The Importance of Eye Contact

Yesterday, I gave an online presentation to a training group. It was a new experience for me, both in terms of the topic I covered (self-limiting beliefs from childhood) and the fact that it was my first time presenting online. Although I’ve done public talks before, like at my local library recently, this was different. And to my surprise, I felt much more anxious.

I quickly realised why: I was missing the eye contact that comes with speaking to a live audience. Instead, I was staring at a screen full of tiny pictures, and that lack of real connection made me uneasy.

Why is Eye Contact So Important?

Eye contact plays a crucial role in communication. It creates a sense of safety and connection. Our eyes reveal how we truly feel, even more than our words. In ancient times, people would assess each other’s feelings through eye contact rather than just relying on what was said. Perhaps this is why we rely on non-verbal cues like facial expressions and eye contact to guide our intuition.

In fact, eye contact has its own kind of dialogue:

• It can open or shut down communication.

• Increased eye contact makes us seem more credible and confident.

• Lack of eye contact can come across as submissive or disconnected.

• High-status individuals maintain more eye contact while talking than while listening.

• A direct stare can signal hostility or confrontation.

When I couldn’t see my audience’s eyes, I felt disconnected. It reminded me of how a comedian “reads the room” during a performance— gauging the audience’s reactions to adjust their delivery. Without that feedback, I felt lost. I realised I wasn’t just looking for signs that my message was landing; I was also seeking approval and acceptance.