(
课件网) Think: Which kinds of body language can help us communicate better How does eye contact work Eye contact means looking into another person’s eyes. It is a very important part of body language. You may avoid looking someone in the eye when talking with them because you are shy. But in many cases, eye contact is the key to good communication. You can show friendliness, interest and understanding through eye contact. Eye contact can mean different things in different places. For example, in northern Europe, direct eye contact is a sign that you are truly interested in what the other person is saying. If you look down and avoid eye contact, a northern European may think you are not listening to what they are saying. However, in many Asian countries, looking down when talking with an older person, like a teacher or a parent, is polite. These differences can cause problems. Suppose that an East Asian woman meets a person from northern Europe for the first time. If she avoids direct eye contact during the conversation, the northern European may think her behaviour is strange. He or she may even believe that the woman is lying, or that she is not confident. In fact, the East Asian woman is most likely showing respect and being polite. Avoiding eye contact can cause problems, but too much eye contact is not polite either. In many countries, looking at other people for a long time is impolite. This may make them feel uncomfortable. What does “eye contact” mean What kinds of things do people express through eye contact What may happen if an East Asian woman avoids direct eye contact when talking to a northern European What is an Asian woman most likely showing if she looks down and avoids eye contact during a conversation What kind of eye contact is impolite in many countries Read an article about eye contact and find out how it is viewed in different cultures. It means looking into another person’s eyes. People show friendliness, interest and understanding through eye contact. The northern European may think the East Asian woman’s behaviour is strange. He or she may even believe that the woman is lying, or that she is not confident. She is most likely showing respect and being polite. Looking at other people for a long time is impolite in many countries. Find the words in the article and match them with their meanings. Read the article again and complete the table. Situation What may happen You use direct eye contact during a conversation in northern Europe. You look down and avoid direct eye contact in northern Europe. You look down when talking with an older person in Asian countries. You watch a stranger for a long time. Read the article again and complete the table. Situation What may happen You use direct eye contact during a conversation in northern Europe. People may think you are really interested in what they are saying. You look down and avoid direct eye contact in northern Eur ... ...
