Eye contact
Students today haven’t had as many opportunities to develop social skills.. As a result, some may not make eye contact frequently, or even subconsciously fear making eye contact from years of primarily communicating through screens. Other students may struggle with eye contact because they are neurodiverse or come from a culture where direct eye contact with authority figures or elders is considered rude.
Making eye contact can feel unnatural, uncomfortable, and intimidating, especially for students who are accustomed to communicating through screens, are neurodiverse, or come from cultures with different expectations. Lack of eye contact does not necessarily mean a lack of engagement.
It’s important to note: Neurodiverse learners may have difficulty with direct eye contact because of sensitivity to visual stimuli and may avoid or limit it; others may make eye contact a little too directly and can feel awkward or intimidating. We shouldn’t try to force things.
Faculty can model how natural it can be by making eye contact with students, and helping them understand why it matters and how to do it.
- In the US, eye contact helps us establish trust, show we’re listening and recognize each other as human beings.
- It’s even associated with leadership qualities, engagement and confidence.
- The absence of eye contact is associated with disinterest, distraction, and can be interpreted as an insult.
- To make eye contact:
- Cultivate the habit of making eye contact with others. Start by noticing what color eyes others have. Aim for just four to five seconds. Practice and repeat.
- Be gentle with yourself. It may feel awkward at first but with practice it will become more comfortable.
- When you’re intimidated, try to quiet any negative self-talk and focus instead on letting someone know you see, respect, and are paying attention to them.
- And if it’s really too much, consider looking near a person’s eyes and being mindful of other ways you can show you’re listening.
Learn more about maintaining good eye contact, Very Well Mind. (~10m, article)