When you present a speech, you send two kinds of messages to the audience. While the voice transmits a verbal message, a vast amount of information is being visually conveyed by your appearance, your manner and your physical behavior.
Body language, speaking posture, gestures, body movement and facial expressions are all components of your speech. But after your voice, the most powerful tool for communicating is your eyes. Here are some tips on how to use eye contact effectively:
Know your material. If you have control of your verbal material you will be less likely to spend your energy remembering the sequence of ideas and words. Your projection will be out to your audience not inward toward mental anguish. If you use notes, fine. Just dont keep your nose in them and dont use them as a substitute for preparation and rehearsal.
Establish a bond. When you speak, youre addressing a group of individuals, not one large mass. Its important to establish a bond by making eye contact. Begin with one individual for 5 - 10 seconds and then move around the room. Two to five seconds per person is fine. Try to avoid a pattern. You dont want your head to look like a fan oscillating from side to side.
Monitor visual feedback. When you deliver a speech, your listeners are responding with their own nonverbal messages. Use your eyes to seek out feedback. If theyre not looking at you, maybe they cant hear you; pick up the volume. Or maybe they are bored. Try injecting a little humor. Listeners have a tendency to mimic your expressions. If your listeners are frowning at you, perhaps youre frowning at them. Relax and smile. See if their expression changes. If their faces indicate pleasure, interest and close attention, dont change a thing, youre doing a great job.