POWERPOINT PRESENTATION SKILLS why eye contact is important

When you are presenting with PowerPoint you know it's important to establish eye contact with your audience. But did you know how important it is? There's more to it than just looking presentable.

When you hold someone's gaze you also hold their attention. You engage with them directly. Instead of a one-to-many, speaker to audience relationship you establish a one-to-one opportunity. Your presentation is targeted at each member of the audience with whom you engage.

For example, if you look directly at someone in your audience and look for their concurrence to a point – they will agree with you, if you don't look away. By holding their gaze you establish a link with your audience and they will not be able to break the look. You've achieved engagement.

There are many ways to achieve this when you give a PowerPoint presentation. You can find out how on a PowerPoint presentation skills training course.

Once you have engaged your audience they are more likely to listen and understand your presentation. Direct eye contact leads to interaction, engagement, active listening and understanding.

For more skills tips, you can always attend a PowerPoint presentation skills course.

"Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall."

Oliver Wendell Holmes