Eye Contact Builds Trust

What to do

• 1

  The 60–70% rule. Hold eye contact about 60 to 70% of the time while speaking.

• 2

  Hold more while listening. Steady attention shows you're processing, not drafting your answer.

• 3

  Breaks are fine. Glancing away while you think reads as thoughtfulness, not avoidance.

• 4

  Don't stare. Unbroken eye contact feels aggressive — aim for present, not intense.

• 5

  On camera, look at the lens. Watching their face on your screen reads as looking away.

• 6

  Camera at eye level. At desk height it looks up at you, and natural eye contact becomes impossible.