Have you ever tried to carry on a conversation with someone staring at their iPhone? Did you trust they were listening to you?

Of course not.

We can't be certain our listeners hear us when we don't see their eyes. When listeners don't see our eyes, they can't trust what we say to be true. What would you think if I conversed with you with little to no eye contact? Would you believe what I say? Would you believe that I would remember what I told you?

Eye connection is different from eye contact. It is the intentional connection you make with a listener to convey your message believably.

Two action steps you can take today to begin practicing eye connection and build trust in your listeners.

First, only speak when you see. Look away if you need a moment to pause, collect your thoughts, or read your notes. Don't speak until you reconnect with your listener's eyes.

Second, during in-person interactions with more than two people, complete a full sentence or thought before looking at someone else. Start and end your sentence while focused on one person. Pause to transition your eyes to someone else before you start talking again.

Eye connection requires deliberate practice. Choose one meeting this week to practice these skills. Ensure your listeners trust you and believe what you say to be true.