Eyes On It

Eye contact during conversation conveys confidence and attentiveness.  Direct eye contact doesn’t come naturally for everyone. Here are some tricks and tips if you are on the shy side.   First step, avoid the laser – eye – focus showdown.  Visualize a large, angry dog staring you down, you are afraid to break eye contact and show submission.  That technique doesn’t adapt well to comfortable conversation.  Instead try to make eye contact while the other person is speaking with one or more of the following tricks. 
Trick#1 – Focus on the bridge of the speaker’s nose or eyebrows.  Alternatively, you can look just above or below the speaker’s eyes.  They will not notice that you are not looking directly into their eyes.
Trick#2 – It is very difficult to look into both eyes at once.  Alternate between the left and right eye at ten-second intervals.
Trick#3 – Imagine a triangle on the person’s face.  Left eye, nose, right eye.  Switch between points on the triangle at ten-second intervals. 

​Practice in the mirror, with a friend, or a coach.  Then try this technique with at work, or better yet during your next job interview, remembering your power stance first. 

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