Eye contact: How much is too much?

Some people struggle with eye contact - while others overdo it. 

So what’s the norm? That depends on the situation. In a group, 3 to 5 seconds is considered normal, engaged eye contact. Keeping someone in your sights longer than that may be perceived as staring, especially if they’re not the one talking. Less than that, and we may think you’re just not interested.

One on one, that gaze can last up to 10 seconds before we glance away. You’ll also need to factor in the time NOT looking. Anything more than about 50% is risky. If we go too long before re-establishing contact, we’ll seem disinterested.