Interpersonal Communication: The Power of Eye Contact
Introduction
Interpersonal communication is essential in all forms of human interaction, given the complex nature of human survival and socialization. Hence, interpersonal communication is defined as pertaining to the process of ‘sending’ and subsequent ‘receiving’ of information between two or more individuals. Accordingly, it is common knowledge that when two or more individuals meet and strike up a conversation, they tend to look at each other. In addition, a common saying portrays that the eyes are ‘a window to one’s soul’, in that they can provide much more information about a person through just gazing into them during interaction (Koerner, 2006). This is influenced by the fact that human beings cannot manipulate the pupil, hence the true presentation of an individual’s inert intentions, meaning or attitude.
For effective communication to occur, the element of eye contact is important. Truth be told, there is need for effective eye contact to be able to effectively connect with others during interaction, thereby effectively sharing the information present. The initial step of communication between individuals is to aptly recognize each other, with this being best effected through eye contact (Koerner & Floyd, 2006). Eye contact is therefore vital during interaction for the concerned people to effectively feel, and subsequently share information with each other. Thus, there can be further persuasion of enhanced
In today's world, we are lacking in social skills, as the technology increases, our social skills decrease. As our children grow up and develop, so does the technology, the kids get stuck behind those screens and tend to forget there are people on the other side of them and that they have feelings. One huge area kids and even adults need to work on is eye contact. When I was in grade school my teachers would say look at their nose or look above their head. Eye gaze would be a great idea to use with children that do not like making direct eye contact. With eye gazing, the child looks in the general direct of where the person they are talking to is looking at. For example, if the other person is looking at a flag, the child would have to see where the person eyes are pointing to, use that person's body to
Eye contact: Teachers who make eye contact open the flow of communication and convey interest, concern, warmth and credibility.
This process requires both the sender and receiver to be actively sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal information from one another and having a mutual understanding at the same time. Firstly, the interaction with Mrs Lai demonstrated effective nonverbal communication through the use of eye contact during the course of the conversation. By maintaining adequate eye contact, the receiver was able to recognise my attention was being directed at them even though there was a significant distance separating us. Studies from Hodge (1971) states that awareness is made apparent through eye contact and allows the receiver to constantly monitor feedback from the sender, and according to Argyle and Dean (1965) eye contact functions as a compensator for distance. In addition, gestures such as slight head nodding and smiling were used moderately throughout the interaction to indicate interest towards the speaker and helped to encourage further disclosure of information. Academic work from Garside and Kleiner (1991) suggests that nodding and smiling can be used as a cue to signify attention and interest, however, this form of nonverbal communication should not be used too excessively for it may indicate lack of sincerity. The use of active listening skill is also evident within the discussion (M4). By
To me interpersonal communication describes the exchange of verbal and nonverbal messages between two different people. Joseph DeVito states that “interpersonal communication is inevitable, irreversible, and unrepeatable” due to these things effective communication is a necessary skill for us to function in our day to day lives (p. 20). Therefore, I have created a theory for interpersonal communication that goes as follows; To experience effective communication you must understand: your culture, the other person’s culture, and how to listen effectively. By knowing these three things you can consistently avoid misunderstandings and promote understanding in your interpersonal and intercultural relationships.
Eye contact is an important factor as this engages the audience, keeping them focused on what you are discussing. By making eye contact you are directing your conversation at that specific person, demonstrating that you are devoting your time and are not able to be distracted as if you would by looking around.
It is important to respond to a person’s reactions when communicating so they know you are listening to them and to provide the correct response. It can help to empathise with a person and share understanding. To respond may help avoid a person becoming frustrated and upset. Good eye contact cannot be underestimated as you can get a true idea of a person’s feelings.
Eye contact is an important factor as this engages the specific person or personnel, by keeping them focused on
In practice, good eye contact suggests confidence and honesty, also a more meaningful therapeutic relationship. As a doctor, you create a positive atmosphere with your patients by simply looking at them. Communication research suggests that a doctor's message will be decoded as being more favorable when associated with more eye contact than with less eye contact. Good eye contact lets your patients know that you care. Experts speculate that it is almost impossible for an individual to disguise eye
-Eye contact -shows the other person that you are listening to them and it should be frequent but not sustained , otherwise, you could give the
For as long as I can remember, I have been a fairly quiet person who wasn’t too keen on socializing with other people. Every time I found myself in a conversation I would wonder what was on the other person’s mind, and how they perceived me. For instance, I attempted to decipher their true intentions, if they were honest, or if they even liked me. Since I was so focused on those thoughts, I would often miss the concept of the message, as well as the signs that could have clarified my concerns. It is easier to distinguish and interpret another’s probity by observing eye behavior, touch, and other nonverbal cues in the communication context.
As Frederickson states, “because of the closer attention you pay to people’s smiles and eyes, you become a better judge of their feelings and view people on the whole as more attractive and trustworthy” (Frederickson, 115). It proves that communication plays a significant role in people’s lives. It can evoke such strong emotions as love.
1. Eyes using eye contact can inform the speaker you are listening to them eyes also enable us to read we can communicate with items such as communication boards, pictures.
How contact is made, what the responses are, and how a person has grown up are all main factors in communication. When two people are exchanging information in the form of talking face to face, making eye contact lets the talker know that the listener is in fact listening. Every person is different and has their own way of listening and responding. “Yeah”, “mhm”, “uhuh”, are all ways to let the person talking know that the listener is
One day, in my speaking and listening classes the thing what happen totally change the ways of my life. I made my first presentation and I was indifference frustration by my accent, fragment of speech, and lack of eye contact with my teacher and classmate. After my presentation my professor Ann Krowniski emphasis on how eye contact is important for me and she told “Eye contact is the important part of communication skill in The United States of America as well as it is a culture that everyone should use it at any conversation with anyone.” Finally I realized this wonderful advice and I practice at anywhere with anyone through my conversation. However, it was not easy to be perfect in one night because it was opposite with my
Nonverbal communication is behaviors and characteristics that convey meaning with out the use of words. Sometimes accompanying verbal messages, to clarify or reinforce them. (Floyd, Communicating Nonverbally, 2013) It is said to be true that nonverbal communication sometimes gives more information that verbal communication. People’s facial expressions, gestures, and personal appearance are all forms of nonverbal communication and it relies on our sense of vision. For instance, when my sorority and I get together for a meeting and the president of our chapter stands up in front of everyone to share information, it is important that we let her know that we are interested by nodding our head in agreement, smiling at her, clapping our hands, and keeping eye contact with her so she knows our focus is on her. For our chapter it is important to reassure our president that we are listening and focused on what she has to say by using nonverbal behaviors. Without nonverbal communication, it would be hard to tell when someone is interested or not in a conversation. Nonverbal communication helps us maintain