Hello everyone, and thank you for being here today. It’s truly an honor to stand before you, sharing not just my story but also what I’ve learned about something that’s often overlooked—eye contact and communication. These may seem like small details, but in my journey as a speaker, I’ve come to realize they are powerful tools that can shape how you connect with others, whether you’re talking to one person or a whole room full of people.
When I first started speaking in front of audiences, I was nervous. I thought my words were the only thing that mattered. I believed that if I could just say everything perfectly, people would be inspired and motivated. But as I continued on this journey, I realized that there was much more to connecting with an audience than just getting the words right. One of the most important lessons I learned is the power of eye contact.
Eye contact isn’t just about looking at people while you talk. It’s about Truly Seeing Them. It’s about creating a connection that goes beyond words. When you look someone in the eyes, you’re telling them, “I’m here with you. I see you. We’re sharing this moment together.” This might sound simple, but it’s incredibly powerful. As a speaker, when I look into the eyes of my audience, I can feel that connection. I can see when they’re engaged, when they’re curious, and even when they’re moved by something I’ve said. That connection builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any meaningful communication.
But eye contact alone isn’t enough. It works together with how you communicate. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that communication is much more than just words. It’s the tone of your voice, the pauses you take, your body language, and even the energy you bring to the stage. Every part of you communicates something to the audience. When I step onto a stage, I’m not just thinking about the words I’m going to say. I’m thinking about the message I want to leave behind. I want people to feel understood, inspired, and empowered to take action in their own lives. And that’s where the real magic of communication happens.
You might be wondering, “How can eye contact and body language be more important than words?” Well, let me share something personal from my own experience. When I started sharing my story—about living with epilepsy, about the bullying I went through in school, and about how I turned those challenges into a business aimed at helping others—I was surprised by the response. I thought people would be impressed by my achievements or by how far I had come. But what really connected with them wasn’t the success story; it was the Struggles. It was the realness. It was the moments when I was honest about my fears, my failures, and my doubts.
That’s when I realized that people don’t want perfection. They want Authenticity. They want to see themselves in your story. And that’s only possible when you speak from the heart, when you’re not afraid to be vulnerable, and when you’re willing to make a genuine connection with your audience. Eye contact helps make that connection, but so does being true to who you are. If you try to be someone you’re not, people will sense it. But if you’re honest—if you show them your real self—people will listen, and they will remember what you have to say.
Another thing I’ve learned about communication is the importance of Listening. Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, aren’t you the one doing the talking?” Yes, that’s true. But even when you’re speaking, you should also be listening. You can listen with your eyes by reading the room, by paying attention to how people are reacting to your message. Are they nodding along? Are they leaning in? Or do they seem distracted? This kind of listening helps you adjust your message in real time, making sure that you’re truly reaching the people in front of you.
One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was focusing too much on the Performance of speaking—how I stood, how I moved my hands, even whether I was using the right words. But over time, I realized that what matters most is not the performance but the Connection. Audiences don’t need you to be perfect. They need you to be present. They want to feel like they’re having a conversation with you, not watching a show. And that’s why eye contact, listening, and authenticity are so important. When I let go of the need to be perfect and focused on being real, that’s when my message truly started to resonate with people.
I want to share one more lesson I’ve learned on this journey: the power of Storytelling. When you communicate through stories—especially personal stories—you invite your audience into your world. You let them walk in your shoes for a moment. And when you do that, they feel connected to you on a deeper level. I often share the story of my journey—how I went from being bullied and feeling powerless to running a business where I help others who feel like I once did. When I tell that story, I’m not just sharing facts; I’m sharing feelings, experiences, and lessons that can help others in their own lives. And I believe that’s what communication is all about—helping others by sharing what you’ve learned along the way.
So, as I stand here today, I want to leave you with this: Communication is more than just words. It’s about making a connection, being authentic, and sharing your story in a way that others can relate to. Eye contact is one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to do that. When you look someone in the eyes, you’re telling them, “I see you. I hear you. And I’m here with you.” And that’s something people will always remember.
Thank you for being here, for reading about my journey, and for allowing me to share what I’ve learned. I hope it inspires you to communicate with heart, to be present, and to always speak your truth—whether you’re on a stage or just having a conversation with a friend.
