Gaze Zones

The Social Gaze (Eyes and Mouth)

When you look at a person, the area of your gaze (where it is focused) has a meaning and communicates a non-verbal message.

We can distinguish three main types of gaze. The first and most common is the Social Gaze.

In this case, the gaze is held comfortably in a triangle between the two eyes and the mouth.

About 90% of the time the gaze rests on the eyes, and occasionally moves down to the mouth. This gaze is neither intimidating nor seductive.

It is the normal gaze we use with friends, family and colleagues in a relaxed context.

The Power Look (Eyes and Forehead)

The second is the Power (or business) Gaze.

Here, the gaze is restricted to a smaller, more serious triangle between the two eyes and the center of the forehead.

By consciously avoiding the mouth and lower face, a more serious and professional atmosphere is created. This look can be intimidating and puts pressure on the other person.

Some managers use it to assert authority or to intimidate during a reprimand.

Naturally, it should be avoided in a social or romantic context.

The Intimate Gaze (Eyes, Mouth and Body)

The third is the Intimate or seductive gaze. In this case, the gaze originates in the social triangle (eyes-mouth), but descends further down, encompassing the chin, neck and other parts of the body, such as the chest or pelvic region.

This gaze is a clear sign of romantic or sexual interest.

Initial scanning and peripheral vision

We must understand that when we meet someone for the first time, it is natural to scan the person from top to bottom.

People consciously or unconsciously look at each other's physical appearance (clothes, hair, shoes) to form an idea.

There is a difference in how men and women perform this scanning. Women have greater peripheral vision than men.

This allows them to observe a wider area without moving their eyes, making them more discreet when scanning someone's body.

Men, with smaller peripheral vision ("tunnel" vision), are less discreet and are more easily "caught" when their gaze descends from the social zone.

Knowing that this initial scanning is necessary, in a formal context such as an interview, it is not good to maintain ironclad eye contact from the first second.

Upon entering, after the initial greeting, it is useful to avert your gaze briefly (to adjust your chair, pull out a resume or hang up your coat).

This gives the interlocutor a few seconds to perform that necessary initial scan, mentally "check that box," and then be able to concentrate fully on the content of the conversation.

Summary

The area of your gaze (where you focus) communicates a nonverbal message. The Social Gaze, the most common, is held in a triangle between the eyes and mouth.

The Power or Business Look is more serious. It is restricted to a smaller triangle, between the two eyes and the center of the forehead.

The Intimate or seductive gaze originates in the social zone, but descends lower, encompassing the chin, neck and other parts of the body.