Tuesday 6 September 2011

The Eyes say it all


In today’s technology-driven age, face-to-face interaction has dwindled. Who after all, wants to walk down the road to meet a friend who chats with you almost every day on Facebook? Before I begin, I’ll make it clear that I use Facebook every day and do not claim to be the most active person in the Universe. But my point is that intimacy levels have changed with this change in the nature of interaction. Today’s generation understands a direct “I am so angry!!!!” (while chatting online) better than the flash of anger in a person’s eyes. Non-verbal communication has lost its importance, and though we still use it extensively I think that in the years to come we will fail to interpret facial expressions and body language. I may not be an expert; however I do think that it is necessary.

Our eyes are the principal traitors that disclose what is on our mind. Breaking eye contact without realizing it can give your lie away. When you pretend to be angry with a friend after an argument, your eyes, mouth and words speak completely different stories! Your parent or your best friend can often tell what is going on in your mind, as they know your expressions as well as they know the back of their hands. The cliché “Actions speak louder than words” is a universal truth, believe it or not. A genuine smile is different from a wan smile. Sometimes out of polite courtesy we downplay or slightly overplay our interest in a particular book, movie, restaurant, etc., but our eyes and tone of voice unconsciously express our interest or disinterest. When we are surprised, our eyes widen and our jaw drops open. They are tiny signs with huge relevance. These subtle forms of communication; and our ability to read them is what make us human. After all, poker faces are no fun at all!

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