Eye contact: what is it and why does it matter?

Eye contact: what is it and why does it matter?

Eye contact is a type of nonverbal body language that reflects active listening and shows genuine interest in hearing what is being said. It activates our empathy and social response system in the limbic system (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201902/how-eye-contact-prepares-the-brain-connect). Eye contact can help you concentrate and engage with an audience, exuding confidence. Speaking without eye contact could be interpreted as nervousness or lack of knowledge on the subject you are speaking about. Your audience could lose interest without eye contact. It could also mean that you feel inadequate. Eye contact indicates concern and appreciation. Eye contact stimulates the powerful emotion of love, triggering a release of oxytocin. If you want someone to love you, look directly into their eyes; your eyes are a window into the soul. Eye contact can demonstrate energy, excitement, and positive mental health. Eye contact is recognized in the human and animal world. In some cultures, however, it is perceived as hostile, rude, or disrespectful.