By Ignite Excellence

Published in Edmonton Sun - January 17, 2010

Eye contact is a powerful tool that is often underestimated.

Used effectively, it signals to people that they are important and that you are interested in communicating specifically with them.

Suzanne F. Stevens, keynote speaker and founder of Ignite Excellence Inc., a Toronto-based training and development company specializing in influential verbal and kinetic communications says, "Lack of eye contact may be a social faux pas, but in the business world, it translates into lost revenue from alienated clients, isolated employees, and lost job opportunities."

Unaware

Most people are unaware that they are not providing enough eye contact.

Much of how we digest information and how we feel towards someone is rooted in how we feel when we are with them.

Excluded

"If we are being ignored or we feel excluded from a conversation, we may end up feeling isolated or inadequate."

If you are applying for a job, leading your team, or trying to win business, knowing how to give your energy through appropriate eye contact can mean the difference between a positive, lasting impression or a lost opportunity.

Creating the right impression starts the moment you begin an interaction. Using appropriate eye contact, including everyone, not scanning, but genuinely looking at and seeing them, is the most effective way to engage every individual.

Ignite Excellence is a training and development company specializing in influential verbal and kinetic communications. Ignite Excellence develops skills to win and maintain business, build stakeholder perceptions and strengthen internal communications so individuals can Influence. Differentiate. Engage.