Audience? What audience?

Well, yes! As a new manager, presenting your ideas, plans, and outcomes becomes an integral part of your role. With the promotion comes your new audience; whether addressing your team, the management board, business partners, or clients, your ability to communicate effectively can significantly impact your leadership success.

While many factors contribute to a great presentation—things like preparation, engaging content, visuals, interaction, and delivery—one element stands out when speaking to a live audience: eye contact.

Eye contact isn't just about looking at people; it's about building a connection. It engages your audience, earns their attention, and conveys confidence. However, mastering this skill doesn't come naturally for many new managers. Let's explore why eye contact is vital, how you can practice and perfect it and what are the benefits. 

Why eye contact matters

1. Establishes connection

Eye contact bridges the gap between you and your audience. It makes them feel seen, valued, and involved, turning a monologue into a conversation. This is especially important when addressing diverse groups like your team.

2. Keeps your audience engaged

People are more likely to pay attention when they feel directly addressed. Eye contact helps you maintain their focus and encourages active listening.

3. Conveys confidence

When you look people in the eye, you appear self-assured and credible. This perception can enhance your authority as a leader.  

The mistakes to avoid

It's easy to fall into traps that undermine your connection with your audience, especially if you never thought seriously about how to give your presentation. And when the moment arrives, nerves get the best of you.

I'm sure you've witnessed talks and presentations where your initial interest and high hopes were swept away, leaving you bored, disappointed, sleepy, or constantly on your phone. Here are some common behaviors that are the reason you felt that way:  

• Talking to the floor/wall/ceiling

The presenter is standing or walking left and right on the stage, looking in front of them like there's something on the floor. Occasionally, they glance at the ceiling or at the wall—no wonder the audience feels excluded.

• Talking to the board/screen

Reading off the board or a screen instead of engaging with people sends the message that the presenter is unprepared or uncomfortable facing the audience.   

• Talking to the computer

When your gaze stays on your laptop, it creates a wall between you and your listeners. The only thing worse in this case is if the presenter sits behind their desk.

The point is, for all situations above, it feels like the presenter is self-sufficient and basically talking to themselves. Such behavior can make even the most polished presentation feel disconnected. But don't worry—it's fixable with a little intentional practice.

How to master eye contact

Follow this step-by-step process to improve eye contact and improve presentation skills.

1. Prepare your practice space

• Gather about a dozen sticky notes to represent your audience.

• Place them randomly on one wall or side of the room, simulating people seated in different areas.

2. Rehearse with purpose

• Stand in front of your "audience" and deliver a portion of your presentation.

• Record yourself using your phone or a camera.

Pro Tip: Use bullet points or note cards instead of reading verbatim to encourage natural eye movement.

3. Analyze your recording

• Play back the video and assess where your eyes focus most. Are you favoring specific sticky notes    while neglecting others?

• Observe your posture, movement, and articulation. Are you slouching or standing stiffly? Do you  sound clear and confident? How about your fillers?

4. Refine and repeat

• Adjust your delivery to address all the sticky notes evenly, as though they represent real people.

• Practice again, recording each session until you feel comfortable, and when you see, you seamlessly  address all the notes – meaning the entire audience.

Quick tips for eye contact during a live presentation

• Scan, don't stare

Avoid holding eye contact with one person for too long. Instead, let your gaze naturally shift to different areas of the room. Aim for 2–3 seconds per person or section.

• Engage everyone

If the room is large, divide it into zones and alternate your focus. This ensures that everyone feels included.

• Practice peripheral awareness

Develop the ability to sense reactions from your audience without breaking eye contact. A glance can pick up nods, smiles, or confusion.

Benefits beyond presentations

The skill of maintaining eye contact doesn't just enhance your presentations—it improves your overall communication. Whether leading a team meeting, conducting a performance review, or negotiating with clients, making strong eye contact builds trust and rapport. It's a small action with a powerful ripple effect.

Final thoughts

As a new manager, presenting effectively is one of the most visible ways to demonstrate leadership. Eye contact isn't just a technique; it's a bridge that connects you to your audience, making your message more impactful and memorable. With deliberate practice, you can totally transform your presentations. So grab those sticky notes, record your rehearsal, and refine your approach. The more you practice, the more natural and confident your eye contact will become!

And one last tip for today: if possible, record your presentations at your work. Practicing with sticky notes is one thing. But doing it in front of a live audience (no matter the size) is a different animal because there are nerves involved and you might face some unexpected situations. Review the recording and build on that in your next rehearsal.   

Are you ready to captivate your audience and project confidence in every presentation? Start practicing today!

Watch this short video: How to master eye contact for confident presentations as a new manager 

ACTION STEPS:

1. Think of the next presentation you need to do.

2. Schedule a 10-minute slot (today!), grab a camera or your phone, and start talking from the top of your head.

3. Set the timer to 5 minutes and press record.

4. Review the footage and write down your observations. Be brutally honest.   

5. Schedule another rehearsal when you have the presentation ready (at least 2-3 days before the presentation takes place). This time, follow the step-by-step process from this blog.