Fake eye contact in video meetings?

Question

I believe making eye contact is important, but I just don't understand the emphasis of faking eye contact during video meetings.. and that's what it is.. fake. I'm just staring at a tiny camera lens on my laptop, i'm not making eye contact at all, meanwhile I can't focus on what's happening on the screen.

We all know it's not real eye contact so why do people make such a big deal out of it?

Mikel · Answer

The trick is not to stare at the camera lens. 
If you think about a normal interaction in a two person meeting or conversation, you wouldn't stare into their eyes. It would be quite unnerving for the person experiencing that. Hence you look at the camera, hold the gaze for a second and then look at the screen. You will repeat the process over and over throughout the meeting.

Also, the person speaking typically engages less eye contact than the person listening. It's just a matter of practice to get the timing right when using the medium of a camera.

Elaine M · Answer

If you aren't looking at the screen it appears you are not paying attention.

Fake eye contact in video meetings?

2 Answers