[Epistis]

Originally Posted by Colm OReilly

While there's probably a deeper issue relating to self confidence I'll address the eye contact issue.

You don't actually need to look people in the eyes for very long. There's two techniques that you can use to get better at this.

1. look at the point between their eyes. It will appear that you're looking at their eyes while avoiding the nervousness of head on, direct eye contact.

2. Look at one eye, at the pupil, long enough until you can spot the colour of their eye. After that, relax your gaze. Once you've relaxed your gaze, you're still facing them, but you're not looking into their eyes. It's friendly and relaxed, and it's the manner in which most people look at another's eyes.

You only really need to look someone in the eye at the start and end of every sentence/paragraph. This is where sincerity is conveyed.

Of course, work on your inner confidence!

Lots of love,
Colm

I had this problem for a long time (It still sometimes causes me to be uncomfortable), but the techniques Colm described are precisely the ones that I used to overcome this.

I used to look at a person's mouth as they spoke, as it helped me better understand their meaning. (Although, this could cause one to feel like you're saying "You got purdy lips.") One thing you must remember is that if you hold a steady gaze into one eye, stare directly into their pupil, their respect for you will rise. They will see that you are not afraid or nervous (even if you really are).

This is a world of actors, and if you want a good gig, you gotta play the part!