Welcome back! You've mastered strong stance and controlled pacing. Now let's add the most powerful connection tool: purposeful eye contact.

Eye contact creates instant rapport and shows you're fully present. It's the difference between talking at someone versus talking with them.

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Think of a recent conversation - did strong eye contact make you feel more or less connected?

Here's the magic formula: maintain eye contact for 3-5 seconds, then naturally look away for 1-2 seconds. This feels connected without being intense.

Staring longer than 5 seconds can feel uncomfortable or aggressive. Breaking contact too quickly seems nervous or disinterested.

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Slowly count to five right now—does that feel like natural eye contact?

When you break eye contact, look down or to the side briefly - never over someone's shoulder or at your phone mid-conversation.

This brief break gives both of you a moment to process, then return to their eyes. It's like giving your connection room to breathe.

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What happens to your comfort level when someone looks past you while talking?

Now let's add genuine smiles to your eye contact. A real smile reaches your eyes - you'll see small crinkles at the corners.

Fake smiles only move your mouth. Genuine smiles happen when you're actually pleased to see someone or interested in what they're saying.

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What's one visible cue that lets you spot a genuine smile?

For video calls, position your camera at brow height - this creates natural eye contact when you look at the lens.

Looking up at the camera from below makes you appear smaller. Looking down creates distance. Eye level feels like an equal conversation.

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Try moving your camera up and down - which angle feels most natural for connection?