Look at the person you are talking with

Eye contact is a powerful tool in the art of communication, a gateway to a deeper connection with those around us. When we look directly into the eyes of our interlocutor, we express empathy, interest and authenticity.

In this session, we will explore the importance of eye contact in our daily interactions and its role in persuasion and feedback.

The act of holding a direct gaze during a conversation goes beyond a simple visual action, as it has a profound impact on how we relate to others.

First, it shows respect and sensitivity to the other person's cultural and social norms. In some cultures, eye contact can be considered a sign of sincerity, trust and emotional openness. By maintaining a direct gaze, we are conveying that we value the other person's presence and are willing to listen to their opinions.

In the professional arena, this skill is especially relevant for leaders, as by maintaining eye contact during conversations, they encourage open communication.

Eye contact reinforces their authority and credibility, creating an environment in which team members feel more comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns. It also strengthens the sense of belonging and trust among team members, leading to greater collaboration and efficiency in achieving common goals.

Increased self-awareness is one of the most significant benefits of receiving feedback through eye contact. When we look directly at the person giving us feedback, we are opening a window into ourselves and how we interact with others. By observing their nonverbal language as they give us feedback, we can better grasp how our words are being perceived by others. This self-awareness allows us to understand how our actions impact the dynamics of relationships and the overall work or personal environment.

Eye contact during feedback also helps us recognize our behavioral patterns and emotional reactions in certain situations. By being aware of our reactions, we have the opportunity to respond appropriately in challenging situations.

In addition, the self-awareness generated by eye contact encourages us to be more authentic and accountable to ourselves. By being willing to face feedback directly, we show an attitude of openness toward personal growth and continuous improvement.

When we hold our gaze, we show that we are confident in what we are saying and that we believe in our own words. This self-confidence is contagious and can influence how our message is perceived.

In addition, eye contact can reinforce the message in a subtle but powerful way. By looking directly into the eyes of the speaker, we create an emotional connection that allows our words to resonate on a deeper level. Communication is not only about the words we say, but also about how we say them and how we connect with the receiver.

In persuasive situations, eye contact plays a key role in generating a more positive response from the receiver. By looking into the eyes of the interlocutor, we create a sense of intimacy and closeness, which makes the other person feel more receptive to our ideas and arguments.

This emotional connection established through eye contact also triggers the generation of positive feelings. Consequently, by looking into the eyes of the receiver during a persuasive situation, we activate an emotional response that facilitates the acceptance of our proposals.