between the speaker and the listeners, and it
also shows that the speaker has a keen interest on the issue he or
she is addressing.
Eye
contact, when used positively can express confidence, honesty, love,
friendship, sympathy, and any other virtue that the speaker wants to
express. For instance, when we want to reassure somebody, the way we
use eye contact will deliver the message. Upholding eye contact with
the audience shows appreciation. For instance, when people do
something nice and one is showing appreciation, eye contact is vital.
Eye
contact can foster understanding of the message being communicated.
For instance, when the speaker is getting the point across, eye
contact is important, as it will assure the speaker that the point
has been put across. Eye contact enables the speaker to build trust
and respect in the eyes of the listeners, which will be reciprocated.
Some rules of eye contact:Eye contact
Hi Perry~
ReplyDeleteI think your post about the eye contact is very interesting. In my opinion, eye contact is very important. In my country, when people meet or talk, it is essential to maintain the eye contact because it means that people are actually listening to each other. Through the eye contact, they also show their respect. Moreover, when Slovakians meet, the eye contact is very important. When a person does not look into the eye of the other person, it means that this person might possibly hide something. On the other hand, I have read that in Japanese it is rude to look straight into the eye and it is also considered as an act of aggression. In their culture people show respect to the others via doing the exact opposite. So, I think that it is also the matter of the culture and cultural differences whether it is appropriate to maintain the eye contact or not. In addition, I believe that when doing business internationally it is important to be aware of such cultural differences so the people are successful and close the business.