The Power of Presence: Why Eye Contact and Body Language Matter in Networking

During the height of the pandemic, we shifted nearly every aspect of connection to a digital format—Zoom meetings, FaceTime calls, DMs, and texts. While these tools kept us in touch, they also limited our non-verbal communication. Now, as we have returned to in-person events, networking mixers, and professional interviews, making eye contact can feel surprisingly vulnerable—even awkward.

Eye contact, though small in gesture, signals attention, confidence, and respect. It’s how we show we’re truly present in a conversation. Avoiding it, on the other hand, can inadvertently communicate disinterest or insecurity. It’s not that we’ve forgotten how to connect—it’s just that we’ve gotten out of practice.