With which type of audience might you maintain less eye contact?

Maintaining less eye contact with an audience that is not showing interest can be a strategic approach to communication. When individuals appear disengaged, excessive eye contact may not have the desired effect of drawing them in or capturing their attention. Instead, focusing less on eye contact allows the speaker to redirect their efforts toward re-engaging the audience, perhaps by changing their delivery or incorporating more interactive elements.

In contrast, active engagement, questions, or being part of a large group typically call for more eye contact. Engaged audiences respond well to eye contact, as it fosters a connection between the speaker and listeners. Those who ask questions are often more actively involved and benefit from direct eye contact, which encourages further dialogue. Large groups may also necessitate maintaining eye contact with various sections to assess overall engagement and ensure that messages are being communicated effectively.