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PSA: I used to force myself to make eye contact in meetings, now I look at the wall
For years, I'd stare at my boss's forehead in our Monday morning team huddles, which was exhausting and made it hard to listen. About six months ago, I read a comment online from someone who said they just focus on a spot on the wall behind the person talking. I tried it the next week and it was a game changer, I can actually process what's being said now. Has anyone else found a small trick like this that cuts down on the mental drain?
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victorb516mo ago
That forehead trick is a classic, but I actually read a study that said looking at the bridge of someone's nose works better than the wall. It gives the same eye contact effect without the intensity. The wall thing can make you seem checked out, but the nose bridge is close enough to their eyes that it still looks engaged. I tried it in a client pitch last month and it felt way more natural than staring past them.
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jana_hernandez6mo ago
My therapist taught me the nose bridge trick five years ago and it changed how I handle job interviews. It really does feel more natural than trying to stare at a wall.
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campbell.evan5mo ago
Is it really that big of a deal where you look? I get the idea, but if you're focused on the content of your answer, your eyes will probably land somewhere normal without a trick. VictorB51's study sounds fine, but I've never had someone call me out for bad eye contact in a meeting. Seems like overthinking a basic social skill.
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