eye-contact

Hi Mandy, it is often said by human resources managers (the people who interview you when you are going for a job interview) that eye contact among other non-verbal mannaerisms make up almost 80% of all the communications that they look for. Its not just eye-contact, but also the way you sit down, you must not slouch down, instead sit up straight, talk politely, have your hands still and not have your arms crossed, legs crossed, etc are all forms of communications that are looked at. However the two probably most important forms of communication is eye contact when your speaking or greeting someone as well as a strong firm handshake. If you look at President Obama, notice how he always looks directly into the eyes of the person he is talking to, also watch how if he is being interviewed or giving a press conference he is always looking directly into the camera. This is because if you are looking away at some other place, it is as if you are not fully concentrating and hence ignoring the person that is interacting with you. Having said all of this, eye contact is often seen in many countries as offensive. I draw on some Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, not all, but some in those cultures don't look directly at one another because it is rude to do so. I can't remember the particular reason why though. But Mandy, if you live in a Western nation like the US or Canada or even most Asian nations like India, Japan, China etc not having eye contact is seen as rude and not sophisticated. So practice eye contact!

important! lets me know your listening to me and not checking out my body.

yup, eye contact is necessary especially in business and interviews this shows that your are listening and you are in the situation but don't make your eye contact like your are starring people this will give you bad impression..

Eye contact is neccessary. Is a part of communication, and avoiding eye contact is rude, as seems like you don't want to see that person's face. In situations like job interviews is very important to be able to keep eye contact, as a person who won't be able to keep it for more than 2 seconds is seen as weak, and therefore not suitable for the job.

Eye-contact is necessary. It really means that you are listening to that person and you are sincere to everything you are saying. If you give the person eye-contact, you could easily convince him-her on what you are trying to say.