Why Eye Contact Matters in the Courtroom

As a trial attorney, your ability to connect with jurors is critical. You've heard the saying "The eyes are the window to the soul," right?

Eye contact is one of the most powerful tools you have to foster trust and build rapport; to make connections.

However, when you don't bring purpose or intention to HOW you make eye contact, it can have the opposite effect, making you come across as aggressive, unsure of yourself or even condescending.

So, how do you get it right? It starts with understanding what’s really happening when "the stare down" takes over.

The Problem with "The Stare Down"

Most attorneys aren’t intentionally trying to intimidate jurors with unbroken eye contact.

Let's face it... sometimes, you want that unbroken effect. SOMETIMES. 

However, most often, "the stare down" happens because you’re stuck in your head. You’re focused on your argument, running through your next point, or analyzing the jury’s reactions.

Your brain is getting ahead of you. As a result, your face and eyes freeze up, making your eye contact feel forced, too pointed, and unnatural.

You've got to break free from this habit; stay present in the moment. 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Over-staring: Prolonged, unbroken eye contact can feel invasive or aggressive.

• Avoidance: Looking away too often or avoiding eye contact entirely can make you appear untrustworthy or insecure.

• Inconsistency: Rapid, darting eye movements can create a sense of nervousness or lack of focus.

How to Use Eye Contact to Build Trust

Here are three actionable tips to help you use eye contact as a tool for easy connection:

1. Shift Your Gaze Naturally

   • Imagine you’re speaking with a group of friends rather than interrogating a witness. Let your gaze move naturally among jurors, pausing briefly to acknowledge individuals. This creates a sense of inclusion and helps each juror feel seen and valued.

2. Treat Eye Contact as a Dialogue

   • Your eyes should act as a bridge between you and the jury, fostering understanding. Instead of staring, think of eye contact as a conversational exchange. This approach makes you appear more approachable and less intimidating.

3. Relax Your Frame

   • Eye contact doesn’t exist in isolation. A tense face or stiff posture can undermine your efforts to connect. Instead, create a warm presence by smiling occasionally and maintaining low, steady breathing. A relaxed frame naturally softens your gaze and enhances your connection with jurors.

The Takeaway

Eye contact isn’t about staring someone down; it’s about creating a connection. By shifting your gaze naturally, treating eye contact as an exchange, and releasing tension in your body, you can foster trust and rapport with your jury. This will help you appear more confident, approachable, and in control—the exact qualities jurors look for when assessing who they should look to for leadership in the courtroom.

And, for goodness’ sake… don’t forget to smile and breathe. Your warmth and presence will do more to win over a jury than any stare ever could.