According to the principles of persuasion, what percentage of the time should eye contact be made?

Maintaining eye contact is a crucial component of effective communication and persuasion. The recommendation to have eye contact around 60-70% of the time strikes a balance between being engaged and not making the other party feel uncomfortable. This level of eye contact conveys confidence, demonstrates interest, and helps establish trust and rapport between the communicator and the audience.

In persuasive situations, such as negotiations or presentations, adequate eye contact can reinforce the message being delivered, show sincerity, and make the speaker appear more credible. If the eye contact were too low, it might suggest a lack of confidence or disinterest, while excessively high eye contact could create pressure or discomfort for the listener. Therefore, the 60-70% guideline is ideal for fostering a positive and persuasive interaction.