I have a bit of a fixation with eyes – for me they are the gateway to the soul. You can tell exactly how someone is feeling or whether they agree or disagree with you just by looking into them. Those little ‘inflections’ that appear when a person is talking about a subject that they’re passionate about and truly believe in, is clearly seen emanating from their eyes: sincerity, optimism, disappointment…
The thing is, and this is slightly off-piste, there are times during a conversation when I suddenly realise that I’ve been looking at one eye only – and I don’t know how long for! So, in an attempt to ‘balance the situation’, I switch to looking at the other eye. I’ve tried looking at both at the same time but feel my eyes start to cross over – which makes me a little self-conscious of how my own eyes must look to the person I’m speaking with or listening to… a real ‘Metallica moment’ – ‘Sad but true’…!
The eyes are just part of it, however, the lines around their eyes complete the story of how someone has lived; each one a chapter of laughter, love, challenges and are as unique as a finger print…
Now here’s the thing, the problem when communicating online is – that you don’t have the opportunity to see those ‘inflections’ that just show how a person really feels about what they’re taking about or about what they think of what you’re trying to convey…
When something is written, it can be misinterpreted by different readers, and the readers ‘understanding’ can be a ‘bus journey’ away from what the writer was meaning to convey. After all it’s written from one subjective opinion and interpreted by another…
How many times have you posted something online only to have to follow it up with a comment saying something like, “actually I didn’t mean it that way” because somebody wrote an ‘off-the-wall’ comment that left you asking yourself “what did they mean by that?”.
There are ways to combat this situation, especially when there’s something important to discuss and avoids any form of misunderstanding.
Online video.
There are so many video platforms out there that enable you to record directly to them and/or upload to them for free.
And if you’re wanting a great example of it in action, take a look at a video Steve Trister (@stevetrister – Twitter, TristerTV – YouTube) uploaded a few days ago.
It takes a lot to speak as openly as that, so – if you can – leave a comment on his video or better still leave a video reply. But if you can’t comment you can do your bit by sharing it – I know Steve would appreciate it 
And finally…
Look at the eyes and see what I mean … But don’t worry about looking at only one of them 
And if you’ve seen other great examples then post links to them in the comments section with why you liked them …
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Ah ok so now I know why you look at me weirdly sometimes, you are just 'one eye watching!” Flipping weirdo. Very true about the eyes though, and expressions generally. Body language is one of my fave things to pay attention too, very …erm….eye opening. ;-0
Look into the eyes, not around the eyes…. What I think is important is that we allow people to 'get all of us' to me this is vital. When online it is easy to 'hide' behind your profile, all the best people are online, offline and maintaining the community. Why else? Because being yourself is easier to remember, puts people at ease quicker and, I would say is let likely to mis-interpretation! – BTW 'Click! – you're back in the room!'
Great video isn't it. Having now met Steve in the flesh at last I'd say that this is him at his truest, what a lovely chap he is. (and funny!)
I think eyes are incredibly important. During the recent sunny weather I had to put up with trying to hold conversations with people wearing completely black or mirrored sunglasses and I really hate it because you can't see their eyes. So much is lost.