Comments on: 8 presentation tips to make your eye contact more powerful

By: Here’s Looking At You, Kid . . . « The Strategic Learner

Here’s Looking At You, Kid . . . « The Strategic Learner — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:48:14 +0000

[...] Even in our more sedate world of training, teaching, and group facilitation, we understand the value and power of eye contact. As one of my favorite presentation experts says, “Eye connection means spending time with each person so that person feels like you’re just talking to them.” (Olivia Mitchell) [...]

By: Kate Peters

Kate Peters — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:47:06 +0000

I really agree with Kathy. I know that all of these things are great tools for becoming conscious of connection, but in the end it’s the connection you need, not the ability to make it LOOK like you are connected. One reason people aren’t connected with their audience is that they are too self-conscious and too worried about what other people are thinking about them, the speaker. Would love to hear some discussion on how to get beyond that one from your experience.

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:23:31 +0000

Thanks Kathy.

By: Kathy Reiffenstein

Kathy Reiffenstein — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:57:26 +0000

Hi Olivia,

This is great advice on eye contact, which highlights that everyone knows it’s important but everyone doesn’t know the nuances and the range of options for doing it effectively. I particularly like #2, as I think once a presenter can really think about their audience as individual human beings, rather than just a big blob of people, it makes such a difference in attitude, tone and manner.

Kathy

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:13:27 +0000

Yes, it’s magical what a difference that change can make, Olivia.

By: Todd

Todd — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:06:24 +0000

I’m amazed how many people have been taught to scan instead of truly connect. I love the way you put it as a lighthouse or tennis umpire. I’ve found when you can get a presenter to slow down and connect with an individual for an entire thought (through the end of a sentence), it not only reduces their nerves, but it instantly changes their tone from formal presentation to more conversational. Great post. Thanks.

By: Gesti, spazi, sguardi. Il corpo e il public speaking « Presentazioni Efficaci

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:38:32 +0000

[...] dedicato ad un aspetto chiave del public speaking, ovvero il contatto oculare. Olivia Mitchell dà 8 consigli per migliorare questa [...]

By: Public Speaking Tips and Techniques [2009-12-05]

Public Speaking Tips and Techniques [2009-12-05] — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:06:15 +0000

[...] Mitchell lists 8 tips to make your eye contact more powerful. A lot of people we work with confess that they [...]

By: Make eye “connection.” « uga visitors center

Make eye “connection.” « uga visitors center — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:31:38 +0000

[...] We’ve talked before about the power of making eye contact with your audience. I came across this post today from a public speaking consultant with great suggestions on making what she calls “eye [...]

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:41:39 +0000

Hi Tripp

Yes, there are people for whom any sort of eye contact is uncomfortable. Often this involves cultural factors. For example in my part of the world (New Zealand)older Pacific Islanders have difficulty with making eye contact. In that situation, looking at people’s foreheads is a last resort alternative.

However, if I’m working one-on-one with someone who has trouble making eye connection, I will work with them to gradually have them feel more comfortable with it. For example, I’ll ask them to just glance at me as they’re talking with me. Then once they’re OK with that, I’ll get them to look at me for a second – and so on.

If you’re reading this and you know you have trouble looking at people, choose to work on this. Practice making eye contact in your everyday interactions with people. Then progress to eye connection. It will make a huge positive difference in the way that people perceive you.

Olivia