If you’re new to “25 x 25 in ’25,” welcome!

I created this series of 25 public speaking exercises that can be done in 25 seconds a day to help you practice (and perfect) some critically important public speaking skills. So feel free to begin with this exercise, or to catch up on previous exercises first.

We’ve always connected through eye contact

Throughout written history, people have believed that gazing into someone’s eyes gave you special insights into that person’s character and emotions. If my chatbot search is to be believed, writers have claimed that,

• “The eyes are the window to the soul.” (Shakespeare)
• “When the heart is full, the eyes overflow.” (Sholom Aleichem)
• “The face is a picture of the mind with the eyes as its interpreter.” (Cicero)

Even “tough” businesspeople think that, when a colleague or competitor looks them in the eye, that person is honest, transparent, confident, and trustworthy.

Obviously, that’s not always true! But, still, the belief that eye contact signals credibility is common enough that, as public speakers, we need to master it.

Eye contact comes in two flavors: virtual and live

Fortunately, you can practice them both at the same time, using this simple “25 x 25 in ’25” exercise!