‘Eyes are the mirror of the soul’, or as The French say, ‘Les yeux sont le miroir de l’ame.’ Did you watch the first episode of the scientific experiment – ‘Look Me In The Eye’ on SBS TV?
The reason I mention the neuro-science based, eye-gazing experiment is because it exposes you to the power of your neurology and the study of ‘body language’; a rich resource to help you realise your untapped potential for courage and confidence in professional communication.
Neuro-science and in particular the study of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), creates so much positive insight about who we are and why we behave the way we do; and that can be a liberating.
At MBL® I work with business leaders and their teams to help improve Communication, Collaboration and Change-management… 3 of the most powerful components for success in life and business.
There’s much to know about our deeply entrenched, yet somewhat forgotten positive values (attitudes and beliefs) and how this understanding can significantly benefit your courage and confidence in… Communication, Collaboration and Change-management.
I love sharing the neuro-science in MBL’s practice of NLP because we focus on human potential to help you identify your untapped potential, in the form of your Signature Strengths®. When you discover this valuable resource you already own, it’s rather like ‘downloading discovery-software for the mind!’
Now, with ‘the power of eye contact’ in mind, consider these ‘bites’ of insight to empower your professional communication…
#1. Rapport: People who establish and maintain eye contact seem to trust each other more; are more likely to believe each other, and more likely to agree with each other – at least for the time being.
People also report that it’s easier to pay attention to someone when they can make eye-contact. This means we can tell how attentive or how involved people are to each other just by the extent to which they meet each other’s eyes.
The direction and duration of eye contact indicates more than just attention. It can also tell (or we think it does) how confident a person is, to gauge how much we might trust them.
#2. Research: studies show that the eyes perform multiple complex social functions, often without our conscious awareness. NLP practice helps clients gain greater communication skill through this understanding.
A person who can’t (or won’t) meet one’s eye for any reason is usually viewed as suspicious and problematic in Western cultures. But that’s just us – today. Other cultures and times have had wildly differing norms.
Interpreting eye contact is a fascinating; not unlike when you study body language because the interpretation is a multi-faceted skill. E.g. have you ever been in an interview situation and trying so hard to remember everything, that you’ve looked away from the other person, only to find they’ve followed your eyes and stared you in the face? You know, that ‘stare you down look.’
Now you know, please don’t do that because it’s not helpful. In fact, it’s intimidating and ignorant. The other person’s loss of focus towards you does not necessarily mean they’re being untruthful or they’re overly nervous. It may literally be that they’re searching for a particular memory, and the eyes naturally move to that side of the brain where the memory is stored. Learning about the neuro-science of our behaviour helps us to be informed, sensitive and considerate.
“NLP May Be The Most Powerful Vehicle For Change In Existence!” Modern Psychology Magazine
#3. Recall: Some researchers have found that when people share eye contact, they recall conversations with greater accuracy and agree more with the speaker. Even the thought of the speaker looking at us, can encourage us to remember things better.
A person who can’t (or won’t) meet one’s eye for any reason is usually viewed as suspicious and problematic in most Western cultures. But that’s just us – today. Other cultures and times have had wildly differing norms and unspoken rules about who is ‘allowed’ to meet someone’s gaze.
“There are two things that determine our success in life, our internal communication and our external communication. Major results have always been through and with other people.” Christopher Howard | CEO & Wealth Strategist
Please remember I believe that…
- You have more to offer than you’re allowing yourself and others to experience.
- Each of us (at times) wonder how we might increase our potential?
- If you’ve been wondering about your potential, you’re acknowledging you have more to offer and activating your desire to know more about how to discover that.
Research study references:
http://www.sbs.com.au/…/how-look-me-eye-turned-ray-martin-s, http://www.sbs.com.au/…/eye-gazing-where-people-meet-look-e…
Article content ref: Gauri Sarda-Joshi | Educator | Social Psychologist
About Karelynne Randall and Welcome to MBL® … all about ‘Moving Beyond Limitations!
Hi I’m Karelynne, Founder of MBL Consultancy where my privilege and delight is specialising to help professionals identify their Signature Strengths®.
As an educator and master coach, I value the practice of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) because I’m able to offer you leading-edge strategies to ‘bring out the best in you and your team’ through MBL’s distinctive Signature Strengths® program design.
‘Personal development for self-leadership and leading others, is the #1 asset for your wellbeing, productivity and prosperity; and my vision is to see you flourish and your business change from transactional to transformational.’ Karelynne Randall
Email Karelynne@MBLconsultancy.com.au or call on +61411 219 872, to have that confidential conversation about how MBL’s distinctive processes might help, because we just might uncover the breakthrough you want for you and your team.