Make and maintain eye contact for ___ to ___ seconds.

Make and maintain eye contact for ___ to ___ seconds.

• A. 3 to 5 seconds
• B. 1 to 2 seconds
• C. 6 to 8 seconds
• D. 9 to 11 seconds

Answer: (A)

Maintaining eye contact for a measured duration signals engagement and confidence in risk communication. About 3 to 5 seconds per look strikes a balance: it shows you’re listening and attentive without coming across as starey or confrontational. Shorter looks, like 1 to 2 seconds, can feel uncertain or distracted, while much longer looks—6 to 8 or 9 to 11 seconds—can be uncomfortable or intimidating for the audience. In practice, you can establish connection by making eye contact with one person for a few seconds, then gently shifting to others while still keeping your overall gaze inclusive of the room. Remember that cultural norms can vary, but 3 to 5 seconds is a comfortable, commonly effective guideline in many settings.

Maintaining eye contact for a measured duration signals engagement and confidence in risk communication. About 3 to 5 seconds per look strikes a balance: it shows you’re listening and attentive without coming across as starey or confrontational. Shorter looks, like 1 to 2 seconds, can feel uncertain or distracted, while much longer looks—6 to 8 or 9 to 11 seconds—can be uncomfortable or intimidating for the audience. In practice, you can establish connection by making eye contact with one person for a few seconds, then gently shifting to others while still keeping your overall gaze inclusive of the room. Remember that cultural norms can vary, but 3 to 5 seconds is a comfortable, commonly effective guideline in many settings.