Non-verbal behaviour, such as gestures or looks, conveys information about how the person we are talking to makes us feel, without the need for words. Non-verbal language is a very effective means of communication that helps to express what we really mean. It is considered that, in face-to-face communication, non-verbal behaviour represents a considerably higher percentage of the information we convey compared to verbal communication. Eye contact is practically a requirement for initiating communication, as it is common for the first thing we do when addressing someone is to look them directly in the eye, capturing their attention and showing that we want to communicate something. During the conversation, it is possible to detect gestures that can say a lot without the need for words. It is very important to establish and respect each interlocutor’s turn to speak. When having a conversation with someone and suddenly that person looks at us and remains silent, they may be waiting for a response from us.
The different types of gaze and their meanings
During a conversation, it is customary to maintain direct eye contact between 40% and 60% of the total time. Completely unconsciously, our brain tries to retrieve information or thinks about what to say or even how to lie. This is also reflected in our gaze. For example, according to psychology, if the gaze is directed to one side when lying and to the other when remembering. This behaviour is known both to police officers (who put it into practice when conducting interrogations) and to people trained in human resources. The predisposition to look to one side or the other is based on our brain hemisphere dominance, i.e. whether we are left-handed or right-handed.
According to Paula Martínez, who has a degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, there are different types of gaze that convey different meanings. Among them, the evasive gaze stands out, as it is the one we most often encounter in our daily lives. What does avoiding eye contact mean? If a person avoids looking into another person’s eyes, it is usually because they feel threatened, insecure or ashamed, since, in psychology, avoiding eye contact is synonymous with insecurity or shame.
- Intense and prolonged gaze: prolonged eye contact shows attention to what the other person wants to convey or the actions they are performing. It is usually accompanied by a raising of the eyebrows. If the gaze is too insistent, it can show defiance.
- Half-closed eyes: shows that the person is on the defensive or alert to an attack.
- Excessive blinking: usually due to nervousness, denoting restlessness or embarrassment.
- Dilated pupils: usually occurs when something seems interesting or even fascinating to us. In other words, when we are attracted to something.
