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Eye contact

H.3Updated on

Summary

Effectiveness

2/3

A visible effect on facial expression and presentation, which depends on the context and initial habit.

Accessibility

3/3

A habit without equipment or sessions, to work in daily exchanges and movements.

The look directly contributes to the way your face is perceived. Constantly downcast eyes, a head turned elsewhere, or a frozen expression can make you seem absent or withdrawn. Looking at what is happening in front of you and making eye contact during discussions makes your presence more readable.

The principle is simple: look up, turn your face towards your interlocutor and return regularly to their eyes during the conversation. Let your expression follow what is being said. A present look can enhance the face; trying to make it intense by squinting the eyelids or staring without interruption especially risks giving a fabricated expression.

Sources

  1. Affective Eye Contact: An Integrative Review (new tab)
  2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · PMC2562398 (new tab)
  3. How does gaze to faces support face-to-face interaction? A review and perspective (new tab)

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The contents do not claim any medical or paramedical qualifications and are not systematically reviewed by a healthcare professional.
The site shares general information and practical tips. It does not make a diagnosis, does not prescribe any treatment and does not replace advice adapted to your situation.