Why is maintaining eye contact important during a presentation?

Maintaining eye contact during a presentation is crucial because it shows engagement with the audience. When a speaker looks at their audience, it creates a sense of connection and involvement. This non-verbal communication cue signals to the audience that the speaker values their presence and is interested in interacting with them. Eye contact can enhance the speaker's credibility and makes the communication feel more personal and attentive, fostering a more interactive and responsive atmosphere. This engagement can lead to better audience retention and a more impactful delivery of the message being presented.

On the other hand, reading notes easily or attempting to distract the audience detracts from the connection you want to build, and demonstrating a lack of confidence can negatively affect how the audience perceives the speaker.