Eye contact is a powerful nonverbal cue showing interest, confidence, respect, friendliness and common human decency. Effective eye contact involves looking at the eyes or the facial triangle for a few seconds.
In a recent non-scientific fact-gathering project, I walked the sidewalks of Los Altos from First down Main street, to Third, hung a left and back again to First. During this morning stroll I showed an engaging face to count how many eye contacts, “good mornings,” smiles or no reactions whatsoever might come my way.
I categorized the reactions of the people I passed as follows:
GMWAS – “Good morning with a smile!”
SFKIS – Smiles from kids in strollers
EQ – Eyeball quickie
IFAY – I’m famous, are you?
SEBAI – Sorry, ear buds are in
MFFSH – My four legged friend(s) say hi, arf!
MNIKM – My neck is killing me.
INFAH – I’m not from around here
IDKY – I don’t know you
IOAC – I’m on a call
IWH – I’m walkin’ here!
Findings
I did notice that anyone walking with their dogs were much more likely to engage than those without, even If I didn’t offer a treat.
The practitioners of the 10 and five rule (smile/eye contact at 10 feet, verbal greeting at five feet) create a positive vibe in a world that isn’t looking you in the eye, smiling or saying hello.
Eye contact with a smile and hello makes people feel included and connected, boosts goodwill and can create a sense of community.
Can we try and make it more prevalent in 2026?
