Many people face eye contact anxiety while talking with someone. It is a kind of anxiety that can simplified by saying a certain kind of discomfort to look at people’s eyes. This kind of person does not want to make eye contact with the person they are talking to and thinks they would be criticized or judged. Therefore, it becomes a huge issue when they try to do social interactions. It is quite a big problem for the people with this particular anxiety. Eye contact plays an important role in communication. Along with that, it also shows the confidence of a human being. So if you are not able to make eye contact, then it shows a lack of confidence. Thus, if you have this kind of anxiety and overcome it, then you need to follow a few steps. Here are some of them-
1. Try to Make Eye Contact at the Beginning:
At the beginning when you are starting the conversation, take the initiative to make eye contact right then. It will be much easier to start a conversation with that person. Starting the conversation with eye contact is very much helpful. It helps to make a deep impact on people and establish a confident personality among all.
2. Look for 4-5 Seconds:
When you are putting effort into overcoming this anxiety, then you should start learning to hold eye contact. For this, you don’t have to look at their eyes for a long time but 4-5 seconds can be quite helpful. Along with that, while doing so, try to take some time yourself and don’t do anything in a hurry. After that, while you are breaking eye contact, do not suddenly look away but shift your gaze sideways to make it even more comfortable. This strategy can help you to overcome the anxiety in a much better way.
3. Use the Rule of 50/70:
While you are battling this anxiety, then using this rule can be very much effective. Professionals say that holding eye contact 50% of time of the speaking is a good way to make an impact on people. And just like that, maintain eye contact for 70% time while listening. This can be very helpful in overcoming this particular anxiety. Along with that, it can assist you to make deeper conversation. According to the reports, it is seen that people tend to talk more while another person is listening to it attentively. And eye contact is one of the most important things in this particular aspect. So, if you follow this rule, then you will definitely get fruitful results.
4. Make Subtle Gestures:
A lot of times it is seen that people break eye contact suddenly, which creates an uncomfortable situation for the other person. So, when you are learning to maintain eye contact with people, then you need to learn how to break the eye contact with subtle gestures. If you don’t do so, then it can make an impact on the conversation and also show your lack of confidence. A nod can help you to break eye contact. And also, it also will not disappoint the other person. This would make them feel listened to and understood. This small step can help you to get better outcomes more easily.
These are a few important ways that you can use while taking the initiative in learning to maintain eye contact. All these are equally effective methods that can lead you to learn how to hold eye contact with a person. With this implementation, you can get a lot of benefits in the easiest manner.
