Did you realize that more than 70% of our communication is nonverbal?  In fact I read an article which said that a recent UCLA study suggested that up to 93 percent of communication effectiveness is determined by nonverbal cues.  What does this mean to you when making a first impression?

As you approach someone they will be watch your facial expressions, eye contact, posture, hand and feet movements, body movement and placement.  All of this happens in less than 30 seconds and people will make a value judgment of who you are and what you are capable of doing long before the first hello.   With this said let’s talk about:

Eye Contact – Depending upon your culture or upbringing how comfortable you are making eye contact with a stranger will vary widely.  If you plan to be successful in business then you need to be willing to talk to new people.  Having good eye contact is crucial to developing a meaningful and trusting relationship.  People want to do business with other people who they trust.  When you do not keep eye contact with someone who you are speaking with it gives the impression that you have something to hide.  So if you are someone who does not maintain good eye contact when speaking to someone new what should you do?

I recommend that you practice.  Where? Everywhere, at the supermarket, in the cleaners, at the ice cream shop, any place that you find people you do not know and that you share something in common with.  What do you share in common?  The location where you are and what you are doing there.  That can be the opening of the conversation, “Did you see any great sales in the circular?”, “I usually come to the cleaners on Wednesday because they give you 20% off did you know that?” , “I love their Butter Pecan  Ice Cream what is your favorite?”  Practicing will make you more comfortable and give you a chance to become more aware of your eye contact.

Another suggestion is to think of the new people you meet as potential new friends not strangers.  These are potential new friends who are willing and able to work with you but you just have not met them yet. I read an interesting post by Marlene Green entitled “We have the power to change our conversation” and thought you would enjoy reading it as well.  Please feel free to share what has worked for you in developing better eye contact when speaking to new people.