Tips on Public Speaking: True Eye Contact

I believe there are a few items that separate professional speakers from the amateur -- the novice, the beginner, from a speaker who is well skilled in the art of public speaking. One of those items is eye contact.

In this edition of Tips on Public Speaking, I would like to share with you a further examination of eye contact. Sure you have eye contact… but what I am talking about is connecting with your audience on a level as if you are speaking to them personally. I have shared the idea at many of my appearances at associations, service organizations and many “animal” clubs that public speaking is a conversation. Even though we may be speaking to a room, an auditorium full of people – we have to come across as if we are speaking to them one-on-one. Here is a tip to help you achieve this objective – true eye contact.

True eye contact is not only looking into someone's eyes but making a connection with them. Connect with that individual that you are looking at and talk to them as if you are talking with your best friend.

The other night I was the keynote speaker at a Toastmasters event. Before I took the stage, they held their meeting and conducted Table Topics before my portion of the program. If you are not familiar with what Table Topics is – this is a great exercise in the power of impromptu speaking. Someone is asked a question on the spot and they have to answer within a two-minute time period. It is a great way to practice thinking and speaking on your feet.

Well, they asked Jordana Tiger a question. She paused as she thought of her response and then she launched right into it. As she was presenting her two-minute speech – I noticed something. She was using true eye contact. She wasn't darting her gaze around the room, whipping from one person to the next. No. She was looking at an individual and just spoke with them. Having a conversation right there on the spot. I loved it.

I coined the phrase “true eye contact” because I want my clients to understand the difference between mundane eye contact and what they need to do to look like and come across as a professional speaker. If you want to look like a professional speaker and not a novice – practice this tip on public speaking, practice true eye contact. Look the person in the eye and truly connect with them. And you will notice how much you will improve when it comes to your presentations.

I would like to know what you think about “true eye contact.” Do you think there is a difference? Do you practice it? Leave a comment… I would love to know what you think.

Grazie, Maurice