The Laws of Charisma

CHAPTER 20

EYE CONTACT:CONVERSING WITHOUT SPEAKING

An eye can threaten like a loaded and leveled gun, or it can insult like hissing or kicking; or, in its altered mood, by beams of kindness, it can make the heart dance for joy.

—RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Through the eyes, the audience can gauge the truthfulness, intelligence, and feelings of a speaker. Not making eye contact when we ought to can have devastating results. Charisma is enhanced with perfect, engaging eye contact. Do you have the eyes of a magnetic person? Do your eyes attract and mesmerize others?

Charismatic people have the ability to engage others in eye contact and create an instant connection. The longer you hold a mutual gaze with someone, the more you are rated as having high self-esteem. ...