iblog

It shouldn’t seem all that shocking: A new study by the University of New Hampshire in the US has shown that holding a hysterical suspect’s gaze can calm the person. This may bring about a revolution in alternative policing methods: or it may just be the triumph of common sense. I think more eye contact is just what we all need.

We make eye contact when being Better Listeners (for Better Sales), and Better At Receiving Gifts (so we will be remembered in wills), and yet more often than not, waiters, cashiers and kind door-holders go unseen. And by seen, I mean looked at. Looked at in the eye. As I notice more and more people mumbling their thanks and turning away, it is hard to credit their mumbled thanks with anything heartfelt at all.

As the New Hampshire study shows, eye contact is powerful. It can calm a suspect; transfix an enemy, or conduct love at first sight. But it can also let someone know that their job is worthwhile – or that their effort was appreciated. A good habit to get into.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 16th, 2007 at 1:46 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.