How often should speakers maintain eye contact?

Maintaining eye contact for approximately 70% of the time is considered effective because it establishes rapport and connection with the audience. This level of eye contact helps convey confidence and sincerity while also engaging listeners in the message being delivered. When speakers maintain eye contact in this range, they are able to signal to the audience that they are interested and invested in their engagement.

In contrast, excessively high levels of eye contact, like 90%, can make listeners uncomfortable or create a sense of intimidation, as it may come across as too intense or invasive. Conversely, lower levels of eye contact, such as 50%, may suggest disinterest or lack of confidence, leading to a disengaged audience. Eye contact only during questions can limit the connection and interaction between the speaker and the audience throughout the entirety of the presentation. Thus, aiming for around 70% eye contact strikes an effective balance, promoting effective communication and engagement.